It is now crucial for Nigeria to prioritize the reduction of insecurity to the lowest possible level in order to fully benefit from the domestic economic initiatives of the new administration and the renewed international diplomatic and economic stance of the Tinubu's government. The need for this has become imperative following the enthusiasm generated by President Tinubu's recent attendance at the G20 summit in India and trip to the United Arab Emirates to address the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between the two countries, which was affected by the suspension of travel visas to Nigerians and the flight suspension of Emirates airlines to Nigeria.

While the government's efforts to harmonize the foreign exchange rate and remove fuel subsidy have been applauded by local and international economists and analysts, it is essential for the government to simultaneously address the security situation in the country in a more serious and strategic manner.

Starting from the first reported case of armed robbery in Nigeria by the Oyenusi gang in the early 1970s to the activities of the Maitasine bandits in the 1980s and 1990s, armed banditries which hitherto was on the increase and prevalent in the northeast region of the country, has now spread to other parts of the country.

This phenomenon has been exacerbated by the destabilization of governments in Libya and Iraq, including the overthrow of Muammer Gaddafi and Saddam Hussein. In the 2000s, insecurity took on a new turn in the form of Boko Haram, IPSWA, kidnapping and Farmers-Herders clashes.

To effectively tackle insecurity and provide assurance to foreign investors regarding their personal safety and security, it ihas now become urgent to reposition the Nigerian police, the DSS, and other security agencies towards preemptive and crime preventive services. These security services should undergo comprehensive training, retraining, and be equipped and resourced adequately. A new approach that incorporates international best practices in policing, crime prevention, and enforcement is necessary.

Furthermore, in order to promote the Ease of Doing Business initiative, Nigeria must go beyond mere slogans and address the obstacles that hinder business operations in the country. This includes rebranding the country, improving services in embassies and high commissions related to visa issuance and information management. It is crucial to decentralize activities from Lagos and Abuja, develop more international airports of international standards, and decentralize the corporate affairs commission. Every Nigerian should embrace the role of a marketer for a New Nigeria that is prepared and open for business. Additionally, cybercrimes and advanced fee fraud (also known as 419) must be strongly addressed.

Once these issues have been effectively addressed, Nigeria will be on its way to achieving the greatness it is destined for and has the potential to achieve. As I always say, "There is no Nigerian way of flying a Boeing 747..."

In spite of its internal contradictions and a chronically weak economy, Nigeria is earnestly searching for international clout. We desire to be respected and treated as a regional superpower. At every opportunity, the government touts our massive land size and huge population, and seeks the country’s membership of important global forums. But do we really need deserve to be a member of these groupings? What else drives these cravings to belong despite our problems at home? At the G20 Summit at New Delhi over the weekend, President Tinubu said the group is incomplete without Nigeria as a member. ‘’Nigeria is poised, willing and able to be a major player in this family of the G20 and in shaping a new world, without whom, the family will remain incomplete’’, he said in an address in which he also presented our credentials as Africa’s largest economy, market and democracy. South Africa is the only African nation in G20.

At the BRICS Summit in South Africa last month, Vice President Kassim Shettima expressed our desire to join the bloc because Nigeria is seeking a partnership that provides opportunities for all to engage in trade, prosperity and shared progress with no marginalization based on geography, race and legitimate sovereign affiliations. He said: ‘’We want a partnership that guarantees a world governed by acceptable rules and norms. These nations confront historical developmental vulnerabilities and challenges that are beyond their control. Thus, it is imperative for us to unite within regional groups and forge a novel form of international cooperation’’. Again, South Africa is the only African nation in the BRICS.

Before seeking to join these bodies, it is important that we first of all find out why we were left out in the first instance; and why South Africa, which we helped liberate from Apartheid three decades ago, was preferred as a member. G20 (Group of Twenty) is an international forum consisting of 19 counties and the European Union (EU). Over the weekend, African Union (AU) was admitted as the 21st member. Formed in 1999 as a response to the debt crises that plagued many developing nations in the 1990s, its membership was drawn from a list of nations with the largest economies that were critical to world markets. Other considerations were regional representation to ensure diversity and balanced representation; systemic importance (countries that play crucial role in global economic and financial systems); willingness to participate in international forums like the IMF, WTO and other multilateral economic platforms and ability to cooperate and contribute to international economic discussions. In 1999, Nigeria had not become a major economy and oil was selling at around $20 per barrel. South Africa was the biggest and a highly diversified economy in the continent with a GDP of about $400 billion. It was only in April 2014 that the Nigerian economy was rebased (recalculated to reflect current prices and market structure) and that’s when it overtook South Africa by a small margin as the biggest in the continent.

Twenty-four years after, Nigeria appears more eligible to join G20, but unfortunately, it has no immediate plans to increase its membership with additional sovereign countries. The BRICS bloc, formed 10 years after G20, may expand its membership and hopefully, Nigeria may be admitted. But it’s quite jarring that we were left out of the two important global economic blocs formed in the last almost 25 years. This is a reflection of our diminished standing in the global stage due to our chronically weak economy and persistently high corruption. No matter the fine speeches we read at world events, Nigeria will never be respected globally and admitted into any important international forum if our political leaders continue in their old habits of stealing from the treasury. We may be invited to attend such forums every year, but attaining membership would be a forlorn hope unless we embrace global best practice in governance. It was in 2016 that the then Prime Minister of Britain, David Cameron, was caught on camera, as telling the Queen that Nigeria and Afghanistan were two ‘’fantastically corrupt’’ countries. They were discussing privately at the sidelines of an anti-corruption summit in London and the PM, not aware that the microphone lying near him was open, made the remark as President Buhari walked in. I wonder what Cameron would say today with all the revelations that have emerged since then.

In a few weeks, President Tinubu will travel to New York to attend the UN General Assembly where he will address the august body on the usual issues: impacts of climate change; energy transition in Africa; debt relief for poor nations and the need to expand the membership of the Security Council to include our continent. But the world will never respect us or listen to us until we clean up our act.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on Monday in Abu Dhabi, have finalized a historic agreement, which has resulted in the immediate cessation of the visa ban placed on Nigerian travelers.

Furthermore, by this historic agreement, both Etihad Airlines and Emirates Airlines are to immediately resume flight schedules into and out of Nigeria, without any further delay.

As negotiated between the two Heads of State, this immediate restoration of flight activity, through these two airlines and between the two countries, does not involve any immediate payment by the Nigerian government.

In recognition of President Tinubu's economic development diplomacy drive and proposals today presented by President Tinubu to his counterpart, an agreed framework has been established, which will involve several billions of U.S. dollars worth of new investments into the Nigerian economy across multiple sectors, including defense, agriculture and others, by the investment arms of the Government of the United Arab Emirates.

Additionally, President Tinubu is pleased to have successfully negotiated a joint, new foreign exchange liquidity programme between the two Governments, which will be announced in detail in the coming weeks.

In conclusion, the President wishes to commend the UAE President, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for his unalloyed friendship and his determined effort to join hands with him to fully normalize and reset to excellence, the standard of relations between the two important countries.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

Nigeria’s Super Eagles ended their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign on an impressive note with Victor Osimhen scoring  hat-trick in a 6-0 demolition Sao Tome and Principe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Sunday night.

The Super Eagles applied pressure from the get go and played most of their football in advanced positions up the pitch.

Nigeria were awarded a couple of corners inside the first five minutes of the game but failed to make the most of their opportunities.

Nigeria continued to dominate play as the 10th minute rolled on and pinned Sao Tome back during the opening exchanges of the game.

With Sao Tome buckling under the pressure, Nigeria took the lead in the 13th minute as Osimhen scored his eighth goal of their qualifying campaign.

The game reached a tacky period around the 20th minute mark, with neither side progressing in the final third, but the Super Eagles managed to double their lead in the 27th minute as Ademola Lookman added his name to the scoresheet.

After a passing move on the edge of the Sao Tome area, Lookman made way inside the box before letting off a shot that beat the opposition goalkeeper at his near post.

Taiwo Awoniyi and Samuel Chukwueze completed the rout.

Sports Development Minister John Owan Enoh, who was among the spectators at the Stadium, congratulated the Nigerian team for rewarding the support of Nigerians with a good performance, while charging the team to bring home the AFCON trophy next year.

“On the behalf of all Nigerians, I congratulate the Super Eagles for making the country proud with such an incredible performance. While this wraps up our qualification gracefully, I want to charge the team to go out against all odds in Ivory Coast next year. We want the AFCON trophy to land in Nigeria and all hands will be on deck to make this happen,” he stated.

“The ministry will work round the clock to ensure the team gets the best preparation possible, in our quest to bring glory to Nigeria. Our players have displayed commitment to the national colours and I hope that the renewed sense of patriotism remains in place to catalyze the team at the AFCON.”

The Super Eagles bagged 15 points from six games to secure top spot in Group A. Lagos-born Victor Osimhen grabbed a hat trick to become Nigeria’s fourth all-time highest goalscorer with 20 goals.

[Leadership]

Former Arsenal attacker, Kevin Campbell has given his verdict on Declan Rice and Thomas Partey as the Gunners return to the Champions League this season.

This season’s Champions League campaign will commence next week.

Arsenal are already in Group B of this season’s Champions League, alongside Sevilla, PSV and Lens.

Mikel Arteta’s side will host PSV at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.

However, Campbell believes Arsenal fans and football lovers will see the best of both Rice and Partey in the Champions League this season if the Ghanaian international is fit to feature for the Premier League giants.

“I truly believe Declan Rice, he is only working, at the moment, to about 60-65% capacity of his talent. I really do,” Campbell said on The Highbury Squad.

“But he is learning how to play in this system. It is only four games, and he has been immense in all four games.

“I just think his ceiling is massive. I will be brutally honest with you. When Thomas Partey is fit, and you got those two as a pivot, then you see the best of these guys in the Champions League.”

[TheCable]

A former Minister of Aviation and chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Osita Chidoka has slammed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its failure to electronically transmit election results in real-time during the 2023 general elections.

Chidoka, while appearing on Channels TV Politics Today on Sunday, stated that despite promises made with the Anambra, Ekiti, and Osun gubernatorial elections, the commission failed ‘on a large scale.’

He said, “INEC is a monumental disgrace; it is an organization that I am ashamed to associate with as a Nigerian. They made promises with the Anambra, Ekiti, and Osun elections.

“Despite not testing the system, it is a shame that INEC went to court to argue that not complying with its regulations does not make it a ground to cancel an election.”

He also stated that if INEC had transmitted the results in real life, there would be no reason for the parties to go to court.

“If the results we saw from the polling unit were the same as what we saw at the collation centres, there would be no reason to be in court.

Chidoka said there’s a possibility President Tinubu would have won the election if ‘the right thing was done.’

[Vanguard]

Taiwo Oyedele, the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, has said there are no plans to tax the poor and that Nigerians will begin to make input in the reform process by September ending.

President Bola Tinubu named Oyedele to head the committee mandated to review and redesign Nigeria’s fiscal system with respect to revenue mobilisation, both tax and non-tax; quality of government spending and sustainable debt management.

The work of the committee is expected to be completed within one year, at which point they would bridge the tax bracket estimated at N20trn.

But Oyedele, said in a tweet seen by THE WHISTLER said, “We do not intend to introduce new taxes or impose higher tax rates. Rather, our mandate is to reduce the number of taxes and levies while harmonising revenue collection to reduce the burden on the people and businesses.

“The objective is to avoid taxing investment, capital, production or poverty. We plan to review and re-enact the major tax laws in a holistic manner thereby limiting the necessity for frequent changes through annual finance acts.

He said Nigerians from all works of life would be given the opportunity to make their inputs on how best to achieve an inclusive tax reform.

Oyedele said, “The committee will open channels of communication and platforms for submission of inputs by the end of September 2023.

“In addition, we have outline various stakeholder engagement sessions with Nigerians from all walks of life including people living with disabilities, artisans, Nigerians in the diaspora, multinational companies, international investment community and so on. Everyone who has something to say will be heard.”

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has criticized Mr. Phrank Shuaibu, an aide to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, for accusing Vice-President Kashim Shettima of aiding and abetting Boko Haram insurgents during his tenure as governor of Borno.

Shuaibu had accused Shettima of aiding and abetting the insurgents during his tenure as governor of Borno, specifically implicating him in the abduction of the Chibok girls.

However, Professor Ishaq Akintola, Executive Director of MURIC, stated in a Monday statement in Abuja that the allegations were false and malicious.

“We are confounded by the weight and intensity of these allegations, especially against a sitting vice president. They are false, malicious, odious, and insidious. They are simply lies from the pit of Jahannam.

“Somebody must have locked Mr. Shuaibu’s medulla oblongata and thrown away the key, otherwise he would not turn the pages of history upside down the way he has just done. How could any rational being accuse VP Shettima of aiding Boko Haram?

“It is on record that former President Goodluck Jonathan threatened to withdraw federal troops from Borno when Shettima, as the state governor, complained of a glaring lackadaisical approach from the federal government to the Boko Haram saga.
He asked if Shettima would be able to stay in the government house if he withdrew federal troops,” he said.

Akintola added, “Jonathan’s exact words were, ‘I will pull them out for one month, whether he (Shettima) will stay in that Government House. But if he thinks what he said is correct, then I will pull out the armed forces for one month.

“Shettima had complained to the visiting president that Boko Haram was gaining the upper hand in the region because Nigerian soldiers were not well-armed. But an angry Jonathan gave him the cold response above.

“It was more than a response. It was a threat. It was like, ‘Behave, or I will unleash them on you.’

“We affirm that Shettima’s complaint was meant to attract better equipment for Nigerian soldiers so that they would be able to confront Boko Haram fighters more effectively.”

“We are of the humble opinion that a governor who is aiding the insurgents would not make such a request; instead, he would have joined the indifferent camp of looters of funds meant for the purchase of weapons for Nigerian soldiers. Mr. Shuaibu’s allegation against VP Shettima is therefore frivolous, mischievous, and lactiferous.

“Of course, events later proved Shettima right as reports of the $2.1 million arms fund investigation later revealed that indeed Nigerian soldiers were deprived of weapons and money meant to buy them was shared among Jonathan’s party men.

“We are equally miffed by Shuaibu’s allegation that Shettima aided the kidnapping of the Chibok girls. It is on record that former President Jonathan refused to act for nineteen (19) days after the abduction of the poor girls.
It is, therefore, the zenith of mischief for Atiku’s aide to accuse Shettima of involvement in the ugly incident.

“Official duplicity cannot be totally ignored. For example, in the case of Dapchi where 110 girls were abducted, the governor of Yobe at the time alleged that soldiers were withdrawn a week before the attack.

“MURIC admonishes Mr. Shuaibu to look elsewhere for those responsible for lapses in the attack on the Chibok girls. We have no doubt that he does not have to look far, perhaps behind his shoulders.”

The Court of Appeal said the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal (PEPT) has the right to dismiss the petition of dual citizenship and perjury against President Bola Tinubu.

Naija News reported that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, had petitioned the tribunal that Tinubu was unqualified to contest the presidency because he has dual citizenship.

He claimed that the passport of the president surfaced after he had already said under oath that he had never obtained foreign citizenship while submitting his application to run for president.

But in a post via his official X handle on Sunday, the Court of Appeal said it had uploaded the full judgement of the PEPT on the 2023 presidential election.

According to the judgement, the appellate court said it dismissed the petition against Tinubu because Atiku introduced the matter at a time when the president’s lawyers could no longer respond.

The court held that it was deemed to be an “unfair tactic” that would not be tolerated.
It held: “It is now through their Reply that Petitioners, who themselves seemed to have had no clear idea of what they meant by 2nd Respondent’s non-qualification for the election or simply deliberately kept it back when filing their petition, want to now introduce through their Reply at a time when respondents have no further right of responding to them,” the court held in the September 6 decision. “Such unfair tactics cannot, and is not, allowed by our law.”

The five-member panel said that the matter of Guinean citizenship was a fact that should have been presented as a separate petition rather than as a response to Tinubu’s defence.

The judges berated the former vice president’s lawyers as being “clever by half” when they introduced the passport that Tinubu obtained from a foreign country.

“The petitioners were only being clever by half when they claimed in paragraph 2.1 (b) of their Reply that they were simply giving, as they put it, ‘further details’ of the non-qualification of 2nd respondent by averring to the conviction, fine, certificate forgery and dual citizenship of 2nd Respondent that they raised in their Replies,” the judges said.

“They had never given any details of 2nd Respondent’s non-qualification and so cannot talk about ‘further details’ let alone hide under such ‘further’ details to smuggle in the new facts they averred in paragraph 1.2 (i) (ii), (iii), (iv) (v) and 2. l (b) of their Reply.”

The panel of five justices led by Haruna Tsammani said that to adjudge Tinubu was ineligible to run for office based on a nebulous “reason of non-qualification” contained in Atiku and PDP’s initial petition, left all parties involved, including the court and electoral commission completely at sea.

“Therefore, an assertion that merely says that a person is not qualified to contest the election by reason of non-qualification will leave not just the person so assailed but every other person involved, including the court, at a loss as to what the pleader has in mind,” they said.

The judges, however, failed to disclose how Tinubu’s apparent perjury should be addressed, especially since the Nigerian Constitution specifically prohibits making false submissions to the electoral office.