News From Nigeria
The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has approved the deployment of the nine newly appointed Permanent Secretaries and the re-deployment of five others.
A statement signed by the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr.
Hakeem Muri-Okunola listed the deployment as follows: Oyegbola, Olasunkanmi Mopileola, Public Service Office; Dawodu, Kikelomo Arinola, Office of Central Internal Audit; Toriola, Abdulhafiz Gbolahan, Ministry of Transportation; Abidakun, Olubusola Ajibola, Teaching Service Commission and Aina, Ololade Olasupo, Ministry of Home Affairs.
Others are Kasunmu, Ibilola Olufolake, Ministry of Science & Technology; Sogunle, Michael Olumide, Ministry of Information & Strategy; Sotire, Oluwole Olumide, Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development; and Obajomo, Ibrahim Amodu, Ministry of Economic Planning & Budget.
The HoS added that Mr. Governor also approved the re-deployment of serving Permanent Secretaries as follows: Dr. Aina, Olugbemiga Ayoola, Ministry of Youth & Social Development to Parastatals Monitoring Office; Mr. Olowoshago, Kamar Owodiran was transferred from the Ministry of Transportation to Housing; Ms. Fashola, Simone Olayinka, Ministry of Science & Technology to Ministry of Wealth Creation & Employment; Mrs. Oke-Osanyintolu Zeinab Oluwatoyin, Parastatals Monitoring Office to Ministry of Youth & Social Development and Mrs. Ososanya, Adetutu Oluremi, Office of Central Internal Audit to Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Co-operatives.
While noting that the deployment/redeployment is with immediate effect, Muri-Okunola implored the affected officers are to ensure proper handing-over.
2023: God Forbid BAT-hings (Part 3)
By Erasmus Ikhide
ANOTHER Problem Coming called (APC) and those who are still denuding
themselves that Bola Amhed Tinubu (BAT) built mega Lagos recently had their
arguments punctured and perforated, their lies exposed with the report that
Lagos is the second worst city for human’s habitation, a few weeks ago. The
report by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has placed Nigeria’s
commercial capital, Lagos, as the second-worst city to live in. The EIU
2022 ranking of the world’s most liveable cities placed Lagos as the 171st
of the 172 countries it ranked.
The report that Lagos State is one of the very worst city for human
habitation sound a death knell for the beneficiaries of the fast fading
godfatherism and fascist government of Bola Tinubu that has brought Nigeria
to her knees. This is no good news for those waiting to benefit from the
outlandish propaganda, at the expense of the masses. The Nigerian youths,
the general public and the global community are too informed for this
bunkum and crap being spewing out by the APC/Tinubu’s political jobbers.
Nigerians are well aware that it’s a deliberate attempt to launder the
image of a notorious criminal and anti-democratic con-man.
Now, the catch phrase “Go to lagos”. This is the only oxygen left for
Tinubu and his ignorant supporters. Many, including youths and the so
called political elites who don’t even know that the reference, “go to
Lagos” is a scam and cheap propaganda by Tinubu and his ignorant followers
who know nothing about Tinubu and Lagos state. Until political enthusiasts
in Nigeria interterogate or probe this phrase, “go to Lagos” which has
become a common phrase that tend to suggest, that Tinubu built Lagos or
that Tinubu is a great achiever and performer seeks to obliterate his
ground corruption, maladministration in Lagos and his anti-democratic
tendencies.
The younger generation have a duty in 2023 to make open shame of such
politicians who have held Lagos, and by extension Nigeria, down for so
long. Its high time we understood that “Go to lagos”, being bandied around
especially when supporters of the various Presidential candidates are
trying to reference past performance records of their preferred candidates
is a fraudulent propaganda. Curiously, many of those who find such phrase
or blanket reference very convenient maybe to score a non existent
political point had neither been to Lagos themselves nor read a single
literature about the history and development of Lagos.
For better understanding of “go to Lagos”, it’s actually the nemesis of
Tinubu that he and his blind followers are yet to know. Otherwise, they
won’t reference Lagos, not even his direct eight years let alone, and the
so called people they alleged he empowered as achievements. We are
gradually getting to where those who say “go to lagos”, must have to answer
trailer-load of questions about the actual performance and disservice of
Tinubu in Lagos, when and how Lagos became the sole baby-project and
achievement of Tinubu to now earn him office of the President of Nigeria.
Now, let’s “go to Lagos”, properly because history never dies. Its a fact
that right from the colonial era, Lagos has always been a territory
(colony) of special status on its own. And in the post colonial era, Lagos
was the Federal Capital and seat of power in the Federal Republic of
Nigeria. That alone, accounted for over 60% of the present infrastructural
assets of Lagos which were built by the Federal Government of Nigeria. Such
infrastructures include the most critical third mainland bridge linking the
mainland and the Island, the Seaport, International/local Airports, Festac
town, National stadium, National Museum and many other national monuments
and assets that keep giving value to Lagos.
It should rather be surprising that Lagos has no Airport of its own like
Delta, Anambra and many other states of the federation that have built
airports for themselves. As at today, Edo state has more and quality
educational institutions than Lagos. Lagos has no rail system, no good
drainages etc, despite the humongous resources available to it, especially
from 1999 to date. Those who leave in Lagos know it. This is actually the
right time for Nigerians to hold Tinubu to account for what he has done
with Lagos resources from 1999 till date. This is because he has
effectively been in charge of lagos in the last 23 years, which is while
nobody remembers Fashola and Ambode as former governors, let alone
ascribing to them any achievement in Lagos.
Lagos State had eleven governors (though mostly military) before Tinubu,
the 12th Governor of Lagos. It also had three governors after Tinubu.
Therefore, are those ascribing or arrogating the growth of Lagos to
Tinubu’s alleged performance not saying, that the fourteen governors before
and after him did nothing. Are Nigerians not aware that about 40% of the
low cost housing Estates in Lagos till date were built by the father of
modern Lagos, Governor Lateef Jakande who also designed the Lagos Plan of
Action for Economic Development of Africa,1980-2000, otherwise known as the
modern master plan for Lagos, which subsequent Lagos State governments
including Tinubu continue to leverage on to evolve the Lagos of today and
even tomorrow.
Did Governor Buba Marwa who handed over to Tinubu in 1999 not also
contributed greatly to the modern ambiance of Lagos. Why did the “go to
Lagos” proponents not considering the fact that in 1999 when Tinubu took
over from Marwa, Lagos IGR was already N14.6Billion cumulatively? That as
at 2007 when Tinubu’s tenure ought to have ended, Lagos IGR only rose to
N83.06Billion, cumulatively. And that Fashola took it from there to a
whooping N276.6Billion by 2015 and as at 2020, Lagos IGR officially stood
at N418.99 Billion, cumulatively. Why did the Tinubu’s minders not deeming
it necessary at least, to tell Nigerians what and where Tinubu put all
these monies in Lagos, having been in charge of the State since 1999 till
date?
That unlike other former governors before and after him, Tinubu did his
part within his terms and that the obvious difference between him and other
former leaders of Lagos or other states is that, Tinubu fradulently refused
to move on after his supposed tenure like other governors, ie; Jakande,
Fashola, Ambode, Peter Obi and others because, he couldn’t survive without
state/public resources. Hence he corruptly held on to the throat of Lagos
since 1999 like Mammur Gaddafi of Libya. He made himself the life
governor-general of Lagos by replacing democracy with a mixture of facism,
autocracy and godfatherism, rigging election after election to multiply and
protect his proceeds of corruption.
Why are Tinubu’s hatchet writers failing to mention that since 1999, Tinubu
alone determines who holds what office from Governor to Counsellor in Lagos
to enable him appropriate more resources of the State? He ensured that
elections in Lagos became mere rituals just to fulfil all righteousness.
His best achievement was the institute of touts (Agberos) he created and
fully empowered to repress democracy, press and citizens freedom, civil
liberty and argitation against dictatorship or fascism. Why are the
Tinubu’s supporters not mentioning that the abnormalities above are the new
normal in Lagos? Or are the BATists and his Agbado People’s Congress (APC)
trying to make Nigerians, particularly, Lagosians lost memories of the
ideal and the damage Tinubu has done to Lagos over two decades?
These are what Tinubu’s ignorant and desperate supporters should reflect
democracy would stop at nothing to ensure that Nigeria wins in 2023. They
would ensure that all those selfish criminals and evil men, parading
themselves as democrats, politicians or leaders are defeated. When they are
campaigning for Tinubu and they say “go to Lagos” ask them to where, what,
when and how it relates to Tinubu in view of democracy, intergrity,
fairness, equity, social justice, good governance that Nigerians earnestly
yearn for? He was only to be governor for 8 years, ask them when is Tinubu
going to finish his tenure as governor of Lagos State? Ask them if the
other 14 governors acted on his behalf to warrant them arrogating and
appropriating a whole Lagos State as Tinubu’s achievements.
Ask them the source of his wealth and while Lagos is still at the level of
development it is despite the humongous revenue and other resources. Ask
them why Lagos is the highest indebted state after Nigeria and more
indebted than some west African countries today? Tinubu and his men
shouldn’t just be left with a free option of expounding their criminal
voyage beyond Lagos by allowing them paint him the wrong picture of a
performer and the father of Modern Lagos State. It is an abomination to
allow Nigeria full into Lagos situation because democracy would be replaced
with fascism, autocracy, godfatherism and totalitarianism.
Tinubu and those ignorantly following him, arrogantly and fraudulently
arrogating so called achievements in Lagos to him do not mean well for
Nigeria. Ask those who live in Lagos. “Go to Lagos” catchment is nothing
but the most fraudulent, deceptive and corrupt way to engage in image
laundering with stolen public funds and collective effort of others. That
Nigerians are still tolerating the likes of Tinubu and his promoters who
make blanket and veiled reference to Lagos as Tinubu’s project and report
of public service performance, leaves reasonable Nigerians in bewilderment.
No doubt that the more they launder Tinubu with Lagos, the more they would
expose his corrupt and fraudulent activities in Lagos. Especially now that
a sitting governor of the State has abandoned his duties before, during and
after the APC primary, only to be following one leader like a house-boy,
expending public resources on a private ambition of an individual at the
expense of the state. Save for Tinubu’s godfatherism/fascism, Lagos would
have been ten times better than what it is today. Because many countries
who are far better than Nigeria do not have the resources available to
Lagos State. So, where is the borrowed robe of Democrat, Progressive,
Performer etc that Tinubu is being addressed or glorified by his followers
who are mostly blinded by temporary stomach infrastructure? Do we all think
that professor Osibanjo, Aregbesola, Prof. Adeyeye etc are just being
ingrates, disloyal or don’t all know what they are doing by attempting to
stop Tinubu.
Great loyalty is not loyalty to individual but ideas, principles and
content of character that profit the generality of the people and society.
Ask yourself, how many two-term former governors or even past Presidents of
Nigeria can boldly be able to privately distribute money in bullion vans as
Tinubu has been doing over the years? Where did he get those monies if not
ours? Not even Dangote, the richest man in Africa could do that. That is
the impunity and tyranny many of us want to elevate to national scale. Its
only in Nigeria such would be promoted. He boasts of having not lost a
single election when in actual sense he has never allowed a free and fair
elections in Lagos State. The only two elections thuggery was denied in Edo
and recently his home state of Osun, he lost woefully, despite his bullion
vans.
Is it not curious, that Nigeria has witnessed change of government from one
political party to another, yet Lagos State still remain in the hands of
one single individual, who appoints everyone from Governor to Counsellor.
It’s seriously bewildering to know that many Nigerians are not only
ignorant and idiotic, even educated and civilised people keep pouring
accolades and encomiums on those who have enslaved them just to survive
momentary hunger. Its annoying and frustrating that with the relentless
effort of even elders like Pa. Adebanjo, EK Clark etc to reset Nigeria,
there are still young people who prefer the status quo. There aren’t
bothered about the present state of hopelessness in Nigeria. They are still
promoting Tinubu and APC. Lagos State is not a gift to Tinubu, neither
would anyone compensate him with Nigeria for whatever reason.
Where is our conscience? How do you promote or defend those who have
wrecked socio-economic havoc on Nigeria? One must look stupid and idiotic
trying to extricate any key player from the disaster APC has brought upon
Lagos and Nigeria at large.
Ask those campaigning, why are they not proud of APC seven years of Buhari
and Tinubu leadership as President and APC National leader, respectively?
Did he, Tinubu not contribute to the drafting of APC manifesto and its
execution by the Buhari’s regime. Did he not campaign for APC/Buhari using
the said manifesto while marketing both to Nigerians. Has Tinubu not been
in Nigeria in the last 7 years. Was there anytime we read in any of the
national dailies that Tinubu, the national leader of APC disagreed with the
Buhari led APC government for abandoning their party manifesto. Did he ever
attempt to resign eventhough he only occupies an informal position of
national leader due to the failure of APC government. If NO, how can anyone
extricate him from the APC disaster in Nigeria?
As it stands, no wise and well-meaning Nigerian would find APC and Tinubu
electable in 2023 Presidential Election. Their disastrous outing, pillaging
of the economic, decimation of the nation’s security architecture by
Buhari’s Fulani terrorists brothers is enough to reject APC/BAT, wholesale.
Nigerians are ardently saying affliction shouldn’t repeat itself for a
second time. That’s why they’re avoiding Another Problem Coming (APC)
because those who shouted hollow “chengi” between 2015/2019 on the mountain
top are viciously hauling themselves up again for a terminal pillage.
Erasmus Ikhide can be reached via: ikhideerasmus@gmail.com
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU: WE’LL DEEPEN LASG RELATIONSHIP WITH NIGERIAN AIR FORCE, OTHERS FOR SECURITY IN LAGOS
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday said the State Government will continue to deepen its relationship with the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies for peace and security in the State.
Governor Sanwo-Olu made the statement when the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Logistics Command, Lagos of Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Emmanuel Shobande, paid him a courtesy visit at Lagos House, Ikeja.
He said: “We have watched very keenly our relationship and interactions with the Nigerian Air Force and we continue to see professionalism, competence and capability at the highest level.
“Indeed over the past couple of years, we have continued to see good relationship between the Lagos State Government and all security apparatus, especially the Nigeria Military Force – Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force and of course at the Security Council of the state, they bring on board very useful suggestions and discussions, which complements what other security arms are deploying, including the Lagos State Police Command and other related security agencies.
“For us, we are happy with the relationship we currently have. Like you all know, security is everybody’s business. So, we cannot but continue to remain very vigilant and continue to ensure that resources both men and material are available and support that we can continue to render as a government, we will continue to make them available to all.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu also assured Air Vice Marshal Shobande the continuous support of Lagos State Government to the Nigerian Air Force in Lagos.
He said: “We wish you the very best in this additional career posting you have call to come and take over in Lagos. We are encouraged given your pedigree that you will do a good job here. We are looking forward to further deepening of understanding and relationship between ourself and yourself.
“We know that the Nigerian Air Force have men that are equipped with some of the best airmen we have around the world, best flying officers, who also understand and appreciate what it entails to keep the air territory of the country peaceful and safe.”
Sanwo-Olu also commended the Logistics Command of Nigerian Air Force in Lagos for providing complementary citizens facilities like medical services, schools and recreational facilities for public use in Lagos State.
He said the Logistics Command, Lagos is one of the best commands the Nigerian Air Force possesses around the country, adding that “it has been a command that has throne men, officers and men that you know have been of impeccable standard to the Nigerian Air Force.”
Speaking earlier, Air Vice Marshall Emmanuel Shobande appreciated Governor Sanwo-Olu and Lagos State Government support to the Nigerian Air Force.
He also commended the relationship between the State Government and the Nigerian Air Force and assured Governor Sanwo-Olu that they will work with other security agencies for security of lives and properties in Lagos State.
“In doing our job, we will continue to cooperate with other sister services – Nigerian Army and Nigerian Navy and other security services in the state for security of lives and properties in Lagos State,” he said.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
11 SEPTEMBER 2022
WE DON’T FIGHT AND GO BACK- WIKE
Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has mocked the ousted national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, who was said to have danced when the National Executive Council (NEC) of the party passed vote of confidence on Senator Iyorchia Ayu, the embattled PDP national chairman.
Governor Wike said decision by NEC will not dissuade him and others from insisting that the prevailing structural imbalance within party must be addressed.
The governor spoke at the 11th Hour homecoming and reception organised for decampees from various political parties who have joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, which held at the Isaac Boro Park in Port Harcourt on Saturday.
“I was listening and watching, they said there is one man they call Secondus. They said he was dancing, celebrating that NEC gave their person vote of confidence. He forgets history. Ask him the same NEC through Aliyu Babangida moved a motion of vote of confidence supported by the same person, Ndudi Elumelu. They gave you (Secondus) a vote of confidence, what happened? You left office.
“We don’t fight and go back. If you like you can have as many 20 votes of confidence, it’s not my business. My business is to make sure the right thing is done, and the right thing must be done. Whether today or tomorrow.”
He said despite the heightening political aligning and negotiations that are going on, his administration has not abandoned governance in the State.
The governor explained that it is the love that he has for the State that has made him to remain devoted to providing good governance until the last day of his tenure.
“I’m not going to play party with the interest of my people. Rivers State is paramount to me first before any other person or group.
“So, the eyes can see what we have done. Up till today, we have never abandoned governance. So many people are already rounding up, taking the last they have but yet, we are still committed in commissioning, and flagging off projects.
“Because of the love we have for our people, we will continue to serve you till May 29, when by the grace of God, Siminialaye Fubara will be inaugurated the governor of Rivers State.”
Governor Wike commended the decampees for their courage to rejoin their political family because it is true that there is no other political party that can win election in Rivers State except the PDP.
“PDP is a household name in Rivers State. Let me assure you that we will all work with you. Nothing like somebody who has been there since and somebody who has just come back. The more the merrier.
“So, all of us must put hands together to make sure our governorship candidate, the National Assembly candidates, the House of Assembly candidates, at least from Rivers State, we return them 100 percent. That’s our primary duty.”
The governor dismissed efforts by other political candidates as mere attempt to appear on the ballot because there is no hope of winning for them.
Governor Wike enthused that the chance of winning that PDP has is hinged on the fact that the party and his administration has served to protect the interest of the State courageously.
“If God gives you the ticket of PDP in this State, go home and sew your cloth for the inauguration day.
“Because, what will any Rivers man or woman be saying that he or she wants to vote for any other person in Rivers State. As a party, we have kept faith with our people. As a party we have stood for our people. As a party, we have never allowed intimidation from any quarter and that is what we are talking about the interest of Rivers State.
“Remember, before I came on board, one state had our property with them. As I came in as governor, with support and prayer of our people we took all our property back.”
Speaking further, governor Wike said a new strategy will be adopted for the coming political season in which political ‘bigmen’ will be replaced with people who are domicile among their people in various communities. According to him, those who are domicile with their people will be utilised to deliver their units and wards during the general elections.
Rivers State chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Desmond Akawor said the party is presenting a certificate to acknowledge excellence performance of governor Wike because he has surpassed their expectations.
Ambassador Akawor stated that the decampees from the other political parties have witnessed the unequal transformational performance of governor Wike in office.
He listed the establishment of the Nabo Graham Douglas campus of Nigerian Law School in the State, the Real Madrid Academy and Dr. Peter Odili Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases Diagnostics and Treatment Centre among other reputable projects for the reasons why the decampees have returned to the PDP.
Speaking on behalf of decampees from Rivers South East Senatorial District, a former member of All Progressives Congress, APC Board of Trustees, Dr. Sam Sam Jaja said they had a regrettable unsuccessful political expedition while in their former parties, but have retraced their steps back to the PDP on self-volition.
Dr. Jaja described Governor Wike as a compassionate, loving and graceful leader who was created to do good for the people.
He pledged their 100 per cent loyalty and stated that they will join the PDP to uplift the oppressed, reengineer the new phase of transformation of the state and help the needy to grow.
On behalf of decampees from Rivers East Senatorial District, Princewill Dike said he was a sad man while he served as chief propagandist for the APC because the numerous developmental strides of governor Wike were too visible to be a lie.
Speaking on behalf of decampees from Rivers West Senatorial District, former Commissioner for Transportation in the Chibuike Amaechi’s administration, George Tolofari, said they are happy to be back home in the PDP.
Similarly, a former chairman of Akuku Toru Local Government, Dr. Theodore Georgewill apologised that they left PDP when they were most needed.
He said they have returned with the assurance that APC is dead, and are determined to deliver 90 percent of the votes because they believe in the leadership of governor Wike.
Strike: SERAP sues Buhari, wants court to declare refusal to meet ASUU’s demands illegal
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and five university students have filed a lawsuit against President Muhammadu Buhari, asking the court to “declare unlawful the refusal by the Federal Government to meet ASUU’s demands, which has occasioned the prolonged strike action and violated the students’ right to quality education.”
Joined in the suit as Defendants are the Minister of Labour, Employment and Productivity, Chris Ngige, and Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN.
The suit followed the apparent lack of commitment by the Federal Government to implement the agreements with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), and to end the over seven-month-old industrial action by the union, and the threat by the government to implement its “no work, no pay” policy.
In the suit number NICN/ABJ/269/2022 filed last week at the National Industrial Court, Abuja, SERAP and the students are seeking: “an order directing President Buhari and Mr Ngige to immediately implement all the agreements with ASUU in order to end the strike action and violation of the students’ right to quality education.”
According to SERAP and the students: “Disruption of classes undermines both the quality and duration of students’ education. This situation has aggravated existing disparities in access to university education in the country, further marginalizing economically disadvantaged parents and students.”
The suit filed on behalf of SERAP and the students by their lawyer Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, read in part: “The Federal Government has failed to respect, protect, promote and fulfil the right to quality education, and the right to freedom of association through the principle of collective bargaining.”
“Although Nigeria has ratified several human rights treaties, which guarantee the right to quality education of Nigerian students, the Federal Government has over the years refused to meet the demands by ASUU, and to address the poor environment in the country’s universities.”
“The students who are co-claimants in the suit are Dongo Daniel Davou; Oyebode Joshua Babafemi; Ejie Kemkanma; Peter Itohowo Aniefiok; and Imam Naziru. They are students of Plateau State University, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Port Harcourt, University of Uyo, and University of Ibadan, respectively.”
“The failure to implement the agreements with ASUU is also a fundamental breach of the right to education without discrimination or exclusion, as strike actions continue to penalize economically disadvantaged parents who have no means or capacity to send their children to private schools.”
“Equal access of Nigerian children and young people to quality and uninterrupted education including at the university level would contribute to producing citizens who are fundamentally equal and people who actively participate in society.”
“It would enable people to enjoy the rights as well as fulfil obligations that are associated with citizenship.”
“SERAP had earlier advised President Buhari to recover the N105.7 billion stolen public funds and utilize same in addition to specified percentages of the N3.6 billion feeding and travels allowances for the President and the N134 billion allocated to the National Assembly in the 2022 Budget to meet the legitimate demands by ASUU.”
“Apart from being a right in itself, the right to education is also an enabling right. Education is a public good.”
“Education creates the ‘voice’ through which rights can be claimed and protected, and without education people lack the capacity to achieve valuable functioning as part of the living.”
“Nigeria’s public tertiary institutions have continued to experience a steady decline. The quality of public education offered is low and standards have continued to drop. The learning environment does not promote effective learning.”
“The right to bargain freely with employers with respect to conditions of work constitutes an essential element in freedom of association, and trade unions including ASUU should have the right to seek to improve the living and working conditions of those whom they represent.”
“The Federal Government has continued to ignore the plights of teeming undergraduates, who have been denied access to quality education due to the lingering strike action occasioned by the continued reluctance of the Defendants and their agents to implement the agreements with ASUU.”
“The breach of the agreements by the Federal Government clearly provides a reasonable basis for ASUU members to exercise their right to strike as a last resort. It is unlawful to punish the members simply for peacefully exercising their right.”
“Nigerian students in public universities have suffered many years of disruption as a result of the failure of governments to address the root causes of strike action by ASUU and to faithfully implement the agreements reached with the union, leading to devastating consequences on the right to equal and quality higher education.”
“The Federal Government has breached the explicit right to equal access to higher education of Nigerian children and young people, as provided for by article 13(2)(c) of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.”
“Providing Nigerian children and young people equal access to education should be the core public service functions of the Federal Government.”
“Owing to poor funding, poor remuneration system, unconducive learning and training environments in public tertiary institutions in Nigeria, ASUU after a protracted strike action concluded the FGN-ASUU 2009 Agreement in October 2009.”
“According to reports and available evidence, the FGN-ASUU Initialled 2009 Agreement sought among others, the resolution of the following underlying issues: proper funding of public tertiary institutions to the tune of N1.3 trillion to be implemented across a period of 4 years between 2009 and 2013.”
“It was agreed that the N1.3 trillion funding of Government-owned tertiary institutions would span between years 2014 and 2018. It was also agreed that the sum of N200 billion Naira would be released to public tertiary institutions in 2013 while a tranche of N220 billion Naira was to be paid yearly between 2014 and 2018.”
“However, according to reports, only the sum of N200 billion Naira was released in 2014 and no other sum, apart from the sum of N20 billion Naira released in 2019 was paid to the institutions.”
SERAP and the students are also seeking the following reliefs:
No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
11/9/2022
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
PRESIDENT BUHARI MOURNS VETERAN BROADCASTER, CHIEF TIMAWUS MATHIAS
President Muhammadu Buhari condoles with Government and people of Adamawa State over the passing of an illustrious son, Chief Timawus Mathias, 73, who served the country as a broadcaster, writer and media consultant for more than fifty years.
President Buhari shares the pain of loss with family members, particularly his wife of close to five decades, Betty, the Hama Bachama and the Bachama Council where he holds the title of a spokesman, friends and professional colleagues in the media.
The President extols Chief Mathias for dedicating his life to service of the country, starting out at a young age with Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, before moving to the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA and hitting the limelight with Verdict’83 in 1983.
President Buhari believes the multi-talented journalist, whose versatility stretched into music, contributed to the vibrancy and dynamism of Nigerian media, remaining relevant in writing columns for newspapers and treads on social media, while providing expert guidance on communication to many public and private institutions.
The President affirms that the veteran journalist, who has two media stations in Yola, NTA and AIT, named after him will always be remembered for the value he added to the lives of many, home and abroad.
President Buhari prays that Almighty God will accept the soul of Chief Mathias and comfort his family.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 9, 2022
DESPITE STRONG HEADWINDS, NIGERIA’S ECONOMY CONTINUES TO GROW, SAYS PRESIDENT BUHARI AS HE INAUGURATES COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL ECONOMY
President Muhammadu Buhari Friday in State House Abuja stated that despite the disruptions in global economy and internal troubles, the Nigerian economy has continued to be resilient and maintains an upward trajectory.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Presidential Committee on the National Economy, President Buhari said the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and the loss of substantial volumes of oil have had negative impacts on the Nigerian economy.
“Starting with COVID-19 and now the conflict in Ukraine, the past three years have been turbulent ones for the global economy. Global interdependence has become more apparent as we have had to deal with volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity.
“In this period, challenges faced by the world have been many including: (i) lockdowns as COVID-19 raged; (ii) disruptions to supply chains around the world; and (iii) sharp fluctuations in prices.
“Just as the world was beginning to recover from the coronavirus, the conflict in the Black Sea region between Ukraine and Russia worsened the challenges already being faced and created additional problems to which policy makers are having to respond.
“Our economy continues to grow despite the adverse effects of rising interest rates, a stronger US dollar and higher inflation across the world,” he said.
President Buhari noted, however, that some of the problems could be addressed internally, making the constitution of the seasoned economic experts expedient:
“It is however important to note that some of the issues we must address are peculiar to us. For example, the decline in our production of crude oil. It is estimated that last month, August 2022, we produced less than 1mn barrels. The fall in production is essentially due to economic sabotage.
“With the high price of oil in the world markets, producing at about half our OPEC quota has deprived us of much needed revenue and foreign exchange. Government is working tirelessly to reverse this situation.”
President Buhari, however, assured Nigerians that despite these hiccups, necessitating borrowings from financial sources, the current administration remains committed to the welfare of the citizens, especially the implementation of the Social Investment Programmes.
According to him, “While citizen concern about borrowing is well understood, our resort to borrowing must also be appreciated in the context of the resources required to deliver on the infrastructure, health and other socio-economic needs of our citizens.
“It remains a major goal of this Administration to continue pursuing its social protection programmes. These programmes provide support to the most vulnerable of our citizens.”
The Nigerian leader stressed the need to upscale resource mobilization and utilization in the country as more could be achieved in this direction.
“This Administration is also not unaware of the debates about resource mobilisation and utilisation. On resource mobilisation, our performance as a nation continues to be a source of concern.
“Tax revenues are approximately 8 per cent of our output. This compares very badly with those countries against which we measure ourselves that achieve 15-25 per cent. In the absence of revenue, our ability to deliver the most basic services is limited.”
President Buhari said that while he understands the concerns arising from the huge expenditure on fuel subsidy, it is expedient that a right balance be struck not to scare away investors:
“With respect to expenditure, our objective remains to ensure that spending is efficient and result oriented. In this regard, the debate around fuel subsidies is well noted. However, the right balance needs to be struck to ensure that as we protect our citizens, we do not leave room for inefficiencies and leakages.
“It is also important to ensure that our national investment environment is such that local and international private investors can be attracted and retained. Sustainably dealing with the challenge of policy predictability and coherence is an important element in this regard.”
On the mandate and constitution of the Committee under his headship with representations from State Governors, the President said he is convinced that it will deliver as expected for the benefit of the populace:
“The Presidential Committee of the National Economy, which I am inaugurating today, aims to bring together all policy makers responsible for the economy. In this way, we share a common understanding and approach to resolving the issues I have identified and many more.
“This Committee, will provide our nation an opportunity to be bold, more proactive, and innovative in tackling persistent challenges. The work with which I have tasked the assembled team will enable us respond more swiftly and efficiently.”
Presentations were made at the event by Dr Doyin Salami, Chief Economic Adviser to the President, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, as well as Mr Godwin Emefiele, Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria.
Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, represented Chairman of the Governors Forum.
The Presidential Committee on the Economy is chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari and has as members the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo SAN; Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum; Dr. Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, Honourable Minister for Finance, Budget, and National Planning; Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Honourable Minister for Industry, Trade and Investment; and Chief Timipre Sylva, Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum.
Other members include Mr. Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation; Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, Chief of Staff to the President; Mr. Godwin Emefiele, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and Dr. Mohammed Sagagi, Vice Chairman of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council.
The Chief Economic Adviser to the President, Dr. Doyin Salami, is Member/Secretary of the Committee.
The Presidential Committee will review the national economic situation and propose measures to ensure our national economy improves and can meet the government’s objectives. The Committee will also receive regular updates on economic conditions in the country, identify issues that require urgent intervention to improve macroeconomic and fiscal conditions, review the impact of existing and new policies on the Nigerian economy and provide directions to relevant institutions responsible for fiscal, monetary, and any other relevant policies.
Against the background of recent developments in the global economy and its impact on Nigeria’s economic trajectory, this Presidential Committee is another clear demonstration of Mr. President’s total commitment to ensuring that the Nigerian economy successfully navigates through these difficult times. It will be an “economic emergency room” that will work towards keeping Nigeria on the path of economic recovery and growth, global competitiveness as well as inclusive development and sustainability.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 9, 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI MOURNS THE DEMISE OF THE QUEEN OF ENGLAND
President Muhammadu Buhari received with immense sadness news of the passing of Queen Elizabeth ll of the United Kingdom.
“My family and I, and the more than 200 million Nigerians have learned with immense sadness of the passing of the Queen and the end of her unique and wonderful 70 year reign. Her late Majesty was the only British Sovereign known to 90 percent of our population.
“Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom and the entire Commonwealth as we join the entire world in mourning her loss.
“The story of modern Nigeria will never be complete without a chapter on Queen Elizabeth ll, a towering global personality and an outstanding leader. She dedicated her life to making her nation, the Commonwealth and the entire world a better place.”
The President welcomes Your Majesty’s ascension to the throne in line with tradition and prays King Charles the Third’s reign will witness the continuing robust and sisterly relations between our two nations.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 8, 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI REJOICES WITH BISHOP FRANCIS WALE-OKE ON 66TH BIRTHDAY
President Muhammadu Buhari warmly felicitates with President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Francis Wale-Oke on his 66th birthday, joining family, friends and the Body of Christ to celebrate with the religious leader, who has stayed on a shining path.
President Buhari notes the sacrifices, selflessness and dedication of the President and Founder of The Sword of the Spirit to his calling to teach and preach the gospel, and win souls for the Kingdom, and live an exemplary life of charity and kindness as required by the scriptures.
The President salutes the visionary and charismatic leadership style of Bishop Wale-Oke that has influenced many lives in Nigeria and abroad on fear of God, setting up health and educational institutions across the country, and providing support for the underprivileged and vulnerable.
As the founder of the Christ Life Church turns 66, the President prays for his wellbeing, that of his family, and the flock of Christians he leads.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 8, 2022
IN LAGOS, PRESIDENT BUHARI URGES NIGERIANS TO HAVE FAITH IN THE ARMED FORCES, VOWS TO SUSTAIN OPERATIONAL TEMPO ON SECURITY
President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday in Lagos urged Nigerians to believe in the capability of the armed forces to safeguard and bring long-lasting peace and stability to the country.
Declaring open the 12th Nigerian Navy Games, LAGOS 2022, the President assured Nigerians that the armed forces would continue to sustain their operational tempo to contain the security challenges in the country.
He said the security agencies would continue to ensure that all appropriate measures were in place for the safety of Nigerians.
The President also re-emphasized the importance of synergy between the armed forces, other security agencies and the general population for peace and security.
President Buhari, who also commissioned the newly constructed Nigerian Navy Sports Complex, commended the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, for investing in sports development.
‘‘Over the years, sports have remained a tool to strengthen the ties between troops, instilling discipline and readiness to serve a common cause in the military. I am sure that these Games will create the forum for the Nigerian Navy to achieve these objectives and more.
‘‘The construction of this sports complex has provided a standard venue for the Nigerian Navy to host major games as well as an appropriate venue for naval personnel within Lagos to use for training and other recreational purposes.
‘‘I am therefore confident that besides the conduct of the Games, the Nigerian Navy and its personnel will continue to make good use of the facilities in this complex,’’ he said.
The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces expressed the hope that the Games would provide the needed platform and avenue for the discovery of new talents that will represent the Navy and Nigeria in international competitions.
He, therefore, urged all participating athletes to inculcate fair play and exhibit a high level of decorum during the competition.
‘‘I note that all commands in the Nigerian Navy are participating in the Games.
‘‘This means that the Nigerian Navy can take stock of the level of preparedness of its personnel while encouraging the development of team spirit amongst its personnel.
‘‘The Games should therefore provide a glimpse of what Nigerians expect from the Nigerian Navy; dedication, commitment, unity, oneness and comradeship,’’ President Buhari said, assuring that the Federal Government will continue to encourage sporting activities in view of its importance towards national cohesiveness and unity.
The President also thanked the Lagos State government for supporting the Games and cooperating with the military in the State, describing the goodwill as highly commendable.
In his goodwill message, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos described the Nigerian Navy as a strategic partner to the ‘‘coastal State of Lagos’’ on security of lives and property.
He, therefore, thanked the President for approving the establishment of a new Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Lekki axis, one of the fastest growing industrial, commercial and residential development areas in West Africa.
‘‘Lekki is also home to the largest deep-sea port in Africa, which Mr President will commission soon, it is home to the largest private refinery, among other landmark investments in our country,’’ he said.
The Lagos Governor wished the over 1,800 Naval athletes participating in the Games success, charging them to display the full spirit of sportsmanship and fair play in the eight-day competition.
The Chief of Naval Staff pledged that the Navy would sustain the fight against crude oil theft and other maritime crimes, ensuring that the country maintains its delisting from nations of high piracy risks.
He expressed delight that Nigeria exited from the International Maritime Bureau’s Piracy List early in the year and no incidence of piracy has been recorded in the last one year, adding that this attests to the Nigerian Navy’s willingness and resilience to ensure a safe and secure maritime environment for socio-economic activities to thrive.
The Naval Chief also used the occasion to thank the President for his unquantifiable support to the Nigerian Navy, saying:
‘‘The President within the last year approved the acquisition of two 76m High Endurance Offshore Patrol Vessels and 3 helicopters to join the recently acquired hydrographic survey ship and the Landing Ship Transport, including numerous fast attack craft to boost maritime security operations.
‘‘Mr President, it is pertinent to state that induction of Landing Ship Tank, Nigerian Navy Ship KADA into the Fleet has further enhanced Nigerian Navy’s naval power projection, within the region and beyond.’’
‘‘Significantly, the ship embarked on its first official trip last month, with military hardware and logistics for the Nigerian Contingent deployed for ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission at Guinea Bissau. This further confirms your administration’s commitment towards regional stability in furtherance of our foreign and defence policy objectives.’’
On the ultra-modern Complex commissioned by the President, the Naval Chief explained that it is equipped with the state-of-the-art indoors sporting equipment, a world class gymnasium, swimming pool and a standard football pitch as well as tracks for athletics events.
He recounted that the ultra-modern edifice was conceptualised and constructed by the immediate past Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd).
According to him, the retired Admiral’s plan was to invite the President to commission the Complex at the end of 2020, however, the commissioning could not be actualized due to restrictions imposed by the COVID – 19 pandemic.
The Naval Chief noted that contemporary warfare generally described as being volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous, places a huge demand on personnel combat readiness and thus necessitates the need to sustain high levels of physical fitness and mental alertness.
He added that physical fitness and mental alertness of personnel has become key considerations for armed forces to meet increasing demands of current operations environment of the Nigerian Navy, which has recorded significant appearances at local and international competitions.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 8, 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI EXTOLS CHAIRMAN OF NDLEA, MOHAMMED BUBA MARWA AT 69
President Muhammadu Buhari celebrates with Chairman of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd), on his 69th birthday, September 9, 2022.
President Buhari affirms the dynamic leadership roles the Chairman of NDLEA has played in shaping the history of the country as Governor of Borno State, and Military Administrator of Lagos State, leaving behind lasting legacies of investment in people and infrastructure that keep memories of his service fresh and commendable.
The President hails the initiative and reforms that Marwa has instituted in NDLEA, borne out of his passion for a purposeful, result oriented and motivated agency that places the health and safety of the society first, particularly the youths, and networks with other security outfits, home and abroad, to rid the country of drug traffickers.
President Buhari recognizes the arduous task before the Chairman and his team, believing the same patriotism and diligence that he has displayed over many years in the military and after retirement will continue to yield results.
The President prays that the Almighty God will grant the Chairman of NDLEA more courage, strength and wisdom as he serves the country.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 8, 2022
HOW NIGERIA, POLAND CAN HAVE A WIN-WIN RELATIONSHIP, BY PRESIDENT BUHARI
Nigeria and Poland on Tuesday in Abuja signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Agriculture, while pledging their willingness to enlarge the fields of economic cooperation in the energy and manufacturing sectors.
The signing took place during the State Visit of President Andrezej Duda of Poland, the first by a Polish leader to Nigeria since the establishment of diplomatic relations between both countries in 1961.
Addressing a joint press conference with the visiting Head of State, President Buhari said Nigeria is gratified by the existing fruitful cooperation with Poland in the fields of maritime, education and defence.
On agriculture, which is one of the priority areas of the Nigerian government, the President said cooperation in this area will be a win-win for the two countries, especially in the context of global food insecurity occasioned by the conflict in Ukraine.
He noted that in view of the numerous global challenges, Nigeria would like to develop new mechanisms for cooperation including regular strategic dialogues and political consultations to cover not only bilateral relations but also to address regional and international issues.
‘‘Our cooperation in education has a long history and we wish to encourage the extension of that cooperation to the sharing of knowledge and experience between our educational institutions in areas such as science and technology as well as Information and Communication Technology, in order to help drive innovation in our countries in this competitive global knowledge economy,’’ the Nigerian leader said.
Describing the two-day visit of the Polish President as significant, underscoring the cordial relations that exist between both countries, President Buhari commended the efforts of the Government of Poland in providing assistance to the large number of refugees fleeing the conflict in Ukraine, including a significant number of Nigerians.
‘‘I also wish to express our sincere gratitude for the kind and generous support extended during our government’s evacuation of our fleeing nationals.
‘‘We also appreciate greatly the opportunity given to some of our nationals to remain in Poland to continue with their studies.
‘‘As regards trade relations, we would like to see an increase in the level of trade, as it remains relatively low in spite of the long period of relations between our two countries,’’ he said.
The Nigerian leader welcomed the hosting of a Dialogue that will bring together various members of the business sectors of Nigeria and Poland, during the State Visit, adding that it is an excellent initiative to increase the level of trade between both countries.
Duda said Nigeria was the only African country Poland has signed an agreement of strategic dialogue with, which includes the MoU on agriculture cooperation.
‘‘What was pivotal in our conversation today both in our tete-a-tete as well as the plenary session was how to provide food and energy security.
‘‘It is important to us to strengthen the relations between Poland and Nigeria and the MOU we have signed is very important for the future of both nations on food security,’’ the Polish president said through an interpreter.
On energy security, he lauded the delivery of liquefied natural gas to Poland from Nigeria, as well as shipments of crude oil.
‘‘We want to further this cooperation and we want to increase the supplies from Nigeria to Poland and by this way we want to contribute to the development of economic cooperation between the two countries,’’ he said.
President Duda noted that Nigeria and Poland have enjoyed excellent bilateral relations in the last 60 years, buoyed at the people-to-people level with the presence of many Nigerians at Polish higher institutions of learning as well as the input of Polish engineers and scientists in the building of infrastructure in Nigeria.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 6, 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI CONGRATULATES BRITISH PRIME MINISTER, LIZ TRUSS
On behalf of the citizens and Government of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari congratulates the new Prime Minister of Britain, Liz Truss, on her assumption of this trusted position of leadership.
The President rejoices with the former Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom, whose antecedents in government, politics and diplomacy will further shape and strengthen relations with Nigeria and other nations.
He affirms that the shared ties between Nigeria and Britain remains strong, positive and mutually beneficial, while working with Prime Minister Liz Truss to deepen that relationship in the interest of both countries.
President Buhari appreciates the warmth and friendliness of the immediate past Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, wishing him the best in his future endeavours.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 6, 2022
September 7, 2022
Press Statement
Yahaya Bello’s Inciting Video, an Act of Terrorism -PDP
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is alarmed by the disturbing video of Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State inciting his supporters, threatening to burn and unleash maximum violence on Nigerians during the 2023 general elections.
In the video, Governor Bello was heard issuing terrorism threats in which he said, “I will personally light a fierce fire in my hand whoever want it we shall use it to burn them, whoever survive it will thank God… Whoever is against us we will make him or her join my mother and lie with her (my mother) in grave.”
By FBI definition, terrorism is the “unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives”.
This brazen threat by Governor Yahaya Bello raises apprehensions in the public space of the existence of a killer squad established to inflict violence on Nigerians ahead of the 2023 general elections just because they have rejected the corrupt, divisive and rudderless All Progressives Congress (APC), which failure is most manifest by Yahaya Bello’s abysmal performance in Kogi State.
From his outburst, Nigerians now know the individuals who engineered the gruesome killing of many of our citizens including the PDP Woman Leader in Kogi State, Mrs. Salome Abu, who was burnt alive in her house in 2019,
Also, Nigerians now have more insight into the disappearance of Hon. Adelabu Musa, the PDP Chairman in Okene Local Government Area for over three years now.
Furthermore, the PDP recalls how the Bello-led Kogi State Government was accused of breeding and arming thugs as well as fake security operatives to harass and attack Nigerians in Kogi State during the 2019 general elections.
This threat to violence and actual violence to Nigerians especially at this time have the capacity to cause a breach of public peace, truncate the 2023 electoral process and derail our democracy.
The PDP therefore calls on President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately call Governor Yahaya Bello to order and place him and his supporters on security watch list as threat to democracy ahead of the 2023 general elections.
Our Party also charges the Inspector General of Police to immediately commence a comprehensive investigation into the activities of Governor Yahaya Bello with a view to nipping this ugly trend in the bud as well as prosecuting him at the end of his tenure as Governor of Kogi State.
We urge Nigerians, especially those in Kogi State not to be deterred by Yahaya Bello whose days in office are numbered but remain vigilant and continue to rally with the PDP in the determination to liberate our nation from the stranglehold of the APC and the likes of Yahaya Bello, come 2023.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
27th August, 2022
*UPHOLDING CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS IS THE BEDROCK OF THE RULE OF LAW AND CIVILITY; OKPE UNION CANNOT BE DIFFERENT.*
When government officers are sworn in, their oaths of office entail an affirmation that they would abide by the Constitution and laws of the state. Similarly, when elected officers of organisations whether social groups, ethnic unions and others, are sworn into office, they take oath or swear to abide by the respective constitutions of the associations.
Any deviation from those oaths of offices is condemnable and even impeachable in many instances. We therefore call on all Okpe people to support and defend members of the elected National Executive Council of the Okpe Union for standing firm in the face of the autocratic, and unwarranted attempt to forcefully take over the administration of the Okpe Union by imposing non members of the Okpe Union to take over the administration of the over ninety two years old organisation which has had a history of peaceful democratic transfer of its leadership. Succeeding in undemocratically taking over the administration of the Okpe Union would result in the enslavement of the Okpe masses.
We therefore call on Okpe people and lovers of democracy and justice to support the legal actions embarked upon by the elected National Executive Council of the Okpe Union led by Prof Igho Natufe to stop the impostors from parading themselves as the leadership of the Okpe Union.
Allowing traditional and political leaders to hijack the Okpe Union as against the constitutional and historical position that only members of the union through delegates from branches in a General Assembly Meeting choose its leadership, would amount to the Okpe people allowing themselves into slavery. The Okpe Union is historically funded by membership dues to avoid control by politicians and self serving personalities.
May God save the Okpe Nation. Amen!
Akpederin K.E. Esq.,
*General Secretary, the Okpe Union.*
8th September, 2022.
*BEWARE OF FALSE PROPAGANDA BY THE PROMOTER OF WADO CITY APROKO FACEBOOK ACCOUNT THAT OKPE UNION NATIONAL LEADERSHIP IS DECLARED ENEMIES OF THE OKPE NATION*
The attention of the elected National Executive Council of the Okpe Union has been drawn to a post by the Wado City Aproko Facebook page alleging that the Palace of the Orodje of Okpe as well as the Udogun Okpe has declared members of the leadership of the Okpe Union as enemies of Okpe. Despite the obvious fact that the promoter of the faceless Facebook account never quoted any sources nor made any reference to any publication from the Udogun Okpe or Palace of the Orodje of Okpe, many persons have begun sharing or reposting the said fabricated post.
It was brought to our notice that the promoter of the Wado City Aproko Facebook account also posted on his personal page on the 27th of August, 2022 that the Okpe Union elected National Executive Council has been sacked by the Palace. He rejoiced in that post that it was victory for Urhobo as, according to him, the National Executive Council of the Okpe Union led by Prof Igho Natufe has been promoting a struggle for Okpe to be recognised by the government as a distinct Ethnic Nationality. As that particular post only contained false claims and not necessarily defamatory contents, he could post it on his personal Facebook account. However, as the current one not only has false contents but also outrightly defamatory allegations which are actionable in court, he cowardly only posted it on his faceless Facebook account but which many gullible persons have begun sharing or reposting.
Let the public be aware that any decisions by the Okpe Palace or Udogun Okpe is communicated by the Secretary of the Udogun Okpe who also doubles as the secretary of the Palace. To show how false the said publication by the Wado City Aproko is, it added the late Elder Shedrack Idjeneba (former President of the Okpe Union who passed on last year) as one of those declared “Enemies of Okpe”. The appropriate officials of the Udogun Okpe and the Palace of the Orodje of Okpe are reachable to confirm or deny if any such position was reached.
This release is to enjoin all branches of the Okpe Union to go about their normal activities of promoting the Okpe Union which is the organisation that will continually promote the interest of the common Okpe man and woman. The Okpe Union remains an autonomous organisation with its constitution which contains how its National Executive Council is elected by the General Assembly of delegates from its various branches.
We also ask Okpe nationals at home and in Diaspora to always promote Okpe unity and the position of the Okpe Nation as the bridge for a united Delta State. Reading from the Wado City Aproko post, it is clear that the motive of the promoter is to pit Okpe people against Urhobo people on the one hand and cause confusion about the relationship between the Okpe people and their Itsekiri neighbours on the other hand. It clearly has a sinister political motive. Let us all work continually for the unity and development of the Okpe Nation.
May God bless the Okpe Union!
May God bless the Orodje of Okpe!
May God bless the Okpe Nation.
*Issued by:*
*Okpe Union Publicity Department.*
…………………………………………………….
Communique Issued at the End of the 97th National Executive Committee (NEC) Meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Held Today, Thursday, September 8, 2022 at the PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja
The National Executive Committee (NEC) of our great Party at its 97th meeting extensively deliberated on issues of urgent national importance as well as the preparation of our Party for the 2023 general elections and resolved as follows:
State of The Nation:
This unpatriotic act is a brazen plot by the APC to manipulate and rig the 2023 general elections against the Will of Nigerians. The PDP demands that President Buhari immediately withdraws the APC members nominated as RECs, failure of which has the capacity to trigger serious political crisis that can threaten the 2023 general elections and derail our democratic process
Campaign Structure
Thank you.
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
Court extends order stopping Buhari, NBC from shutting down 53 broadcast stations
The Federal High Court in Lagos has extended the order stopping President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) from revoking the licenses of 53 broadcast stations in the country, and shutting down the stations for allegedly failing to renew their licenses.
Honourable Justice Akintayo Aluko (Court 8) had on 29 August 2022 granted an order of interim injunction following the hearing of an argument on motion exparte by Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE).
The order was granted pending the hearing of the Motion on Notice for interlocutory injunction.
When the case came up before the Court for hearing today, Honourable Justice Daniel Emeka Osiagor extended the order of interim injunction pending the hearing of the Motion on Notice, and adjourned the case to 26th October 2022 for the hearing of the originating summons.
The Court extended the order of interim injunction following the hearing of an argument by SERAP and NGE counsel, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN.
SERAP and NGE had in August filed a lawsuit against Buhari and NBC, asking the court for “a declaration that section 10(a) of the Third Schedule to the NBC Act used by NBC to threaten to revoke the licenses of 53 broadcast stations and to shut down the stations is unconstitutional and unlawful, as it violates freedom of expression.”
In the suit, SERAP and NGE had asked the court for “an order of interim injunction restraining Buhari and NBC, their agents from revoking the licenses of 53 broadcast stations in the country and shutting their down operations, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed contemporaneously in this suit.”
The suit followed the decision by the NBC to revoke the licenses of the 53 broadcast stations and shut down their operations within 24 hours over alleged N2.6 billion debt.
In the suit number FHC/L/CS/1582/2022, SERAP and NGE are asking the court to determine “whether section 10(a) of the Third Schedule to the NBC Act used by NBC to threaten revoke the licenses of 53 broadcast stations and shut them down is not in inconsistent with freedom of expression and access to information.”
SERAP and NGE are also seeking “a declaration that section 10(a) of the National Broadcasting Act used by NBC to unilaterally revoke the licenses of the broadcast stations and shutdown the stations is a violation of the constitutionally and internationally guaranteed right to fair hearing.”
The suit, read in part: “The provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and human rights treaties on freedom of expression indicate that this right can be exercised through any medium.”
“Effectively, these provisions recognize that every individual has the right to an equal opportunity to receive, seek and impart information through any communication medium without discrimination.”
“The use of NBC Act and Code in this case would inadmissibly open the door to arbitrariness and would fundamentally restrict the freedom of expression that is an integral part of the public order protected the Nigerian Constitution and human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a state party.”
“The media plays an essential role as a vehicle or instrument for the exercise of freedom of expression and information – in its individual and collective aspects – in a democratic society.”
“Indeed, the media has the task of distributing all varieties of information and opinion on matters of general interest.”
“The public has a right to receive and assess this information and opinion independently. Therefore, the existence of a free, independent, vigorous, pluralistic, and diverse media is essential for the proper functioning of a democratic society.”
“According to the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa adopted by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, ‘licensing processes shall seek to promote diversity in broadcasting. Any registration system for the media shall not impose substantive restrictions on the right to freedom of expression.’”
“Revoking the licenses of 53 broadcast stations and shutting down their operations because they have not renewed their licenses would both seriously undermine the rights of millions of Nigerians to express their thoughts, and their right to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas of all kinds, in any medium they choose.”
“Freedom of expression includes the public’s right to receive, and the right of those who express themselves through a medium of communication, to impart the greatest possible diversity of information and ideas.”
“The media including the affected 53 broadcast stations play an essential role, as they allow millions of Nigerians to access both the relevant information and a variety of perspectives that are necessary for reaching reasonable and informed conclusions on matters of public interest.”
“The Plaintiffs recognize the mandates of NBC to regulate broadcasting. However, the exercise of such mandates including renewals or revocation of licenses must follow the thresholds and guidelines set by the right to freedom of expression.”
“The free circulation of ideas and news is not possible except in the context of a plurality of sources of information and media outlets. The lack of plurality in sources of information is a serious obstacle for the functioning of democracy.”
“The NBC Act and Broadcasting Code cannot and should not be used in a manner that is inconsistent and incompatible with plurality of voices, diversity of voices, non-discrimination, and just demands of a democratic society, as well as the public interest.”
“Broadcasting is a means of exercising freedom of expression. Any restrictions on freedom of expression must meet the requirements of legality, necessity, and proportionality.”
“The regulation of broadcasting must aspire to promote and expand the scope of the right to freedom of expression, not restrict it.”
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
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
Iyobosa Uwugiaren
General Secretary
Nigerian Guild of Editors
+2348033143902
8/9/2022
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to use his “leadership position to urgently withdraw the names of nominees recently submitted to the Senate for confirmation as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) who are allegedly members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).”
According to reports, the president had on 26 July sent to the Senate the names of 19 resident electoral commissioners for confirmation. At least four of the 19 nominees allegedly either belong to a political party or have been previously indicted for corruption.
In a letter dated 3 September, 2022 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization said, “the combined effect of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], the Electoral Act and international standards is the requirement that elections must be organized by a truly independent and impartial electoral body.”
SERAP said, “Withdrawing the names of those nominees who are allegedly members of the APC, and replacing them with people of unquestionable integrity and competence, and who are not members of any political party would improve the independence of INEC and promote public confidence in the appointment process.”
According to SERAP, “Your government has a legal responsibility to promote and guarantee the integrity, credibility, and independence of INEC, and to ensure that the electoral body is free from political and other interferences.”
The letter, read in part: “As its name suggests, INEC is expected to maintain independence or absolute neutrality. INEC must not only be independent and impartial, but must also be seen to be independent and impartial.”
“Promoting the independence of INEC, including by appointing people of unquestionable integrity and competence, and who are not members of any political party as RECs would be entirely consistent with your constitutional oath of office, and your oft-stated promise to ensure free and fair elections in 2023.”
“INEC ought to be independent and impartial in the exercise of its constitutional and statutory responsibilities.”
“This means that anyone nominated for appointment as RECs should be persons of integrity and high standing, and should be independent and impartial, so that INEC can enjoy the public trust and confidence necessary for it to effectively and satisfactorily carry out its constitutional and statutory responsibilities.”
“The mere fact that INEC has ‘independent’ in its name does not in itself make it independent. What makes an institution truly independent are its attributes and characteristics, and the credibility and transparency of the appointment process.”
“Public perception of the independence of INEC is also essential for building public confidence in the electoral process. Where Nigerians have doubts about the independence of INEC, they are more likely to have less confidence in the electoral process, thereby undermining democracy.”
“The will of the people is expressed through democratic elections. This requires that elections must be free, fair, legitimate and credible. However, the credibility and legitimacy of elections depend in part on the integrity and competence of the body conducting the process, and the transparency of the appointment process for RECs.”
“We hope that the aspects highlighted will help guide your actions in acting to withdraw the names of those nominated for confirmation as RECs, and who are allegedly members of the APC.”
“We would be grateful if the requested action is taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”
“Section 156(1) of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (amended) provides that any member of INEC ‘shall not be a member of a political party.’”
“According to Item F, paragraph 14(3)(b) of the Third Schedule, Part 1 of the Nigerian Constitution, ‘a Resident Electoral Commissioner shall be a person of unquestionable integrity and shall not be a member of any political party.’”
“Section 6(4) of the Electoral Act 2022 provides that the appointment of anyone as member of INEC shall be consistent with the provisions of the Constitution, including this provision.”
“Similarly, article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and article 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights both of which Nigeria is a state party provide that the will of the people should be the basis of the authority of government.”
“Furthermore, the African Union African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, which Nigeria has also ratified requires States Parties to establish and strengthen independent and impartial national electoral bodies including INEC responsible for the management of elections.”
“The United Nation Human Rights Committee, established to oversee the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights has ruled that states should establish independent electoral authorities to supervise the electoral process and to ensure that elections are conducted fairly, impartially and in accordance with established laws that are compatible with the covenant.”
“According to our information, the Senate recently confirmed the receipt of your nomination for Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).”
“Those nominated as RECs are: Ibrahim Abdullahi (Adamawa – Renewal); Obo Effanga (Cross River – Renewal); Umar Ibrahim (Taraba – Renewal); Agboke Olaleke (Ogun – Renewal); and Samuel Egwu, a professor, (Kogi – Renewal).”
“Others are Onyeka Ugochi (Imo); Muhammad Bashir (Sokoto); Ayobami Salami, a professor, (Oyo); Zango Abdu (Katsina); Queen Agwu (Ebonyi); and Agundu Tersoo (Benue).”
“Also to be confirmed are: Yomere Oritsemlebi (Delta); Yahaya Ibrahim, a professor, (Kaduna); Nura Ali (Kano); Agu Uchenna (Enugu); Ahmed Garki (FCT); Hudu Yunusa (Bauchi); Uzochukwu Chijioke, a professor, (Anambra); and Mohammed Nura (Yobe).”
The letter was copied to Dr Ahmad Lawan, Senate President, and Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker of House of Representatives.
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
4/9/2022
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
Niger Delta leaders task Buhari, Umana on NDDC Board
Notable leaders in the Niger Delta on Sunday urged President Muhammadu Buhari to accept the need for a new board for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
‘’The board is needed to assure the nine states interests in the region’s development process’’
The leaders in a statement in Port Harcourt urged the president not to dally with the Niger Delta problem.
‘’Fundamental to the forensic audit report is the question of implementation. The evidence so far is that the Federal Government is not rising to the occasion admirably’’
The statement signed by the Chairman of Niger Delta Front (NDF), Chief John Harry, suggested that if Buhari cared so much about developing the region and making the government wide-ranging, he should quickly constitute a new board for the commission.
‘’The Niger Delta people have suffered in silence from the hardship deriving from the advice of interim committee promoters’’
The leaders commended the Federal Government for the forensic audit, the advantage being that the people of the region has been galvanised into lending full support to President Buhari in his campaign to curtail corruption in the region’s development agency.
‘’Three issues likely to have negative effects on government plans for the region are the personnel audit, delay in constituting a new board and moves to put in place another interim committee to run the commission’’
They described the ploy to constitute another interim committee as impractical and unnecessary.
‘’It is a matter of sorrow and regret to see a man or woman betray his region and people. The proposed interim committee will not only make NDDC a weak but scrappy agency’’
Specifically, the leaders referred disdainfully to individuals and groups urging Buhari not to constitute the commission’s board.
‘’In order to avoid a repetition of our recent past experience whereby government engaged in all sorts of interim strategies, the commission’s board should be constituted’’
The leaders expressively proclaimed sympathy for the workers, describing the proposed personnel audit as a moment of total aberration.
‘’For purposes of implementing the personnel audit, the agenda will present enormous problems’’
The statement called for rapid departure from past concepts.
The leaders commended the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Umana Okon Umana for his largeness of vision.
They also applauded NDDC Sole Administrator, Mr Effiong Akwa for playing his part creditably.
The statement underscored the people’s unexpected qualities of endurance, the fear of dismissal and Umana’s energy, knowledge and dedication to public service.
‘’We must act, and act quickly. We have to plan our way out from this mud hole and that must be done by the Commission’s board’’ the men and women of intellectual and financial abilities said.
Notable leaders in the Niger Delta on Sunday urged President Muhammadu Buhari to accept the need for a new board for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
‘’The board is needed to assure the nine states interests in the region’s development process’’
The leaders in a statement in Port Harcourt urged the president not to dally with the Niger Delta problem.
‘’Fundamental to the forensic audit report is the question of implementation. The evidence so far is that the Federal Government is not rising to the occasion admirably’’
The statement signed by the Chairman of Niger Delta Front (NDF), Chief John Harry, suggested that if Buhari cared so much about developing the region and making the government wide-ranging, he should quickly constitute a new board for the commission.
‘’The Niger Delta people have suffered in silence from the hardship deriving from the advice of interim committee promoters’’
The leaders commended the Federal Government for the forensic audit, the advantage being that the people of the region has been galvanised into lending full support to President Buhari in his campaign to curtail corruption in the region’s development agency.
‘’Three issues likely to have negative effects on government plans for the region are the personnel audit, delay in constituting a new board and moves to put in place another interim committee to run the commission’’
They described the ploy to constitute another interim committee as impractical and unnecessary.
‘’It is a matter of sorrow and regret to see a man or woman betray his region and people. The proposed interim committee will not only make NDDC a weak but scrappy agency’’
Specifically, the leaders referred disdainfully to individuals and groups urging Buhari not to constitute the commission’s board.
‘’In order to avoid a repetition of our recent past experience whereby government engaged in all sorts of interim strategies, the commission’s board should be constituted’’
The leaders expressively proclaimed sympathy for the workers, describing the proposed personnel audit as a moment of total aberration.
‘’For purposes of implementing the personnel audit, the agenda will present enormous problems’’
The statement called for rapid departure from past concepts.
The leaders commended the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Umana Okon Umana for his largeness of vision.
They also applauded NDDC Sole Administrator, Mr Effiong Akwa for playing his part creditably.
The statement underscored the people’s unexpected qualities of endurance, the fear of dismissal and Umana’s energy, knowledge and dedication to public service.
‘’We must act, and act quickly. We have to plan our way out from this mud hole and that must be done by the Commission’s board’’ the men and women of intellectual and financial abilities said.
JANUARY 1, 2022
*Dear Fellow Members of the Okpe Union,*
Few hours ago, we bided farewell to 2021, a year that brought us several challenges in our stewardship of the Okpe Union. We had the challenge of organising national elections in circumstances of an international plague in the form of COVID 19 as well as the unfortunate disagreement between the Okpe Union and HRM, Orhue I, the Orodje of Okpe surrounding an attempt to take over the administration of the Union which all branches rejected in the General Assembly of the Union. I strongly commend your resolve as individuals and collective for remaining steadfast and committed to the ideals of the Okpe Union bequeathed to us by our forefathers.
Unfortunately, we lost some prominent members of the Okpe Union, like Mr. Chadrick Idjeneba of Lagos Regional headquarters, Mr. Johnson Usieta of Jos Branch, and close family members, including Mrs. Delphina Akpederin, the mother of our indomitable General Secretary who schooled him and a number of other Okpe nationals in the virtues of Okpe Identity. Many of you represented Okpe Union in giving all of them a glorious and befitting funeral, respectively. We thank you all and pray for their souls to rest in perfect peace. On their behalf and on behalf of all departed family members and leaders of the Okpe Union, we dedicate our activities to the rebuilding of Okpe Union.
The success of the national elections of the Union was a welcome relief. It was peaceful and the outcome was without any protest despite the fact that some offices were keenly contested. We charge the leaders of the different regions and branches of the Union to focus on rebuilding the branches now to ensure that more Okpe nationals in various towns and cities of the country and the globe are attracted to join the body.
As we take our first steps into 2022, I invite all members to sharpen our awareness and consciousness in developing a strong and united Okpe Union. We must be aware that, no matter how genuine our objectives are, there will also be some elements hostile to Okpe Union. Our weapon is to continue with our task of promoting, defending and protecting the interests of the Okpe Nation on the constructs of Okpe Identity. We shall continue to rely on superior argument and logic in doing so, as we deepen democratic principles of leadership in all structures of Okpe Union.
We shall embark on a series of sensitization campaigns focusing on Okpe Identity in all branches of the Okpe Union. We shall institute a series of entrepreneurship workshops to assist our youths and women in acquiring needed skills to sustain themselves. We shall also launch a mentorship programme to assist our youths and women. All these initiatives shall employ the now well established women and youths wings of the Union as well as the National Association of Okpe Students (NAOS) .
We recognize the youths’ and students’ categories as the future leaders of the Okpe Union. In this regard, we shall continue the support we began last year 2021 to the campus chapters of NAOS to enable them organise their various Okpe Cultural Day events in the campuses that they are active.
We recognize that the path to achieving these programmes will not be smooth. It will be filled with potholes, curves, hidden valleys and road blocks. With FAITH in our belief and God’s continued guidance and blessings we shall succeed in our mission and mandate to transform Okpe Union into a formidable institution to build a prosperous Okpe Nation.
We shall achieve this noble historical mission by collaborating with all institutions in Okpe Nation, including the Udogun Okpe, political leaders and civil societies in Okpeland.
We shall also build on our close relationships with other ethnic organizations in Delta State and across Nigeria in a united endeavour to construct a strong Federal Republic of Nigeria on the basis of equity, equality and justice; a strong Federal Republic of Nigeria where the democratic rights of all ethnic nationalities, irrespective of their sizes, are recognized and upheld. Our success in this undertaking depends on our collective efforts at solidifying the various organs of the Okpe Union, from the branches to the National Executive Council, the National Congress, the Board of Trustees and finally, the General Assembly which is the highest organ of the Okpe Union.
My Dear Brothers and Sisters, I welcome you all to the year 2022. May God grant us the wisdom and guidance to serve our Okpe Nation selflessly.
God Bless the Okpe Union!
God Bless the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom!
God Bless the Okpe Nation!
*Prof. Igho Natufe*,
*President General*
RE PROF. IDOLOR’S ILLEGAL INTERIM NEW YEAR MESSAGE; HOW COULD HE SPIT ON HIS FATHER’S GRAVE?
It is difficult to understand how Professor Emurobome Idolor could describe the Okpe Union as having been moribund for over eighty years. The status of the Okpe Union with the CAC began to have issues with the CAC after the death of Chief P.A. EWETUYA the former President General and last trustee of the Union. He transited on the 1st of March, 2014.
How could the Okpe Union which mobilised the Okpe people to resuscitate the Orodje stool in 1945 with the coronation of Esezi II; brought stability to the Okpe Nation with the coronation of Orhoro I in 1972 and also played a notable role in preventing crises in the Okpe Kingdom by the coronation of Orhue I be said to have been “moribund for over 80 years by Prof. Emurobome Idolor? People need to be made to understand that the relocation of the CAC Headquarters from Lagos to Abuja and subsequent conversion of operations to online that made some old organisations to have several issues with their documents with the CAC. This is in addition to the nonchalance of the subsequent leadership of the Union in ensuring update with the CAC. Several other ethnic unions have same issues with the CAC. The Okpe Union current elected leadership is currently on top of regularising the status of the Union with the CAC. Suffice to state that the law and CAC regulations provide for the entire procedure for replacement of trustees and the issue ought not generate any furor but the sworn poise of some persons to distabilise the Okpe Union.
It is worth informing Okpe people that Prof. Emurobome Idolor joined the Okpe Union in 2009 for the first time when the National Headquarters of the Okpe Union in Lagos inaugurated the Sapele LGA Branch of the Union and he became the first chairman of that Sapele LGA Branch that year. The question to Prof. Idolor is if the Okpe Union he joined in 2009 (twelve years ago) and became a new branch chairman is the same Okpe Union that he describes in his new year message as purported illegal Interim PG as moribund for over eighty years?
This action by Prof. Idolor can be likened to a boy who was convinced by enemies of his family to spit on and desecrate his father’s grave and do several other sacrilegious commands against his family in exchange for some promise of bread or other immediate need. May God help the Okpe Nation.
Signed:
Akpederin K.E. Esq., General Secretary.
3rd January, 2022.
THE BATTLE OF IDEAS IN OKPE NATION: PART 1 By Prof. O. Igho Natufe, President General, OKPE UNION
January 19, 2022
*_INTRODUCTION_*
Let us forget, for a moment, that Nigeria is a Republic where it is incongruous to have monarchies in any part of the country. Let us pretend, for a moment, that Nigeria is *_“a parliamentary monarchy”_*, like the United Kingdom is. In this pretentious situation a Monarch, like the Orodje of Okpe, is to *_reign_* but not to *_rule_*, just like the Queen (or King) is in the United Kingdom. The various levels of parliaments rule/govern by enacting laws for the administration of the federal, state and local governments, respectively.
As is well known, it is contradictory for a *_monarchy_* to coexist with a *_republican system_* in the bowel of the same polity. This contradiction is exacerbated when a monarch attempts to *_rule_* a polity in which he possesses no defined constitutional authority to *_rule._* When Nigeria became a Republic on October 1, 1963 it retained a House of Chiefs in each of the then four federating regions, in an attempt to replicate the British House of Lords, as the upper house in each of the regions. This gave the chiefs who were traditional rulers in their respective domains, a constitutional role as parliamentarians. Thus, they saw themselves as both parliamentarians in the House of Chiefs and as monarchs in their respective kingdoms. This admixture was a conceptual blunder infused into the political system by the Nigerian political leaders in 1963. This blunder has been aggravated by the continuous failures of succeeding political leaders to resolve the contradiction resolutely by deciding on this crucial issue: Remain a *_Federal Republic of Nigeria_* and abolish traditional rulership *_OR_* declare the country a *_United Kingdoms of Nigeria._* In the former, traditional rulers will be extinguished as their existence contravenes the diktat of a Republic, while the latter recognizes their constitutional role as heads of states of their respective kingdoms.
Even as a head of state of a given kingdom, if we were in a *_United Kingdoms of Nigeria,_* the role of a Monarch, like the Orodje of Okpe, will be defined by whether the system is a *_constitutional monarchy_* (like the United Kingdom) or an *_absolute monarchy_* (like Saudi Arabia). If Okpe Nation were a *_constitutional monarchy_* the Orodje will *_reign_* but cannot *_rule._* Conversely, if Okpe Nation were an *_absolute monarchy_* the Orodje will possess and exercise an unquestioned political and legislative power and authority to *_reign_* and *_rule_* as he pleases in accordance to the mediaeval concept of the “divine right of kings”, whose pronouncements are considered law, final and binding on all citizens.
Constitutionally speaking, Nigeria is not a monarchy. Therefore, it is severely injurious to the political system to speak of monarchies in the polity. This injury is exemplified by the way several political leaders have used and abused traditional rulers across the country since 1960. The intent of this piece is to provoke a scholarly debate based on reason and logic on how to get out of this quagmire.
*_GOVERNANCE AND THE ORODJESHIP_*
A monarch is the symbol of a given nation under a monarchical regime. This is equally true of the Okpe monarchy as it is a symbol of the Okpe Nation that unifies the Okpe people. The concept of democratization of a system implies some inadequacies or absence of democratic norms in the given system. Some might ask: why democratize the Okpe monarchy?
In the preceding section we agonized over the contradictory construct of the Nigerian polity where a *_republican_* political system is forced to share the same space with an assemblage of *_monarchies._* Instead of rectifying this blunder that defies reason and logic, we are being urged to democratize the incongruity. Since the collapse of the First Republic, monarchy (or traditional rulership) has been a non-recognized element in the governance of Nigeria by its absence in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). However, at every election circle politicians of all political stripes promise a role for traditional rulers in the constitution, if elected. They have failed repeatedly. This failure leaves traditional rulers in a limbo.
The purported dissolution of the democratically elected National Executive Council (NEC) of the Okpe Union, by HRM Orhue l, Orodje of Okpe on October 3, 2020, has introduced a divide in Okpe Nation. Note that the Orodje’s purported dissolution took place 42 days before the scheduled Annual General Assembly/Meeting of the Okpe Union to elect a new NEC. It was a stratagem to convert Okpe Union to an administrative arm of the Palace under the Orodje’s control. This became evident in August 2021 when the head of the interim regime he imposed decline to participate in a mediation process on the ground that he would only participate if instructed by the Orodje.
The Orodje’s purported dissolution is challenged by the Okpe Union as an illegal action that violates the Constitution of the Okpe Union, while a group of fellow Okpe endorsed the Orodje’s action, arguing that the Orodje must be obeyed and that his word was final. They compared the Orodje of Okpe to the Oba of Benin whose decrees are alleged as final by the Binis. The comparison is based on false historical premises. Let us consider the following: –
Thus, the action of the Orodje on October 3, 2020 is akin to the action of an *_absolute monarch._*
Unfortunately, very unfortunately, the first Orodje of Okpe, Esezi l abandoned the democratic structure and embraced *_absolute monarchy,_* an action which led to his demise and ushered in a period of almost 200 years interregnum of the Okpe monarchy.
HRM, Orhue l’s action of October 3, 2020 is a throw-back to the medieval concept of the “divine right of kings” which challenges the fundamental thrust of democratic practice in Nigeria. It also ridicules the basis of the democratic election process that the Orodje cultivated during his campaign for the Orodjeship in 2004-2006.
This prompted a prominent Okpe Scholar/Journalist to lament:
“I worry for Africa and Nigerians. More for the Okpe who are still buried in the womb of medieval mentality.” (An Okpe Scholar/Journalist, January 15, 2022.)
The Orodje’s purported dissolution of NEC of the Okpe Union in October 2020, and the banning of its leaders from contesting future elections has created a huge schism in Okpe Nation. While the Orodje’s action is challenged by a group of *_pro-democracy_* Okpe nationals, a *_pro-absolute monarchy_* group is propagating the deceased medieval concept of the “divine right of kings.” This division caused by the Orodje’s unprecedented intrusion into the administration of the Okpe Union has facilitated an inimical atmosphere injurious to peace, law and order in Okpe Nation. Several Okpe belonging to the *_pro-democracy group_* are being harassed and intimidated by some members of the *_pro-absolute monarchy group_* whose source of authority is left to conjecture. This is reminiscence of events in the (then) Soviet Union when scores of Soviet citizens, at the minutest of criticism framed in Marxist-Leninist prism, were labeled “dissidents and revisionists”, arrested and incarcerated in the infamous gulag system of imprisonment scattered across the Soviet Union. Interestingly, the Udogun Okpe has categorized the Okpe Union as “mischievous” and “dissidents” for speaking truth to power.
*_IN LIEU OF A CONCLUSION_*
Traditional rulership is part of the poor governance crisis that has bedeviled the development of Nigeria for decades. Writing in 1947, Obafemi Awolowo recognized this conundrum when he stated:
“There is a mutual distrust verging on antagonism between the educated few and the Chiefs in Nigeria. The latter fear that the former are out to oust them from their privileged positions.” (Obafemi Awolowo, Path to Nigerian Freedom, London, 1947, p.32.)
Unfortunately, Nigerian governments have not been able to resolve this problem since independence. All they have done so far is to employ traditional rulers as mere tools in their respective competing policies, similar to the role traditional rulers played under the colonial regime.
A vexing phenomenon is the proliferation of traditional rulers by political leaders across the country since 1960. Recently, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi lll condemned this senseless proliferation of traditional rulers, who are glorified bales or village chiefs, a phenomenon which has corrupted the value of traditional rulers. (*_A CONVERSATION WITH THE ALAAFIN OF OYO, OBA LAMIDI ADEYEMI lll,_* Sunday, October 24, 2021. 5:00 PM Nigeria. ZOOM Platform. 50th Anniversary of the Coronation of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi lll.)
Prof. Tony Afejuku aptly captured this troubling trend when he wrote:
“Our high chiefs who are out of wisdom are the wisest animals in their heights of folly. This makes them the most dangerous animals in our every land and every kingdom. They are more dangerous than the serpent in each and every one of us. How do we rightly dub them?”
He continued:
“Our chiefs and high chiefs, the majority of them, are a pack of foxhounds. They know that our politics, like our local culture, currently is run by those riding to hounds.” (Tony Afejuku, “Of chiefs and high chiefs,” The Guardian, Lagos, Nigeria, January 14, 2022.
How do we make sense out of this incongruous contraption? It is instructive to note that, the only serious attempts made by any Nigerian government to grapple with this issue occurred under the military regimes of General Muhammadu Buhari in 1984 and General Ibrahim Babangida in 1986, respectively. In 1984 General Buhari’s government sponsored a national conference on the theme “THE ROLE OF TRADITIONAL RULERS IN THE GOVERNANCE OF NIGERIA” which was organized by the Institute of African Studies at the University of Ibadan in September 1984, while General Babangida established a Political Bureau to, inter alia, “review Nigeria’s political history and identify the basic problems which have led to our failure in the past and suggest ways of resolving and coping with these problems.” (Federal Republic of Nigeria, Government’s Views and Comments on the Findings and Recommendations of the Political Bureau, Lagos, 1987, p.3. (Hereinafter referred to as the Political Bureau).
The Political Bureau, chaired by S. J. Cookey, comprised of some prominent academics as members. Concerning tradition rulers, the Political Bureau recognized the significant role of traditional rulership in Nigeria’s political system, a view which was accepted by the Ibrahim Babangida military Government (The Political Bureau, p.4.), but recommended contending options vis-à-vis traditional rulership that the Babangida regime and subsequent Nigerian governments have failed to address. The Political Bureau submitted the following options: –
The Political Bureau made the following assertions on traditional rulers:
Therefore, the Political Bureau argued that, it
Even though the Political Bureau recommended that “traditional rulers should have no specific role to play in government beyond the local government level, where they have relevance”, the concluding section of its recommendations is more telling when it declared:
“They possess no special qualities to enable them to be used in enriching the political system or instilling moral rectitude in public life.”
As reasoned by the Political Bureau, traditional rulers are of no use to contemporary *_federal republican political system._*
The failure of Nigerian governments, including the Babangida regime, to implement the recommendations of the Political Bureau has significantly worsened the relationships between traditional rulers and political leaders. The political leaders are aware of the incongruity of having traditional rulers in a *_republican polity,_* but it serves their contending interests to disregard the anomaly. It benefits political leaders to opt for a “maintenance of status quo” where traditional rulers are treated as their vassals to be exiled and punished as they deem fit, while no politician is advocating for an “outright abolition of the institution.” On the other hand, the option of “co-optation in government” will formally convert traditional rulers to agents or warrant chiefs of the government as in the colonial era. Since the 1979 elections several traditional rulers have expressed their preferences for contending candidates, thus positioning themselves as partisan politicians. Is it wise for traditional rulers to inject themselves in partisan politics? What impact would this have on their constituencies if their preferred candidates are defeated? These are some of the troubling questions that must be grappled with by the traditional rulers and the political elites.
The recommendations of the Political Bureau that are of interest to us are: *_“democratisation to conform with process of modern government”_* and *_“the determination of their relevance and future by the people.”_* Regarding the Okpe Nation, how do we “democratise” the Orodjeship to “conform with the process of modern government?” How do we determine the “relevance and future” of the Orodjeship? These are vital questions which Okpe nationals of all political and ideological persuasions are invited to wrestle with.
These are tough questions to grapple with under the framework of a Republic. But since there seems to be no appetite to rename Nigeria as the *_United Kingdoms of Nigeria,_* or to abolish traditional rulership as one of the recommended options of the Political Bureau, then we have to accommodate traditional rulership in the *_Federal Republic of Nigeria_* under the guise of a *_constitutional monarchy._* Under this pretentious framework, the Orodje will *_reign_* but not *_rule_* in Okpe Nation. Like the Queen of the United Kingdom, the Orodje is a ceremonial head of the Okpe Nation, while the two local government councils, currently in Okpe Nation, are to *_rule_* without any interference from the Orodje and/or the Udogun Okpe. This applies to all civil societies and Okpe organizations, including the Okpe Union. As Nigeria is a federation, implying that each federating unit is free to develop at its own pace, including the establishment of traditional rulership, it is reasonable to postulate that each federating unit and components thereof are to determine the utility and stipend of their respective traditional rulers.
[06/08, 11:01] Ebireri Ovie Henry: CUTTING THE NOSE TO SPITE THE OKPE FACE
All real men should accept responsibility for their actions and the consequences of their actions and positions. The Asagba of Asaba could not have be been more correct in his position that he did need to consult further than he had done in the matter of the proposed summit of Delta State Traditional Rulers on the rotation of the Governorship seat of Delta State. His consultation was based on ethnic groups. He had consulted with the head of Urhobo Traditional Rulers who happens to be the Ohworode of Olomu who heads the group that the Orodje has agreed to be a member. Can we approbate and reprobate at the same time?
I once asked the immediate past leadership of the Okpe Youths Council who were confused about the urgency of achieving Okpe identity at that time if the OYC would be invited by the Governor if he wants to meet with the leaders of youths organisations of all ethnic nationalities in Delta State, if Okpe is considered as Urhobo? They could not respond as the answer was not only obvious but ignominious. Indeed this played out when the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo held a consultation visit to Delta State at the PTI Conference center a couple of years back. The Presidents General of all ethnic groups spoke on behalf of their people and only Okpe was excluded as the Urhobo Progress Union President General was there.
The repercussions the naive and self denigrating denial of Okpe distinct ethnic identity by the forces within the Okpe Nation have led to so much real poverty and underdevelopment of the Okpe Nation. The projects in Okpeland from both NDDC and DESOPADEC are a tiny fraction of the projects in similar or smaller territories than Okpe because of the consideration of of Okpe as an appendage of Urhobo. It does not even favour the Urhobos too except the feeding of the subjugation ego of some of them. Till tomorrow, Okpe Students do not get their bursary allocation from DESOPADEC like Itsekiri, Isoko, Ika, Ukuani and Ijaw who get 1500 slots each but must scramble from the Urhobo slots. The last time less than 200 Okpe students got. This is because Okpe is not recognised as an ethnic nationality in our own DESOPADEC. A recognised ethnic nationality in DESOPADEC immediately gives you an exclusive Commissioner, an Executive Director and an exclusive budget head.
The list of the consequences of this self inflicted malady is endless. Without the recognition of Okpe as a distinct ethnic nationality, Chairmanship of Delta State Traditional Rulers’ Council gives the Okpe Nation nothing. If Urhobo Traditional Rulers visit Buhari today, it is the Ohworode of Olomu and his EXCO that would be in front. During the last visit, our revered Orodje was at the back and was hardly seen. If the ethnic configuration of Delta State remains, what the Asagba of Asaba said that he needn’t consult with the Orodje would play out and continue to hurt the Okpe Nation. It is not he who pointed out that an illness would kill a patient that killed him if he eventually dies.
Mortgaging Okpe ethnic identity for any office or temporary benefit amounts to spiting the Okpe face. We pray the series of such acts or inactions of recent do not constitute total damage that the next generation cannot recover from. Let us use our tongue to count our teeth.
Okpe wadooo!
Akpederin Kingsley Ehensiri Esq.
CUTTING THE NOSE TO SPITE THE OKPE FACE (A REJOINDER TO THE CLAIMS OF THE ASAGBA OF ASABA)
All real men should accept responsibility for their actions and the consequences of their actions and positions. The Asagba of Asaba could not have be been more correct in his position that he did not need to consult further than he had done in the matter of the proposed summit of Delta State Traditional Rulers on the rotation of the Governorship seat of Delta State(reported on the Vanguard Newspapers issue of March 20th, 2022). His consultation was based on ethnic groups. He had consulted with the head of Urhobo Traditional Rulers who happens to be the Ohworode of Olomu who heads the group that the Orodje has agreed to be a member despite the position of Okpe historically as a distinct ethnic nationality which has always been maintained by the Okpe Union. Can we approbate and reprobate at the same time?
I once asked the immediate past leadership of the Okpe Youths Council, who were confused about the urgency of achieving Okpe identity at that time, if the OYC would be invited by the Governor if he wants to meet with the leaders of youths organisations of all ethnic nationalities in Delta State, if Okpe is considered as Urhobo? They could not respond as the answer was not only obvious but ignominious. Indeed this played out when the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo held a consultation visit to Delta State at the PTI Conference center a couple of years back. The Presidents General of all ethnic groups spoke on behalf of their people and only Okpe was excluded as the Urhobo Progress Union President General was there.
The repercussions the naive and self denigrating denial of Okpe distinct ethnic identity by the forces within the Okpe Nation have led to so much real poverty and underdevelopment of the Okpe Nation. The projects in Okpeland from both NDDC and DESOPADEC are a tiny fraction of the projects in similar or smaller territories than Okpe because of the consideration of of Okpe as an appendage of Urhobo. It does not even favour the Urhobos too except the feeding of the subjugation ego of some of them. Till tomorrow, Okpe Students do not get their bursary allocation from DESOPADEC like Itsekiri, Isoko, Ika, Ukuani and Ijaw who get 1500 slots each but must scramble from the Urhobo slots. The last time less than 200 Okpe students got. This is because Okpe is not recognised as an ethnic nationality in our own DESOPADEC. A recognised ethnic nationality in DESOPADEC immediately gives you an exclusive Commissioner, an Executive Director and an exclusive budget head. Okpe Nation oil wells are currently grouped into Urhobo Nation oil wells.
The list of the consequences of this self inflicted malady is endless. Without the recognition of Okpe as a distinct ethnic nationality, Chairmanship of Delta State Traditional Rulers’ Council gives the Okpe Nation nothing. If Urhobo Traditional Rulers visit Buhari today, it is the Ohworode of Olomu and his EXCO that would be in front. During the last visit, our revered Orodje was at the back and was hardly seen. If the ethnic configuration of Delta State remains, what the Asagba of Asaba said that he needn’t consult with the Orodje, even though the Orodje is the Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers’ Council, would play out and continue to hurt the Okpe Nation and people. It is not he who pointed out that an illness would kill a patient that killed him if he eventually dies.
Mortgaging Okpe ethnic identity for any office or temporary benefit amounts to spiting the Okpe face. How can a people have a distinct migration history, a distinct language, one traditional ruler whose jurisdiction covers two exclusive Local Government Areas and beyond, have the largest kingdom of Delta State and yet still hesitate to claim a status that is rightly hers? We pray the series of such acts or inactions of recent do not constitute total damage that the next generation cannot recover from. Let us use our tongue to count our teeth.
Okpe wadooo!
Akpederin Kingsley Ehensiri Esq.
OKPE UNION AT 92: AN ANNIVERSARY ADDRESS BY PROF. O. IGHO NATUFE, PRESIDENT GENERAL, OKPE UNION ON MAY 16, 2022
Exactly 92 years ago on this day, May 16, 1930, a group of young Okpe nationals residing in Lagos established the Okpe Union, the oldest registered ethnic nationality organization in Nigeria. It was registered under the Land (Perpetual Succession) Ordinance of 1924, on the 13th of December, 1934. As descendants of these Okpe nationals, we are gathered today in all branches across Nigeria and in the Diaspora to commemorate their vision and patriotism in paving the path for the building of a strong Okpe Nation anchored on Okpe Identity. We salute them and revere the legacies they bequeathed us.
As the umbrella organization of the Okpe people, Okpe Union is primarily concerned about the growth and development of the Okpe Nation and the enhancement of Okpe in the comity of ethnic nationalities in Nigeria and in Delta State. It was on the basis of this fundamental that the Okpe Union successfully agitated for the resuscitation of the Okpe Monarchy in 1945 when HRM Esezi ll was crowned as the Orodje of Okpe (1945-1966). This followed an interregnum of almost 200 years. Esezi ll was succeeded by HRM Orhorho l (1972-2004), who was succeeded by HRM Orhue l (2006 till date). Thus, the modern Okpe monarchy was birthed by the Okpe Union.
Since its foundation, the Okpe Union has played and continues to play vital role in the development of the Okpe Nation. A critical challenge confronting the Okpe Nation is the restoration of the independence of Okpe as a distinct ethnic nationality, a status which was illegally extinguished by the British Government and subsequent governments in Nigeria. The unjust classification of Okpe as a sub-unit/clan of another ethnic nationality contradicts the fact that Okpe Kingdom was never established as a sub-unit or clan of any other ethnic nationality. The Okpe Union has since the colonial times always represented to various governments that Okpe is a distinct ethnicity.
The current status ridicules the historical and linguistic facts that Okpe is the most populous monolithic nationality in Delta State. I am pleased to inform you that the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Okpe Union is working assiduously with internal (traditional and political leadership) and external stakeholders in Delta State for the recognition of Okpe as a distinct ethnic nationality. This is our sacred historical responsibility to restore Okpe to its legitimate position in Delta State. The benefits of this recognition include the following: –
As we gather today to celebrate our Founder’s Day, I want to assure you that your NEC is working very hard to ensure that the above objectives are realized in due course. Your continued support and steadfastness in the defence and promotion of Okpe Identity is required.
In February 2023, state and federal elections shall be held to elect new political leaders for Delta State and Nigeria. We are closely monitoring the campaigns of all Delta State aspirants vying for elective positions as Delta State Governor, and for members of the Delta State House of Assembly, with special interests on their respective positions on Okpe Identity, which will guide the stance of the Okpe Union. The NEC considers this an existential matter for the growth and development of the Okpe Nation, a historical feat in memory of our forefathers and founders of the Okpe Union.
On behalf of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Okpe Union, I wish you a successful celebration of the 92nd Anniversary of the founding of the Okpe Union.
*God Bless the Okpe Union!*
*God Bless Orodje of Okpe Kingdom!*
*God Bless the Okpe Nation!*
26th May, 2022.
*THE OKPE UNION FELICITATION MESSAGE TO RT (HON.) SHERIFF FRANCIS O. OBOREVWORI AS DELTA STATE PDP FLAG BEARER.*
The Okpe Union, the umbrella socio cultural organisation of the Okpe people, hereby sends her congratulations and best wishes to Rt. (Hon.) Sheriff Francis O. Oborevwori on his election as the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2023 gubernatorial election for Delta State.
As the Okpe Union joins other Deltans to wish you well in the coming general election, we also seize this opportunity to thank Deltans of the People’s Democratic Party represented by the delegates for considering our son worthy for a shot at this all important office of huge responsibility.
The Okpe Nation has always been known to be a people desirous of promoting peace, unity and fairness to all people around them. The choice of Rt. (Hon.) Oborevwori will therefore ensure an opportunity for Deltans to be so united for the overall development of the state.
The Okpe Union and indeed all Okpe people pray for a smooth and hitch free campaign as you, Okakuro Rt. (Hon.) Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori, the Ukodo of Okpe Kingdom, and your team, criss cross the length and breath of Delta State in your continuing consultations and campaign for the governorship seat of our dear Delta State.
Congratulations once more and congratulations to all Deltans.
*Signed:*
*Prof. Igho Natufe,*
President General
*Barr. Kingsley E. Akpederin,*
General Secretary
*Mrs. Atarhe Abuh,*
National Publicity Secretary.
*PROFILING OF OKPES, REAL DANGER FOR SHERIFF OBOREVWORI’S CHANCES FROM HIS HOME FRONT*
One Okpe chief of recent told me that if Sheriff Oborevwori becomes governor, he cannot appoint or give anything to any Okpe person not approved by the Orodje no matter how the person labours to support him in his governorship bid. This obviously underscores why Okpe has been where it is as the least developed area of Delta State and the Niger Delta for some time now.
During a recent recruitment by Seplat Petroleum, another Okpe chief saw the application of a very qualified Okpe and declared “enemy of the Orodje can never get a job in Okpeland…”. He made the remark in reference to the applicant as one of those who opposed the attempt by the Palace to undemocratically take over the administration of the Okpe Union which has had a democratic transition for over ninety two years, and founded long before the restoration of the modern Okpe monarchy.
Though I personally do not believe that Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori believes in such dark and evil profiling of fellow Okpes along the line of being pro or anti Orodje or the current strange classification of some patriotic Okpes as “dissidents” it nevertheless casts a very dark and unfortunate shadow on the quest for Okpe governorship. Indeed if the long practice since 2006 of some freeborn Okpe being asked rhetorically “who is your father…” as they are turned away from the Palace which Okpe people collectively built, is extended to political patronage, it would be difficult to salvage the Okpe Nation.
The likes of Esezi II, Orhoro I, the Late Chief Ewetuya (who served the Okpe Union as Secretary General and President General for over forty years) and the several heroes of the Okpe Union who ensured the taxing of Okpe Union members and branches throughout the world to build the all Okpe Orodje Palace would all be turning in their graves today when they see what the Okpe Nation which they laboured for is turning to.
It is not late for Okpe leaders to embrace love and unity. If this heinous and self depraving profiling of some freeborn Okpes just because they stood for the truth that the Okpe Union, being a registered organisation with its constitution should determine its leadership instead of a one man imposed leadership, is permitted to continue, then Okpe is being pushed to a precipice difficult to step back from. Those responsible for this are said to be so vile that they have threatened to go to the extreme position the worst for those they have now declared the enemies of Okpe and the Orodje.
We call on the Governor of Delta State to step in and the Speaker of the state and candidate of the state ruling party to disassociate himself from the evil position. All Okpes are freeborn; being descendants of one of the four “gates” of Okpe. Slavery must not be permitted in a kingdom in which any male child can aspire to be an Orodje (Okpe King). May the Okpe Nation escape any self inflicted affliction. Amen!
*Akpederin Kingsley Ehensiri Esq., General Secretary, the Okpe Union,*
Sapele,
3rd August, 2022
*OKPE UNION IS DISTINCT FROM OKPE KINGDOM AND IS INDEPENDENT OF THE ORODJE OF OKPE*
Let me even ask those who criticise the stance of the elected Okpe Union National Executive Council in protecting the autonomy of the Okpe Union, if they know that the Okpe Union is a registered organisation with a legal personality separate from Okpe Kingdom and with registered members who pay monthly dues and that only members of the Okpe Union in a General Meeting can decide on its leadership? If we all know this but the traditional ruler goes against the law by claiming to have power to dissolve the elected leadership of the Okpe Union and impose non members as its leadership and members of the Union point it out to him severally, does that amount to insult?
Does it mean that if our King puts on an apparel that reveals his nakedness, we should all keep quiet and not let him know so that the throne would not experience disgrace?
All Okpe people must understand and act as a people in the modern era. The Okpe Nation is in a global community and must therefore operate with a mindset of civilised norms and best practices. Elected officials of registered organisations take oaths of office to abide by and defend the constitution of the organisation. The elected National Executive Council of the Okpe Union cannot do the opposite of that. Every responsible loving father would advise his children to observe the letters and spirit of the constitution of the organisations they are elected to serve. In the Holy Bible, the book of Luke (11: 11) says: “What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead?” Indeed the Okpe Union and its elected National Executive Council hold the ancient throne of the Orodje of Okpe in highest esteem and would do everything to promote it. It is prayers and advice that the Union demands for and expects from the monarchy.
Lastly, it needs to be emphasised, in addition to the above, that to be a member of the Okpe Union, a person must be an Okpe and take steps to join a branch of the Union and periodically pay his or her monthly dues and other obligations. It is not every Okpe person that is a member of the Okpe Union. No non member of the Okpe Union can be an official of the Union. By the provisions of the Okpe Union Constitution, only dues paying members can hold any office. In conclusion, it is the constitution of the Okpe Union that governs its administration and transition from one leadership to another. It has been so for over ninety years. Woe betides any official of the Union that betrays this sacred history, norm and convention of the Okpe Union.
May God open our eyes and our hearts to realise that those who point out these real issues and speak truth to power are the real patriots of the Okpe Nation. May God give us and the leaders of the Okpe Nation courage to design a pragmatic pathway to ensure love, unity and advancement of the Okpe Nation.
Okpe oo! Agbamua-eni!
*Akpederin Kingsley Ehensiri Esq., General Secretary, the Okpe Union.*
5th August, 2022.
*FOR THOSE WHO THINK THE OKPE UNION ARE UNNECESSARILY EXPOSING THE OKPE THRONE TO RIDICULE*
For eighteen months now we have been doing so much to resolve the issues behind the scenes. There has been four Reconciliation Initiatives in all now. The most robust one was headed by Rev. Dr Charles Osume and Secretary was the late Prof. Idamoyibo. Chief Moses Asini(an Udogun Okpe member), Prof. Hope Eghagha, Mr. Philip Mebradu, and Madam Dora Omuvwie were also of that Reconciliation Committee. After submitting their recommendations which the Okpe Union accepted and started implementing, the Orodje received it and said he would get back to them. One month’ later, he wrote to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), that his Prof. Idolor imposed group is the authentically elected leadership of the Okpe Union. The CAC invited us to react after they received our objections.
We pray there is more intervention to nip this embarrassing crises in the bud. None of us is paid in what we do. It is selfless service that we spend our personal resources on. However, there is
nobody or group of persons that would keep quiet when unjustly demonised. Okpe Union National Leadership cannot be different.
Akpederin K.E. Esq.,General Secretary, the Okpe Union.
“The three new projects will also be delivered to the traditional great quality, the Julius Berger standard, and on time as contracted”, Says Engr. Dr. Lars Richter, JBN PLC MD.
Nigeria’s leading and most reliable engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, has signed new contracts with the Rivers State Government for the construction of two new flyovers and a new road project in Port Harcourt.
The contract signing ceremony, which held at the Council Chambers, Government House Port Harcourt was presided over by His Excellency, Governor Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, CON. Also present at the ceremony was the Deputy Governor of the State, Her Excellency, Dame Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo. Honourable members of the Rivers State Executive Council, Speaker and members of the Rivers State Assembly, Elders, Chiefs, senior civil servants also attended the ceremony in Port Harcourt.
Governor Wike at the ceremony and thanked the leaders of the State for their support to his administration. He also commended the ever-dependable construction company, Julius Berger, the State’s trusted infrastructure development partner for its commanding engineering standards, reliable project delivery, and for its brilliant and standout quality.
On his part, the Managing Director of Julius Berger Plc, Engr. Dr. Lars Richter said that the engineering construction company had earlier successfully delivered six flyovers, which have been commissioned by the Rivers State Government for the beneficial use of the Rivers people and indeed for Nigerians. He also said three more flyovers are at completion stage by Julius Berger, with one ongoing flyover works fast rising. Richter thanked Governor Wike for the trust he has continued to repose in Julius Berger for the construction of these major infrastructural development works. While congratulating Governor Wike for the success of the already completed and commissioned projects, Dr. Richter, on behalf of the Board and Executive Management of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, further confidently promised that, as it is the constant contractual culture of Julius Berger, the three new projects will also be delivered to the traditional great quality, the Julius Berger standard, and on time as contracted.
The flyovers, which have a completion period of ten months, will be located at the Rumuokuta-and NTA-Choba Road Obia Akpo LGA. A contract was also signed for the dualization of Azikiwe Street, Iloabuchi road in Port Harcourt with a completion period of six months. Gov. Wike called his administration’s construction of twelve flyovers amongst other infrastructures in Rivers State within four years since 2019 a record-breaking feat in the history of Nigeria.
On the team of the Julius Berger managing director to the event were the company’s Regional Manager, South east/South south, Engr. Juergen Fischer, South east/South south, Project Coordinator, Chief Sam Ngbor, Special Projects Manager, Rimon Marisho, Project Manager, Engr. Terna, Contract Manager, Mrs Efe and the Head, Media Relations Office, Prince Moses Duku.
Ekiti election: SERAP sues INEC for failing to prosecute vote-buyers
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for “failing to prosecute those suspected of vote-buying and electoral bribery during the recently concluded Ekiti State governorship election.”
According to reports, there was a brazen pattern of vote-buying and electoral bribery in several polling units during the recently concluded Ekiti governorship election, including bargaining prices for votes and payments made in uncompleted buildings.
In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1189/2022 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, SERAP is seeking “an order of mandamus to direct and compel INEC to seek and obtain detailed information about reports of vote-buying by the three leading political parties in the 2022 Ekiti State governorship election.”
SERAP is also seeking “an order of mandamus to direct and compel INEC to promptly and effectively prosecute those arrested, and to bring to justice anyone who sponsored, aided and abetted them.”
SERAP is arguing that, “Vote buying is a threat to fair and representative elections. Vote buying amounts to undue influence and improper electoral influence.”
According to SERAP, “Wealthy candidates and their sponsors ought not to be allowed to profit from their crimes. Arresting and prosecuting vote buyers will end widespread impunity for vote buying ahead of the February 2023 general elections.”
SERAP is arguing that, “Vote buying encourages poor governance and weakens citizens’ capacity to hold their ‘elected officials’ accountable for their actions.”
SERAP is also arguing that, “Vote buying undermines the ability of INEC to discharge its responsibilities under Section 153 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended), paragraph 15(a) of the third schedule of the Constitution, and the Electoral Act 2022.”
SERAP is also arguing that, “Corruption of the ballot box intrudes on the freedom of Nigerian voters to make up their own minds. Vote buying and other forms of electoral corruption freeze out the less wealthy candidates and parties.”
SERAP is arguing that, “When political candidates or their sponsors decide to buy the support of the people rather than contest fairly for their votes, there are possibilities that such candidates and sponsors will show a disregard for democratic rules and a disposition to adopt illegal means becomes inevitable.”
The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare and Opeyemi Owolabi, read in part: “Vote buying is entirely an act of election malpractice connected with vested interest since an election can be said to be free and fair when it is devoid of vote buying.”
“Ending impunity for vote-buying and electoral bribery would contribute to free and fair elections. A corruption-free electoral process is essential for building public confidence in the electoral process, and the credibility and legitimacy of the 2023 elections.”
“One of the people’s most sacred rights is the right to vote. INEC has a constitutional and statutory responsibility to ensure the effective exercise of the right of all eligible voters to participate in their own government in free and fair elections.”
“Preventing and combating vote buying and electoral bribery would advance the people’s right to vote and to participate in their own government, as well as bolster the ability of INEC to effectively discharge its constitutional and statutory mandates.”
“Many years of allegations of vote-buying and electoral bribery and entrenched impunity of perpetrators have undermined public confidence in the electoral process.”
“Prosecuting allegations of vote-buying and electoral bribery would be entirely consistent with the Nigerian Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the country’s international human rights anti-corruption obligations.”
“Agents of the three dominant political parties in the state, namely All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Social Democratic Party (SDP), were reportedly involved in buying votes across the state, and voters offered as high as N10,000 in exchange for their votes.”
“The Nigerian Constitution provides in Section 14(1)(c) that, ‘the participation by the people in their government shall be ensured in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.’”
“Section 145(2) of the Electoral Act provides that, ‘a prosecution under this Act shall be undertaken by legal officers of the Commission or any legal practitioner appointed by it.’”
No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
24/7/2022
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
PRESIDENT BUHARI GREETS MIKE AWOYINFA AT 70
President Muhammadu Buhari rejoices with frontline journalist, editor and author, Mike Awoyinfa, as he turns 70.
The President recalls with delight the more than four decades Awoyinfa has devoted to journalism, informing, educating and entertaining the public with the best of prose and literary prowess, plying his trade with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Concord Press, The Sun Newspapers, and publishing the Entertainment Express, among others.
He equally salutes the journalist’s foray into book writing, and encourages many more journalists to toe the same path, “since books virtually live forever, and reading makes a full man.”
President Buhari congratulates the Awoyinfa family, the media profession at large, and specifically the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) and Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), on the landmark occasion.
He wishes Awoyinfa longer life in good health, “and greater contributions to a profession he loves so much.”
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
July 24, 2022
July 23, 2022
Press Statement
2023: PDP Has Valid Governorship Candidate in Delta State
…As Party Charges Deltans to Disregard Social Media
Speculations
The attention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been drawn to speculations in a section of the social media that our Party had disobeyed an Order of Court with regards to our Governorship candidate in Delta State and that our Party do not have a candidate for the 2023 Governorship election in the State.
For the avoidance of doubt, the PDP makes it abundantly clear and states in very precise and categorical term that our Party had not disobeyed any Order of Court and we have a valid Governorship candidate for the Delta State governorship election in 2023.
However, in the interest and due information of our teeming supporters and the general public, our Party clarifies as follows;
In line with the new Electoral Act, submission of names of candidates is no longer physical but by electronic transmission to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Under the electronic process, INEC grants access to its portal to political parties to electronically upload its candidates’ information/particulars; which access for governorship candidates closed on Friday, July 15, 2022.
With reference to Delta State, our Party duly submitted and uploaded the name of Oborevwori Sheriff Francis Orohwedor as the Delta State Governorship candidate of the PDP onto INEC Portal on Friday, July 8, 2022.
On July 18, 2022, three days after the closure of access to the INEC Portal, our Party and INEC received a Court Order directing the substitution of the name of Oborevwori Sheriff Francis Orohwedor with another name. However, given the closure on July 15, 2022, our Party had no access to the INEC Portal
Subsequently, the PDP and INEC were served with Court of Appeal processes comprising; Notice of Appeal, Motion for Stay of Execution and Records of Appeal filed by the candidate whose name was initially uploaded by the Party onto the INEC Portal.
It is instructive to state that under the INEC guideline, the last day for effecting any change of names of candidates for the 2023 general election is September 28, 2022.
For emphasis, the PDP currently has a candidate for the 2023 Governorship election in Delta State. If there be any change drawing from the outcome of the judicial processes, such will be duly and appropriately reflected in compliance with the Order of Court. The PDP as a law-abiding Party has always and will continue to comply with Orders of Court in every matter and situation.
Our Party therefore urges our members, teeming supporters and the people of Delta State to disregard the speculations and remain focused on the platform of the PDP in their determination to consolidate on the achievements of the Governor of Delta State and our Vice-Presidential Candidate, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.
The PDP is fully prepared for the 2023 general elections in Delta State as well as across the nation and will emerge victorious at the polls.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
GOV AKEREDOLU AT CAMBRIDGE, DECRIES SPATE OF ABANDONED PROJECTS IN NIGERIA
Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has decried the spate of abandoned projects in Nigeria.
Governor Akeredolu said abandoning projects at this critical period in the economic life of the country is not cost-effective.
The Governor, who identified corruption, resource control, project goals, contractor selection and supervision as some of the major challenges behind abandoned projects, noted that a reasonable government must work towards achieving a successful completion of projects in its state.
Governor Akeredolu spoke on Saturday at the First Business Doctorate Degree of the University of Cambridge Graduation Ceremony held at the University’s Arms Hotel, United Kingdom.
The Governor, who was a guest speaker, described Megaproject as an excellent accelerator if properly planned and executed.
Governor Akeredolu spoke on the topic: ”The Paradox Of Abandoned Megaprojects In Nigeria.”
He said: ”The Ondo State Government, under our leadership, has completed several megaprojects. These projects exacted considerable pressure on the severely lean resources of the State. These megaprojects have gobbled billions of Naira.
“While some have been completed and delivered, several others, some of which are complex, may take over five years or so to be completed. Our administration has continued to construct roads, bridges, among other infrastructures.
“We made a solemn pledge on assumption of office that we would complete all projects abandoned by our predecessors in office. We are not unaware of the acute paucity of funds for the execution of projects.
“We are, however, poised to fulfill our promise as best as the financial situation permits. We intend to complete all projects in the lifetime of our government. We do not intend to handover any abandoned project to our successor.
“Megaprojects, such as the Ore Bridge, provide the necessary support for government deliverables and economic transformation, which is readily discernible in our GDP. So, where it is properly planned and executed, megaproject is an excellent development accelerator.
“Given the resources such a project can take, abandoning projects at this critical period of our economic lives is not cost effective. The challenges are not only limited to developing countries as over £30 billion (British pounds) has been spent on the Cross-rail Project in England without completion. This is a terrible example of a project going bad in developed countries.
“Specific to Nigeria and as pointed out in the thesis, just three abandoned projects equal 60% of our national debt. The Lagos-Badagry Express Road, the Ajaokuta Steel Project, and the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) Project. At all times, the Federal Government abandoned 60% of every project and the Nigeria National Library, where over N200 billion has been spent, is abandoned. The project is on the 5th floor of a 13-floor building project.
“The Federal Government has been on site for over 25 years without meaningful progress. Again, the megaproject takes around 10% of global GDP and over $9 trillion yearly. It is the case that Universities globally should rise to the challenges of acquiring and engaging new knowledge on megaprojects.”
The Governor also congratulated the Billionaire businessman, Jimoh Ibrahim, who obtained the Doctor of Business Degree of the University.
“I am told it is the first time the University of Cambridge will be awarding her first Doctor of Business Degree in the last over 800 years.” Governor Akeredolu said.
He noted that the incredible performance of Dr. Jimoh at the University of Cambridge comes with hard work and commitment to primary goals, adding that the business mogul has invested time in the institution.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
July 23, 2022.
Wike: I will speak on Atiku soon
Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has promised to speak soon on recent happenings in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Wike contested for the presidential ticket
of the party but lost to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Since then, there has been no love lost between the duo, especially since Atiku picked Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State as his running mate.
Wike, in a statement by his Special Assistant, Media, Kelvin Ebiri, said it had become pertinent for him to speak and reveal to Nigerians all that had transpired in the PDP since the emergence of Atiku as the presidential candidate of the party.
“On Atiku, I will speak soon and Nigerians will know the actual truth of all that has transpired in the PDP in recent times.”
GOV AKEREDOLU MARKS 66TH BIRTHDAY WITH SPECIAL HOLY COMMUNION SERVICE
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Thursday marked his 66th birthday with a special holy communion service held at the Chapel of the Epiphany within his residence at the GRA, Ijebu Owo.
The wife of the Governor, Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, who also celebrated her birthday yesterday, attended the holy communion service as well as other members of the Akeredolu’s family.
Members of the House of Assembly, Commissioners, Heads of Security Agencies, Council chairmen, political associates and others were also in attendance.
The Bishop of Owo Anglican Diocese, Right Reverend Stephen Fagbemi, in his sermon titled “Living A Purposeful Life” congratulated the governor and applauded him for redefining governance in the state.
In his remarks, Governor Akeredolu, who was full of gratitude to God for His grace and mercy, said God has been merciful to him and his family in all ramifications.
He took time to sing various songs of praise to God for His protection and goodness towards him, his family and siblings in general.
“We want to thank God for His grace, thank God for His mercy. We cannot ask for a better thing. God has been faithful to us. Is it the children He has blessed us with, is it the grandchildren,” the Governor said.
The Governor, who described his siblings as a very strong pillar of support, noted that he is proud that he has a good and supportive family.
In the area of governance, Governor Akeredolu emphasised that God has always been with him since he assumed office as Governor of the state despite numerous challenges.
He appreciated the support and cooperation of members of the State Executive Council, party members, heads of the security agencies among others, saying their supports have greatly assisted him in the development of the state.
The celebrant, who believes that it is God who gives position to man, equally thanked God who has been directing the affairs of the State, even as he prayed for more divine guidance.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
July 21, 2022
Atiku replies Tinubu, says ‘My university attendance is a matter of verified record’
We Challenge Bola Tinubu To Take The Hot Seat
We were rather amused to read the knee jerk response from the Tinubu Campaign Organisation to the wave making interview granted by Waziri Atiku Abubakar to Arise TV on Thursday, July 21, 2022.
Mr. Tinubu has not sat down to do any prolonged interview for obvious reasons. Nigerians have seen him talk in public and can themselves gauge the reason why he is mortified to do so.
Nevertheless, I will now take the issues in their statement one after the other.
* The Tinubu campaign exposed its gross desperation and vacuousness by citing the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) 1999, to declare Waziri Atiku Abubakar’s stance on engaging in a side business while he was a young custom officer as a breach of the law. It is pertinent to educate the Tinubu campaign organisation that Nigeria is not under a military regime and our Constitutions are not retroactive in nature.
* Again, the Tinubu campaign betrayed either dishonesty or lack of attention to detail by claiming that Atiku Abubakar said oil contributed 20% of Nigeria’s GDP. That is a lie. What the Waziri said is as follows:
“Oil only maybe accounts for about 20% of our GDP”.
* The use of the word maybe by the Waziri was in reflection to the different figures given. While the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics states a figure close to 10%, other multilateral organisations have given a much higher figure of between 15-20%. So, while the jury is still out, it is right to qualify the contribution of oil and gas as a maybe. However, we do like to point out that Waziri Atiku Abubakar mentioned both the PDP and the APC during the interview and did not forget the name of his own party.
* It seems the Tinubu campaign organisation (can a disorganised body be called an organisation?) does not know the meaning of rotation of power and micro zoning. So, we will gladly educate them. Rotation of power refers to a constitutional provision where power is zoned between North and South. Micro-zoning refers to a non constitutional idea, where power is zoned not between North and South, but amongst geo-political zones. We hope this cures the political illiteracy of the authors of that document.
* The rude response also accuses Waziri Atiku Abubakar of having “limited education”. Atiku Abubakar has an earned Masters degree from Anglia Ruskin University. We challenge any of the present Presidential candidates to present an equal or higher degree. Moreover, his university attendance is a matter of verified record. Can we say the same about some other persons?
* On President Lincoln, we are afraid the poor student of history is the Tinubu campaign disorganisation. Yes, it is true that Lincoln ran for President with his name on the ballot twice. But he ran at other times, and failed to get his name on the ballot.
* In conclusion, we would like to challenge Bola Tinubu to subject himself to an hour long interview, like the Waziri did, and if he is able to be as articulate and mentally present as our candidate, then he can talk. Until then, we will only want to remind him and his yes men that they are not in a position to point fingers when they have not sat on the hot seat.
Paul Ibe
Media Adviser to Atiku Abubakar
Presidential candidate of the PDP and Vice President of Nigeria, 1999-2007
Abuja
July 23, 2022
WE ARE SHOCKED BY ATIKU’S LIES, IGNORANCE ON ARISE TV – TINUBU CAMPAIGN ORGANISATION
Says Mr Presidential candidate: Lincoln did not contest US Presidency five or six times
The Bola Tinubu Campaign Organisation has picked holes in some facts stated by Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). That was the interview he granted Arise Television.
“We have watched Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s interview on ARISE Television and were extremely shocked by the many lies and ignorance displayed by the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential candidate.” The organization stated in a statement signed by its Director, Media & Communication, Bayo Onanuga.
“In the interview, Alhaji Atiku exposed himself as a man who is not prepared for the job he is applying for and a man who cannot be entrusted with our commonwealth. He was flippant in his response to important questions about his record of service and how he made money while serving in Customs. He muddled up facts and exhibited befuddling absence of mind.”
Here, according to the organization, are takeaways from what it called “the bungled interview”:
PDP candidate is a lawbreaker: It was most shocking Atiku admitted that he cheated the system for decades and engaged in gross misconduct as a government worker. As a customs officer at the Idi-Iroko border, Atiku revealed that he ran a commercial taxi service, claiming ‘there is no law stopping public officers from doing business in Nigeria”. He punched harder, claiming there is no conflict of interest in doing so.
We found this to be untrue.
Every officer in the civil service is expected to comply with a code of conduct and service rules which bar civil and public servants from engaging in private business while in government employment to the detriment of the service he/she is employed to render to the public. The 1999 constitution further codifies this in Part I, Fifth Schedule, Section 2 (b).
It says a public officer shall not, except where he is not employed on a full-time basis engage or participate in the management or running of any private business, profession or trade. The rules however allow a public officer to engage in farming.
We wonder which rule or which law Atiku was relying upon for his gross misconduct as a public officer. It is our considered view that Atiku gamed the system all through his career in public service, culminating in his founding of the Intel Logistics along with Late Shehu Yar’Adua and some Italians, even while he was still in the employment of the Nigeria Customs Service.
Poor Knowledge of key sectors of the economy: We also found it surprising that the PDP presidential candidate does not know the contribution of the oil and gas industry to Nigeria’s GDP. He claimed the sector represents 20% of our national GDP whereas it is below 10 per cent and it is still falling owing to the growth of the non-oil sector under the current All Progressives Congress-led administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
False Data from Egypt: Atiku Abubakar wanted to impress his audience with his supposed knowledge of international affairs. He ended up embarrassing himself with false data he cited from Egypt. We found his claim that Egypt has 2 million police officers on the streets to be untrue. Various sources put the number at about 500,000 for a population of 104 million and not 80 million as falsely claimed by Atiku.
Rotational Presidency: Asked to justify why the PDP jettisoned Section 3c of its constitution which enshrines power rotation between the North and South, Atiku tried to fudge his answer by focusing on Governor Nyesom Wike and his effort to reconcile with him after he, a northerner snatched the presidential ticket that ought to have been taken by a southerner. While Atiku was playing to the gallery on APC’s Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, he didn’t see seeking to be President after 8years of a President from his part of Nigeria as politics of exclusion.
Probed further, Atiku provided several contradictory answers. In one breath, he said power rotation is not in the constitution. In another breath, he said the PDP has never “micro zoned any position’. Then he admitted that the party has always rotated power between the North and the South. Atiku’s justification as to why he became PDP’s presidential candidate, instead of a southerner is a perfect example of ellipsis: “In politics”, he said, “We negotiate power through negotiations(Sic)”. Whatever that means.
Atiku ever an expert in not telling the truth also did not come clean over his once-upon-a-time preference for a same-faith ticket. In 1993, after Atiku and Kingibe lost to MKO Abiola in the SDP presidential primary in Jos, Atiku was the choice of the Yar’Adua camp to become Abiola’s running mate. Abiola overlooked him and picked the more cerebral diplomat and bureaucrat, Babagana Kingibe. In all the tonnes of biographies written about him, there was nowhere he said he opposed Shehu Yar’Adua’s support for his candidacy as Abiola’s VP. He was not against it, since it favoured him. Now, it is politically convenient and opportunistic for him to oppose the Tinubu-Shettima ticket.
Political Credentials: Most reprehensible were Atiku’s lies about how many times he ran to become the governor of Adamawa or the old Gongola State.
Mr Presidential candidate, in case you don’t know due to your limited education, you run for an office, only, when you are on the ballot in an election. Your signifying interest in an office does not mean the same as running for the office. From available records, the first time you contested the governorship election in your state was in 1999. Your name entered the ballot for the first time and you won.
Poor grasp of history: Atiku Abubakar also exhibited poor Knowledge of history when he claimed that Abraham Lincoln, one of America’s famous leaders contested the presidency five to six times before he eventually won.
This is a beer parlour tale that has been recycled over time. Lincoln contested the U.S. presidency twice. He ran in 1860 and 1864 and won both, before he was assassinated on 15 April 1865.
The false story about Lincoln’s failed presidential bids sprang from his previous failed state and national elections, in his state of Illinois. They were not the same as America’s presidential election.
According to historians, Lincoln lost his first election in 1832 for the Illinois state legislature. In 1834, he ran again and won.
In 1843 he ran for Congress. He lost. Three years after in 1846, Lincoln ran for Congress again – this time he won and went to Washington. From established history, in 1848, Lincoln ran for re-election to Congress and lost. In 1854, he ran for Senate of the United States. He lost. Lincoln also made another failed bid for U.S. Senate from Illinois in 1858. He lost to Democrat Steven Douglas.
We conclude that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is ill-prepared to be President of Nigeria if he could bungle a Television interview that was planned well ahead of the day and time the duo of Dr Reuben Abati and Ms Tundun Abiola conducted it.
We expected the PDP presidential candidate to be well informed on any issue before coming on national television to expose himself to avoidable ridicule.
Bayo Onanuga
Director, Media & Communication
Tinubu Campaign Organisation
July 23, 2022
2023: Osun victory signposts PDP’s rescue mission determination – Okowa
Delta Governor and Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, said the party’s victory in Osun governorship poll was a pointer to its readiness to rescue the country from mal-administration and government insensitivity.
The governor stated this while addressing PDP faithful at a mega rally at Ozoro, on Saturday, and affirmed that PDP remained the only party that could return Nigeria to better days.
He assured that contrary to insinuations in some quarters, PDP was strong, virile and united in the state, adding that what was playing out was democracy-in-action.
“I am glad that some of our friends have come to join us in this revolution to rescue Nigeria.
“The victory of our party last week Saturday in Osun is just the beginning of the revolution to rescue Nigeria and to return us to the path of growth.
“In the last seven years, it has not been too well with us as a nation, but we know that God has come to our rescue and it’s just for the PDP to take it and run with it; that sign has already started with our victory in Osun.
“Last Saturday, you listened, you watched and you waited for the result in Osun S. We went to the heartland of the APC in Yoruba land to make a statement and to God be the glory.
“They did not give PDP a chance; the APC thought it was a done-deal but God showed His mighty hand and when the results started coming, it was unfortunate for the APC.
“That is just the beginning and I must thank Nigerians who have come to realise that something has gone wrong and that we need rescue and there is only one party that can rescue Nigeria as at today and it is the PDP,” the governor said.
He pointed out that PDP was the only party with the most experienced candidate and urged Nigerians to support the party’s rescue mission.
According to him, when you look at all the persons they have brought out, you can see the distinction; we need a man who is calm with a lot of experience; somebody who knows what to do from day one.
“And, if you look at it very well, only one man fits the bill and that’s why we are talking about the ‘Atikulate Revolution’.
“I heard some people saying that PDP is dying in Delta State and I wonder why they are deceiving themselves.
“We are not boasting but on the day of election, our people will come out and vote and in the next election we are going to win all available seats – from the Assemby to the Presidential.
“In 2019 they got two local government areas but in 2023 we will win the entire 25 local government areas.
“Whatever is going on in the party today is a normal democratic process; so, there is nothing to worry about, no cause for alarm and no cause to fear,” he stated.
The governor thanked PDP’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, for nominating him as his running mate, and assured him that Deltans would support the Atiku-Okowa ticket.
“We thank God that a very experienced presidential candidate Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, picked one of your own as his running mate and we give God the glory.
“When it’s time for campaign we will come out to campaign but one thing is that Atiku has done well for the people of South-South, South-East and the people of South-West because we stand for all and he has done well for us.
“2023 is about the youths and women of Nigeria and we cannot continue to suffer and stay hungry. We must definitely move forward,” he stated.
Welcoming party faithful earlier, the state’s Chairman of PDP, Chief Kingsley Esiso, said the primary purpose of the rally was to receive defectors from other parties.
He said that Nigerians could no longer tolerate a party that had divided Nigeria along ethnic, religious and regional lines.
“People are hungry and angry, and in the midst of that, APC showed its desperation and insensitivity by coming up with a Muslim-Muslim ticket.
“In Northern Nigeria, Christians constitute no fewer than 40 per cent of the population, yet APC said they couldn’t find a Christian to be vice-presidential candidate.
“Nigerians will not answer them, we will wait till 2023 and answer them with our votes using our PVCs.
“Our people have seen with their eyes what Governor Okowa has done in Delta,” he said.
On the governorship tussle in the state, Esiso urged party faithful to remain calm, adding that INEC had asked stakeholders to maintain calm until the entire court processes were exhausted.
“As the state Chairman of this great party, it is my responsibility to educate our people on developments in the party.
“Some weeks ago our party conducted one of the freest and fairest governorship primaries in Delta state and a candidate emerged and our party has dutifully submitted the name of that candidate.
“It is our responsibility to stand and defend the outcome of that primary. The issue before the court has nothing to do with the integrity and credibility of that primary.
“By the action of INEC yesterday(Friday), we have been told in PDP to wait patently for the outcome of the court judgement,” he stated.
The rally was attended by, Minority Leader of House of Representatives, Chief Ndudi Elumelu, Speaker of the state’s House of Assembly, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, among others.
The defectors to the PDP, who were in large number were led by Chief Fred Obe and his Grassroot Unity Movement; Chief Solomon Omene, Chief Gladys Agba, Amb. Nwaham Iwendi and APGA State Secretary, Chief A.T. Okrakpo among others.
They apologised for contributing to the emergence of a tyrannical party in APC and pledged to be part of PDP’ rescue mission.
Akeredolu Hails Jimoh Ibrahim As He Bags University of Cambridge Doctor Of Business
Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has congratulated and commended billionaire business mogul, Dr.Jimoh Ibrahim CFR on his new academic feat as he was awarded Doctor of Business by University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.
According to the records, Ibrahim received the first Doctor of Business degree to be awarded by the university since it was established in 1209.
In his address at the graduation ceremony and faculty launch in honour of Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim held at the University of Cambridge Arms Hotel, United Kingdom, on Saturday, revealed that Ibrahim’s dissertation was on “How Megaprojects Are Damaging Nigeria And How To Fix It.”
He also disclosed that the All Progressives Congress’ senatorial candidate for Ondo South in the forthcoming general elections “completed the degree in record six months before the university’s four years.”
In the dissertation, Ibrahim was able to identify 11,886 abandoned Nigeria Federal Government projects.
According to Akeredolu, “Specific to Nigeria and as pointed out in the dissertation, just three abandoned projects equal 60 percent of our national debt. The Lagos-Badagry Express Road, the Ajaokuta Steel project, and the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Project(SURE-P) project.
“At all times, the Federal Government abandoned 60 percent of every project and the Nigeria national Library where over N200 billion has been spent, is abandoned.”
Expressing his excitement about the record being made by the Ondo State-born business mogul, Governor Akeredolu said: “It is not only a matter of great joy, the event marks a significant punctuation in the history of our dear state and country, that a prominent citizen of Ondo State and Nigeria is the first person. To be admitted to complete the degree of Doctor of Business from the Judge Business School.”
Akeredolu, therefore, appreciated the University of Cambridge “for the incredible opportunities given to Dr. Jimoh to be the first in the Business doctorate programme of the university, as I’m told, the first in 800 years.”
He disclosed that his administration and the nation at large would exploit and explore Dr. Ibrahim’s newly acquired knowledge.
“We return home with joy and an excellent opportunity to improve megaprojects knowledge with new skills acquired by Dr. Jimoh, which, once put into use in our country, will surely change the narratives.
……………………………………………………………………………..
EBIRERI HENRY OVIE
08036977194
henryebi@yahoo.com
Alhaji Nureni Oluwatoyin Animashaun is dead.
The top Lagos leader died on Tuesday, July 19, 2022 in Surulere.
He was 76.
A totally detribalized Nigerian, Animashaun was known for being outspoken and for not shying away from the truth.
Tributes from relatives, friends and neighbours have described him as a straightforward and a deeply committed family man.
“Alhaji Animashaun was a pillar of his family. His passing is a great loss to the family, Lagos Island and Alaka-Iponri Community.
Animashaun was buried according to Muslim rites on Wednesday, July 20, 22 at Ikoyi Cemetery, behind Radio Nigeria.
The 8 days Fidau Prayer will hold on Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at Block 135, Iponri Housing Estate, Alaka
. Engineering construction leader donates books, writing materials to schools within Lagos Shagamu Expressway, LSE, project corridor
It was excitement galore during the week, when the nation’s engineering construction frontrunner, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, hiked up its Corporate Social responsibility efforts by donating literary materials to students in Lagos and Ogun state schools. The effort was designed to fulfil its contributory obligations to communities in its operational environment.
At Iponri Estate Junior High School in Lagos State Wednesday, no fewer than 600 students got a bag each of the literary materials comprising writing materials and an award winning African-based science fiction and fantasy written work, What Sunny saw in the Flame authored by Nnedi Okorafor.
In applauding Julius Berger’s effort, the Vice Principal of the school, Mrs Lydia Omowumi Adenigba who stood in for the Principal said, “…we appreciate Julius Berger for this laudable effort. It has been long we saw such an effort from any organisation operating in Lagos. We will no doubt cherish this day for a long time to come. Thank you Julius Berger. We so much appreciate you”
The Head Boy of the school, Master Olatuyi Timilehin spoke in similar vein adding that, “we know Julius Berger as a construction company, building bridges and roads and houses. However, today, we have seen another good thing your company does; that is promoting education. Thank you Julius Berger for this and many more social works that you do.”
Earlier, leader of Julius Berger Team to the event and Head of the company’s Corporate Communications Department, Mr. James Agama, told the students the essence of the CSR effort. He said, “Julius Berger not only builds bridges, houses and roads. We also build the future of children by promoting the educational development of students in areas where we operate. We promote your education to prepare you for future challenges.”
Next day, at the Community High School, Ibafo, Ogun State, it was a replay of same scenario as no fewer than 650 elated students sang and danced with their respective bags containing the educational materials.
Ibafo is situated east of Magado, and east of Magboro-Shofolarin on the Lagos-Shagamu Expressway.
In his vote of thanks, Vice Principal of the school, Mr. Olaniyi Olusola thanked the company for the gesture saying, “…this is a very worthy effort by your company to uplift the education of our students. We appreciate Julius Berger; Tell your management that we will be supporting them in our prayers always.”
It would be recalled that Julius Berger’s laudable and continuing CSR Literacy Campaign also took the company’s books and writing materials donation to schools at the Federal Capital Territory Abuja recently.
………………………………………………………………………………………………
PRESIDENT BUHARI CONDEMNS MURDER OF CATHOLIC PRIEST IN KADUNA, CALLS IT HEINOUS AND DESPICABLE
President Muhammadu Buhari has strongly condemned the murder of a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. John Cheitnum of the Kafanchan Catholic Diocese, four days after he was seized by gunmen.
Reacting to the incident in Abuja on Wednesday, President Buhari said, “I am deeply disturbed by the murder of this revered religious figure by outlaws who seem to be bent on creating chaos and disorder in the country.”
He explained that “the persistent attack on innocent people, including religious figures, by gunmen is a matter of grave concern for this administration, because security is one of the major issues of our campaign promises.”
“Let me reassure Nigerians that my commitment to this issue is as firm as ever. I have always made it a duty to regularly summon security chiefs to discuss these challenges and the way forward. I’m not allowing the security chiefs to rest unless and until we find a very effective solution to this disturbing security situation. The security of all Nigerians remains our major priority and I assure Nigerians that we are determined to crush these enemies of humanity with all the resources at our disposal,” the President declared.
He extended his condolences to the family of the deceased and Christian Association of Nigeria leadership in Kaduna State over the death of Rev. Fr. Cheitnum.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the president
(Media & Publicity)
July 20, 2022
…………………………………………………………………………………………….
PRESIDENT BUHARI TO KASHIM SHETTIMA: I WILL RESPOND TO YOU WHEN I AM HANDING OVER TO YOU AND YOUR BOSS
President Muhammadu Buhari struck a chord of humour on Wednesday at the State House while responding to a flowery speech by Senator Kashim Shettima, the Running Mate and Vice Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, saying, “I will respond to your speech when I am handing over to you and your boss. God willing, you are going to win.”
President Buhari, who received the VP Candidate shortly after he was unveiled by the leadership of the Party and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said he is very happy with the choice of the former Governor of Borno State as running mate.
“I wish you the best. Your consistency in the party is very respectful. You served your two terms as Governor and finished well. You have kept touch with your base. At every important occasion or event, you are maintaining support for the one who succeeded you. This is commendable,“ he said.
The President expressed strong optimism that the APC ticket will emerge victorious in 2023.
In his remarks, the Vice Presidential Candidate thanked the President for his “empathy, support and positive role,” leading to his emergence as Running Mate to the APC Presidential Candidate.
He praised the President for having “a special place in your heart for Borno and Northeast,” adding, “I can cite 20-30 instances of support you have rendered, for which you will be remembered.”
He mentioned the establishment of the North East Development Commission, NEDC, and the Independent Power Plant for Maiduguri by the NNPC, “after many years of darkness,” saying that “words cannot describe our appreciation of your support. We will remain eternally grateful.”
The former Governor of Borno State requested the President to appreciate his successor, Babagana Zulum who was in his company, along with the Minister of State, Agriculture, Mustapha Baba Shehuri, for spurning “recurring mention” of him and pressure from his Governor colleagues to bid for the Vice Presidential ticket.
The Candidate pledged to remain “loyal and devoted” to the President, promising that his Vice-Presidency will not be for the “troika of Hausa, Fulani and Kanuri,” but for all Nigeria, irrespective of ethnicity, religion or geographical place of origin.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 20, 2022
……………………………………………………………………………………………………
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU RE-LAUNCHES LAGOS RESIDENCY CARD WITH SMART FEATURES
…State Targets 10 Million Residents For Enrollment Before December
…‘Registration Is Free, Card Useful For 28 Services’ – LASRRA Boss
The move by the Lagos State Government to generate a comprehensive database of all persons residing in the State has moved a notch higher, with the launch of an upgraded and chip-embedded smart residency card by the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA), on Wednesday.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu personally unveiled the smart residency card at launching events held simultaneously across five locations in the State. The locations include Ikeja, Lagos Island, Badagry, Ikorodu and Epe.
The new card offered a transition from an ordinary plastic card, meant only for identification purposes, to a smart, multi-purpose ID that combines biometric identification with other benefits, such as security, financial services, transportation and access to government services and amenities.
Lagos started enrollment of its residents for residency registration in 2011 to create a reliable database to enable effective and realistic planning by the State Government, especially for the provision of social services and amenities.
Already, 6.5 million residents had been enrolled on the database by LASRRA, with the State witnessing four-fold increment in registration in the last three years.
With the launch of digitised card format, Sanwo-Olu said the State Government would be targeting to capture 10 million residents on the database before the end of the year.
This new residency ID, according to LASRRA, is a multipurpose smart card with 28 applets that make the provision of 28 services possible to the cardholders.
The Governor said: “Today’s relaunch is borne out of the need to embrace change and align with global best practices. We have upgraded the residency card from an ordinary plastic card, for identification purposes only, to a smart, multi-purpose card that combines biometric identification with other functionalities and benefits, that cuts across areas such as security, financial services, mobility and access to government services and amenities.
“Lagos experiences significant levels of daily inbound migration of people seeking economic opportunities and a better life. As a result, our population is rising rapidly, with obvious implications for social services, social infrastructure, and for security. It has become imperative for the State Government to re-examine strategies aimed at improving the security of lives and properties of the people.
“This smart residency card being launched today will help us to address the issues surrounding the identification and traceability of Lagos residents, and ultimately help inform the Government’s planning and provision of services designed to secure lives and property. The card comes with an electronic wallet, which can hold funds and be used for daily transactions to support the cashless agenda of the monetary authorities.”
Sanwo-Olu said new visitors in Lagos who planned to live in the State for more than two consecutive months were now required to register for the residency card.
The Governor said Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) would be leveraging the database to validate residents for the purpose of delivering essential services, including health insurance, pension administration, school allocation based on residential addresses, and other necessary social amenities.
Sanwo-Olu solicited for the cooperation of all residents to register and acquire the card in order to enjoy the benefits on offer, and to enable the Government to plan effectively and allocate budget for the delivery of good governance against the backdrop of the State’s growing population.
“The political will and commitment of this administration to ensure that we are delivering on our mandate effectively and efficiently has led to heavy and ongoing investment in Information Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure on multiple fronts,” the Governor said.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Technology, Olatunbosun Alake, said the launch of the smart residency card became another foundational layer on which the Government’s Smart City project would stand on, noting that the new card would also promote inclusion.
Explaining the details of the re-launched card, Alake said the registration procedure now came with elastic and expandable biometric interfaces to allow updates of information. He added that the card utilises industry standard security chips that prevent duplicated identities and profiles.
“We have a cloud redundancy system that allows 24 hours operations and a highly rated machine accuracy system. It has back-end cloud workload protection and two-factor authentication to make changes to information originally supplied, such as physical address,” Alake explained.
LASRRA General Manager, Engr. Ibilola Kasunmu, said the State could not afford to lag behind in the age of global digitalisation, thereby making the transition to smart residency card compelling.
She said the agency was motivated by the resolve to contribute to the overall vision of the current administration on finding innovative ways to improve on efficiency of governance and service delivery for the benefits of the people.
Kasunmu said: “We took account of certain limitations inherent in the initiative, developed an ecosystem framework with propositions to include a cost-effective approach to produce the smart ID cards for residents. We are glad to announce that we have been able to secure partnership of several private sector players on this laudable project as we needed to ensure the card remained free to the residents of the State. Residents are not expected to pay for the card.”
In endorsing the new digitised ID format, Managing Director of Sterling Bank, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, said Lagos remained the cradle of transformation.
The high point was the symbolic presentation of the smart residency cards to the Governor and residents freshly registered by LASRRA.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
20 JULY 2022
‘’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’
July 20, 2022
Press Statement
Osun Governorship Election: PDP Savours Appeal Court Judgment on Adeleke
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) receives with delight, the judgment of the Court of Appeal, which affirmed the PDP Governorship Election Primary that produced Osun State Governor-Elect, Sen. Ademola Adeleke, as the rightful candidate of the PDP for the July 16, 2022 Osun State Governorship election.
The Appeal Court judgement which puts to rest all contestations regarding the validity of the Candidacy of the Osun State Governor-Elect, Sen. Ademola Adeleke, comes as further validation of the Will and aspiration of the people of Osun State which they overwhelmingly expressed on July 16.
The judgment is a firm confirmation that the Osun State governorship primary was transparently conducted by the Sen. Dr. Iyorchia Ayu-led National Working Committee (NWC) in strict compliance with the provisions of the PDP Constitution and Electoral Guidelines as provided by the Electoral Act and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).
Our Party commends the Judiciary for its courage adding that the judgment has further restored the confidence of Nigerians on our judicial system and the processes of the PDP.
The PDP again congratulates the people of Osun State and charges all Party stakeholders in the State to remain united behind Sen. Ademola Adeleke in his determination to institute a transparent, people-oriented and development-based government that will rebuild and revamp Osun State from the misrule of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
|
|
ON UNIVERSITY STRIKES, GOVERNMENT IS READY FOR BUSINESS
The outcome of the meeting held by President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to end the agitations by university unions ought to be beyond spin-doctoring and conjectures. It is a pity that almost all media houses allowed themselves to be deceived by interested sources that are not the authorized spokesmen of government.
Neither during nor after the meeting was any ultimatum given to the Minister of Education. During the meeting, the Minister of Education requested that the Minister of Labour hands off the negotiation to allow him lead and conclude what he had earlier on started with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). And he promised that he could get an agreement within the shortest possible time, possibly two to three weeks.
In carrying out this assignment, the Minister will carry along all relevant ministries and agencies with statutory functions and duties relating to the issues involved.
The Presidency is optimistic that agreements can be reached in an even shorter period if all parties/stakeholders are not unrealistically obstinate. We appeal to the parties to work together to end the strikes.
On the part of the administration, all doors remain open for dialogue and the resolution of the issues.
We appeal to the media not try to spread misinformation. The orchestrated media narratives seeking to present an entirely different picture, attributed to sources, in the last 24 hours are not helpful at all.
Garba Shehu
Senior special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
19 June 2022
Access Bank to support education with $1.7m raised at 2022 UK Charity Polo Tournament
Seeking to improve the state of education in Nigeria, Access Bank has raised $1.7 million at its Charity Polo Tournament held at The Guards Polo Club, Egham, Surrey, United Kingdom on Saturday, 16 July 2022.
The money, the Bank confirms, will be directed towards the building and equipping of over 100 classroom blocks in the less developed areas of Nigeria.
These donations, according to the Group Managing Director of Access Corporation, Herbert Wigwe, “Serve as building blocks towards achieving a brighter future for the country, while challenging the various state governments to take sustainable actions towards ensuring all boys and girls complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education.”
“We thank all attendees and donors for buying into our vision and assure that Access Bank will not relent in its efforts to see that every Nigerian child regardless of tribe, gender and religion is given a fair chance for a better tomorrow.”
Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director of Access Bank, also added that the polo event remained the greatest investment towards ensuring a great future for the vulnerable Nigerian child.
The Polo tournament, which is executed in partnership with Fifth Chukker and UNICEF, in Kaduna, South Africa and the UK has been an extension of Access Bank’s efforts to support anti-poverty and anti-HIV/AIDS campaigns in Nigeria. This is the first edition of the UK-based tournament to be held since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
…………………………………………………………………………………………….
PRESIDENT BUHARI CONGRATULATES NEWLY ELECTED PRESIDENT OF TUC, COMRADE FESTUS OSIFO
President Muhammadu Buhari felicitates with Comrade Festus Osifo, newly elected President of Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC).
The President salutes the vision and courage of the dedicated trade unionist, whose election as President of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association (PENGASSAN) in 2020 has translated into improved welfare and working conditions for workers.
President Buhari congratulates the leadership of PENGASSAN and TUC on the historic choice, while looking forward to a partnership that will foster more development in the country, particularly for workers.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 20, 2022
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
PRESIDENT BUHARI SHOWCASES 266 ECOLOGICAL PROJECTS COMPLETED UNDER HIS WATCH, DIRECTS MDAS TO PUBLICISE ACHIEVEMENTS
A total of 266 ecological projects have been completed across the country in the last seven years (2015-2022), President Muhammadu Buhari declared Wednesday in Abuja.
Speaking at the launch of a compendium of ecological projects undertaken by this administration, the President said 332 ecological projects were approved during the period in review, out of which 266 were accomplished while the remaining 66 are at different stages of completion.
The President, who launched the publication before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, commended the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Management Team of the Ecological Project Office (EPO), for the judicious use of available resources for the effective implementation of approved projects, as well as the initiative for the publication.
In order to leverage the benefits accruable to government from the commendable efforts of the EPO, and the effective communication of these efforts through the publication, the President directed Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) which have not done so to showcase their performance and achievements to the public.
‘‘The enormity of Nigeria’s ecological problems and inherited infrastructural deficit in general, has the tendency, like the proverbial drop in the ocean, to always drown our achievements in addressing ecological challenges and infrastructural deficit at large.
‘‘It is against this background that publications like the one being launched today, become very important and a useful tool in correcting the negative public perception, that government has not done anything in addressing these challenges.
‘‘The documentation and publication of these achievements in our modest effort to tackle ecological problems is therefore predicated on our quest to improve communication in governance, as a tool for keeping citizens well-informed and helping them to hold government accountable.
‘‘This is the most significant implication of the Ecological Project Office’s initiative in publishing this compendium.’’
The President noted that the Compendium, which is for the reading pleasure and knowledge of Nigerians, would bridge the information and communication gap between Nigerians and the real-time performance of this Administration by portraying the specific locations of ecological projects, with pictorial evidence as well as proofs of handing over the projects to the beneficiaries.
President Buhari urged States and Local Governments to judiciously use their shares of the ecological fund, strictly for ecological projects towards addressing the ecological problems in their areas.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, told the President that the 554-page publication supervised by the Permanent Secretary, EPO, Dr Habiba Lawal, is aimed at keeping the public abreast of the efforts of the administration in addressing verified ecological problems in ‘‘all the nooks and crannies of Nigeria.’’
He thanked the President for promoting the culture of accountability and for approving the change of name of Ecological Fund Office to EPO, for its mandate not to be misconstrued by the public.
‘‘The Office was established through the Federation Account Act in 1981, primarily to carry out intervention projects nationwide with the Federal Government share of the ecological funds, to address critical ecological problems to supplement States and Local Government shares of the fund.’’
On the Federal Government share of the Ecological Fund, the SGF explained that the latest sharing formula of the Ecological and Derivation Fund (EDF) as modified allocates 1.00 per cent to the Federal Government, 0.72 per cent to States while the Local Governments get 0.60 per cent.
He added that out of the 1.00 per cent of the Federal Government share, monthly the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) gets 20 per cent, National Agency for Great Green (NAGGW) Wall 5 per cent, North East Development Commission (NEDC) 10 per cent while the National Agricultural Development Agency (NALDA) receives 10 per cent.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 20, 2022
………………………………………………………………………………………………….
VERIFICATION COMMITTEE DISCOVERS ONDO GOVT LOSES OVER N400M TO PAYROLL INFRACTIONS
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has directed the Head of Service to dismiss officers who are receiving double salaries from the state payroll.
Governor Akeredolu gave the directive while receiving the report of the Committee for Verification, Scrutinization and Clean-up of the State Payroll.
The Governor, who suspected that the State Payroll including salaries and pensions had been compromised, set up a seven-member committee to continuously clean up the payroll of infractions.
The committee, led by the Chairman and former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Victor Olajorin, on Wednesday submitted its report to the Governor at his office, Alagbaka, Akure.
Receiving the reports, Governor Akeredolu frowned at the different infractions discovered in the payroll.
He lamented the over-bloated workforce which he said was occasioned by many ghost workers.
The Governor also directed that all Ministries, Departments and Parastatals in the State should stop recruitment under any guise until the Salary Verification Committee has concluded its assignment.
“We have over-bloated workforce, and undoubtedly, I am sure there are many ghost workers. Those who are receiving double salaries, apart from recovering the money from them, I am directing the Head of Service to get them dismissed. They must serve as deterrent to others,” he said.
Governor Akeredolu appreciated the committee for doing a yeoman’s job and not compromising their integrity.
Earlier, Mr Olajorin informed the Governor that the first and major step taken by the committee was to contact the various service including the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Hospitals’ Management Board (HMB), Local Government Service Commission (LGSC) among others.
He noted that the committee also obtained vital documents like the Nominal Roll, Disposition List, Pay Register and Pension Payroll so as to achieve its mandate.
“The documents were consequently scrutinized and in the process, some infractions were discovered.
“Mr Governor, permit me to inform you that our beam light was initially focused on TESCOM and some of the infractions detected were about: Officers/pensioners receiving both salary/pension, retired officers later reappointed and drawing salary/pension, officers whose salaries are hanging among others.
“Details are contained in the Volume 1 report of the Committee. In the process, a sum of N304,859,812.51 was discovered as the aggregate loss to the State Government from the above infractions.
“In furtherance of our activities, attention was shifted to the pay register of Hospital Management Board. The committee carried out on-the-spot verification for both medical and non-medical personnel in their various facilities across the state.
“The exercise led to the discovery of some unwholesome practice like abscondment, study leave without pay, payment of salaries to officers after resignation, while some officers couldn’t be traced to any health facilities.
“So far, a sum of N192,873,592 has been discovered from HMB as the total loss to the State Government. Mr. Governor, permit me to mention that the Committee has so far, identified the sum of N497,733,404 for infractions in TESCOM and HMB,” Olajorin said.
The Chairman also explained that another issue of concern found by the Committee was the lopsidedness observed in the posting of officers to health facilities at the urban centres at the detriment of the ones in the ritual areas.
Other members of the Committee are: Tope Popoola Esq; Hadj Badmos; Dr. Ola Obaado; Bola Taiwo; Kayode Edema and Lawrence Akintunde.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
July 20, 2022.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
United Nations, World Bank Explore Developing Sovereign Green, Social, and Sustainable Bond Market in Africa
Addis Ababa, 19 July 2022 – The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the World Bank co-organized on July 19, 2022, a virtual workshop on the development of the Green, Social and Sustainable (GSS) sovereign bond market in Africa.
Innovative financing solutions are needed for countries across Africa to achieve their ambitious climate investment goals and meet the Paris Agreement commitments. In the context of prudent debt management, GSS bonds can constitute a central part of the financing strategy for sovereigns and subnational entities to fund both mitigation and adaptation investments.
Hanan Morsy, ECA’s Deputy Executive Secretary, said, “ahead of this year’s COP27 held in Egypt, Africa faces a mixed landscape for achieving climate ambitions and NDCs. We urgently need the 100 billion USD per annum promise to be realized, while we need a new financing target which will mobilize the trillions needed. GSS bonds play a critical role in tapping into resources at the international capital markets to unleash the potential of the green and blue economy in Africa. ECA is supporting member states under various initiatives, such as the Great Blue Wall, the Liquidity and Sustainability Facility, and debt-for-nature swaps, to graduate from the aid dependencies by leveraging market-based innovative finance instruments.
Global issuances of GSS debt reached $1.6 trillion in 2021. This was more than double the level in 2020, evidencing the surge in investor interest. However, Africa is not yet taking full advantage of the market.
“Less than 50 thematic bonds have ever been issued across Africa, and just five of these were from a sovereign. Sustainable finance, combined with sound debt management, represents a strategic way to raise the needed funds to respond to the pandemic in a way that also is resilient. Unlocking the potential for sovereign GSS bonds in Africa can only be achieved by clarifying market expectations and overcoming the knowledge gap. The World Bank, in coordination with ECA, is working on a capacity-building program to support clients in the region that will shed light on the opportunities of GSS market development.” said Jorge Familiar, World Bank Vice President, and Treasurer.
Jean-Paul Adam, Director, Technology, Climate Change and Natural Resources Management Division at ECA, said “Africa faces multiple challenges posed by the COVID19 pandemic, climate change, and the recent Ukraine crisis. While the ability to mobilize predictable grant resources from traditional concessional finance remains a crucial element in dealing with those challenges, the private sector can also play a conducive role to bridge the financing gaps. Currently, Africa is paying more than twice the price than countries with similar macroeconomic fundamentals. There is a need to provide Africa with affordable and stable sustainable financing, as sustainable finance markets are critical to addressing ‘Africa’s ambitions and achieving Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda. ”
There is very strong interest from potential sovereign issuers of GSS bonds. In a recent World Bank Treasury survey of emerging market debt management offices (DMOs) and international investors across all regions, over 75 percent of DMOs intend to issue GSS bonds. These DMOs saw strong potential benefits of tapping the GSS bond market to diversify the investor base, signal a commitment to sustainability, build a local market to motivate private sector issuers, and attract international investors. International investors highlighted several reasons for their interest in thematic bonds, including achieving ESG impact, developing the thematic bond market, diversifying their portfolios, and serving their investors’ and shareholders’ direct business interests. The surveys show strong alignment between issuers and investors that thematic bonds can be essential instruments to finance the vast investments required to meet NDC and SDG ambitions.
“There is a great potential opportunity for sovereigns to tap investor demand for GSS assets both internationally and domestically. However, there are challenges that DMOs cited in issuing GSS bonds, including understanding the principles and standards for GSS bonds, the cost and intricacies of the issuance process, and difficulty identifying eligible expenditures and projects. At the moment, there are strong headwinds for emerging markets in the capital markets, but this may allow time to prepare and build capacity when the time is right to issue GSS bonds”, said James Seward, Senior Financial Officer at the World Bank Treasury.
During the workshop, technical experts discussed the importance of building awareness and exploring the potential issuance of GSS bonds in Africa by sovereign issuers or subnational entities. The panel focused on practical experiences in issuing GSS bonds, the challenges, and solutions for developing successful GSS bond programs. The panelists also discussed new market trends such as the inflation-linked green bond issuance from France and the Colombia local currency twin green bond issuance. Finally, participants shared on-the-ground experiences and lessons from the recent Egypt green bond and Benin SDG bond and the plans for future issuances by panel participants.
The World Bank and ECA thanked all the participants for their contribution and involvement during the workshop.
-Ends-
Issued by:
Communications Section
Economic Commission for Africa
PO Box 3001
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Tel: +251 11 551 5826
E-mail: eca-info@un.org
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. BETTY MARCHING TOWARDS PLATINUM: REMAINING STRONG AND FOCUSED STILL
Courage, as against foolhardiness, is a rare endowment in human beings. The fortitude with which a person confronts life’s adversities is a mark of spectacular feat. Surmounting these challenges and turning the lessons of a bitter, near-fatal experience to an advantage of immense benefits for humanity is the most sublime of all engagements. That the triumph becomes a perennial reason for service inspires.
Combining modesty, honesty and an uncommon, unfailing mental acuity is special evidence of a life shaped with discipline, focus and divine munificence. Only a few mortals enjoy this grace till old age. A fewer number still view living as an art which must be appreciated with creative essence.
My Adorable Betty, I have always counted myself lucky since our paths crossed over four decades ago. I could not have asked for a better partner. I live with no regrets, whatsoever. Having a friend, wife, confidant, unsparing critic and supporter, loving mother of our children, Fond ‘Gran’ of our grandchildren all rolled into a personality, has been an exceptional blessing to me. And so, blessed am I among lucky men. I cannot ask for more.
As you take steady and confident steps towards the attainment of the Platinum next year, in less than 365 days from today, I fervently pray that you continue, in good health, to impact on the society, positively. The girl-child has an unyielding and vociferous advocate in you. Women, especially widows, rely on your tremendous inputs to make life meaningful. Those afflicted with the scourge of cancer see in you a courageous exemplar, enabler, who wrestled the menace to a standstill.
The defeat of this monster has been resounding in the last twenty-five years. This feat and your ceaseless advocacy for gender representation based on equity and justice have attracted global accolades, and deservedly so. That you remain strong and healthy is not a product of mere wishful thinking. Rigorous adherence to principles of healthy living, modesty, honesty and an effacing yet audacious disposition to existential issues are the ingredients which have molded these pristine qualities into an inspiring entity which you have become among your numerous admirers. Even your adversaries acknowledge your relentless and indomitable spirit.
I celebrate you, my Adorable Betty, at 69. I will join you in the particular strides in the days ahead on a march to an assured destination. We shall have a greater cause to celebrate when you will be 70 years young next year.
Congratulations, Darlin’ me.
Arakunrin Oluwarotimi O. Akeredolu, SAN
Governor, Ondo State
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
The first phase of Census 2023— the trial House listing and House numbering took off officially in selected local government areas of the country today, Wednesday with President Muhammadu Buhari blessing the exercise, urging officials to justify the confidence of the government by returning accurate, verifiable and dependable data.
To mark the commencement of the exercise, the National Population Commission (NPC) accredited President Muhammadu Buhari at his country home in Daura, Katsina State.
“I am happy you have started the process, and congratulations. I know this will require a lot of time, skill and stamina,” President Buhari told the team from NPC led by the Chairman, Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra.
After the digital capturing, the chairman explained the modalities and technicalities of the Population and Housing Census to the President.
Kwarra said President Buhari had been designated number one on the list, from Daura, Katsina, and his house was also the first.
The chairman said the trial commenced with the President, followed the conclusion of the training of the field functionaries for the Trial Census exercise, who will begin the fieldwork of the Trial Census from 13th to 30th July, 2022 in the selected Enumeration Areas and Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the 36 States of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
He said the Trial Census, also known as the “census dress rehearsal”, was one of the pre-census activities to evaluate all aspects of the census operation before the main census on a limited scale.
“It is a process in which all census operations are tested in a detailed and comprehensive manner to assess the level of preparedness of the Commission to conduct the 2023 Population and Housing Census.
“The Trial Census shall cover a total of 7681 Enumeration Areas (EAs) in the 36 States and the FCT. Six LGAs have been selected from the six selected States in the six geo-political zones of the country for full population enumeration while forty-five EAs in nine LGAs cutting across three senatorial districts were selected from each of the thirty States and the FCT for enumeration,” he added.
The Trial Census fieldwork includes, building numbering and household listing from 13th to 15th July, 2022; validation of EA frame from 16th to 18th July, 2022; person’s enumeration from 19th to 25th July, 2022; and enumeration mop up from 26th to 30th July, 2022.
As part of the exercise, Enumerators are expected to visit all residential and non-residential buildings within the selected Enumeration Areas and number the buildings and enumerate members of households in the buildings.
At the end of the trial census exercise, the NPC expects to take away lessons on their chosen methodology, work load, challenges of data collection in peculiar areas and the education as well as the adequacy of the preparation of their enumerators.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 13, 2022
July 13, 2022
Press Statement
PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu Resumes Duty After Vacation…Confident on PDP’s Victory in Osun Governorship Election
The National Chairman of our great Party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen. Dr. Iyorchia Ayu has officially resumed duties following his return from a short vacation abroad.
Already, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been duly informed on the return and official resumption of duty by Dr. Ayu as the National Chairman of the PDP.
Dr. Ayu who met with members of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) at the Party’s National Secretariat in Abuja today, commended the Deputy National Chairman (North), Amb. Umar Iliya Damagum, for effectively holding brief as Acting National Chairman for the period that he (the National Chairman) was on vacation, in line with the provision of the Constitution of the PDP 2017 (as amended).
He also applauded the members of the NWC, other Organs and critical stakeholders of the Party for the cohesiveness and unity of purpose that pervade the Party.
The National Chairman expressed confidence that with the prevailing overwhelming support of the people, the PDP and its candidate, Sen. Ademola Adeleke will emerge victorious in the Saturday, July 16, 2022 Governorship election in Osun State.
He also expressed satisfaction that the on-going consultations and efforts for the success of the PDP in the 2023 general elections are yielding very positive results.
The National Chairman therefore called on all members and teeming supporters of the Party to remain united and focused on the PDP’s mission to Rescue, Redirect and Rebuild our nation from the misrule of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary