Adebisi, a young Nigerian set to migrate to Canada for good, found himself in a precarious situation when he visited the bank to purchase Personal Travel Allowance (PTA) with his July salary.

Having already sold all his belongings to fund his move and converting the proceeds to forex, he had hoped to save around N450k by buying at the official Investors’ and Exporters’ (I&E) window rate, which averages at N775/$1, rather than resorting to the black market rate of N870/$1. 

However, upon reaching the bank, he was met with disappointment.

The bank informed him that they were unable to fulfil his request due to supply-related challenges and suggested he seek out the black market instead.

This scene is becoming all too common across Nigerian banks as they grapple with an acute scarcity of dollars, leading to rationing of forex supplies and leaving customers like Adebisi in the lurch. 

The Central Bank, in its efforts to manage the forex market, had assured that PTAs and other invisible transactions would continue to be accessible through banks at the prevailing I&E window rate.

However, in practice, many Nigerians are finding it increasingly difficult to access forex through official channels, leaving them with no choice but to turn to the parallel market. 

The current predicament faced by Adebisi and countless others looking for dollars is a symptom of the prevailing dollar scarcity that has enveloped Nigeria.

A survey of several commercial banks in Lagos has shown that most institutions are struggling to keep up with the demand for forex, and in many cases, they simply have nothing to sell.

As a result, customers are left with no choice but to explore alternative sources, such as the black market, to meet their forex needs. 

When questioned about the situation, a manager at one of the commercial banks, who preferred to remain anonymous, disclosed that forex is typically sold to at most two customers per week, but there are often periods when they have nothing to sell.  

Another bank executive stated that their branch hadn’t sold dollars as PTA or travel allowances in weeks, and customers were frequently redirected to larger branches.

The frustration of customers has led many to resort to the black market to secure their much-needed supply of forex, especially now that the disparity is not as wide. 

Previously, the disparity between the official and parallel market rates created an advantageous situation for customers purchasing forex through PTAs.

However, with the convergence of the two rates, the benefit of buying from official sources has largely evaporated, pushing more individuals towards the parallel market. 

Why dollar is scarce 

Asides from possible speculations against the naira, one of the contributing factors to the high demand for forex is the phenomenon of Nigerian youth seeking better opportunities abroad.

Many individuals, like Adebisi, are liquidating their assets to fund their migration, putting additional strain on the forex market and exacerbating the depreciation of the naira. 

The situation is also impacting middle-class Nigerians who have children studying abroad. To meet their obligations, they regularly convert a significant portion of their income into dollars, further contributing to the limited supply available for all.

As a result, the depreciation of the naira persists, and the outlook for forex volatility remains uncertain. 

Several analysts interviewed by Nairametrics share concerns that forex volatility may persist as more young Nigerians leave the country in search of better opportunities, a phenomenon colloquially known as “japa.”

The increasing number of Nigerian youth emigrating is seen as a significant factor contributing to the heightened demand pressures on the forex market. 

Some individuals who choose to emigrate sell off their assets, including cars and houses, and then turn to the black market to convert their naira proceeds into dollars.

This behaviour is believed to further contribute to the depreciation of the naira, as the demand for foreign currency surges. 

Additionally, many middle-class Nigerians have their children studying abroad, necessitating the regular conversion of a substantial portion of their income into dollars to meet their financial obligations.

Unfortunately, the limited supply of forex available to meet the needs of all these individuals and factors has resulted in the depreciation of the country’s currency. 

What the CBN is saying 

During the last monetary policy committee meeting of the Central Bank, acting governor Fola Shonubi acknowledged that the ongoing forex volatility is primarily attributed to the limited supply of foreign currency.  

He expressed optimism that once the supply issues are addressed, the volatility is likely to reduce. In a bid to attract dollar inflows, government officials have also been engaging in consultations with foreign investors, as reported by Nairametrics last week. 

The growing demand pressure on the parallel market has led to a significant widening of the gap between the official and parallel rates.

Last week, the parallel market rate plummeted to as low as N870/$1, while the official rate remained at N775/$1. This growing divergence is now a growing cause for concern as it threatens the forex stability envisaged following the unification of the naira. 

Meanwhile, Bureau De Change (BDC) operators continue to face exclusion from the official forex market, ever since Godwin Emefiele ceased selling dollars to them last year.

However, some BDC operators argue that their absence from the market contributes to the volatility in the parallel market, as the lack of supply puts immense pressure on their ability to meet the high demand. Consequently, they have called on the Central Bank to reconsider their exclusion and reintegrate them into the formal forex market. 

 [Nairametrics]

THE World Bank has advised the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to reduce subsidised lending to medium and large firms and government borrowing from CBN, known as Ways and Means.

The bank also backed the N8,000 monthly intervention fund that President Bola Tinubu initially proposed as a palliative to cushion the hardship caused by the removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

President Tinubu had said he will stop subsidising PMS and offered to pay vulnerable households N8,000 monthly to alleviate the impact of fuel subsidy on prices of goods and services, as well as the cost of living.

The decision was met with criticism from many Nigerians who said the money is too small to meet the basic needs of poor households in Nigeria.

However, World Bank’s Lead Economist for Nigeria, Alex Sienaert, in reports on Friday, said the money is significant for some households to take care of their families.

Sienaert argued that between N5,000 and N8,000 is a substantial amount for the poor in Nigeria.

“The other thing we often hear is that N5,000 or N8,000 is a trivial amount of money. I think people will be shocked to know that for a huge number of Nigerian households, it is a very significant amount of money.

“I believe the statistics are that about 50 percent of Nigerian households are on less than N60,000 a month. So, if you are giving them N5,000 or N8,000 extra for six months to help tie them over, you are increasing their earnings and available incomes on the order of 10 percent. For many households, it would be meaningful,” Sienaert stated during an economic review session at the Lagos Business School on Thursday.

The World Bank’s top official said the amount is vital in ensuring the poor are still able to eat, go to the hospital and don’t stop their children from schooling.

“I know what has been in the news is the idea of a N5,000 or N8,000 cash transfer to needy households for about six months. If you look at the cost of that it would be equivalent to just about one month worth of spending on the subsidy that was happening before it was cancelled under the old exchange rates, still less than two months’ worth under the new one.

“So, it is not actually an enormous amount of resources relative to what is being freed up and it might just help many poor and vulnerable households get through this without having to do things that harm their prospects like pull a pupil out of school, or not go to the hospital, or skip a meal, whatever the case might be,” Sienaert noted.

He further advised that the government should replace foreign exchange restrictions on international trade with tariffs and reduce dependence on loans from the CBN.

Sienaert disclosed that these decisions could help curb inflation in the country, “The whole agenda of tackling inflation is obviously a huge one. Some ideas include reducing subsidised CBN lending to medium and large firms and the government borrowing from CBN.

“All of these things increase the money supply and reducing that will be helpful to reduce inflation and then replacing imports with FX restrictions with tariffs,” the lead economist stated.

[Tribune]

The leadership of the Labour Party has knocked President Bola Tinubu over the first batch of ministerial nominees unveiled by the Senate on Thursday.

The LP said the ministerial nominees were an assemblage of ‘recycled, spent forces and anti-democratic elements.’

Mixed reactions have continued to trail the announcement of the nominees, with some critics expressing disappointment over the absence of the highly anticipated ‘technocrats’ in the long-awaited list.

Many young Nigerians on social media have also questioned the list, saying the politicians who made the list were merely rewarded for roles played in the last election.

The nominees included former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, and his counterparts from Ebonyi, Jigawa, and Rivers – Dave Umahi, Badaru Abubakar, and Nyesom Wike respectively.

In the list were seven women including the only APC female presidential aspirant at the last convention, Uju Ohanenye; deputy spokesperson for the dissolved Tinubu-Shettima Campaign Council, Hannatu Musawa and APC National Women Leader, Betta Edu among others.

However, a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday by the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Obiora Ifoh, stated that submitting ministerial nominees list in piecemeal as the president did on Thursday runs foul of the Electoral Act.

Ifoh further said that what Nigerians saw on the list of ministers was a recycling of some ‘failed and clueless politicians’ as against dynamic youths and resulted-oriented technocrats that was earlier promised.

He said, “Some of these nominees played prominent anti-democratic roles in the previous administration, particularly since 2015, which saw the APC government fail in all its promises to Nigerians. We also saw ‘Prebendal’ politics in full swing where mainly the cronies and lackeys of the APC national leader were selected for a reward for servitude and blind discipleship.

“This list does not in any way reflect the enormous reservoir of talents, potentials, and resources Nigeria is known for. It still baffles us as to why this government ignored the youthful and technocratic potentials that abound but rather chose to appoint spent forces that have failed Nigeria in the past.

“A glance at the list exposes the absence of technocrats who usually form the nucleus or core policy implementers in any given government and unfortunately in their place are fawning politicians who may not be of any help in the needed efforts to salvage and reposition the country.”

The LP spokesman also expressed disappointment that the president chose to unveil his ministerial nominees in batches as against presenting the entire list within 60 days.

According to him, 60 days was enough for any serious government to put together a cabinet.

“Again, we are worried that the ministerial list is being presented piecemeal. The constitution of Nigeria clearly states that at least a minister must be appointed from each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The Electoral Act as amended also stipulates that a list containing ministerial nominees must be sent to the Senate within 60 days from the commencement of a government for screening and confirmation. But what we witnessed was a hurriedly prepared list that excluded nominations from about 10 states in clear violation of the laws of the land.

“Sixty days is quite a lengthy period for any serious government to form its executive team. This development appears even more ridiculous because we know that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has struggled to be president for over two decades and therefore should have been able by now to identify and have a solid team selected across the country that is qualified to hold ministerial positions. But this has not happened.

“Had it not for the Electoral Act which compels a government to submit a ministerial list within 60 days, given what we are seeing, one wonders how long it would have taken the APC leadership to form the government. This is because it took the immediate past APC administration over six months to appoint its ministers in 2015,” he stated.

Tawfiq Akinwale, who was the Labour Party (LP) candidate in the Oyo State governorship election in March 2023, has joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

In a statement released on Sunday night, Akinwale said his decision to switch to the APC came after carefully assessing the political environment.

He concluded that the LP’s leadership lacks the necessary vision, direction, and cohesion needed to bring about significant transformation in the state and, more broadly, Nigeria.

The statement read: “In the face of uncoordinated efforts and a lack of focus within the Labour Party, Tawfiq Tayo believes that aligning with the All Progressives Congress will provide the ideal platform to effectively address the challenges facing Oyo State as an opposition and to champion a progressive agenda for the betterment of its citizens.

“Throughout my campaign, I witnessed the earnest desire of the people of Oyo State for positive change and meaningful development. It became increasingly apparent that such change could not be effectively achieved under the current leadership of the Labour Party in the State.

“Therefore, after careful consideration, I have decided to join the All Progressives Congress, a party that shares my commitment to progress, unity, and purposeful leadership.

“The All Progressives Congress has consistently assured Nigerians of its dedication to good governance, socioeconomic development, and the empowerment of its citizens.

“With a solid track record of successful leaders who have implemented policies and initiatives at both the national and state levels, APC remains committed to uplifting the lives of ordinary Nigerians even in the face of the current yearnings of Nigerians which will soon be converted to laughter and joy.

“As a formidable political force, the APC will offer a unique opportunity for me to collaborate with like-minded individuals, passionate about Oyo State’s development, and to work towards achieving the aspirations and dreams of the people.

“By becoming a member of the APC, I am taking a significant step towards ensuring the realisation of a prosperous, inclusive, and vibrant Oyo State that empowers its citizens and harnesses its full potential.

“In my new political home, I will continue to advocate for policies and programmes aimed at improving infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, and job creation in Oyo State. With a renewed sense of purpose and determination. I am ready to contribute positively to the progress of the APC and Oyo State as a whole.

“My decision is not taken lightly and is rooted in the best interests of the people of Oyo State. I sincerely hope that all well-meaning citizens will join me in supporting this important step towards a brighter future for Oyo State.

“I am a visionary and dynamic leader who contested the March 2023 Governorship elections in Oyo State under the Labour Party. I am recognised for my unwavering commitment to progress, unity and development.

“I am now a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and remain dedicated to advancing the well-being of the people of Oyo State.”

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has ordered the Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, to disclose the spending details of over N200 billion public funds collected by the government of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) fund and allocations from the Federation Accounts.

The court ordered Oborevwori to disclose details of budgetary allocations and actual spending by the Okowa government between 2015 and 2019, including specific projects carried out to improve primary education in Delta State, and the locations of such projects.

The judgment was delivered by Justice Daniel Osiagor, following a Freedom of Information suit number: FHC/L/CS/803/2019, brought by Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).

Justice Osiagor also ordered the state government to disclose how the Okowa government spent over N7.28 billion received from UBEC between 2015 and 2017, and N213 billion received from the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) in 2018, at an average of N17.8 billion monthly.

SERAP’s suit followed the case of seven year-old Success Adegor, who was sent home because her parents could not pay the ‘illegal’ school fee/levy of N900, and the ‘poor-quality’ of her Okotie-Eboh Primary School 1. Miss Success had, in a viral video in March 2019 said, “No be say I no go pay, dem go flog, flog, flog, dem go tire.”

Justice Osiagor further ordered the government to disclose details of the primary schools that have benefited from the projects carried out on access to free and quality primary education in the state, and information on indirect costs, including uniforms, exercise books, and transport costs to students and their parents.

Justice Osiagor dismissed all the objections raised by the state government, UBEC and the Delta State Universal Basic Education Board and upheld SERAP’s arguments. Consequently, the court entered judgment in favour of SERAP against the three respondents.

Justice Osiagor’s judgment, dated July 17, 2023, read in part: “SERAP’s application cures so much disinformation in the public space. The request by SERAP falls within the categories of records accessible by the public.”

“However, public institutions are becoming increasingly hysterical upon any request served on them for information bordering on accountability.”

“The arguments of the Delta State government and the Delta State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) that the Freedom of Information Act applies to only Federal Government officials cannot be sustained as public institutions are defined in Section 31 of the Interpretation section to include State institutions.”

“Besides, any State Freedom of Information Law that runs contrary to the Federal legislation to the extent of the inconsistency shall be void. See Section 4(5) of the Constitution of Nigeria, 1999 [as amended]. National Assembly’s legislative powers is for the peace, order and good government of Nigeria.”

“The Delta state government’s reliance on the Delta State Freedom of Information Law, 2019 is inappropriate in this case. The retrospective application of the Delta State piece of legislation is hollow as it cannot divest the vested rights of SERAP.”

“The Freedom of Information Act was the only piece of legislation applying to Delta prior to the filing of this suit by SERAP by the doctrine of covering the field. I am not unmindful of the concurrent powers of legislation between the Federal and State legislatures. There is therefore no feature depriving this court of jurisdiction.”

“Besides, the Delta State procedural step is inapplicable as it was not in existence when this cause of action arose. I therefore hold that SERAP has effectively triggered the application of the Freedom of Information Act by their letters of April, 2019 placing demands for information from the Delta State government.”

President Bola Tinubu has stated that Nigerians are beginning to reap the benefits of removing petrol subsidies, urging them to be patient and supportive because a bright future awaits them despite their current hardships.

President Tinubu, who the Secretary represented to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, announced this at the Gala/Award Night to commemorate the 2023 Civil Service Week in Abuja.

According to the President, the first two policies he announced during his inauguration, namely the fuel subsidy elimination and the establishment of a new currency regime, were already yielding positive results, even as he promised palliatives to mitigate the impact of the associated sufferings.

We have received support and commendation from the global community for our courage in introducing these policy shifts.

We shall, without delay, cushion the pains experience by our people as a result of these measures, through a number of work-targeted policy interventions aimed at giving adequate relief and succor to the great number of our long-suffering citizens, he said.

President Tinubu also commended the Federation’s Civil Service Head, Mrs. Folasade Yemi-Esan, on the service’s holistic digitalization efforts, saying that Nigeria’s challenges leave no option but to continue on the analogue front.

While describing digitalization as a compelling option, the President stated that the civil service is the fulcrum of governance and that a paradigm shift is required to make policy-making and governance seamless.

It is in this regard that I am pleased to note that adopting the digitalisation of web processes in the public service is the gateway to efficient resource utilisation and national development, and it is apt and appropriate for this commemoration.

The challenges we face today with governance leave no option to continue on the analog front. The task before us as a people and government are daunting, but the process of success is promising if we make the right choices. Digitalisation is a compelling choice, and we must take it.

The expectations of the civil service this year are full; this is so because the expectations of this administration for the civil service are full. This is so because the civil service is the fulcrum for governance; our vision and mission are predicated on the instrumentation, policies, and programs to spur the National Economic multidimensional front.

Many tough but needful policy and paradigm shifts will be in place to reposition governance for efficiency, effectiveness, and productivity. To match the expectations of this administration, the civil service must increase its reforms, set under the six pillars of the federal civil service strategy, and implementation plan 2021 to 2025 must be focused and attained, he said.

The Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) in Abuja is preparing to deliver its judgement on three petitions seeking to nullify President Bola Tinubu‘s election.

The Justice Haruna Tsammani-led panel has called on all parties to adopt their final arguments.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Tinubu the winner of the presidential election, held on February 25, where he defeated 17 other candidates.

However, the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP, Atiku Abubakar, and flagbearer of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi who placed second and third, respectively, have challenged the results.

Both Atiku and Obi claim they won the presidential election and question Tinubu’s eligibility to contest.

They argue that Tinubu did not secure the majority of lawful votes and request that his Certificate of Return be revoked.

They also propose a fresh election, excluding Tinubu, claiming he was never qualified to participate.

Atiku, in particular, has brought up issues concerning Tinubu’s birth date, education, state of origin, and dual citizenship with Guinea.

He further argues that Tinubu’s degree certificate from Chicago State University actually belongs to a woman.

Obi and the LP have also contested Tinubu’s eligibility, citing a prior indictment and fine from a US District Court for an offence involving dishonesty and drug trafficking. They accuse INEC of breaching its own regulations and guidelines.

If their petitions are successful, the challengers hope that Tinubu’s votes will be disregarded due to his disqualification and that Obi, who they believe met all constitutional requirements, will be declared the winner.

Alternatively, they request a new election in which Tinubu, his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima, and the APC would be ineligible to participate.

While five petitions were initially filed, two parties, the Action Alliance (AA) and the Action Peoples Party (APP), have withdrawn their cases.

The remaining petition from the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) argues that the withdrawal of Tinubu’s initial Vice-Presidential candidate invalidated his candidacy. This case is also awaiting judgment.

• Kanu not released, only granted access to personal doctors — DSS Source
• PDP, CSOs ask Senate to reject recycled, compensated nominees
• APGA urges nominees to implement Tinubu’s manifesto
• Umahi, Kyari, six other nominees to get automatic confirmation 

The decision by the Senate to hastily begin screening of the proposed members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) today may have saved the ministerial nominees from the series of petitions that usually characterise the exercise.

The Department of State Services (DSS) has not released Nnamdi Kanu, the Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a competent source disclosed in Abuja. The source said on Sunday that contrary to reports in a section of the media, the IPOB leader was only granted access to his personal doctors under the supervision of the Service. Some sections of the media had reported that Kanu was on Saturday, released for the first time, since his incarceration two years ago to meet with his personal physicians in an Abuja hospital outside the facility of the DSS. According to the DSS source, access to doctors for suspects in DSS custody is routine in line with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of the Service.

President Bola Tinubu had on Thursday, presented the list of the ministers-designate to the Senate, few hours to the deadline, through his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.

28 names including four ex-governors, seven women and youths were presented to the Senate by the president, with a promise by Tinubu to send 14 more names from 11 states that are yet to be represented in the proposed cabinet.

The Guardian investigation from the committee on Ethics and Public petitions on Friday indicated that no petition had been received against any of the 28 nominees.

Accordingly, the category of nominees to be screened on Monday may not encounter petitions, an issue that had in the past, denied many the opportunity of being confirmed as Ministers.

There were allegations that the government deliberately waited till the last minute to submit the list to avoid public probes.
Indeed, the senate had to postpone its yearly recess to commence the screening today.

Even as the Senate said it would give automatic confirmation to deserving ministerial nominees, political parties and civil society organisations have advised the Senate to outrightly reject those who were compensated for political roles played during the election as opposed to merit or competence in addressing the nation’s teething socio-economic, political and security problems.

The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which said it may meet within the week to address matters arising from the nomination and other related issues, however, charged the Senate to display patriotism by rejecting nominees found to be incompetent for the federal cabinet job.

Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Ambassador Umar Damagum, said that consultation was already in progress on sundry issues affecting the party and added that within the week, the leadership will unveil its position to the public.

Spokesman of the party, Debo Ologunagba, who declined to make an official statement on the matter when contacted, however, said the position of the party would be disclosed within the week.

But a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the PDP described the nomination as mere job opportunities for loyalists and political associates of the President.

He said: “Are you surprised about this? Were you expecting anything more? We know that the President must compensate his boys and others who ran around to perpetrate all sorts of irregularities in that election to ensure his emergence.

“The country’s comatose economy requires serious revolutionary steps to fix it, who among these nominees has that capacity? He queried.

For the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Mr Sylvester Ezeokenwa, the ministers-designate ought to be familiar with the manifesto of the President especially in finding solutions to the hardship in the country.

Ezeokenwa, who said his party had no issue with the caliber of the ministerial nominees said, it is during the implementation of their assignments that Nigerians would know whether they are fit or not.

In its own reaction, the Human Rights Writers Association (HURIWA), said some of the nominees failed to fight insecurity when they were governors in their states, and as such shouldn’t be confirmed by the Senate.

According to the President of the association, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the human rights violations tendencies of some of the nominees are too high to be trusted with another public office.

He also drew the attention of the Senate to the huge debts incurred by the state where one of the nominees served as finance commissioner, adding that it would be dangerous to reward such a person with a federal cabinet appointment.

“So, the Senate must be thorough and meticulous in screening these nominees who we believe are opportunistic political jobbers brought for political compensation. It is obvious that the President doesn’t want to solve the problems of insecurity, otherwise why appoint someone who created the enabling environment for the rise of insurgency by Fulani herdsmen and is not known to have fought them with the goal of ending the insurgency?”, he queried.

Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central).

Senate majority leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, had disclosed that the Senate would not waste time to commence the screening at 11am on Monday.

He also revealed that some nominees will be given automatic confirmation and be asked to simply take a “bow and go”.

“But take a bow and go is not an unparliamentary convention, it has become a practice all over the world and that person must be a former member of the parliament, who is well known to us. Somebody we have confidence in his ability.”

At least eight of the nominees who were members of the National Assembly will benefit from the automatic confirmation.

They are the current acting National Chairman of ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Abubakar Kyari, who represented Borno North in the 8th and 9th Senate; Senator John Enoh, who represented Cross River Central in the 8th Senate and Senator Abubakar Sani Danladi who was former acting governor and deputy governor of Taraba State.

Others are former Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Nkiru Onyejiocha, who represented Isuikwuato/ Umunneochi federal constituency, Abia State; Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, who represented Akoko North East/ North West federal constituency, Ondo State. He was the chairman, House Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC; Abubakar Momoh, a two-time member of the House of Representatives who represented Etsako federal constituency, Edo State and Ekperikpe Ekpo, who represented Abak federal constituency from 2007 and 2011 from Akwa Ibom State.

As the Senate begins screening the ministerial nominees Monday, a lawyer and Founder of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, has urged the lawmakers to allow the constitution to prevail.

Speaking with The Guardian at the weekend, he said they have the constitutional power to reject any nominee, I hope they do so and not trade public interest with political interest.

Itodo, however, expressed disappointment with the approach taken by the President, “because we thought that this president would have done things differently and I think it is a missed opportunity. What I mean in this case is attaching portfolios to the names. It is important, my expectation was, he was going to do something differently, given his antecedents but it is a missed opportunity.

“They should also interrogate their leadership competence, their records. Some of these people who have been nominated know some of their antecedents so they should ask them.
I didn’t expect someone like El Rufai to have been appointed in view of the video that went viral over incendiary comments that he made. One expects the senate would take this up during the screening.

“It is an opportunity for the Senate to either ask him to withdraw that or apologise for making those statements because it is actually an insult and a disregard for the sensibility of Nigerians.

Setting agenda for whoever will become the Minister of Foreign Affairs, a former director general of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Lagos, Prof Bola Akinterinwa, said the person must first seek a better understanding of Nigeria’s three foreign policy principles- Non-alignment policy; Foreign Policy Concentricism, as espoused by a diplomat and immediate past chief of staff to former President Muhammadu Buhari, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari; Constructive and Beneficial Concentricism, as propounded by Ambassador Oluyemi Adeniji, and more importantly, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi’s Consultation Doctrine.

Akinterinwa, now of the International Relations Department, Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, said these principles have generally been misconstrued, yet they are always applied.

He stated: “Nigeria must redefine its foreign policy to respond to the New World Order and to the new alliances that are in the making, as well as to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and African Union (AU) policy attitude to unconstitutional change of government in Africa.

“The policy is currently placing emphasis on military coupists, but ignoring coups by civilian-sponsored or assisted coups.”

The professor of International Relations charged Nigeria to raise the issue of democratisation of the United Nations (UN) system and make noise about the two permanent seats for Africa, insisting the matter cannot be kept in the cooler for too long.

In addition, he called for the redefinition of the content of ‘Africa as centrepiece of Nigeria’s foreign policy,’ especially in terms of policy of reciprocity, good neighbourliness, regional integration and national security and importation of Fulani herdsmen from West and Central Africa.
The Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) identified the economic challenges besetting the country as an issue that must be addressed by the newly appointed Ministers recently unveiled by President Tinubu.

Also, the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) while expressing disappointment over the choice of some of the ministerial nominees stressed the need to tackle unemployment and rising poverty among Nigerians.

Yusuf Yabagi Sani

IPAC chairman, Yabagi Yusuf Sani expressed optimism that the ministerial nominees would live up to the expectations of Nigerians.

He noted: “In terms of track records, all the individuals I saw there, at least the ones that I know, are people that you can go to sleep with your eyes closed as far as performance is concerned. They have what it takes in terms of track records and professionalism also. So, I don’t expect anything less than performance,” he said.

“We should expect performance and commitment to take the economy out of the woods so that Nigerians can begin to experience what we call the dividends of democracy.”

Auwal Musa Rafsanjani who chairs the TMG applauded President Tinubu over the inclusion of a sizable number of women on the list of his ministerial nominees.

Expressing disappointment over the inclusion of some controversial former governors on the list, he identified the corruption, wastefulness and security challenges in the country as areas requiring urgent attention.

For the former National Chairman of APGA, Chekwas Okorie, allocation of portfolios to the ministers has propensity to either douse or arouse tension in the polity.

He stated that ministries and agencies of government are not of equal importance and value, stressing that the President must strike ethnic and religious balance in order to carry a cross section of the country along and give Nigerians a reasonable sense of equal citizenship.

He stated that by doing so, tension in the polity would be reduced, adding that the Ministers should work to impress on the president the need for community policing to solve the country’s security challenges.

Okorie told The Guardian in Enugu that, “It is constitutionally mandatory for President Tinubu to appoint a minimum of 37 ministers to ensure that each of the 36 states plus the Federal Capital Territory, FCT”, adding that, “he may appoint more than this number depending on his political and administrative calculations.”

He recommended that the ministries and parastatals be grouped in categories of A, B, and C; so that each of the six geopolitical zones should get an equal share of the ministries and parastatals from each of the categories.

“This will be a welcome departure from the nepotistic and parochial tendencies of the Buhari dispensation. The role of the ministers in solving security issues in the country is tangential. Their roles are basically to implement the policies and programmes of the Tinubu administration to facilitate the welfare and economic development of the country. The various security agencies have their jobs cut out for them to ensure the security of lives and property of Nigerians. I am of the strong conviction that the introduction of state police and community policing in the country’s security architecture will resolve our security problems to a large extent.”

On his part, former Spokesperson of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Chuks Ibegbu, added that appointment of ministers without a strategic plan on how to rescue the country from the present quagmire makes no sense.

“You may like to appoint any number of persons as Ministers but without a strategic plan on how to cushion our current sufferings, you are making a great mistake. We need economic policies with a human face and we need the right Nigerians to drive it. From what I have perceived from that list, most of the people there are there for political settlements. That means already, the plan is not to salvage the country. Some of the people there still have questionable scorecards and these are people we have decided to recycle. It does not make any sense.

“We are however, watching that with their appointment, they should hit the ground running by ending the current economic hardships, solving present insecurity and giving the people hope again in their country”, he said.

A constitutional lawyer, Kayode Ajulo, Chairman, Centre for Anti-corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL), Debo Adeniran and Wale Adeoye, a journalist and writer, said the administration of President Tinubu must be ready to obey the tenets of rule of law.

They also posited that the government must not interfere in the judicial system with the aim to influence justice and order of the courts.

According to Ajulo, “What they need to do is so clear. Government must be ready to accept any order or injunction from the court when this is done there is no fast way out. This will be a great day for the justice delivery system in Nigeria.

“Rule of law is doing things the way it ought to be done, whether it favours the government or not. The opposite of rule of law is when you deploy sentiment, ethnicity or religion to apply the law. The government must be ready to apply, obey and respect the rule of law, if this is done, President Tinubu will end as a hero in the country.”

Adeoye said the incoming Minister of Justice and Attorney General must ensure that the government under which is to serve, does not take laws into its hands. It must also be prepared to ensure that justice is served without class and or ethnic discrimination.

He also added that the incoming Minister of Justice must start with a radical judicial reformation aimed at flushing out corrupt judges.

Adeoye added that the nominated Minister of Information must adopt the tactics of mass communication and not just issuing press statements to media houses and thinking he has reached out to the masses. He needs to find a way to engage Nigerians through the use of mass communication.

Adeniran on his part advocated the separation of the office of Attorney-General from that of the Minister of Justice.

He said one of the cardinal challenges affecting adherence to rule of law is the combination of the two positions in one hand.

In line with earlier speakers, Adediran said the incoming Minister of Justice must be ready to uphold the tenets of justice without fear, favouritism and partiality.

However, President, Yoruba Council Worldwide, Oladotun Hassan has urged President Tinubu not to hesitate to immediately remove any minister that didn’t live up to the expectations of their offices.

Hassan, who doubles as Secretary, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Epe branch, said the President promised to hit the ground running, and with what the country is going through, there’s no better commitment than the zeal that is expected of the ministers to commit themselves to the services of their fatherland.

“In terms of rule of law, economy and insecurity, we know the present situation, the killings in Plateau and Zamfara States, the bandwagon of kidnapping in the southeast, and the overzealous touts in the southwest, all these are symptoms of insecurity.

“Even in the Niger Delta, the recent display of Asari Dokubo are symptoms of insecurity. In a sane society every youth must be engaged. If the youths are constructively engaged, we can use our population for economic revolution, there’s nothing stopping us from outsmarting China, Russia or even the USA.

“I urge President Tinubu that anytime he notices that those he picked are wanting in place of their assignments, he should kick them out.

“Tinubu should work closely with NASS to ensure the independence of the judiciary and ensure rule of law is at the uppermost no matter whose horse is goad. Rule of law does not have friends. He needs to ensure that all hands are on deck. The marching order must be to all the ministers to commit themselves to service. They must give an account.”

Acting National Publicity Secretary, Youth Party (YP), Ayodele Adio said with new ministers stepping in, there’s hope for a well-defined plan and strategy to revive the economy.

Speaking with The Guardian, Adio, however, stated that there’s a perceived lack of urgency among politicians in Abuja, as if they’re waiting for an elusive ‘eighth’ day of the week to take action.

He said: “Nigerians are grappling with one of the world’s highest unemployment rates, soaring inflation, and low wages, making the cost of living unbearable. Businesses, too, are struggling to stay afloat in this challenging economic climate. The public’s demands are straightforward: lower inflation, increased wages, and improved living conditions.

“Regrettably, there seems to be no comprehensive strategy in sight to address these pressing issues, a fact that raises concerns. It’s noteworthy that the federal government has yet to make a significant move to curb the alarming rise in food prices or to counteract the severe decline in citizens’ purchasing power and productivity. This lack of action should be a matter of concern for all Nigerians.”

[Guardian]

A faction of the Labour Party (LP) led by Lamidi Apapa is opposing a nationwide protest proposed by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC).

Instead, this faction suggests that Nigerian workers can express their discontent over the growing hardship in the country by not going to work until their demands are addressed by the Federal Government.

The National Publicity Secretary of the faction, Abayomi Arabambi expressed his concerns during a press briefing in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

He acknowledged that the removal of subsidies has added to the difficulties faced by Nigerians.

However, Arabambi voiced his fear that the call to action issued by NLC President Joe Ajaero “is capable of setting Nigerians against the Tinubu Administration for violent overthrow.”

He said, “Our party noted that the NLC president Comrade Joe Ajaero without facts baselessly accuse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of showing enormous disdain and contempt for Nigerian people and workers by the declaration of war of attrition on Nigerian workers and masses without any care leaving them to the throes of hopelessness and helplessness.

“Labour party agree with the NLC leadership only on all lawful demands but disagree totally with a resolution calling for mass action. Calling on Nigerians wherever they may be to begin mobilization to take action on their own against a legitimate Government even to the extent of directing associations, individuals and other entities including the ones already on the streets to ensure that the government listens to the people is a treasonable felony offence.

“Workers can be called to embark on a strike by sitting at home until the Government meets their demands.”