News From Nigeria
President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday in Abuja said prioritizing infrastructure projects ameliorated hardship in some parts of the country, particularly the quick intervention on the Lagos-Ibadan route with completion of road and rail lines, which improved the traffic significantly.
“My objective was very clear, despite the dwindling resources, I wanted to deal with infrastructure across the country,’’ the President told a delegation from Kaduna State, led by the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, and Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Hadiza Sabuwa Balaraba at the State House.
“We should look at advancement in terms of Infrastructure. No country can advance without infrastructure. There used to be railways, especially people from Southern Kaduna will remember this.
“Which country can really advance without road, rail and power, that’s why I wanted to sort out infrastructure, knowing that Nigerians are competitive by nature, and they will face their businesses when there’s road, rail and power,’’ he added.
The President said the challenge of commuting in the South West had been improved.
“The people from South West can tell better because between Lagos and Ibadan by now, if we hadn’t done what we did, people would have been trekking because the road was not there, the rail was not there and there was so much insecurity.
“But we thank the international community. We thank China and Chinese investors, who came along to support the Lagos-Ibadan transport projects,’’ he said.
President Buhari assured that the construction and rehabilitation of infrastructure will be sustained, which include the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano express road, being handled by Julius Berger to ensure good, long-term quality.
The President commended the Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai, for the transformation of the state, with growing infrastructure and socio-economic projects, while noting the growing liberality, which welcomes all Nigerians.
“Please extend my gratitude to the Governor for doing so well. I have been living in Kaduna for many years before I came here, but now I will need a modern compass to go around because of the transformation,’’ he added.
In her remarks, the Deputy Governor thanked the President for his working visit to the state, where he commissioned projects in Kaduna, Kafanchan and Zaria.
She said the Urban Renewal Programme will be sustained and spread across the state for more impact on the lives of the people, with many already near completion, and will be ready by May, 2022.
The Emir of Zazzau also thanked the President for the visit in January and support to the Government, adding that the memory will be long cherished by all Kaduna State citizens.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
February 22, 2022
ASSENT TO ELECTORAL BILL: NO NEED FOR SABER RATTLING
Some interest groups are cashing in on what they consider a delay in the signing of the Electoral Bill into law by the President to foment civil disorder and muddy the waters.
One can just pity their ignorance of Constitutional requirements, as the President has a window of 30 days within which to sign the Bill, or decline assent, after it had been transmitted to him by the National Assembly.
It is on record that the amended Bill was sent to the Presidency on January 31, 2022, which means that the Executive could do due diligence on it till March 1, as prescribed by the Constitution.
A proposed legislation that has to do with the electoral fortunes of the country needs to be thoroughly scrutinized, and be made as near-perfect as possible.
Those playing cheap politics with it are, therefore, encouraged to hold their peace, knowing that the right thing will be done within the lawful time.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
February 21, 2022
February 22, 2022
Press Statement
PDP Expands, Updates Anambra Ward Congresses Appeal Panel
The National Working Committee (NWC) of our great Party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has expanded and updated the Ward Congresses Electoral Appeal Panel to consider appeals arising from the conduct of the Ward Congresses in Anambra State.
The members of the expanded Appeals Committee are;
The exercise is scheduled for Wednesday, February 23, 2022, at the National Working Committee (NWC) Hall, PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja at 10.00am
All aspirants, leaders and critical stakeholders of our great Party in Anambra State should please take note.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
February 22, 2022
Press Statement
PDP Constitutes Campaign Council for Plateau Bye-Elections
The National Working Committee (NWC) of our great Party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has approved the nomination of the following party members as members of the National Campaign Council/Election Management Team for the Jos/Bassa Federal Constituency and Pankshin State Constituency Bye-election scheduled for Saturday, February 26, 2022 in Plateau State
The member of the committee are:
The Directorate of Organization and Mobilization shall serve as the Secretariat for the Council.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
Text of Press Conference by the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Debo Ologunagba, Today, Tuesday, February 22, 2022, on President Muhammadu Buhari’s Continuing Withholding of Assent to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill Against the Will of Nigerians.
Gentlemen of the Press!
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is addressing this World Press Conference today to alert all Nigerians and the International Community of a dangerous design by the Buhari Presidency and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to trigger serious political crisis that has the capacity to derail our electoral system, truncate our democracy, subvert our corporate existence and turn our nation into another ‘axis of concern’ to the world.
As you are aware, President Buhari continues against the Will of Nigerians to withhold assent to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill re-transmitted to him since Monday, January 31, 2022 (clear 22 days ago) by the National Assembly. This was after the Legislature had acceded to and incorporated all his requests in the newly transmitted version of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.
The refusal to sign the Electoral Act Amendment Bill is nothing short of a premediated and contrived “political abortion” of the Will of the people as represented by the elected 109 Senators and 360 members of the House of Representatives who unanimously passed the Amendment Bill in the first instance.
The current stance of Mr. President further validates our Party’s position that the Buhari-led APC government is averse to free, fair, transparent and credible elections in our country, particularly the 2023 general elections.
The PDP wants to draw the attention of Nigerians and the International Community to this. On Thursday, February 17, 2022, President Buhari addressed the EU-AU Summit in Brussel, Belgium, whereupon he called on the European Union (EU) to impose weighty sanctions on those engaged in “unconstitutional change of governments” as well as those influencing the “process and outcomes of elections”
In President Buhari’s words, “We also call for stronger support from the European Union in the condemnation and imposition of weighty sanctions on countries that engage in unconstitutional change of governments as well as manipulation of constitutions in favour of extension of term limits…
“It is therefore imperative for our partnership to also focus on strengthening election processes in Africa and prevent interference to influence the process and outcomes of elections…”
We urge the President to practice what he preaches.
Mr. President’s refusal to sign the Electoral Act Amendment Bill constitutes an obstruction to democratic principle of credible elections. Any electoral process which does not guarantee the free, fair and transparent transmission of election results from the polling units can only result in a government that lacks credibility and legitimacy which amounts to an “unconstitutional change of government” against the Will of the people.
The Manipulations
As you know, President Buhari premised his withholding of assent to the previous version of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill on Section 84 of that Amendment Bill which provided that party candidates for elections can only emerge through direct primaries.
In trying to justify his decision, Mr. President stated among other reasons in his letter dated December 13, 2021 to the National Assembly that “the amendment as proposed is a violation of the underlying spirit of democracy which is characterised by freedom of choices. Political party membership is a voluntary exercise of the constitutional right to freedom of association”
According to Mr. President, “several millions of Nigerians are not card-carrying members of any political party. Thus, the emphasis should be on enabling qualified Nigerians to vote for the candidate of their choice during general elections as a means of participation in governance and furtherance of the concept of universal adult suffrage or universal franchise…”
If indeed the President and the APC mean and believe in the statement above, then there can be no justification for the continuing delay in assenting to the re-worked Electoral Act Amendment Bill which has adequately taken care of Mr. President requests and now sitting on his desk. Voting by citizens should be made easier not harder as the President and the APC are doing.
It is clear that President Buhari and the APC are erecting road blocks to the passage of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill due mainly to the provision for electronic transmission of election results from the polling units which will eliminate APC’s plans to manipulate the system, militarize the process, alter election results at collation centers and foist itself again into power against the Will of Nigerians.
Having been rejected by Nigerians because of its colossal failure in governance, especially in the areas of security, economy and fight against corruption, the APC is in mortal fear of electronic transmission of results because it cannot survive the inevitable crushing verdict of the ballot box in the 2023 general elections.
This ostensibly informed the conspiracy by the APC leadership of the National Assembly to inject the controversy of the mode of primaries by political parties as a camouflage to scuttle the entire Electoral Act Amendment Bill in the first place.
Nigerians can recall that the PDP had earlier alerted of plots by the APC to deploy all manner of shenanigans to delay the Presidential assent until few months to the 2023 elections to enable the President again cite being too close to the elections as reason to withhold assent just as he did on December 6, 2018 after respectively turning down the then Electoral Act Amendment Bill on flimsy grounds in March and September of that year.
In President Buhari’s words on December 6, 2018, “I am declining assent to the Bill principally because I am concerned that passing a new Electoral Bill this far into the electoral process for the 2019 general elections which commenced under the 2015 Electoral Act, could create some uncertainty about the applicable legislation to govern the process.
“This leads me to believe that it is in the best interest of the country and our democracy for the National Assembly to specifically state in the Bill, that the Electoral Act will come into effect and be applicable to elections commencing after the 2019 General Elections”.
With that, President Buhari set the stage for the APC and its agents to ferociously desecrate the sanctity of the ballot box by brazenly attacking polling centers, altering election results at collation centers, allocating fictitious votes to the APC, destroying electoral data, announcing losers as winners and ending up foisting the APC into power in 2019 against the Will of the people as reflected by the actual votes cast at the polling units.
Our Concerns
Gentlemen of the press, less than a year to the 2023 general elections, President Buhari and the APC are at it again! Expectedly, the current anti-people scheme against the Electoral Act Amendment Bill by the APC administration is heightening apprehensions across the country of furtive plots by APC leaders to orchestrate a constitutional impasse that can railroad our democracy into an emergency tenure elongation, induced election postponement, self-succession or worst still an interim government situation.
This growing tension calls for concern as it has the capacity to spawn widespread restiveness with consequential violence, bloodletting and attendant humanitarian crisis in the country that may affect the entire West Africa subregion, Europe, America and other parts of the world if not addressed.
This is because Nigerians, especially the youths have become more politically aware and involved, with well-founded and implacable aversion to injustice, oppression, manipulations and undemocratic tendencies as being witnessed under the APC administration. Evidence of this mood became manifest in the EndSARS protest of October 2020.
The situation is being worsened by the arrogant utterances of some officials of the Buhari-led APC administration particularly the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN, who is now subjecting the decision of the generality of Nigerians through the National Assembly to personal parochial and partisan whims.
Our Party also has information about how some selfish unelected cabinet ministers, advisers and other top government functionaries with ambitions for presidential, governorship and other elective positions are mounting pressure on President Buhari not to sign the Electoral Act Amendment Bill to enable them remain longer in office so as to continue to use public funds to corruptly pursue their personal political interests.
It is appalling that President Buhari who claims to be fighting corruption is condoning and encouraging this inordinate access to public funds in pursuit of private ambitions. The only way Mr. President can extricate himself is to sign the Electoral Act Amendment Bill immediately.
The PDP strongly advise President Buhari and APC leaders to stop toying with the aspiration of Nigerians to entrench democracy in our country through the process of free, fair, transparent and credible elections in 2023.
It is even most distressing that President Buhari, who is the biggest beneficiary of credible, free and fair elections conducted by the PDP in 2015 is now in the vanguard to frustrate genuine effort for credible elections in 2023, not minding the huge negative consequences such portends for our dear nation.
Call for Action
Given the precarious political situation in the country today, the PDP calls on all Nigerians, the Organized Labour, Civil Society, Student Bodies, Professional Bodies, Trade Unions and all lovers of democracy across the world to rise up and impress it upon President Buhari to immediately sign the Electoral Act Amendment Bill so as to assure Nigerians and avert an impending crisis in our country.
Our Party also calls on the International Community and friends of Nigeria including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Russia, France among others; the European Union (EU), African Union (AU), Commonwealth of Nations and the United Nations (UN) to immediately bear diplomatic and political pressure on President Buhari, APC leaders and senior government officials who are intent on derailing our democracy.
Finally, the PDP charges the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to stand on the side of democracy, resist the APC and get prepared to use technology that abound to ensure the direct transmission of election results from the polling units in the 2023 elections.
Thank you for listening.
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
February 22, 2022
February 22, 2022
Press Statement
PDP Mocks APC For Postponing Its National Convention Again
…Says Ruling Party Plagued by Cabal War, Ineligible to Contest 2023 General Elections
The continuing inability by the All Progressives Congress (APC), a party in government, to conduct a routine National Convention has further explained why all sectors of our national life have been in shambolic state under the incompetent, corrupt, rudderless and overtly confused APC administration.
APC’s postponement of its National Convention yet again validates PDP’s stance that the APC is not a political party but a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) of strange bed fellows, “political buccaneers” and ferocious power mongers on a mission to wreck our nation.
The PDP states that the APC which cannot conduct its own internal affairs could not be expected to successfully manage the affairs of a nation like Nigeria. The APC is a perfect example of failure both as a party and government unable to conduct a simple National Convention in two years. It has become a Russian Roulette with unending request for extension of time to undertake a routine statutory political activity.
Our Party is not surprised that the APC, a party of backstabbers, again postponed its National Convention already scheduled for February 26, 2022. It is rather saddening how a set of confused, greedy, deceitful, hard-heartened and self-centered individuals who cannot run a creditable organization foisted themselves in power and plunged our nation into the economic, security and social mess that we face today.
As a vacuous political contraption without a soul, peopled by “political warlords” without conscience and operating without rules, the APC is a bunch of inchoate sailors clobbered together for remote personal gain; operating without a Board of Trustees (BoT) and a National Working Committee (NWC); exists in violation of rules while constituting itself to a threat to our national unity and corporate existence as a nation.
APC’s postponement of its National Conventions had always been a fallout of the horrible infighting, backbiting and gang war by “political bandits” who are desperate for power and access to our national treasury. That explains why their congresses and other activities are always marred by violence, bloodletting and killings.
Moreover, the APC is not capable of holding a National Convention having become defunct since December 8, 2020 when it dissolved all its states, zonal and national party structures and set up an illegal contrivance called the Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee led by Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State.
Of course, the activities of the Mai Mala Buni Committee remain invalid and unconstitutional by virtue of Section 183 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) which bars a sitting governor from holding “any other executive office” in any capacity whatsoever while serving as a state governor.
The failure of the APC to hold a National Convention is therefore a clear warning to those aspiring for various positions in the 2023 election on its platform to note that with the APC, they are on a journey to nowhere. The only way the APC can legitimately participate in the 2023 general is to re-apply to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for fresh registration as a political party.
In any case, Nigerians are hopeful for a better future because the PDP is back and repositioned to Rescue and Rebuild our nation from the stranglehold of the APC in 2023.
Nigerians are yearning for the return of good governance with the PDP so that they can again be secure, enjoy economic prosperity, infrastructural development, employment, food security and national cohesion which they experienced in the 16 years of the PDP in power.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
February 22, 2022
Press Statement
PDP Constitutes Campaign Council for Imo Bye-Elections
The National Working Committee (NWC) of our great Party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has approved the nomination of the following party members as members of the National Campaign Council/Election Management Team for the Ngor Okpala State Constituency Bye-election scheduled for Saturday, February 26, 2022 in Imo State.
The member of the committee are:
The Directorate of Organization and Mobilization shall serve as the Secretariat for the Council.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan marries Natasha Akpoti
Royalty, business tycoons and politicians from around the world will meet in Okene, Kogi State on Saturday, March 5, 2022.
They are expected to attend the high society marriage of the Alema of Warri Kingdom, High Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan to Kogi State politician and lawyer, Chief Natasha Hadiza Akpoti.
The traditional marriage ceremony is scheduled to take place in Obeiba-Ihima, Okene Local Government Area.
The time is 10; 00am.
February, 22 2022
Press Statement
PDP Constitutes Campaign Council for Ondo Bye-Elections
The National Working Committee (NWC) of our great Party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has approved the nomination of the following party members as members of the National Campaign Council/Election Management Team for the Akure North/Akure South Federal Constituency Bye-election scheduled for Saturday, February 26, 2022 in Ondo State
The member of the committees are;
The Directorate of Organization and Mobilization shall serve as the Secretariat for the Council.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU GETS KUDOS ON IKOYI BUILDING COLLAPSE WHITE PAPER
The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has been applauded for his “forthrightness and sincerity” in adopting the recommendations of the six-man panel set up to examine the Ikoyi building collapse. The 21-storey structure went down on November 1, last year.
During a telephone interview with the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, on the 99.3FM radio programme “Daily Digest”, host Jimi Disu acknowledged that it took courage for Mr. Governor to adopt 26 of the 28 recommendations of the six-man panel.
Saluting Mr. Governor’s “courage”, Disu said, “We are not oblivious of the kind of pressure he must have gone through. If we lesser mortals have gone through so much pressure over the issue, then we must give him credit for doing this”.
Callers on the programme also praised Mr. Sanwo-Olu for not sweeping the matter under the carpet. They encouraged him to ensure that it is followed up till the end.
Responding to questions about compensation to families of those who died in the incident, Omotoso said all those who evacuated bodies of their loved ones and asked for assistance were given money for transportation and funeral. Nobody, according to him, has come out to say he or she lost money in the incident.
Omotoso said: “The law has no room for such compensation, but if you’re talking about doing this on compassionate grounds, I know Mr. Governor as a compassionate leader. If other people also put up a case for assistance with verifiable documentation, I am sure it is something that Mr. Governor may consider”.
On those doubting if indeed those indicted will be prosecuted, the Commissioner said Attorney-General Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN) had been directed by Governor Sanwo-Olu to ensure that those found guilty of compromising the process of adherence to quality standards at the Foreshore Towers in Ikoyi are prosecuted.
Speaking further, Omotoso disclosed that the State Government was already fashioning out ways of collaboration with the private sector to strengthen monitoring and enforcement activities in the built sector in response to one of the recommendations of the panel on lack of adequate personnel to monitor building projects across the State.
He gave an assurance that all those found culpable in the process leading to the Foreshore Tower collapse, especially civil servants, will face sanctions.
PRESS RELEASE
IKEJA GRA RESIDENTS HAIL SANWO-OLU FOR REHABILITATING, UPGRADING ROADS
Residents of Ikeja GRA in Lagos State have commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his administration for rehabilitating and upgrading major roads in Oduduwa Crescent, Oduduwa Way, Sobo Arobiodu and other inner roads in their community.
They said the decision of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s government to rehabilitate roads within Ikeja GRA, will eradicate the hardship that people pass through while plying roads within the community.
Speaking during a visit to Ikeja GRA on Thursday, some residents commended the ongoing rehabilitation of roads in the area, noting that the progress of work has reached advanced stage, giving the residents some succour way ahead of the rainy season.
Alhaji Muri Akanmu, who has been living in Ikeja GRA since 1977, said they are happy with the ongoing rehabilitation of the roads.
“The rehabilitation of the roads is good. We like what the government is doing here and when they finish it, things will be okay. At one point, Joel Ogunnaike Road was very bad but after they fixed it, people now enjoy the road. Governor Sanwo-Olu is doing very well and we are happy that his administration is rehabilitating roads in GRA Ikeja.
“Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is doing very well and he has been doing positive things in the areas of transportation and road construction. I am part of those who voted him into the office and I am happy he didn’t disappoint me,” he said.
Tobiloba Oyewole, who has been working in Ikeja GRA in the last five years, said she is happy with the ongoing rehabilitation work and implored Lagos State Government to continue with the road construction in more parts of the area, noting that when there are good roads, people will live a comfortable life, get to the office on time and go home on time.
She said prior to Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration intervention on the roads, people had challenges passing through the roads. Oyewole said there were companies that closed operations or relocated from GRA due to bad roads, while some vehicles stopped plying Oduduwa Crescent, therefore forcing people to trek long distances.
“When this road is completed, there will be no dust. When the whole dry season is over, there will be no dust. We can come to the office comfortably and go home with our fine shoes. It is going to bring in more business to the environment because people like working in a good environment. Property in this area will sell more and we will get more people visiting the area. It will better the lives of people,” she said.
Another resident of Ikeja GRA, Mr. Ayuba Akibu said: “Governor Sanwo-Olu has done well because we have been expecting this for a while now. It is a good thing. He is doing excellently well in this area. The workers are working every day. He should keep it up. I pray that God will continue to bless him. The road is a busy place and with the work going on, people would benefit more from the road.”
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
17 FEBRUARY 2022
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU MOURNS GAC MEMBER, PROF. TUNDE SAMUEL
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described the death of a member of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the apex leadership body of the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Tunde Samuel, as a great loss to the State.
The Governor who also commiserated with GAC members, leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, especially in Agege and Lagos West Senatorial District, said the demise of Prof. Samuel has created a vacuum in the ruling party.
Prof. Samuel, the Pioneer Provost of Micheal Otedola College of Primary Education (MOCPED) Epe, Lagos and former Special Adviser on Education to ex-Governor Bola Tinubu, died on Wednesday at 73 years.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile on Thursday, described Prof. Samuel as a renowned scholar and one of the few Nigerians in academics that used their wealth of experience to make a mark in the education and political sectors in Nigeria.
He said: “The passage of Prof. Tunde Samuel is a great loss to Lagos State, especially our party, the All Progressives Congress because of the critical role the deceased was playing in the party before his death, both as GAC member and party leader in Agege.
“Prof. Samuel was an epitome of dedication and selflessness in public service. He contributed to the education sector in Lagos State, especially as the Pioneer Provost of Micheal Otedola College of Primary Education (MOCPED) Epe, Lagos and former Special Adviser on Education to ex-Governor Bola Tinubu.
“He also did his best for tertiary education in Lagos State as one of the founding fathers of the Lagos State University both as a member of the Implementation Committee and two-time member of the Provisional Government Council.
“As a member of the GAC, Prof. Samuel displayed exemplary leadership in Lagos politics. He worked with members of the progressive camp since the inception of the present Fourth Republic in 1999 to ensure that our party remains the ruling party in Lagos State in the last 22 years.
“I symphatise with GAC members; leaders and members of APC over the death of one of our leaders. I pray that Almighty God is pleased with the soul of Prof. Samuel and grant the family, friends, associates and APC the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
17 FEBRUARY 2022
Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan marries Natasha Akpoti
Royalty, business tycoons and politicians from around the world will meet in Okene, Kogi State on Saturday, March 5, 2022.
They are expected to attend the high society marriage of the Alema of Warri Kingdom, High Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan to Kogi State politician and lawyer, Chief Natasha Hadiza Akpoti.
The traditional marriage ceremony is scheduled to take place in Obeiba-Ihima, Okene Local Government Area.
The time is 10; 00am.
Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan marries Natasha Akpoti
Royalty, business tycoons and politicians from around the world will meet in Okene, Kogi State on Saturday, March 5, 2022.
They are expected to attend the high society marriage of the Alema of Warri Kingdom, High Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan to Kogi State politician and lawyer, Chief Natasha Hadiza Akpoti.
The traditional marriage ceremony is scheduled to take place in Obeiba-Ihima, Okene Local Government Area.
The time is 10; 00am.
Women in the Niger Delta region on Wednesday praised Senator Godswill Akpabio for contributing immensely to the social, economic and political development of the country.
‘’The picture in the Niger Delta region is different. It has been thirty months of development and clear evidence of competence’’.
A statement issued in Port Harcourt by the spokesperson of the Niger Delta Women Reconstruction Group (NDWRC), Dr. Anitorufa Peremoboere commended the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs for his exceptional commitment and performance.
The statement hailed Akpabio for shouldering the heavy responsibility with calmness, giving his best for the good of the Niger Delta people and pursuing with vigour and determination the change agenda of the current administration.
‘’Senator Godswill Akpabio is a beacon of hope and inspiration to the generality of our people’’
The women applauded Akpabio for accelerating the growth of the region, strengthening administrative infrastructure, improving staff quality and efficiency and working in complete harmony with the National Assembly.
‘’No state is shut out in the ministry’s development agenda’’
They praised the former Akwa Ibom State governor for using his expertise and intellectual capacity to address long standing challenges in the region.
‘’We need Senator Godswill Akpabio in 2023. The former Akwa Ibom State governor will not run out of Nigeria. We’ll put pressure on him to take part in the 2023 election. His name will be on the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary ballot’’
The women also commended him for raising the standard of living of the people through water and electrification schemes, road development, education and health-care delivery.
‘’We are most grateful to Senator Godswill Akpabio for the peace of the region, construction of roads and drainages and the well-being of the people’’
The statement emphasized hard work, integrity, efficiency, dignity and discipline.
‘’We disagree in toto with the points of view of some chronic grumblers outside the region’’
The women urged Akpabio’s critics to reckon with the realities, cease advertising ignorance and living in a fool’s paradise.’
‘’Akpabio’s critics do not believe in development for the Niger Delta region.
The statement also underscored the mad ambition of some politicians to mount the saddle of NDDC leadership and to share the resources to themselves and cronies.
‘’Not only there is a tendency to compare the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) with North East Development Commission (NEDC), but it appears to be the vogue of fake contractors, corrupt politicians and their agents to prejudice the minds of some Nigerians by deliberate lies and perversion of the truth’’
President of Ijaw Progressive Youth Ambassadors, Comrade Arepade Ebitonmo, on Tuesday called for level playing field in the Delta State 2023 governorship election.
At a gathering of Ijaw youths in Bomadi to chart the way forward for Delta State, the IPYA President exuded confidence in the Ijaw Nation producing the next governor.
‘’Political parties in Delta State must ensure that each senatorial district is treated fairly in the 2023 governorship election’’.
The meeting under the aegis of Ijaw Progressive Youth Ambassadors (IPYA) was attended by thousands of youths.
The IYPA President said there were no doubts as to whether the Ijaw Nation would produce the next governor of Delta State.
‘’There abound many Ijaw people who are well qualified to be governor of Delta State in 2023’’.
The Ijaw youth leader said the next governor should be someone from Ijaw extraction.
‘’The 2023 governorship election will be quite different from 2019. There is nothing like zoning. There is no written agreement about power shift in Delta State. There should be level playing field. All the zones should participate in the 2023 governorship election’’
Comrade Ebitonwo, a People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain in Bomadi Local Government, advised youths in other senatorial areas to jettison zoning and ensure an Ijaw man becomes Delta State governor in 2023.
“The time has come to make sacrifices. Let us bury our differences. The time is ripe for a governor of Ijaw extraction. Let us mobilize to push an Ijaw person in the interest of our state and the future” he said.
He also called on the the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), ijaw National Congress (INC), ijaw Mandate Group (IMG) and other stakeholders to unite and work for the victory of the Ijaw Nation in 2023.
‘’Ijaw must unite. We must be together to win the 2023 governorship election’’ he added.
Royalty, business tycoons and politicians from around the world will meet in Okene, Kogi State on Saturday, March 5, 2022.
They are expected to attend the high society marriage of the Alema of Warri Kingdom, High Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan to Kogi State politician and lawyer, Chief Natasha Hadiza Akpoti.
The traditional marriage ceremony is scheduled to take place in Obeiba-Ihima, Okene Local Government Area.
The time is 10; 00am.
Julius Berger Nigeria Plc recently joined other private sector stakeholders to launch the 62.1 Billion Naira (US$150 Million) HIV Trust Fund of Nigeria (HTFN).
The HIV Trust Fund of Nigeria (HTFN) is a private sector-led initiative of both the public and the private sectors. It is aimed at ensuring sustainable mobilization of funds towards the eradication of AIDS in Nigeria, starting with the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Julius Berger Nigeria Plc is donating a sum of 56 million naira as part of the funds needed to set the trust in motion. The company is one of the Trust Fund’s five Funding Trustee member organisations and was represented at the event by its Managing Director, Engr. Dr. Lars Richter.
The Fund was officially launched by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Aso Villa Banquet Hall and had in attendance ministers, senior government functionaries, captains of industry, important members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the United Nations (UN), global leaders in the fight against HIV&AIDS, and members of the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDs in Nigeria.
It was described by global health leaders, as an important milestone in driving the next stage of the fight against HIV/AIDS in Nigeria. Themed “No child in Nigeria should be born with HIV; no child in Nigeria should be an orphan because of HIV; no child in Nigeria should die due to lack of access to treatment”, Ms. Winnie Byanyima, who is the Executive Director UNAIDS, in her keynote address, described the initiative as laudable, because, according to her, “2 out of every 3 women in Nigeria currently do not receive any HIV test during pregnancy which poses serious risks of infection to their babies”.
Julius Berger Nigeria has consistently supported the fight against the scourge of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria as one of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects. In June 2019 it donated a fully functional office and operational base in Abuja to the Nigerian Business Coalition against HIV-AIDS (NIBUCAA) initiative.
Julius Berger is a Nigerian company offering integrated construction solutions. In addition to its planning, design, and engineering capacities, Julius Berger has the capacity to unlock expansive knowledge on cutting-edge construction technologies globally, through its European subsidiary Julius Berger International GmbH. This collaboration ensures works are built to meet state-of-the-art standards in design and technology.
BY UBONG GEORGE
Since Governor Samuel Ortom launched into the political landscape of Benue Sate in 1991 as the Chairman of Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, his profile has continued to be in an upswing mode, knowing no other life other than the public service, where he has recorded unprecedented landmark achievements.
Governor Ortom”s current ambition to become the next Senator representing Benue North West Senatorial District on the platform of the People Democratic Party, PDP come 2023, is expected, by the Grace of God, to earn another feather on his cap.
He’s a smart politician whose profile has become so intimidating and very remarkable that it will take only the initiated in the polity to know exactly where he is coming from. Little wonder, the entire political circuit in the state even beyond his senatorial district have been rooting for this man of cool mien and silent achievements, much to the bewilderment and backing of all stakeholders in the state and beyond. Even the opposition political groups have suddenly become jittery and apprehensive over Ortom’s ambition because to them, it’s no longer fear of the unknown rather fear of the very known, given his antecedents in the public , private and political spaces.
Today, the fear of Samuel Ortom becoming the Senator representing Benue North West has rapidly become the beginning of wisdom for other contestants. It is common knowledge that despite all the mischief and grandstanding to ruffle Governor Ortom , the man seems not bothered; he’s only focusing on the task ahead.
But, does Governor Ortom think about any fear about all these? No, as all permutations, calculations and arithmetic are pointing in one positive direction for the undisputed widely acclaimed man of the moment in the entire State in particular and in Nigeria in general.
Many of the political juggernauts in the party and stakeholders across the seven local government areas in the Senatorial Districts have come to a consensus about his candidacy and eventual support for him to become the next occupant of Benue North West Senatorial Seat come 2023.
Governor of Benue State is a Nigerian Industrialist ,administrator, farmer , businessman, employer and philanthropist .He was was born on 23rd April, 1961 in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
Young Samuel Ortom started his primary education at the famous St John Primary School, Gboko , Benue State between 1970 and 1974 . In 1974, he moved to St Catherine’s Primary School Secondary where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1974.Ortom proceeded to Idah Secondary Commercial, Idah. Kogi State .
However , in 1979, Ortom’s education was truncated for financial reasons after his father retired from civil service and his subsequently unable to pay his school fees . Samuel Ortom left school and worked at Gboko park in order to support his family and to also shape his destiny. He was subsequently assisted by a good spirited Nigerian ,who taught him how to drive and obtained a driver’s licence for him He became a professional driver and a driver to Pa SamueI Ihur , a prominent Gboko based Christian leader and a politician to make ends meet.
It was in the course of working that he found an advert for a correspondence course in the National School of Salesmanship, Manchester by cocorrespondence. Through it Ortom obtained a diploma in salesmanship as well as the General Certificate of Education. In 1995, he obtained the Interim Joint Matriculation Board Certificate from Ahmadu Bello University,Zaria in Kaduna State . In 1998, Ortom obtained a diploma in Journalism from the same University. In 2001, Ortom obtained an advanced diploma in Personal Management from Benue State University . In 2004, he obtained a Masters Degree in Public Administration. Governor Ortom then engaged in distance learning that got him a Ph.D in Philosophy from Commonwealth University, Belize
Governor Samuel Ortom’s active and impressive political career began when he contested and won the Chairmanship election of Guma Local Government Area. He was chairman from 1991to 1993 under the platform of Social Democratic Party .In addition, his eventful sojourn in politics resulted in him holding several high ranking positions including the State Publicity Secretary of National Centre Party of Nigeria , NCP ; State Treasurer of All Peoples Party and State Secretary as well Deputy Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Benue State where he played a very distinguished and active part in the politics of State ,bringing to bear his exposure and wealth of experience . Dr Ortom was also Director of Operations of the PDP gubernatorial campaign in Benue State in 2007 and Director of Administration and Logistics of the Goodluck /Sambo Presidential Campaign Organization in 2011. He was PDP National Auditor before his appointment as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in July 2011. He served simultaneously and meritoriously as Minister of State for Industries , Trade and Investment and Supervising Minister of Aviation .
In 2014 ,Governor Samuel Ortom announced his intention to contest for the coveted office of the Governor of Benue on the platform of PDP
He therefore resigned as Minister of State , Industry, Trade and Investment. However, due to some internal bickering that bared its face in his gubernatorial ambition, he listened to the advice of his supporters and other stakeholders to seek an alternative party to pursue his governorship ambition, a decision he took with an unusual calm and philosophical approach, even in the face of outright condemnation by his assumed cronies in the PDP fold of the state.He contested for Governor of Benue SState. He eventually won the election in April 2015 on the platform of All Progressive Congress , APC,
In July 2018, Ortom announced his departure from All Progressives Congress and defected to the PDP when the people of Benue came under sustained attacks from Fulani and following apparent failure of the ruling All Progressive Congress to respond to the what he considered to be the Presidency’s failure to curb what he sees as murderous and expansionist incursion of the Fulani herders into Benue State , a largely agrarian state, coupled with the hostility and campaigned of hatred , calumny and blackmail towards him from the leadership of the party in the state. Governor Ortom was faced with the difficult choice of either toeing the line of the party in Abuja or stand to defend the people of the state felled by bullets believed to be from the flanks of the Fulani herdsmen .With all the threats , intimidation and outright blackmail even by highly placed persons within the State and the Presidency who ordinarily should have offered some sort of succor to the Governor and the people of the State , he refused to abandon his people ,
As a politician with a human and sensitive spirit he suspended campaigns for his governorship ambition for one month so as to concentrate on efforts to resolve the crisis and bring succor to his people . His reasoning was that it did not make sense to continue with political activities in pursuit of his ambition when the people he wished to govern were under continuous siege with hundreds being killed. For him , his administration would be worthless if he abandoned his people.
Governor Ortom stood like the Rock of Gibraltar and declared ‘ I am here as Governor because of the people of Benue State , whatever happens to them happens to me. I am a true descendant of my forefathers . I cannot abandon my people’.
For Governor Ortom , whose state has arguably been the hottest spot of the herders/farmers crisis in Nigeria with a record of close to ten thousand deaths and over one million displaced persons, if defending his people would cost him the governorship so be it ;but he was convinced that history would be kind to him as a man who stood to be counted when it mattered.Ortom stood his ground in his determination to speak for the disadvantaged and the dispossessed, the denigrated and the dehumanized, the subjugated and the subverted on the anti open grazing law and dared anyone to flaunt it even as the death toll piled up . He stood and wept with his people and defied the presidency that appeared to give tacit approval to the mass killings with its complicit silence and lack of action .. Within the period he collaborated with the friends of the state and stakeholders within the state to find a permanent solution to the cold murder of the defenceless . Governor Ortom extensively toured the affected areas, donating relief materials to internally displaced persons.
It is noteworthy that this collaborative effort yielded results as the attacks were subdued while concerted peace building efforts were put in place to forestall future occurrences
For this humane gesture, he went on to win with a landslide the PDP primary election in October 2018 as the party candidate for the 2019 elections .
When the 2019 election came , Benue people decided that it was time to reward a man who had shown that he is their leader , a man who chose their interest at the risk of his safety and political career . The people overwhelmingly voted for Ortom and he convincingly won the 2019 Benue State Gubernatorial Election defeating his closest challenger , the candidate of All Progressive Congress , APC . He polled 434, 473votes , while the runner up Emmanuel Jime polled 345155votes .Jime legally challenged Ortom’s victory and filed a petition on the grounds of substantial non –compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act , 2010 as amended . The Supreme Court on the 21st January 2020 affirmed Samuel Ortom’s election as the duly elected Governor of Benue State APC, He began his second term in March 2019 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party
DEFENDER OF BENUE VALLEY
Without any ambiguity the Governor stands out as a pillar and beacon of hope for the people as he has put in place the best solution to the incessant unprovoked attacks on Benue farmers through the enactment of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law 2017. He has consistently insisted on the full implementation of the Law which he argues rightly is the global best practice in animal husbandry. Despite pressure from powerful forces both within and outside the state that the Law be repealed or suspended, the Governor has doggedly stood his ground to defend the Benue Valley thus earning him the highly prized title of ‘Defender of the Benue Valley’
Governor Ortom name will not only remain evergreen in the annals of history of Benue in particular , but in Nigeria as whole When the history of the great effort to end open grazing of livestock in Nigeria shall be written Governor Ortom’s name shall be written in Gold as one Governor who exercised an inalienable right in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic to make laws for peace and good governance for the people of Benue State whom he promised to protect and secure their lives and property when he was sworn in as the fifth democratically elected Governor of Benue in 2015 and 2019 respectively
The People of the State will forever live to salute him for restoring the battered hope of the farming population of the State which has earned the State the Food basket of the Nation
This success story shall be a permanent legacy not only for Benue State people but for Nigerians as a whole. He has already made himself a hero.
According to Martin Luther King Jnr, the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moment of comfort and convenience but where he stands in times of challenges and controversy.
As often recognized protecting lives and property remain the cardinal and central pillar on which governance rests and anchored and performance measured without relative peace and security social growth and sustainable developmemt of society cannot proceed
Ortom had no choice to have done what he did by invoking this right, owing to life-threatening activities of this dreaded and unrepentant herdsmen . It would have amounted to an unpardonable negligence on the part of Governor Samuel Ortom , as a leader , elected to protect and secure the people of Benue State to do nothing in the circumstances he found himself.
Governor Samuel Ortom has earned the respect and praises of his friends and foes , they see him as an hero who has consistently promised to uphold and defend the Benue People from Fulani Invasion without his dogged determination half of Benue State would have been under forceful occupation
More interestingly, Governor Ortom crusade won the hearts of all the thirty six 36 Governors of the Federal Republic to the extent that open grazing of livestock is no longer fashionable and legislations have sprung up all over the country with all the seventeen states taking the bull with the implementation of the widely.
Ahead of 2023 Senatorial Race
The momentum has grown since the much-talked-about Governor Ortom intention to vie for the Benue North West Senatorial Seat which is fast becoming a sure bet, despite a stiff opposition from the APC.
Highly personable and a loyal party man, Governor Ortom is a political warrior who has not hidden his intention to run for the Senate Seat come 2023 and having intensified consultations with stakeholders within the villages, ninety council wards and the seven local governments areas that form the fulcrum of the senatorial district,
It is widely believed that with his background , knowledge and experience of the area that makes up Benue East Senatorial District that Governor Ortom has all it takes to represent the senatorial area, having known their pains , problems and aspiration, Governor Ortom is a well equipped to render them the service that they deserve to uplift their status.
These and many more virtues are why Governor Ortom;s name is now on the lips of many genuine and thoughtful people of Benue North West Senatorial District who earnestly seek a better and more pro-active replacement for the incumbent Senator , whose development and performance sheets are only on the pages of newspapers, radio and TV stations and of course the social media.
In fact permutations in several quarters, with the current wave of decamping across the length and breadth of Benue State has further revalidate that the chances for the election of Governor Samuel Ioraer Ortom of Benue State is to clinch the Benue North West Senatorial is very bright.
Many argued and submitted that the Red Chamber requires a man that is fearless, bold, courageous, vocal and outspoken and all these qualities are embedded in the person of Governor Samuel
However, there is a need for a major and timely caution as to be made by the people of the senatorial, for everything to be done with utmost foresight and vision. right from the very beginnings. Everything possible should be done to avoid promoting a wrong candidate ahead of the senatorial election that could end up voting for a wrong candidate in the 2023
. The Bible talks of special articles that are separated and dedicated for noble use. First impressions cannot be made twice. It’s very important that the right candidate should be preferred, fortified, embellished, endorsed and supported from the very blast of the whistle . While there can be no doubt that the present occupier has done his best for the common good of people in general or particular in time past , there is a near astronomic or celestial need to choose the very best and most prospect-full among the aspirants that are presently expressing interest in the senatorial race and I believe the reason is obvious. There are candidates and there are candidates; but there are candidates with which to win and candidates that will lead to losing. This is the reality and not a wishful fact.
However, knowledge is tantamount to power they say. The Bible state that people perish for lack of knowledge. This is why it is requisite to give expository knowledge to present relevant insights upon one of the aspirants presently contending for the 2023 senatorial race, so that the people may know him and understand his worth and know why we like and want him; believing that you also will as well like and want him, when you know what we know about him. “Nyamkyume’. It means very plainly but ingeniously, though not imperceptibly, audacious, bold, brave, courageous, daring , fearless and gallant , these are some notable paraphernalia about the man, Governor Samuel Ortom that mark him out to be preferred for this August role at this present time in the annals of our state and senatorial history.
Furthermore, Governor Ortom still remains one of the most courageous emerging leader of the Benue valley and can be lined him up with several great men in history of the world and of all ages, he stands shoulder to shoulder with them for daring to do what others could not .
No doubt, the past occupiers of this revered red chamber had contributed their quota, however, the politics of the current dispensation requires men with Lion heart and Governor Ortom is that Lion called Nyamkyume in Tiv parlance, not a yes man, a man who does not only tread with caution, but a man who is conscious and concern with the needs and yearning of his people
,Already as the race towards 2023 has started in earnest , stakeholders in the Benue North West have started to drumming support with a vow to ensure that nothing stand in the way of incumbent Governor for the senate seat with PDP structures comprising the council chairmen and councilors, party leaders, ,party elders, political appointees. community leaders student community and women group among other groups
More importantly, it is recorded in the holy book that “Except the Lord build the house, the workman labour but in vain”. In all political permutations, the God factor cannot be ruled out. There is a popular saying that “Man proposes but God disposes” and this will play important role in the Senatorial election of Governor Samuel Ortom.
When he came on board, many prophesied that he will never be the governor of Benue State but God proved them wrong, but the Supreme God showed up. That is behind us and today he is the Governor.
Governor Ortom is a grass-roots politician loved by the people of the State. He is a well-bred politician and is generous and an epitome of humility who professes strong Christian faith which no doubt has been working for him .He abhors politics of bitterness and always act as a bridge builder in all circumstances
To this end all the votes that count must be counted in favour of Governor Samuel Ioarernyi Ortom Adorogo, as the next occupier of the senate seat come 2023 for Benue North West Senatorial District
A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Prince Kassim Afegbua, on Sunday made a critical appraisal of the Nigerian State since the 1914 amalgamation and concluded that a Southern Presidency was inevitable in 2023.
‘’The principle of Amalgamation which was consummated in 1914 is very clear and unambiguous in rotating the leadership of the country between the North and South. Rather than continue to dwell on the impropriety of turning logic on its head by the political ambition of our brothers from the North, it will make for good judgment for them to bury their ambition and support the Southern zone to produce credible candidates for the 2023 General election’’
The former Edo State Commissioner for Information in a statement entitled ‘’Zoning is a constitutional requirement’ ’warned that those trying to ignore this inalienable right of the South to produce the next president of Nigeria will spell political doom for the country.
‘’ It is only a greedy, selfish, egocentric, and desperate politician from the North that would still insist on going ahead to contest despite the obvious imbalance. The Governors of the Southern zones must speak with one voice in ensuring that the South gets what truly belongs to them’’.
Afegbua denounced a situation whereby some northern politicians resorted to making reference to the 1999 Constitution to support their weak argument against zoning of political offices.
‘’For selfish and egocentric reasons, I have read some aspirants talking about the absence of zoning in the Nigeria Constitution. In order to serve their selfish end and contest the 2023 presidential election against the run of play, they have resorted to making references to the 1999 constitution to support their weak argument against zoning of political offices. It must be stated unequivocally that zoning means the same thing as Federal Character, which is expressly captured in the 1999 constitution. The federal character talks about political balancing of positions and appointments, which is the same thing as zoning. Zoning means “divide into or assign to zones”, positions and appointments whether by way of election or appointment’’.
Afegbua advised major political parties in the country to ensure that what has been constitutionally guaranteed in terms of zoning remains a sacrosanct element of democratic practice in the country.
‘’For those who are declaring that there is no zoning in the constitution, why has it been the practice that each time a candidate emerges from the North, his Vice Presidential candidate comes from the South, and vice-versa. The Senate President is also zoned to another geopolitical zone, ditto for the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, and even the Secretary of Government of the Federation. If there is no zone, these positions could have been concentrated in one geopolitical zone, but for that Federal Character provision in the constitution, which is similar to zoning, we have made it a point of duty to observe zoning’’
The former media aide to Atiku Abubakar said Nigeria had benefited a lot from zoning.
‘’In a plural society like Nigeria, given our diversities, one cannot do without zoning and power sharing. No matter how nepotistic the Buhari presidency is, it has observed the principle of zoning positions to create some level of balance. I am aware that President Buhari’s style has been skewed in favour of his Northern zone’’.
He chided those trying to twist the logic of zoning to suit their bulbous ego.
‘’The media owes it a duty to educate Nigerians on the therapeutic effect of zoning and applying the doctrine of Federal character which has been in place since the independence of Nigeria. It is an attraction we cannot run away from given our peculiarities, sensibilities and equivocation. As a party, if you choose not to zone by way of balancing the algorithms, take all your candidates from a section of the country and let us watch how your political fortunes pan out. Those who are reading the constitution upside down or trying as it were, to twist the logic of zoning to suit their bulbous ego, are only trying to be clever by half’’
The Edo State leader said anything short of the application of zoning principle will be unconstitutional, and a clear abuse of the principle of Federal Character, which is enshrined in the 1999 constitution.
‘’The facts of the matter do not support their illogic. For our diversities and heterogenous configurations, with several nation-states within the nation, the zoning principle has to be deliberately applied to create the required political stability’’.
PRESS STATEMENT.
ZONING IS A CONSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENT.
For selfish and egocentric reasons, I have read some aspirants talking about the absence of zoning in the Nigeria Constitution. In order to serve their selfish end and contest the 2023 presidential election against the run of play, they have resorted to making references to the 1999 constitution to support their weak argument against zoning of political offices. It must be stated unequivocally that zoning means the same thing as Federal Character, which is expressly captured in the 1999 constitution. The federal character talks about political balancing of positions and appointments, which is the same thing as zoning. Zoning means “divide into or assign to zones”, positions and appointments whether by way of election or appointment.
For those who are declaring that there is no zoning in the constitution, why has it been the practice that each time a candidate emerges from the North, his Vice Presidential candidate comes from the South, and vice-versa. The Senate President is also zoned to another geopolitical zone, ditto for the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, and even the Secretary of Government of the Federation. If there is no zone, these positions could have been concentrated in one geopolitical zone, but for that Federal Character provision in the constitution, which is similar to zoning, we have made it a point of duty to observe zoning. In a plural society like Nigeria, given our diversities, one cannot do without zoning and power sharing. No matter how nepotistic the Buhari presidency is, it has observed the principle of zoning positions to create some level of balance. I am aware that President Buhari’s style has been skewed in favour of his Northern zone.
The media owes it a duty to educate Nigerians on the therapeutic effect of zoning and applying the doctrine of Federal character which has been in place since the independence of Nigeria. It is an attraction we cannot run away from given our peculiarities, sensibilities and equivocation. As a party, if you choose not to zone by way of balancing the algorithms, take all your candidates from a section of the country and let us watch how your political fortunes pan out. Those who are reading the constitution upside down or trying as it were, to twist the logic of zoning to suit their bulbous ego, are only trying to be clever by half. The facts of the matter do not support their illogic. For our diversities and heterogenous configurations, with several nation-states within the nation, the zoning principle has to be deliberately applied to create the required political stability. Anything short of the application of this doctrine will be unconstitutional, and a clear abuse of the principle of Federal Character, which is enshrined in the 1999 constitution.
The principle of Amalgamation which was consummated in 1914 is very clear and unambiguous in rotating the leadership of the country between the North and South. Rather than continue to dwell on the impropriety of turning logic on its head by the political ambition of our brothers from the North, it will make for good judgment for them to bury their ambition and support the Southern zone to produce credible candidates for the 2023 General election. Trying to ignore this inalienable right of the South to produce the next president of Nigeria will spell political doom for the country. It is only a greedy, selfish, egocentric, and desperate politician from the North that would still insist on going ahead to contest despite the obvious imbalance. The Governors of the Southern zones must speak with one voice in ensuring that the South gets what truly belongs to them.
Signed….
PRINCE KASSIM AFEGBUA.
MEMBER, PDP
WARD 5, OKPELLA. AND
FORMER COMMISSIONER FOR INFORMATION,
EDO STATE.
President Muhammadu Buhari congratulates Senator Lekan Balogun on his appointment as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The President believes that the dedication of High Chief Balogun, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, in diligently serving his people has rightly earned him the new position.
He trusts that the appointment of the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, which validates the noble and cherished tradition of Ibadan people in selecting a traditional leader, will bring peace and prosperity to the land and continued honour to the crown.
The President extends best wishes of good health, wisdom and longevity to the Kabiyesi.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
February 14, 2022
Press Statement
Oil Spills: House Of Reps Committee Responds To Petition, Visits Ogoni Communities
…As Rt. Hon. Dekor Applauds Affected Communities For Peaceful Disposition
Some communities in Gokana Local Government Area, Rivers State, may soon have cause to cheer up following a fact finding visit by the House of Representatives Committee on Host Communities on Thursday, to ascertain the extent of damages caused by oil spills on their waters and farmlands.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Host Communities, Rt. Hon. Dumnamene Robinson Dekor, who led members of the committee, representatives of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) as well as chiefs and traditional rulers from the affected communities, visited the hydrocarbon impacted shorelines of the affected communities in response to petition written by the affected communities in June, 2021 to the National Assembly.
Some of the impacted sites visited include Kpogbaa in Bomu, Bon Mbabari Asakpugi, Bon Tamana, Bon Tigara, Bon Kolore, Bon Legbaa, Bon Dukori and Naadube, all in Kpor Community of Gokana Local Government Area of the State.
Rt. Hon. Dum Dekor, Chairman, House Committee on Host Community, while briefing journalists after the visit, said the committee was in the area based on a petition to the National Assembly in June 2021.
The House Committee Chairman said the team traversed the communities and their waters and, had an eye contact as well as the claims from the two communities which had to do with the purported spills coming from Shell since 2008.
“We just came to verify and try to see if there is any linkage in their claims. That’s why members of this committee are here.
“Those from the committee and those from Shell are all here, so that they will all have direct contact with what the claims are. We have come and we have seen”, he said, adding that the committee would send its report to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Rt. Hon. Dekor said both the affected communities and SPDC have seen things for themselves, assuring that whatever would be the outcome, would be appreciated by all parties.
“We want to also thank members of the communities for not taking laws into their hands. We also want to thank the SPDC for cooperating to the extent that they have come here today. I think so far, all is well and good”, he said.
The federal lawmaker, a former Deputy Speaker in the Rivers State House of Assembly as well as former Works Commissioner in the state, appealed to the people of the Niger Delta to support Governor Nyesom Wike and bring to an end, the issue of artisanal refineries, as he decried the frightening level of pollution and its health hazards.
The Chairman of Gokana Local Government Area, Hon. Confidence Deko, in his speech called for thorough remediation, and adequate compensation.
The SPDC was represented by Sir Igo Nwele on the fact-finding mission.
In their separate interviews, the Paramount Ruler of Kpor Community, Mene Avalobari and the
spokesman of Bomu Community, Sir Dominic Legono Saata, demanded for holistic clean-up, remediation to restore the environment and compensation.
Signed:
Monday, February 14, 2022
Afegbua warns greedy Northern politicians
A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Prince Kassim Afegbua, on Sunday made a critical appraisal of the Nigerian State since the 1914 amalgamation and concluded that a Southern Presidency was inevitable in 2023.
‘’The principle of Amalgamation which was consummated in 1914 is very clear and unambiguous in rotating the leadership of the country between the North and South. Rather than continue to dwell on the impropriety of turning logic on its head by the political ambition of our brothers from the North, it will make for good judgment for them to bury their ambition and support the Southern zone to produce credible candidates for the 2023 General election’’
The former Edo State Commissioner for Information in a statement entitled ‘’Zoning is a constitutional requirement’ ’warned that those trying to ignore this inalienable right of the South to produce the next president of Nigeria will spell political doom for the country.
‘’ It is only a greedy, selfish, egocentric, and desperate politician from the North that would still insist on going ahead to contest despite the obvious imbalance. The Governors of the Southern zones must speak with one voice in ensuring that the South gets what truly belongs to them’’.
Afegbua denounced a situation whereby some northern politicians resorted to making reference to the 1999 Constitution to support their weak argument against zoning of political offices.
‘’For selfish and egocentric reasons, I have read some aspirants talking about the absence of zoning in the Nigeria Constitution. In order to serve their selfish end and contest the 2023 presidential election against the run of play, they have resorted to making references to the 1999 constitution to support their weak argument against zoning of political offices. It must be stated unequivocally that zoning means the same thing as Federal Character, which is expressly captured in the 1999 constitution. The federal character talks about political balancing of positions and appointments, which is the same thing as zoning. Zoning means “divide into or assign to zones”, positions and appointments whether by way of election or appointment’’.
Afegbua advised major political parties in the country to ensure that what has been constitutionally guaranteed in terms of zoning remains a sacrosanct element of democratic practice in the country.
‘’For those who are declaring that there is no zoning in the constitution, why has it been the practice that each time a candidate emerges from the North, his Vice Presidential candidate comes from the South, and vice-versa. The Senate President is also zoned to another geopolitical zone, ditto for the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, and even the Secretary of Government of the Federation. If there is no zone, these positions could have been concentrated in one geopolitical zone, but for that Federal Character provision in the constitution, which is similar to zoning, we have made it a point of duty to observe zoning’’
The former media aide to Atiku Abubakar said Nigeria had benefited a lot from zoning.
‘’In a plural society like Nigeria, given our diversities, one cannot do without zoning and power sharing. No matter how nepotistic the Buhari presidency is, it has observed the principle of zoning positions to create some level of balance. I am aware that President Buhari’s style has been skewed in favour of his Northern zone’’.
He chided those trying to twist the logic of zoning to suit their bulbous ego.
‘’The media owes it a duty to educate Nigerians on the therapeutic effect of zoning and applying the doctrine of Federal character which has been in place since the independence of Nigeria. It is an attraction we cannot run away from given our peculiarities, sensibilities and equivocation. As a party, if you choose not to zone by way of balancing the algorithms, take all your candidates from a section of the country and let us watch how your political fortunes pan out. Those who are reading the constitution upside down or trying as it were, to twist the logic of zoning to suit their bulbous ego, are only trying to be clever by half’’
The Edo State leader said anything short of the application of zoning principle will be unconstitutional, and a clear abuse of the principle of Federal Character, which is enshrined in the 1999 constitution.
‘’The facts of the matter do not support their illogic. For our diversities and heterogenous configurations, with several nation-states within the nation, the zoning principle has to be deliberately applied to create the required political stability’’.
ENSURE YOUNG PEOPLE WITH REQUISITE SKILLS GET BOARDS APPOINTMENT, PRESIDENT BUHARI DIRECTS SGF, CHIEF OF STAFF, MINISTERS
Ø APC must be made attractive to younger people to take ownership
President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday in Abuja mandated his Chief of Staff and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) to ensure that all Ministers and Heads of agencies include young people with the requisite skills and experience in all Boards and Committees of the Federal Government.
The President, who gave the directive while receiving members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Youth Lobby Group, said young people’s inclusion in governance would encourage learning and mentoring in government and politics.
The President asked the SGF to submit a report on the inclusion of young people on boards and committees that are yet to be constituted, next month.
He further directed Prof Ibrahim Gambari, Chief of Staff, and the SGF to ensure monthly engagements with the APC Youth Lobby group for better synergy and cross pollination of ideas and opportunities.
He urged both senior government officials to explore the establishment of a Committee of young people to form the monitoring and evaluation team of ongoing Federal Government projects across the country.
He said the committee would provide feedback which will enable his government to hold public office holders and those given responsibility to account.
The President also welcomed the idea of the establishment of a Presidential Committee on Youth in liaison with the youth leader, requesting the SGF and the Chief of Staff to work out the modalities for its operationalization.
President Buhari told the APC Youth Lobby Group led by Barrister Ismaeel Ahmed that the leadership of the party would ensure full participation of young people at all levels.
”I will also support the aspirations of credible and committed young people who are vying for positions in the upcoming convention.
”It is also in our interest to ensure the longevity of our party by standardizing and institutionalizing the leadership recruitment system. Hard working and exemplary individuals should be identified and encouraged and mentored.
”It should be a deliberate policy of the progressives in ensuring that we have a robust succession plan in place,” he said.
Commending members of the APC National Youth Lobby group for the work they are doing for the party, the President said:
”You are not begging, but negotiating, staking a claim and seeking to add value, which is admirable.”
He urged them to help the party achieve a successful Convention on February 26, 2022 and in subsequent elections in Ekiti and Osun States.
President Buhari declared that APC must be made attractive for younger people to continuously take ownership of it because that is the future, and ”that is what progress means.”
Expressing support for the establishment of the Progressive Institute for the party, the President said:
”The party must have an Institute where its ethos, character and mantra are inculcated in our members. I will rely on you to share the concept note for further action.”
The President, who endorsed the 2021 APC Youth Conference Report presented to him, assured the Group that the recommendations in the report that are within his own remit would be given favourable consideration.
He also promised to encourage the leadership of the States and the party to implement the recommendations of the report for the benefit of young progressives.
Describing the President as the leader of the party and moral compass of the nation, the APC Youth leader thanked him for sending a powerful delegation to the Progressive Youth Conference in June 2021, demonstrating that the present government believes in young people.
”Mr President, young people in Nigeria believe in your capacity and the history of your public service. You joined the Army at the age of 20, you joined the war to save the country at the age of 25, became a governor at the age of 33, minister at 36 and Head of State at 41.
”You joined politics at the age of 60 and was elected President at the age of 72. You have demonstrated through your personal example, the integrity that very few people have had the opportunity to demonstrate in the country,” he said.
On the forthcoming APC convention, Ahmed appealed to the President to speak for the ”young people whenever we are not there to speak for ourselves, as you have always done.”
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
February 11, 2022
PRESS STATEMENT.
ZONING IS A CONSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENT.
For selfish and egocentric reasons, I have read some aspirants talking about the absence of zoning in the Nigeria Constitution. In order to serve their selfish end and contest the 2023 presidential election against the run of play, they have resorted to making references to the 1999 constitution to support their weak argument against zoning of political offices. It must be stated unequivocally that zoning means the same thing as Federal Character, which is expressly captured in the 1999 constitution. The federal character talks about political balancing of positions and appointments, which is the same thing as zoning. Zoning means “divide into or assign to zones”, positions and appointments whether by way of election or appointment.
For those who are declaring that there is no zoning in the constitution, why has it been the practice that each time a candidate emerges from the North, his Vice Presidential candidate comes from the South, and vice-versa. The Senate President is also zoned to another geopolitical zone, ditto for the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, and even the Secretary of Government of the Federation. If there is no zone, these positions could have been concentrated in one geopolitical zone, but for that Federal Character provision in the constitution, which is similar to zoning, we have made it a point of duty to observe zoning. In a plural society like Nigeria, given our diversities, one cannot do without zoning and power sharing. No matter how nepotistic the Buhari presidency is, it has observed the principle of zoning positions to create some level of balance. I am aware that President Buhari’s style has been skewed in favour of his Northern zone.
The media owes it a duty to educate Nigerians on the therapeutic effect of zoning and applying the doctrine of Federal character which has been in place since the independence of Nigeria. It is an attraction we cannot run away from given our peculiarities, sensibilities and equivocation. As a party, if you choose not to zone by way of balancing the algorithms, take all your candidates from a section of the country and let us watch how your political fortunes pan out. Those who are reading the constitution upside down or trying as it were, to twist the logic of zoning to suit their bulbous ego, are only trying to be clever by half. The facts of the matter do not support their illogic. For our diversities and heterogenous configurations, with several nation-states within the nation, the zoning principle has to be deliberately applied to create the required political stability. Anything short of the application of this doctrine will be unconstitutional, and a clear abuse of the principle of Federal Character, which is enshrined in the 1999 constitution.
The principle of Amalgamation which was consummated in 1914 is very clear and unambiguous in rotating the leadership of the country between the North and South. Rather than continue to dwell on the impropriety of turning logic on its head by the political ambition of our brothers from the North, it will make for good judgment for them to bury their ambition and support the Southern zone to produce credible candidates for the 2023 General election. Trying to ignore this inalienable right of the South to produce the next president of Nigeria will spell political doom for the country. It is only a greedy, selfish, egocentric, and desperate politician from the North that would still insist on going ahead to contest despite the obvious imbalance. The Governors of the Southern zones must speak with one voice in ensuring that the South gets what truly belongs to them.
Signed….
PRINCE KASSIM AFEGBUA.
MEMBER, PDP
WARD 5, OKPELLA. AND
FORMER COMMISSIONER FOR INFORMATION,
EDO STATE.
PRESIDENT BUHARI CALLS FOR LASTING PEACE ON KOREAN PENINSULA
Nigeria will support efforts to bring peaceful resolution and reconciliation on the Korean peninsula, President Muhammadu Buhari has said.
The President joined world leaders virtually on Friday to attend the opening of World Summit 2022, themed ”Reconciliation and Peace in the Korean Peninsula, through Multi Sectorial Peace Building Initiatives in Asia and in the World”, organized by the Universal Peace Federation (UPF).
In a video-message sent to the Hybrid Summit in Seoul, South Korea, the President said the Korean peninsula has been a flashpoint of conflict, lingering many decades and therefore deserving the attention of world leaders for a peaceful resolution.
”The Korean situation as defined by its history and geography is unique in the sense that as the only nation in the Asia-Pacific region that remains divided since the cold war era, peace on the Korean peninsula has far reaching implications to the region, if not to the world at large.
”The Nigerian Government encourages and supports every effort to promote understanding and a commitment to peace among the governments and people of both Koreas; and has for a long time, maintained relations with them at ambassadorial level.
”We have enjoyed cordial relations with both Koreas in trade and commerce, education, cultural exchange, and technology transfer.
”And so, when it comes to what needs to be done to ensure lasting peace on the peninsula, we are happy to be part of it,” he said.
The Nigerian leader told the Summit strongly backed by Cambodian Prime Minister, Samdech Hun Sen, and former Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, that all countries in the world, including Nigeria, had one crisis or the other that they are dealing with, adding that ”what is important is the commitment to arrive at a true and lasting peace, through the most peaceful process.”
The President also used the occasion to apprise participants at the Summit how his administration is dealing with issues in Nigeria.
Citing the situation in North-East Nigeria, the President said his administration is implementing a comprehensive peace plan in the region, which has been prone to insurgency in recent years.
”We are equipping the Nigerian security forces to enable them to effectively contain the contemporary security challenges facing the Nigerian Society, in line with modern rules of engagement.
”We are establishing army and air force universities as a platform and long-term plan for institutionalizing the practice of peace building and conflict management among young Nigerians.
”We have initiated many entrepreneurial/economic projects to address youth bulge and unemployment.
”At the regional level, our administration has shown and will continue to provide strong support to peace initiatives and efforts in the West African sub-region.
”We shall continue to pioneer and collaborate with all such efforts in resolving conflicts and bringing lasting peace and security to the West African Sub-Region.”
The President, therefore, welcomed the establishment of an international Think-Tank on peace in the Korean peninsula by the UPF, founded Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon.
The President assured the Federation that Nigeria is open to continuous partnerships with both local and international organizations to achieve lasting peace in the world.
Wishing the four-day Summit, which will end with a virtual one Million Person Rally on Sunday, fruitful deliberations, President Buhari said:
”I am optimistic that if we prioritize mutual co-operation and peaceful co-existence, the growth and prosperity of humanity is assured. Let us all join in the efforts and commit to achieving a just and peaceful world based on these principles.”
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
February 11, 2022
PRESS RELEASE
LAWAN TO SANWO-OLU: “YOU HAVE DONE WELL, ONE GOOD TURN DESERVES ANOTHER”
…Sanwo-Olu Praises Senator Adeola’s Empowerment Programme
President of the Senate, Senator Ahmed Lawan on Sunday praised Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for what he called “the good work” he is doing towards delivering dividends of good governance to the people of Lagos State and to validate the State’s position as the economic and commercial nerve centre of the country.
Lawan spoke at the fifth Town Hall Meeting and Empowerment Programme organised by the lawmaker representing Lagos West in the Senate, Senator Solomon Adeola Olamilekan, popularly known as Yayi, at the Police College, Ikeja.
Lawan, who opened his speech on a note of admiration for the Governor, said the party leadership across the country had watched with satisfaction the giant strides being made by Sanwo-Olu, stating that without any equivocation, that the Governor deserved a re-election.
He said: “We have been watching you over the last two and half years. You have been very wonderful. You have been consistent in terms of service delivery to the people of Lagos and indeed this country. You are focused…”
The Senate helmsman endorsed Sanwo-Olu’s to return after the completion of his current tenure, saying the tremendous achievements the State recorded within a short period under the Governor’s watch needed to progress.
“One good term you’re doing deserves another term,” Lawan told Sanwo-Olu.
The Senate President praised Sen. Adeola for his contribution to the robustness of the Senate and his efforts to uplift his constituents through regular empowerment.
Lawan called for more support for the All Progressives Congress (APC), stressing that the People’s Democratic Party had damaged the country beyond measures in its sixteen years of governance. He, however, assured that the ruling party was up to the task to defeat the opposition again.
Governor Sanwo-Olu lauded Adeola’s empowerment programme, noting that some of the items, such as the ambulances and hospital equipment would go beyond party affiliations, when they become operational.
He described Adeola’s efforts as complementing those of President Muhammadu Buhari and of the State Government.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to further develop Lagos state in all ramifications and pledged that he will continue to carry out human-friendly projects that will have positive impacts on Lagosians and by extension, Nigeria.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
13 FEBRUARY 2022
FEDERAL MINISTRY OF WORKS AND HOUSING
Press Release
Saturday, February 12th, 2022
FG REITERATES COMMITMENT TO SPEEDY COMPLETION OF ROAD PROJECTS FINANCED THROUGH NNPC TAX CREDIT SCHEME
• Contractors attest to release of funds, as Truck drivers express delight on progress of work on Suleja-Minna Highway, Lambata-Lapai- Bida Road
• Funds for Roads under the NNPC Tax Credit Scheme not domiciled with us – Works Ministry
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to making sure that all the roads financed under the NNPC Tax Credit Scheme are completed and delivered as scheduled.
The Director Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. Folorunso Esan, stated this at the inspection of the ongoing dualization of Suleja- Minna highway, Phase I and II; and the reconstruction of Lambata -Lapai-Bida road in Niger State which are among the critical roads to be financed under the NNPC Tax Credit Scheme.
“I am here to see that they have improved on their mobilization and they are working.”
Esan said that adequate fund has been released to the contractors through the governance process established to ensure prompt delivery of the road projects, adding that no contractor has any reason not to deliver as scheduled.
It would be recalled that during the presentation of the symbolic cheque for the 21 roads by the NNPC in the presence of all stakeholders and the media on December 21, 2021 the Hon. Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola SAN in his remarks said that a governance process was being put in place and that the governance process requires the Ministry to do certification of the certificates for jobs done promptly within five days.
Don’t remove NDDC from Niger Delta Ministry, South-South leaders tell Buhari
Notable leaders in the South-South geo-political zone on Sunday gave credit to the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio for the development of the region.
They also scolded Akpabio’s critics for confusing the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board with the region’s development.
‘’Senator Godswill Akpabio’s critics are enemies of the region’’
The leaders in a statement in Benin hailed Akpabio for exhibiting rare wisdom, injecting new ideas into the development process of the region, paving the way for many of the changes initiated by the current administration in the region and making NDDC conform to the needs of the people.`
The statement signed by the spokesman of the South-South Front (SSF), Chief John Harry, pointed out the many fundamental differences between the opinions of critics and Akpabio’s development agenda.
The leaders applauded Akpabiob for advocating total, sweeping and radical changes, giving importance to due process and embarking on a complete break with the past.
They described Eni Balulu, Eshiefaotsa Slvanus and Kola Edokpayi of Concerned Edo Citizens and Coalition of Edo Volunteers Groups as misguided voices of some politicians and contractors in the country.
‘’Their views did not mirror the changes occurring in the region. It is also absurd to claim as spokesperson of Agitators for Conscience, Izon Ebi does that NDDC is messier than before forensic audit’’.
The prominent leaders in the zone accused the Executive Director and Coordinator of Project Niger Delta, Princewill Ebebi and National President, Niger Elders Forum, Tonye Ogbogbula of impeding the progress of the region, placing primary emphasis on prejudice and doing a disservice to the South-South geo-political zone.
Specifically, the leaders dismissed calls for the inauguration of the already cleared members of the NDDC board.
They urged President Muhammadu Buhari not to return the Commission to the Presidency.
The statement emphasized human virtues and excellence, Akpabio’s modes of thinking about development issues in the region and the shortcomings of past Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) chiefs.
The leaders attributed the emphatic stress on the inauguration of a substantive board of NDDC by critics to lack of reason and sentiment.
They advised Edo youths not to turn the zone upside down.
The leaders also emphasised self-sacrifice, truthfulness, Akpabio’s brilliant insights and development approaches.
SERAP sues Buhari, Lai over ‘failure to publish copy of agreement with Twitter’
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against President Muhammadu Buhari over “the failure to publish copy of the agreement the Federal Government recently signed with Twitter, Inc, and the failure to publish the details of the terms and conditions of any such agreement.”
Joined in the suit as Respondent is Alhaji Lai Mohammed, minister of information and culture.
The Federal Government had in January lifted the suspension of Twitter operation in Nigeria, stating that, “Twitter has agreed to act with a respectful acknowledgement of Nigerian laws and the national culture and history.”
But in the suit number FHC/L/CS/238/2022 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court, Lagos, SERAP is asking the court to “direct and compel President Buhari and Alhaji Lai Mohammed to release and widely publish copy of the agreement with Twitter, and the terms and conditions of any such agreement.”
In the suit, SERAP is arguing that: “It is in the interest of justice to grant this application. Publishing the agreement would enable Nigerians to scrutinise it, seek legal remedies as appropriate, and ensure that the conditions for lifting the suspension of Twitter are not used as pretexts to suppress legitimate discourse.”
SERAP is also arguing that, “Publishing the agreement with Twitter would promote transparency, accountability, and help to mitigate threats to Nigerians’ rights online, as well as any interference with online privacy and freedom of expression.”
According to SERAP, “Any agreement with social media companies must meet the constitutional requirements of legality, necessity, proportionality and legitimacy. Secretly agreed terms and conditions will fail these fundamental requirements.”
SERAP is also seeking “an order of mandamus to direct and compel President Buhari and Alhaji Lai Mohammed to clarify the manner and scope in which the agreement with Twitter will be enforced, and whether the agreement incorporates respect for constitutional and international human rights.”
SERAP is further arguing that, “The government has a duty to demonstrate that the conditions for lifting the suspension of Twitter would not threaten or violate the enjoyment of Nigerians’ human rights online, and that the conditions are in pursuit of a legitimate goal in a democratic society.”
According to SERAP, “Alhaji Lai Mohammed responded to our freedom of information request but his response is completely unsatisfactory, as he merely stated that the ‘details are in the public space,’ without sending a copy of the agreement signed with Twitter as requested.”
The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare and Opeyemi Owolabi, read in part: “Nigerians are entitled to their human rights, such as the rights to freedom of expression, access to information, privacy, peaceful assembly and association, as well as public participation both offline and online.”
“The operation and enforcement of the agreement may be based on broadly worded restrictive laws, which may be used as pretexts to suppress legitimate discourse, interfere with online privacy, and deter the exercise of freedom of opinion and expression.”
“The statement by the Federal Government announcing the lifting of the suspension of Twitter after seven months used overly broad terms and phrases like ‘prohibited publication’, ‘Nigerian laws’, ‘national culture and history’. These open-ended terms and phrases may be used to suppress legitimate exercise of human rights online.”
“Any agreement with social media companies must not be used as a ploy to tighten governmental control over access to the internet, monitor internet activity, or to increase online censorship and the capacity of the government to restrict legitimate online content, contrary to standards on freedom of expression and privacy.”
“Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights guarantee the right to hold opinions without interference, and the right to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers and through any medium.”
“The Nigerian Constitution and human rights treaties impose duties on the government to ensure enabling environments for freedom of expression, privacy rights and other human rights, and to protect their exercise.”
“While human rights law requires States to prohibit ‘advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence’, States must still satisfy the cumulative conditions of legality, necessity, proportionality and legitimacy in any agreement with social media companies.”
“The government has a legal obligation to promote universal Internet access, media diversity and independence, as well as ensure that any agreements with Twitter and other social media companies are not used to impermissibly restrict these fundamental human rights.”
No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
13/2/2022
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
Notable leaders in the South-South geo-political zone on Sunday gave credit to the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio for the development of the region.
They also scolded Akpabio’s critics for confusing the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board with the region’s development.
‘’Senator Godswill Akpabio’s critics are enemies of the region’’
The leaders in a statement in Benin hailed Akpabio for exhibiting rare wisdom, injecting new ideas into the development process of the region, paving the way for many of the changes initiated by the current administration in the region and making NDDC conform to the needs of the people.`
The statement signed by the spokesman of the South-South Front (SSF), Chief John Harry, pointed out the many fundamental differences between the opinions of critics and Akpabio’s development agenda.
The leaders applauded Akpabiob for advocating total, sweeping and radical changes, giving importance to due process and embarking on a complete break with the past.
They described Eni Balulu, Eshiefaotsa Slvanus and Kola Edokpayi of Concerned Edo Citizens and Coalition of Edo Volunteers Groups as misguided voices of some politicians and contractors in the country.
‘’Their views did not mirror the changes occurring in the region. It is also absurd to claim as spokesperson of Agitators for Conscience, Izon Ebi does that NDDC is messier than before forensic audit’’.
The prominent leaders in the zone accused the Executive Director and Coordinator of Project Niger Delta, Princewill Ebebi and National President, Niger Elders Forum, Tonye Ogbogbula of impeding the progress of the region, placing primary emphasis on prejudice and doing a disservice to the South-South geo-political zone.
Specifically, the leaders dismissed calls for the inauguration of the already cleared members of the NDDC board.
They urged President Muhammadu Buhari not to return the Commission to the Presidency.
The statement emphasized human virtues and excellence, Akpabio’s modes of thinking about development issues in the region and the shortcomings of past Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) chiefs.
The leaders attributed the emphatic stress on the inauguration of a substantive board of NDDC by critics to lack of reason and sentiment.
They advised Edo youths not to turn the zone upside down.
The leaders also emphasised self-sacrifice, truthfulness, Akpabio’s brilliant insights and development approaches.
PRESS RELEASE
2023 PRESIDENCY: SANWO-OLU URGES APC LEADERS TO UNITE FOR TINUBU
Ahead of the 2023 general elections, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged leaders and members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State to unite and work for the victory of the ruling party at the local, state and national levels, especially for the presidential aspiration of the party’s National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
He made the appeal while on a working visit to Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area and Oriade Local Council Development Area (LCDA) on Wednesday, during which he commissioned the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Primary Health Center in Festac town.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also implored APC members and Lagos residents, especially the people of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government and Oriade LCDA to participate in the ongoing registration of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) for them to exercise their civic responsibilities in the 2023 general elections.
He said: “We have a lot to be proud of in Lagos. We have a lot to make bragging right both at the state and also at the national level. We should see that sacrifice of our National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu will certainly not go in vain and that is why I am encouraging everyone that the journey we have started at ensuring that we have Asiwaju (Tinubu) representing us at the center is on the right course.
“As individuals and community, we all have a role to play. We all have a duty to ensure that the ongoing registration in INEC and the collection of your PVC is important because it is only when you do this that you can exercise your civic responsibility. I want to assure you that once you have that, nothing will stop us from achieving this agenda.
“I think it is also important at this point to admonish some of our leaders to close ranks and work for the victory of our party, APC and presidential aspiration of our leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. All the leaders in Amuwo-Odofin and Oriade should come together. We must put our house in order and unite without allowing anything to divide us. There are enough benefits if we work together. We are not aspiring to win Lagos alone; we are also working to go to Abuja. So, I want to appeal to all leaders to do all that is required for our party to be stronger. We should not speak with two voices.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who urged all traditional leaders to work with government at local and state levels for development in their communities, commended ethnic nationals for the unity, peace and progress that are being enshrined in the community and urged them to do more.
He said: “I want to urge all traditional leaders to work with the government at local and state levels. We should work together for development in our communities. I want to encourage all other ethnic nationals – the Ndigbo Community, South-South Community and Arewa Community. I want to thank all of you for the unity, peace and progress that is enshrined in this community but I want more.
“I want us to continue to live in tolerance, peace and harmony because it is only when we do this that more community development will come to this locality and community. So, I am going to extract that from you today, that whatever misgivings that you might have among yourselves, make sure we can resolve the issues and we can enshrine a more mutually beneficial rewarding relationship among all of us.”
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
10 FEBRUARY 2022
Buhari’s Refusal To Sign Amended Electoral Act May Spark Crisis – Rt. Hon. Dum Dekor
The delay in the passage of the Electoral Act, following the refusal of President Muhammud Buhari, to assent to the amendment by the National Assembly, has been described as a recipe to crisis ahead the 2023 general elections.
Rt. Hon. Dumnamene R. Dekor, representing Khana/Gokana, Federal Constituency, Rivers State, in the House of Representatives raised the alarm in an interview with Aljazirah in his office in Abuja.
He noted that, “We have about 371 days to an election, when the election is supposed to be proclaimed, up till this moment, technically about 11 days from now and Mr. President is set to give his assent, we sincerely hope he does, because by 18th of February, it will be such a worrisome situation”
According to the lawmaker, most of the things we talked about that people are fraudulently elected, the kind of crisis seen in our electoral process, the militarization of elections, particularly in Rivers, where I come from, I believe some of those things will come to an end”, he observed.
He explained that, “With a better electoral process, it will be easy, if I am not popular and I have used whatever means to come here with the provisions of the Act, if elections result are transmitted from the polling units, it will remove a lot of fraud from the system. It will also make our elections cheaper in the long run in terms of manpower, because you have to recruit so many men, the risk corp members are going through and so many others in the process will be reduced.
“All these people running to the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, where the electoral materials are kept for safety , monitoring all the process because of the issue of trust doesn’t exist within the system, will be taken away if the bill is assented to; to that extent, Mr. President can do Nigeria and Nigerians a lot of good by giving his assent”
Rt. Hon. Dekor further noted that “ The reason is simple if I think I am strong and I have my people , who are willing that I should represent them , there might be a woman who is out there selling pepper , but also has the minimum qualification to run for election into the National Assembly, she can put herself forward for election knowing that there is going to be one man, one vote, and that the vote of the people will count , so she is not going to be shortchanged. That way she will go and run election against me and because she is popular and acceptable by the people she will be elected. The issue of thuggery, too much money and all that will be reduced to a very minimal level and of course, in tune with modern trend all over the world and it will work for us”, he admonished.
He chided the lawmakers who voted against the earlier amendment sent to president Muhammad Buhari for his assent, hinging their argument on non-availability of network, insisting that “All this story of we don’t have network there and there is neither here nor there, but we can do ‘TraderMoni’ all over the place, we are still doing electronic banking, why will that of electronic transmission of results be different?”
Rt. Hon. Dekor who is the Chairman, House Committee on Host Communities, appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari, and the All Progressives Congress, APC, to do Nigerians a favour by ushering in a better Electoral Act that will define the process of electing people into various offices.
“President Buhari, should assent to the Bill as a legacy for Nigeria. He knows he is going to leave office; it is something that he will be remembered for”, he said
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU PAYS WORKING VISIT TO AMUWO-ODOFIN, COMMISSIONS NEW HEALTH CARE FACILITY
A working visit by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to Amuwo Odofin area of the State, on Wednesday, grew to become a political carnival, as residents trooped out in their numbers to give the Governor a rousing welcome into their community.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, during the visit, inaugurated a primary healthcare centre named after the former First Lady of Lagos and sitting lawmaker representing Lagos Central District in the Senate, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
The two-storey healthcare facility, built by Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area chairman, Hon. Valentine Buraimoh, was initiated to shore up health care delivery to the council residents and those in the neighbouring Oriade Local Council Development Area (LCDA).
The Governor, in company of his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and cabinet members, also carried out a first-hand assessment the State Government’s ongoing projects and familiarised himself with the needs of residents in the axis.
Sanwo-Olu described Amuwo-Odofin as “a strategic base” of assets critical to the actualisation of the economic potentials of the State. Apart from connecting Lagos to an international border, he said the council also showcased the success of the State Government’s inter modal transportation system.
Amuwo-Odofin is a major beneficiary of Sanwo-Olu administration’s infrastructural renewal and expansion programme, which cuts across various sectors, including transportation, road and education, among others. The State’s Blue Rail Line project, which will be completed by last quarter of this year, traverses Amuwo-Odofin.
The Governor reiterated his administration’s full commitment to delivering more dividends of democracy to Amuwo-Odofin residents, adding that the State Government was committing more investment in critical infrastructure projects that will be of benefit to the people.
He said: “It is a great delight and honour to formally commission the newly constructed Primary Health Centre named after our mother and mentor, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as part of my scheduled activities during my working visit to Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area and Oriade Local Council Development Area. The completion of this health centre is a commendable achievement that perfectly aligns with our administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda to prioritise provision of quality healthcare for our residents.
“Lagos has always been a worthy model for the rest of the country in the delivery of quality and people-oriented governance at the local level. The idea of a Local Council Development Area (LCDA) system co-existing with the Local Governments, as pioneered by our leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has not only been a hugely successful political innovation in Lagos, it has also seen enthusiastic replication in other parts of the country.
“The vision is reaping the dividends as seen in the quality of people-oriented projects being delivered to the people of Amuwo-Odofin by the chairman. The modern healthcare facility is what our vision for infrastructural renewal of our State looks like. With high-impact projects that cut across many communities and improves quality of life and the ability to earn a legitimate living, Amuwo-Odofin’s landscape is changing for good.”
Speaking on the infrastructure projects initiated by his administration in Amuwo-Odofin, Sanwo-Olu said there would be a huge relief for residents along Lagos-Badagry Expressway, as the stretch from Iganmu to Okokomaiko being handled by the State Government would be delivered by the middle of the year.
The bridge components of the Expressway, Sanwo-Olu said, are scheduled for completion by the end of this year, including the Iyana-Iba Interchange Bridge initiated to resolve perennial traffic gridlock on the axis.
In line with his Government’s focus on inter-modal transportation, the Governor said the State was simultaneously constructing four jetties in Amuwo-Odofin and Oriade LCDA, which would boost waterways transport. He added that two vital roads connecting the jetties were currently being rehabilitated, including the Buba Marwa Road, which provides access to Ijegun-Egba Jetty and tank farms in the area.
He said: “With regards to road infrastructure, I am pleased to note that we have started the reconstruction and upgrade of Navy Town Road, which connects Old Ojo Road to the Central Bank Estate/Training School and the Nigerian Navy Installations in the area. I know how important that road is to the people of Amuwo, and I want you to know that by this time next year, you will be commuting on a brand-new road.
“In education, we are completing construction of new classrooms in Festac Senior Grammar School, we have added new classrooms to Festac Junior Grammar School, new blocks of classrooms to Ijegun-Egba Primary School, in Agbowo Senior Secondary School and in Agboju Primary School. These are some of our interventions in expanding access to basic education. Only yesterday (Tuesday), I received the certificates for two brand-new universities to complete the one that we have in Ojo.”
Sanwo-Olu, who also had an open interaction with the residents, took note of some of their complaints and list of expectations. The Governor promised he would “appropriately address” issues raised in the feedbacks, adding outcomes would be communicated to the community.
Buraimoh said Sanwo-Olu became the first Governor to pay a working visit to the area and commission council projects.
The council boss said the new healthcare centre was built to bolster quality care, given the inadequacy of the existing facility to cope with overwhelming demands.
Braimoh said although the project was conceived as a Primary Health Centre, the design and capacity of the facility were upgraded to provide a semi-secondary healthcare services.
He said: “The PHC is named after Senator Oluremi Tinubu in recognition of her contribution to child health development in Lagos and several health-focused initiatives she is championing. The council administration under my leadership has been purpose-driven. With committed lieutenants, we have pursued the delivery of several infrastructure projects that will serve the people.”
“This administration prioritises people’s welfare and their security. We have strengthened our local security formations and make necessary equipment. We have donated operation vehicles for the police and created monthly allowance for the police to support their duty.”
Facilities in the health centre include general patient wards, labour wards, diagnostic centre, mini operating theatre, screening rooms, consulting rooms, personnel’s quarter and dedicated transformer for constant power supply.
Former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abayomi Kiyomi, who spoke on behalf of Amuwo-Odofin residents, praised Sanwo-Olu for according priority to expansion of public infrastructure in the area, noting that the Governor’s second coming was not in doubt and would be more rewarding in service delivery.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
09 FEBRUARY 2022
PROVIDERS OF SUBSTANDARD FUEL MUST BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE, DIRECTS PRESIDENT BUHARI
President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered that producers and providers of consumable products be held accountable for substandard services and or products sold by them.
The President has also given directives to the relevant government agencies to take every step in line with the laws of the country to ensure the respect and protection of consumers against market abuses and social injustices.
In a reaction to the issue of petroleum product shortages linked to the inadvertent supply of products of foreign origin into the Nigerian market, President Buhari said the protection of consumer interests is a priority of the present administration and is ready to take all necessary measures to protect consumers from hazardous products, loss or injuries from the consumption of substandard goods.
The President directed that in line with the law, service providers must make full disclosure of relevant information with respect to the consumption of their products and that dissatisfied consumers are entitled to a proper redress of their complaints.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
February 10, 2022
Niger Delta youths praise Akpabio, Ogiame Atuwatse III, others
Niger Delta youths on Sunday lauded the leadership qualities of the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, describing him as “a man of high integrity and principles”
The stance of the youths was articulated by the President, Coalition of Progressive Niger Delta Youths (CPNDY), Mr Chukwuma Nwabueze.
The youths who met in Warri applauded Akpabio for enhancing government effectiveness and transparency in the oil rich region, securing the sum of N10.4 billion from the 2021 Sovereign SUKUK Issuance for the completion of the dualisation of the East West highway project and mobilizing the RCC for necessary repairs on the collapsed portion of the road, as a stop gap measure, for easy vehicular and human movements.
‘The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio has done his work well’’
In a statement in Warri, the youths advised the Coordinator of Wailing Women of the Niger Delta (WWND), Odighonin Adienbo and the National President of Niger Delta Elders’ Forum, Chief Tonye Ogbogbuya to tame their appetite for falsehood against Akpabio.
The youths described the recent comments of Ovie of Idjerhe, Monday Arthur Whiskey, Adienbo and Ogbogbuya on Buhari and Akpabio as distasteful and provocative.
The youths said Whiskey, Adienbo and Ogbogbula were mercenaries hired by some corrupt politicians and contractors to destabilize the region.
‘’The Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, Adienbo and Ogbogbuya are officious people. They can’t be popular through baseless attacks on Buhari and Akpabio.
The statement commended Akpabio for cleaning up the mess in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and working in the best interests of the country.
The youths said even the blind can see the impressive achievements of the Federal Government in the oil rich region.
The statement underscored the worst personality traits of a king and the refusal of Whiskey, Adienbo and Ogbogbuya to observe the rules of objectivity.
Specifically, the youths praised Olu of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse III for his patriotism, leadership style and tactful politesse.
They urged Whiskey and his sponsors to emulate the Warri monarch on strategic communication, tactful presentation and wisdom.
The Olu of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse 111 recently drew Buhari’s attention to the under-utilisation of the four ports in Warri, Koko, Sapele, and Burutu, reconstitution of the NDDC board, immortalising the first Minister of Finance of the country, Festus Okotie-Eboh, and resuscitation of the Ogidigben EPZ project.
The youths also underscored personal integrity, sincerity of Akpabio, culture of accJountability and the massive steps that have been taken.
PRESIDENT BUHARI BIDS SENEGAL AMBASSADOR GOODBYE, CONGRATULATES COUNTRY ON AFCON VICTORY
President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday received the Ambassador of Senegal in a farewell audience at State House, Abuja, asking him to convey the
congratulations
of Nigeria to President Macky Sall on victory of the Teranga Lions at the just concluded Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
“I’m sending the
congratulations
reluctantly, because our own country got beaten in the tournament,” the President jocularly told His Excellency, Babacar Matar Ndiaye.
He lauded him for a successful tour of duty in Nigeria, which lasted almost four years, and observed that “our relationship is very strong. I congratulate your President for keeping the country together. Please extend my best wishes to him.”
President Buhari also wished the outgoing Ambassador success in his next tour of duty.
Ambassador Ndiaye said Nigeria was like a second home to him, having first served in the consular section of his Embassy, before he came back as Ambassador for almost four years.
“Thanks for the success of my term. I will always have good memories of Nigeria,” Ambassador Ndiaye said.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
February 10, 2022
OBSERVE, BUT DON’T INTERFERE IN INTERNAL POLITICS, PRESIDENT BUHARI TELLS DIPLOMATS AHEAD OF 2023 ELECTIONS
President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday in Abuja advised diplomats in the country to stay within the limits of their schedules, and not intrude in the internal politics of the country as countdown to 2023 elections begins.
At the presentation of Letters of Credence ceremony held at the State House, President Buhari, who welcomed the Ambassadors of Czech Republic, Zdenek Krejci; Italy, Stephano De Leo; Spain, Juan Ignacio Sell Sanz and Israel, Michael Shual Freeman, said:
“You are assuming your diplomatic responsibilities in Nigeria at very interesting political period as Nigeria’s national elections are due in early 2023.
“As you settle down in the face of these developments, it is my hope that you will also be guided by diplomatic practice, to ensure that your activities remain within the limits of your profession as you monitor the build-up to and the conduct of the general elections next year.’’
The President called for the support of the envoys in tackling rising global insecurity, and strengthening of communality.
“We are living in unprecedented times and with so many uncertainties, especially with the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic, the rise in global insecurity and the devastation of our environments caused by Climate Change among other existential threats to our collective peace, progress and shared values.
“Different factors that accounted for these challenges go beyond the abilities of any single country to effectively contain alone. Matters of security have become the business of all the nations of the world to work closely together to build consensus in order to overcome these challenges,’’ he said.
“For us in Nigeria,’’ President Buhari told the diplomats, “We continue to make steady progress despite the daunting challenges, especially in the areas of insecurity, fight against corruption, diversification of the economy, and our efforts in promoting good governance, amongst other aspirations.’’
The President noted that Nigeria’s differences and divergence in culture and religion had contributed immensely in cementing unity, as a people, as well as spurring religious tolerance and respect for one another.
President Buhari urged the Ambassadors to build lasting friendships in the course of performing their duties that will go beyond assignments in Nigeria.
On the regional level, the President said Nigeria will continue to work with other member-states of ECOWAS and regional blocs to deal with the problems of terrorism, trans-border crimes, banditry, maritime issues and unconstitutional change of government.
“We are engaging in frank self-retrospection in order to identify and isolate appropriate containment strategies that can help de-escalate the drift into the unconstitutional seizure of power in the sub region,’’ he added.
President Buhari assured of partnership and mutual cooperation in canvassing more Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in healthcare system, education, infrastructure, local manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, agribusiness and transportation.
“The countries which you all represent, namely, Czech Republic, Republic of Italy, Kingdom of Spain and State of Israel, enjoy very cordial bilateral relations and cooperation with Nigeria that span across our socio-economic and cultural spheres.
“Therefore, the envious task of building on the successes of your respective predecessors will further advance our relations to significant heights for the benefits of our countries and peoples.
“As you settle down to your diplomatic responsibilities, I am sure that you will appreciate the uniqueness and strength in our country’s political, socio-economic and cultural diversities, in terms of both human and natural resources,’’ the President said.
In his response, on behalf of the diplomats, the Ambassador of Czech Republic assured the President of “comprehensive cooperation’’ of the representatives.
Krejc said the envoys will work for the development of Nigeria, through strengthening of mutual and beneficial relations with their countries.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
February 10, 2022
Speech by Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina
President, African Development Bank Group
Mobilizing Financing for Africa’s Accelerated Economic Recovery, Development and Integration
at the Twenty-Fifth Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union Addis Ababa,
5-6 February 2022
▪︎. Your Excellency Monique Nsanzabaganwa, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission
I deeply appreciate this honour and opportunity offered me by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, the Deputy Chairperson, Commissioners, and the Permanent Representatives Committee.
I wish to congratulate His Excellency, President Macky Sall upon his election as the Chairperson of the African Union. Your Excellency, President Macky Sall, you have taken on the baton from His Excellency, President Felix Antoine Tshisekedi, with whom we have had the distinguished pleasure of working closely during his tenure as Chairperson.
Thank you, President Tshisekedi, for your remarkable leadership and outstanding service at the helm of our Union.
Your Excellencies, I will be speaking to you today on “Mobilizing Financing for Africa’s Accelerated Economic Recovery, Development and Integration”.
This is a very important and timely discussion, given that the African Development Bank has been given the mandate by a decision of the African Union to lead the mobilization of resources for Africa, to achieve Agenda 2063.
As this is the first time that I have had the opportunity to address you since my re-election, Your Excellencies, I wish to express to you, individually and collectively, my deep appreciation for your strong and unanimous support, and those of your Ministers of Finance and Foreign Affairs, for my re-election as President of the African Development Bank in August 2020. I thank H.E. President Muhammadu Buhari, my President, especially, for his trust, confidence, and unflinching support during this assignment which he sent me on to accomplish for Africa. I also wish to thank all our former heads of state for their steadfast support.
As always, I will continue to serve our beloved continent, and work with you to relentlessly accelerate the achievement of Agenda 2063: the Africa we want.
Your Excellencies, meeting today, physically, is itself an important milestone; a welcome relief following two years of the COVID-19 pandemic that has upended the world in an unprecedented manner.
It has been a global economic cyclone. Africa witnessed a decline in GDP growth of 2.1% in 2020, its lowest in twenty years. Africa’s GDP fell by $165 billion. Over 30 million jobs were lost and over 26 million people fell into extreme poverty.
I wish to commend the leadership efforts of the African Union, and our Heads of State and Government, for the critical roles you have played in dealing with the pandemic and the socio-economic challenges in its wake. Today, thanks to these efforts 11% of the population has been fully vaccinated, and another 16% has been partially vaccinated.
However, while developed countries have moved to booster shots, Africa is still struggling with basic shots.
Your Excellencies, we must learn from this experience. Africa can no longer outsource the security of the lives of its 1.4 billion people to the benevolence of others.
We must secure African lives!
It is time your Excellencies, to build Africa’s healthcare defense system.
This must be based on three strategic priorities.
First, building Africa’s quality healthcare infrastructure.
Second, building Africa’s pharmaceutical industry and
Third, building Africa’s vaccine manufacturing capacity.
Africa needs $600 million to $1.3 billion to meet its goal of attaining 60% vaccine production by 2040. Investing in health is investing in national security.
The African Development Bank plans to invest $3 billion to support pharmaceutical and vaccines manufacturing capacity for Africa.
To address the socio-economic impacts of the pandemic and support economic recovery, Africa will need some $484 billion over the next 3 years. To eliminate extreme poverty by 2030, the continent will need $414 – $784 billion per year. Africa will need $7-$15 billion a year to deal with climate change. The continent will also need between $68 – $108 billion per year to fix the infrastructure financing gap.
Your Excellencies, we must drastically mobilize a lot more resources!
The African Development Bank, as the premier development financing institution in Africa, has been mobilizing resources to meet this challenge. Thanks to your support, the general capital of the Bank was increased in 2019 by 125%, rising from $93 billion to $208 billion, the highest since its establishment in 1964.
These resources have allowed the African Development Bank to scale up support to African economies to tackle the pandemic. The Board of Directors of the Bank approved a Crisis Response Facility of up to $10 Billion. The Bank also launched a $3 Billion Fight COVID-19 Social Bond on the international capital markets, which was the largest ever US-dollar denominated social bond in world history. The Bank provided $ 27 million as grants to the African Centers for Disease Control.
Your Excellencies, over the past six years, the African Development Bank has provided about $39 billion in financing to the continent in support of its High5 priorities to: light up and power Africa; feed Africa; integrate Africa; industrialize Africa; and improve the quality of life of the people of Africa.
These High5s are the accelerators for achieving Agenda 2063.
An assessment of these High5s by the United Nations Development Program indicated that the High5s would lead to the achievement of 90% of the Agenda 2063 goals and 90% of the Sustainable Development Goals targets.
Your Excellencies, so much has been achieved on the High5s. In the past five years, the work of the African Development Bank Group has impacted the lives of 335 million people – fast tracking the move towards achieving the Agenda 2063 goals. Close to 21 million people have gained access to electricity. Nearly 76 million people have benefitted from agricultural technologies for food security. More than 12 million people have gained access to finance through private sector investee companies. Over 69 million people have been provided with improved transport. And 50 million people have gained access to improved water and sanitation.
Your Excellencies, Feeding Africa remains a top priority. Our Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation which we call TAAT, has provided drought tolerant technologies for 12 million farmers across Africa. The Bank is supporting the creation of special agro-industrial processing zones in 18 countries to help drive the transformation of agriculture as a major source of wealth and jobs.
Your Excellencies, the African Development Bank, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, and the African Union Commission launched the Facility for African Food Security and Nutrition at the UN Food Systems Summit. Now dubbed Mission 1 for 200, this financing facility will help to mobilize $1 billion, provide climate resilient and nutrition-rich technologies for 40 million farmers, produce 100 million metric tons of food, and feed 200 million people. This will help to reduce food insecurity in Africa by 80%.
This is particularly crucial in 2022, the Year of Nutrition in Africa.
Your Excellencies, the Bank is investing heavily in renewable energy. This includes the world’s largest concentrated solar power system in Morocco and the Lake Turkana energy project, the largest windfarm in Africa. Together with Africa50, we have co-financed the 3,000 MW Ben Ban solar power project in Egypt. The Bank is also implementing a $20 billion Desert-to-Power initiative to develop 10,000 MW of solar power for the Sahelian zone of Africa, in order to provide electricity for 250 million people. This will become the largest solar zone in the world.
Your Excellencies, Africa faces a huge challenge with energy transition, and with climate change. The Bank is working to establish an African Just Energy Transition Facility that will support transition from coal and heavy fuel oil into clean energy. However, Africa will need an energy mix that includes natural gas, to ensure stability of its energy systems, power industries, and ensure competitiveness.
Your Excellencies, we must go beyond “a just energy transition” to “a just energy system.”
Africa cannot be poor in an environmentally sustainable manner.
To support Africa’s adaption to climate change, the African Development Bank and the Global Centre for Adaptation have launched the African Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAA-P) with the goal of mobilizing $25 billion for climate adaptation for Africa.
We must revive the Lake Chad Basin!
We must save the Sahel from desertification!
We must complete the Great Green Wall!
The African Development Bank has committed $6.5 billion towards the Great Green Wall. I would like to thank UN secretary General, Antonio Guterres, and my dear sister, Amina Mohammed, Deputy UN Secretary General, for their exceptional support for this initiative.
As we move from COP26 in Glasgow to COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh, to be hosted by President El Sisi, developed countries need to meet their $100 billion commitment on climate finance to support developing countries. This will help Africa.
Promises made must be promises kept.
The issuance of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) of $650 billion by the International Monetary Fund has helped substantially, but Africa only received $33 billion worth of SDRs. African Heads of State at the Paris Summit on African Economies, with the strong support of President Emmanuel Macron, called for a re-allocation of $100 billion to Africa. You also asked that the re-allocated SDRs pass through the African Development Bank, as a prescribed holder of SDRs.
Your Excellencies, I will appreciate your continued strong support for this. Passing the re-allocated SDRs for Africa through the African Development Bank will serve Africa very well.
First, as a AAA-rated financial institution, the African Development Bank will be able to leverage the SDRs by 3-4 times. For example, a $50 billion re-allocation through the African Development Bank will be leveraged to deliver $200 billion to African economies.
Second, the African Development Bank will help to recapitalize other African financial institutions, many of which the Bank helped to establish, including the Afreximbank Bank, West Africa Development Bank, East Africa Development Bank, Central Africa Development Bank, the Africa Guarantee Fund, Africa-Reinsurance Company, Shelter Afrique, Trade and Development Bank, Africa50, as well as the Development Bank of Southern Africa.
I wish to also use this platform to advocate for additional shareholder funding for these institutions to play their mandated roles.
Your Excellencies, to protect Africa from future economic shocks, it is now critical to establish an African Financial Stability Mechanism. Africa is the only region of the world that has no liquidity buffers to protect the continent against shocks. Europe has … Asia has … Latin America has … The Middle East has. These regions had more protection from the economic effects of the pandemic.
Africa did not.
This has led to widespread regional spill-over contagion effects, and instability.
African economies must be protected. The African Financial Stability Mechanism will protect African economies.
Your Excellencies, we need more resources to finance Africa’s low-income countries, especially those facing fragility. The African Development Fund, the concessional institution of the African Development Bank Group, has helped to support these countries with $8.5 billion in the past five years.
The African Development Fund has delivered impressive results.
The Fund financed the landmark Senegambia bridge.
It financed the Rosso bridge between Mauritania and Senegal.
It financed Corridor 13 road between Central African Republic and the Republic of Congo.
It financed the road network rehabilitation project for Comoros.
It financed the Revenue Authority project for Togo.
It financed the Bas Mangoky rice irrigation project for Madagascar.
The Fund is also financing the Kandadji multipurpose dam project for Niger.
However, more resources are needed to meet the rising needs of low-income countries. I wish to request the strong support of Your Excellencies, African Heads of State and Government, and of the African Union Commission, for the 16th Replenishment of the African Development Fund later this year.
Your Excellencies, with its $25 billion in equity, the African Development Fund can leverage up to $33 billion of additional financing for low-income countries. To achieve this, we need your support to change the article in the charter of the African Development Fund that does not allow it to go to market to leverage resources. This is top priority.
We are also leveraging private investments into Africa, in innovative ways.
Your Excellencies, the Africa Investment Forum, established by the African Development Bank and its partners, has helped to secure investment interests worth more than $78 billion. This spectacular level of interest includes a $24 billion transaction for the liquefied natural gas project in Mozambique. We are proud that that this project will make Mozambique the third-largest producer of liquified natural gas in the world.
The project experienced challenges from insecurity, but thanks to your collective leadership, all is now back on track.
Your Excellencies, we must now link security, investment, growth, and development closely together. To enhance the security of Africa, the African Development Bank is currently developing Security Indexed Investment Bonds. Proceeds from these bonds, when developed, will support countries and regional economic communities to do four things. First, to upgrade security architecture. Second, to repair damaged infrastructure in conflict-affected zones. Third, to rebuild social infrastructure. And fourth, to protect zones with strategic investments.
Your Excellencies, we must build a better future for our youth. It is time to create youth-based wealth all across Africa. To boost financial support for the businesses of our youth, the African Development Bank Group is exploring with countries the establishment of Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Banks. They will be first rate financial institutions run by the youth for the youth.
Your Excellencies, to unleash the business potential of women, the Bank’s Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) is mobilizing $5 billion for women businesses.
AFAWA is now working at scale. Over $425 million was disbursed in 2021 to banks for lending to women businesses. This year, we will disburse $500 million for women businesses.
Our vision is clear: When women win, Africa wins!
Your Excellencies, the African Continental Free Trade Area offers the continent incredible opportunities to accelerate Africa’s development. To achieve this goal, the African Development Bank has invested massively in infrastructure, from roads, transport corridors, airports, seaports, railways, and digital infrastructure. Over the past 10 years, we have
invested over $40 billion in infrastructure. We are connecting nations, connecting businesses, connecting people.
Your Excellencies, with Agenda 2063, Africa’s glorious future beckons !
Politically, we are ready.
Financially, we are strong and prepared.
Last year, the African Development Bank was ranked the Best Multilateral Financial Institution in the world by Global Finance, the leading US Financial Magazine.
The sun is shining!
Now let us surge forward, overcoming challenges in our way, with our eyes firmly focused on the goal: the Africa we want.
An Africa prosperous, peaceful, and stable.
An Africa where the youth thrive and prosper.
An Africa where our women can reach their full potential.
An Africa supported by strong financial institutions.
An Africa that develops with pride, looking inwards to mobilize domestic resources, and ending illicit capital flows.
Your Excellencies, with your bold and visionary leadership, a new Africa is emerging.
Just as the eagle soars above the storms, so will Africa soar and achieve its destiny.
Africa is destined for greatness!
Thank you very much Your Excellencies.
February 10, 2022
Press Statement
PDP Slams APC For Shielding APC Leaders Involved in Importation of Toxic Fuel…Demands Independent Inquest to Expose Culprits
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) alerts Nigerians of the attempt by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to provide official cover for APC leaders reportedly involved in the criminal importation of toxic fuel into our country.
The PDP demands investigation into reports of how APC leaders allegedly connived with foreign interests to import very cheap heavily contaminated fuel laden with methanol in their desperation to defraud Nigerians and corruptly raise billions of naira to fund the APC National Convention and rigging of the 2023 general elections.
It is now clear that APC leaders are frenziedly seeking ways to steal money to fund their 2023 rigging scheme, since our Party and well-meaning Nigerians exposed and challenged their plots to siphon a staggering N2.557 trillion padded as fuel subsidy for 2022.
The PDP strongly condemns these despicable acts by APC leaders which further expose the impunity and wickedness of the APC towards Nigerians.
The inclination for official concealment ostensibly informed the refusal by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, on national television on Wednesday, February 9, 2022 to name those involved in the importation of the poisonous fuel into our country.
Against this backdrop, the PDP rejects the announced internal investigation of this terrible crime by the government as the APC administration cannot be trusted given its manifest predilection to shield the APC leaders involved. Nigerians note the various investigations instituted by the APC government in the past which ended without any meaningful outcome; notable among which was the manipulated EndSARS Report.
The PDP therefore demands for an Independent Commission of Enquiry to investigate all issues connected to the “APC Toxic Fuel ImportGate”. Those involved must be exposed and held accountable.
Where was the toxic fuel imported from? Which company is the pre-inspection agent? How much was paid for the very cheap contaminated fuel and through which banks was payment effected? All documents relating to the transaction must be made public.
Our Party insists that President Muhammadu Buhari, as the Minister of Petroleum Resources cannot acquit himself with his reported comedy of anger, buck-passing, querying of subordinates and attempt by government to use some companies as scapegoats instead of accepting responsibility by exposing and naming individuals involved in the crime.
President Buhari and the APC must explain how the reported 317 million liters of toxic fuel came into our country, got cleared and distributed across the nation to worsen the life-discounting experiences of millions of Nigerians under the APC administration.
Apart from the consequential economic hardship occasioned by the damaging of cars and equipment, crippling of means of livelihood across the country as well as increase in the cost of food items and essential services, the cascading effect of adulterated fuel on our aviation industry can only be imagined.
Sadly, the situation has the possibility to trigger loss of confidence by international airlines in our aviation fuel supply with attendant economic downturn as they would more likely prefer to fuel in neighbouring countries.
Our Party calls on all Nigerians, particularly the Organized Labour, Civil Society, Student Bodies, Professional Bodies and all persons of goodwill to insist on an independent inquiry of this crime against the Nigerian people.
In any case, the PDP strongly cautions the APC and its corrupt government to note that they are practically pushing Nigerians to the wall and there is a limit to which the people can continue to stomach the barefaced atrocities and impunities of the APC.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
February 9, 2022
Press Statement
2023: PDP Leaders Parley Former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida
…As IBB Urges Appropriate Turn to Salvage Nigeria
The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen. Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, has called on former Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, not to relent in his efforts towards the unity, stability and development of the country.
This is just as the former military leader described the PDP as the “guardrail of democracy” adding that it is time to make the “appropriate turn to salvage our dear country at the crossroads.”
The two leaders spoke when the PDP National Chairman led members of the National Working Committee and other leaders of the Party to a crucial meeting with General Babangida at his Hilltop Residence, Minna, Niger State capital on Tuesday, February 8, 2022, in furtherance of PDP’s efforts to Rescue and Rebuild the nation from the misrule of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The PDP leaders informed General Babangida that they were on the visit to tap from his extensive experience and wisdom, particularly at this time that the nation is confronted with worsening insecurity, divisiveness and excruciating economic hardship occasioned by the misrule of the reckless, rudderless, incompetent and corrupt APC.
“We came to tap from your extensive experience and wisdom as a leader and one of the founding fathers of the PDP, particularly at this time that our dear country is facing so much insecurity, division and economic hardship due to the misrule of the APC. We implore you not to relent in ensuring that the unity and development of the country which you and other patriotic Nigerians fought so hard to sustain” Dr. Ayu said.
The PDP National Chairman assured the former military President that the PDP is repositioned and poised to take over governance from the APC and bring the much-desired good governance, unity and development that have eluded the nation under the APC.
Speaking, General Babangida lamented the situation in the country adding that there was no choice before Nigerians but a concerted effort to salvage the nation from its present situation.
“As the guardrail of democracy, you need to be guided by the history of the country; our past, our present conditions and an appropriate vision of a future for the millions of young people on our streets and the younger generations to follow” he said.
The former military leader further noted that what the nation needs at the moment is a leadership of “genuine democrats, those who truly connect the government and the governed and banish sycophancy, handle national security with more seriousness in all its ramifications, properly earn and retain legitimacy, and above all, bring citizens back from woes and wailing and Nigeria, to the path of nationhood and development.
“For the sake of our founding fathers and unborn generations of Nigerians, we have no choice but to make the appropriate turn to salvage our dear country at the crossroads”, General Babangida stated.
PDP leaders at the meeting include, former Governor of Niger State, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, and former Deputy Governor of Niger State, Dr. Shem Zagbanyi Nuhu, former PDP National Chairman, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, former ministers; Prof. Jerry Gana, Hon Hassan Gimba, Hon Abubakar Achituwo and Hajiya Zainab Maina.
Others are Sen. Zainab Abdulkadir Kure, Chief Tom Ikimi, Sen. Dino Melaye, Amb Ishaya Mujambo as well as Niger State PDP Chairman, Bar. Tanko Beji and Niger State Woman Leader, Haj Sa’adatu Kolo among many others.
Members of the NWC at the meeting include the Deputy National Chairman (North), Alhaji Umar Damagum; National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu; National Woman Leader, Prof. Stella Effah-Attoe; the National Treasurer, Ahmed Mohammed and the National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
MY SPEECH AT THE OPENING OF CONFERENCE AND RETREAT FOR SENIOR POLICE OFFICERS AT IBOM-ICON HOTELS AND GOLF RESORT, UYO-FEBRUARY 8TH, 2022
Let me on behalf of the Government and the good people of Akwa Ibom State; welcome our President and Commander- In-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) to our dear State.
Let me also use this opportunity to thank the Inspector- General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba and the entire hierarchy of the Nigerian Police Force, for selecting our beautiful and serene Capital City of Uyo as the venue for this retreat.
You have come to us, because of who we are: hospitable, welcoming, a land of delicious and enticing cuisines, and above all peaceful and inviting, thus validating what most Nigerians and others who have visited our State, have come to identify us as ‘’Nigeria’s Best Kept Secret.’’
This retreat is timely. Timely, because we are living in an age where known approaches to fighting crimes have been tested, thus necessitating the evolution of new strategies. We are living in an age and time, where criminals have reinvented their wheels of criminal enterprise; where non-state actors with no known addresses have infiltrated our space, where a neighbour may be kidnapers, or runs a terrorist cell.
This reality calls for new strategies to take the fight to these enemies of peace and defeat them. The first step to achieving this usually starts from retreats such as the one you are having here.
Let me use this opportunity to thank the Nigerian Police and other Sister Security Agencies for the robust cooperation we have received from them, thus ensuring the relative peace we have enjoyed in this State for the past almost seven years now.
Our Nation is going though security challenges and we must join the Nigerian Police and other members of the Nigerian Security Architecture to help keep us safe.
I have always advocated for a robust redeployment of intelligence apparati, both human and electronic and I am glad that this approach appears to have taken ascendance among other items in crime fighting tools box of the Security Agencies.
We should also look at the root causes of why people embrace criminal activities especially among our youths: Issue of unemployment and hopelessness must be tackled and addressed holistically.
I am however, sure that with the array of resource persons you have selected, you will come up with solid recommendations that would in the end, help us live a more peaceful and secure lives.
Welcome again to Akwa Ibom State and I wish you a happy retreat. God bless the Akwa Ibom State, God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Press Statement
Akeredolu Congratulates Fayemi @57
Chairman of the Southwest Governors’ Forum and Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, has congratulated his Ekiti State counterpart and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi on the occasion of his 57th birthday.
Governor Akeredolu described Dr. Fayemi as a man of many parts, whose positive impact on the society is immeasurable.
The Governor said Governor Fayemi is a bridge builder and stabilizer who has also deployed his God given brilliance and experience to raise the bar of governance in Ekiti state to an enviable height.
“Kayode, you have continued to show leadership at all fronts. As our chairman at the NGF, your leadership has been fruitful, engaging and rewarding. Your exploits as the NGF Chair, have yielded fruits of national development and progress across the country. You have echoed our minds and drive our collective interests in favour of our people.
“You have served your father’s land with pride and dedication. Your role in entrenching this democracy we are nurturing can not be forgotten in a hurry. You have been Governor. You served as a minister before returning to serve your people in Ekiti State as a Governor for a second term. You have served meritoriously.
“You exude endearing qualities which define you as a true “Omoluabi”. Your contributions to national development, nation building and humanity are valuable attributes that have distinguished you as a man of the people.” The Governor said.
Governor Akeredolu wishes the Ekiti State Governor more fruitful years ahead in good health and peace.
Signed:
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
February 9, 2022.