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A Yoruba body, South-West Renewal Movement (SWRM), on Sunday threw a surprise by endorsing All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential hopeful, Senator Godswill Akpabio for the 2023 presidency.
‘’Senator Godswill Akpabio has remained the darling of the South-West people. He is a purposeful leader in Nigeria, a veritable model and always thirsty for legacies’’.
.The group said it would mobilize APC delegates in the South-West geo-political zone to support Akpabio in the ruling party’s presidential primaries.
At a three-hour long meeting in Akure, Ondo State to finalize their strategy for the APC presidential primaries, the group applauded Akpabio for offering to serve the country at the highest pedestal.
Soft-spoken APC chieftain and chairman of SWRM, Chief Olusola Adebamgbe said at the meeting attended by prominent APC leaders from Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Ekiti, Osun and Ondo that notable South-West politicians, business tycoons and traditional rulers were working with politicians from other geo-political zones to make Akpabio the country’s next president.
‘’Senator Godswill Akpabio is the man who can guarantee national peace and unity when elected president in 2023’’
The development conscious group commended the front runner in the race for the presidency in 2023 for making a difference in Akwa Ibom State, National Assembly and the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.
The group underscored Akpabio’s experience, antecedent, credibility and charisma.
It emphasized Akpabio’s robust vision for Nigeria, the feats recorded in the Niger Delta region and the judicious utilization of human and natural resources in Akwa Ibom State.
‘’Senator Godswill Akpabio has the potential of becoming the best president. He will encourage foreign investment, boost economic growth, create more jobs, deal with insecurity, pursue policies and principles of women empowerment, provide the enabling environment for the emergence of industries and shift resources to the state governments for positive efforts in roads, health, water and educational infrastructure’.
The group also emphasized Akpabioi’s solid network of allies that he has and the followership he is attracting based on his performance and leadership style.
The South-West group is backing Akpabio for the 2023 presidency.
Nigeria’s leading aluminium and glass service provider and a member of the Julius Berger Plc Group, Abumet, has been presented with the ISO 9001: 2015 Certification.
The ISO 9001:2015 certificate, which was presented to the company on Wednesday the 27th of April, 2022, is the international gold standard for business practices and quality management, and is only obtainable through thorough and comprehensive technical audits. The audit was carried out by DQS Management Systems Solutions, a globally renowned and leading quality management systems (QMS) certification body reputed for premium international standard benchmarking, technical impartiality, competence, responsibility, openness, and impeccable ethical business practices.
As an initiative of the International Organisation for Standardization (ISO), one of the key philosophies of ISO Certifications is to provide an international model that will broadly improve every aspect of businesses and organisations worldwide, with a view to enhance customer satisfaction and guarantee a proper return on investment for business stakeholders. The ISO 9001:2015 is especially focused on businesses and organisations’ ability to withstand a wide range of business risks through effective quality management systems.
In an interview, after handing over the certificate to Abumet, the Country Director, DQS Nigeria, Mr. Lawrence Ogudu expressed DQS’ satisfaction with the quality systems that Abumet has in place to meet customers’ requirements. He explained that, “the ISO 9001: 2015 is at the height of management systems because it puts in place the superstructure for every management system, and this certification is for Abumet a clear statement that it has implemented a management system to ensure that it can deliver quality to its customers consistently”.
Lawrence Ogudu further stated that “Abumet has put in place an effective and efficient process which enables it to determine customers’ requirements”, adding that “Abumet possesses the knowhow, the infrastructure, and the competent personnel required to consistently fulfil these requirements at all times. Of course, business is about meeting customers’ requirements, and when customers are satisfied, there is trust, which is what quality is all about”.
On his part, Abumet’s General Manager, Mr. Alexander Hausner described the feat as, “a big milestone in terms of improvement to the entire company, in every single department, coordinating interfaces and the improvement of quality”. Hausner further said that: “…in terms of customer services, the ISO 9001 not only demonstrates our ability but is also an excellent guideline for constant improvement of customer satisfaction regarding quality and reliability”.
Abumet’s General Manager ascribed their success to a dedicated staff and committed management team whose collaborative efforts brought about the milestone achievement. In his words, “…the responsibility for the success belongs to the entire company, we all worked hard to get the certification, and every personnel of the company followed the rules of the ISO 9001 accordingly. Therefore, as I said, it is a big success for the entire company and not only the management. For every single member of Abumet, this is a big success and we are all very proud of the achievement”.
Commenting on the ISO certification of Abumet, Engr. Emeka Ejike, who is the Corporate Quality Manager for the Julius Berger Group, explained that the company’s excitement about this certification is not limited to the certificate itself, but summed up in the customer satisfaction that comes along with it. According to Emeka, “Abumet in its 31 years of operation has had outstandingly dynamic management processes in place to guarantee its commitment to the satisfaction of its clients. The ISO certification further consolidates this commitment, as well as reinforces the company’s assurance of consistency in superior performance”.
Narrating the efforts towards the certification Emeka Ejike said, “the journey to this laudable achievement began about 14 months ago when we applied for the certification and had to reorganise the processes and systems at various levels of the organisation, which include the management process, documentation, product realisation, business and operational support, management system maintenance and improvement processes, etcetera”. Emeka added that “…with this strategic certification, Abumet, as a dynamic offspring of the iconic Julius Berger brand, shall continue to maintain the Julius Berger group’s corporate tradition of excellence and progressively build on what it has achieved”.
Abumet Nigeria Ltd is an experienced, full-service aluminium and glass provider with the resources to deliver a range of building construction solutions. It holds a corporate culture of quality, integrity, innovation, and productive collaborations even as it remains ever customer-focused. The company has the vision to be the innovative market leader for aluminium and glass solutions for the West African market.
Stakeholders in the politics of the North-East geo-political zone on Thursday reacted to the spate of criticisms and outright falsehood against the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress
(APC), Senator Iyiola Omisore, saying it was in bad faith.
The leaders described Omisore as a man of profound moral rectitude.
The leaders in a statement in Damaturu, capital of Yobe State, said influential Yoruba leaders should rise in condemnation of the uncomplimentary remarks on Omisore, crude propaganda and the obviously desperate moves to please his paymaster, a former South-South Governor and a major donor to the Nobel laureate’s organisation that twisted the minds of many young Nigerians most of whom are now adults regretting toeing the path of Prof Soyinka in their teenage years.
‘’The current posturing of Prof. Wole Soyinka is totally in bad taste and drips with malice .He is attacking Omisore on account of the inability of his benefactor to hijack the national leadership of the party, which he fears will deny the former South-South governor the opportunity to become the presidential candidate of the party without any positive track record of performance in governance.
The statement by the chairman of North-East Unity and Advancement Forum (NEUAF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa, commended the APC National Secretary for his invaluable contributions to Nigeria’s development and the challenging task of nation-building.
‘’Senator Omisore is a patriot, a thinker and a fighter for good causes’’
The statement cited Omisore for honesty, industry and patriotism.
The group also praised President Muhammadu Buhari and the esteemed members of the ruling party for electing Omisore the party’s National Secretary.
The statement emphasized Omisore’s rich and inspiring profile, meritorious services to the nation and humanity, peaceful disposition and gentility.
The leaders accused Soyinka of dabbling into politics, threatening thunder against Omisore, whilst encouraging mediocrity and protecting a former South-South governor for supporting him in the last ten years.
‘’We know the tactics of Wole Soyinka. He likes to grandstand as an independent man. Many believe he is speaking for the people, campaigning for good governance and quality leadership while the reverse is the case. There are many questions begging for answers in Soyinka’s relationship with the ex-South-South governor for anyone to take him seriously’’
‘’Wole Soyinka knows that his sponsor is a weakling who obviously finds himself where he doesn’t belong’’
They argued that Soyinka’s recent remark on Omisore was borne out of selfishness but warns that Nigeria is not for sale.
‘’The energy and vigour with which Soyinka undertook a fierce political crusade against the APC National Secretary left no one in doubt that his target was to divide the ruling party, draw Omisore into a controversy and then distract him’’
The leaders urged Soyinka to stop chasing shadows that would definitely not help the cause of a current minister and former governor in the South-South geo-political zone.
‘’We have watched in astonishment how Soyinka turned himself into such a burden to the former South-South governor’’
Wole Soyinka recently lashed out at Omisore on account of the choice of the ruling party to elect the former Osun State deputy governor its National Secretary.
‘’Wole Soyinka ought to be more decent with his choices of words in addressing Omisore and should not undermine the fact that his sycophancy might land him into trouble’’
South-South women drum support for Akpabio
South-South women on Friday described the threat to issue a warrant of arrest against Senator Godswill Akpabio as a ploy to coerce the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs to toe an odd line and the Federal Government into accepting to pay for inflated, bogus and fictitious projects in the past.
‘’This is a threatening measure designed to retard the progress of the region, strip the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) of the transparency qualities it had developed in the last two years and return it to its most corrupt days’’.
They also commended stakeholders in the Niger Delta region for joining hands with Akpabio to lift the region high.
In a statement in Asaba by the spokesperson of the South-South Women Political Front (SSWPF), Dr. Doris Ogba, the women described Akpabio as a transformational figure, towering statesman and a visionary hero.
They commended the former Akwa Ibom State governor for initiating programmes and projects that directly benefited the people in various areas such as security, health, education, roads, housing, electrification, transportation, agriculture and tourism
The well respected women applauded Akpabio for redirecting the region on to the path of development.
‘’Senator Godswill Akpabio is a thoughtful, decent and progressive fellow. His humility is boundless’’.
Particularly, the women scolded political detractors for throwing sand in the gears of the current administration to transform the region, making misleading statements and orchestrating a campaign of calumny against Akpabio, with a view to impugn his integrity.
The statement emphasized Akpabio’s politics of performance, virtue in waiting, deep appetite for change, rapid infrastructure development and peace in the Niger Delta region.
‘’The Wailing Women of the Niger Delta, The Integrity Friends for Truth and Peace Initiative (TIFPI) and others are spoilers’’ the statement added.
SDP suffers defection as Akpoti-Uduaghan, supporters join PDP
Key players in the politics of North Central on Saturday described Kogi State Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate in the 2019 governorship election, Chief Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, as an astute consensus builder, a great mobilizer and prudent manager of human and material resources.
The Kogi State politician and lawyer recently joined the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
‘’Politics is all about service. We believe, very fervently, that you have so much to offer to Nigeria, particularly Kogi State in the years ahead’’
The leaders applauded the Kogi State politician for making the hardest and wisest political decision.
They urged Akpoti-Uduaghan, party supporters and well-wishers to squarely face the 2023 elections and ensure the PDP records victory in Kogi State.
‘’Akpoti-Uduaghan must join forces with other PDP chieftains to consume the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State’’.
In a press statement issued on Saturday in Lokoja and signed by the Chairman of North-Central Assembly, Alhaji Yinusa Suleiman, the leaders described Akpoti-Uduaghan’s entry into the PDP as a turning point for the opposition in Kogi State.
‘’It is indeed a step in the right direction’’
The statement emphasized Akpoti-Uduaghan’s contributions to Nigeria, her humanitarian values and superlative drive for service to fatherland.
Particularly, the leaders praised the PDP for making Nigeria a significant voice in the international community, improving the nation’s foreign reserves, paying off debts and exiting from the London and Paris Clubs of creditors.
They also commended the nation’s leading opposition party for the country’s telecommunication revolution, massive inflow of foreign investments, re-invigoration of the middle-class and massive improvement in the area of education, infrastructure, security, health, tourism and finance.
‘’We welcome Chief Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan to PDP’’
Akpoti-Uduaghan is expected to contribute to PDP’s victory and also bring her vision for the rapid development of Kogi State to fruition.
South-South Women laud Akpabio for playing credible role in Nigeria’s development agenda
Women in the South-South geo-political zone on Sunday praised Daily Independent Newspaper for taking interest in larger goals, holding a strong view regarding the Niger Delta region and promoting truth.
‘’Journalism is an arduous calling. Daily Independent is an important source of information’’
They also applauded the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio for contributing constructively to the progress of the country, bringing about deep and profound changes in the Niger Delta region and placing premium on service, integrity and efficiency.
‘’Any serious student of development in the Niger Delta region must admit that there have been far-reaching changes in the last two years’’
In a statement in Port Harcourt, the South-South women commended Daily Independent Newspaper for focusing on Akpabio’s role in developing the Niger Delta region and recognizing what has been achieved by the current administration in the region.
They described the recent pronouncement of the Wailing Women of the Niger Delta (WWND) as irresponsible, vulgar, provocative, and abusive.
The women also described calls for the termination of the award as foolish, childish and irrational.
‘’The Wailing Women of the Niger Delta is off the rails’’
The statement by the spokesperson of South-South Women Front (SSWF), Dr. Doris Ogba rebuked WWND for confusing the public on the Niger Delta issue.
‘’What is needed is a fundamental change in the perception and behavior of WWND Coordinator, Odighonin Nwadighi and her co-travellers.
The women underscored the minister’s understanding of the region, tenacity of purpose, quality of character, service to humanity, sense of duty and responsibility.
They described Akpabio’s nomination as well-deserved.
The women also urged the former Akwa Ibom State governor and Senate Minority Leader not to allow the negative attitude of Nwadighi to crush his spirit.
‘’Senator Godswill Akpabio believes in the rapid development of the Niger Delta region. Since his appointment, he has been alive to his duty to the people of the Niger Delta region. He has worked assiduously to transform the region. And he has proved his genuine desire to reposition the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)’’
Daily Independent Newspaper recently nominated Akpabio as the Minister of the Year.
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
NIN-SIM linkage: SERAP writes Buhari over ‘unlawful access to subscribers’ details’
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to use his “good offices and leadership position to urgently review and rescind your reported approval for security agencies to access people’s personal details via NIN-SIM linkage without due process of law.”
SERAP is also urging the president to “send executive bills to the National Assembly to repeal and reform all laws, which are inconsistent and incompatible with Nigerians’ rights to privacy, dignity and liberty.”
SERAP’s letter followed reports that some security agencies have received presidential approval to access people’s personal details via the database of the National Identity Management Commission in the course of carrying out their duties.
In the letter dated 5 February 2022 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “If your reported approval is not rescinded, millions of law-abiding Nigerians may feel that their private lives are the subject of constant surveillance.”
SERAP said: “The interference entailed by unlawfully or arbitrarily accessing people’s personal details is far-reaching and must be considered to be particularly serious.”
According to SERAP, “The reported approval to allow security agencies to access people’s personal details via NIN-SIM linkage without due process of law directly interferes with the privacy, dignity and liberty of individuals.”
SERAP also said, “Interference with an individual’s right to privacy is not permissible if it is unlawful or arbitrary.”
The letter, read in part: “The power to access individual’s details raises serious concerns as to their arbitrary use by the authorities responsible for applying them in a manner that reduces human rights and democratic principles by the monitoring and surveillance of millions of Nigerians.”
“It is crucial to rescind the approval, and respect the autonomy of individuals to receive and share information of a personal nature without interference from the authorities, if unintended adverse consequences are to be avoided.”
“The risk of arbitrary or abusive interference shows the importance for your government to comply fully with the requirements of legality, necessity and proportionality.”
“The right to privacy allows Nigerians to hold opinions and exercise freedom of expression without arbitrary or illegal interference and attacks.”
“Private conversations of individuals – which belong to their intimate sphere and contribute to their personal development – also enjoy strong legal protection and can only be limited based on the principles of legality, necessity and proportionality.”
“The reported presidential approval to security agencies does not align with the principle that any restriction on human rights capable of limitation should be the least intrusive means possible, and shall be necessary and proportionate to the benefit sought.”
“Violations or abuses of the right to privacy might affect the enjoyment of other human rights, including the right to freedom of expression and to hold opinions without interference.”
“SERAP notes that the right to privacy can enable the enjoyment of other rights and the free development of an individual’s personality and identity, and an individual’s ability to participate in political, economic, social and cultural life.”
“In relation to the requirement of legality, any limitation must be expressly, exhaustively, precisely, and clearly provided for in a law in the formal and material sense. It is not enough that the restrictions be formally approved by the president or by any other competent body: they must also be sufficiently clear, accessible and predictable.”
“Similarly, measures restricting enjoyment of the right to privacy must comply with the principle of proportionality, meaning that they must not unduly interfere with other rights of the persons targeted.”
“In the digital age, protecting the right to privacy requires exceptional attention. While acknowledging the challenging issues that your approval may seek to address, SERAP is seriously concerned that this may be used as a pretext by security agencies to violate Nigerians’ right to privacy and other related human rights.”
“The undermining of the universality of fundamental human rights, alongside the potential encroachment upon the enjoyment of the right to privacy raised by the presidential approval, suggests the urgent need to review the matter, and rescind your approval, consistent with constitutional and international standards.”
“SERAP notes that the relationship between data principals and the authorities involves a power imbalance. Nigeria ought to provide the leadership in developing a data protection framework that is fully consistent and compatible with the protection of the fundamental and inalienable right to privacy.”
“According to reports, some security agencies have received your approval to access people’s personal details via the database of the National Identity Management Commission in the course of carrying out their duties. The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami reportedly conveyed the approval to the relevant security agencies.”
“Mr Pantami also reportedly stated that the approval would enhance security as it would help security operatives to go after kidnappers and other criminals.”
“The approval would now allow security agencies to access the data of the over 73 million Nigerians who have linked their National Identity Number with their SIM, and other people who may do so.”
“While the effectiveness of the fight against serious crime may depend to a great extent on the use of modern investigation techniques, such an objective of general interest, however fundamental it may be, cannot in itself justify the unlawful or arbitrary interference with the right to privacy.”
“Unlawful or arbitrary access to people’s personal details would contravene section 37 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended), article 17 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and article 5 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which protect against arbitrary or unlawful interference with one’s privacy.”
“Any constraints upon the right to privacy must strictly comply with the principles of legality, necessity and proportionality. These requirements are included in the Nigerian Constitution and the human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a state party.”
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”
The letter was copied to Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and Mr Isa Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy.
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
6/2/2022
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
Press Statement
Why I’m Investing In Computer Education – Rt. Hon. Dekor
…As World-Class ICT Centre Construction Project In Ogoni Is Handed Over To Contractor
The member representing Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dumnamene Robinson Dekor has again reaffirmed his resolve to invest in the education sector, asserting that education remains the bedrock of development for Ogoni people.
Speaking at Birabi Memorial Grammar School (BMGS), Bori, Wednesday, February 2, 2022, while mobilizing the contractor for construction of the world-class ICT centre project to the site, the lawmaker stressed that computer-based education would expand the knowledge base of the people and make them more relevant in this 21st century.
Rt. Hon. Dekor who facilitated the world-class ICT centre through the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, while hoping that Ogonis would avail themselves of the opportunity offered by the facility when completed, noted it is for this reason that most of his projects are focused on education and human capacity development, adding that the more people have computer education in Ogoniland, the better for the larger populace.
The lawmaker who is also the Chairman, House Committee on Host Communities said he prefers to empower the people through education rather than giving them what he called ‘material things’, stressing that the world-class computer centre when completed, would serve as a JAMB Centre and even a centre for the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) for the good of all Nigerians and Ogonis in particular.
“I had provided ‘Keke Napep’ and motorcycles before and I discovered that in most cases the man that gets it, sells it off immediately. Sometimes, those that need them don’t even get them.
“I believe when you have education, you open the space for people to buy their own motorcycles and their own cars. So, let us address the basics and that’s what we are trying to do, to address the issues of education”, he reasoned.
The former Deputy Speaker in the State House of Assembly and one-time Commissioner for Works also hinted that the ICT Centre would be furnished with first-class internet facilities with a sitting capacity of about 500 students when completed.
He further disclosed that the centre is sited at the famous Birabi Memorial Grammar School, BMGS, Bori, as the college is the flagship of Ogoni people, adding that the project is for now, the only one in the whole of the Rivers South-East Senatorial District.
“This world-class ICT Centre will help our people when they are going to write JAMB exam or any other computer-based examination. They won’t have to travel all the way to Port Harcourt, Edo or Abia States and other States to write JAMB. They will simply choose Bori as their centre”, he enthused.
Rt. Hon. Dekor said plans have also reached advanced stage for the construction of a road and a bridge to link the hinter areas like Kor and Kpong, as according to him, Bori town is getting congested and a bridge to these areas would greatly enhance decongestion of the ancient city.
Speaking at the ceremony, the contractor handling the project, Engr. Emeka Chukwu said his company, OMEK Investment Nigeria Limited, has already hit the ground running, assuring that the project would be completed in three months’ time.
He expressed appreciation to the lawmaker representing Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Dumnamene Robinson Dekor for choosing Bori as the site for the project.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Principal of Birabi Memorial Grammar School, Bori, Mr. Saganee Edward expressed gratitude to Rt. Hon. Dum Dekor for his initiative in bringing the ICT Centre to the school, stating that students and Ogoni people in general, would be saved the hassles of travelling outside the state for computer-based examinations.
“I am very happy, just like the staff and students as well as Ogonis are happy over this laudable project. I am appealing to other well-meaning leaders of Ogoni to borrow a leaf from the Honourable member of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dum Dekor, to contribute their own quota to the development of Ogoni”, said the elated Principal.
Thursday, February 03, 2022
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU TAKES FRONT LEAD IN CARE OF VULNERABLE GROUPS, LAUNCHES SWIP INITIATIVE
…As First Lady Urges Corporate Bodies, Multilateral Agencies To Support Cause
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday vowed to take the lead in the care of orphans, children with special needs, the elders, the mentally challenged, and other vulnerable groups in the state to give hope and make life meaningful to them.
The Governor, who spoke at the launch of a Social Welfare Integrated Program Initiative (SWIPI) aimed at supporting orphanages, elderly care homes, and others in the areas of addressing their infrastructure, medical, education, nutrition, and training needs, said there is a lot to be done to care for the less privileged in the society and that his government would not give excuses.
He said he was particularly thrilled with the objectives of the SWIPI team in reaching out to the care homes in the state, adding that it was a clarion call on all to join hands with the government to make a positive difference.
“I am actually very thrilled listening to all of the very modest interventions and initiatives that SWIPI stands for and I must thank the initiator and the Grand Patron. There is a lot we can do for the children and vulnerable people out there; there is a lot that is expected of us.
“As a government, we are not going to give excuses and I will personally take the lead and see that we double up our interventions through Ministries of Youth and Social Development, Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, and other MDAs,” the Governor assured.
Narrating the experience on his way to the venue of the SWIPI launch where he stopped the convoy upon noticing two young girls roaming the street during school hours, the Governor gave the names of the girls as Chindinma Amarachi and Suwebat, 9 and 12 years respectively, vowing to take over the sponsorship of their education.
“Out there, there are several Amarachis and Suwebats who don’t have the opportunity to go to school. We all can make a difference if we choose to and this is why I am indeed happy with this SWIPI project because there is no better thing we can do to mankind than ensuring that we can make life better for our next-door neighbor,” the Governor said.
Speaking earlier after her investiture as the Grand Patron of SWIPI, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu said she was fascinated by the objective of the organization which is principally aimed at helping to tremendously improve the quality and value of care to the less privileged in society.
According to her, “It is commendable that SWIPI is already intervening in delivering a training curriculum for registered caregivers, using world-class facilitators and the feedback has been improved knowledge and delivery of care by the caregivers in all the registered homes and orphanages in the state.
“The organization has also been strong in improving the quality of social welfare administration through the donation of critical equipment and facilities including digital tablets, computers, boreholes, water treatment plants, and toilet facilities, among others to ramp up the care of the vulnerable in the homes.”
She said it was with a deep sense of responsibility and call to service that she accepted the investiture in order to consolidate on the amazing objective to embed best practices in social welfare administration in the overall interest of the vulnerable, especially children, the elderly, and mentally challenged individuals.
The First Lady also called on others to support SWIPI by donating generously; just as she said that addressing the plight of the most vulnerable in society is a collective responsibility that falls on every global citizen.
“I believe that the social welfare system is one of the single most important sectors of society that can deliver a marked improvement in the standard of living of the most vulnerable in our society,” she said.
Besides, she called for deliberate policies and laws to ensure that registered orphanages and elderly care homes adhere to best practices, while efforts are put in place to address the issue of unregistered homes, with the view to ensuring that they are properly regulated.
In his opening remarks, Chairman of SWIPI, Dr. Kolawole Ajayi said the organization consists of 11 professionals from different walks of life who have an incredible love for children and are concerned about the social, economic, health, and welfare of vulnerable children, particularly those in orphanages.
He said SWIPI was concerned about children with some learning disorders abandoned in the orphanages and the less privileged adults in the elderly homes in the state, saying the focus of the project was to address the identified gaps in social welfare practice and administration.
At the event, digital tablets were presented to 14 registered elderly care homes to enhance their operations toward e-learning. They are Rock Garden Home for the Elderly, Jozel Care, Chrisgloria Nursing, Precious Jewels, Winiseph Care Home, Blue Gate Home Care-Healthcare, Centre for Happy Elderly People, Mariam Akintola Senior Citizens Care Home, Old People’s Rehabilitation Centre, The Cathedral Circle Initiative, Primecare Rehabilitation Resources Limited, Old People’s Home, Multibeniose Elderly and Motherly Care, and The Shepherd’s Heaven.
SIGNED
OLUBUKONLA NWONAH
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, PUBLIC AFFAIRS
OFFICE OF LAGOS STATE FIRST LADY
FEBRUARY 3, 2022
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU GIVES HOPE, OFFERS LIFELINE FOR TWO OUT-OF-SCHOOL GIRLS
…Gov: “These two girls will be under my care and that of the First Lady.”
On his way to an official function on Thursday, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu momentarily halted his convoy to attend to a disturbing situation. It was a sight of two underage girls on an errand for a bean cake vendor during school hours.
Time was 11am; the girls were expected to be in school. But, both Amarachi Chinedu, 9, and Suwebat Husseini, 12, were forced to skip school by their parents in order to serve some domestic assistance.
The girls were going to deliver buckets of peeled beans and pepper to a grinder when the Governor sighted them at Anthony Village area. It was a glance that presented a discomforting image for Sanwo-Olu, who revved his convoy to a stop to find out the reason the girls were not in school.
Amarachi’s story left the Governor to shudder throughout the encounter. Her mother is a teacher, but the nine-year-old was not allowed to go to school because her parents could not afford the current session’s tuition fees. Amarachi would have to miss a school year because of this reason.
Suwebat’s mother is the bean cake seller for whom the girls were running an errand. Her parents, who are Jigawa State indigenes, relocated to Lagos months back. Suwebat’s four male siblings were all in school at the time she was stopped on the road by the Governor. But her parents preferred she stayed back home to help with some domestic chores.
The decisions taken by girls’ parents, Sanwo-Olu said, could rob the little ones of their innocence, their future and put them at a disadvantage among their peers. The Governor stressed that his encounter with the girls left his heart bleeding.
Coincidentally, the Governor was on his way to formally launch Social Welfare Integrated Programme (SWIP) Initiative – a partnership between Government agencies and the private sector to standardise welfare administration for the vulnerable children, elders and those suffering mental disorder – when he saw the two girls roaming the street at school hours.
Salvaging the situation, Sanwo-Olu, at the scene, told the girls he would personally take up the responsibility for their education and upbringing, promising to enrol them in school to continue with their education. The Governor’s decision had been communicated to the girls’ parents.
He said: “This morning, I had a first-hand experience of what many vulnerable children might be going through in our society. I saw something that made my heart bleed on my way to this function. I saw two little girls – ages 9 and 12 – carrying buckets on their heads to grind pepper at 11am when they were supposed to be in school. I stopped immediately, having seen how vulnerable they are and the risk we are putting them through.
“My encounter with them gave me the opportunity to hear their stories and I have taken it upon myself to ensure that these girls never suffer such fate again. I am not going to leave them alone. Amarachi and Suwebat will go back to school. This is a classic example of what we need to do differently as a society. It is needless to ask what brought their parents to Lagos. We must ensure they are not robbed of their future.
“These two girls will be under my care and that of the First Lady. There are several Amarachi and several Suwebat out there, who will not have this kind of opportunity. Everyone of us can take the same decision and listen to stories of kids who may be vulnerable. If we choose to take up this responsibility as a people and give a voice to the vulnerable, we all can make a difference. There is no better kindness to be done to mankind than giving them a lifetime opportunity.”
Sanwo-Olu advised parents not to break their backs in order to send their wards to expensive schools, noting that there are many Government-run basic and secondary schools in Lagos doing better in imparting quality education than many private schools.
The Governor said his encounter with the girls brought the need to bolster Government’s support to public schools and raise the standards.
He said: “If as a parent you cannot afford to put your children in private school, know that there are public schools that are doing great things. Why would a parent deny a nine-year-old girl an access to education? Yes, we are doing so much in education, but the story of these two little girls shows that there are more to be done.
“Amarachi and Suwebat didn’t ask to be in the circumstance they found themselves in, but it is our responsibility to be able to give them the future they deserve; the opportunity that will make them better children to their family and better citizens of this country.”
Sanwo-Olu called for partnership with development agencies, urging intervention bodies, such as SWIP Initiative, to join hands with the Government to ensure all vulnerable persons in Lagos, including children of school age, get adequate attention needed for their care.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
03 FEBRUARY 2022
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU, AMBASSADOR INAUGURATE SWEDISH HONORARY CONSULATE IN LAGOS
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday joined the Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Ghana and ECOWAS region, Ambassador Carl-Michael Grans and Honorary Consul of Swedish Government, Philip Akesson, to inaugurate the New Swedish Honorary Consulate in Lagos.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the new Swedish Honorary Consulate in Lagos at Landmark Towers, Victoria Island, Governor Sanwo-Olu said Lagos is open to more businesses,
The Governor said the new Swedish Honorary Consulate in Lagos will further strengthen Swedish and Nigerian businesses, and more importantly, signpost Lagos as a commercial and economic nerve center of the country.
He said: “Lagos is part of our Nigeria but a lot of businesses and sovereign nations in our country realise and appreciate that while we have a thriving capital in Abuja, for them to be close to their citizens, activate businesses and exchange cultural activities, there is always a sense that they must have a presence in Lagos.
“It is really more about what Lagos stands for and the benefits that we all can see when you have a consulate that is just being handed over to Swedish citizens, businesses and the Nigerian community. You will begin to see further mutually beneficial cultural, economic and political benefits that both countries will enjoy.
“We are very happy that you can see that Lagos deserves it and I want to thank the Swedish government for putting this together for us. I want to assure you that the Lagos community and business community will use this place very well.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who reiterated Lagos State Government’s determination to partner with the private sector to turn the State’s Ocean lines to tourist destination in the country, commended the Swedish Embassy for taking the lead in ensuring that they have a waterfront view.
Speaking earlier, the Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Ghana and ECOWAS region, Ambassador Carl Michael Grans, said Lagos is the incontestable business hub of Nigeria and West Africa.
Also speaking, the Honorary Consul of the Swedish Government, Philip Akesson, stressed the importance of the new Swedish Honorary Consulate in Lagos, saying it would strengthen the bilateral relationship between Sweden and Nigeria.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
03 FEBRUARY 2022
Former Commissioner for Information in Edo State, Prince Kassim Afegbua, on Sunday described as immoral for former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to continue to express interest in seeking election in the 2023 presidential election having attained the retirement age.
‘’Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar cannot assume the role of a perpetual candidate or professional aspirant year in, year out, of the party as though the party was established for him alone. It defeats all sense of logic for such an old man to attempt another round of political contestation at a time the general feeling and mood in the country supports a younger Nigerian from the Southern extraction of the country’’.
He also advised Atiku to quit his quest for presidency and support a southern Nigerian candidate in the spirit of fairness, equity and justice that will assuage the feelings of stakeholders from the Southern part of Nigeria.
‘’ For me, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar should quit his quest for presidency and support a southern Nigerian candidate in the spirit of fairness, equity and justice, that will assuage the feelings of stakeholders from the Southern part of Nigeria. It will be against the run of play and natural justice for any aspirant of Northern extraction to show interest in the 2023 presidential election within the Peoples’ Democratic Party threshold. It will offend national sentiments, emotions and logic for anyone from the North to show such interest given our diversities and hetereogenous political configurations. Given PDP’s doctrine of political power balancing and fairness, it will be against its own unwritten rule to cede the ticket to any Northern aspirant least of all Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’’.
In a statement titled ‘’ 2023: Atiku and the age of Methuselah politics’’, the Edo State People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain said after the 2019 presidential election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar abandoned all the members of the party and sought refuge in far away Dubai, thus exposing the PDP members to the intimidations, harassment and threats posed by the desperate APC’s power oligarchs.
‘’It was a case of a General abandoning his troops in the battle field. Rather than draw strength from his presence, his absence exposed us to all manner of challenges. He was in Dubai and left us to our fate. When it mattered most for us to reach out to our candidate for motivation and necessary encouragement, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar vanished to thin air. Knowing full well that political activities were to take off, he suddenly resurfaced and became a frontliner in his quest to fly the party’s flag once again. That, to me, amounts to gross political selfishness and greed, which must not be allowed to flourish in our contemporary engagements. Even those who are promoters-in-chief of Alhaji Atiku’s aspiration know in their heart of hearts that it is a project that is dead on arrival’’.
Afegbua urged the leadership of the PDP to rise above board to produce a presidential candidate from the Southern part of the country to complete the narrative
‘’Having concluded the convention of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, with a new leadership that looks promising, the Party will have to rise above board to produce a presidential candidate from the Southern part of the country to complete the narrative. With the abysmal performance of President Muhammadu Buhari on account of age, incompetence and lack of capacity and political will to take deliberate and sustained action to bail out the country from all manner of challenges, it will be immoral for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to continue to express interest in seeking election in the 2023 presidential election having attained the retirement age.
Specifically, Afegbua reaffirmed his position on power shift come 2023.
‘’The Southern geopolitical zones of Nigeria have eminently qualified Nigerians and parade great minds who are competent and ready to take a shot at the number one job. Those who are advancing very nebulous theory of seeing the northern population as a stimulant to win the sympathy of the North against the South are either ignorant of the real demographics or at best, just playing the ostrich. No one in the North should take away what belongs to the South. That will be hurting the consciences and feelings of the average southerner. If the argument is to suffice for example, for an Atiku presidency, he will be finishing his first term of four years at age 81. And were he to become a candidate in 2023 again, and per adventure he loses the election, are we, as PDP, going to reserve the position for him or any other Northerner in 2027? These are very curious scenarios which cannot be overlooked. For 2023, an Atiku candidacy will be like promoting an expired product in the face of very compelling reason to look down South in our quest to wrestle power from the fractured APC’’.
He urged Atiku and other Northern aspirants to support the aspiration of upwardly mobile and younger elements from the South to fly the PDP flag
‘’Earlier last year, I was conscripted into the Technical Committee for Atiku presidency. Having attended three meetings of the group, I found my spirit and conscience permanently in conflict with the ethos of justice, fairness and equity, which the south deserves. A Nigerian of southern extraction deserves to be given unfettered opportunity to represent the party in the 2023 presidential contest. Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and his northern aspirants should support the aspiration of upwardly mobile and younger elements from the South to fly the PDP flag. Anything short of such will be tantamount to standing logic on its head, and a deliberate attempt to undermine the collective interest and aspirations of the Southern aspirants. I will therefore implore the new management and members of the National Executive Committee of the PDP as well as the National Working Committee to speak with one voice in ensuring that the South is given what is due to it. Doing that, will mean promoting the fundamental principles of democracy of all inclusiveness and participation. Let it be known that I will not hesitate to commence the process of mobilizing, sensitizing and conscientizing like minds and team up with other stakeholders to drum up the necessary support that will birth a Southern candidate for the party. Justice should not only be served, it must be seen to have been served’’.
‘’Nigerians in their millions are tired of seeing the faces of persons who have dominated the political space in the last forty years and yet, unwilling to take a bow. In the spirit of the new thinking and paradigm shift, please tell them to allow us to breathe’’ he added.
PRESS STATEMENT.
2023: ATIKU AND THE AGE OF METHUSELAH POLITICS.
Having concluded the convention of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, with a new leadership that looks promising, the Party will have to rise above board to produce a presidential candidate from the Southern part of the country to complete the narrative. With the abysmal performance of President Muhammadu Buhari on account of age, incompetence and lack of capacity and political will to take deliberate and sustained action to bail out the country from all manner of challenges, it will be immoral for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to continue to express interest in seeking election in the 2023 presidential election having attained the retirement age. He cannot assume the role of a perpetual candidate or professional aspirànt year in, year out, of the party as though the party was established for him alone. It defeats all sense of logic for such an old man to attempt another round of political contestation at a time the general feeling and mood in the country supports a younger Nigerian from the Southern extraction of the country.
For me, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar should quit his quest for presidency and support a southern Nigerian candidate in the spirit of fairness, equity and justice, that will assuage the feelings of stakeholders from the Southern part of Nigeria. It will be against the run of play and natural justice for any aspirànt of Northern extraction to show interest in the 2023 presidential election within the Peoples’ Democratic Party threshold. It will offend national sentiments, emotions and logic for anyone from the North to show such interest given our diversities and hetereogenous political configurations. Given PDP’s doctrine of political power balancing and fairness, it will be against its own unwritten rule to cede the ticket to any Northern aspirànt least of all Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
After the 2019 presidential election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar abandoned all of us in Nigeria and sought refuge in far away Dubai, thus exposing us to the intimidations, harassment and threats posed by the desperate APC’s power oligarchs. It was a case of a General abandoning his troops in the battle field. Rather than draw strength from his presence, his absence exposed us to all manner of challenges. He was in Dubai and left us to our fate. When it mattered most for us to reach out to our candidate for motivation and necessary encouragement, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar vanished to thin air. Knowing full well that political activities were to take off, he suddenly resurfaced and became a frontliner in his quest to fly the party’s flag once again. That, to me, amounts to gross political selfishness and greed, which must not be allowed to flourish in our contemporary engagements. Even those who are promoters-in-chief of Alhaji Atiku’s aspiration, know in their heart of hearts that it is a project that is dead on arrival.
The Southern geopolitical zones of Nigeria have eminently qualified Nigerians and parade great minds who are competent and ready to take a shot at the number one job. Those who are advancing very nebulous theory of seeing the northern population as a stimulant to win the sympathy of the North against the South are either ignorant of the real demographics or at best, just playing the ostrich. No one in the North should take away what belongs to the South. That will be hurting the consciences and feelings of the average southerner. If the argument is to suffice for example, for an Atiku presidency, he will be finishing his first term of four years at age 81. And were he to become a candidate in 2023 again, and per adventure he loses the election, are we, as PDP, going to reserve the position for him or any other Northerner in 2027? These are very curious scenarios which cannot be overlooked. For 2023, an Atiku candidacy will be like promoting an expired product in the face of very compelling reason to look down South in our quest to wrestle power from the fractured APC.
Earlier last year, I was conscripted into the Technical Committee for Atiku presidency. Having attended three meetings of the group, I found my spirit and conscience permanently in conflict with the ethos of justice, fairness and equity, which the south deserves. A Nigerian of southern extraction deserves to be given unfettered opportunity to represent the party in the 2023 presidential contest. Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and his northern aspirànts should support the aspiration of an upwardly mobile and younger elements from the South to fly the PDP flag. Anything short of such will be tantamount to standing logic on its head, and a deliberate attempt to undermine the collective interest and aspirations of the Southern aspirànts. I will therefore implore the new management and members of the National Executive Committee of the PDP as well as the National Working Committee to speak with one voice in ensuring that the South is given what is due to it. Doing that, will mean promoting the fundamental principles of democracy of all inclusiveness and participation. Let it be known that I will not hesitate to commence the process of mobilizing, sensitizing and conscientizing like minds and team up with other stakeholders to drum up the necessary support that will birth a Southern candidate for the party. Justice should not only be served, it must be seen to have been served.
Nigerians in their millions are tired of seeing the faces of persons who have dominated the political space in the last forty years and yet, unwilling to take a bow. In the spirit of the new thinking and paradigm shift, please tell them to allow us to breathe.
Signed…..
PRINCE KASSIM AFEGBUA.
FORMER COMMISSIONER FOR INFORMATION,
MEMBER, PDP,
WARD 5, AWUYEMI OKPELLA.
EDO STATE.
FEDERAL MINISTRY OF WORKS AND HOUSING
Office of the Special Adviser on Communications
Headquarters, Mabushi P.M.B. 111, Garki – Abuja, Nigeria
PRESS STATEMENT
FASHOLA CONDOLES WITH ADENIRAN OGUNSANYA FAMILY
OVER DEATH OF FORMER SSG
The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN has condoled with the Adeniran Ogunsanya Family, the Government and people of Lagos State over the passage of the former Secretary to the State Government, Princess Adenrele Adeniran Ogunsanya.
Expressing deep shock and sadness over the death of Princess Adeniran Ogunsanya, who served as Secretary to the State Government from 2007 to 2011 during his first tenure as Governor of Lagos State, Fashola said that her passing was a huge loss not only to the historic town of Ikorodu and Lagos State but to the country in general.
In a Press Release signed by the Special Adviser on Communications to the Hon. Minister, Fashola noted that Princess Adenrele Adeniran-Ogunsanya’s single minded devotion to public service, politics of inclusion and women advocacy as well as her humaneness would be sorely missed by all.
A scion of the famous Adeniran-Ogunsanya family whose patriarch served meritoriously as Minister in the First Republic, Fashola said that Princess Adeniran-Ogunsanya brought her rich experience to bear while serving as the Secretary to the State Government in the Class of 2007-2011 in the Lagos State Cabinet which he had the privilege to lead.
While praying that Almighty God will grant the immediate family members of the deceased the fortitude to bear the sad loss, Fashola implored them to take solace in the fact that Princess Adeniran-Ogunsanya throughout her earthly sojourn bore aloft and admirably without stain the banner of committed public service for which the family had always been known. He also prayed that Almighty God grants her soul peaceful repose.
HAKEEM BELLO
SPECIAL ADVISER,
COMMUNICATIONS
TO THE HON. MINISTER
South-South women mount pressure on Akpabio
Women in the South-South geo-political zone on Tuesday applauded the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio for imprinting his integrity on all that he did in the private sector, Akwa Ibom State and the Senate.
The women also commended Akpabio for pouring out his milk of kindness to the Niger Delta people and contributing to the stability of the polity.
At the inauguration of the South-South Women Political Front (SSWPF) in Port Harcourt, the women appealed to Nigerians in the Diaspora as well as foreigners to put pressure on Akpabio to contest the 2023 presidential election.
‘’Mr. President is comfortable with the prospect of Akpabio taking over from him. The Niger Delta Affairs Minister is hardworking, honest, suave and accommodating. He is in the best position to serve the country’’
The inauguration attracted hundreds of women across the length and breadth of the South-South geo-political zone.
The women spoke on physical development in the Niger Delta region, judicious utilization of funds, vision, discipline and credibility.
Spokesperson of SSWPF, Dr. Doris Ogba disclosed to reporters after the meeting in Port Harcourt that they had gone far in their discussion with prominent politicians from the North, South East and South West on power shift come 2023.
‘’ Senator Godswill Akpabio has political credibility and strong network across the country. He is a detribalized man and a man of the people. He is building bridges of peace and understanding between the South and the North of this country’’
The women praised Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and other ethnic groups in the region for supporting Akpabio.
They also pounced on the leadership of the project Niger Delta (PND).
‘’The comments made by Timpre Ebebi are offensive, bigoted and disgusting. He does not speak on behalf of the region and his views certainly don’t reflect those of the region’s leaders’’
The women emphasized continuous investment in infrastructure, security, education and health in the region.
They also highlighted Akpabio’s devotion to moral purity, capacity for honesty, anti-corruption posture and the critical need to work together in view of moving the region to the next level.