News From Nigeria
Press Statement
Anambra: We Are Set For Winning Campaign- PDP…Says Its Candidate, Valentine Ozigbo Is Most Popular
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says all is set for the official commencement of its winning campaign ahead of the November 6, 2021 Anambra state governorship election, asserting that its candidate, Valentine Ozigbo, stands as the most popular in the race.
The PDP states that its campaign in the Anambra election will be issue-based and focused on the welfare, developmental and security needs of the people above other considerations.
The party asserts that its candidate, Ozigbo, an accomplished professional, possesses all the leadership qualities desired by Ndi Anambra in their collective quest to rescue their state from misrule and reposition her for greater productivity.
The PDP is elated to report that Ozigbo commands the overwhelming grassroot support of Ndi Anambra across the 326 wards and 21 local government areas in the state, adding that the formation and structure of the party in Anambra is intact and ready for the task ahead.
The party urges Ndi Anambra to disregard any claim to the candidature of the PDP by any other person adding that the PDP and its candidate, Valentine Ozigbo, would not be distracted from the determination to drive through the wishes and aspiration of the people in this election.
Signed:
Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary
PRESIDENT BUHARI, WIFE CONGRATULATE ALAKIJA AT 70
President Muhammadu Buhari and the First Lady Aisha Buhari rejoice with Mrs Folorunsho Alakija, distinguished business leader and philanthropist on her 70th birthday on July 15, 2021, extolling her for dedicating her resources to humanitarian causes.
The President and the First Lady thank Mrs Alakija for being an ardent supporter of many social, economic, religious and health causes, contributing generously to the fight against COVID-19 in the country through her donations.
President Buhari and his wife believe that the joyous occasion provides an opportunity for family, friends, associates and well-wishers to reflect on the importance of reaching out to people around with the benevolence God has committed to us.
As a successful entrepreneur who has been acknowledged locally and globally, the President also recognises Alakija’s passion in mentoring young people to make informed investments and business decisions, thereby making a difference in their communities and across the nation.
On behalf of his family, the President offers his
best wishes
to this remarkable Nigerian, praying almighty God to grant her more years of robust health and happiness.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 14, 2021
Press Statement
PDP Rallies Nigerians Against Plots To Pass Prohibition of Electronic
Transmission of Election Results On Thursday
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) calls on Senators and members of the House of Representatives to shun partisanship and vote in the national interest on section 50 (2) of the Electoral Act amendment bill, which dwells on electronic transmission of results.
The party says that it has come to its attention that certain interests are plotting a rejection of electronic transfer of results on the floors of both chambers of the National Assembly on Thursday.
The PDP asserts that it behooves on every Nigerian, particularly the federal lawmakers, to work on the improvement of our electoral processes in order to engender free, fair, transparent and credible elections.
The party insists that there is no part of Nigeria or any local government headquarters that communication network does not exist and function, to warrant the exclusion of electronic transmission of election results from the law.
It is imperative to add that with the technology proposed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), even where the network is slow, it does not stop the transmission process from arriving at the collation Centre.
The PDP therefore urges the lawmakers not to allow themselves to be swayed by any one or any interest bent on conducting our election in the manipulative manner as desired by undemocratic elements.
The party calls on all Nigerians to remain at alert and be ready to use every legitimate means available and acceptable within our laws to resist this move to further strangulate our electoral process.
Signed:
Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary
Press Statement
Anambra: We Are Set For Winning Campaign- PDP…Says Its Candidate, Valentine Ozigbo Is Most Popular
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says all is set for the official commencement of its winning campaign ahead of the November 6, 2021 Anambra state governorship election, asserting that its candidate, Valentine Ozigbo, stands as the most popular in the race.
The PDP states that its campaign in the Anambra election will be issue-based and focused on the welfare, developmental and security needs of the people above other considerations.
The party asserts that its candidate, Ozigbo, an accomplished professional, possesses all the leadership qualities desired by Ndi Anambra in their collective quest to rescue their state from misrule and reposition her for greater productivity.
The PDP is elated to report that Ozigbo commands the overwhelming grassroot support of Ndi Anambra across the 326 wards and 21 local government areas in the state, adding that the formation and structure of the party in Anambra is intact and ready for the task ahead.
The party urges Ndi Anambra to disregard any claim to the candidature of the PDP by any other person adding that the PDP and its candidate, Valentine Ozigbo, would not be distracted from the determination to drive through the wishes and aspiration of the people in this election.
Signed:
Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary
Press Statement
Zamfara: Your Legal Opinion Is A Pathetic Hogwash, PDP Slams Kayemo
…Says It Stands By Its Position on Matawalle
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it stands by its position that the Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Mahdi Aliyu Gusau, should be accorded the statutory office of the state governor given the decision of Governor Bello Matawalle to vacate his office by decamping to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The party insists that it will not be deterred by series of threats and attacks coming from APC including the unintelligent, hogwash and unsolicited legal opinion expressed by the Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, Festus Keyamo, which lacked sound legal reasoning and queries his credentials as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
Keyamo, in his failed effort to fault our reliance on the Supreme Court’s direct interpretation of Section 221 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) in its judgment on Faleke v. INEC, ended up exposing a poor knowledge of the application of the law, by stating that the judgment cannot apply in a case of defection of a governor from the party on which platform he was elected to another, particularly, a party that did not even participate in the election.
We refer Keyamo to the definite pronouncement of the Supreme Court in that case, to the effect that it is the political party that stands for election, that votes scored in election belong to the political party and that the candidate nominated to contest at an election by his party acts only as the “agent” of his party.
The incontrovertible applicative import of that judgment is that the votes upon which Bello Matallawe assumed office as the governor of Zamfara state belong to the PDP and they are not transferable to the APC, which did not sponsor candidates for that election as required by section 221 of the Constitution.
On Keyamo’s claim that, once elected, the governor drops that party ticket and becomes free even to decamp to any other political party, we ask, if that be the case under the law, how come Mukhtar Shehu Idris of the APC, who was already declared as elected governor of Zamfara State, had to lose the position immediately the Supreme Court decided that the votes cast for APC in that election cannot count.
Nigeria runs a party system and the judgement of the Supreme Court had made it clear that a state governor only stands on the pedestal of votes belonging to the political party which sponsored him at the election and that, once the pedestal is removed, as in the case of Mukhtar Shehu Idris in Zamfara, or once the governor jumps off the pedestal, as in the case of Bello Matawalle, he automatically loses statutory understructure to remain a governor.
Perhaps Kayamo needs be reminded that there is no position of independent candidacy in Nigeria which is why it is the logos of political parties and not names of candidates that are imprinted on the ballot papers, if he had ever participated in elections and voted before.
The PDP therefore finds it strange that Keyamo chose to jump on a rough voyage, for whatever reasons, to attempt to dissuade the PDP from testing these issues before the law courts.
In any case, the PDP is not surprised that Keyamo could offer such warped legal opinion picked off the shelves of Jankara market since he admitted that his intervention was borne “out of partisanship”.
It is imperative to advise Festus Keyamo that since he has admitted to partisanship and had even begun to offer legal services to a sinking Bello Matawalle and the APC, he cannot do so as a Minister of the Federal Republic, who earns a living from the taxes paid by Nigerians across party lines.
The PDP therefore demands the immediate resignation of Keyamo as a minister and also advises him to join Matawalle’s legal team in his already lost bid to run away with the mandate of the PDP.
Signed:
Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary
July 14, 2021
Press Statement
Zamfara: Your Legal Opinion Is A Pathetic Hogwash, PDP Slams Kayemo
…Says It Stands By Its Position on Matawalle
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it stands by its position that the Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Mahdi Aliyu Gusau, should be accorded the statutory office of the state governor given the decision of Governor Bello Matawalle to vacate his office by decamping to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The party insists that it will not be deterred by series of threats and attacks coming from APC including the unintelligent, hogwash and unsolicited legal opinion expressed by the Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, Festus Keyamo, which lacked sound legal reasoning and queries his credentials as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
Keyamo, in his failed effort to fault our reliance on the Supreme Court’s direct interpretation of Section 221 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) in its judgment on Faleke v. INEC, ended up exposing a poor knowledge of the application of the law, by stating that the judgment cannot apply in a case of defection of a governor from the party on which platform he was elected to another, particularly, a party that did not even participate in the election.
We refer Keyamo to the definite pronouncement of the Supreme Court in that case, to the effect that it is the political party that stands for election, that votes scored in election belong to the political party and that the candidate nominated to contest at an election by his party acts only as the “agent” of his party.
The incontrovertible applicative import of that judgment is that the votes upon which Bello Matallawe assumed office as the governor of Zamfara state belong to the PDP and they are not transferable to the APC, which did not sponsor candidates for that election as required by section 221 of the Constitution.
On Keyamo’s claim that, once elected, the governor drops that party ticket and becomes free even to decamp to any other political party, we ask, if that be the case under the law, how come Mukhtar Shehu Idris of the APC, who was already declared as elected governor of Zamfara State, had to lose the position immediately the Supreme Court decided that the votes cast for APC in that election cannot count.
Nigeria runs a party system and the judgement of the Supreme Court had made it clear that a state governor only stands on the pedestal of votes belonging to the political party which sponsored him at the election and that, once the pedestal is removed, as in the case of Mukhtar Shehu Idris in Zamfara, or once the governor jumps off the pedestal, as in the case of Bello Matawalle, he automatically loses statutory understructure to remain a governor.
Perhaps Kayamo needs be reminded that there is no position of independent candidacy in Nigeria which is why it is the logos of political parties and not names of candidates that are imprinted on the ballot papers, if he had ever participated in elections and voted before.
The PDP therefore finds it strange that Keyamo chose to jump on a rough voyage, for whatever reasons, to attempt to dissuade the PDP from testing these issues before the law courts.
In any case, the PDP is not surprised that Keyamo could offer such warped legal opinion picked off the shelves of Jankara market since he admitted that his intervention was borne “out of partisanship”.
It is imperative to advise Festus Keyamo that since he has admitted to partisanship and had even begun to offer legal services to a sinking Bello Matawalle and the APC, he cannot do so as a Minister of the Federal Republic, who earns a living from the taxes paid by Nigerians across party lines.
The PDP therefore demands the immediate resignation of Keyamo as a minister and also advises him to join Matawalle’s legal team in his already lost bid to run away with the mandate of the PDP.
Signed:
Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary
PRESIDENT BUHARI MOURNS EDDY DAKORU, SECOND REPUBLIC ASSEMBLY MEMBER
President Muhammadu Buhari extends heartfelt commiserations to the family, friends and associates of Hon. Eddy Dakoru, teacher, businessman and one-time member Rivers State House of Assembly in the second republic, 1979-1983.
Dakoru, who died at the age of 92, was also a former Councillor representing Horsfall ward in the Degema Local Government Council of Rivers State.
The President believes that the very respectable gentleman, who did not allow himself to be overcome by life’s challenges having lost his father at the age of 4, will be fondly remembered for his hardwork and diligence.
The President notes that with determination and perseverance, the former Confidential Secretary in United Africa Company of Nigeria (UAC) in the fifties rose to the position of Human Resources and Industrial Relations Manager in 1975, becoming the first Nigerian to be appointed to a full managerial status at Tate &Lyle Nigeria limited.
President Buhari prays God to grant the soul of the departed eternal rest, and comfort those who mourn.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 14, 2021
LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU CONGRATULATES OSOBA AT 82
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba on his 82 years birthday celebration.
He also congratulated ex-National Legal Adviser of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr. Babatunde Ogala (SAN) on his 60th birthday.
Governor Sanwo-Olu in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, described Osoba and Ogala who clock 82 and 60 respectively on Thursday, as Democrats and good ambassadors of the ruling party, APC.
He commended Aremo Osoba for his commitment to public service, describing the renowned journalist and politician as epitome of honesty, dedication and service, who used his elevated positions for improvement of the people in his spheres of influence.
“Chief Olusegun Osoba is a true democrat and member of the progressive camp, who has been playing active roles in party politics and governance in Nigeria. He was one of the performing governors who delivered dividends of democracy to the populace during the days of Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Alliance for Democracy (AD) in South-West.
“Aremo Osoba’s selling point is not only in politics but journalism, his chosen profession. He made remarkable contributions to the media industry as a respected journalist and media manager. He used the power of the press to influence positive changes in the country’s social and political landscape as a reporter, editor and managing director in different media organisations,” he said.
Governor Sanwo-Olu while congratulating Ogala on his 60th birthday described the former lawmaker as a worthy citizen of Lagos State, who has distinguished himself in the legal profession and legislative business with high level of professionalism and integrity.
He also commended Ogala’s selfless service and dedication to the growth and development of Lagos State as a member of the State House of Assembly.
“As you celebrate your 60th birthday, I pray that God will increase you in good health to enable you to render more service to humanity,” the governor said.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
JULY 14, 2021
THE COMING OF KANO-KADUNA MODERN RAILWAY AND ITS SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE
By Garba Shehu,
Senior Special Assistant to the President, Media and Publicity.
Abuja.
President Muhammadu Buhari will on Thursday lay the foundation stone of the Kano-Abuja sector of the Lagos-Kano railway modernization project.
The Lagos-Kano rail project is part of the 25-year vision approved by the Federal Government for the rail transportation in 2002. The contract for it was signed on 30th October, 2002 and assigned to a Chinese Company, China Civil Engineering Construction Company, CCECC.
On October 22,2009 CCECC and the Federal Ministry of Transportation signed a supplementary agreement for the implementation of the Abuja-Kaduna segment, which was completed, commissioned and put to use by the Muhammadu Buhari administration.
On 28th August 2012, the government signed another supplementary agreement for Lagos-Ibadan, the second segment of the corridor for the construction of double track railway of 156.8 kilometers.
In addition to this, the CCECC and the government of Nigeria agreed on December 26, 2016 for the extension of this rail line to Apapa port, adding a distance of 8.57 kilometers.
Given the seriousness attached to the provision of super critical infrastructure projects the Buhari administration dusted off these agreements and commended actual execution.
In June this year, the President was in Lagos to commission this project and officially place it at the service of Nigerians.
In the same vein, the proposed Kano-Ibadan was signed in April 2019, and the segment traverses Oyo, Osun, Kwara , Niger, Abuja, Kaduna and Kano states. This segment, it was agreed, will be implemented in three addendums: Ibadan-Minna, 460 kilometers, Minna-Abuja, 127 kilometers and the now to be commenced, Kano-Kaduna segment covering a distance of 203 kilometers.
This is an important passenger transportation corridor to connect the northern and the southern parts of Nigeria. The kano-Kaduna segment of this project passes through important cities and towns in the north like Kaduna, Jaji, Zaria and Kano, and there is a dense population along the line. This line will undertake passenger exchange in various cities and towns between the capital of Nigeria and the largest city in the North, Kano. Therefore, this project is an important passenger transportation corridor to connect the main cities in the northern Nigeria, and in due course, the major towns down south.
This project is going to form an important part of the West African railway network. The 15 ECOWAS states are committed to a subregional railway network. It is hoped that it will connect to the Niger Republic railway through the Kano-Maradi rail standard gauge rail line which construction the President kick-started a few months ago. This project will be a trunk railway line in Nigeria and also an important part of the West African railway network. Upon completion, this project will promote development in the north and rest of the country, and will create a condition for economic cooperation, material and personnel exchange with the surrounding countries. The completion of this line is therefore significant to Nigeria and the Western African subregion.
As stated above, this project is a trunk line of the national railway of Nigeria, an important part of regional network backbone system, a convenient channel and important passenger transportation corridor for passenger and freight exchange between cities in the country and an important part of the West African railway network.
When completed, this line is expected to meet the demands for the development of national economy, and it will open an efficient and convenient railway channel for import and export of goods in Nigeria and passenger exchange along the line. It will provide an efficient and high-quality traffic means for the sustainable and rapid development of regional and the national economy, strengthen the cooperation and exchange between regions and further drive the development of traditional industry and domestic industrialization process, so as to promote the sustainable development of economy along the whole line and even in the whole nation.
This line connects Kano, the important industrial city in the north of Nigeria and passes through Zaria and connects to the capital Abuja and the coastal city Lagos via the modern railway. At present, there is an existing narrow gauge railway in the channel of Lagos-Kano, but it has a poor line condition and limited transportation capacity. The passenger and freight transportations between the South and the North are mainly undertaken by highway. The economic contact between cities in the North and all other parts of the country is restricted by unwanted conditions, forming a situation of limiting transportation. The south of Nigeria has relatively developed economy and high urbanization rate, while the north is dominated by agriculture and animal husbandry, with a weak economic foundation. This line will strengthen the contact and exchange between the areas with backward economy and the external economic environment, drive the economic development in the backward area and play an extremely important role to make up for the unevenness of economic and social development between regions. Therefore, the construction of this line should hopefully strengthen the economic contact between the north and south of Nigeria and realize the exchange of materials and personnel, and strengthen the coordinative development of regional economy in the north.
Another important aspect of the new railway which the construction starts today is that it meets the demand for the formation of a green transportation channel in Nigeria.There is a relatively fragile ecological environment along the line in this project, and highway transportation does not only have low transportation capacity and high transportation cost, but also high energy consumption and emission of environment-polluting waste gases.
The existing narrow gauge railway has low traveling speed of trains and low transportation capacity, which mars the railway transportation efficiency. With this project, it is expected that the standard gauge railway technology, in comparison with the expressway, will offer with a large-capacity, convenient, land saving, energy saving, environment-friendly, safe and green way of transportation. This should improve the atmospheric quality substantially, improve water quality and reduce pollution greatly along the line.
Lastly, it is to be noted that completed Abuja-Kaduna Railway is only 186km long, which seriously restricts the transportation capacity. The Kaduna-Kano Railway will provide the northward extension of Abuja-Kaduna Railway, and after completion, the length of Abuja-Kano will be 390km, which will greatly improve the transportation efficiency of Abuja-Kano Railway, and meet the demand for medium to long-distance and large-density transportation service.
The Kano-Kaduna Standard Gauge railway will improve mobility in the country as well as ensure seamless movement of passenger and freight trains on the Lagos-Kano rail link.
PRESIDENT BUHARI REJOICES WITH HON BABATUNDE OGALA AT 60
President Muhammadu Buhari sends warm greetings to Hon. Babatunde Ogala, SAN, former National Legal Adviser of All Progressives Congress (APC), on his 60th birthday, July 15, 2021, joining family and friends to celebrate with the party stalwart, whose knowledge and experience have been most invaluable to the country.
President Buhari felicitates with the Nigerian Bar Association, International Bar Association and professional colleagues of the legal luminary as they roll out drums to savour the milestone with the former lawmaker, administrator and counsel to many organisations and governments.
The President affirms that Hon. Ogala’s admirable profile in his career can only be attributed to his fear of God, love for humanity and passion for showing kindness and thoughtfulness in all endeavours, further evidenced in making sacrifices and working selflessly for the good of others and the country.
President Buhari notes the contributions of the former APC Legal Adviser to the growth of democracy and good governance in the country, most profoundly in interpreting the constitution and manifesto of the party and guiding leaders to keep their promises.
As the notable lawyer and party loyalist turns 60, the President prays for longer life and more wisdom to serve the country.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 14, 2021
LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU MOURNS LAGOS APC TREASURER, SUMBO AJOSE
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed sadness over the death of the Treasurer of Caretaker Committee of the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sumbo Ajose.
He said the demise of Ajose, who died at 55 in the United States, where she was receiving treatment for an undisclosed ailment on Tuesday July 13, was a big loss to her family, friends, associates and the ruling party.
Governor Sanwo-Olu in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, described the late party Treasurer as trustworthy, committed, extremely loyal politician and an invaluable asset to Lagos APC.
Sanwo-Olu also expressed his deepest condolences to the immediate family and friends of the departed, Lagos APC caretaker chairman, Hon. Tunde Balogun and the entire members of the party executive over the death of the late Ajose.
Sanwo-Olu added that the deceased, who was his personal friend and co-traveller in progressive politica was accountable and rendered selfless service to the party during her tenure as Treasurer without any blemish record.
“The death of the Treasurer of our party, Sumbo Ajose, is a painful and big loss to me personally, Lagos APC, the deceased family and friends. I am saddened by the passage of this indefatigable, devoted, loyal and committed democrat and team player who played remarkable roles in the success of our party during her lifetime.
“She will be missed by her family, friends and the entire political class, particularly Lagos APC State Executive Committee, chieftains and members of the party across the State,” he said.
Governor Sanwo-Olu prayed that God would grant ”the soul of our beloved Sumbo Ajose eternal rest and comfort the immediate and political family of the deceased.”
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
JULY 14, 2021
PRESS RELEASE
INSECURITY: SANWO-OLU’S WIFE ADVOCATES COMMUNITY-BASED INCULCATION OF VALUES IN CHILDREN, YOUTHS
…Organizes Seminar For Muslim Women On Successful Home, Nation Building
Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday called for a return to community-based system where the interest and welfare of every child is the responsibility of all parents and guardians, saying inculcation of right values in children and the youth at the community level remains one of the veritable solutions to rising insecurity in the country.
Sanwo-Olu, who spoke at a one-day seminar for Muslim Sisters organized by her office, held at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, said parents must go back to the basis and embrace the system where every mother truly cares about all children in the community.
According to her, “In this era when we have insecurity happening all over the country, we need to go back and check where we got it wrong. The so-called youths out there that are annoyed were given birth to through women. The question arises where did we go wrong? Why is it that they are so annoyed with the system and are now fighting us?
“Not minding that it is taking place in the North today but we have also noticed it coming down to the south. And so, it is so apt at this time that we talk to our women in various organizations especially at this time when peace is paramount relating it to obedience in the house. It is so important that we look back and try to retrace our steps and look at what correction we can give from the home front.”
She recalled how people used to care for all children within the community, saying it was important more than before to go back to the system where what affects one, affects all.
“In those days when we were much younger, every mother is the mother to every child in a community. That was how it used to be. When a child is roaming the street during the time for school hours, the non-biological mother in the community would ask why the child is not in school. But we are not seeing much of that any more partly because when you try to accost some of the children, the mother will say what is your business, and so we withdraw into our shell. We cannot continue like that because when trouble comes, it affects everybody,” she said.
She explained that the seminar, with the theme: “Women, Obedience: Nexus For A Successful Home And Nation Building,” was designed to bring Muslim sisters up to speed with skills and information to contribute their quota to peaceful society and national development, starting from the home front.
In his lecture, the Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Sulaimon Abou-Nola said for women to contribute to national development, they must be well educated, financially independent, be of good character and morally upright, prayerful and know their rights in the society.
There were other lectures on Islamic Perspective On Violence Against Women by Alhaji Abdul Hakeem Kosoko; Islamic Panacea To A Troubled Marriage by Alhaja Omolara Mumuni; Our Children: Our Today And Tomorrow by Alhaja Azeezat Raji; as well as Work Life Balance by a Psychiatrist Doctor from Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Dr. Seun Ogunnubi.
SIGNED
OLUBUKONLA NWONAH
ASST DIRECTOR, PUBLIC AFFAIRS
OFFICE OF LAGOS STATE FIRST LADY
JULY 14, 2021
LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR
PRESS RELEASE
CONSISTENT TREE PLANTING ESSENTIAL TO REVERSE DEGRADATION OF ENVIRONMENT – SANWO-OLU
The rapidity of growth in urban population portends grave threat for ecosystems and essential natural assets in Lagos State, but Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu believes that consistent tree planting approach can help minimise the impact on the State if sustained.
Sanwo-Olu said the cultural and recreational roles of trees make them essential for healthy living and boost human resilience against natural disasters that negatively affect the environment and economy.
The Governor, on Wednesday, planted a tree in Urban Forest Park in Abraham Adesanya area of Eti-Osa, to commemorate the yearly Tree Planting Day in the State. The ceremonial event, with the theme: “Restore and Recover”, was organised by the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK), an agency of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources.
Four members of the State’s Executive Council appointed by the Governor simultaneously planted trees in four other locations in Lagos. The same action was replicated by chairmen across the State’s 57 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
Also at the event, the Governor announced the winners of Wood Craft Competition organised in public schools across the State in which pupils used raw woods to create artworks that depict the theme of the event.
Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the growing commitment of the people to his administration’s Health and Environment programme, asking residents to further join hands with his Government for the restoration of aesthetic of the environment by adopting the tree planting approach.
The Governor stressed the need to arrest further destruction of critical green infrastructure, which may make the State vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, noting that there was need for mutual and sincere actions geared towards the complete recovery of the environment.
He said: “By 2030, it is expected that the urban population will double and urban space will increase. As this happens, ecosystems and the essential natural assets they provide will come under threat. As we expand, it is imperative that natural spaces are both protected and incorporated into urban landscapes. Tree planting is a good way to restore local ecosystems and it is gratifying to note that many Lagosians have become enthusiastic about tree planting.
“Our mutual and sincere efforts are needed for complete restoration and recovery. The first rule for restoration and recovery is to stop the further destruction of critical green infrastructure. It is cheaper to conserve natural habitats than to restore them later. This tree planting exercise highlights the critical importance of trees in healing the world from the devastating effect of disasters and pandemic.”
Sanwo-Olu said his administration placed preservation of the environment at the center of its development agenda, pointing out that a good environment would enhance people’s wellbeing and quality of life.
Other critical steps being taken to fully restore the environment, the Governor disclosed, were contained in the recently launched five-year Climate Action Plan by the State Government, which would make Lagos to project impacts, coordinate responses, and achieve resilience under challenging climate conditions till 2025.
He appealed to residents, private sector and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to key into the cause and support the Government’s intervention geared towards preserving the environment.
He said: “Our goal is to inspire an urban future where nature is abundant, accessible and co-managed by an active and inspired citizenry. Our desire is to provide green space and environmental education in all communities and create urban biodiversity corridors across the city of Lagos.
“As we intensify efforts towards building the sustainable future we all want, we will ensure that we have an environmentally resilient State with the potential to deliver significant financial, environmental, and social returns capable of attracting private investment.”
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tunji Bello, said the Tree Planting Day commemoration had become the largest environmental outreach planned by the Government to stimulate a State-wide awareness and actions towards protecting the environment.
Trees, Bello said, are useful in absorbing carbon dioxide – a major Green House Gas – and replenishing the environment with oxygen. He added that trees improved the aesthetic value of the environment and boosts soil nutrients, which prevent erosion, minimise flooding, thereby protecting humans from the adverse effects of climate change.
“This event is in line with the theme for the World Environment Day held on June 5. Our long term plan is to green the entire Eti Osa stretch up to Epe. This may take three to five years, but the process has begun. By next year, we would have covered up to the Lagos Business School and then move further until we get to Epe,” the Commissioner said.
The high point was the planting of a tree in the park by the Governor, flagging off the exercise across the State.
LASPARK General Manager, Adetoun Popoola, said the agency had started working with its partners to establish mini botanical gardens in some public primary and secondary schools to give students opportunities of direct contact with nature.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
JULY 14, 2021
FOOD UNION IN THE STOMACH OF ITS RIGHTWING LEADERS
TRADE UNIONS MUST BE RESCUED FROM RIGHT-WING TRADE UNION LEADERS
Looking at the activities and the manner the National Union of Food, Beverages and Tobacco Employees (NUFBTE) is run, it is clear the Lateef Oyelekan-led leadership is running a union of pro-management and pro-state as workers’ interests are sacrificed on the altar of profit and self-serving interest. The interest of workers have been commercialized and traded off into the stomach of Lateef Oyelekan and his cohorts.
Trade unions are formed by workers to enable it to resist anti-labour practices of the capitalist class, to protect wages and to defend the democratic rights of workers. In fact, Rule 2 (i) of NUFBTE’s Constitution states one of the core objectives of the union: “To secure the complete unionization of all NUFBTE workers employed in the Food, Beverages and Tobacco Trades, throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” In the area of unionizing all workers, Lateef Oyelekan has failed woefully as we have more workers who are none union members and are placed under precarious working conditions than the ones who are members and whose employment is regularized though under constant attacks.
For instance, in Coca Cola Plc, where Oyelekan is supposedly in employment, the number of casuals and outsourced workers who are barred to join the union has grown from 1500 before he became the union president fourteen years ago to about 5000 at present while regularized workers who belong to the union have collapsed to 1,800. Casualization and precarious work in the food industry has increased from 48% to 80% in the last 15 years- something which is one of the ‘legacies’ of Lateef Oyelekan. Rotten collaboration between rightwing reactionary labour leaders like Oyelekan and company owners have created an army of casualized and contract workers who are denied trade union rights and are subjected to poor pays and poor working conditions. As comrades of the Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR) discovered during our interventions at Sumal Foods Ltd at Ibadan, rightwing trade union leaders partnered with the management to set up outsourcing companies that employed Nigerian workers as casuals in violation of Rule 2(i) of its constitution with the aim of making profit- a clear case of union leaders that are supposed to protect workers being the ones conniving with management to enslave workers. Some of these front companies are Dosumu Ltd, Bridge water etc.
If it is bad enough for the Food Union leadership to collaborate with companies owners to casualize workers, it is so bad that the same union leadership collects capitation (illegal union dues) from casual workers in a number of food companies and these funds do not go into the union books/records, it is part of the paddy-paddy ant-labour arrangement with the management. On the one hand, these casual workers are not union members, the union leadership work hard to place them in precarious working conditions and also draw from their poor pay in form of union dues which are never accounted for.
This explains why the rightwing union leaders were miffed when the comrades of the Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR) solidarized with Sumal casual workers who embarked on a strike action on October 2, 2018, to protest their casualized status and poor working conditions. As usual, the rightwing NUFBTE leaders quickly aligned with the management and sponsored the police and DSS to arrest Comrade Abiodun Bamigboye (Coordinator of CDWR in Oyo) seven times because he gave solidarity to suffering Sumal workers. The management and the union have instigated and instituted two criminal cases at the magistrate court and 2 civil cases at the National Industrial Court (NIC) based on unfounded, frivolous and trumped-up charges and claims, a clear case of how the bourgeois rule of law is for the highest bidder. So brazen and shameless is the rightwing NUFBTE leaders that unionism has been converted to an organized business cartel.
The food union is so juicy and profitable, after all, the union attracts huge amount of money running to tens of millions of naira on monthly basis and Oyelekan finds every motivation to extend his tenure and that of his rightwing cohorts by two years in violation of NUFBTE’s constitution. Rule 6 (iii) of the union’s constitution states that National Delegate Conference shall be held every four years in the month of November with a caveat that the holding of the Conference shall not be delayed for more than three months and there are laid down procedures for the convocation of a conference. In desperation, Lateef Oyelekan led his yes-men NEC members on February 4, 2020, to agree to convoke an Emergency Delegate Conference with the sole aim of extending the tenure of the current leadership by two years without adhering to laid down procedure for which a Conference can be convoked. The cat was let off the bag recently when Lateef Oyelekan told the world that the tenure elongation was to allow the leadership to complete the building of the union’s hotel, what an outlandish, ridiculous and silly reason to hold on to leadership. This can be likened to a sitting president extending his or her tenure because of a bridge that is under construction. At least Oyelekan has beaten an average Nigerian bourgeois politician to shenanigan. Despite the fact that some union members under the platform of Redemption Group went to court to challenge the infraction of the constitution and got an injunction on August 19, 2020, Lateef Oyelekan went ahead with the conference held in the night on August 21, 2020, in violation of not just the union constitution but also in violation of the court ruling/order. It was alleged that NLC President Ayuba Wabba graced this illegal conference in ‘solidarity’.
Just like an average self-serving bourgeois politician, Lateef Oyelekan is a labour aristocrat whose living condition is far and above an average worker and disconnected from workers. Lateef Oyelekan goes around with police escorts which have become a stock-in-trade of some rightwing trade union leaders. In December 21, 2018, Oyelekan ordered his police escort to shoot at workers who protested to the union national secretariat to demand that the union leadership should stop backing management against workers and end intimidation of the branch leadership in A&P Foods Ltd in Lagos.
In 2010, the union leadership abandoned workers when the management of Dangote Pasta attacked workers and disbanded the branch a few days after its inauguration and when CDWR intervened, Lateef Oyelekan and other key leaders at the national secretariat responded that the union could not intervene because “Dangote is too powerful.” In 2009, Lateef Oyelekan backed the management of A&P Foods to convert 1600 casuals who were agitating to be regularized to contract (outsourced) workers and some workers alleged that some of the rightwing labour leaders at the national secretariat have interest in the outsourced company that was run by the then Human Resources Manager, Mr Victor Badaiki in proxy. In October 2016 when workers of BUA Sugar Refinery embarked on a strike, NUFBTE union leaders arrived at record time and called on workers to end the strike, this is a company wherein workers are not unionized despite efforts and pressure to get the workers unionized but union leaders refused to unionize workers. These are just a few examples from a plethora of cases and experiences of betrayal of Oyelekan’s leadership. It is often the case that top union leaders from the NUFBTE national secretariat visit management of food companies behind workers to collect products as part of their stomach infrastructure.
If democracy has been undermined in the larger society, it should have been preserved in the trade union movement, but this is to the contrary. In fact, most of the trade unions and NUFBTE inclusive have been converted to a monarchy with flagrant disregard to democratic rights of its members including suppression of their rights. In NUFBTE, if you express a contrary opinion different from the leadership, it is either you are expelled from the union or the management is pressured to sack you. The General Secretary of NUFBTE, Bamidele Busari is not spared and has been sacked illegally and brazenly. All union (NUFBTE) members who belong to Redemption Group have been expelled from the union while managements are being pressured to sack them. As a matter of fact, the union leadership has succeeded in instigating a fake redundancy exercises in Seven-Up and Nigerian Breweries that have led to the sacking of 300 and 250 workers respectively targeting mostly workers who are opposed to Oyelekan’s leadership and assisting the companies to sack regularized workers and likely to be replaced with workers on far worse condition of service, a policy that will bolster the profit for the company owners and weaken the union.
The reality is that the degeneration of unionism in Nigeria goes beyond Oyelekan, Ayuba Wabba etc., it is a systematic takeover of the unions by right wing labour leaders in the last 3 decades and condemned it to platform that incongruously serves the interest of the class enemies (capitalists). Only a few unions like the Academic Staff Union of the University (ASUU) is different and resist government policies by carrying workers and branches along including when strikes are to be called off.
The solidarity amongst workers to fight back has been thrown into the dustbin, the resistance of management and the capitalist state’s indecent labour practices have taken flight, rightwing union leaders have surrendered the union to employers of labour, autocracy has replaced democracy, rightwing labour leaders have become demigod, this is the long and short of what unionism has become. The rightwing leaders have become mercenaries to the bourgeois state and employers of labour while workers continue to bear the brunt.
Only workers can rescue the trade union from this rightwing, reactionary, anti-workers, aristocratic leaders and bring about independent, democratic and fighting trade unionism positioned to defend the interest of workers and the working people. This can only happen through sustained campaigns and struggle. Genuine trade union activists, socialists and pro-labour activists should hold a conference to initiate such campaigns and struggle.
If the leadership and members of the Redemption Group in the food union and any such opposition groups in the trade union movement must show the difference, their opposition to Oyelekan and other rotten leaders should be ideological and with the sole agenda to rescue the unions and transform them into fighting trade unions that resist exploitation and anti-labour policies and are run democratically. If this agenda is not pursued, we may only see a replacement of labour bureaucrats by another or accommodation of all bureaucrats.
Comrade Chinedu Bosah
CDWR National Publicity Secretary
08098284000
President Muhammadu Buhari says his administration is ready to use everything within its powers to end insecurity in the country and bring perpetrators of criminal activities to book.
The President, who spoke on Tuesday at a dinner with members of the National Assembly, held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, said ‘‘insecurity, manifesting as insurgencies, banditry, kidnapping and urban crime of all sorts is the single most difficult challenge we face today.’’
He expressed concern that insecurity had inhibited government’s ability to build infrastructure, provide the much needed social services to the people, and to attract investments that drive innovation, create industries, and provide jobs and create wealth.
‘‘Some of the people who perpetuate these various manifestations of insecurity do so for profit, others, in the name of discredited ideologies.
‘‘Whatever their motivations may be, their actions are an existential threat to our country.
‘‘In the circumstances, we must do everything within our power, without consideration of distractions, to put an end to their activities and bring them to book.
‘‘We cannot allow ourselves to be distracted from this objective, or waver in our commitment, and I am confident that together we will triumph in our present efforts,’’ he said.
President Buhari also used the occasion to hail the ninth National Assembly for discharging their legislative duties with maturity and competence, describing the legislature as ‘‘full partners in national development.’’
He particularly commended the minority parties in the legislature for their cooperation and support for Government programmes.
‘‘Our ability to govern in the best interests of the Nigerian people depends to a great deal on effective collaboration and partnership between the Legislature and the Executive.
‘‘The obligation to check and balance each other is not an invitation to conflict, and it should not be characterised by quarrelsome disagreement when consultation, engagements and compromise have proven time and again to be a more effective approach.
‘‘In the 9th Assembly, you have distinguished yourselves by your conduct in office, by the scale and quality of your legislative interventions, and by your capacity for engaging with the difficult questions facing the country with maturity and competence,’’ he said.
The President listed some legislative accomplishments of the ninth assembly ranging from returning of our budget cycle to January to December, the amendment of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), the Nigeria Police Act, the Finance Act, the Deep Offshore Production Sharing Contract Act, amongst others.
Commending the leadership of the National Assembly under Senate President Ahmad Lawan and Speaker of the House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila for their dedication through challenging times, the President told the legislators:
‘‘You have also succeeded in overcoming the political and other obstacles that have, for two decades, inhibited the much-needed reforms of our Oil and Gas industry, resulting now in the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).
‘‘I congratulate you all, and thank you for your contributions to the difficult, yet necessary task of nation building.’’
The President noted that the executive and legislature came into office at a time of significant challenges for the country.
‘‘Overcoming these challenges require that we finally confront long ignored questions of economics, politics, law and history that are often at the root of our national problems.
‘‘This moment in history requires us to make hard choices, take difficult decisions and act with diligence and patriotism to ensure that our country can survive and thrive long after we have all left.
‘‘What this means in effect is that our jobs will not get any easier. However, the objectives we seek, and will work together to achieve, deserve our best efforts regardless the sacrifice,’’ he said.
As the second legislative year of the 9th Assembly has just come to an end, the President noted that it was appropriate to jointly review shared commitments, to identify what has been achieved, and what is still left undone.
‘‘This way, we can prioritise activities and allocate the resources necessary to ensure that in the lifetime of this Assembly, and of the administration, we can complete the work we have started, and leave behind a record of achievement that will stand all of us in good stead in the assessment of history,’’ he said.
The President said he looked forward to continued collaboration and partnership between the Executive and Legislative arms of government, working together to achieve a shared vision of a peaceful and prosperous country.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 13, 2021
DESPITE OUR CHALLENGES, WE’RE STILL A LUCKY COUNTRY, SAYS PRESIDENT BUHARI
We are a lucky country and should congratulate ourselves, despite challenges that could have torn us apart, President Muhammadu Buhari has said.
The President spoke Tuesday at State House, Abuja, while receiving the report of the National Security Summit held on May 26, 2021, by the House of Representatives. The report was submitted by a team of House members, led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.
President Buhari urged leaders to respect the people, from the lowest to the highest, “so that it becomes a duty to them (the people) to pay back to the leadership.”
Respect for the people, according to the President, should come in allowing them “to choose who they like as their leaders, irrespective of political party or religion.”
Describing the event as “a remarkable occasion,” President Buhari restated his determination to serve the country to the best of his ability, recalling his visits to the 36 States during the campaign for 2019 elections.
Said the President: “The number of people that turned out to see me, some waiting for 10 hours in the sun, was more than anyone could buy, or force. They just wanted to see who this Buhari was. People wonder why Nigerians accept me, despite not being rich. I wonder, too. I felt I just have to serve Nigeria and Nigerians to the best of my ability.”
Commending the 9th National Assembly for its cooperation with the Executive, he said he tried very hard to get the 8th Assembly to do same for the sake of the country, “and I didn’t succeed much. But time has proved me right.”
In his remarks, Mr Gbajabiamila thanked the President for endorsing the security summit conducted by the House, adding: “You were part of it from the very beginning, and you were to have declared it open, if not for the exigencies of duty.”
The Speaker said the summit became imperative after lawmakers were bombarded daily by their constituents on the security challenges facing the country, “and motions after motions were moved by the lawmakers.”
A committee of 50 lawmakers, across party, religious and ethnic lines, he said, was set up to plan the summit, “and Mr President was very eager and enthusiastic about it, showing the importance you place on security.”
Mr Gbajabiamila said the report was a product of inputs by traditional rulers, scholars, independent thinkers, and security chiefs, noting that it contains seven recommendations that require legislative action, and about 19 that will be implemented by the Executive.
The Speaker submitted: “Thank you Mr President for what you have done so far to douse tension and for Nigeria to remain one. It’s about all of us, not just the Executive, the legislature or the judiciary. And Nigeria will work, by the grace of God.”
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
July 13, 2021
WE’LL BE STEADFAST IN OUR SUPPORT FOR A UNITED CAMEROON, SAYS PRESIDENT BUHARI
Nigeria will offer the best support possible to ensure that the Republic of Cameroon remains an indivisible country, President Muhammadu Buhari has pledged.
The President spoke Tuesday at State House, Abuja, while receiving Mr Felix Mbayu, a Special Envoy from President Paul Biya of Cameroon.
President Buhari said Nigeria and Cameroon share historical ties and common borders, which make it imperative for the two countries to look out for each other’s well-being.
“That was why when I first came to office in 2015, I immediately visited all our neighbours, because we are very clear about the value of good neighbourliness.
“You will have problems if your neighbours are not cultivated. And our relationship with Cameroon had been very clear since when I was serving in the military. The country offered us needed support during our Civil War,” the President said.
Saying Nigeria was acutely aware of the separatist agitation by the Ambazonian movement, President Buhari submitted that it was in the interest of Nigeria “to ensure that Cameroon is stable, and we will be steadfast in our support for you.”
Mr Felix Mbayu, who is also Minister Delegate in Charge of Cooperation with the Commonwealth, said President Biya was happy with the role Nigeria was playing in Africa, noting that the two neighbours share not just borders and historical ties, “but also common challenges.”
“These challenges border on security specially, and it is incumbent on us both to find common solutions,” he added.
The Special Envoy said President Biya looked forward to a situation in which Nigerian territory would not be available for the Ambazonian movement to destabilize Cameroon, “as some people are taking advantage of some crises in the two English speaking parts of Cameroon to break the country apart.”
He congratulated Nigeria on the recent arrest and repatriation of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) through collaboration of national security agencies and INTERPOL.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
July 13, 2021
PRESIDENT BUHARI: PEER REVIEW OF NIGERIA’S GOVERNANCE, SOCIO-ECONOMIC SYSTEM GOOD FOR OUR DEMOCRACY
President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday in Abuja pledged that Nigeria will continue to support the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) process in the country because of its benefits to good governance and democracy.
The President gave the assurance at the launch of Nigeria Second Review Country Self-Assessment Report and Flag–off of the Validation of the Report at the six geo-political zones of the country, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Describing the review as ‘‘timely and handy’’, President Buhari explained that the present administration with its change mantra agenda, has overhauled, revitalized and institutionalised its machinery for a successful conduct of the second peer review of the country.
The President recalled that Nigeria was first peer reviewed in 2008 and since then has recorded tremendous success in the implementation of the National Programme of Action as recommended.
He reiterated the commitment of his administration to the implementation of the new National Programme of Action that will come up after the review process.
‘‘Agenda 2063 is a strategic framework for the socio-economic transformation of the African continent over the next 50 years with a strong mandate on NEPAD and APRM.
‘‘This is in an attempt to build on and seek the acceleration of the implementation of past and present continental initiatives for the growth and sustainable development of the African Continent.
‘‘This exercise will be a strong reference point in the nation’s history, a source of courage and positive drive for this initiative that is aimed at consolidating the strides of this present administration.
‘‘In addition, this administration has been very supportive and will continue to support the APRM Process in Nigeria knowing the importance of the process which enhances transparency and good governance, strengthens our democracy, identifies and addresses critical challenges as well as promotes all-inclusiveness,’’ he said.
The President therefore urged all stakeholders to come up with more vital strategies, mechanisms and measures that would enable diligent implementation of the new National Programme of Action for accelerated Economic Growth and Sustainable Development in Nigeria and Africa.
In her remarks, the National Coordinator/Chief Executive Officer of AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria, Hon. Gloria Akobundu thanked President Buhari for his transparency, courageous leadership and consenting to the conduct of the Second Peer Review of Nigeria and his consistency in achieving the desired goal.
‘‘African Peer Review Mechanism is a mirror for Member States to encourage each other and build resilience to challenges and foster solutions to under development and promote good governance in the continent,’’ she said.
Akobdundu explained that after the Validation of the Country Self-Assessment Report, there are other activities to be effectively accomplished to ensure effectual completion of the Second Peer Review Process.
She listed them as follows:
‘‘The Issue Paper, New National Programme of Action, Presentation of the Report and Peer Review of Nigeria at the APR Forum of Heads of State and Government, Institutionalization of the Country Review Report (CRR), Launch of the Country Review Report (CRR) and Continuous Assessment of the Progress and Presentation of Progress Report to the AU-APRM.”
She pledged that the agency will leave no stone unturned to ensure that a smooth process is attained.
The event was attended by the Country Self-Assessment Mission led by Dr. Abdoulie Janneh of Gambia, a former Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa, the Chief Executive Officer of AU-APRM Secretariat, Prof. Eddy Maloka, among others.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 13, 2021
PRESIDENT BUHARI FELICITATES WITH GOVERNOR EMMANUEL AT 55
President Muhammadu Buhari extends
best wishes
to Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State on the occasion of his 55th birthday.
The President is mindful of Governor Emmanuel’s devotion to serving his people and prays God Almighty to sustain him with good health and happiness to celebrate more successes in his administration.
President Buhari urges Governor Emmanuel, who has had successful careers as a banker and chartered accountant before joining politics, not to relent in using his privileged position as an elected public officer holder to move Nigeria forward.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 12, 2021
PRESIDENT BUHARI CONGRATULATES ETHIOPIA’S PRIME MINISTER ABIY AHMED OVER ELECTION VICTORY, SAYS AFRICA MUST UNITE AGAINST INSTABILITY
President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the Prime Minister of Ethiopia Abiy Ahmed over the decisive victory won by his party in the just concluded parliamentary elections, returning him to office for another five years.
Reacting to the outcome of the elections as announced over the weekend, the President told the Ethiopian leader: “On behalf of the Nigerian people I send you and the people of Ethiopia our well wishes for your courage and commitment to the democratic process and urge you to continue with the good policies of your government that endeared you to the people.”
President Buhari, who also reflected on the instability rocking Ethiopia appealed to parties and factions in the country to come together to halt their country’s march to civil war to save their people from depravations of conflict.
He lamented that instability in one part of Africa is a threat to stability elsewhere: “Instability is a grave threat to African progress. African countries cannot attain their development goals if every group resorts to violence and destabilisation instead of seeking peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue.”
President Buhari assured the Ethiopian leader that Nigeria will continue to support the unity and territorial well-being of his country and of all African States.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 12, 2021
Tuesday, July 13, 2021
PRESS STATEMENT BY FESTUS KEYAMO, SAN:
ON
THE ILLOGICALITY OF THE PDP’S POSITION IN RESPECT OF GOV. MATAWALE OF ZAMFARA STATE.
My attention has been drawn to a statement credited to the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Kola Ologbodiyan, cautioning banks and other financial institutions to be wary of financial transactions with Governor A.A. Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State on the ground that Governor Matawalle has ‘vacated’ his office as Governor by defecting to the APC. The PDP also stated in very clear terms that the Deputy Governor, Mahdi Aliyu Gusau, now holds the Zamfara Governorship mandate and ought to be accorded the protection and privileges due the office of Governor as the formal process for his official declaration as substantive Governor of Zamfara State has commenced at the Federal High Court.
I was tempted to dismiss this statement by the PDP with a wave of the hand as a joke but I quickly realized that some of the tumultuous moments we have had as a country began as seemingly innocent jokes. My intervention is therefore borne out of patriotism (yes, I admit, maybe partisanship too) and a duty to set the records straight.
To give its illogical assertions some veil of constitutionality, the PDP placed reliance on Section 221 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) as well as the judgment of the Supreme Court in Faleke v. INEC.
Unfortunately for the PDP, the Supreme Court decision in Faleke v. INEC does not relate to the consequence of the defection of a Governor from one political party to the other. A more apt instance will be the Atiku Abubakar scenario wherein Atiku Abubakar as Vice President, elected under the PDP, defected to the then Action Congress. President Olusegun Obasanjo attempted to declare his office vacant in circumstances similar to the Zamfara scenario and the dispute ended in Court. I was part of the legal team at the time. It is trite that under the 1999 constitution, provisions relating to removal of the President/Vice President are replicated with respect to Governors/Deputy Governors. The position of the Supreme Court was reported as ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE FEDERATION V. ABUBAKAR (2007) 10 NWLR (PART 1041) 1. At page 124 of the Report, Honourable Justice Onnoghen set down the position thus:
“There is no where in the 1999 Constitution where it is stated that the President or Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be removed or is removable from that office if he defects from the political party on whose platform he was elected to that office and joins another political party. It is the Constitutional responsibility of the Legislature to make or amend the laws including the Constitution, where the need arises, while that of the judiciary remains to interpret and apply the laws so made or amended. The courts can therefore not add to nor subtract from the law as enacted by the Legislature under the guise of judicial interpretation of the Constitution or Statute which the appellant desires this court to do in the instant case on appeal.”
Additionally, Section 221 of the 1999 Constitution does not avail the PDP any protection and is not remotely applicable to the present situation in Zamfara State. Section 221 of the 1999 Constitution merely deals with the prohibition of political activities by associations other than political parties. The attempt by the PDP to import the provisions of section 68 of the 1999 Constitution into section 221 of the 1999 Constitution smacks of mischief. If the intent of the draftsmen was to prohibit the defection of Governors to other political parties, it would have been so expressly stated like in the case of lawmakers. The provisions of the 1999 Constitution are very clear on the grounds for the removal of an Executive Governor of a State from office and defection to another political party is not one of such grounds. The Constitution has ‘covered the field’. However, in its characteristic manner, the PDP has interpreted the law to suit its mischief. At Page 179 of AGF v. ABUBAKAR (supra), Honourable Justice Aderemi went further to add as follows:
“It is manifest from the above quoted constitutional provisions that the law-makers intended to and indeed have made punishable the defection of an elected member, from the political party that sponsored him, to another political party before the expiration of the period for which the House was elected by declaring his seat vacant. No similar provision was made for the Vice President even for the President. If the legislators had intended the Vice President or even the President to suffer the same fate, they would have inserted that provision in clear terms……I have earlier said in this judgment that the removal of the President and/or Vice President from office is an exclusive function of the National Assembly. To stealthily read words in the terms of Section 68(1)(g) or Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution into Section 146(3)(c) of the same Constitution and hold that, by his conduct, the Vice President has voluntarily vacated his office will paint a picture of the judiciary foraging into the exclusive territory of the legislators.”
It is extremely laughable that the PDP that celebrated the defection of Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State and Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State from the APC to the PDP with such elaborate ballyhoo and fanfare would muster the effrontery to attempt to remove Governor Bello Matawalle from office for defecting to the APC. Once again, it is simply ridiculous.
One interesting point the Supreme Court also made in the Atiku Abubakar’s case which must have been lost on the PDP is that once a candidate is elected as President or Vice-President (in this case, a Governor) he automatically drops the ticket upon which he/she rode to power and becomes a President or Vice-President of the FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, and not of that political party. The ticket is only a VEHICLE to get elected. Once elected, the Governor drops that party ticket and becomes a free agent for EVERYONE in that State. He is therefore free to associate (and decamp) as he likes to any political party. The Supreme Court judgment on Zamfara did not proscribe APC as a political party in the State. It only prohibited it from sponsoring candidates AT THE ELECTION (and not from receiving members to its fold subsequently). Perhaps, the PDP is assuming that it continues to sponsor Matawale IN OFFICE as Governor. No. That SPONSORSHIP ended the MOMENT Gov. Matawale was elected. In fact, to stretch the matter further, belonging to a political party is ONLY for the purpose of ELECTION for President, Vice-President, Governor and Deputy Governor (this may not apply to Legislators as they must continue to belong to a political party whilst in office). So, a Governor, upon being elected can even decide not to belong to a Political Party. In fact to follow the warped logic of PDP on this issue, all a political party needs to do to get rid of a Governor from office is to expel the Governor from the Party!
I also wonder the audacity the PDP has to directly instruct banks not to transact any business with a duly elected Governor. This is such a joke that it portrays the PDP as a comedy troupe. It is also very seditious to attempt to shut down or take over the Government of Zamfara State without a court order and by unconstitutional means. This must be deprecated by all Nigerians.
The PDP should realise that its infantile and illogical position in the case of ZAMFARA appears as a joke, but it has the capability of causing chaos in the State by inciting the uninformed ones in that great State to resort to lawlessness. My advice for the PDP is to concentrate on calming its rocking boat and not to be chasing a horse that has already bolted from the stable.
I rest my case.
Festus Keyamo, SAN, FCIArb (UK)
Hon. Minister of State, Labour and Employment.
Rep. Dum Dekor Rates Gov Wike Best Among Peers In Nigeria
Governor Ezenwo Nyesom Wike of Rivers State is the best and the most selfless among all the serving governors in the country today especially in infrastructural development.
The lawmaker representing Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Dumnamene Robinson Dekor made the observation while speaking on the sidelines of the official account and stewardship of Gov Wike to Rivers people at the Obi Wali International Conference Centre, Port Harcourt, Monday, July 12, 2021.
Rt. Hon. Dekor who is also the Chairman, House Committee on Host Communities said among all the serving state governors in the country, Gov Wike has demonstrated capacity, gifted and committed in terms and in principles much more than expected and is now a leadership model in Nigeria.
In infrastructural development, the lawmaker said the landmarks are all there to tell the story. The achievements are so much and amazing that one hardly knows where to begin to count, he noted.
Rt. Hon. Dekor, further noted that this is about the only time in the annals of the history of Rivers State, an overwhelming majority of the people including the opposition, all ethnic groups and other pressure groups have expressed joy and passed a collective vote of confidence on any State Chief Executive as having done well and demonstrated that Rivers State is one united entity.
“You can see that from His Excellency’s flag-off of development projects and completed projects commissioning visits to all the 23 local government areas in the State and the mammoth turnout of admirers and supporters to welcome him. We are all happy to be part of this revolution in the State and will ever remain grateful to God for giving us this kind of committed and courageous leader at this period in our State’s history,” Rt. Hon. Dekor declared.
He reiterated his resolve to continue to contribute in any way he can to encourage and support the governor and by motivating his constituents to do same so that the state will continue to savour these rare dividends of democracy, courtesy His Excellency, Chief Barr. Nyesom Wike.
LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU CALLS FOR TRUST, ACCOUNTABILITY, TRANSPARENCY IN PUBLIC, PRIVATE SECTORS
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has stressed the need for trust, accountability and transparency in governance, as well as high level of professionalism in the public and private sectors.
He said these are qualities required for a sustainable social and economic development in the country.
Governor Sanwo-Olu made the statement on Tuesday while receiving the delegation of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), led by its President, Mrs. Comfort Eyitayo, during a courtesy visit at the Lagos House, Ikeja.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who described accounting profession as noble and of high integrity, said Lagos State Government will continue to support the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, adding that his administration will provide necessary support for the entrepreneurship scheme project the institute intends to set up for young professionals.
He said: “For us in Lagos State Government and in the public service of the State, we consider our role here, as one of trust. Trust in governance is one of our key objectives here. We believe that we are in a position of trust.
“We are in a position where we need to continue to hold ourselves accountable and hold ourselves answerable to the voting public that elected us into office. But more importantly, to be able to hold on to the tenet of ensuring that everything we do, we can account for it; be it infrastructure, financial and human capital.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu while commending Lagos State Public Service for having its own arm of ICAN and quality chartered accountants in the Civil Service disclosed that Lagos State Government has one of the largest chartered accountant members in the country aside the banks, which are in the private sector.
Speaking earlier, the President of ICAN, Comfort Eyitayo commended Governor Sanwo-olu for the massive infrastructural projects in the state and regards for professionalism across all sectors.
She said: “You (Governor Sanwo-Olu) have demonstrated to us in clear terms your special regard for professionalism and professionals across all fields. This is visibly reflected in the way you have engaged professionals as you pursue the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda of your administration.
“It is not surprising that Lagos State is witnessing massive infrastructural developments, some already completed and other ongoing projects. You are equally building a State that would be highly connected thereby positioned to become a 21st century economy.
“It is noteworthy that Lagos is already the biggest technology hub for start-ups and its ecosystem in Africa. One of the drivers of this enviable status of the State is the expansion of broadband access to every part of the state.”
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
JULY 13, 2021
Press Statement
The Sole Administrator, Rivers State Waste Management Agency, RIWAMA, Bro Felix Obuah says if those who have mismanaged the nation’s resources in recent times for lack of ideas and leadership qualities had consulted the Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, Nigerians would have been a lot better, healthier and happier.
Bro Obuah who made the remarks while fielding questions from newsmen immediately after the presentation of Governor Wike’s scorecard in the last six years to Rivers people and stakeholders at the famous Obi Wali International Conference Centre, Port Harcourt, Monday, July 12, 2021, said the ingenuity and landmarks of His Excellency have confounded his political detractors and silenced the opposition in the State.
The RIWAMA boss said Governor Wike has not only written his name on the marbles for referencing but also proved beyond doubt that the mandate given to him by the Rivers people was not misplaced.
Sharing in the joy of Wike’s epochal breakthroughs in infrastructural and human capital developments, the RIWAMA boss who superintended the affairs of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and under whose stratagem the governor won the governorship election back to back in 2015 and 2019 respectively, said he would remain ever grateful to God for the choice of the courageous Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.
He advised the All Progressives Congress-led federal government to swallow their pride and feel free to consult the Ikwerre-born politician for advice on how to pull the country out of the abysmal pit it has dragged her into.
Bro Obuah said it looks like magic that within so short a period, all the nooks and crannies of the State have been caught up in Wike’s revolution, changing the entire face of the state capital that even ‘we’ who live here are missing our way while driving because of not only the rehabilitated and newly constructed roads and flyovers, but also the installation of landmarks with hypnotizing aesthetic appeals.
The RIWAMA boss said, with the standard set by Governor Wike, it’s no longer going to be business as usual for any kind of person to long for the administration of any component the new Rivers State.
“I can’t but thank my leader, good brother, friend and state chief executive, His Excellency, Chief Barr Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, GSSRS, PoS (Africa) for not disappointing the Rivers people and our dear party. He has practically touched all sectors of the state economy – education, health, environment, transport, sports, judiciary, name it. Let me once again, enjoin the good people of Rivers State to continue to pray for and give His Excellency their support and for sure, everybody will be happier for it. May the good Lord continue to grant him the good health and more grace to execute all he has for our state”, Bro Obuah prayed.
Jerry Needam
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to
Bro. Felix Obuah, Sole Administrator,
Rivers State Waste Management Agency, RIWAMA.
Monday, July 12, 2021.
…Taskforce Strike Force Impounds 105 Motorcycles
The war against criminality in Lagos State has gone a notch higher as the State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, personally arrested a gang of suspected criminals, which specialises in harassing motorists and road users in traffic.
The gang of suspected criminals met their waterloo Monday morning while attempting to unleash terror on a motorist around Ojota in-bound Alausa. Help however came for the motorist as Governor Sanwo-Olu’s convoy approached the scene to rescue him from the three machete-wielding criminals who were at the time, trying to forcefully drag him out of his vehicle.
The security personnel attached to the Governor swooped on the suspects, retrieved the dangerous weapons from them and arrested the three of them.
It would be recalled that Governor Sanwo-Olu while handing over security equipment purchased by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) to the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, for the use of Lagos Police Command, on Thursday June 10, said there would be no hiding place for criminals in the State.
“We are determined to stabilize the security situation in Lagos State, as our own contribution towards lasting national security. Let me also use this opportunity to sound a note of warning to all criminals who are operating in Lagos State or planning to operate here; all armed robbers, kidnappers, cultists, bandits, and other criminals, we will leave no stone unturned in making this State inhospitable to you. We will find you, wherever you may be lurking and we will bring the full weight of the law on you,” Governor Sanwo-Olu declared.
The brand new crime-fighting equipment donated to the Lagos State Police Command were; 150 Double Cabin Vehicles, 30 Saloon Patrol Vehicles, 1,000 Ballistic Vests; 1,000 Ballistic Helmets, 1,000 Handheld Police Radios/Walkie-Talkies, 100 Security Patrol Bikes; two Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs), four High Capacity Troop Carriers and two Anti-Riot Water Cannon Vehicles.
Governor Sanwo-Olu stated after his security personnel arrested the three machete-wielding criminals that the exercise was a warning signal to other criminal elements and prospective traffic robbers in Lagos that there is no hiding place for criminality in Lagos State.
Also on Monday, the Strike Squad of the Lagos State Taskforce carried out a massive raid on motorcycle (okada) riders at Second rainbow and Toyota Bus Stop along Apapa-Oshodi Expressway.
During the raid, which lasted for some hours, a total of 105 motorcycles were impounded. Prior to Monday’s raid, a total of 201 motorcycles were impounded last week.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
JULY 12, 2021
President Muhammadu Buhari joins the government and people of Kaduna State to mourn the passing of Architect Barnabas Yusuf Bala (Bantex), a former Deputy Governor of the State during the first tenure of Governor Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai.
President Buhari believes that Architect Bantex, a true gentleman and consummate professional, will be fondly remembered for his many years of distinguished service in his home State, his patriotism to the nation as well as forthrightness in politics.
The President also affirms that the former Deputy Governor, who served as chairman of Kaura Local Government Council and member representing Kaura Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, was a potent voice on peace, stability and progress at the State and National level.
The President extends his deepest condolences to the family of Bala, his friends, associates and many followers, who benefited immensely from his responsible stewardship as a public servant and political office holder.
President Buhari prays God almighty to grant the departed eternal rest and comfort those who mourn the irreparable loss.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 11, 2021
…Isolation Centres Filling Up Again, Says Governor
…In-Bound Travellers Defaulting Isolation Protocols Risk Prosecution, Imprisonment
Lagos State Government has raised the alarm of a possible third wave of Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, following a sharp increase in the number of positive cases recorded in the last few weeks.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday, imposed restrictions and sanctions after disclosing that the State’s daily cases of COVID-19 confirmation had shot up to 6.6 per cent over a period of one week.
The development may not be unconnected to the careless attitude of air passengers from countries in the “high risk” zones and the complacency by the residents to follow the protective protocols issued by the Government after the end of the second wave.
Sanwo-Olu disclosed that 18 percent of 50,322 air passengers of interest, who arrived in Lagos via the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), could not be reached for COVID-19 status monitoring by EKOTELEMED because they supplied wrong contact details.
Going forward, the Governor ordered sanctioning of in-bound air passengers that failed to provide verifiable contact details, including accessible phone numbers they can be reached for monitoring.
Sanwo-Olu said air passengers would face prosecution, including fines and imprisonment in line with the Lagos State Coronavirus Law of 2021.
The Governor said: “In spite of our hard work and dedicated efforts towards sustaining the return to normalcy, over the last three months, after the flattened the curve of the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic, we are now finding ourselves at what appears to be the start of a potential third wave of the pandemic in Lagos State. From the beginning of July, we started to experience a steep increase in the number of daily confirmed cases.
“The rapid increase within a week gives great cause for concern. Also, within the last two weeks, the occupancy rate at our isolation centres increased to an average of six per cent. This is the disturbing reality that now confronts us. As directed by the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 (PSC), passengers from red-listed countries (India, South Africa, Brazil and Turkey) are required to observe mandatory isolation.
“We have successfully isolated 2,386 passengers in Lagos. Of this number, 15 per cent have absconded. Sanctions are being recommended and have already been meted out to defaulters. Revocation of Permanent Residency and deportation are being meted out to foreign nationals defaulting the protocols. For Nigerians, there will be prosecution to the full extent of the Lagos State COVID-19 Law of 2021.”
The situation at hand, Sanwo-Olu said, required reactivation of full compliance with all protective protocols already outlined by the State Government.
The Governor said there should be compulsory use of masks in all public places, while also directing social distancing, compulsory temperature checks, provisions for hand-washing and sanitizers, and maximum of 50 per cent occupancy in enclosed spaces.
Sanwo-Olu urged worship centres to be particularly vigilant, advising them not to be carried away by the illusion that all activities were back to normal.
He said: “It is understandable that many are tired and want their old, pre-pandemic lives to return. Unfortunately, we do not have a choice in this regard, and fatigue is not an option. We cannot afford to be tired, frustrated or distracted. Without the cooperation of the public at large, we stand the risks of losing both lives and livelihood, on a devastating scale.
“The enemy (COVID-19) is formidable and opportunistic. The pandemic will only go as far as we allow it. Having triumphed over the first and second waves, we must now find within ourselves new reserves of energy to quell this emerging third wave before it snowballs out of control.”
The Governor decried the low vaccination rate in the State, pointing out that only a fraction of the populace received the recommended doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine being rolled out to achieve herd immunity.
This, he said, is not adequate, adding that the State Government was exploring all avenues possible to ramp up access to vaccine to reach the immunity target of 60 per cent coverage.
Sanwo-Olu said Lagos would continue to work with all partners across the Government and private institutions to ensure permanent isolation of the virus.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
JULY 11, 2021
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