News From Nigeria
The Movement for National Reform (MNR) on Friday rationalized its hostility towards the actions of the initiator of a draft bill seeking the restructuring and new model of government in Nigeria, Dr. Akin Fapohunda.
‘’The attention of MNR has been drawn to a strident advocacy that seeks to convert an annexure of decree 24 of 1999 to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN). The champion of the said advocacy is Dr. Akin Fapohunda who has zealously offered himself as a consultant to Mr. President by substantiating a draft earlier rumoured in the public and denied by the government. This is curious and worrisome as such a matter of national interest affects the collective destiny of all of us as citizens of Nigeria’’.
The movement also contended that it would not be out of place to lift the suspension of the 1963 CFRN to amend it with contemporary realities for seamless reversion to true democracy and republicanism.
‘’Let it be known that We the People in MNR share the same sentiments about the need to restructure the FRN to one that works for all, but we differ significantly in strategy with the position of Dr. Akin Fapohunda. We wish to caution that the art of statecraft requires very careful attention to details in order to eschew social dislocation of the life and livelihoods of citizens by succumbing to fleeting clannish sentiments. We hold the views that all Nigerians will benefit from lifting the suspension of the 1963 CFRN to amend it with contemporary realities for seamless reversion to true democracy and republicanism. We firmly stand on this premise’’.
The Movement in a statement in Abuja accused Fapohunda of seeking to convert an annexure of decree 24 of 1999 to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN).
‘’The catch phrase, “We the People” is the DNA from which any democratic constitution must draw its life. As a result, it is important to interrogate the position of Dr. Akin Fapohunda in seeking for a conversion of an annexure of Decree 24 of 1999 to the CFRN via a private member Bill at the National Assembly (NASS)’’.
Titled: An addendum to the Memorandum of the Movement for National Reform (MNR) to the House of Representatives Constitution Review Committee of April 6, 2024, the Movement said it was unfortunate that Fapohunda who has zealously offered himself as a consultant to Mr. President descended so low to making unguarded statements.
‘’MNR hereby wish to consider the altruism of Dr. Fapohunda’s motivation against other schools of thought on the ongoing public discourse on the CFRN. It is very revealing and indeed interesting that NINAS with over 25 years of research and advocacy issuing for a brand new CFRN and not such a quick fix of Dr. Fapohunda. MNR view on the subject matter is rooting for a repeal of four junta decrees to pave way for LIFTING OF SUSPENSION of the 1963 republican CFRN for amendment with contemporary realities to rejuvenate the existing presidential style federation akin to that of USA plus necessary modifications that suit our cultural environment. The silence of Patriots about their preference for the 2014 Confab report cum draft constitution should not be disregarded’’.
The statement signed by MNR Constitution Review Committee Chair, Prof. O. Igho Natufe and Secretary, Dr. Yemi Adegoke reiterated that the MNR is clearly focused on the democratic exigencies for NASS to restore the suspended 1963 republican CFRN for amendment rather than the so-called 1999 CFRN.
‘’Our stand gives due recognition to NASS as elected legislative representatives of We the People’. The solo effort of Dr. Akin Fapohunda in his second coming on subject matter is curious. In his first coming of 2021, Dr. Akin Fapohunda was Secretary of an erstwhile Eminent Elders Forum that made a presentation to NASS on 9.2.2021, which did not prosper. That exercise focused on the 1963 CFRN’’
The group said events so far pointed to the fact that it is obvious that the tackles act of Fapohunda is a plot to redefine the federating units from the existing structure of littoral states to shadow notional geopolitical regions.
‘’At his second coming in 2024, same Dr. Akin Fapohunda position has shifted from his support for the 1963 CFRN to now push a narrative that seeks to convert an annexure of decree 24 of 1999 as the CFRN and to redefine the federating units from the existing structure of littoral states to shadow notional geopolitical regions. How a draft by an individual will be different from decrees by few under the military that has rendered the democratic tenets of the nation impotent should be of deep concern to every true democrat’’.
Noting that the activities of Fapohunda if not checked could affect the hopeful democracy in the country, the group said it is advisable to restore the 1963 CFRN from suspension for amendment with contemporary realities such as the existing littoral states in order to recalibrate the Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN) in consonant with global best practices that will be modified to align with the cultural traits of the FRN, recognizing the rights of the indigenous ethnic nationalities as the core federating units of the country’’.
‘’The efforts of Dr. Akin Fapohunda in his second outing woefully fail the democratic litmus test of We the People in all ramifications. The 1963 CFRN is the only democratic template upon which the Republican strands of Nigeria are hinged
The Movement urged Fapohunda to stop throwing caution to the wind.
‘’The fear of electoral supremacy of yore from any part of Nigeria will be diminished by the recalibration of the governing system along the path of true federalism that reflects the republican import of ethnic nationalities. In the likelihood of the FRN going the way of USSR/Czechoslovakia, the littoral states in each notional geopolitical zones will easily ‘amalgamate’ into respective standalone Republics they deem fit. Upon the restoration and subsequent amendment of the 1963 CFRN, the emergent entities from the ashes of the FRN will be on sound tenets of democratic foundation; the path of Dr. Akin Fapohunda will birth such entities from the chaotic oligarchy of junta decrees like the burdensome decrees 1 of 1966, 34 of 1966, 104 of 1979 & 24 of 1999’’.
‘’A cursory perusal of the Bill proposed by Dr Fapohunda reveals disturbing provisions for matters of person(s)-specific pursuits rather than secular provisions that are broad in outlook and purview. Such provisions as those in Section 6(g) on transhumance, Section 17(1)(a) on federal government lands in the federation, Section 18(1) on the role of the governor of a littoral entity (state), and section 22(7) on open grazing of livestock are impulsive enough to stir deep and unsavoury hunches in citizens’’ the statement added.
Members of the MNR Constitution Review Committee representing the six geopolitical zones include Mr. Aaron Daniel Ladan, Sir Amorighoye Sunny Mene, Barrister Kingsley Ehensiri Akpederin, Barrister Gbenga Awosode, Barrister Matthew Godfree, Barrister Ozegbe S. Ogokuni, Barrister Edward Ekpoko, Chief Emeka Diwe, Chief Ike Nwalunor and Da Jonathan S. Akuns.
Others are Dr. Ayodele Ojajune, Dr. Chris Enemuoh, Dr. Diamond Longjel, Dr. Philip Idaewor, Dr. Sola Olunuga, Elder Ben Osawe, Engr. Ikem Nwandu, Prof. Ezekiel Kolawole Ogundowole, Mr. Isa Nuhu and Mrs. J. Adedeji.
Prof. Benjamin Okaba, Prof. Chris Akpotu, Prof. Friday Emenka Udeh, Prof. Jerry Chukwu Okolo, Prof. Nath Agu, Prof. Adaobi Patricia Ugbomeh, Prof. Julie Nwabogo Umukoro, Rev. James Pam, Mr. Rex Essenowo, Mr. Taiwo Akinola, Mr. Tony Ede, Mr. Wole Aina and Mr. Yerima Shetima are also members of the MNR Constitution Review Committee.
The Movement for National Reform (MNR) on Friday rationalized its hostility towards the actions of the initiator of a draft bill seeking the restructuring and new model of government in Nigeria, Dr. Akin Fapohunda.
‘’The attention of MNR has been drawn to a strident advocacy that seeks to convert an annexure of decree 24 of 1999 to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN). The champion of the said advocacy is Dr. Akin Fapohunda who has zealously offered himself as a consultant to Mr. President by substantiating a draft earlier rumoured in the public and denied by the government. This is curious and worrisome as such a matter of national interest affects the collective destiny of all of us as citizens of Nigeria’’.
The movement also contended that it would not be out of place to lift the suspension of the 1963 CFRN to amend it with contemporary realities for seamless reversion to true democracy and republicanism.
‘’Let it be known that We the People in MNR share the same sentiments about the need to restructure the FRN to one that works for all, but we differ significantly in strategy with the position of Dr. Akin Fapohunda. We wish to caution that the art of statecraft requires very careful attention to details in order to eschew social dislocation of the life and livelihoods of citizens by succumbing to fleeting clannish sentiments. We hold the views that all Nigerians will benefit from lifting the suspension of the 1963 CFRN to amend it with contemporary realities for seamless reversion to true democracy and republicanism. We firmly stand on this premise’’.
The Movement in a statement in Abuja accused Fapohunda of seeking to convert an annexure of decree 24 of 1999 to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN).
‘’The catch phrase, “We the People” is the DNA from which any democratic constitution must draw its life. As a result, it is important to interrogate the position of Dr. Akin Fapohunda in seeking for a conversion of an annexure of Decree 24 of 1999 to the CFRN via a private member Bill at the National Assembly (NASS)’’.
Titled: An addendum to the Memorandum of the Movement for National Reform (MNR) to the House of Representatives Constitution Review Committee of April 6, 2024, the Movement said it was unfortunate that Fapohunda who has zealously offered himself as a consultant to Mr. President descended so low to making unguarded statements.
‘’MNR hereby wish to consider the altruism of Dr. Fapohunda’s motivation against other schools of thought on the ongoing public discourse on the CFRN. It is very revealing and indeed interesting that NINAS with over 25 years of research and advocacy issuing for a brand new CFRN and not such a quick fix of Dr. Fapohunda. MNR view on the subject matter is rooting for a repeal of four junta decrees to pave way for LIFTING OF SUSPENSION of the 1963 republican CFRN for amendment with contemporary realities to rejuvenate the existing presidential style federation akin to that of USA plus necessary modifications that suit our cultural environment. The silence of Patriots about their preference for the 2014 Confab report cum draft constitution should not be disregarded’’.
The statement signed by MNR Constitution Review Committee Chair, Prof. O. Igho Natufe and Secretary, Dr. Yemi Adegoke reiterated that the MNR is clearly focused on the democratic exigencies for NASS to restore the suspended 1963 republican CFRN for amendment rather than the so-called 1999 CFRN.
‘’Our stand gives due recognition to NASS as elected legislative representatives of We the People’. The solo effort of Dr. Akin Fapohunda in his second coming on subject matter is curious. In his first coming of 2021, Dr. Akin Fapohunda was Secretary of an erstwhile Eminent Elders Forum that made a presentation to NASS on 9.2.2021, which did not prosper. That exercise focused on the 1963 CFRN’’
The group said events so far pointed to the fact that it is obvious that the tackles act of Fapohunda is a plot to redefine the federating units from the existing structure of littoral states to shadow notional geopolitical regions.
‘’At his second coming in 2024, same Dr. Akin Fapohunda position has shifted from his support for the 1963 CFRN to now push a narrative that seeks to convert an annexure of decree 24 of 1999 as the CFRN and to redefine the federating units from the existing structure of littoral states to shadow notional geopolitical regions. How a draft by an individual will be different from decrees by few under the military that has rendered the democratic tenets of the nation impotent should be of deep concern to every true democrat’’.
Noting that the activities of Fapohunda if not checked could affect the hopeful democracy in the country, the group said it is advisable to restore the 1963 CFRN from suspension for amendment with contemporary realities such as the existing littoral states in order to recalibrate the Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN) in consonant with global best practices that will be modified to align with the cultural traits of the FRN, recognizing the rights of the indigenous ethnic nationalities as the core federating units of the country’’.
‘’The efforts of Dr. Akin Fapohunda in his second outing woefully fail the democratic litmus test of We the People in all ramifications. The 1963 CFRN is the only democratic template upon which the Republican strands of Nigeria are hinged
The Movement urged Fapohunda to stop throwing caution to the wind.
‘’The fear of electoral supremacy of yore from any part of Nigeria will be diminished by the recalibration of the governing system along the path of true federalism that reflects the republican import of ethnic nationalities. In the likelihood of the FRN going the way of USSR/Czechoslovakia, the littoral states in each notional geopolitical zones will easily ‘amalgamate’ into respective standalone Republics they deem fit. Upon the restoration and subsequent amendment of the 1963 CFRN, the emergent entities from the ashes of the FRN will be on sound tenets of democratic foundation; the path of Dr. Akin Fapohunda will birth such entities from the chaotic oligarchy of junta decrees like the burdensome decrees 1 of 1966, 34 of 1966, 104 of 1979 & 24 of 1999’’.
‘’A cursory perusal of the Bill proposed by Dr Fapohunda reveals disturbing provisions for matters of person(s)-specific pursuits rather than secular provisions that are broad in outlook and purview. Such provisions as those in Section 6(g) on transhumance, Section 17(1)(a) on federal government lands in the federation, Section 18(1) on the role of the governor of a littoral entity (state), and section 22(7) on open grazing of livestock are impulsive enough to stir deep and unsavoury hunches in citizens’’ the statement added.
Members of the MNR Constitution Review Committee representing the six geopolitical zones include Mr. Aaron Daniel Ladan, Sir Amorighoye Sunny Mene, Barrister Kingsley Ehensiri Akpederin, Barrister Gbenga Awosode, Barrister Matthew Godfree, Barrister Ozegbe S. Ogokuni, Barrister Edward Ekpoko, Chief Emeka Diwe, Chief Ike Nwalunor and Da Jonathan S. Akuns.
Others are Dr. Ayodele Ojajune, Dr. Chris Enemuoh, Dr. Diamond Longjel, Dr. Philip Idaewor, Dr. Sola Olunuga, Elder Ben Osawe, Engr. Ikem Nwandu, Prof. Ezekiel Kolawole Ogundowole, Mr. Isa Nuhu and Mrs. J. Adedeji.
Prof. Benjamin Okaba, Prof. Chris Akpotu, Prof. Friday Emenka Udeh, Prof. Jerry Chukwu Okolo, Prof. Nath Agu, Prof. Adaobi Patricia Ugbomeh, Prof. Julie Nwabogo Umukoro, Rev. James Pam, Mr. Rex Essenowo, Mr. Taiwo Akinola, Mr. Tony Ede, Mr. Wole Aina and Mr. Yerima Shetima are also members of the MNR Constitution Review Committee.
A group of political leaders under the aegis of Edo State Political Leaders Forum (EDPLF) on Friday met in Auchi, Edo North Senatorial District, describing the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Monday Opebholo, as a man of integrity and principle.
“Many qualities separate Monday Opebholo from other candidates: vision, courage, character, loyalty and sincerity. He will chart the right course and provide a clear focus for where the people and the state want to be and how to get there” the leaders said.
At the meeting to perfect strategies towards ensuring the emergence of Opebholo as the next governor of Edo State, the leaders said Okpebholo remains the best for Edo State”
‘’We want a governor that can unite the people, provide security and good roads throughout the state. Okpebholo will not step on the toes of Edo people. He will fast track development in all the communities, embark on large housing development for low-income earners, create the enabling environment for investors within and outside to invest in Edo State in order to create more job opportunities for the people’’
In a statement issued by the group’s spokesman, Dr. Kenneth Agweh, the leaders urged Edo indigenes at home and abroad to think about the future of the state and reject the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for contributing to the state’s adversity.
‘’We are building critical alliances with the various communities. We are dialoguing with major players in the country. We are talking with opinion leaders, influencers in Edo State and Edo indigenes abroad. We are in touch with traditional rulers, market women, youth leaders and professionals. Okpebholo will win the September governorship election’’
They described the APC candidate as a good leader, competent administrator and one of the most influential and uniting figures in Nigerian history.
“Monday Opebholo symbolizes the very best. He will boost the tourism sector, provide for the well-being of our people, deepen the mechanics of governance and service delivery in the state” the leaders said.
They praised the APC governorship candidate for his exceptional qualities, impeccable honesty, competence and humble lifestyle.
They also praised him for having the type of empathy and direction the state needs.
“Monday Opebholo is well known for his innovative ideas and clean image. He is down to earth, clear sighted about issues facing the state.”
The APC candidate, a cerebral, competent manager and good example of leadership in Africa, is expected to win the governorship election in September.
“We are sure of victory” the leaders said.
EDPLF is a political group striving for the enthronement of accountable and responsible government in Edo State.
Political leaders from Etsako West, East and Central, Owan East and West and Akoko-Edo were present at the meeting.
Barely one month after it won double Awards at the Transport Day and Champion Newspapers Awards ceremonies in Lagos, the country’s leading engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, has bagged another set of double Awards.
While the Nigerian Academy of Engineering gave the company an Appreciation Award for all its professional and related support to the Academy in Lagos at its 2024 Academy Technology Dinner, Innovations Exhibition and Awards Night, the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, gave Julius Berger a corporate Award in Professional Competence in Abuja.
In giving Julius Berger the Appreciation Award, the President of the Academy of Engineering, Prof Peter Onwualu said, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has been a useful partner in our journey thus far. The company has always been supportive and how else do we appreciate them if not by this novel Appreciation Award, even as he described the company as a corporate friend that is worth more than silver and gold.
Receiving the Award on behalf of Julius Berger, the Head, Corporate Communications of the company, Mr. James Agama thanked the organisers for the honour on Julius Berger even as he wished them well in all their future endeavours.
The event night featured exhibitions of technological innovations like the Intrud Safety Device, locally made 380watts glass solar panel and Smart Irrigation technology among others.
Inside the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, Thursday, at the Institute’s 60th anniversary celebrations, President of the NIPR, Ike Neliaku, fnipr who personally handed over the Award certificate and plaque to Julius Berger’s representative and Human Resources Coordinator, Mohammed Nasiru said that the Julius Berger’s commitment and dedication to excellence in service delivery, in and outside government, has set a high standard for others to follow and significantly enhanced the reputation and practice of public relations as a leadership function.
He continued, we reflect on your achievements and we celebrate with you and acknowledge the impact you have made in the field of public relations, the nation and continent in general.
Speaking after he received the Award on behalf of the company, Mr Haruna said, it was a great honour to Julius Berger to be awarded this Excellence in Professional Compliance Award. As good corporate citizens, Julius Berger has always being and will continue to be compliant for the good of our country, the industry and the general society.
The Award event which had former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, former First Lady of the country, Dame Patience Jonathan, Governors Abdullahi Sule, Nasarawa State; Umar Namadi, Jigawa State; Abba Kabir Yusuf, Kano State, former Information ministers, Prof. Jerry Gana and Labaran Maku as well as the incumbent, Mohammed Idris Malagi, fnipr and Chairman/CEO of Air Peace Limited, Chief Allen Onyema, CON as well as many others in attendance, overflowed into the lobby area of the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton venue of the event.
Established in 1963 and chartered by Decree 16 of June 1 1990 (now an Act of the National Assembly, cited as Cap. N114 Laws of the Federation, LFN 2024), the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) is the sole regulator of public relations in Nigeria. Over the past 60 years, we have demonstrated faith and commitment to the nation and provided strategic support towards national development.
This milestone not only marks our enduring commitment to the field of public relations and deploying the profession as a critical element in nation-building but also provides an opportunity to honour those who have significantly contributed to its advancement, the NIPR President further said.
Team Julius Berger Nigeria Plc at the Award event included, the Head, Media Relation Office, Emmanuel Isibor, Miss Bassey Ewan-Effiong, Mrs Happiness Moses and Miss Olivia Uzoma.
JULIUS BERGER’S 2024 INVESTOR FORUM: WE’RE A MAJOR PLAYER IN NIGERIA’S CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, SAYS RICHTER
The Managing Director of leading engineerig construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Engr. Dr. Lars Richter has declared that the company is a major player in the country’s construction sector, adding that, “it is hard not to reckon with Julius Berger Nigeria Plc in the scheme of things despite the challenges posed by the Nigerian economy in 2023.”
The Managing Director who spoke at the recent edition of the company’s Investors Forum few days after its successful 54th Annual General Meeting, in answer to a question from an investor said, “we are still a major player in Nigeria’s construction industry. We have the brand and experience; we are not unaware of the rising competition; we remain a Tier 1 construction company. We have the funding power; we have the capacity in terms of manpower and experience, which many in the competition cannot really boast of.”
Richter, who was optimistic that the company will get new projects, moving forward said, “opportunities abound not only at the federal government level, in states like Abia, Delta, Rivers and Akwa Ibom as well as the Republic of Benin, where the company currently has some projects ongoing, we are optimistic we will get new projects there and even from identified potential clients.”
In answer to another question, the Managing Director, said, “Julius Berger completed Phase 1 of the Lagos-Sagamu Expressway last year.” Adding that, the project is ongoing, he said, “Phases 2 and 3 are under review with the government. The asphalt work there is okay. Right now, some minor repair works are being undertaken. We are ready to continue our work on the project, but it will depend on the government.”
On the company’s highly rated CSR scorecard, Richter said, “Julius Berger deliberately trains and employs unemployed youths at operational sites, where they have opportunities to become skilled and more useful to the society.” He continued, “we employ them in the sites. We dont employ only skilled workers there. We employ unemployed youths, train and equip them to work at our sites. We provide them with education too in our Academy. Indeed, we do a lot in the training of unemployed youths.”
Richter also said the company’s CSR efforts have continued to have positive impacts on targeted communities even as he disclosed that, “Julius Berger focusses on education, community development and philanthropy” adding that, “to ensure the sustainable efforts reach targeted beneficiaries, the company’s Community Liaison Officers, CLOs, in the operational communities send feedback to the relevant departments”, retorting that, “we have CLOs. They are effective liaison with the communities. We get feedback from them. So, we easily address our CSR complaints.”
Answering a question on diversification, Richter said, “the company has some key considerations in determining its options principal among which are the Food sector and the Healthcare sector apart from the regional diversification as being currently experienced in Cotonou, Republic of Benin.” Assuring potential investors on Julius Berger’s diversification efforts, Richter said, “we are mainly a construction company. On diversification efforts in Julius Berger, Jochen Stolle is there to look into our diversification plan. He is covering all the projects and sectors for diversification. It is a new field, and we are looking into B2B business on diversification… Food security is becoming a major problem; and we are already looking into how we can key in and be relevant.”
On the reported vandalization of sections of the newly constructed Second Niger Bridge, the Managing Director disclosed that, “the company is assisting the Federal Government to fix the vandalised project.” He said, “we have records of the vandalization. We are assisting the Federal Government on this. Our team has been there and only minor damage was done to the national asset. But nothing was done to the infrastructure.”
Richter said “Julius Berger is maintaining a positive outlook in every aspect of its operations. Our strategic framework prioritises sustainability, supports growth, leverages innovation and focuses on long term growth. We will continue to deliver high quality services to our client and despite the challenges, Julius Berger is on the road to innovation, sustainability, growth among other positive developments.”
The Financial Director, Christian Hausemann, who also spoke at the event was confident that the fortunes of the company are looking up.
The virtual Investors Forum, which had participants across the globe in attendance saw presentations by the Managing Director and the Financial Director and featured a Questions and Answers session.
The annual Julius Berger Investors Forum serves as a platform to illuminate the intricate tapestry of our business, operations, and financial achievements. The company uses the Forum to unveil the blueprint of ist acclaimed success while offering discerning investors and potential ones a comprehensive view of the company‘s journey, achievements, and aspirations.
The company holds that through a meticulous examination of its business model, operational prowess, and financial highlights, investors and potential ones will gain invaluable insights into the compelling investment opportunities that Julius Berger presents within the construction industry.