News From Nigeria
Community leaders in Delta State on Friday denounced the new height of perfidy in the Niger Delta region.
‘’Leaders of the Sapele Okpe Community recently embarked on a campaign of name calling and misinformation’’
They also accused the Sapele Okpe community leaders of concocting lies about the Alema of Warri, High Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan and the Special Adviser to the Delta State Governor on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, Chief Edwin Uzor.
‘’ Their reference to the Alema of Warri, an administrative chief of Abigborodo, Ugbekoko and several riverine communities in Warri North and Sapele Local Government Area, Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, is defamatory and grossly disrespectful’’.
In a response to the vicious campaign of falsehood of Chief Onoriode Temiagin, Mr Azan Friday and other members of the Sapele Okpe and Ugbukurusu Communities, the notable Itsekiri leaders described the calls for the removal of the Special Adviser to the governor of Delta State on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution by the Sapele Okpe Community as baseless.
‘’A night to the visit to locus in quo, SEPLAT energy in collaboration with the Sapele Okpe Community concocted a narrative of false claim of intelligence that there might be armed conflict with a view of preventing the visit of the committee to cover up the obvious facts. When they failed in that ploy, SEPLAT decided to avoid the joint visit. Instead of acting neutral in this investigation, they are fully in league with the Sapele Okpe and Ugbukurusu communities as they were seen in a sea truck boat belonging to SEPLAT together, even when the takeoff point of the visit was well communicated and it was Abigborodo Jetty and the area of investigation is the SEPLAT DREDGING SITE, the communities of Abigborodo, Obotie and other surrounding communities and SEPLAT operational base. This visit by the investigation committee could be done with or without parties. They may even choose not to visit and rely on the visitation report of DSS and the inter-ministerial investigation committee that had physically visited. No matter how it is seen, the visitation had all parties and could not be labeled as biased’’.
The Itsekiri leaders in a press statement issued by the Chairman and Secretary of Abigborodo Management Committee, Hon Misan Ukubeyinje, ESQ and Mr Victor Atseponu in Abigborodo accused the Sapele Okpe Community leaders of trying to cause confusion and breakdown of law and order in Delta State.
‘’All issues surrounding the Okpe Sobo forest reserve have been settled, and the decisions have been gazetted in Government White Paper Official Document No. 1 of 2021. Their claim of incursion into the forest reserve is baseless as they have no land in the reserve. However, what is in contention here is the area of Operations of SEPLAT particularly the new area of drilling which the state peace building and conflict resolution is investigating. What is the Business of Sapele Okpe Community in the riverine areas bordering Abigborodo, Obotie and Ugbekoko communities? It is also unbelievable that Ugbukurusu which is over 15 kilometers away is laying claim of ownership in Areas of land in Abigborodo, land surrounded by Abigborodo, Obotie, Ugbekoko and Aja-Okotie’’.
The notable Itsekiri leaders urged the Executive Governor of Delta State to ignore and discountenance the false cry of wolves by the Sapele Okpe Community.
‘’We as a community, the bonafide owner of the land and Host Community to SEPLAT WEST LTD by all intents and purposes are prepared and ready for any other visit as the features, land, water and distance of our community to SEPLAT remain constant and we know the result of all visitation and even subsequent visitation to the Area in contention will remain the same, come rain or sun’’.
They also urged the Governor of Delta State and all well-meaning Deltans to disregard the content of the press statement of the Sapele Okpe Community and allow the investigation of Chief Edwin Uzor, the Special Adviser on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution and his team to do their job without fear, favour or interference.
‘’Abigborodo community from time immemorial are owners of land covering Area of operations of Seplat including Ugbekoko Community housing Seplat jetty, several oil wells, the flow stations and virtually all the drilling locations of SEPLAT WEST LIMITED. The Abigborodo Community had made several entreaties to SEPLAT to be recognized as Host Community all to no avail. While the agitation was ongoing, SEPLAT decided to enter into other areas of our land to commence preparation for new oil wells. We brought it to the notice and urged them to recognize us as the Host Community and stop the illegal trespass into our land. In response, SEPLAT claimed we are the only impacted community, not the Host Community. Upon our refusal to accept the impacted community unknown to the Petroleum necessitated, our consequent action”
Similarly, leadership of Ugbekoko Community of Delta State at the weekend said the defence being put up by the Chairman of Sapele Okpe Community, Chief Onoriode Temiagin that Ugbekoko land belongs to Sapele Okpe Community because of a market built there lacked merit.
‘’This is the stock in trade to claim land by any means. Their illegal incursion into our land with the connivance of SEPLAT will be resisted forcefully within the ambit of the laws of our land’’
The leadership of Ugbekoko community in a statement said virtually all petroleum upstream operations of SEPLAT Sapele West Limited were in Ugbekoko land.
‘’This includes the flow station, jetty, well heads, pipeline and the new drilling site subject of the investigation arising from protests of Abigborodo, Obotie and Ugbekoko communities’’.
The statement signed by Henry Mabamue, Chairman, Sunday Omalor, Secretary and Rieco Tsoluwa, Public Relations Officer of Ugbekoko Community Management Committee challenged the claim of bias raised by the Sapele Okpe Community on the visit to the locus in quo by the Chief Edwin Uzor led committee.
‘’The leadership of Sapele Okpe, Ugbukurusu and representatives of SEPLAT were together in a sea truck boat during the visit. They deliberately decided to go on their own voyage. Their request for the removal of Chief Uzor and his team is a ploy to cow the investigation panel and call on the involvement of the Executive Governor of Delta State to their favour against the truth’’.
The leaders urged the Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori to ignore calls by the Sapele Okpe and Ugbukurusu communities for the removal of Chief Edwin Uzor and his team.
‘’They never wanted the panel to visit and see for themselves the true state of affairs. We as a community are ready and prepared to be part of any other visit that may be scheduled in the course of this investigation’’.
Particularly, the leaders threw back the challenge at the Sapele Okpe Community to check its records and be specific on the Okpe Sobo Forest Reserve.
‘’The Sapele Okpe Community do not have any land in the Okpe Sobo forest reserve as the 1,200 hectares cutout released to them sold by them to CEDDI Corporation Limited. The said Judicial Commission of Enquiry found out that CEDDI Corporation Limited attempted to lay claim in excess of the 1,200 hectares by another 760.63 hectares vide a gazette legal Notice No 18 of 2005 purporting to amend the survey description in DSLN of 1999 which de reserved 1,200 hectares to Sapele Okpe Community. This was done in tacit connivance of the people/leadership of Sapele Okpe Community.
According to Ugbekoko leaders, the said judicial commission of enquiry found and made pronouncement on the failure of the oil companies operating in Ugbekoko land to pay royalties to Ugbekoko Community, the owners of the land.
‘’This raises the question, having ceded all lands given to them, where lies claim of lands in and around the forest reserves by the Sapele Okpe Community? The Judicial Commission of Enquiry actually mandated the state Peace Building and Conflict Resolution and the State Advisory Council to investigate the matter. From the decision of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Okpe Sobo Forest Reserve contained in the white paper, the visitation of Chief Edwin Uzor led peace building and conflict resolution team is legally authorized to carry out the investigation even without the prompting of any interested party be it SEPLAT or Abigborodo Community’’.
The leaders said ‘’the existence of Ugbekoko predates the advent of the Okpe Sobo forest reserve referred to then as the Ukpe Sobo native administration Reserve Constituted by Order No 33 of 1933 during the rule of the British administration in Nigeria’’.
‘’We are descendants of Aribiowu from IFON who migrated to the farm and found the Ekoko Farm fertile enough. The said farm was given to him by the Abigborodo people through a lease agreement dated 24th May 1913 executed by Pa Edun and Okomama on behalf of Abigborodo Community. When Ugbekoko was forcefully included in the Okpe Sobo Forest reserve without the notice of our fore-fathers and the Abigborodo people, the head lessors, it was the effort of Chief Okonedo, the then Alema of Warri who engaged the British Administration with several letters that caused the release from the forest reserve by the Delta State Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Okpe Sobo forest reserve and given effect to by the Delta State Government in the consequential white paper’’.
They also stressed the efforts of their landlords that tremendously assisted in the discharge of farmers arrested and charged to court for farming on the forest reserve without authority of the administration of the forest reserve.
‘’We further state that the Delta State Judicial Commission of Enquiry investigated the case of force and legal encroachment of Ugbekoko land by the Sapele Okpe Community and indeed Oton people”
In the same vein, top leaders of the Obotie Community on Monday denounced the contention made recently by the Sapele Okpe and Ugbukurusu communities in Delta State.
‘’The Government white paper on the report of judicial panel of enquiry into the Okpe Urhobo (Okpe Sobo) Forest Reserve and other ancillary matter relating to deserved portion(s) and encroachment, the panel held that Sapele Okpe Community claim of the ownership of the Okpe Urhobo (Ukpe Sobo) Forest Reserve cannot be substantiated as several communities were living in the Area prior to its constitution and some of these communities were not of Sapele Okpe extraction and they exercised acts of ownership over the land they occupied’’.
They also condemned the horrifying distortions of the exploration area, cheap blackmail, vituperations, name calling and attack by the Sapele Okpe Community.
‘’This is just to disrupt the peaceful resolution process that culminated in the inspection/assessment/visits to affected areas. Representatives of the Sapele Okpe Community, Ugbukurusu and SEPLAT were seen in boat during the visitation that was conducted by the Special Adviser to the Governor on peace building and conflict resolution. The sack calls made by Chief Onoriode Temiagin is not only laughable but an attempt to shift the goal post in the middle of a match as there is no justifiable reason to make such calls. The question that begs for an answer is whether Obotie Community is within the 5 (kilometres radius to the exploration area’’
In a statement titled: Re-press briefing granted by one Chief Onome Temiagin (Chairman, Sapele Okpe Community), one Mr Azan Friday (Chairman, Ugbukurusu Community) and others, crass display of ignorance, hogwash and their unrepentant nature of peddling lies – setting the record straight, the Obotie leaders said Chief Onoriode Temiagin and his co-travellers spoke from ignorance when they ascribed exclusive ownership of the Okpe Sobo Forest reserve to the Sapele Okpe Community.
‘’We make bold to say that the Obotie Community is among the communities that are not of Okpe extraction but have been in the Okpe Sobo forest reserve prior to the constitution of the reserve. The legal status of Obotie People as it concerns the ownership of Obotie Community is casted in gold from time immemorial and has been given judicial approval in the ear 1925 by the Supreme Court of Nigeria in the case of Muwunum vs Achydoma in suit No MW/452/53 BETWEEN Jewiragba& Co vs Jonomi. The court further ticked the judicial scale in favour of Obotie people as it concerns the ownership of Obotie Community’’.
The statement was signed by Pa Simeon Brikinn, Chairman, Pa Peter Ogholaja, Vice Chairman, Mr George Facah, Secretary of Obotie Elders Council, Engr. Samuel Atiwe, Chairman, and Hon Fanemigho, Secretary, Obotie Management Council.
The leaders accused the Sapele Okpe Community leaders of peddling lies.
‘’It is not in our nature to reply neither is it our character to glorify crass display of ignorance, hogwash, inordinate narrations and unrepentant attitude of lies peddling that were ignobly displayed by Chief Onoriode Temiagin and others but it is charitable to educate members of the public hence it becomes imperative to set the record straight as it concerns the stentorian lies and sinister narratives that were copiously repeated in the said press briefing’’.
The Itsekiri leaders came out heavily on the Okpe communities for the unjustifiable, reckless, inordinate and senseless attacks melted on the Special Adviser to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on peace building and conflict resolution and his team.
‘’These nefarious actions are not new to us. A typical example is the inability of Ugbukurusu Community to open her defense for more than 14 (fourteen) years in a trespass suit that was filed against her (Ugbukurusu Community) by Obotie Community. Instead, the Ugbukurusu Community has been resorting to physical attacks, trying to make the case to start denovo and other immature displays of technicalities’’.
They described the Okpe Sapele Community as a casual blackboard for juvenile graffiti.
‘’The Special Adviser to the governor have been unbiased and true to an amiable peaceful resolution that represent the true state of things as they affect SEPLAT operations and the impact they have on all impacted communities hence Chief Onoriode Temiagin and his people resorted to playing shenanigans even when the report on the investigation is not yet out’’.
They also frowned at the attempt of Okpe leaders to foist their position on SEPLAT.
‘’The Sapele Okpe Community in league with SEPLAT have been hatching and orchestrating all sorts of sinister plans to undermine the Obotie Community from getting her benefits as a community that is impacted by the activities of SEPLAT. SEPLAT has recruited the leadership of the Sapele Okpe Community to frustrate the innocuous and legal claims of Obotie Community hence this kind of ill motivated press briefing that is credited to Chief Onoriode Temiagin and is likes’’.
Particularly, the top Itsekiri leaders accused the Sapele Okpe Community of spreading falsehood.
‘’Another question that begs for an answer is how did Chief Onoriode Temiagin and his like become spokespersons for SEPLAT that warrants making submission for SEPLAT? Again, these exhibit heinous conspiracy between Sapele Okpe Community and SEPLAT to deprive Obotie Community from her legal rights, privileges and benefits that are accruable to her as her impacted community to SEPLAT operations’’.
They also called for the protection of Governor Oborevwori against the oppression of the leadership of Sapele Okpe Community and Sapele Local Government Area.
‘’At this point, we are passionately requesting the protection of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori against the oppression of both the leadership of Sapele Okpe Community and that of Sapele.
The leaders implored the public in General and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to ignore the ignorable, callous, sinister and reckless narratives and allegations that are being peddled by Sapele Okpe Community
‘’Just like our ancestors before us, we are determined and in our righteous might, we shall continue to defend the Obotie Community which is our Ancestral Home from the likes of SEPLAT and the Sapele Okpe Community. Chief Onoriode Temiagin subtle threat of war is not new to us as Obotie Community has been a victim of a collective onslaught and aggressions that were poured on our community by premeditated and combined forces of the entire Sapele Okpe Community. The Obotie Community survived it and we will continue to defend the Obotie Community with legal means within the ambit of the law.
‘’These ignoble calls that are credited to Chief Onoriode Temiagin and his group of warmongers bring to mind the judgement of king Solomon as it concerns the biblical story of the two women laying claims to a living baby as posted in 1 Kings 3: 16-28. Chief Onoriode Temiagin and others have forgotten that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is a governor of, by and for all Deltans and not a governor for, by and of the Okpe people. Chief Onoriode Temiagin lacks the capacity to drag the exalted Office of Governor of Delta State into petty tribal/ethnic tension as the Governor is a father of all Deltans and all tribes in Delta State. We are confident that His Excellency Governor Sheriff Oborevwori will not act on the utterance of Chief Onoriode Temiagin and his likes who are behaving like football players who are anticipating defect to a stronger team’ ’the statement added.
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PRESS RELEASE
LSSTF POSTPONES TOWN HALL MEETING ON SECURITY WITH GOVERNOR TO DECEMBER 18
Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) on Monday announced the postponement of the “Annual Town Hall Meeting on Security with the Governor” initially slated for Thursday, November 28, 2024, at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island.
The Fund, in a statement signed by its Executive Secretary/CEO, Dr. Abdurrazaq Balogun, to announce the postponement of the meeting, said the new date for the event is December 18, 2024.
Balogun said the event, which is expected to be attended by Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, heads of security agencies, and critical stakeholders, among others, will now be held at the Lagos House, Ikeja, by 11 am prompt.
The Town Hall Meeting on Security with the Governor is an annual event where the Lagos State Security Trust Fund gives an account of its stewardship in the last one year.
The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has ordered the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to “stop using the NBC Act and the Nigeria Broadcasting Code to impose fines, threaten to impose sanctions, harass and intimidate the broadcast stations and other independent media houses in the country.”
The court declared that “the NBC and its agents lack the legal power and authority to impose penalty unlawfully and unilaterally, including fines, suspension, withdrawal of license or any form of punishment whatsoever on independent media houses for promoting access to diverse information on issues of public importance.”
The judgment was delivered in June by Hon. Justice Nicholas Oweibo following a lawsuit brought by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID). The certified true copy of the judgment was obtained last Friday.
The suit followed the decision by the NBC in 2022 to impose a fine of N5 million each on Trust TV, Multichoice Nigeria Limited, NTA-Startimes Limited and TelcCom Satellite Limited, over their documentaries on terrorism in the country.
The NBC claimed that the documentaries “glorify the activities of bandits, undermine national security in Nigeria, and contravene the provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.”
In his judgment, Justice Oweibo held that, “The issue of the locus standi of SERAP and CJID need to be resolved first being a threshold issue. It is trite that the Statement of Claim must disclose the Plaintiff’s interest sufficient to clothe him/her with the requisite capacity to sue.”
Justice Oweibo also stated that, “SERAP and CJID have been vested with locus standi. Looking at the provisions of the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009 and particularly the preambles to the Rules, the general requirement of locus standi has been done away with. SERAP and CJID are not meddlesome interlopers.”
According to Justice Oweibo, “I have looked at the affidavit in support of the suit, which in this case stands in place of a Statement of Claim. Considering the core mandates of SERAP and CJID and the affidavit in support of their suit, it is to be seen that this is a public interest case.”
Justice Oweibo dismissed the objections raised by the NBC’s counsel and upheld SERAP’s and CJID’s arguments. Consequently, the court entered judgment in favour of SERAP and CJID and against the NBC.
Justice Oweibo’s judgment, dated 13 June, 2024, read in part: “This is an action alleging breach of the fundamental rights of SERAP and CJID to freedom of expression, access to information and media freedom and fair hearing guaranteed under sections 22, 36 and 39 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended].”
The court also granted the following reliefs:
A DECLARATION is hereby made that the act of the Defendants imposing a fine of Five Million Naira each on the independent media houses is unlawful, inconsistent with, and amounts to a breach of the principles of legality, necessity, proportionality and therefore a violation of the rights to freedom of expression, access to information, and media freedom;
A DECLARATION is hereby made that the use of the Broadcasting Code by the NBC to impose sanctions on the independent media houses for an alleged infractions without recourse to the court constitutes an infringement on the provisions of sections 6[1] & [6][b] and 36[1] of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 and Articles 1 and 7 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which Nigeria is a state party;
A DECLARATION is hereby made that the provisions of the National Broadcasting Commission Act and the Nigeria Broadcasting Code which are arbitrarily being used by the Defendants to sanction, harass, intimidate and restrict the independent media houses are inconsistent and incompatible with sections 36[1], 39 and 22 of the Nigerian Constitution, Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and are null and void to the extent of their inconsistency and incompatibility;
A DECLARATION is hereby made that the Defendants lack the legal power and authority to impose penalty unlawfully and unilaterally, including fines, suspension, withdrawal of license or any form of punishment whatsoever on the independent media houses for promoting access to diverse opinions and information on issues of public importance;
AN ORDER OF COURT is hereby made setting aside the fine of Five Million Naira imposed by the Defendants, through the 3rd Defendant, each on Trust TV, Multichoice Nigeria Limited, TelCom Satellite Limited (TSTV) and NTA-Startimes Limited for televising the documentary by the British Broadcasting Corporation “BBC Africa Eye” titled “Bandits Warlords of Zamfara”;
AN ORDER OF PERPETUAL INJUNCTION is hereby made restraining the Defendants or any other authority, persons or group of persons from unlawfully shutting down, imposing fine, suspension, withdrawal of license or doing anything whatsoever to harass and intimidate or impose criminal punishment on the independent media houses or any of Nigeria’s journalists and media houses for promoting access to diverse information on issues of public importance
SERAP deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare said, “We urge the NBC to demonstrate its commitment to the rule of law by immediately obeying and respecting the judgment of the Court.”
“We also urge President Bola Tinubu to direct the Ministry of Information and Culture, the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and the NBC to immediately disclose the details of the Twitter agreement, as ordered by the court.”
“The immediate enforcement and implementation of the judgment will be a victory for the rule of law, freedom of expression and media freedom in Nigeria.”
SERAP and CJID had in August 2022 filed a lawsuit against former president Muhammadu Buhari, former minister of information and culture Mr Lai Mohammed and the NBC, asking the court for “a declaration that the imposition of fines on the media houses is unlawful and amounts to a breach of legality, necessity, proportionality principles.”
In the suit number FHC/L/CS/1486/2022, SERAP and CJID sought “an order setting aside the arbitrary and illegal fines of N5 million and any other penal sanction unilaterally imposed by the NBC on these media houses simply for carrying out their constitutional duties.”
The suit, read in part: “It is inconsistent and incompatible with the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] to invoke the grounds of ‘glorifying terrorism and banditry’ as justifications for suppressing access to information of legitimate public interest that does not harm national security.”
“The documentaries by the independent media houses are in the public interest, and punishing the media houses simply for raising public awareness about these issues would have a disproportionate and chilling effect on their work, and on the work of other journalists and Nigerians.”
“The action by the NBC and Mr Lai Mohammed is arbitrary, illegal, and unconstitutional, as it is contrary to section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, and international human rights treaties including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which Nigeria has ratified.”
“A fine is a criminal sanction and only the court is empowered by the Constitution to impose it. Fine imposed by regulatory agencies like the NBC without recourse to the courts is unfair, illegal, and unconstitutional.”
“Imposing any fine whatsoever without due process of law is arbitrary, as it contravenes the principles of nemo judex in causa sua which literally means one cannot be a judge in his own cause and audi alteram partem which means no one should be condemned unheard.”
“Article 19 (1) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights establishes the right to freedom of opinion without interference. Article 19(2) establishes Nigeria’s obligations to respect ‘the right to freedom of expression,’ which includes the freedom to seek, receive and impart information, regardless of frontiers.”
“Under article 19(3), restrictions on the right to freedom of expression must be ‘provided by law’, and necessary ‘for respect of the rights or reputations of others’ or ‘for the protection of national security or of public order (ordre public), or of public health and morals’”
“Although article 19(3) recognizes ‘national security’ as a legitimate aim, the Human Rights Council, the body charged with monitoring implementation of the Covenant, has stressed ‘the need to ensure that the invocation of national security is not used unjustifiably or arbitrarily to restrict the right to freedom of opinion and expression.’”
“The requirement of necessity also implies an assessment of the proportionality of the grounds, with the aim of ensuring that the excuse of ‘glorifying terrorism and banditry’ and ‘national security’ are not used as a pretext to unduly intrude upon the rights to freedom of expression and access to information.”
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
17/11/2024
Lagos, Nigeria
Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org
Twitter: @SERAPNigeria
Website: www.serap-nigeria.org
For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202
PRESS RELEASE
ONDO ELECTION: SANWO-OLU CONGRATULATES AIYEDATIWA FOR LANDSLIDE VICTORY
The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Campaign Council for Ondo State Governorship Election and Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated the party’s candidate, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his victory in yesterday’s gubernatorial election.
Governor Sanwo-Olu in a congratulatory message he personally signed and issued in Akure on Sunday, shortly after Aiyedatiwa was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) commended the people of Ondo State for their unflinching support and continued belief in the ruling party, APC.
He said the work of the campaign council was made a lot easier by the good job the late immediate past Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, had done, which has been built on by his successor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for the people of Ondo State.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also expressed his appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for providing the right leadership and charting the right direction to follow for Nigeria’s social-economic transformation.
He said: “I want to thank the good people of Ondo State for their unflinching support and continued belief in our great party, the All Progressives Congress, APC! This belief and support for our party have been demonstrated a number of times, including the past Governorship elections, the Local Government elections and the Presidential election that ushered in the Renewed Hope team of our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“As progressives, you have stood by us through difficult times, and now, the good times are here because you came out in numbers yesterday, defying the hot scorching sun, and waited on the queues for hours to cast your ballot for our candidate, your Governor, Mr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, and his deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami.
“As always, you roundly rejected those other political parties that represent nothing but retrogression, and you voted for progress. For this, we say thank you.”
Speaking on the collective responsibility and contributions of APC members to the party’s victory, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the results of the governorship election showed that all members of the Campaign Council and other subcommittees worked assiduously to achieve success.
He said: “As the Chairman of the National Campaign Council of our great party, APC, for the Ondo Governorship election, it is humbling for me to see that the task given to us by our party, under the able leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, to ensure that we came out victorious was executed to the letter, and the results have shown that all members of the Campaign Council and other subcommittees worked assiduously to achieve success.
“But I must state at this juncture that our work was made a lot easier by the good job that His Excellency, the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, had done, which has been built on by his successor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for the people of Ondo State. As the saying goes, you can’t build something on nothing! We only came here to build layers on the structure provided by Governor Aiyedatiwa and his team.
“It should be noted, however, that the winning streak of the APC in past months at various elections is a manifestation of the great strides that our leader, the President of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, is making in his Renewed Hope Agenda of reshaping our economy and putting the country’s socio-political system in the right direction. Our people can see this, and the massive support will further boost the party’s energy to continue her economic recovery efforts.
“As the South West Zonal Coordinator, I want to assure you that the All Progressives Congress will not break the party’s winning streak in the South West of Nigeria. After all, our zone is the home of the progressive elements in Nigeria’s political landscape. We will win more states to our fold in due course.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies for living up to their commitments.
He said: “I would like to thank our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for providing us with the right leadership and charting the right direction for us to follow as we work towards the country’s social-economic transformation. To the National Working Committee, NWC, of our party, led by the Chairman, His Excellency Abdullahi Ganduje, my colleague Governors, the various committee leaders and members, volunteers, and election support staff, we say thank you.
“This appreciation will not end without the mention of the local campaign committee led by the Lucky man himself, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Ondo APC chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, party leaders, and all those that played one role or another in ensuring that we came home with the trophy in yesterday’s election. We say thank you all.
“In conclusion, we must appreciate and thank the security services for the good job they did. Yesterday’s election is an example of Nigeria’s Can-Do spirit! The peaceful nature of the poll should now be a pattern in future elections in Nigeria. We must also commend the election umpires, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for living up to their commitments. And to the gentlemen of the press, you have done well.”
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
SPECIAL ADVISER – MEDIA AND PUBLICITY
17 NOVEMBER 2024
November 18, 2024
House’ll scrutinise Tax Reform Bills in Nigerians’ best interest – Speaker Abbas
…says Reps yet to take a position on proposals
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, has stated that the House would consider the Tax Reform Bills presented to the National Assembly by the Executive arm of the Federal Government “thoughtfully” and in the best interest of Nigerians.
The Speaker made this known in Abuja on Monday at ‘The People’s House Interactive Session on Tax Reform Bills’ organised by the House, which had the relevant stakeholders from the public and private sectors in attendance.
Some stakeholders present were the Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele; the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Zach Adedeji; the Director General of the Budget Office, Mr. Tanimu Yakubu, and a host of others.
Speaker Abbas stated that the controversies surrounding the bills “are a reflection of their importance,” adding that such debates are “healthy and necessary in a democracy.”
He added that the session was to channel those discussions into productive outcomes, stressing that it is critical that the House listens to diverse perspectives, asks probing questions, and seeks clarity on any unclear provisions.
The Speaker said: “Let me be clear: the House has not yet taken a definitive position on these bills. Our role is to scrutinise them thoroughly, ensuring they align with the best interests of our constituents and the nation at large. We owe this duty to Nigerians.”
The Speaker explained that the bills represent critical proposals from the executive to expand Nigeria’s tax base, improve compliance, and establish sustainable revenue streams for the nation’s development.
He further explained that the Tax Reform Bills aim to diversify the country’s revenue base, promote equity, and foster an enabling environment for investment and innovation.
“However, as representatives of the people, we must approach these reforms thoughtfully, understanding their potential implications for every segment of society.
“Taxes should be fair, transparent, and justifiable, balancing the need for public revenue with the burdens they impose on individuals and businesses,” the Speaker said.
Speaker Abbas noted that the purpose of the session was to provide members of the House with “a comprehensive understanding of the proposed bills.”
He added: “It is designed to deepen our appreciation of their provisions, commence constructive dialogue on contentious or controversial areas, and build the consensus necessary to produce versions of the bills that align with the interests of the executive, the legislature, sub-national governments, and the Nigerian people.
“Importantly, this session will help us identify areas needing amendment, clarification, or improvement and consider the compatibility of these bills with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and other extant laws.”
Speaker Abbas noted that tax reforms are a cornerstone of the 10th House’s Legislative Agenda “because of their central role in achieving sustainable economic growth and development.”
The Speaker stated that in every modern state, taxes are the bedrock of public revenue, providing the resources required to deliver education, healthcare, infrastructure, and security.
“Yet, Nigeria, despite being Africa’s largest economy, struggles with a tax-to-GDP ratio of just 6 percent—far below the global average and the World Bank’s minimum benchmark of 15 per cent for sustainable development.
“This is a challenge we must address if we are to reduce our reliance on debt financing, ensure fiscal stability, and secure our future as a nation,” he said.
Giving an overview of the four tax reforms bills, the chairman of the presidential committee, Mr. Oyedele, said there was nothing to fear in the proposals as they are in the best interest of Nigeria, especially states and local governments.
Signed:
Musa Abdullahi Krishi
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Press Statement from the Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives
November 18, 2024
Ondo election: Speaker Abbas congratulates Governor Aiyedatiwa
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, has congratulated Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on his victory in the Ondo State governorship election held on Saturday.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, on Sunday, declared Governor Aiyedaiwa, candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), winner of the poll.
The Speaker noted that Governor Aiyedatiwa’s landslide victory at the Ondo poll has further confirmed the APC’s popularity.
Speaker Abbas, who also noted that the APC has continued to wax stronger under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, said the people of Ondo State have renewed their hope with their votes for Governor Aiyedatiwa.
While wishing Governor Aiyedaiwa a successful tenure, the Speaker expressed his confidence in the governor to make life better for Ondo people with good governance and dividends of democracy.
Signed:
Musa Abdullahi Krishi
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
2024 International Students’ Day Celebration.
Education A Best Legacy.
As this year’s celebration will focus on Academic Excellence for Sustainable Development, which is in commemoration of the 2024 International Students’ Day, our office ( The Presidency, Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students Engagement), under my leadership celebrates the invaluable contributions of Nigerian students to national development.
This year’s theme, as adopted by my office “Celebrating Academic Excellence for Sustainable Development,” underscores the vital role education plays in shaping a prosperous and sustainable future.
We seize this occasion to commend His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering commitment to education and youth development, as demonstrated by the following groundbreaking achievements in the education sector:
To further celebrate excellence in education, the following awards and recognitions have been approved for this year 2024 through my office in collaboration with Petroleum Technology Development fund PTDF, National information Development Agency NITDA, NELFUND, Zenith Bank, Brisco among others, to be announce on Wednesday 20th November 2024 at Merit House Maitama Abuja, the venue for this year’s International Students’ Day celebration:
Honoring the best graduating tertiary institution students from each geopolitical zone with postgraduate scholarship awards and cash prizes.
Cash prizes for the best-performing students in the 2022/2023 Law School Abuja, 2024 Common Entrance Examination, Junior WAEC, NECO, and JAMB, highlighting the importance of academic excellence at all levels.
These initiatives are a testament to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and his steadfast dedication to recognizing and rewarding academic achievements.
We enjoin all Nigerian students to remain diligent, resilient, and committed to their studies, as this administration is determined to celebrate and empower the leaders of tomorrow.
On behalf of the Federal Government, we congratulate all Nigerian students on this year’s International Students’ Day. Your brilliance and determination are shaping a brighter future for Nigeria, and we stand firmly by you in your educational journey.
Signed:
Hon. Comr. Asefon Sunday Dayo GCNS
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students Engagement
REMARKS OF THE RT. HON. ABBAS TAJUDEEN, GCON, SPEAKER, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AT ‘THE PEOPLE’S HOUSE INTERACTIVE SESSION ON TAX REFORM BILLS’ HELD ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2024 AT THE TEMPORARY CHAMBER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY COMPLEX, ABUJA
[Protocol]
It is my pleasure to welcome you to this interactive session on the tax reform bills before the House of Representatives. These bills include the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill. They represent critical proposals from the executive to expand Nigeria’s tax base, improve compliance, and establish sustainable revenue streams for our nation’s development.
November 17, 2024
Ondo 2024 Governorship Election, a Sham- PDP
… Says It’s Reviewing Outcome of Poll.
The Peoples Democratic Party and indeed all lovers of democracy in Nigeria and across the world have just witnessed the worst election conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The November 16, 2024 Governorship election in Ondo State runs short of all expectations and requirements of a free, fair and credible election as it witnessed the height of electoral swindle, deceit and manipulation by the All Progressives Congress (APC).
This election witnessed widespread election merchandising, monetization and barefaced vote buying by the APC and its apparatus in government to suppress the genuine aspiration of the people.
This devious practice by the APC was rampant and pervasive because the APC have utterly impoverished Nigerians and turned poverty into a weapon of mass subjugation which enabled it to manipulate the election and its outcome.
We call the attention of all Nigerians and the International Community to this reprehensible practice by the APC as widely witnessed in the November 16, 2024 Governorship election in Ondo State and we demand that a serious action be taken to stem such if Nigeria’s democracy must survive.
In the meantime, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP will be having a more detailed review of the election and its outcome and take appropriate action in the defence of our Democracy.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
STATE HOUSE PRESS STATEMENT
FORMER PRESIDENT OBASANJO WAS NOT AN IDEAL LEADER TO EMULATE
In a recent display of his characteristic self-importance, former President Olusegun Obasanjo once again took to the public stage to bestow his unsolicited wisdom on leadership and governance in Nigeria. From his lofty perch, he blamed those who served after his tenure for the nation’s myriad challenges.
Unfortunately, the former leader’s habit of casting aspersions on every subsequent administration has devolved into a recurring pastime, overshadowing the expectation of an elder statesman to join a constructive dialogue on attaining national progress.
In his latest critique of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, whom he pejoratively called ‘Baba Go Slow’ and President Bola Tinubu, who he tagged ‘Emilokan’, Chief Obasanjo used the platform provided by Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University to unfurl his latest treatise on leadership and public morality. He also used the forum to write off Nigeria as a failing country.
The irony of Chief Obasanjo using the platform that celebrates Achebe to sermonise on the ideals of good governance, statecraft, economic management, and corruption should be apparent to discerning minds. When he was alive, Chinua Achebe was a universally acclaimed moral, cultural and literary icon with scant regard for Obasanjo.
It is on record that Professor Achebe rejected the third highest national honour bestowed on him by the Obasanjo-led administration in 2004 on the grounds of the prevalence of abuse of power, corruption, poor leadership, and, in particular, state-sponsored brigandage endorsed by Chief Obasanjo in Achebe’s home state of Anambra. In Anambra, the former president actively supported the abduction of a sitting governor, Dr Chris Ngige, by non-state actors led by Chris Uba, a younger brother of Obasanjo’s senior aide.
In rejecting the 2004 national honour by the Obasanjo administration, Achebe declared: “Nigeria’s condition today under your watch is…too dangerous for silence. I must register my disappointment and protest by declining to accept the high honour awarded me in the 2004 honours list.”
Brazen illegality and assault on the Constitution of Nigeria reached a disturbing height under the leadership of Chief Obasanjo. During Obasanjo’s era, the unconstitutional impeachment of four governors who belonged to his party occurred. The governors impeached by minority members of the Houses of Assembly were Joshua Dariye of Plateau, Rashidi Ladoja of Oyo, Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti and Diepreye Alamieyeseigha of Bayelsa. A man under whose watch all of these egregious infractions occurred should certainly not be the one to give any lecture on leadership and corruption. He should not be taken seriously as he reeks of profound hypocrisy of the worst form.
Former President Obasanjo has continuously pumped himself up as the economic wizard of Nigeria. But a reality check showed he was nothing of such. He left unresolved many, if not all, of the problems of Nigeria, which he itemised in his lecture. He even recently admitted that his government made a mistake by not focussing on gas development, as the Tinubu administration does today. All oil and gas players know that Nigeria has more gas than oil. The only positive of the Obasanjo era was fiscal and monetary policy management buoyed by a consistent rise in crude oil prices throughout his eight-year tenure. This rise in crude oil prices started in 2000 and peaked in 2013 when it reached over 100 dollars per barrel before a decline in 2014, which set the oil-dependent economy downward. The current economic crisis the All Progressives Congress administrations have been battling since 2015 is the product of the poor choices in economic management made by Obasanjo and the two successors from his party. Obasanjo prides his government on paying the $15 billion debt owed to the Paris Club. Still, it was not a wise decision as it was done when the country’s critical economic infrastructure across sectors was in shambles.
While oil receipts brought money into the country, Obasanjo failed to fix the deplorable federal roads or expand the national road network. He did not repair the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, the Lagos-Abeokuta road leading to his hometown in Abeokuta, the Otta-Idiroko road, and many others.
His administration also should have paid more serious attention to universities and polytechnics. In a joint vote of no confidence in our tertiary institutions, Obasanjo and his deputy, Atiku Abubakar, sought to profit from their weaknesses by establishing their private universities. As a sitting President, Chief Obasanjo abused his office to advance personal interest against the spirit and letters of our constitution when he corralled leading businessmen, women and government contractors to donate billions of naira for his Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library and Resorts in Abeokuta and his Bell University in Otta.
After wasting billions of naira on a failed third-term project in 2007, Chief Obasanjo hurriedly organised a sham electoral process that would go down in history as the most fraudulent election held in Nigeria since 1960. The beneficiary of the sham election, Umaru Yar’adua, admitted that the election was seriously flawed and, as Justice Muhammed Uwais’s panel recommended, worked towards electoral reforms. It is hypocrisy writ large when a man who presided over the worst election in Nigeria demands the sack of the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
For eight years, the Obasanjo administration made no significant investment in security by modernising the Armed Forces. He did not redesign the national security architecture or change the military doctrine. The most critical investment in our armed forces, especially the military, since the administration of President Shehu Shagari in 1980 was made by the APC-led administration of President Buhari from 2015-2023. When President Buhari assumed office in 2015, the Air Force had fewer than three serviceable fighter jets, and the Navy barely had one serviceable vessel. Within eight years, President Buhari acquired over 40 new fighter jets of different capabilities, including 12 Tucano jets. He also acquired naval ships to strengthen the Navy. The APC administration of Buhari developed the air wings of the Army and Navy and changed the entire Armed Forces into one of the most potent fighting forces in the world.
President Tinubu has continued to sustain the same support and funding to the military and other security agencies. It is the reason the country is winning in the multi-pronged fight against Boko Haram terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other perpetrators of violent crimes. In the last year, over 400 terror and bandit kingpins have been eliminated, and thousands of Nigerians have been freed from their abductors. The insecurity that engulfed Nigeria started under the Obasanjo administration with militancy and kidnapping of expatriate oil workers in the Niger Delta, which later became a festering wound from which the nation has not recovered. Boko Haram, which became a violent movement in 2009, began its build-up under Obasanjo’s regime.
On matters of integrity, honesty, and morality in public leadership, Chief Obasanjo is certainly not a paragon of virtue for anyone to model after. Nigerians can still remember the messy public spat between Chief Obasanjo and his then-vice president, Atiku Abubakar, over PTDF money that led to a Senate Public Hearing in 2004. The sordid details of the public hearing included unsettling evidence of how Obasanjo instructed his Vice President to buy Sport Utility Vehicles for his mistresses with PTDF funds. There was also the Halliburton bribe scandal, which the US Congress probe revealed. Bribe payments were made to the highest political authorities at the Villa while Obasanjo was in charge.
Nigerians will also remember how the Obasanjo administration invested $16 billion on electricity, which left the country in utter darkness. The colossal amount spent on power was so embarrassing that President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Obasanjo’s successor, ordered a probe. Similarly, Obasanjo’s privatisation programme was scandalous. It did not deliver real value for the country. His administration cheaply sold national assets to cronies who stripped the assets of the state-owned enterprises. A case in point was the aluminium smelter company ALSCON in Ikot-Abasi, Akwa-Ibom State, built by the military government at the princely sum of $ 3.2 billion. It was sold for 130 million dollars. Obasanjo also sank money into Turn Around Maintenance of our refineries, which never worked, leading to the massive importation of refined petroleum products.
Such was the miasma of corruption under Obasanjo that the former governor of Abia, Orji Uzor Kalu, his party member, petitioned the EFCC, accusing Obasanjo of gross abuse of office.
If Chief Obasanjo had addressed the many problems he critiqued in his poorly written Yale lecture when he ruled Nigeria for eight years, President Buhari and President Tinubu would have had a much lighter burden of fixing the country.
While the Tinubu administration diligently works to overcome the country’s economic challenges, it would be better and more advisable for former President Obasanjo to temper his self-righteousness in his public discussions regarding our nation’s temporary difficulties. Instead, his remaining years would be better spent reflecting on the missed opportunities during his own time in leadership, both as military head of state and civilian president.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
November 18, 2024
STATE HOUSE PRESS STATEMENT
PRESIDENT TINUBU APPROVES RESTRUCTURING OF MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS TEAM
President Bola Tinubu has re-designated the positions of two recently appointed officials in the State House media and communications team to enhance efficiency within the government’s communication machinery.
The restructuring is as follows:
These appointments, along with the existing role of Special Adviser, Information and Strategy , underscore that there is no single individual spokesperson for the Presidency.
Instead, all the three Special Advisers will collectively serve as spokespersons for the government.
This approach aims to ensure effective and consistent communication of government policies, decisions, and engagements.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy)
November 18, 2024
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
AT THE G20 SUMMIT IN BRAZIL, PRESIDENT TINUBU ENDORSES THE LAUNCH OF THE GLOBAL ALLIANCE AGAINST HUNGER AND POVERTY
President Bola Tinubu has hailed the creation of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, championed by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil.
Tinubu described the alliance as pivotal in the global fight against hunger and poverty.
He made this statement on Monday at the 19th G20 Leaders Summit opening session in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
He lauded the initiative and described it as the right step to address one of the world’s most significant challenges.
“This bold and visionary step underscores Brazil’s leadership in addressing one of the most urgent and persistent challenges facing our world today.
“The creation of this Alliance marks a significant milestone in our global efforts to eradicate hunger and poverty, and it also sends a powerful message of solidarity to vulnerable populations around the globe.
“By fostering collaboration between governments, international organisations, and civil society, this initiative offers a comprehensive approach not only to addressing immediate needs but also tackling the structural causes of hunger and poverty,” he said.
President Tinubu compared this global initiative to one of the eight priority areas he outlined at his inauguration 18 months ago, expressing Nigeria’s eagerness to adopt international best practices to advance its economic development.
According to President Tinubu, Nigeria’s endorsement of the declaration of commitment to join the Global Alliance is a significant step in its efforts to address hunger and poverty by leveraging international cooperation and resources to bolster domestic strategies.
He added that by supporting the initiative, Nigeria also demonstrates a solid commitment to realising the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1, which focuses on eradicating poverty, and SDG 2, which aims to achieve zero hunger.
“These goals are at the core of Nigeria’s development agenda, and the Alliance offers a platform to accelerate progress towards them.
“By collaborating with international partners, Nigeria aims to leverage best practices, innovative solutions, and financial support to enhance its efforts to combat poverty and hunger. The endorsement reinforces Nigeria’s role as a key player in global efforts to promote sustainable development and improve the quality of life for all its citizens,” President Tinubu said.
President Tinubu emphasised the urgent need for the United Nations Security Council reform to ensure its continued relevance in global interventions.
He reiterated Nigeria’s readiness and capability to represent Africa within this elite.
He called on the G20 to champion this noble ideal, having admitted the African Union as a group member.
Tinubu said, “ The Security Council should expand its permanent and non-permanent member categories to reflect the world’s diversity and plurality. Africa deserves priority in this.
“The Security Council should expand its permanent and non-permanent member categories to reflect the world’s diversity and plurality better.
“Africa deserves priority in this process, and two permanent seats should be allocated to it with equal rights and responsibilities. Nigeria stands ready and willing to serve as a representative of Africa in this capacity.”
In the statement read on his behalf by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, President Tinubu noted that the G20 now wears a toga of a forward-looking international institution that upholds reform-minded multilateralism.
He especially commended the decision by the G20 to grant permanent membership to the African Union and for its consistency in sustaining the tradition of inviting guest countries to join the group.
This broad participation, he said, allows the opportunity for more inclusive and effective discussions to address shared global challenges.
“Some permanent members of the Council have shown promising signs of support for this process, which is a positive development. We welcome this shift in attitude and call for a faster pace to the long overdue change.
“The world faces various challenges, including extreme poverty, inequality, climate change, terrorism, and global conflicts.
“These issues are exacerbated by longstanding inequities in the global governance system, which have led to unsustainable sovereign debt and distortions in access to capital markets, trade imbalances, unfair representations and hindered development in the Global South.
“It is our responsibility to find pragmatic solutions to fix these imbalances.
“Particularly pressing is global taxation, which profoundly impacts developing countries.
“The current international tax system, largely shaped by the interests of more affluent nations, often leaves developing countries at a disadvantage, especially in taxing digital economies.
“This systemic imbalance has led to significant revenue losses, hampering our efforts towards sustainable development and economic self-reliance,” the Nigerian leader said.
President Tinubu highlighted that Nigeria, alongside other African Group member states, championed a historic initiative at the United Nations: calling for a framework Convention on Tax to establish a more equitable and inclusive global tax system.
He urged the G20 to heed the call by countries, especially those of the global South, to reform the international financial architecture.
“Multilateral institutions must be revamped to bridge the gap between the Global North and South. This is the path for the future and one the G20 must champion. Nigeria is committed to being part of that future through active participation in the G20 and our steadfast support for achieving SDG 2030 targets,” the President added.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(information & Strategy)
November 19, 202
The Board of Directors of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has appointed Dr Mohammed Indimi, OFR as a Non-Executive Director effective November 7, 2024.
According to a statement by Mrs Cecilia Madueke, Julius Berger’s Company Secretary issued same day, Indimi would bring his wealth of experience to bear on his function as Director as well as the future directions of the Group.
Dr. Mohammed Indimi, OFR: is the recipient of several doctorate degrees from various universities in Nigeria and globally, in various disciplines.
He is an entrepreneur and philanthropist whose business acumen spans, oil and gas and financial services. He was also conferred with the National Honour of the Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR) and with the Republic of Niger’s National Honour of Commandeur dans L’Ordre du Merite du Niger. He chairs the Boards of Oriental Energy Resources Limited and M & W Pump Nigeria Limited and is a Director of Jaiz Bank PLC. He was appointed to the Board of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc as a Non-Executive Director, with effect from November 7, 2024.
Julius Berger is Nigeria’s foremost engineering construction company offering holistic services on the planning, engineering, construction, operation and maintenace of buildings, infrastructure and industry projects.
“Where there is no vision, there is no hope.” – George Washington Carver;
Carver a black American agricultural chemist, agronomist, experimenter and scientist invented more than 300 uses for the peanut. He made the above assertion when he alluded to the connectivity between vision and hope.
Like a twinkle of an eye, the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, in a matter of days will mark one year in office, having been appointed on October 23, 2023.
Industry watchers however have been amazed with his glaring milestones in the space of 365 days, judging from an experience of near-obscurity of the Commission’s creation over 4 decades ago.
THE CLARION CALL
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, made it abundantly clear when he coined the catchphrase for his campaign – Renewed Hope. The choice of ‘Renewed Hope’ as the campaign shibboleth or what is popularly referred to as ‘slogan’ was not an accident, but of a determined mind who was out to give hope to the hopeless, succour to the crestfallen, and relief to the forlornly downtrodden.
Mr. President was intentional about his vision for running for the numero uno seat. It is the more reason he asked that people should not pity him. He asked for the job. And like Theodore Hesburgh, a renowned American priest and academic once said, “The very essence of leadership is that you have to have a vision. It’s got to be a vision you articulate clearly and forcefully on every occasion. You can’t blow an uncertain trumpet.” President Tinubu is determined to rewrite the Nigerian story and put her on a trajectory of progressive hallmark and shared prosperity. This was why he sounded a note of warning to his minister-designates at the outset, and by extension, all his other appointees across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to throw in their letter of resignation if they knew they could not match his vision with measurable milestones in their various offices.
This further implies every appointee who desires on-the-job accolades must not only be seen acting the Renewed Hope mandate in their various areas of responsibilities, but must truly activate steps and mechanisms that will contribute to the overall goal congruence of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) – which is to retool Nigeria in all facets for the good of all Nigerians irrespective of tribe, ethnic bias, religion and/or tongue.
This is in line with the promise of Mr. President during the campaigns. And a clarion calls for Dr. Abdullahi which has hitherto lived up to expectations.
On resumption of office and in line with Mr. President’s mindset, the Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi did not mince words when he averred, in line with the vision and mission of the Commission that; “Under my stewardship and with the support of our dedicated staff and stakeholders, the ECN as the Lead Agency in the country’s push for energy transition will set the tone for economic development based on progressive innovation and policy initiatives as envisioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.”
From his position, it is crystal clear that as the new honcho in charge of the country’s lead agency on energy wherewithal, he is in the Commission with a clear agenda as to give new direction on the energy economy.
He is poised to drive the country’s energy economy from a vista of excellence, industry, results and dedication to national growth and development.
To achieve his set objectives therefore, he rolled out a 5-point agenda from the day he assumed office as the numero uno of the Commission.
These are what his blueprint revolves around and will include;
Until in recent months, not many Nigerians were aware of the existence of an agency called the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN). Like a man with Midas touch, Dr. Abdullahi brought the Commission to global limelight when he engaged with the United States former Secretary of State, John Kerry and other world leaders at the #COP28UAE where he highlighted his leadership efforts in the area of energy transition.
This one huge notable footprint will remain indelible in the annals of the Energy Commission of Nigeria’s (ECN) history.
The image like never before that the Commission currently enjoys, not only in the country, but also across the globe. Dr. Abdullahi’s efforts at bringing the Commission out of near-obscurity to global prominence is highly commendable.
Aside his outstanding performance at the annual global event, #COP28UAE, Dr. Abdulahi had represented the country in other international events including the G20 Energy Summit in Brasilia, Brazil where he spoke on behalf of Africa, emphasising energy transitions and net-zero emissions, and in Cape Town, South Africa where he presented a paper at the Africa Energy Indaba Summit alongside other global energy experts.
If there exists anything Dr. Abdullahi has in common with President Tinubu, it is the hunger for excellence in service delivery or quality leadership deliverables.
The energy Chief Executive knew his job was already cut out for him. For a Commission under The Presidency that had lasted over 4 decades in existence and its near-obscurity in the country’s energy sector. For him, there was no better time than now to make a statement of a complete paradigm shift in the way things were hitherto conducted.
And from his activities in the last one year, Dr. Abdullahi has shown himself as an ‘energiser’ in motion. From providing leadership for West African sub-region and beyond, to leading advocacy on energy transition from fossil fuel in international space, and a resolve to exploring renewable and alternative energy to provide homegrown solutions to the energy needs of the Nigerian people.
As the new Chairman, Nigeria National Committee on World Energy Council (NNC WEC), he had proposed to activate mechanisms with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) geared towards instauration of novel action plans that would not only change the ugly story of the energy economy of the country, but also that of West Africa sub-region and Africa as a whole. He is, at the moment working through tapping opportunities through the West African Power Pool (WAPP), an institution within the ECOWAS to chart a new cause for the energy economy for the country, Africans.
Efficiency often times is a corollary of staff motivation at work place. A value-driven leadership spurs its workforce to efficiency and optimal performance through incentives and conducive working environment. Dr. Abdullahi as a leader with ample experience that cuts across the globe recognises workers’ psyche at work, especially when such workforce is motivated. He understands that remuneration is a major factor in the determination of a worker’s productivity. He is aware of the near-zero motivation and he was prepared to address the situation frontally by making the necessary moves that would ultimately enliven the workers’ spirit and gear them towards the overall success of his leadership at the Commission.
Remuneration
Dr Abdullahi on assumption of office, knowing the importance of good remuneration for members of staff and the role it plays in gearing them to put in their best, activated various steps in making sure that staff’s welfare is put at utmost priority.
In a bid to actualize this, he established contacts with members of the National Assembly, Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission on possible wage review.
CAPACITY BUILDING
The Energy expert recognises the value of Human Capital Development in driving positive change. He understands the Commission is largely knowledge-driven.
Therefore, another milestone he has recorded in a space of few months was to ensure workers undergo serious trainings and re-trainings to enhance their capacity with overall effect on their productivity.
Dr. Abdullahi was able to secure two fully-funded PhD foreign scholarships (UK) from the Petroleum Trust Development Fund (PTDF) for two (2) of the Commission’s members of staff. Also, he secured three (3) Masters degree scholarships (Japan) to members of staff through JICA.
He believes such opportunity will not only motivate other staff, but also increase brain gain in the Commission when such staff return to contribute their quota.
LAYING FOUNDATION FOR ENERGY PROSPERITY
Barely 7 months after his assumption of office, precisely on May 8, 2024, the ECN numero uno unveiled a twin document on National Energy Policy (NEP) and National Energy Master Plan (NEMP). The first time in the Commission’s over 40 years of existence. The event which held at the Main Auditorium of the Petroleum Trust Development Fund (PTDF) building had in attendance critical stakeholders from the Energy sector including Ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Heads of Government Agencies and Private Sector Practitioners and the Special Adviser to Mr. President on Energy, Ms. Olubukola Arowolo Verheijen who did the unveiling.
The 2 documents would go on to provide foundation and pathway for the country’s energy development.
IN PUBLIC INTEREST
Wood Stove, Safer Environment
As a responsive leader who is committed to a safer environment as entrenched in his mandate, Dr. Abdullahi’s leadership pioneered the Commission’s Clean Cooking advocacy with presentation of clean cooking wood stoves to the Nigerian public. This was part of his commitment during the #COP28UAE where he delivered a masterpiece as a representative of President Bola Tinubu to enlist the country on the #CleanCoolingPledge at the gathering of over 70,000 world leaders.
Barely 4 months after the event, he launched the Clean Cooking Wood Stove Initiative in line with this global pledge. The pilot scheme held at Kurudu, Mararaba, Nasarawa State saw wood stoves with low emissions distributed to women. The initiative is to ultimately guarantee a safer environment, especially in the country’s hinterlands.
Alternative Energy Through Photovoltaic (PV) Electricity
On Saturday, July 27, 2024, the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) under Dr. Abdullahi performed a groundbreaking ceremony of Assembly Plant construction at Ihunekwagu Autonomous Community, Akpugo in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State. The event came up as a corollary of the need to boost access to affordable electricity in the country, and to take several communities off the national grid.
In addressing the electricity menace therefore, the visionary Chief Executive of the Energy Commission saw an opportunity in photovoltaic (PV) electricity to provide alternative energy to millions of households. Hence, consolidating the Renewed Hope agenda of Mr. President. Such solar PV module assembling plant which will provide sustainable, reliable, and decentralized power source capable of reaching the remotest part of the country – thereby giving light and hope to Nigerians.
Renewable Energy College
Dr. Abdullahi’s leadership on Saturday, August 10, 2024 scored another record breaking milestone with groundbreaking ceremony of Barefoot Renewable Energy College (BRE College), Osara, Kogi State. The concept of a Renewable Energy College was in line with the manifesto of President Tinubu whose part agenda is to explore various energy potential of the country.
The college is a leap further into transitioning from fossil-based energy resources to renewable energy. The Barefoot Renewable Energy College was conceptualised to bridge the energy manpower gap, drive innovation, competence, and self-reliance in the renewable energy sector. The future is assured with a safer environment and a cleaner energy.
SYNERGY/COLLABORATION FOR DEVELOPMENT
The Energy Commission boss, in furtherance of his mandate, as the lead agency in the country’s energy pursuits, to leapfrog the Commission for optimal performance in its responsibilities did enter into synergy and collaboration with a number of development partners, international organisations as well as relevant and critical stakeholders. Prominent among these efforts include;
As we celebrate this young Nigerian for his verifiable leadership milestones and footprints in a space of one year of assumption of office, it is equally germane that it is worth placing on record that Dr. Abdullahi will lead and coordinate the record breaking Nigeria-Germany $130billion Global Hydrogen Project from the Office of the Vice President of the Federal Republic. Such pedestal does not come on a platter of gold, but of capacity, competence and trust in this jewel from the savannah.
For now and even years to come, the man, Dr. Abdullahi does not look like somebody who is backing down. For him, the task of helping Mr. President achieve his aim of reworking and retooling Nigeria for Nigerians is a cause that cannot be compromised.
And there is no stopping. Not now, not anytime soon.
Emete Am is a media analyst
PRESS STATEMENT
ALEMA OF WARRI EXTOLS DELTA EX-GOVERNOR’S SACRIFICES TO FATHERLAND AT 70, CALLS HIM MAN OF GREAT INTEGRITY
Former Delta State governor, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, on Monday earned huge commendation for inspiring the people, creating a paradigm shift in humanitarian activism in Nigeria and maintaining cordial relationship with the traditional institution across the country.
‘’You are a man of great integrity and a rare gift to the fatherland’’
He was also applauded for promoting the rights and welfare of minors, encouraging women participation in politics and building bridges of hope.
‘’As a governor, you created an enabling environment for sustainable development, showed an uncommon commitment and patriotism on issues bordering on the Niger Delta region and its development. opened a new vista for commercial and economic prosperity of the state, demonstrated unusual knack in the pursuit of education, expanded the frontiers of the dividend of democracy to the people, encouraged citizens to embrace entrepreneurship skills, invested in electricity and housing and provided cheap, comfortable and affordable means of transportation’’.
In a statement on the joyous occasion of the ex-governor’s 70th birthday and his achievements, the Alema of Warri, Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, described the former governor as ‘’a peace promoter and a bridge builder’’.
‘’You delivered in your three-point agenda: peace and security, human capital and infrastructural development of the state’’.
He also described his 8-year tenure as the executive governor of Delta State as glorious and memorable.
‘’You pursued the unity and development of Delta State with all sense of patriotism and passion, embarked on massive construction of roads in the three senatorial zones, created special economic zones and industrial clusters, touched on the lives of several Deltans especially by your free maternal health care programme for all pregnant women in the state, free health service for children, scholarship scheme for students, micro credit and agricultural schemes’.
The Warri High Chief listed the Okpere-Olomu Bridge and access road, Warri-Ode Itsekiri Bridges and Access Road, beautification and reconstruction of Effurun Roundabout, construction of the first road to Umeh, reconstruction of modern markets at Mosogar, Patani, Abavo and Ekwuoma, construction of High Court Complex, Warri, the Asaba International Airport project, new Government House project, flyovers at Okpanam/Summit/Anwai/Nnebisi Intersection at Asaba and the expansion of the Osubi Airstrip to a standard airport as major feats of the ex-governor.
Other major projects listed by the Alema of Warri included the construction of the Sapele-Abigborodo Road and bridges, dualization of Ugbenu-Koko Road, Asaba-Ughelli Road, Old Lagos Asaba Road, Boji-Boji, Ughelli—Arterial Road, Ajamogha-Ekpen-Okere Road, Bowen-Odion Road/Cemetery Road Warri, PTI/Jakpa Road, construction of Koko-Uba-Egbelemeji Road, construction and rehabilitation of primary and secondary schools and reconstruction of Agbaribo-Okan Junction and Warri-Eku Road.
‘’In areas like tourism, sports and housing, you stamped your feet and left legacies that would continue to bear up in many years to come’’.
The Alema of Warri who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Webster Group of Companies highlighted the ex-governor’s impact as Commissioner for Health.
‘’As Commissioner for Health, you made a mark that cannot be rivaled. You constructed and upgraded several health centres, provided special rehabilitation fund for hospitals across the state and established remarkable industrial peace in the sector through improved welfare package. No progress-loving person can deny your character of discipline, integrity and passionate commitment to the sector.
The statement emphasized Uduaghan’s administrative experience and political sagacity.
‘’As Secretary to the State Government, you left your name in gold. You brought your vision and vast experience to bear on the purpose-driven administration of Chief James Onanefe Ibori. Indeed, you did the job with dignity, grace and generosity of spirit’’
It also underscored the ex-governor’s natural tendency for open door policy and participatory management style.
‘’You deserve to be honoured for your unique ability, uncommon administrative ingenuity, the work that you did for the people of Delta State and the example you set for the Itsekiri Nation. You also deserve to be celebrated for your vision, forthrightness, sophisticated bearing, knack for solving the most complicated problems, exemplary leadership, immense contributions to humanity and the good name that you built for the family by your excellent conduct in the private and public sector’’.
Ending the statement, Uduaghan said ‘’ On behalf of myself, my family and the good people of Abigborodo, I join all well-meaning Nigerians to felicitate with an astute and upright leader on the joyous occasion of his 70th birthday and I pray to Almighty God to protect him, grant him more wisdom, strength and good health to continue to serve mankind’’
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo, on Wednesday received the full backing of leading activists, civil society groups, lawyers, journalists and political leaders from all parts of Edo State.
‘Asue Ighodalo is the best man for the job. We’re looking forward to his election’’ the professionals said.
They also described the APC governorship candidate as dull, cold and colourless.
‘Asue Ighodalo is serious minded, purposeful, people oriented and a leader that understands what governance is all about’’
At a meeting to share perspectives and strategies on how to ensure the victory of the People Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, the professionals vowed to ensure the defeat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo in the September 21 governorship election.
‘’Asue Ighodalo’s election is certain. The road ahead is so smooth”
Edo State Professional spokesman and member of PDP Legacy Group, Mr. Humphrey Obanor, in a statement in Benin, said the professionals extolled the current governor of Edo State, Gowin Obaseki for building strong communities, generating growth and creating opportunities for the good people of Edo State.
‘Senator Monday Okpebholo is not travelling well in public opinion polls, largely due to incompetence. He lacks a clear policy plan. His political appeal remains limited’’
The professionals praised Obaseki for fulfilling electoral pledges made, building roads, expanding business development and empowering the people.
‘’ The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is very committed to the future of Edo State. Asue Ighodalo will make Edo State great’’.
They vowed to resist all attempts to drag Edo State backward by enemies of progress.
‘’Greed and envy have set in to becloud the sense of reasoning of some individuals in Edo State. Most people see the APC candidate and his running mate as not possessing the leadership character required to lead Edo State in this new age’’
The professionals scolded Comrade Adams Oshiomhole for assaulting the sensibility of the populace with mundane rhetoric.
They highlighted economic growth in rural communities, the welfare of workers in the state, investments in electricity, clean water and better health care.
They also emphasized a better educated, healthier and more prosperous Edo State.
‘’Nothing is more critical to our state’s future than urging the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to continue in Edo State’’
Asue Ighodalo is expected to cruise to victory in the September 21 governorship election.
‘’We care about results. Asue Ighodalo’s standing in the polls is, in fact, formidable’’
We are confident of Okpebholo’s victory – Edo Leaders
Notable personalities in Edo State, including leaders of ethnic and youth groups, political parties, former council chairmen and past political appointees on Saturday resolved to build a united front for the September 21 governorship election.
‘’Edo is urgently in need of salvation, purposeful leadership and efficient government. Eight years of wasted opportunities are enough. The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo is a shining example of honesty, humility and quality leadership and will make Edo great, steer the ship of state back to the path of rectitude and progress’’
They also declared that “it will be a victory for APC in the September 21 Governorship Election.
“The September 21 governorship election is about the future of our state. It is also an opportunity to strengthen the bond of unity, enhance development and promote good governance. Our support for Senator Monday Okpebholo is total and we are quite confident and ready for the election” the leaders said.
Arising from a meeting in Uromi, the leaders explained that the issue of winning the September 21 election is already a foregone conclusion.
“A vote for APC is a vote for progressive policies, high management capacity and vision for serious challenges besetting the state. It is also a vote for upgrading the state’s infrastructure, creating larger space for small and medium- sized business, investing in education, healthcare, transportation, housing and urban development, upholding the rule of law, improving the living conditions of the needy, protecting our communities and offering more opportunities for our young people”
A statement issued by the Chairman of Edo Political Congress (EPC), Dr Joshua Eboigbe said Okpebholo has the personal gravitas and organizational support to take the state to the next level.
“Senator Monday Okpebholo is effective, knowledgeable, consistent and open to dialogue. He will spread employment opportunities across the state, shape our state for the better, ensure economic growth for all and greater transparency in public life and accelerate the social, political and economic development of the state.
The prominent men and women noted that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) government in the state is already heading for the rocks occasioned by its parochialism, deceit and betrayal of the people’s mandate.
‘’The PDP lacks the justification and moral standing to continue in office. It has been an era of disappointment and unfulfilled promises’’
The cheerful leaders said the plans to take over the state leadership cannot be deterred by the power of incumbency.
‘’Senator Monday Okpebholo is a man of character and competence, has vision, moral fortitude, zeal, leadership, commitment and love for all. He will invest in farmers, attract local and foreign investors, promote an environment of enduring peace, progress and development, provide meaningful, sustainable and dignified employment to the youth, defuse social conflicts and give a sense of belonging to the various ethnic groups through the enthronement of political and economic justice”.
They said Okpebholo’s quest is to redeem the state.
‘’Now, more than before, Edo State needs quality and focused leadership. Senator Okpebholo will galvanize the people to self-development, energize the economy, and raise the standard of living of the people through adequate inter-village communication such as good road network, electricity, pipe-borne water, recreational facilities. He will also stimulate rural industries and show the necessary leadership by matching words with action through evolving workable development approaches, proper coordination and funding’’.
A notable family in the Niger Delta on Tuesday described the death of business magnate, Wilson Ebireri, as sad and painful.
Santa, as his friends and classmates, called him died early hours of Friday, July 12, just five months short of his 71st birthday.
The family of Ebireri in a statement Monday morning highlighted the late business man’s sense of humour, extraordinary intelligence and awesome memory.
‘’We are already feeling the exit of Wilson Santa Ebireri but our consolation is that he lived a good life and left many things to gleam from – all for the betterment of the family’’
The statement released in Sapele by Henry Ovie Ebireri underscored late Wilson Ebireri’s hobbies in reading, music, football and movie.
It described Wilson Ebireri as a rare gem, a visionary leader and defender of family values.
The statement urged the younger generation to take a cue from the ideals that Wilson Ebireri lived for- building a united family.
“As a family head, Wilson Santa Ebireri demonstrated exceptional administrative prowess. The good people of Sapele will certainly miss him. We will certainly miss this quiet and unassuming man on so many fronts” the statement said.
‘’Christian Service of Songs will take place at his residence, 2 Ikomi Road, Sapele on Thursday, September 19 while the graveside service and interment will take place at Ebireri’s Marford Close home on Friday, September 20, 2024.
He left behind his brothers, sisters, cousins, nephews, nieces, wife, children and grandchildren.