President Bola Tinubu has expressed his readiness to incorporate technology into public service administration.

According to a statement issued by Ajuri Ngelale, special adviser to the president on media and publicity, Tinubu spoke on Monday while receiving Andres Arroyo, vice-president of Oracle, a computer technology company, at the State House.

The president noted that technology helps to ensure that data from public institutions are accurate and transparent as well as aid accountability.

The statement said Tinubu’s enthusiasm was spurred by a collaboration between the government of Nigeria and Oracle, seeking to reform the country’s civil service and data management sector.

The president said Oracle’s proven success in the automation of the Lagos payroll system during his tenure as the governor of the state would help to ensure enhanced ease of doing business and digital innovation.

He added that it would also lead to effective identity management, efficient payroll administration, and qualitative citizen-centred service delivery

“I have tested Oracle and it has worked for our success. In Lagos State, what we did in effective collaboration with you, has been copied across the states of the Federation,” the statement quoted Tinubu as saying.

“We can only build our institutions with accurate data and cutting-edge data management capabilities that are reliable and effective. We can only rely upon our human resources for excellent service delivery to Nigerians if they are well-trained and ready to learn.

“The transfer of knowledge is essential for our nation and the continent. In this government, we believe that the only way to build our country is a bottom-up approach and from one single sheet of paper, we can create an end-to-end solution for public administration that will rid our service of its worst tendencies in favour of effectiveness and reliability.”

The president also expressed concern about the country’s “bloated” civil service payroll at the national and sub-national levels, noting that the wage bill consumes a large proportion of the country’s revenue.

“Each time they give me the payroll number, I get so frightened. Where am I going to get the capital to develop the infrastructure we desperately require if the payroll of 1% – 2% of the population is consuming all the revenue?” the statement quoted Tinubu as saying.

“I think we need a tight technological control that can check and balance all necessary control points of our transaction processes. I’m looking forward to working with Oracle because I have the belief and confidence that you can do it as you have in the past.”

On his part, Arroyo, Oracle’s vice president, applauded Tinubu for putting the interest of Nigerians at the forefront of the collaboration.

He assured that the partnership would ensure a smoother operation of the country’s affairs while achieving macroeconomic visibility.

Oando Plc said it has acquired 100 per cent of the shares of ENI in Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited (NAOC Ltd).

The oil giant made the disclosure on Monday.

The oil company said it has “reached an agreement with Eni (“ENI”) (an integrated energy company actively supporting a just
energy transition, with the objective of achieving Net-Zero carbon emissions by 2050 and promoting efficient and sustainable access to energy for all), for the acquisition of 100 per cent of the shares of Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited (NAOC Ltd).

“Completion of the transaction is subject to Ministerial Consent and other required regulatory approvals,” Oando said.

With the acquisition, Oando’s current participating interests in OMLs 60, 61, 62, and 63 have increased from 20 per cent to 40 per cent.

The deal increases Oando’s ownership stake in all NEPL/NAOC/OOL Joint Venture assets and infrastructure which include forty discovered oil and gas fields, of
which twenty-four are currently producing approximately forty identified prospects and leads, twelve production stations and approximately 1,490 km of
pipelines.

Others are three gas processing plants, the Brass River Oil Terminal, the Kwale Okpai phases 1 & 2 power plants (with a total nameplate capacity of 960MW),
and associated infrastructure.

“Based on 2021 reserves estimates, Oando’s total reserves stand at 503.3MMboe and the transaction will deliver a 98 per cent increase.

“The transaction also grows Oando’s exploration asset portfolio through the
acquisition of a 90 per cent interest in OPL 282 and 48 per cent interest in OPL 135.

“NAOC Ltd participating interest in SPDC JV (Shell Production Development Company Joint Venture – operator Shell 30 per cent, TotalEnergies 10 per cent, NAOC 5 per cent,” read the regulatory filing.

Wale Tinub, the Group Chief Executive, Oando PLC described the deal as an important milestone in the company’s future.

Tinubu said it would also unlock Oando’s potential as a major player in the Nigerian oil and gas sector.

“The synergies created by this acquisition will unlock unparalleled opportunities for us
to re-align expectations, enhance efficiency, optimize resource allocation, and
significantly increase production. Furthermore, it is in alignment with our strategy of acquiring, enhancing, appraising, and efficiently developing reserves.

“Today’s announcement is not just an important milestone for the future of Oando; it brings to bear the important role indigenous actors will play in the future of the Nigerian upstream sector.

“Having achieved this significant milestone, we look forward to closing the transaction and harnessing the full potential of the enhanced platform to accrue value for our local communities, stakeholders and shareholders.”

The Governor of Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has sent a second list of commissioner-nominees to the state House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.

The house announced the receipt of the list of nominees during the plenary on Monday.

Recall that the state assembly had earlier disqualified seventeen out of the thirty-nine commissioner nominees sent to it by Governor Sanwo-Olu.

Twenty-two of the Commissioner Nominees were, however, confirmed by the lawmakers last Wednesday.

The Chief Whip of the Assembly who also served as the Chairman of the Screening Committee, Mojeed Fatai Adebola while stating why the nominees were rejected said the rejection of the nominees was a result of the unanimous decision by all members of the state assembly and not his personal decision.

The statement reads, “Governor’s Nominees for Commissioners: Speaker Obasa calls on the committee that handled the previous nominees to take charge on the new list sent by the Governor, @jidesanwoolu, and report back to the House by Thursday 7/09/2023.

“Some of the nominees have their documents with you, and you can reach out to the new nominees. I want you to be thorough and do the needful while carrying out this exercise.”

Names of those who made the second list

1. Dr. Afolabi Abiodun Tajudeen

2. Mr. Oluwaseun Oriyomi Osiyemi

3. Prof. Akinola Emmanuel Abayomi

Dangote adbanner 728x90_2 (1)
4. Engr. Olalere Odusote

5. Dr. Oluwarotimi Omotola Wahab Fashola

6. Mrs. Folashade Kaosarat Ambrose-Medem

7. Mr. Akinyemi Bankole Ajigbotafe

8. Mr. Samuel Egube

9. Hon. Tolani Sule Akibu

10. Mrs. Bolaji Cecelia Dada

11. Mrs. Barakat Akande Bakare

12. Mr. Olugbenga Omotoso

13. Mr. Mosopefolu George

14. Yekini Nurudeen Agbaje

15. Dr. Olumide Oluyinka

16. Mr. Abayomi Samson Oluyomi

17. Dr. Iyabode Oyeyemi Ayoola

18. Hon. Sola Shakirudeen Giwa

The Nigeria Labour Congress has vowed to ground the economy as it says the stage is set for a two-day nationwide warning strike in response to the severe economic hardships plaguing the nation on the aftermath of subsidy removal by the Federal Government.

This move has garnered widespread support from key stakeholders, including the banking sector, civil society organisations, and workers’ unions, as they unite to address the growing economic crisis in the country.

The National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees, the umbrella organisation representing workers in the banking and insurance industry, on Monday vowed to take part in the strike, effectively shutting down financial activities across Nigeria.

A statement signed by the General Secretary of NUBIFIE, Mr Mohammed Sheikh, underscored the importance of their participation in the two-day warning strike by the NLC, citing the need to draw the government’s attention to the dire economic situation faced by Nigerians.

The leadership of NUBIFIE has issued a notice that all banks will be shut down on Tuesday, 5 and Wednesday, 6 September 2023, in line with the NLC two-day strike directive.

“The directives are imperative to get the needed attention of the government and to warn it against interfering in the internal affairs of unions instead of addressing the punishing economic circumstances we find ourselves in,” the statement emphasised.

Speaking with The PUNCH, the Senior Deputy General Secretary of NUBIFIE, Mr. Aboderin Olusola, reiterated their commitment to the NLC’s cause, stressing the necessity of solidarity among industrial unions during these trying times.

Olusola said, “It was NLC’s directive to all the industrial unions and NUBIFIE didn’t have any option than to issue that circular to all our members and management of banks and insurance companies in Nigeria.”

Joining the chorus of concern, the United Action Front of Civil Society has thrown its full support behind the NLC’s two-day warning strike.

In a statement signed by the Head of the National Coordinating Centre for the United Action Front of Civil Society, Wale Okunniyi, the organisation expressed outrage over the hardship inflicted on Nigerians by the government’s decision to remove fuel subsidies and subsequently raise the price of premium motor spirit.

The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria has backed the Nigerian Labour Congress to embark on the two-day warning strike.

This was contained in a letter on Monday titled, ‘Compliance to the Nigerian Labour Congress directive on a nationwide two-day warning strike’, signed by the Head of Media, MWUN, John Ikemefuna.

The PUNCH reports that on Friday, the NLC in a communiqué jointly signed by its National President, Joe Ajaero and Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, said it decided to embark on a two-day warning strike following what was described as the failure of the Tinubu-led Federal Government to dialogue and engage stakeholders within the organised labor on efforts to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal on Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as petrol, on the “poor masses”.

The President General of MWUN, Adewale Adeyanju, directed all its affiliates to embark on the two-day nationwide strike.

He said, “This decision is due to the Federal Government’s refusal to engage and reach an agreement with the organized labor on critical issues of the consequences of the unfortunate hike in the price of petrol, which has unleashed massive suffering on Nigerian workers and the generality of the Nigerian citizens.”

“The MWUN as an affiliate of the NLC, is obliged to comply with the directive and has consequently instructed all our members in all ports, jetties, terminals, and oil and gas platforms nationwide to partake on the two days total shut down warning strike as directed by the NLC.”

State chapters join

Labour unions across the states of the federation are also gearing up for the showdown.

In Abia State, the state chapter of the NLC accused the state government of insensitivity to their plights, describing it as unacceptable.

This was even as it has called on all affiliate unions in the state not to ignore the national directive on the warning strike but should join forces with organised labour to tell the government that enough is enough.

Subsidy pains: Labour insists on protest as Tinubu okays N500bn palliative, 3,000 buses
Addressing journalists in Umuahia on Monday, the state chairman, Pascal Iheme Nweke, regretted that the state government failed to carry labour along in matter that concerns workers in the state.

According to the Abia NLC, the relationship between government and labour in the state is not cordial, pointing out that the state government forms committees concerning workers in the state without involving labour, noting that it is not unacceptable.

Similarly, organised labour in Kogi state has ordered its members to join the two- day warning strike as directed by the National Executive Council of the NLC.

In a news bulletin circulated in Lokoja on Monday at the end an emergency meeting to ratify the decision made by the NEC, and signed by the Chairman, Gabriel Amari, and the Secretary, Owoeye Oladipupo respectively, the union said Kogi State as part of the country was not immune to the prevailing national sentiments, taking into account the extensive hardships and deprivation afflicting our citizens.

It said, “The council scrutinised the Federal government’s failure to establish structure to address the widespread suffering in our nation.”

“Furthermore, it considered the government’s deliberate neglect and disregard for engaging with national stakeholders through the channels of social dialogue, a commitment it had solemnly declared during the president’s inaugural address on May 29, 2023.

That influential, gallant, favoured, successful army general that came to Prophet Elisha had everything going for him but was unfortunately suffering from leprosy. There was a ‘but’ in his life. So many people you see today looking great have hidden, biting sicknesses and problems that only God, their doctors and maybe their close family members know about. Yes, they dress very well, ride good cars, live in mansions, and hold enviable positions, but something: sicknesses, problems, habits are eating them up from the inside. I have ministered to so many like this. They are just like this great Syrian army officer, “Now Naaman, the commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man in his master's sight and highly regarded; for through him the LORD had given victory to Aram. And he was a mighty warrior, but he was a leper.” 2 Kings 5:1. By his position as a successful army commander he was very influential and powerful. He had led his country to many victorious battles. He was also so much loved by his boss, the commander-in-chief; the king of Syria and his people. But this leprosy was a drag, a stain and a pain in his life. Sickness can indeed mess up your joy and attainments. What is that ‘but’ in your life that has refused to go away? It will be rolled away today in the name of Jesus!

   Leprosy is not just another sickness. No! It isolates and destroys. It eats up gradually and steadily. It is a fearful, chronic and contagious disease that affects the nerves of the extremities, the skin, the lining of the nose, and the upper respiratory tract. It causes light-coloured or red skin patches with reduced sensation, numbness and weakness in hands and feet and can also lead to disability if not treated on time. And the worse is that it has long incubation period, on average 5-7 years, and is the most complex and the chronic of all human bacterial diseases. Before it manifests, it would have done a considerable damage on the inside of the person. Then, also, lepers are stigmatized and isolated from the society. That is why you have the leper colonies in many places. Nobody wants to live with or associate with lepers. In the bible times, it was even worse. As a leper you have to tie a bell and also shout that you are unclean as you walk to avoid human contacts. They were also left outside the camp or city (Lepers colony) until they are either healed or dead. This army general was very lucky to still retain his position and favour because he was not living in a place like Israel where leprosy was like a semi death sentence.

    Is your current situation like leprosy?  Is it gradually, steadily, painfully eating you up?  You groan and suffer in silence. Yes, it may not be sickness, but there is something that is secretly, deeply, progressively draining your life and it has become unsolvable. And like most of the lepers you have decided to expect the worst or at least put up with the damage already done. Listen now, something miraculous will happen to you today. Naaman was there until he met the man of God - Prophet Elisha and his story changed immediately. It was just a common little slave girl that linked this great general to the divine source that eventually healed him. Most times our salvation comes from where and when we least expected. These few words you are reading now is about to introduce you to something that will permanently change your life. Elisha told Naaman to go and dip himself seven times in that muddy, dirty Jordan to receive his healing. Just like that? After a little hesitation and argument, the general finally dropped his pride, his position, his rank, his knowledge, history and tradition and obeyed. And what was the result? Immediately, his body transmuted into that of a little child healed and renewed! The leprosy totally disappeared. All the years of shame, pain, drain, tears were gone! Yours is also going away today in the mighty name of Jesus!

Have you already written your will?

  King Hezekiah was even in a worse situation. He was terminally sick and God himself told him to write his will because he was about to die. My God! But the man refused. Yes, you can refuse to die. You can refuse to fail. You can refuse that sickness and disease to permanently inhabit your body. You can refuse that situation to go on in your family. Yes, I always refuse anything that does not correspond with my destiny and the promise of God in my life. He ignored the message and the messenger, faced the wall and through prayer forced God to change that decision. Wow! So men can also change God’s decisions? There is no limit to the exploits of those that have faith. All things are possible to them. Yes, you heard me well, I said All THINGS. And all things mean all things, including your condition. That decision was changed, more years were added to Hezekiah and he also through that got a son that will sit on his throne after him. Remember he had none when he was told to pack up. You can get all you want from God if you know what to do. May be you have given up or about to. Please, don’t! There is still a solution. Jesus will heal you today. Share this message with other.

President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has been invited to the G20 summit, a gathering of some of the most developed countries in the world, taking place in India. This invitation presents numerous opportunities for Nigeria in the changing global economic landscape, particularly in relation to the controversial BRICS dimension. Additionally, Nigeria's leading position in Africa and its relationship with South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria and other countries on the continent, will play a crucial role in determining the country's future cooperation and rivalry with these nations, and establishing its strategic position in International affairs, as it relates to Africa

The G20 summit provides the Bola Tinubu’s government with a platform to engage with the world's leading economies and showcase its potential as a key player in the global economic order, especially with the emergence of the new government in Abuja. The president will be accompanied to the summit by a team of about 38-man top Nigerian businessmen, women, and government officials and Ministers.

It is crucial to ensure that the trip will ignite the attraction of Foreign Direct Investment into Nigeria, in multiple economic sectors. The government must assure the members of the G-20 that Nigeria is now open for business. The trip should send out the right signal that the country is ready for business. Global investors are like shoppers, who are perpetually looking for the best markets for their investments.

Nigerians expect that the invitation of the country to the summit will explore the opportunities that arise from Nigeria's participation in the G20, the implications of the BRICS dimension, and the dynamics of Nigeria's relationship with South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, and Algeria, on one hand and those of the members of the G-20 on the other.

There are clearly no sentiments when it comes to investments decisions and where businesses flow into. Investment destinations are solely influenced by enabling environments which guaranty safety and return on investment.

Importantly, the following are some of the developments that economists and analysts would want to see emanate from Nigeria’s participation in the summit:

Economic Opportunities:
Nigeria's participation in the G20 presents significant economic opportunities for the country. As one of the largest economies in Africa, Nigeria can attract foreign direct investment, forge new trade partnerships, and enhance its economic growth. The summit provides a platform for President Tinubu to highlight Nigeria's potential as an investment destination, particularly in sectors such as power, renewables, oil and gas, agriculture, marine and blue economy, and technology. By engaging with developed countries, Nigeria can learn from their experiences and adopt best practices to further strengthen its economy.

BRICS Dimension:
The BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) countries have emerged as major players in the global economy. Nigeria's participation in the G20 alongside these nations offers an opportunity to explore potential collaborations and partnerships. Nigeria, with its vast natural resources and growing consumer market, can benefit from trade and investment ties with the Bretton Woods institutions and BRICS countries. Additionally, Nigeria's membership in the African Union and the leading country in the ECOWAS subregion positions it as a gateway for the G-20 nations to access the African market, creating mutually beneficial economic relationships.

Leading Position in Africa:
Nigeria's leading position in Africa gives it a unique advantage in the global economic world order. As the continent's most populous nation and still the largest economy, Nigeria has the potential to drive economic growth and development across Africa. By participating in the G20, Nigeria can advocate for African interests, promote regional integration, and attract investments that benefit the entire continent. This leading position also allows Nigeria to collaborate with other African nations, such as South Africa, Egypt, Kenya, Cote D’Ivoire, Morocco, and Algeria, to address common challenges and pursue shared economic goals.

Rivalry and Cooperation:
While Nigeria's relationship with South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, and Algeria may involve elements of rivalry, it also presents opportunities for cooperation and collaboration. Nigeria still remains a major supplier of crude oil to South Africa and some of these other countries in G20 and BRICS. These countries, like Nigeria, have significant economic potential and play crucial roles in their respective regions. By fostering cooperation, Nigeria can leverage the strengths of these nations to drive economic growth, enhance regional stability, and address common challenges such as infrastructure development, security, and trade barriers. However, healthy competition can also spur innovation and drive economic reforms, benefiting all countries involved.

In essence, President Bola Tinubu's invitation to the G20 summit in India provides Nigeria with a unique opportunity, correct the poor economic and security environment of the country in the past decade and to showcase its potential and readiness for enabling environment for business to thrive in the new global economic world order. By engaging with developed countries in the G20 nations, Nigeria can attract investments, forge new trade partnerships, and drive economic growth.

Nigeria's leading position in Africa, with some of the initiatives of the government by the harmonization of the multiple foreign exchange rates and the removal of the corruption- laden fuel subsidy, further strengthens its role as a key player in the continent's development. While rivalry and cooperation with South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, and Algeria may exist, collaboration among these nations can lead to shared economic prosperity and regional stability. Nigeria must seize this opportunity to position itself as a major player in the changing global economic landscape. This is a unique opportunity for President Tinubu and his team to make a clear and unambiguous statement, that Nigeria is now open to the entire investment world to come and invest.

Ahead of his proposed trip to India to attend the G-20 summit, President Bola Tinubu has met briefly with his service chiefs for a briefing regarding their operations.

The meeting, which is a routine activity at the Presidential Villa, had in attendance the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja, his Navy counterpart, Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar.

Tinubu would later in the day proceed to New Delhi, India to attend the G-20 Leaders Summit.

[DailyPost]

The Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Solomon Arase, has inaugurated an 11-man Police Recruitment Board to enlist constables into the Nigeria Police Force.

This was as members of the Joint Workers Union of the PSC protested on Monday, accusing Arase of nepotism, noting that the PSC recruitment director, who was supposed to be the secretary of the board, according to the constitution, was excluded.

Arase on Monday, announced Onyemuche Nnamani as chairman of the board, and the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of training, Bala Ciroma, as the vice chairman.

Other members of the board are Mohammed Magaji, representing the Ministry of Police Affairs, Dr. Ifeoma Anyanwutaku, Professor Joseph Olowofela, CP Hassan Yabanet, Yusuf Sanusi, Sani Hada, Victoria Onyekwuluije, DSO Ahanmisi Obehi, and DCP Olabode Akinbamilowo.

The board, among other things, is charged with the responsibility to determine and declare available vacancies in the NPF; draw up guidelines for every recruitment process into the police force; determine the online platform to be employed in the advertorial on national dailies, and other forms of information dissemination on recruitment, among others.

The PUNCH reports that the PSC and the NPF were hitherto, engaged in a legal dispute over who has the power and responsibility to recruit for the NPF.

However, in a landmark verdict on July 11, 2023, the Supreme Court gave a judgement in favour of the PSC, as being soley responsible for recruitments into the NPF, laying to rest the imbroglio.

Speaking on Monday, Arase said, “The Supreme Court judgment will not only help in solidifying the nascent peace, friendliness and growing mutuality between the PSC and NPF, but also facilitate and ensure seamless recruitment exercises for the Nigeria Police Force.

“The recruitment board, which is chaired by the commission, has members drawn from the Nigeria Police Force as the Secretary, and the Ministry of Police Affairs and Federal Character Commission as members, respectively.

“The board members are charged to work harmoniously and inter-dependently towards recruiting qualified and competent Nigerians without records of bad character or previous criminal conviction, for the rebirth of an efficient, responsive, responsible and accountable policing and police force in Nigeria.”

The PUNCH reports that the recruitment exercise, which Arase said will commence in no distant time, is coming on the heels of the approval given by former President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retf) for the annual recruitment of 10,000 personnel into the NPF.

Meanwhile, members of the union stormed the corporate headquarters of the PSC on Monday, to protest alleged nepotism and intimidation of some of its members by the PSC Chairman, Arase, and the DIG in charge of FCID, Abuja.

During the protest, the members accused Arase of neglecting the constitution and electing his cronies into the Police Recruitment Board.

They also claimed to be owed several allowances, including election duties allowance between 2022 and 2023, which are yet to be paid.

“The PSC chairman is oppressing us. He failed to include in the Police Recruitment Board, the PSC director in charge of recruitment, who is supposed to be the board secretary, rather, he picked another person who is his loyalist, while neglecting the constitution,” one of the protesters said.

According to another, “We are being owed several allowances, and they’ve refused to pay us. They are yet to pay us our allowance for the 2022 elections held in some states and the 2023 general elections.

“They have paid police officers and workers under the Ministry of Police Affairs. But the PSC Chairman had to tell us that our money was paid to the account of the NPF.”

Meanwhile, the Force Criminal Investigation Department has invited some members of the Joint Workers Union of the PSC to interview the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, FCID, Abuja, over alleged criminal conspiracy, malicious damage, threat to life and conduct likely to cause breach of peace.

The three separate letters dated September 3, which were exclusively obtained by our correspondent, inviting the three union members; Yusuf Nasidi, Adoyi Adoyi and Nmecha Benedicta, for questioning, were undersigned by the Commissioner of Police, Special Enquiry Bureau, FCID, Abuja, George Chukwu.

“This office is investigating a case of criminal conspiracy, malicious damage, threat to life and conduct likely to cause breach of peace, reported to the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department, Abuja in which the need to ascertain certain information from you has become necessary.

“In view of the above, you are requested to interview the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department, Abuja through the undersigned, and the Officer-In-Charge, Admin Team, Special Enquiry Bureau, Force Criminal Investigation Department, Abuja on Monday, September 4, 2023, at room 406, FCIID Complex, Area 10, Garki, Abuja. 11 a.m. prompt,” the invitation letter reads in part.

When contacted, the chairman of the union, Adoyi Adoyi, who is also among the three invited workers, said they did not honour the police invitation because it did not come through an official route.

Adoyi said, “This invite came because we organised a Congress where members complained about being owed allowances and being shortchanged because the chairman of the commission is more loyal to the NPF and police ministry than to the workers in his own commission.

“We didn’t honour the invite, not because we want to disobey the law or a government authority; but because the police sent us the letters on WhatsApp, instead of doing the right thing by writing to the commission through the chairman, and the commission would now decide on either or not to release us to attend the interview.”

[Punch]

Umar Bangari, the chief registrar of the court of appeal in Abuja, has disclosed that the judgment of the presidential election petition tribunal will be broadcast live on Wednesday, September 6. 

“In a bid to promote transparency and openness, these judgments will be televised live by interested Television Stations for the public to follow,” he wrote in a statement.

“The court of appeal wishes to inform the general public that judgment in the following petitions before the Presidential Election Petition Court will be delivered on Wednesday, 6 September, 2023:

“• CAREPC/03/2023 between Mr. Peter Gregory Obi & Anor VS. Independent National Electoral Commission & 3 Ors.
“• CA/PEPC/04/2023 between Allied Peoples Movement VS. Independent National Electoral Commission & 4 Ors.
“• CA/PEPC/05/2023 between Abubakar Atiku & Anor VS. Independent National Electoral Commission & 2 Ors.

“Access to the Court premises will be strictly on accreditation.

“Only accredited individuals, including counsel and representatives of political parties, will be granted access into the Courtroom.

“Interested members of the public are advised to watch proceedings from their television sets.”

Tinubu secured 8,794,726 votes to defeat Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who got 6,984,520, and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) who polled 6,101,533 votes.

Not satisfied with the outcome, five political parties including the PDP, LP, Action Peoples Party (APP), Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and the Action Alliance (AA) lodged separate petitions before the tribunal seeking to annul Tinubu’s victory.

Shortly after the commencement of the pre-hearing session in May, the APP and AA withdrew their petitions.

Among a slew of grievances, the petitioners contend that Tinubu and Kashim Shettima, the vice-president, were not eligible to contest the February 25 presidential poll.

[TheCable]

"Ideas outlive individuals. Ideas are the driving force behind institutions. People should merely be the vehicles for these ideas."

Dear Nigerians,

I started this piece with the quote above to illustrate the significance of the age-old debate of strong individuals over strong institutions. This debate, which is ever-present in the Nigerian political discourse, often highlights the positive impact of certain former political office holders during their tenures in various political offices.

As much as we applaud such political office holders for their performance, we must begin to ask ourselves important questions like: What happened to these offices after these people left them? How are we building our institutional capacities to maintain the highest standards? Aren't we shortchanging ourselves by always waiting for technocratic-minded individuals to be appointed into public offices, as opposed to having a system whereby the very institutions are able to also drive processes—regardless of who is appointed to lead various ministries?

Most importantly, we must also ask: how can we ensure that the best ideas and practices are carried over from one administration to the next—regardless of who is in power?

This brings me to the entire point of this piece.

A few weeks ago, I was reading the news when I saw a report that the Algerian government had refused a request from France to fly over its airspace for a military operation in Niger Republic. Before I had even concluded the first paragraph, my immediate reaction was, "As expected."

For some, the French request would have seemed like a no-brainer for several reasons. First, a straight flight from France over the Mediterranean Sea, over Tunisia, then over Algeria, would put the French military right in the northern part of Niger. Secondly, given their colonial history, many passive observers would have assumed that Algeria would have granted the French request.

However, with just a basic understanding of Algeria's post-independence foreign policy of non-alignment, sitting in my living room in Abuja, I could easily say, "This is how the Algerian government would respond."

Similarly, in September 2014, while celebrating his 90th birthday, Lee Kuan Yew, the revered first Prime Minister of Singapore, visited the nation's parliament to attend a sitting.

After the legislative activities were concluded, the former lawmaker gathered in the Members' Room with Members of Parliament (MPs) from his party, the People's Action Party (PAP), and all other opposition MPs, where he delivered a brief but impactful message: 

"Singapore must always remain clean and incorruptible," Lee Kuan Yew said. "And you, the Ministers and Members of Parliament, must set the example."

This story, narrated by his eldest son, Lee Hsien Loong, the current Prime Minister of Singapore, was told just last month at the country's National Day Rally as a reminder to the people of the Southeast Asian country, that the national values that made them transform from a third-world country to a first-world country, were still the driving principles that their leaders adhered to.

Where am I going with this?

Since October 1st, 1960, when Nigeria became independent, we have transitioned through various styles of government and multiple administrations, which have been guided by the whims and, many times, capriciousness of the leaders that are in power. For better or worse, the shape of our national priorities often takes the shape of the strongmen of the day.

From one administration to the other, each leader comes into power pushing new ideas and creating new expectations. However, it is often the case that when these leaders leave office, the priorities of the past become shadows in the present. 

This is not sustainable.

In our post-colonial era, Nigeria has had four national conferences to discuss the way forward. Oftentimes, these conferences have been talk shops that have produced bulky reports and recommendations that often go unaddressed. Nevertheless, with all that is going on both internally and around the African continent, we must all agree that our nation needs to embark on some kind of soul-searching. We have an identity crisis that did not start today.

From our foreign policy objectives to our internal policy affairs, we leave too much room for human error. Nobody can authoritatively say this is where Nigeria stands on anything — like in the case of Algeria. No one can also say these are Nigeria’s long-held national values — like in the case of Singapore.

This is why we desperately need a national consensus.

Such a national consensus would come from a painstaking debate on the identity and united values of the Nigerian nation going into the future. It will be a challenging conversation that will address everything, from our expectations of one another to our expectations of the world around us. 

Subjects like devolution of powers need sincere examination. Topics like the Exclusive List and Concurrent List should be discussed in light of global advancements—prioritising the current and future needs of our various states over the current expectations of the government that is in power. Additionally, the composition of our national security architecture must be redefined to create a responsive security framework.

From such deliberations, Nigeria's desired global image and non-negotiable principles will emerge. The recommendations that come from it will guide all our future negotiations, associations, and proposals.

By having our long-term priorities agreed upon, enumerated, and endorsed by a credible national body that comprises all political parties, key religious groups and leaders, key stakeholders in the private sector and the academic community, and influential thought leaders from the media and other sectors, we can make Nigeria a nation that is built on common principles that are shared by all our institutions.

Most importantly, by having a national consensus on key issues, we can benchmark our basic expected minimums. 

Of course, as with any consensus, there has to be compromise. We are a diverse country with people from different ethnic groups, religions, and cultures; hence, finding common ground will not be easy. In fact, it will be difficult. Nevertheless, it is ultimately possible.

I rest my case.

— Oluwole Onemola writes from Abuja.