For some time, Nigerians have been in denial about the actual state of the nation once hailed as the giant of Africa. Nigeria has deteriorated over the years to the extent that it is often referred to as ” a failed nation”. Previous administrations failed to stem the decline in Nigeria’s economic fortunes. Therefore, the current administration inherited a nation in a state of comatose, characterised by high levels of insecurity, poverty, unemployment, inadequate access to education, non-payment of salaries and pensions by some state governments, high unsettled foreign exchange obligations, a debt service-to-revenue ratio of 97%, poor infrastructure, and other symptoms of a failing nation.

The task of putting Nigeria on the path to economic prosperity is enormous, but not insurmountable. It requires transformational and drastic changes, not incremental ones, as the nation has drifted too far from the path of economic sustainability. The current administration, understanding this, introduced major policy shifts—what some may call shock therapy.

It has also moved away from the Keynesian economic model, which promotes government intervention in the economy for stability, towards the classical economic model, which supports a limited government role in the economy. It is important to note that the classical model usually comes with some economic fluctuations in the short term, which Nigeria is currently experiencing.

The economic reforms of the current government have already started yielding results. The country’s debt service-to-revenue ratio has dropped from 97% to under 70%, freeing resources for investment in security, infrastructure, and other critical sectors of the economy. Allocations to the three tiers of government have increased.

Additionally, Nigeria’s gross domestic product grew by 3.19% in the second quarter of 2024 (year-on-year), which is higher than the 2.51% recorded in the second quarter of 2023 and the 2.98% recorded in the first quarter of 2024. Students have already started benefiting from the student loan scheme, and affordable houses are being built across the nation under the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme. The forthcoming Consumer Credit Scheme is another initiative set to commence, to name just a few.

Nigerians have experienced failed leadership in the past, so many are not fully convinced of the sincerity of purpose and the efficacy of the economic reforms of the current administration. However, the role the government played in securing local government financial autonomy and the unification of foreign exchange rates are examples of its genuine commitment to transforming the nation for good.

Local governments in the country are now expected to operate more effectively and contribute more to national development. It would have been convenient for President Bola Tinubu to leave the arbitrage in the forex markets intact and benefit from it at the expense of pursuing economic recovery. Another sign of the current government’s patriotism is its refusal to chase after popularity, instead sticking to its economic policies despite their unpopularity. In a democracy, many leaders avoid making such decisions to avert the risk of losing future elections.

There is no doubt that in addition to the current economic reforms, Nigeria like many other African countries—needs to seek some form of debt relief to free up more resources for national development. This was reiterated by the chairman of the African Union Commission during the recently concluded Africa Food Systems Summit in Kigali, who said that debt relief is an urgent imperative for many African states to give them vital economic breathing space. Without the current economic reforms Nigeria is undertaking, which show a genuine desire to turn things around, her creditors may be reluctant to consider her plea for debt relief.

Nigerians need to be patient, as there is no quick fix or easy solution to the economic challenges the country is facing. The government should ensure the timely implementation of policies. For example, the CNG initiative and the implementation of the national minimum wage need to be fast-tracked.

It will be beneficial for the government to continuously educate Nigerians about its various intervention programs and provide updates on the implementation of its economic policies. Communication is key, especially in times like this

Kenechukwu Aguolu can be contacted via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Tony Elumelu, chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), says regulatory and compliance costs are major challenges the banking sector faces.

Elumelu spoke on Tuesday at the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) 17th annual banking and finance conference in Abuja.

According to the Nigerian businessman, the banking sector provides crucial financial support to the country.

However, he said the sector’s ability and efforts to contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth are being stifled by challenges.

“Our banking sector is a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy. The transformation of our banking sector over the last few decades, is one of our success stories,” Elumelu said.

“The sector employs millions, provides crucial financial support to countless businesses, and generates income for millions of shareholders.

“However, the sector faces challenges that impede its growth and innovation, including regulatory and high compliance costs.

“To overcome these challenges, stakeholders — including government agencies, regulatory bodies, and banking institutions — must engage in constructive dialogue to foster a collaborative environment.”

He, therefore, said by working together, a more resilient banking sector that drives economic growth and supports the aspirations of Nigerians can be built.

“The success of Nigerian banking sector is felt beyond Nigeria. Nigerian banks have become multinationals, leading the sector across Africa, establishing themselves in the world’s financial capitals – and in doing so they have changed how our country is perceived, created pathways to opportunity and set themselves up as role models for our other industries,” he added.

On July 17, Tinubu asked the national assembly to amend the 2023 Finance Act to impose a one-time windfall tax on banks’ foreign exchange (FX) gains.

However, the national assembly increased the windfall tax on banks’ FX gains to 70 percent — from the proposed 50 percent — in the amended Finance Act 2024.

The decision had raised concerns among professionals in the financial industry.

However, Elumelu said he supports the implementation of the windfall tax on banks’ FX gains.

[TheCable]

Without a doubt, Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu was a model and premier Igbo-Nigerian leader, patriot, and Igboist. Being an Igboist and a Nigerian defender at the same time is an extremely difficult combination to maintain. He had affection for both of them, but Ndigbo was his priority for obvious reasons.

It is more than thirty years since I first met Iwuanyanwu. The two-party system for Nigeria was being experimented with by General Ibrahim Babangida who established the National Republican Convention (NRC) and Social Democratic Party (SDP). Iwuanyanwu was a presidential aspirant under the banner of the NRC. At the time, I was a student at the University of Jos.

At the University of Jos, I ran for the position of students’ union president and therefore was a leader in the students’ union in my own right. Therefore, when IBB announced the two parties and political gladiators like Iwuanyanwu fought to carry the flag of their respective parties as their presidential candidates, politically astute students like me showed interest and looked for ways to get involved. Student activists, or perhaps better described as aspiring politicians on campus, naturally found a constituency in the student body.

Thus, my clique and I prepared a plan and laid ambush when we learnt that the Iwuanyanwu campaign train, headed by Dr. Josiah Odunna, was coming to Jos. He was happy to meet with us with the full complement of his campaign team. I was really in my element that day, speaking for the group like a self-assured prophet. Iwuanyanwu was definitely impressed, but when I was done, he looked both amused and perplexed. My presentation was overly ambitious in its audacity. I had made an effort to persuade Iwuanyanwu and his elite campaign team that we could mobilise Nigeria’s whole student body.

His scepticism was reasonable given that, at the time, there was no social media as we know it today to link all the campuses, despite the fact that Barristers Gabriel Egbule and Mike Nnalue (may the good Lord rest his soul) and I were publishing the Campus Flash newspaper and could be considered campus journalists. It implied that manual campus visits were required throughout Nigeria. Iwuanyanwu concurred with us that all Nigerian universities needed to be mobilised, but he begged me and my colleagues to focus only on the University of Jos and maybe one or two others nearby.

Iwuanyanwu gave fatherly advice, saying: “You still have your books to read and exams to pass and pass excellently.” He was against our education suffering in favour of politics. Surely, everything has its time.

Iwuanyanwu gave the order to take care of us while details would be worked out. My group and I made the same visit to Iwuanyanwu’s base at Owerri, and the rest, as they say, is history.

I continued to have friendly encounters with Iwuanyanwu, but nothing really noteworthy until the Igbo Leadership Development Foundation (ILDF), an organisation I served as spokesperson, started planning the campaign for the election of an Igbo (south-east) as president for Nigeria. Around the same time also was when I buried my dear mother and Iwuanyanwu and some other elders banded together to help me and lessen the burden of my mother’s funeral.

Iwuanyanwu gave his significant support and blessing to the campaign of the ILDF for the Igbo Nigerian president project. The group paid him visits to convey the guiding ideas and philosophy behind the main program we had in the works as well as the self-imposed effort to rescue Ndigbo from Nigeria’s political obscurity.

Pursuant to this, the Igbo Leadership Development Foundation (ILDF) organised a national dialogue in Abuja with Gregory University Uturu in 2021. Iwuanyanwu gave us his whole support and participated in the event. Leaders from all over Nigeria as well as representatives of the country’s major cultural blocks attended the national discourse, which took place at the Sheraton Hotel Abuja. Chief Nnia Nwodo, the then president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, was present, as was Iwuanyanwu.

I provided this history to demonstrate that, even as a student, I had a close acquaintance with the great leader and therefore had the chance to form an opinion about his life and times. The fact that Iwuanyanwu was an activist is one of his qualities that is most frequently downplayed. It matters so much to me, probably for the reason that I belong to the human rights community. It’s not easy being an activist in a ruthless country like Nigeria.

Furthermore, Iwuanyanwu—a University of Nigeria-trained civil engineer and a private practitioner—would have undoubtedly had his business ventures, some of which depended on government patronage, suffer as a result of his firm stance against the marginalisation of his Igbo people in Nigeria.

He was a true leader, as they rarely come! He put the needs of his people before his own, even if doing so meant sacrificing his happiness, safety, and growth of his wide business concerns. Even as an activist myself, I was afraid for his life every time he fiercely talked about the condition of the Ndigbo in Nigeria. He took no prisoners.

Iwuanyanwu, like his compatriots and great Igbo leaders, Comrade Uche Chukwumerije and Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, did not give much thought to his own safety or business when he championed the rights of Ndigbo, a practice that began with his participation in the Biafra war as an army captain.

The life of the Ikeduru Imo state-born Iwuanyanwu resembled an octopus. It spread and had an impact on nearly everything important, including politics, sociocultural issues, business, construction, sports, the media, and even banking. You dare call him a jack of all trades and master of all! For the younger ones’ sake, it is important to emphasise a few of his impacts.

The areas where Iwuanyanwu made profound contributions include the following: sports (Iwuanyanwu Nationale), aviation (Oriental Airlines), media (Champion Newspapers), road construction (Hardel & Enic), health (Iwuanyanwu Ambulance), banking (ABC Merchant Bank), education (Iwuanyanwu Foundation), philanthropy, food security (Magil Bread, etc.), and housing (he owned several estates across the country).

In politics and the nation’s quest for democracy, democratic rule, and purposeful national leadership, Iwuanyanwu was a leading member of the NNC, NRC, UNCP, APP, ANPP, PDP, etc. He was a statesman par excellence. He left his footprints on each and every one of these great endeavours. His legacy will live on for future generations, providing a clear pathway for those who genuinely want to succeed and make their life meaningful through perseverance, hard work, and self-belief, so they too can leave their mark on the sands of time.

Serving as the 11th president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, preceded by George Obiozor, was Chief Iwuanyanwu’s final act of service to Ndigbo, Nigeria, and mankind, where he inspired and repositioned the Igbo people in Nigeria and global context.

By the grace of God, he crossed both biblical rubicon for humans—three scores and ten and eighty for those who are still strong. He passed away a happy man at 82.

At eighty-two, Iwuanyanwu walked off this route to meet his maker—the final destination for all mortals. As renowned poet John Donne once said…
“Each man’s death diminishes me,
For I am involved in mankind.
Therefore, send not to know
For whom the bell tolls,
It tolls for thee.”

Chief Dr. Eng. Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu has finished his earthly race and left his mark on history. How about you? The bell tolls for you too!

Good night, great Igboist, nationalist, and leader. In both the Igbo nation and Nigeria, you were undoubtedly the zenith and emblem of Igbo possibilities and Nigerian nationalism. You have left a void that will be difficult to fill, but there’s God, and in Him we trust.

Dr Law Mefor, an Abuja-based forensic and social psychologist, is a fellow of The Abuja School of Social and Political Thought. You can contact him via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and on Twitter: @Drlawsonmefor.

Luton Town have announced the signing of ex-Super Eagles Star, Victor Moses on a free transfer.

The 33-year-old was a Premier League title winner with Chelsea in the 2016/17 season.

The former Nigeria international has most recently been playing his football in Russia with Spartak Moscow, who he joined in 2021.

“Victor Moses has signed in as new Luton player on free transfer, deal sealed,” Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano wrote on his X handle.

Club’s Manager Rob Edwards said, “Victor is one we’ve been talking to for quite a while. He trained with us last week and played 60 minutes in a behind closed doors game, and we made a decision because we think he’s able to come in and help us.

“He gives us more strength in depth and versatility, because he’s someone who can play both sides or as a number ten.

“He’s played for so many different clubs in different ways and shapes, and under different managers, so he’s tactically aware. We think he’s someone who can provide some really good competition for us.

“I don’t want to put too much pressure on him and expect too much too soon. He’s not going to come in and start the games straight away.

“He’s got to get used to what we do and how we play, but he’s fit, he’s able to come in and affect it now, and he definitely makes the squad stronger.”

For his part while speaking to the club, Moses added, “I’m looking forward to it. I had a few offers from Europe, but I said to my agent that I set my mind on staying over here, and here we are. I’m very pleased and honoured to be at this club and I just can’t wait to get going.

“I spoke to Rob before I came, I spoke to the directors and they told me the plan and the history of the club, and I just want to be part of the success.

“I want to come here and enjoy my football, work hard for the club and for the team, and get back to where we belong in the Premier League.”

He left Selhurst Park in 2010 to join then-Premier League Wigan, where he spent the next three seasons.

Chelsea came calling and ended up playing 128 times for the club winning the Premier League, FA Cup and two Europa Leagues.

Moses has also won the Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria in 2013.

[Leadership]

The Department of State Services (DSS) has released the passport of the President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Daily Trust can confirm.

Some of labour leaders, who confided in our correspondent on Tuesday in Abuja, said the secret police did not find anything incriminating against Ajaero.

Daily Trust had reported that the DSS bowed to pressure from various quarters on Monday when it released the labour leader on bail a few minutes to the ultimatum given by the NLC.

Details shortly…

[Daily Trust]

Nigeria failed to defeat Rwanda in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier played in Kigali on Tuesday.

The match ended goalless between both countries.

However, the Super Eagles will feel aggrieved as they had what looked like a legitimate goal ruled out in the first half.

Victor Boniface’s header from a throw-in fell to Ademola Lookman who put the ball the net.

But the referee ruled it out.

Both sides saw their goalkeepers make fine saves to maintain the stalemate.

Nigeria lead Group D with four points, while Rwanda are in second spot with two points.

[DailyPost]

Things appear to be falling apart in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), once a dominant force in Nigeria’s political landscape.  It is becoming clearer that the centre of a political party that had boasted of holding on to power for 60 years can no longer hold. A party of ideals, ethos, structure and spread, is now stuck in the mud. And there is no sign of resurgence soon, as the party is mired in crises since 2022.

Gone are the days that the PDP was either in control of the central government or many of the states. In the Fourth Republic, the party, formed in 1998, swept through the land as a hurricane. It ruled at the centre.  It also had the reins of government in 31 states. The party swallowed many other political parties. It was formidable and appealing to many politicians at the time.

The party is not new to troubles, some of which are self-inflicted. In spite of its internal squabbles, the PDP had been steady. But, things nosedived when it lost the centre.  The defeat that occurred in 2015 when former President Goodluck Jonathan lost to the immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari, was a turning point for the worse for the opposition party. Now, it controls only 13 states.

While permutations have begun ahead of 2027 general elections, the future of the PDP in the current political landscape is bleak. The leading opposition party is contending with a myriad of internal and external issues gradually eroding its spread and dominance on power.

Crisis of leadership and vision

Beyond the immediate conflicts of leadership and factional battles, the PDP is also grappling with an identity crisis that could prove fatal if not addressed promptly. The party, which once prided itself as the custodian of Nigeria’s democracy, is at crossroads.

Since its formation in 1998, the PDP has been synonymous with the ideals of national unity, economic reform, and democratic governance. However, in recent years, these ideals have become blurred, with the party increasingly defined by its internal struggles rather than its policy positions or ideological commitments. The lack of a cohesive posture vision has made it difficult for the PDP to assert itself.

Fast forward to the aftermath of the 2023 elections, there was growing concern within the party’s ranks about the need to redefine the PDP’s mission and values. Some members have called for a return to the party’s founding principles, while others advocated for a complete overhaul of its leadership structure and political strategy.

Genesis of conflicts

It appears that the seeds of the current crisis were sown in the lead-up to the 2023 general elections; however, many analysts believe that it goes farther into the months before the 2015 elections.

Late President Musa Yar’Adua on a joint ticket with Dr. Goodluck Jonathan had won the presidential election in 2007. Unfortunately, two years into their tenure, Yar’Adua died. His vice was eventually sworn in, who completed that tenure and also contested the presidential election in 2011 and won.

But the north felt short-changed, as they insisted that it was their turn to lead the country. This led to the defection of some bigwigs, particularly from the north extraction from the party. Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other political gladiators had worked against Jonathan.

Then, the party lost the presidential election to the hurricane All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015.  And the downward journey of the party has been rapid.

Immediately past President Muhammadu Buhari from the north occupied Aso Rock for eight years.  After his presidency, the popular consensus was that power should shift to the south.

In 2023, Abubakar decided to exercise his right and didn’t give in to the clamour for southern presidency. He won the primary and became the candidate of the party.

His insistence to get the ticket led to some chieftains of the party like Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) leaving the PDP with their loyalists.  Five PDP governors under G5 Group, who didn’t leave the party also worked against candidate Atiku.

Following Abubakar’s emergence as the PDP’s candidate, frictions accelerated when it became clear that he would not choose Nyesom Wike as his running mate. The scenario led to a bitter feud that spilled into the public domain.

This acrimony deepened when the party leadership, under the chairmanship of Iyorchia Ayu, was accused of favoring the northern bloc, further alienating the southern members. For Wike and other PDP stakeholders, it was inconceivable that the party’s national chairmanship as well as the presidential ticket would remain in the north as Ayu is from Benue state and Atiku is from Adamawa.

The crisis reached a crescendo when five aggrieved governors, known as the G-5 or Integrity Group, openly rebelled against the party’s leadership. This group, consisting of Wike, Samuel Ortom (Benue), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), and Seyi Makinde (Oyo), demanded Ayu’s resignation as a precondition for supporting Atiku’s candidacy. The refusal of the party leadership to accede to their demands resulted in the G-5 boycotting the 2023 presidential campaign, significantly weakening the PDP’s chances at the polls. The fallout from this division was evident in the election results, where the PDP failed to secure the presidency and performed poorly in several key states.

APC as an adversary

While the PDP has been embroiled in internal strife, the APC has been quietly consolidating its power. Aside from bringing PDP strongman, Nyesom Wike and former Ebonyi state governor, Umahi on board as ministers, the APC, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has embarked on a series of political maneuvers designed to weaken the opposition. This includes wooing disgruntled PDP members into its fold and exploiting the divisions within the PDP to its advantage.

The APC’s strategy has not been lost on political analysts, who argue that the ruling party is deliberately stoking the fires of discord within the PDP to prevent it from mounting a credible challenge in 2027. “The APC is playing a long game; they know that a fragmented PDP is easier to defeat than a united one,”noted a political analyst. “

The lingering crises

As the party licks its wounds from the 2023 electoral defeat, the crises within the PDP have only deepened.

One of the key aspects of the current turmoil is the leadership tussle that has various dimensions. Until a few months ago, the tussle centred around the legitimacy of Iyorchia Ayu’s leadership as a major bone of contention. Despite calls for his resignation after the 2023 elections, Ayu remained defiant, leading to further factionalization within the party, with the National Working Committee (NWC) split between supporters of Ayu and those calling for a change in leadership to reposition the party ahead of 2027. The party was in a fix over Ayu because of the cases instituted in court but commendably, he opted to withdraw from court.

Now, energies have been redirected by some party members towards having the acting national chairman, Ambassador Ilyas Damagum removed but it is a very complex matter that may never be actualized until he hands over at PDP’s national convention next year. Even if Damagum is removed or prevailed upon to resign from his current position, he will revert to his substantive position as Deputy National Chairman (North).

Also, even though the party will not admit it, ethnic and regional divides remain a lingering challenge in a once cohesive national party. The PDP has long struggled with balancing its regional interests, but the current crisis has exacerbated these divides. The party’s southern members felt marginalized, particularly after the 2023 elections, where the perception was that the northern bloc had unfairly dominated the party’s decision-making processes. This rift has made it difficult for the PDP to present a united front. People like Chief Olabode George may end up being proven to be right with his insistence that issues about the genesis of current problems need to be thrashed out first at a roundtable before expecting success in the reconciliation process.

Then, a series of legal battles have been hampering issues within the party. Several court cases further complicated the PDP’s woes after the 2023elections. These legal wrangling have not only distracted the party but have also sapped its resources, which could have been better utilized in preparation for the next electoral cycle. While that is over, other cases, especially in states like Rivers and Edo, continue to haunt efforts towards consolidation of party unity.

There have also been a series of defections and loss of confidence. The PDP has suffered a wave of defections since 2022, with several key members, including former governors and legislators, jumping ship to the APC or other parties. This exodus has been fuelled by the perception that the PDP is a sinking ship, plagued by internal squabbles and an inability to present a viable alternative to the APC.

Another aspect of PDP’s lingering crises is the intra-party frictions in some states, Rivers state is by far most obvious but others are simmering below the surface. For instance, in Edo state, Wike loyalists like Chief Dan Orbih, the leader of the Legacy Group that comprises stakeholders whom outgoing Edo state Governor Obaseki met in the party have resolved not to support Obaseki’s nominee, Asue Ighodalo in the September 21, 2023 Edo state governorship election.

Differences of opinion over the prospects of rebuilding strength through a merger with other political parties continue despite official pronouncements that it has been resolved. Looking at what the opposition was able to achieve against the ruling party in Senegal and other countries, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has remained a strong advocate of having a merger between PDP and other parties. However, loyalists of FCT Minister Wike as well as the PDP Governors’ Forum and the party’s leadership led by Ambassador Damagum have expressed complete dislike for the idea.

In a June 5, 2024, official statement, PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Debo Ologunagba emphatically stated that talks about the party’s involvement in merger discussions with any political party in preparation for the 2027 general election are mere ruse and utterly misleading, adding that PDP is satisfied with the increasing influx of old and new members and the party expects other old members to return to PDP rather expect the party’s merger with their current party.

An even more emphatic opposition to the idea was presented by the chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum, Governor Bala Mohammed who described those calling for mergers as ‘marauders’ at the end of the forum’s recent meeting in Abuja.

He said that such marauders are plotting to hijack a faction for the purpose of forming a coalition with some other parties. “We are aware that there are some marauders hanging around somewhere, trying to factionalize our party and take one faction to go and do coalition (with another party); we are not going to allow that,” said the Bala Mohammed while reading the PDP Governors’ Forum communiqué after a four hours’ closed-door meeting at Akwa Ibom Governor’s Lodge in Abuja.

Much more than all the factors above is the issue of whether to restrict contention for the 2027 presidential ticket to southern aspirants alone or again, allow a repeat of the 2023 situation where Alhaji Atiku Abubakar featured. This is further complicated by the fact that FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike has explicitly declared his intention to mobilize for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Crises

In a bid to stem the tide of discontent, the PDP has made several attempts at reconciliation. Notable among these is the establishment of a National Reconciliation Committee led by former Governor of Osun state, Colonel Olagunsoye Oyinlola (rtd). The committee, which is to build on previous reconciliation efforts of a similarly named committee led by ex-Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki in 2022, was tasked with bridging the divides within the party and bringing aggrieved members back into the fold. However, there are anxieties that the efforts of the new committee meet with limited success, as the entrenched positions of some party leaders and their proxies appear capable of making genuine reconciliation difficult.

Disciplinary steps

Serious efforts to make FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to ‘pay’ for leading the G-5 to facilitate APC’s victory and PDP’s loss in the 2023 presidential election started immediately after the elections but for one reason or another, things have not worked smoothly for its advocates. The Nation learnt that an August 2023 meeting of PDP stakeholders, including Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, at the Abuja residence of High Chief Tom Ikimii had tried to reach a conclusion but complications arose.

While loyalists of Atiku want Wike to face severe sanctions like a lengthy suspension or total expulsion for his role in the 2023 presidential elections, others, including Wike’s loyalists also point at the anti-PDP roles played by Atiku Abubakar in previous presidential elections.

So, the question that still lingers till date is: from what year does the offence of ‘anti-party’ allegations begin to take effect? If it is restricted to 2023, Wike and his loyalists as well as some past and serving PDP governors would face serious sanctions but if it is extended to previous years, Atiku Abubakar and others who are advocating for the sanctions would get drawn in too.

Several party stakeholders have demonstrated a keen awareness that without resolving lingering crises, PDP could be taking huge risks with any 2027 game plan. In May 2023, Atiku Abubakar made a public appeal for unity within the party, acknowledging that the internal divisions were a major factor in the PDP’s electoral loss.

Despite these efforts, the cracks within the PDP remain visible. The on-going power struggle within the party’s leadership, coupled with the regional and ethnic divides, continues to undermine any attempts at forging a cohesive strategy for the future.

No more internal crisis?

Responding to questions on PDP’s internal crises, PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Debo Ologunagba asserted that contrary to widespread obsession with the perception of the PDP as a party in crises, the party is doing well in advancing the cause of democracy in Nigeria. Speaking on a TVC television programme, ‘Beyond 100 days” and themed PDP: A Party Divided Against Itself?” Ologunagba argued that while many assume that PDP is continuously consumed by frictions from contending interests, the party’s robust constitution and structures have continued to hold it firmly together since 1999.

According to Ologunagba, the party has continued to exercise various internal mechanisms backed by its structures and party constitution to continue giving the nation a great example of what a genuine political party should be in a democracy, adding that the recent decision to constitute two new committees is an example.

 The road to 2027: A bleak outlook?

The PDP’s internal crises, if left unresolved, pose a significant threat to the party’s chances of displacing the APC in the 2027 general elections. The party’s inability to present a united front has already cost it dearly in the 2023 elections, and the lingering divisions could further erode public confidence in the PDP as a viable alternative to the ruling party.

Moreover, the defections and legal battles have weakened the party’s structure at both the national and state levels, making it difficult to mount an effective campaign in 2027. The APC, despite its own challenges, appears to be more stable and better organized, giving it a potential advantage as the next election cycle approaches.

As the PDP faces this existential crisis, the words of one of its founding members, Jerry Gana, ring true: “The PDP must rise above its internal contradictions and return to the ideals that made it great. Otherwise, it risks becoming a footnote in Nigeria’s political history.”

The senator representing the Federal Capital Territory district, Ireti Kingibe, on Tuesday, threw her weight behind the 29-man caretaker committee put in place by the national leader of the Labour Party, Peter Obi; Abia Governor Alex Otti and the party stakeholders last week to conduct an expansive national convention.

Kingibe gave the endorsement at the flag off of a four-day free medical outreach she facilitated for her constituents in Abuja.

The medical outreach, which was done in collaboration with the National Commission for Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons, saw many people turn up for eye tests, free treatment and referrals for suspected cataract cases.

The senator, who was represented by her senior legislative aide, Dr Chris Omofoma, told PUNCH Online that every LP member knows the tenure of the National Chairman of LP, Julius Abure and members of his National Working Committee has ended as far back as June 2023.

While stating that Abure and his loyalists have yet to come to terms with reality, Kingibe explained that the same Otti and Obi he is currently battling begged to extend his tenure by an extra year to recover from the 2023 presidential election loss.

The National Chairman of LP, Julius Abure; his National Secretary, Umar Farouk and the National Youth Leader, Kennedy Ahanotu, were conspicuously absent at the enlarged stakeholders’ meeting held in Umuahia, the state capital on Wednesday.

The governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, had called for the meeting to resolve the lingering leadership crisis in the party.

The Abure-led NWC has, however, kicked against the Nenadi Usman-led caretaker committee, describing it as null and void.

She said, “There is no crisis in Labour. It is Abure’s NWC that refused to admit that their tenure has ended. Even INEC has clearly stated that Abure’s tenure ended in 2023 June. But Alex Otti and Peter Obi extended it by one year so the party could recover from the (2023) election losses before conducting the national convention. So their tenure was extended to June 8, 2024, which has lapsed.

“So whatever Alex Otti, Obi and other party stakeholders is well in line with the constitution and INEC guidelines. So, it is left for Abure to come to terms with the reality that his tenure is over and it is time to do the needful.

“I am in sync with the Nenadi Usman-led committee and back it 100 per cent. That is the way to go. Every other thing the Abure-NWC is illegal.”

Continuing, the FCT senator described Tuesday’s medical outreach as a huge success.

According to her, the mission was to provide essential medical services to 5,000 members of her constituency in the FCT.

[Punch]

PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has called for the immediate evacuation of people from affected flooding areas in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

The President also expressed deep concern about the flooding in parts of the state capital.

Recall that the worst flood in recent decades displaced thousands of residents and affected facilities such as the Post office and the Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.

President Tinubu in a statement by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga extended his heartfelt condolences to the government and people of the State, especially to the families that have lost their means of livelihood due to the disaster triggered by the overflow of the Alau Dam.

According to the statement, “While relevant authorities are still assessing the damage wrought by the flood, the President calls for the immediate evacuation of people from affected areas.”

President Tinubu assured Governor Babagana Umara Zulum that the Federal Government is ready to collaborate to address the immediate humanitarian needs of the affected people.

He ordered the National Emergency Management Agency to assist the flood victims.

The President said he remained committed to mobilising federal resources to support the state during this difficult time.

[Vanguard]

The popularity of iGaming has exploded in recent years and, while traditional casinos still very much have their place, there’s little doubt that online casinos are dominating the current scene. With a CAGR of some 11.5% through 2027, that trend looks set to continue well into the future, too.

This is good news for people looking to try out the suite of iGaming products available, of which there are more than ever before. Although, from the outside, it can look like all iGaming websites are the same, the truth is that there can be significant differences between the experience provided by online casinos. So, let’s take a look at what newcomers should be looking for when they’re in the market for an iGaming website.

Website Design and Experience

Website design and user experience are essential for all websites, but it’s especially important for iGaming websites. Those two features play a significant role in the user’s experience and will have a direct impact on how well they’re able to enjoy their preferred game. It’s difficult to enjoy the convenience of what iGaming websites provide when they are outdated or technically incapable of providing a smooth playing experience. So, before committing to a website, take a critical look: does the design seem modern? Is the website fast and responsive?

A website may look and feel great, but, ultimately, it’s the number of games on offer that really counts. The leading iGaming websites offer all of the most common casino games, including roulette and blackjack, as well as a wide selection of slots. They’ll also routinely update their offerings in line with the latest releases. One of the key advantages that iGaming establishments have over their real-world counterparts is that they’re not limited by space, so there’s really no good reason why an iGaming website shouldn’t offer all of the standard casino games and more.

Ease of Payments and Withdrawals

The best iGaming websites make it as easy as possible for users to deposit and withdraw money. As well as just broadly being convenient for the user, a range of payment options and fast withdrawal times signify that the owners of the iGaming website care about the user’s experience. Withdrawal times can vary significantly between websites, but they’re nearly always made within a few hours. If a website you’re considering claims withdrawals take days — or doesn’t mention a timeframe at all — then it’ll be best to look elsewhere.

Offers and Deals

As we said at the beginning of the article, the iGaming industry is bigger than ever and, as such, there are more online casino operators than ever. This has created a highly competitive online casino landscape, which is, as with other industries, good for consumers. For one thing, it means that the quality of the websites is generally extremely high. Plus, it means that there are usually offers and deals available, especially for new customers. These offers can come in the shape of deposit matches, free spins, or enhanced odds.

Customer Service Availability

The vast majority of iGaming website users have no problems whatsoever. However, we all know that things can go wrong — or, in some cases, sometimes you just need a little help from someone who works for the website. Before signing up, take a look at the customer service options provided by the website. The best websites make it possible for their users to contact them via a variety of methods, including telephone, email, and social media, with some even offering live online chat support.

And there we have it! If your prospective iGaming website ticks all of those boxes, you can be reasonably sure that it’ll provide an excellent user experience.

[TheCable]