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JUSTICE KEKERE-EKUN WILL SEE JUDICIARY AS GATEKEEPER OF JUSTICE PROTECTOR OF CITIZENS’ RIGHTS SAYS SANWO-OLU

JUSTICE KEKERE-EKUN WILL SEE JUDICIARY AS GATEKEEPER OF JUSTICE, PROTECTOR OF CITIZENS’ RIGHTS, SAYS SANWO-OLU

PRESS RELEASE

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Lagos Governor hosts a special dinner to honour Chief Justice of Nigeria

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed confidence that the new Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, will not see the judiciary as just an arm of government but as a gatekeeper of justice, protector of the rights of the citizens, and defender of the constitution.

 

 

 

The Governor said the tenure of Justice Kekere-Ekun as the Chief Justice of Nigeria will be marked by the sharp intellect, depth of insight, and unwavering commitment to the spirit of the law for which she built a lifelong reputation, noting that her ascension to the highest judicial office in Nigeria speaks powerfully to the boundless potential of women and to the fact that excellence in leadership knows no gender.

 

 

 

Governor Sanwo-Olu spoke on Saturday night during a Special Dinner held in honour of Justice Kekere-Ekun, the second female Chief Justice of Nigeria, at Lagos House, Marina.

 

 

 

The dinner was attended by Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; former Lagos State Governor and Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola; Justice Kekere-Ekun’s husband, Mr. Akin Kekere-Ekun; Minister of Justice and. Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi; Justices of Supreme Court; Judges from Court of Appeal and federal and state high courts; legal practitioners; traditional and political leaders, among others.

 

 

 

Speaking during the event, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the dinner, where two Lagosians, Justice Habeeb Abiru of the Supreme Court and Justice Lawal Akapo of the Court of Appeal, were also celebrated for their recent elevation, is a celebration of the place of Lagos in the development of jurisprudence in Nigeria, noting that Lagos has produced many of the finest legal minds Nigeria has seen on the Bar and the Bench.

 

 

 

He said, “We celebrate not only your achievements but the significance of your leadership for every woman in Nigeria, for every young girl who dreams of a life of impact. Your ascension speaks powerfully to the boundless potential of women and to the fact that excellence in leadership knows no gender.

 

 

 

“Justice Kekere-Ekun ascension to the highest judicial office in the land tells every young girl, every aspiring woman leader in our nation, that they too can achieve the very best, that they can lead, decide, and redefine what is possible.

 

 

 

“At a time when Nigeria faces many challenges, your leadership of the judiciary is a steadying force and a comforting presence, one that will bring renewed strength to the pursuit of justice, equity, and fairness.

 

 

 

“Beyond the law, you have been a role model for many, embodying dignity, humility, and strength. As you carry forward this sacred duty, may you find strength in your roots, may you draw inspiration from the legacy of all who have come before you, may you raise judicial standards to unprecedented heights, and may you continue to lead with integrity and vision.

 

 

 

“I am pleased to note that Justice Kekere-Ekun has made judicial welfare one of the pillars of her leadership of the Supreme Court, and I have no doubt in my mind that the Lagos reform model will serve as a credible template for national judicial reform. We are indeed proud to have a daughter of Lagos spearheading what will no doubt come to be known as a golden age for the Nigerian judicial system.

 

 

 

“All of us who are in positions of leadership in the three arms of government, as we wine and dine tonight, let us strengthen our resolve to play our part in deepening collaboration, to strengthen this cherished democracy of ours.”

 

 

 

Speaking earlier, Justice Kekere-Ekun, who said she is deeply touched by the show of love by the Lagos State Government, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu and the previous governor for their commitment to the judiciary and infrastructure.

 

 

 

Justice Kekere-Ekun promised to uphold the rights of people and ensure equity and justice as the Chief Justice of Nigeria. “My recent appointment as the Chief Justice of Nigeria is a role I did not take likely. Indeed, I appreciate that I have a very heavy responsibility on my shoulders. It is a call to lead, inspire, and champion the integrity of our judiciary. I am committed to upholding the high standard of our judiciary, promoting judicial independence, and fostering an environment where the rule of law prevails,” she said.

 

 

 

Also speaking, Governor Dapo Abiodun, ex-Governor Babatunde Fashola, and other speakers praised Justice Kekere-Ekun for her courage and high level of integrity both at the Bar and the Bench, especially as a Judge at Magistrate Court, High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court before being appointed as the Chief Justice of Nigeria.

 

 

 

 

 

SIGNED

 

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

 

SPECIAL ADVISER – MEDIA AND PUBLICITY

 

10 NOVEMBER 2024

STATE HOUSE PRESS STATEMENT

TIME FOR ATIKU ABUBAKAR TO END HIS GRAND ILLUSIONS AND FANTASIES

Since his defeat in the last election, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has shown more interest in undermining President Bola Ahmed Tinubu than in addressing his party’s implosion. We suspect he is envious of Tinubu’s position—an office he has unsuccessfully sought six times.

It is perplexing that he would elevate his untested, hypothetical proposal, which Nigerians soundly rejected during the 2023 Presidential Election, and seek to present it as a superior alternative to the multi-faceted reform programmes implemented by the Tinubu administration. If his plan lacked popular appeal, he must acknowledge that merely repackaging it will not resolve the social and economic challenges his People’s Democratic Party (PDP) bequeathed after 16 years in power.

Atiku’s economic analysis demonstrates a significant misunderstanding of Nigeria’s realities. His narrative, “What We Would Have Done Differently,” indicates an inability to engage with the pressing economic realities being revitalised multidimensionally under President Tinubu’s leadership.

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What reforms would Atiku propose at the onset of his hypothetical and fabled presidency? While he suggests a consultation period upon assuming office, the reality is that the Nigerian economy requires immediate and decisive action. A leader must be prepared to tackle challenges from Day One, as President Tinubu has done.

Atiku, going further to accuse President  Tinubu of “stealing his presidency,”  exposed his sense of entitlement and his disconnect from the electorate. The truth is that Tinubu rightfully won the presidency, a position Atiku was simply unqualified for due to his arrogance, insensitivity to Nigeria’s diversity, and the decision to disregard his party’s power rotation arrangement between the North and the South after eight years of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Atiku’s idea of a consultation period upon entering office shows a troubling lack of awareness regarding the state of the economy, which was in dire need of urgent action. The Tinubu administration came prepared with a firm action plan to address the shortcomings that persisted during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s time when Atiku was vice president.

We can only speculate what detrimental impact Atiku’s proposed lengthy town hall and Village Square meetings would have had on Nigeria’s economy if he had been elected president and taken such an approach. The country needed a proactive leader such as Tinubu, who immediately set to work on addressing economic challenges rather than one who would have squandered precious time on consultations and a questionable privatisation agenda.

Atiku’s critiques of Tinubu’s presidency are mere harebrained propositions devoid of realistic alternatives. He must reckon with the decades of mismanaged economy inherited by the current administration, including exorbitant subsidy expenditures far exceeding government earnings from crude oil. As of mid-2023, the landing cost of fuel was between N500 and N600, while it was sold nationwide at an average of N200. The 2023 budget allocated N3.36 trillion for fuel subsidies until June 2023 against a projected N2.23 trillion in oil revenue for the year. The Nigerian state was on life support.

Instead of conjuring imaginary scenarios, we expect the former vice president to engage with these urgent realities.

The estimated N5.4 trillion savings from subsidy removal in 2024 are being actively directed toward infrastructure development and social intervention programmes, initiatives that will benefit all tiers of government and enhance Nigerians’ quality of life.

We expect Atiku to commend what the Tinubu administration has done concerning revenue generation for the Federation. Without factoring in oil sales, revenue proceeds generated by the Federal Inland Revenue Service almost doubled in the first half of 2024, compared with the level Tinubu met in 2023. The states and councils are more prosperous because of it, as many states have increased the minimum wage for their workers to between N70,000 and N85,000.

Atiku’s proposal to privatise the four government-owned refineries, which collectively can only meet a fraction of the nation’s daily fuel consumption when activated, lacks originality.

In 2007, investors were only willing to offer $160 million for 51% equity in the Port Harcourt Refinery, while the Kaduna Refinery had an offer of $102 million. According to industry experts and the late President Umar Musa Yar’Adua, Nigeria’s Head of State at the time, who cancelled the sale of the refineries by the Obasanjo-Atiku government, the offered bids were considered scrap value.

As vice president, Atiku oversaw the sale of the nation’s assets to private individuals and cronies at low prices. Today, most public enterprises Atiku sold have been stripped and become dead assets.

The model of farming the completely rehabilitated refineries to private sector managers at an agreed-upon rate of return to the government, as adopted by Tinubu’s government, is more practical and value-laden than selling our national patrimony to some private interests that are not technically capable of operating the refineries. The Tinubu administration focuses on revitalising these refineries while supporting modular refineries and the Dangote Refinery, which has greater capacity.

This approach will guarantee domestic production and stabilise retail prices by reducing foreign exchange challenges. It includes selling crude oil to the refineries in Naira, enabling potential cost reductions that could reflect in retail prices.

Regarding Atiku’s allegations of corruption within the NNPC, the fuel subsidy has historically been the leading corruption enabler in the state-owned oil company. President Tinubu’s removal of this subsidy eliminated the most significant incentive for corruption within the NNPC. During his eight-year tenure as Vice President, Atiku and his boss had an opportunity to address this issue but failed to make any significant reforms in the oil sector.

In any case, is it not ironic that an Atiku, who was entangled in corruption allegations, including one in which his wife was indicted and his business associate, former US Congressman William Jefferson, was jailed for 13 years, is now talking about corruption matters?

The suggestion of phased-out subsidy removal is an outdated approach that has historically led to fiscal challenges for countries like Indonesia, which Atiku references. Nigeria has gradually phased out subsidies since 1978, with numerous adjustments made. Fuel prices were adjusted 22 times between 1978 and 2020. Rather than pushing for unrealistic timelines, Atiku should recognise the necessity of President Tinubu’s bold reforms.

Notably, while Atiku peddles his economic fantasies, he has yet to denounce President Tinubu’s removal of the fuel subsidy because he knows that the reform was necessary and correct. We can only urge him to purge himself of the petty, derisive politics of a sore loser.

To alleviate the effect of the fuel subsidy removal on the very poor and vulnerable, the Tinubu administration has embarked on an active social intervention campaign involving cash transfers and the distribution of palliatives. So far, 20 million Nigerians are being targeted for direct cash transfers, an established social protection mechanism described as economically transformative by the World Bank and many development partners. The Tinubu administration has designed well-targeted social inclusion programmes, including student loans, consumer credits, and the Presidential CNG Initiative, all initiated within the first 12 months.

In his foreign exchange management proposal, Atiku declared that a fixed exchange rate system was out of the question. Yet his managed float proposal, another gradualist approach, is still the same as the old fixed exchange rate system, which stagnated the national economy by subsidising forex up to $1.5 billion monthly to a privileged few.

Atiku should remember that a managed float is also known as a dirty float because of its inherent flaws. The system combines elements of fixed and floating exchange rates. The CBN will still have to set the exchange rate and make it available to people and businesses. Access is not guaranteed to all, as it is now.

In conclusion, Atiku’s economic proposals fail to present a viable alternative to Tinubu’s decisive reforms. We encourage him to reassess his approach and repair his reputation as a statesman. The rejection of his proposals in the 2023 election indicates that Nigerians will be reluctant to entertain his future political ambitions.

President Tinubu remains focused on leading Nigeria toward a prosperous future and addressing our nation’s real challenges. Atiku Abubakar should abandon his politics of distraction and fantasies and focus on constructive discourse.

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President

(Information & Strategy)

November 10, 2024

 

Stop Wike, governors from giving cars, houses to judges, SERAP tells Tinubu

 

 

 

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to “stop the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike and Nigeria’s 36 governors from usurping the authority and responsibilities of the National Judicial Council (NJC) and heads of court through giving cars and houses to judges.”

 

 

 

SERAP said, “Such practices are clearly antithetical to the constitutional principles of separation of powers, checks and balances and the rule of law, and may create the perception that the judiciary is subservient to the executive.”

 

 

 

“SERAP also urged him to “direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, as a defender of public interest, to challenge in court the constitutionality and legality of the practices by members of the executive of giving cars and houses to judges in Abuja and across the states.”

 

 

 

In the open letter dated 9 November 2024 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “Politicians ought to keep their hands off the judiciary and respect and protect its integrity and independence. Politicians must treat judges with dignity and respect.”

 

 

 

SERAP said, “The Nigerian Constitution and international standards make clear that the judiciary is neither subservient to the executive nor the legislature.”

 

 

 

The letter, copied to Ms. Margaret Satterthwaite, UN Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers, read in part: “Undermining the fundamental principle of separation of powers risks constraining the ability of the judiciary to act as a check on the executive.”

 

 

 

“SERAP urges you to substantially improve funding for the judiciary to enhance their working conditions, welfare and pensions through existing constitutional arrangements and mechanisms, to uphold the independence and autonomy of the judiciary and to protect judges from executive interference.”

 

 

 

“Your government has the constitutional and international obligations to promote public confidence in the judiciary and safeguard the rule of law.”

 

 

 

“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel your government and the attorneys general of the 36 states to comply with our request in the public interest.”

 

 

 

“The reports that members of the executives in the FCT and across several states are giving cars and houses to judges appear to take place without following any constitutional or procedural process, which may have a chilling effect on the rule of law and access to justice and effective remedies.”

 

 

 

“Promoting the effective implementation of constitutional provisions and international standards on the financial autonomy of the judiciary would contribute towards ensuring the balance of power between the executive and the judiciary, and judicial integrity and independence.”

 

 

 

“Your government has the constitutional responsibility to ensure equality of arms in the relationship between the three branches of government: the judiciary, executive and legislature and to uphold the principles of separation of powers and checks and balances.”

 

 

 

“An independent judiciary, the essential guardian of the rule of law, is the linchpin of the scheme of checks and balances through which the separation of powers is assured. Members of the executive should not have any control over the judiciary’s funds.”

 

 

 

“The rule of law is the bedrock of a democratic society. It is the only basis upon which individuals, private corporations, public bodies and the executive can order their lives and activities. And if the rule of law is to be upheld it is essential that there should be an independent judiciary.”

 

 

 

“Because it is the executive that exercises the power of the State and because it is the executive, in one form or another, that is the most frequent litigator in the courts, it is from executive pressure that judges require particularly to be protected.”

 

 

 

“SERAP urges you to direct Mr Fagbemi to ensure full compliance by Mr Wike and the 36 state governors with the provisions of sections 81(3) and 121(3)(a)-(h) of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], and to respect and protect judicial integrity and independence.”

 

 

 

“SERAP urges you to ensure that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) under your leadership stops the practice of approving construction of houses for judges, as the exercise of such responsibility is entirely inconsistent and incompatible with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s international obligations.”

 

 

 

“According to reports, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) recently approved the construction of 40 houses in Abuja for judges of the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal.”

 

 

 

“Several of Nigeria’s 36 state governors including Abia, Benue, Cross River, Delta, Imo, Kogi, Lagos, Oyo, Osun, and Rivers also reportedly routinely engage in the practices of giving cars and houses to judges in their states.”

 

 

 

“Section 121(3)(b) of the Nigerian Constitution provides that, ‘Any amount standing to the credit of the – (b) Judiciary in the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the State shall be paid directly to the heads of the courts concerned.’”

 

 

 

“Under section 121(4) a Supplementary Appropriation Bill shall be passed if the amount appropriated by the Appropriation Law for the judiciary is insufficient; or a need has arisen for expenditure directly to the judiciary.”

 

 

 

“Section 81(3) of the Nigerian Constitution contains similar provisions, stating that ‘The amount standing to the credit of the – (c) Judiciary in the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation shall be paid directly to the National Judicial Council for disbursement to the heads of the courts’ for the Federation and the States.”

 

 

 

“Similarly, the UN Basic Principles on the Independence of the Judiciary provides in article 1 that, ‘It is the duty of all governmental and other institutions to respect and observe the independence of the judiciary.’”

 

 

 

“The Basic Principle in article 2 obligates states including Nigeria to protect the judiciary from ‘any restrictions, improper influences, inducements, pressures, threats or interferences, direct or indirect, from any quarter or for any reason.’”

 

 

 

“Under article 7, ‘It is the duty of each Member State to provide adequate resources to enable the judiciary to properly perform its functions.’”

 

 

 

“Judicial independence and autonomy means that judges must be appropriately remunerated commensurate with their special responsibilities, have adequate support staff and equipment, and adequate welfare and pension provisions.”

 

 

 

“SERAP notes that while exercising his powers under section 5 of the Nigerian Constitution former president Mohammadu Buhari signed Executive Order No.10 of 2020, to ensure that the judicial arms of government in the 36 states of the federation no longer have to wait on state governors for funds.”

 

 

 

“Specifically, the Executive Order states that allocation of appropriated funds to the state judiciary in the state appropriation laws in their annual budget shall be a charge upon the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the State, as a First Line Charge.”

 

 

 

 

 

Kolawole Oluwadare

 

SERAP Deputy Director

 

10/11/2024

 

Lagos, Nigeria

 

Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org

 

Twitter: @SERAPNigeria

 

Website: www.serap-nigeria.org

 

For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202

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LAGOS REQUIRES $15BILLION FOR INFRASTRUCTURE SAYS SANWO-OLU

LAGOS REQUIRES $15BILLION FOR INFRASTRUCTURE, SAYS SANWO-OLU

 

ENDSARS PROBE PANEL REPORT: WE WAIT FOR THE STATES, PRESIDENT BUHARI TELLS BLINKEN, AMERICAN SECRETARY OF STATE

Federal Government will allow the system to exhaust itself, and will, therefore, wait for pronouncements from state governments which set up panels to probe police brutality in the country, President Muhammadu Buhari has said.

The President spoke Thursday at State House, Abuja, while receiving in audience Mr Antony Blinken, United States Secretary of State.

“So many state governments are involved, and have given different terms of reference to the probe panels,” the President added. “We at the Federal have to wait for the steps taken by the states, and we have to allow the system to work. We can’t impose ideas on them. Federal Government has to wait for the reaction of the states.”

On the recent removal of Nigeria from watchlist of countries violating religious freedom, which Blinken said was “based on facts,” President Buhari expressed the country’s appreciation, noting that there was freedom of worship in Nigeria, and no one is discriminated against on the basis of his or her faith.

He said education is a priority in the country, “because when you educate a people, there are certain levels they will not fall below.”

The President equally appreciated the United States of America for allowing Nigeria to procure military hardware to fight terrorism in the country, and for the training given to Nigerian military.

“It’s helping us to stabilize the situation in the Northeast, and we’ve made a lot of progress since 2015,” he said. “We are doing a lot on security, and the people involved appreciate our efforts.”

On development of democratic ethos, President Buhari said Nigeria has adopted the American model, “hook, line, and sinker, with its term limits. Those who have attempted to breach it were disappointed, if not disgraced. You are even lucky if you have two terms. Others try hard, and don’t get it. The American model has been accepted by Nigerians as the best.”

Nigeria and her neighbors, the President noted, have been living with the impact of climate change for a while, which has seen the Lake Chad shrink drastically from its original size, and affected the livelihood of about 30 million people in the Lake Chad Basin countries.

“That is why the youths defy the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean to attempt emigrating to Europe. Inter-basin water transfer is needed to keep the youths at home, and they can resume their lives of farming, fishing, and animal husbandry.”

Mr Blinken, who had held a virtual meeting with the Nigerian President earlier in the year said jocularly that it was now good to see him “mask to mask, hoping that we will soon see face to face.”

He appreciated the contributions of President Buhari to protection of the climate, particularly his presence and contributions at the recent COP26 climate conference held in Glasgow, Scotland.

Blinken said America and Nigeria have diverse challenges, but a common denominator is security, and hoped for better partnerships, “so that the bad guys won’t get the good guys.”

He described the report of the EndSARS probe panel as “democracy in action,” stressing that America equally had its own police brutality, and hoping that necessary reforms would be made.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media and Publicity)

November 18, 2021

 

 

PRESS STATEMENT

 

18th November, 2021

 

DELTA APC CONFUSED, EMPTY, DROWNING IN ITS OWN LIES – PDP

 

The Delta State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has dismissed the latest Press Statement

by hirelings and paid goons of the opposition All Progressives Congress APC, titled: “Okowa/PDP Administration: A Government Built On Lies, Massive Corruption – APC”, issued on November 18, 2021 and signed by one Francis Amaechi of their Directorate of Media and Publicity, as another epistle of a confused, empty, political party, swimming and drowning in its own catalogue of lies and propaganda, both in the State and at the National level.

 

Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, State Publicity Secretary, Delta PDP, in a swift but terse and concise response to the APC statement, suggested to the APC that the title of their press release actually describes appropriately, their woefully failed, inept and clueless Federal Government administration, which has brought nothing but hardship and suffering upon Nigerians and seen the escalation of all the societal vices, from kidnapping, banditry, killings and massive corruption, all perpetrated with impunity.

 

The Delta PDP spokesman further observed the multiplicity of APC publicists in the State, signing their press statements and wondered why a fractured and factionalized party which, like Humpty Dumpty, has fallen down from the wall and broken up in such a manner that it can never be glued together again, is still littering the public space with lies and diversionary noises, when it knows it has nothing to offer to Deltans.

 

Dr. Osuoza’s statement reads: “Our attention has been drawn to the latest press statement of the opposition All Progressives Congress APC, titled: “Okowa/PDP Administration: A Government Built On Lies, Massive Corruption – APC”, issued on November 18, 2021 and signed by one Francis Amaechi of their Directorate of Media and Publicity, and we cannot help but observe how this title perfectly fits the APC administration at the Federal level which, just like one of its Delta factions so aptly observed and many Nigerians now concur with, is a Government built On Lies and propaganda and is now drowning in the Massive Corruption, recalcitrance and impunity which have defined the administration in the last six years.

 

“Without meaning to join issues with the uncertain nomenclature which the APC has metamorphosed into in Delta State, especially with the multiplicity of signatory publicists, indicating an irredeemable fragmentation of its hitherto amorphous structure, we make bold to say that, having read through its bogus, grammatically striken and error-prone statement, we are at a loss to connect the nexus between its logic and the sensationalism of its misleading title.

 

“We however wish to assume the obvious fact that since this faction of APC in Delta State has commenced its surreptitious campaign for the gubernatorial ambition of the Deputy Senate President (DSP), it must, by a comprehensive dosage of dubious, devious and typically characteristic negative propaganda, attempt to distance the DSP from the battered, damaged and bitterly despised image of the failed APC administration at the centre; an administration which he has so vigorously and with obsequious dynamism, akin to servitude, defended at every instance, with annoying, unpatriotic and sometimes disingenuous sophistry.

 

“Of course the PDP has no qualms with the attempt of Delta APC to desperately launder and position their new knight in shining armor. We have seen it all before and we already know that our sterling leadership under the astute, cerebral administration of His Excellency, Senator, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, the Executive Governor of Delta State, the undisputed leader of our united party and the unrivaled ‘Ekwueme’ of the universe, coupled with the excellent performance in governance and the delivery of multi-sectoral democracy dividends to the people and communities of Delta State, will always deliver victory to us, no matter who they put up in any election.

 

“We however take strong exception to the barefaced lies that Governor Okowa’s administration has not delivered quality projects across the three Senatorial zones in the State. Photographs of projects commissioning and testimonies from even leaders of the opposition and the beneficiaries of these projects themselves, have since been widely reported to debunk the APC lies.

 

“We are also quite disappointed with the wickedly deliberate and misleading comments, especially the invocation of an infantile, irresponsible and illiterate allusion of “governance being reduced to family business,” which not only exposes the crude, primitive, kindergarten mindset and governance ignorance of the APC publicists in this modern day and age, when governance is becoming more functional, intellectually certified and expatriate-specific rather than compensatory, in terms of sectoral proficiency in delivering the MDG objectives, but shamelessly underscores the extremist nature of their political desperation and the potentially dangerous cleavages to brigandage, which their unhealthy quest for power is rapidly tilting towards.

 

“Let us sound it loud and clear to the APC in the State, that all its ridiculous lies and misleading propaganda have not only been debunked by practical and verifiable projects and widely published reports, but have sadly not enhanced their electoral fortunes one bit, even with their constantly changing and replacing their Publicity Secretaries.

 

“We should also remind the APC that elections in Delta State, are not won with lies and propaganda, but by physical, comprehensive, ward to ward, unit to unit, Local government to local government and of course the ultimate cap-up, in-your-ears, mosquito campaigns from house to house and face to face, which the PDP has made the hallmark and unconditional standard of its campaign in every election.

 

“Our party, guided by the articulate, focused and result oriented, visionary leadership of our leader, His Excellency, Senator, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, the ‘Ekwueme Gburugburu’ and undisputed ‘roadmaster’, both literally and in political metaphor, has since commenced our unstoppable march to 2023 and the massive momentum has already garnered tremendous, satisfactory progress, to the chagrin of the hapless, confused and fragmented APC, evidently manifested in the avalanche of defections and decampees to the PDP, even in areas often regarded in their imaginary, fairy tale hallucinations as APC strongholds.

 

“Our quest to ensure and achieve a smooth, seamless landslide victory in 2023, is fully on an irrevocable trajectory and no matter the amount of lies and propaganda or even the number of Publicity Secretaries and Publicists they employ to deliver their dirty, filthy garbage of lies and opprobrious verbiage in the public space, the fact of the matter remains that Delta is PDP and PDP is Delta. ‘Quod Erat Demonstrandum’ (QED). End of discussion.

 

PDP! Power to the People!!

 

 

Dr. Ifeanyi M. Osuoza

State Publicity Secretary,

PDP, Delta State.

 

PRESIDENT BUHARI DIRECTS MDAS TO STUDY NIPSS REPORT ON POLICY DESIGN, IMPLEMENTATION

President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday in Abuja directed Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to study a Report on how best to ensure effective policy design and implementation with a view to implementing some of its recommendations.

The report entitled, “Getting Things Done: Strategies for Policy and Programme Implementation in Nigeria,” was presented to the President by the Senior Executive Course 43 (2021) of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) , Kuru, Plateau State.

Receiving the report, the President assured the course participants that it would be treated with the seriousness and urgency it deserves.

‘‘As such, I am directing the MDAs and the National Steering Committee on the Vision 2050 to study the Report, with the view to diligently consider the recommendations presented and incorporate them as part of over-all execution strategy,’’ he said.

Declaring that this administration has invested great efforts in the provision of good governance and making tremendous progress at getting the desired results, the President said:

‘‘This report becomes important and timely in our quest to enhance service delivery to our citizens.”

On the importance of NIPSS and its course participants, the President noted it was always a delight to receive their input on important issues that are of very great concern to the government and the nation.

‘‘No nation will progress without paying close attention to the ways policies are made and implemented, as it is often unclear how best to ensure effective policy design and implementation.

‘‘The gaps between policy design and programmes implementation must be closed in order for our country to continue to make meaningful progress.

‘‘This was why I charged Participants of the Senior Executive Course No. 43, 2021 to work on the theme: “Getting Things Done: Strategies for Policy and Programme Implementation in Nigeria,” he said.

Alluding to the report and the presentation done by participants of Course 43, the President noted that their research had drawn attention to the numerous efforts of his administration in policy and programme implementation, as well as the challenges faced.

He acknowledged that the report also generated constructive and compelling recommendations with adequate implementation strategies.

‘‘The structure, content and mode of presentation of this report shows great commitment and hard work that has gone into it.

‘‘This confirms to me and our administration of the consistency and reliability of the National Institute in delivering on very critical and sensitive assignments of national importance.

‘‘While I congratulate the Participants for justifying the confidence in nominating you for this course, I wish to commend the National Institute for once more living up to expectations.

‘‘Let me express my pleasure at the level of knowledge and discipline you have openly demonstrated about our country and our challenges,’’ he said.

President Buhari urged the course participants, mainly drawn from the senior cadre of Federal and State establishments, to put to work all they have learnt in their various establishments.

‘‘I am convinced that you are now well equipped for the task of handling higher and more complex responsibilities for the benefit of our country,’’ he told them.

In his remarks at the presidential parley, the Acting Director-General of NIPSS, Brig. Gen. Chukwuemeka Udaya told the President that the 85 participants of Senior Course 43 of 2021 were distributed into seven groups to interrogate the theme of the study.

‘‘The seven groups received lectures and presentations from top class resource persons, went on study tours in order to interact with and gather data on the theme for study from experts, public and private sector practitioners from across the globe carried out individual and group research work and rigorous intellectual debates,’’ he said.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

November 18, 2021

 

PRESIDENT BUHARI SIGNS CLIMATE CHANGE, AMCON (AMENDMENT) BILLS INTO LAW

President Muhammadu Buhari has signed into law two important bills passed by the National Assembly thereby making them to become part of the Laws of the Federation.

The Climate Change Act owes its origin to a bill sponsored by a member of the House of Representatives, Sam Onuigbo and provides for, among other things, the mainstreaming of climate change actions and the establishment of a National Council on Climate Change.

It also paves the way for environmental and economic accounting and a push for a net zero emission deadline plan in the country.

The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (Amendment) Act amends the AMCON Act No.4, 2010.

It provides for the extension of the tenor of the Resolution Cost Fund and grants access to the Special Tribunal established by the Banks and other Financial Institutions Act 2020, which confers on the corporation the power “to take possession, manage, foreclose or sell, transfer, assign or otherwise deal with the asset or property used as security for eligible bank assets and related matters.’’

This, in effect, will help AMCON make recoveries and for debtors to fulfil their commitments to banks.

Garba Shehu

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Media and Publicity)

November 18, 2021

 

 

 

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

LAGOS REQUIRES $15BILLION FOR INFRASTRUCTURE, SAYS SANWO-OLU

 

  • LASG holds Investors’ Roundtable, Launches Deal Book 

  • Gov urges Investors to optimise opportunities in Lagos toward 21st Century Economy

 

 

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday disclosed that given the rising population and limited geographical space of the State, Lagos will require about $15 billion over the next five years for infrastructure.

 

Speaking at the third Lagos Investors’ Roundtable and launching of Deal Book organised by the Office of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Investment, Governor Sanwo-Olu called on investors to optimise the advantages of the opportunities in Lagos State toward the goal of developing a 21st Century economy as projected by his administration.

 

At the investment roundtable, which was attended by foreign diplomats, members of business communities, captains of industries and members of the State Executive Council, among others, Governor Sanwo-Olu also called for partnership with investors and private sector, saying the implementation of the development strategies of his administration demands partnership and contributions of private investors.

 

He said: “We strongly believe that the continued growth and success of Lagos is premised on the strength and diversity of our partnerships. It is such strategic partnerships that account for Lagos being by far the leading recipient of local and foreign direct investments in Nigeria. It is estimated that, in the last few years, about 80 percent of the investments into Nigeria, has come into Lagos.

 

“These investments remain vital to our economic growth and wellbeing, supporting tens of thousands of jobs and livelihoods across the city. This is the reason why a forum like this is so important – as a platform for harmonising our respective visions and targets and agreeing on key actions that will not only strengthen existing investment partnerships but also initiate new ones.”

 

Governor Sanwo-Olu stressed further that “As a government, we understand the value of these relationships in fostering economic resilience, particularly during times of uncertainty, like this one we are in, marked by the combined effects of a global pandemic, climate change, global inflation, the burden of poverty and social and economic inequality, among others.

 

“As a low-lying aquatic city with over 22 million citizens, confined to the smallest landmass in Nigeria, Lagos is especially vulnerable to all the challenges of a sprawling, densely populated, climate challenged, fast-growing Megacity.

 

“We believe that given the rising population and limited geography space that we have, Lagos will indeed require about $15 billion over the next five years on infrastructure alone. $15 billion is about five times the budget that we currently have. Lagos budget is about $3 billion today.”

 

While assuring investors that Lagos State is open and ready for investments, innovation and collaboration, Governor Sanwo-Olu assured investors and private partners that the State Government will create enabling policies and environment for them to thrive in Lagos and for their investments to be safe and secure, as well as ensuring that innovation thrives.

 

“Indeed we have a huge responsibility to develop critical hard and soft infrastructure that can act as a catalyst for what you do as investors. All of these we have been doing and will continue to do,” the governor said.

 

Governor Sanwo-Olu during the event also launched the ‘Lagos Deal Book’, which is a compendium of investment opportunities across the state as well as information about the incentives for making the investments and the processes for doing so.

 

He said: “I encourage you all to take advantage of the rich information contained in this Deal Book, to guide and inform your decision making. Information, they say, is power, and there is something of value and interest to each and every one of you, inside the compendium.

 

“I also urge you all to continue to support, partner and collaborate with Lagos State and with one another, to create sustainable economic prosperity that will touch the lives of all Lagosians. I would like to ask you all, to please spread the word; Lagos State is open and ready for investment, innovation, and collaboration.”

 

Speaking earlier, the Special Adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and Investment, Mrs. Solape Hammond, said the roundtable was part of shared aspiration towards making Lagos the most preferred investment destination in the world.

 

She reassured the investors about the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration’s determination to institute business-friendly measures to boost investors’ confidence and guarantee trust, adding that her office is working with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government to minimise all perceived threats and scale-up strategic benefits.

 

“It is an incontrovertible fact that Lagos derived its age-long excellence partly from the worthy contribution of private investment to its socio-economic development, hence, the commitment towards creating a conducive atmosphere for private businesses to strive.

 

“As carefully exemplified by Mr. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in his developmental agenda, T.H.E.M.E.S, the utmost goal is to make Lagos the most desirable investment destination in the world. The ability to attract investment remains the hallmark of healthy economies all over the world,” she said.

 

Also speaking, Commissioners for Transport (Dr. Frederick Oladeinde), Energy (Mr. Lere Odusote), Agriculture (Ms Bisola Olusanya), Tourism, Arts and Culture (Pharm. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf), Health (Prof. Akin Abayomi), Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure (Engr. Aramide Adeyoye) and Director-General, Office of Public Private Partnership (Mr. Ope George), who spoke passionately on huge investment opportunities in different sectors in the State and urged investors to tap into them.

 

 

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

NOVEMBER 18, 2021

 

INTRA-AFRICAN TRADE FAIR IN DURBAN: WE HAVE COME HERE IN FULL FORCE, SAYS PRESIDENT BUHARI

… AFRICA WILL REDOUBLE TRADE IN 10 YEARS

President Muhammadu Buhari Monday in Durban, South Africa assured participants at the 2nd Intra-African Trade Fair 2021, that his delegation is attending with ‘‘full force’’ to maximize the advantage of the gathering.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the event, the President said:

‘‘Let me assure you that Nigeria has come to Durban in full force to actively participate in this very important trade fair and take full advantage of all the opportunities it provides.

‘‘We have streamlined the country’s participation under one roof to enable you access all the information you need.”

President Buhari’s expectation of a good performance by Nigerian businesses at the Durban Fair is hinged on the outcome of the last edition in Cairo, Egypt at which they got deals worth over 3.3 billion Dollars.

Current records show that Intra African trade accounts for only 15 percent of their transactions.

The President expressed optimism that the creation of the biggest free trade area in the world, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), will work, especially with the active collaboration of the public and private sectors.

He canvassed support for the implementation of the free trade initiative, listing several benefits to the continent, including doubling trade in 10 years and reducing over-reliance on imports.

The Nigerian leader expressed concern that most of Africa’s existing challenges, whether security, economy, or corruption, can be traced to the inability over the years to domesticate the production of most basic requirements and provide jobs to her teeming and dynamic youth population.

‘‘Under the African Continental Free Trade Area, we can double our intra-African trade by 2030, reduce our reliance on imports and therefore create more jobs within the continent.

‘‘We cannot achieve this goal by talking alone. The implementation will be a difficult journey. But all challenges are surmountable if both the public and private sectors collaborate.

‘‘On the public sector side, Governments must support local entrepreneurs to build scale and therefore improve productivity.

‘‘This means providing incentives to encourage our businesses to formalise and comply with laid down regulations,’’ he said.

On the rules of engagement for the free trade initiative, President Buhari reminded fellow Heads of State and participants at the trade fair:

‘‘Free trade must also be fair and fairness can only be achieved when there is full compliance with regulations, especially those relating to rules of origin.

‘‘The AfCFTA is for “made-in-Africa” products and services.

‘‘Africa must be a marketplace where no country is left behind. As we implement, we must ensure that we create jobs and enhance revenues for all parties.

‘‘We must leverage on one another’s strengths to succeed,’’ he said.

President Buhari also used the occasion to call on businesses in Africa to key into existing regional value chains or build new ones, either to extend operations into the higher value segments of their industries or to satisfy the Area’s rules of origin requirements.

He expressed delight that the Intra-African Trade Fair was uniquely positioned to help in these areas.

The President stressed that the Nigerian economy under his administration had witnessed a re-engineering.

‘‘As many of you are aware, in the past five years, Nigeria has made significant strides towards the diversification of her economy from an oil revenue-dependent country to a nation with diverse revenue sources.

‘‘We were able to achieve this by putting in place fiscal, monetary and trade policies that support investments and investors in key sectors such as Agriculture, Mining, Telecommunications and Digital Economy, Banking and Financial services, tourism, and manufacturing,’’ he said.

Declaring that Nigeria is open for business, the President highlighted that progress was being made in the reforms of key institutions, the fight against corruption as well as the ease of doing business in the country.

He congratulated the African Union Commission, the AfCFTA Secretariat and the Africa Export-Import Bank for their dedication and relentless effort in seeing the Trade Area become a reality.

‘‘Today is a great day for Africa as we start our collaborative journey towards collective economic prosperity through the African Continental Free Trade Area. I very much look forward to seeing more African products manufactured in Africa using African resources.

‘‘I also commend the people of Durban for hosting this year’s Intra-African Trade Fair. I sincerely hope that we will witness milestone agreements among African businesses at this gathering.

‘‘Through these gatherings, we will be laying a solid foundation for future business-to-business, business and government, and government-to-government co-operation,’’ he said.

Garba Shehu

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Media & Publicity)

November 15, 2021

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