News From Nigeria
Chief James Onanefe Ibori
Former Executive Governor
Delta State
I offer my sincere greetings and best wishes to His Excellency, Chief James Onanefe Ibori on the occasion of his 63rd birthday
Yours has been a life of doggedness, commitment and extraordinary accomplishments.
I commend your patriotic zeal in politics and your enormous contributions to the development of Nigeria
I commend you for bringing the goodness of government to the highly educated people of Delta State, putting smiles on the faces of people who came to you for succor and promoting democracy and true nationalism
I commend you for providing employment, modern and subsidized urban mass transit system, potable water, potent health care delivery and good roads as well as secured living in Delta State
I commend you for playing significant roles in the development of the Niger Delta region
I commend you for demonstrating exemplary leadership, serving as a source of strength and inspiration for many within and outside the South-South geo-political zone.
I wish you good health, long life, happiness and God’s protection
Once again, happy birthday to a selfless leader, ardent nationalist, profound humanist and astute politician
CHIEF EMMANUEL ORITSEJOLOMI UDUAGHAN
THE ALEMA OF WARRI AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (CEO)
WEBSTER GROUP OF COMPANIES
President Muhammadu Buhari and Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain Thursday, appraised the war against different forms of terrorism in Nigeria, and agreed that the judicial process be allowed to run its course.
Holding bilateral talks at the sidelines of the Global Education Summit in London, the two leaders said it was important that the judicial process runs without interference, no matter who was involved.
President Buhari briefed the Prime Minister on Nigeria’s power needs and efforts being made, as well as initiatives geared at achieving food security.
He also reviewed the security situation in the different regions of the country, while PM Johnson pledged Britain’s preparedness to lend a helping hand.
“We are available to help,” he said.
The two leaders equally discussed how to increase trade between the two countries, develop solar and wind power, leadership of the Commonwealth going forward and other matters of mutual interest.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
July 29, 2021
NIGERIANS ACUTELY AWARE OF PRIORITY OF EDUCATION, PRESIDENT BUHARI TELLS GLOBAL EDUCATION SUMMIT
No Nigerian parent jokes with education, as they know that if their children or wards missed the opportunity of being educated, they have missed a lot, President Muhammadu Buhari has declared.
Speaking during a panel session Thursday at the Global Education Summit in London, the President said the size and population of Nigeria are challenges for any administration, but despite this, the government and people realize that education is the starting point for success.
Said President Buhari: “You can’t succeed outside your educational qualification. Anybody who missed education has missed everything. Nigerians are acutely aware of the priority of education, and parents are making sacrifices to ensure that their children and wards get educated.”
On the panel with President Buhari were Presidents Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, Faure Gnassingbe of Togo, Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, and Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi.
Each President spoke on the peculiarities of the education sector of his country, and how budgetary provisions would be increased to ameliorate the situation. They all raised their hands as a sign of commitment to that resolution.
President Buhari had earlier committed to raising the budget for education by 50% in the next two years, and the country would attain 100% increase by 2025.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
July 29, 2021
30th day of July, 2021
THE DECISION OF THE SUPREME COURT IN EYITAYO JEGEDE & ANOR V APC & ORS (SC/481/21) AND IT’S IMPACT ON THE CURRENT LEADERSHIP OF APC
In this moment of grave legal uncertainty regarding the fate and future of our political party; the All Progressives Congress (APC), it is incumbent on me just like all other leaders and administrators in our party as well as a legal minds to proffer solutions that are altruistic, non-self-serving and ultimately capable of preserving the sanctity of the APC. It is upon this premise that I write.
I must confess that I have not seen the Judgment and my opinion is premised upon reports, snippets and listening to counsel in the matter speak to the media.
The decision of the Supreme Court in JEGEDE V AKEREDOLU in SC/481/21 was a victory for Arakurin Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN the incumbent Governor of Ondo State and I congratulate him and the people of Ondo State for this great victory as another 4 years of phenomenal work is guaranteed.
However, in granting His Excellency Arakurin Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN victory, the learned Justices of the Supreme Court had to touch on the question of whether the office and powers of National Chairman can be exercised by Governor Mai Mala Buni who is the sitting Governor of Yobe State?
In response to this question, it would seem that the 7 Justices of the apex court were not unanimous in viewing the nomination of His Excellency Arakurin Akeredolu by Governor Mai Mala Buni acting as National Chairman of APC as a violation of Section 183 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended) and Article 17(iv) of the APC Constitution. However, the Court seemed divided as to how to treat this violation. Three Justices agreed that it contaminated the nomination process whilst 4 other Justices did not seem to have pronounced on same but rather dismissed the Appeal on other grounds.
This creates a legal quagmire for APC in respect of all elections and actions carried out by the Governor of Yobe State in his acting capacity as Chairman as there seem not to be a clear position of the Apex Court on same. A close reading of Section 183 of the 1999 Constitution provides a basis for the attitude of the Supreme Court. It states that:
“The governor shall not, during the period when he holds office, hold any other executive office or paid employment in any capacity whatsoever”.
Just in case this Section of the Constitution is not self-explanatory enough for anyone, the minority in the apex court cleared any ambiguity when it relied on Article 17(4) of the APC Constitution which provides thus:
“No officer in any organ of the Party shall hold executive position office in government concurrently”.
These provisions were not directly pronounced on by the majority decision of the Supreme Court and that creates a bigger problem in view of the minority decision which extensively discussed this point and resolved same against the APC. It safe to conclude that the judicial attitude of the apex Court is that APC would be dealt a fatal blow should Governor Mai Mala Buni remain at the helms of affairs of the APC and he is joined in a future suit.
Therefore, in response to the well publicized opinion of my brother silk Chief Niyi Akintola, SAN the apex Court gave the APC both a hint and a wink at the same time.
The minority decision backed by the majority’s action of not ruling otherwise on this point sends a strong message which we cannot ignore.
Without equivocation, the law is not on the side of perpetuating serving Governors including Governor Mai Mala Buni in the leadership of the Caretaker Extra-Ordinary Convention Planning Committee. So what do we do as a party?
I have read suggestions by my brother silk, Festus Keyamo, SAN to the effect that the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Party as well as its Board of Trustees (BOT) should take charge of the affairs of the Party through a committee set up by either organ. This is a very wise proposition except that NEC alongside all other organs of the Party were purportedly dissolved at a meeting convened and presided over by Governor Mai Mala Buni. Sadly, the Notice for the NEC meeting was issued by the same tainted leadership of the party.
Therefore, it is my view that the meeting may not have been properly convened in the eyes of the law and its resolution(s) may have been void ab initio. This gives a leeway for the NEC to resume its duties and convene meetings immediately where it will decide the future of the party.
The Board of Trustees of the Party was never and has still not been constituted till date. So in effect, the Party does not have a BOT that could convene even a meeting of the BOT, talk more of convening a National Convention or indeed any statutory meeting of the Party.
The reinstatement of the dissolved National Working Committee (NWC) without the erstwhile Chairman who was suspended from office by Order of a court of competent jurisdiction should be seriously considered in other to cloak the impending Ward, Local Government Area and State Congresses as well as National Convention with the imprint of legality. Many of the NWC members have since moved on to better things and would be reluctant to return to their positions but this is the hard decision we must all take for the sake of saving our dear party.
It is my opinion, that in this moment, there is no place for parochial ground-standing. Just as the former NWC accepted their dissolution without much hassle, it is time for the current Caretaker Committee to sacrifice for the posterity of APC.
The fate of APC is at stake in that all successes, victories and triumphs gained by the party will continue to hang on a very thin thread in the face of the progressive attitude of our courts on election and political matters.
Meanwhile, the decision of the Supreme Court has opened the flood gates for endless litigation challenging every action and decision of the APC leadership as presently constituted.
In closing, I acknowledge the Supreme Court for its’ decision and specifically note the hint the Court gave to us to clean our acts and come into the bounds of legality before the worse happens at the forthcoming general elections.
Babatunde OGALA, SAN.
Immediate Past National
Legal Adviser,
All Progressives Congress
July 30, 2021
Press Conference
S/Court Ruling: APC Now Invalid, Carries Burden of “Let Buyer Beware” -PDP
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) alerts Nigerians and the international community that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has become technically invalidated and now lacks the statutory structure to operate as a political party in our country.
This is given the pronouncement of the Supreme Court which clearly pointed to the nullity of APC’s subsistence and activities as a political party, for having a sitting governor, Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe state, as its Chairman, in total violation of section 183 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) as well as the provisions of Article 17(4) of the APC constitution.
A further interpretation of the pronouncement of the Supreme Court showed that all activities of the APC under Mai Mala Buni, including nomination of candidates for elections, agreements, official decision reached, establishment of committees for statutory activities as well as its planned ward, local government and states congresses now hang loosely on the threat of invalidity.
The fate of the APC as a defunct party is already sealed and the party cannot come out of this self-inflicted quagmire even if it engages in the drama of appointing a new National Chairman in place of Mai Mala Buni.
This is because the APC has become statutorily vacuous, without a valid National Working Committee, without a valid National Executive Committee (NEC) and without a valid Board of Trustees (BoT) to legally initiate or carry out any official function including convoking any platform for the administration of the party. It is end of the road for the APC.
In this regard, the PDP counsels all aspirants for the planned APC ward, local government and state congresses as well as the national convention to note that the APC is now in a state of “let the buyer beware”.
Such intending aspirants should be cautious of putting their precious time and resources in a damaged vehicle that has come to the end of an ill-fated journey.
In the same vein, those hoping to use the APC as a vehicle to realize their ambitions as President, governor, federal and state legislators as well as other elective offices should note the fate that has befallen the party.
Moreover, our party sympathizes with the APC governorship candidate in the coming Anambra governorship election over the misfortune of trying to journey in a political “one chance bus”.
The PDP calls on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), state electoral commissions, the Judiciary, the National Assembly as well as other institutions of democracy in Nigeria to note this development and take appropriate actions.
The fate that has befallen the APC is the direct consequence of its recourse to impunity, corruption, malpractices, recklessness, disregard to rule of law and total absence of internal democracy.
On our part, the PDP, as a bastion of democracy in Nigeria remains committed to our ideology and vision of our founding fathers and will continue to rally with Nigerians in the collective quest to rescue our dear nation from the misrule and stranglehold of the now crippled APC.
Signed:
Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary
July 30, 2021
Press Statement
PDP Hails Appeal Court Ruling Restoring its Anambra State Exco
…Set For Robust Campaign
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) hails the judgement of the Court of Appeal, which upheld its State Executive in Anambra State ahead of the November 6, 2021 elections in that state.
The PDP describes the judgement as victory for democracy and the majority of the people of Anambra state who are fully rallying with the PDP and our governorship candidate, Valentine Ozigbo, in their quest to entrench a purposeful government in the state.
This ruling gives us comfort that the PDP and our candidate, Valentine Ozigbo are on the right side of justice because the judgment that has just been set aside is the superstructure upon which certain individuals who did not participate in our primary are seeking to distract our party and the people of Anambra state ahead of the election.
With this ruling, the PDP is confident of justice in other matters pending in court, and urges our teeming members and supporters to remain united in our determination to work with the people of Anambra to achieve their aspiration which they have vested in our party and candidate, especially as we set to commence a robust campaign in Anambra State.
Signed:
Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary
July 29, 2021
Press Statement
Abba Kyrai: PDP Demands Full Investigation
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) demands a forensic investigation into reports that the United States (US) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has linked head of IGP Intelligence Response Team, DCP Abba Kyari, to international fraudster, Abbas Ramon, popularly known as Hushpuppi.
The revelation of the involvement of Kyari, the head of Nigeria’s intelligence response unit, as a receiver of proceeds of international fraud is worrisome, disturbing and a stain on the integrity of our nation.
It is indeed disquieting that the integrity of our nation has fallen so abysmally low under the corrupt and fraud-patronizing President Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration, to the extent that the head of its police intelligence unit is being charged in connection with international fraud.
Our party demands that the APC administration should not sweep this matter under the carpet given the manifest rapport between Kyari and some top APC leaders. We urge President Buhari not to “ease out” this case of corruption but should immediately restore the integrity and image of our nation by allowing for a forensic investigation on the suspect.
Moreover, if this Abba Kyari matter is not well handled, it will be a permanent stain on the reputation of our police, security system and our nation at large.
The PDP therefore asks President Buhari to direct the Inspector General of Police to take in Abba Kyari for questioning and if found culpable, he should be handed over to the FBI.
Signed:
Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary
PRESIDENT BUHARI GREETS KING OF MOROCCO ON 22nd ANNIVERSARY
President Muhammadu Buhari has extended warm felicitations to His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco on the 22nd anniversary of his ascension to the throne.
The President, on behalf of the people of Nigeria, and of himself, wishes the King good health, and prosperity. The letter below:
“On the occasion of the 22nd Anniversary of Your Majesty’s ascension to the throne, I have the pleasure to express, on behalf of the people of Nigeria and myself, warm
Congratulations and best wishes for good health and prosperity.
“Your Majesty’s reign has witnessed very impressive economic and social development in the Kingdom of Morocco for the benefit of all your people. Under your reign, the Kingdom has also significantly contributed in advancing regional peace, stability and development.
“We value the excellent fraternal relations between our two countries and look forward to building on the significant progress so far achieved under our renewed bilateral relation.
“While wishing Your Majesty continued good health, please accept the assurances of my highest esteem.”
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
July 30, 2021
Nigeria will be glad to receive support from the Commonwealth in diverse areas of needs and challenges, President Muhammadu Buhari has said.
The President spoke during a bilateral meeting Thursday with Commonwealth Secretary-General, Baroness Patricia Scotland, at the sidelines of the Global Education Summit holding in London, United Kingdom.
Saying Nigeria was doing a lot to address food security through heavy investment in agriculture, and the security issues confronting the country in different regions, President Buhari welcomed the offer of assistance by the Commonwealth scribe.
Baroness Scotland said the Commonwealth had developed programmes on agribusiness, adding value to agriculture products for young people to get involved, climate change, criminal justice reforms, police reforms, and security, inviting Nigeria to benefit from technical assistance that can be provided.
She added that since President Buhari was the Champion for Anti-Corruption in Africa, the Commonwealth has developed anti-corruption benchmark tools, and would like to work with Nigeria in both public and private sectors.
Other areas the Commonwealth could assist, according to Baroness Scotland, include countering violent extremism, trade, and modalities to implement the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
July 29, 2021
PRESIDENT BUHARI SAD OVER DEATH OF 5 CORPS MEMBERS
President Muhammadu Buhari is deeply saddened by the death of five prospective corps members in a motor accident on Abaji/Kwali expressway, Abuja on Wednesday, July 28, 2021.
The President joins the board, management and staff of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in paying tribute to those who lost their lives in the tragic accident.
Commiserating with the families of the youngsters, the President assures that Nigerians share their grief and would continue to uphold them in prayers through this difficult time.
The President extends best wishes to all corps members on national service as well as new call-ups in various orientation camps across the country.
President Buhari reaffirms that the welfare and security of these young Nigerians, who have obeyed the call to serve the nation with dedication and selflessness, will remain a key priority of government, even as the sacrifices of the fallen youths will never be forgotten.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 29, 2021
ENHANCING SOCIAL INTEGRATION AND REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY – SPOTLIGHT ON THE SECOND RIVER NIGER BRIDGE
One of the most profound sayings in the southeast region of Nigeria, is an adage that says, “The world is a marketplace”. When put in clearer context, this adage carries two meanings, the first, which seems to be the most obvious is that the Igbo ethnic nationality, fondly called Ndigbo, spread across the southeast and parts of the South-South, are majorly traders and business-minded people. The second, which carries a deeper connotation, is that the marketplace is the core of social, community and business interaction.
Prominent in this region is the city of Onitsha, a town located on the eastern bank of the Niger River. Onitsha is the economic hub of commerce and industry in the South-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria. It hosts the largest market in Africa in terms of geographical size and volume of goods and is strategically positioned as a regional hub for trade, business, and logistics in the region. Regardless of the several business ventures and investments that people from the South-East have scattered around the country, every end of year, during the festive season, almost everyone from the region comes back home to meet with their kinsmen, celebrate their achievements and engage in cultural activities.
Homecoming is everything. It offers the most valuable opportunity for integration. This integration alongside an impressive ingenuity for business and trade across the region has fostered an inspiring degree of social mobility that continues to drive economic growth and development in the region and across the country. In the middle of this all, stands, the Niger bridge, a symbol of hope, commerce, culture, and progress.
After over 50 years of connecting people both within and to the region, regular traffic, imposing heavy static loads on the bridge is taking a toll on the first Niger Bridge, giving rise to the urgent need for a second bridge crossing – The Second River Niger Bridge. For many stakeholders in the region, the completion of the Second River Niger Bridge will be a dream come true, as many have spent an important part of their lives looking forward to the impact and immense benefits that the bridge will bring to their personal lives, social engagements, and businesses.
A project of the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Works and Housing, in collaboration with the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority, the Second River Niger Bridge is expected to, among other things, minimize traffic congestion affecting the current bridge and ensure a safe and sufficient river crossing.
The Second River Niger Bridge is not just another regional amenity; it is a key national infrastructure that will play a major role in enhancing everyday life and social integration for dwellers while also driving trade and economic activities. As a significant bridge in the region and the nation, the Second River Niger Bridge will contribute immensely to the expansion of a well-developed road transportation network, providing ease for commuters and enhancing regional connectivity. It will make homecoming even sweeter.
Handling the construction of this bridge is Julius Berger, the company known for its quality and reliability, which has delivered some of Nigeria’s most important buildings and infrastructure and demanding engineering feats, such as the Lekki-Ikoyi Bridge in Lagos.
For the average resident in the South-East and environs, the drive for progress is an everyday activity. From making large supplies and sales on a regular basis, to expanding chain stores, or even successfully climbing the ladder of the apprenticeship system, to become a proud business owner. These amongst other stories of advancement, are the kind of progress, the Second River Niger Bridge will enable once completed. With the Second River Niger Bridge, inter-state travel within the region becomes more convenient. Social and economic integration also becomes more enhanced. It would also foster trade activities and other commercial engagements, like transporting raw materials and finished goods to factories, warehouses, suppliers, distributors, stores, and the end-consumers.
As shown on the project microsite where progress on the bridge is made transparent to the public, so far, reports around the ongoing construction, show good progress on the Second River Niger Bridge Project since commencement. For example, the superstructure is in progress, the geotechnical design and In-construction service are recording good and steady developments; the culverts have been completed, while work is in progress on both the Owerri Interchange and the Toll Station.
The project has started to deliver value for the community and this progress we can hope to continue till the full completion of the Second River Niger Bridge project.
– By Nnamdi Ogbo, Asaba