President Bola Tinubu has named the National Arts Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos, after Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka.

Tinubu announced this in a letter he wrote to celebrate the iconic figure in commemoration of his 90th birthday.

In the tribute personally signed by the President and made available to the media on Friday, he noted that the literary giant, the first African to win the Nobel Literature Prize in 1986, deserves all the accolades in this milestone “Having beaten prostate cancer, this milestone is a fitting testament to his ruggedness as a person and the significance of his work.”

Details shortly…

[TheNation]

Afrobeats star, Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema performed his hit song “Calm Down” at the high-profile wedding of Anant Ambani, son of Asia’s richest man Mukesh Ambani, and Radhika Merchant, daughter of pharma tycoons Viren and Shaila Merchant.

His record label, MAVIN on X.com shared the video on Friday.

According to Hindustan Times, Rema charged $3 million to perform his global hit song ‘Calm Down’ at the event.

The event, which took place on July 12 at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai, featured performances by global stars like Justin Bieber, who reportedly received $10 million for his performance, and Rihanna, whose fee was not disclosed.

The four-day wedding extravaganza in Mumbai City is the final stop in a string of lavish parties the family has hosted since March.

The wedding was attended by numerous celebrities and dignitaries, including Kim Kardashian, former UK Prime Ministers Boris Johnson and Tony Blair, and former US Secretary of State John Kerry, among others.

Watch video Below:

https://x.com/i/status/1811805479959437330

[Punch]

In a major move to curb oil theft in the Niger Delta region, the Federal Government has approved a $21 million contract for the installation of meters in 187 flow stations.

The Minister of Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri who disclosed this to journalists in Abuja on Friday said the move is expected to improve oil production and boost revenue to the Federal Account.

Senator Lokpobiri also disclosed that another contract has also been approved to allow the government to monitor advanced cargoes to be able to track the movements of Nigeria’s crude oil.

He said the contracts which were approved by the Federal Executive Council have 180 days (six months) completion period.

“One of the key decisions of the Federal Executive Council on Wednesday has to do with the awarding of the contract for metering of our 187 flow stations across the Niger Delta region of Nigeria by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC.

“As part of the reforms to ensure that we have proper accountability, the Federal Executive Council approved the metering of all our production and we have 187 flow stations in the country, littered across the Niger Delta area so that we would be able to properly account for what we produce and what we export. It’s a major, major development that will happen in this country.

“This project is meant to be completed within six months, within 180 days. And it’s important that Nigerians know some of the key steps that this government is taking to ensure that we maximize the opportunities that other countries are getting by the availability of oil and gas”.

“As part of the steps towards ensuring that we account for what we produce and then Nigerians get the maximum value for what we produce, the second memo that was approved by the Council has to do with what we call advance cargo. Which means we’re awarding a contract to a company that will provide the technology within the 180 days, the same period, to enable us, you know, know from the point of loading of every cargo of crude oil that’s loaded in Nigeria up to the point of destination.

“So if, from Forcados terminal crude oil is loaded, I can stay in my office and know when it’s taken off from Nigeria up to the final destination. You will agree with me that most of the times we talk about the issue of oil thefts, major steps have to be taken. But this is the time for us to take very, very major steps so that we know from the beginning what we produce to the point of loading from our terminals up to the point of destination”.

He explained that the main objective from the contracts “is for us to ramp up production and improve the federation revenue.

Remember that oil is still the fastest way we can raise the funding we need to be able to address our economic and social problems”.

Senator Lokpobiri said the move would provide a database on the movement of Nigeria’s crude and a tracking centre for crude oil export.

He noted that reforms put in place by the administration have increased investors’ confidence in the Nigerian environment adding that in the coming months, the government expects major investment decisions that would “amount tens of billions of dollars”.

The Oil Minister also said the ongoing move by International Oil Companies, IOCs, to divest their onshore assets was going on smoothly, assuring that it was not unusual in any sector.

The University of Warwick in the United Kingdom (UK) has awarded Cherish Daniel Markson, a Nigerian student, first prize for her exceptional performance in a three-year BA (Hons) law with social sciences degree programme.

Cherish will also receive £250 as part of the prize for her outstanding performance and a formal reception after the main graduation ceremony on July 19.

She is the daughter of Daniel Iworiso-Markson, a former commissioner for information and orientation in Bayelsa state.

In a congratulatory letter, Margaret O’Brien, director of undergraduate studies at the university’s school of law, said Markson scored the highest marks “on the most demanding of all courses”.

“You have been awarded First Prize for your three-year BA (Hons) Law with Social Sciences degree at the University of Warwick. You achieved a second-class higher division degree with an overall average of 67.3%,” the letter reads.

“This was the highest mark of all students on this most demanding course. A record of your prize-winner status will be added to your HEAR transcript.

“Your prize of £250 will be paid directly into your bank account.”

Cherish had maintained good grades before the prize.

Three years ago, Cherish, as a student at Bridge House College, Lagos, was awarded the first prize in the world award in law and high achievement in sociology by Cambridge International.

In November 2021, she bagged a prestigious award for outstanding achievement in her advanced subsidiary-level examination.

She bagged A-stars in nine of her IGCSE subjects: English, Mathematics, Biology, Geography, Literature, Business Studies, Economics, History, and ICT.

[TheCable]

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Community Court of Justice has delivered a landmark verdict finding the Federal Government of Nigeria guilty of human rights abuses in its response to the #EndSARS protest, particularly its disproportionate use of force at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos on October 20, 2020. The ruling, issued on July 10, 2024, mandates the Nigerian government to pay a total of N10 million in compensation to each victim named in the suit.

The case, brought before the ECOWAS Court by a coalition of human rights activists and organisations, alleged severe violations of fundamental human rights by Nigerian security forces. Amnesty International also submitted an Amicus Brief, which was declared admissible by the Court. After thoroughly examining evidence and testimonies, the Court concluded that the Nigerian government's actions breached several international human rights standards, including Articles 1, 5, 6, 9, 10, and 11 of the African Charter on  Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Key Findings:

1. The Court found credible evidence of disproportionate use of force and violations of the right to liberty and security, assembly, free speech, and dignity. It stated that the use of force was not necessary and contravened the Respondent State’s obligations under the African Charter.
2. The Court agreed that the applicants had suffered torture at the hands of the Nigerian government. The Court found that the situation at the Lekki tollgate, where live rounds were shot into the crowd of unarmed protesters, created a situation of fear, and the Nigerian government did not present evidence refuting those allegations.
3. The Court further held that the Respondent State failed to allow and afford the Applicants their rights to freedom of expression, assembly, and association, therefore violating the Applicants’ rights under Articles 9, 10 and 11 of the African Charter.
4. The government’s actions were deemed inconsistent with Nigeria's obligations under the ECOWAS Revised Treaty and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights.
5. The Court held that the quasi-mechanism set up by the Respondent State to investigate the allegations of abuse at the Lekki toll gate lacked independence and was questionable. The State, therefore, failed in its duty of effective remedy under Article 1 of the African Charter.

Compensation and Orders:

1. The Court ordered the Federal Government of Nigeria to pay N10 million each in compensation to the Applicants.
2. Additionally, the Nigerian government has been mandated to conduct investigations into the human rights abuses that occurred with a view to implementing the outcomes of said investigations. The Court has ordered the government to report to the Court in six months with an update on the compensation and progress of the inquiry. 

Reacting to the judgment, Bolaji Gabari (lead counsel for the Applicants)  stated, “This ruling is a significant victory for the #EndSARS movement, an acknowledgement that citizens’ rights were violated and abuses occurred at Lekki Toll Gate. We urge the Nigerian government to comply fully with the Court’s orders and take immediate steps to address the systemic issues identified in the judgment.”

In her reflections, Mojirayo Ogunlana, a counsel to the Applicants, said that the journey to this victory began on the 10th of December 2021. She recalled that the Nigerian Government, as Respondents in the case, failed to show up to put in a Defence until 2023, when, in its address, claimed, amongst others, that the EndSARS peaceful protest was unlawful and perpetuated by hoodlums.  She expressed joy at the closure occasioned for the Applicants and Nigerians who bore witness to the abuse and violation on the 20th of October. 

Also reacting to the judgment, Nelson Olanipekun, Executive Director at Gavel, coordinating organisation for the coalition, said, “The landmark ruling by the ECOWAS Court in favour of EndSARS victims is a powerful affirmation of justice and a significant step towards healing and accountability for the Lekki Tollgate tragedy.”

Obianuju Catherine Udeh (DJ Switch), one of the applicants, said this of the ruling, “Not once did I waver in my shared experience of the traumatic events of the 20th of October, 2020 but to sit in court and listen to the esteemed judges, based on the facts give a ruling in our favour not only reaffirms what I know and experienced but makes this one of the best days of my life since the horrific event. This judgement becomes a glimmer of hope that we can indeed head in the right direction in service of the truth and justice.”

The ECOWAS Court’s decision underscores the importance of regional judicial mechanisms in holding governments accountable and protecting citizens' rights. It also highlights the critical role of civil society in advocating for justice and human dignity.

For further information, please contact Chioma Agwuegbo at 08038458900 or chioma at chiomachuka dot com. 

Background 

On 20 October 2020, peaceful and unarmed protesters were fired at by Nigerian Security agents at the Lekki Toll Gate, Lagos state, Nigeria. This brought to a violent end the #ENDSARS protests that, beginning on the 3rd of October in Delta State, had been held across the country, calling for justice against police brutality in Nigeria. In December 2021, three victims brought a case before the ECOWAS Court, Obianuju Catherine & 2 Others v. Federal Republic of Nigeria (ECW/CCJ/APP/72/2021), to justice for themselves and those impacted by the violations.

About ECOWAS Court of Justice

The ECOWAS Court of Justice is a principal legal institution of the Economic Community of West African States. It serves as the judicial organ that interprets and enforces the provisions of the ECOWAS Revised Treaty, adjudicates disputes related to the interpretation and application of Community laws, and ensures the protection of human rights across the region.

Dear readers,

Our recent epistles, penned in celebration of the silver jubilee anniversary of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria, have ignited a spectrum of reactions from you, our esteemed readers. Your distinct viewpoints are instrumental in fostering a comprehensive and vibrant dialogue.

I am deeply appreciative of those of you who, after reading and reflecting on our shared musings, have deemed them worthy of a response. Your thorough comments, often presenting alternative perspectives and endorsing or challenging our shared views, significantly enrich our ongoing discourse.

There is a (now retired) Professor of Pharmacy (a very senior senior, as we say in our world) whose command of the English Language and his love for its correct use make him a linguistic puritan who reads and responds to our epistles.

In this case, the senior Prof did not find the expression “Towards a More Perfect Democracy” easily digestible; his protest against this was the usage of the terms “more” and “perfect” in sequence.

My response to him that the expression was borrowed from the American expression “towards a more perfect union” was understood; luckily, he is also a published poet. However, it opened more shelves of reservations about America and the American system.

Please feel free to see why the epistle that followed part 2 of the “Towards a More Perfect Democracy” and titled “An Imaginary Speech by Joe Biden” was about the ongoing electoral campaign in the USA.

Contrary to what some readers assumed, the essay about the American elections was neither a diversion nor a detour from the essays around 25 years of democracy in Nigeria; rather, they are all part of the same theme and reflections on the concept of democracy.

As I have often pointed out, whilst I fully agree with the need to contextualise ideas and localise concepts, I still personally strive to ensure that the thoughts we share here are universal in outlook and durable in texture and time.

To that extent, real-life episodes like the Silver Jubilee of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria or the election campaign in the USA become mere but valuable real-life examples of the concepts and ideas we reflect on.

Some readers have challenged me to offer my definition of democracy, which focuses on the crucial elements that make democracy what it should be, including the law and the duties and limits of government.

In reality, I have done this elsewhere and many times: I have offered my functional, process-centred, accountability-driven, and transparency-indexed definition of democracy everywhere and in every conversation possible.

Since poetry can rarely persuade a hungry lover, or can bread impress a satiated one, on this occasion, allow me to move away from my functional definition and offer an alternative inspirational definition of democracy that can match ( I believe even clearly surpass) Lincoln’s November Gettysburg 1863 speech.

My choice for a description of democracy that can, on one side, inspire and excite and, on the other side, inform and admonish is taken from a speech given by an eminent Athenian politician at the end of the first year of the Peloponnesian War (BC 431–404) as a part of the annual public funeral for the war dead.

In that speech, the speaker, Pericles, amongst other things, described democracy as the defining feature of his Athens and declared that:

“In Athens, we are thus:

Our government works for the most rather than the few. Our laws ensure equal justice for all in their disputes, but we never ignore merit for excellence.

When a citizen stands out for merit, then such a citizen will be recognised and invited to serve the state instead of others, not as an act of entitlement or privilege but as recognition and reward for merit and capacity. 

We do not allow their social or financial background to impede recognition and position in government. 

The freedom we enjoy is extended to our daily lives. 

We do not suspect each other and do not discriminate or disdain those around us because their way of life differs from ours.  

We are free to live as we deem suitable, but we are ready to fight off any danger. 

An Athenian citizen pays attention to their public duties and interests when dealing with personal interests, but above all, they never get into public service to fix personal interests.  

In Athens, we are thus. 

We have been taught to respect judges and the law and never to forget to stand up for the oppressed and the discriminated against.  

We have also been taught to respect those unwritten natural laws clearly written in the spirit of what is right and decent.

We do not consider those who show no interest in the affairs of the state harmless but useless because we know that though few can manage politics, we all can judge it. 

We do not consider debates an obstacle to democracy. We believe that happiness is a fruit of freedom, but freedom is a fruit of value”. 

The fact that Pericles could conceive a society and system of government over 400 years before Christ that understood the value of equality and merit, the richness of diversity, the centrality of the law and the importance of value, and the need to protect minorities says a lot about the depth of that period and culture. However, it also says a lot to those who, over two thousand years after Christ, still do not understand the essence of democracy.

Those who should know but for partisan and private interests refuse to stand for what is right even when difficult would not have been considered worthy in the Athens of Pericles.

If we want our democracy to work, the role of the law and judges must be closely monitored and evaluated.

In working towards a better democracy, we must understand that anyone who tries to exploit or manipulate the law for personal or partisan interest is one who betrays the spirit of democracy. For our democracy to move towards perfection, we must ensure that we agree that judges who betray the law are traitors of the spirit of democracy, decency and everything decorous about the commonwealth.

There is an original sin that some systems have committed, and that sin makes corruption of the bench and the law possible if not necessary.

I refer to the weak, corrupt, confusing, and corrosive cord that links the bench to politics.

Please feel free to think of the nomination of the Supreme Court in the USA and even the election of district attorneys.

What shall we say of those judges who casually disregard precedence or even give conflicting judgements in their own cases? What shall we say of those judges who recklessly intervene with injunction orders and counter judgments in cases currently treated by other courts?

What is worse, their mischief or ignorance of their position in democracy?

In a democracy, a bench totally independent of and unconnected to politics will better serve the law and justice.

Recent events in the world, thanks to access to more information, have exposed the failings of many Western countries that once stood as models of democracy. We have now discovered that no country can stand as a teacher to all. We have now discovered that we are all students who can learn from each other’s flaws and virtues on how to move to a more perfect democracy.

Join me on Twitter @anthonykila to share your thoughts, ask questions, and continue these engaging conversations.

• Prof Anthony Kila is an Institute Director at CIAPS. www.ciaps.org. He is also a regular contributor to The Frontier.

The supreme court judgement today, July 11, 2024, directing the Federal Government to pay allocations due to Local Government Areas directly to their account thereby abolishing the old practices of State-Local Government Joint Account,is timely and courageous.

What the judgement has done is more like interpreting section 162 of the Constitution, which provides for a joint State-Local Government Account. In which case, money is normally paid to state governors' accounts and then for them to disburse to the local governments for them to share. But what has been happening is that, as I noted in 2020,over three years ago, the state governors, have been behaving like ''bandits'', waylaing local governments funds along the way and thus impoverishing them leaving them with nothing to work, just a little for salary. And nothing to actually work for the people whom they represent.
I agree totally with the judgement of the supreme court to grant full financial autonomy so that money is released and paid directly to the 774 local government councils which constitute the third-tier of government,to develop their places because the LGAs are grassrooted and nearest to the people. Rather than allow overbearing state governors throw their weight around and muzzle the local governments and seize their purse,they will now allow LGs breath some air of freedom.

If you take a look at our situation, Nigeria is operating a very lopsided federation,more like a unitary system of government. Where the federal government is supposed to be a small government,it is controlling 67 items on the exclusive legislative list. That is why the federal government gets the lion share of the federation account , the lion share of the money that comes to the federation account to the tune of 52.68%. The states get 26.72% while the entire 774 local government councils in Nigeria get just 20.60% of the monthly allocation by the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RLASMC.

The question is, what is the federal government doing with almost 53% of the national income? That is because it is a government that is behemoth.That is elephantine. A government that intrudes and intervenes in areas that should not concern it at all. What is the federal government's business with licensing cars and trucks for states? What is its business with the Marriage Act, dealing with how people marry and wed in Nigeria and how they live together as husband and wife and separate or divorce? What is the federal government's business with unity schools? A whole FG operating secondary schools? What is their business? Why is the FG not allowing states generate their own power, operate their own railway stations, if they have the capacity? Why should the federal government not allow states have their own police force? Even for the local governments to have their own police force as we have in the United States and other advanced countries of the world where even tertiary institutions have their own police?

The truth is that the federal government is overbloated and overpampered. That is why it is using too much money and make the centre become too attractive,eating deep into funds that ought to be meant for the states and local government areas. The states take not only that which belongs to the states, but also waylays at source that which is meant for the local government areas. No Nation grows that way.

So, I see this judgment as epochal,having far-reaching effect because money will now be made available directly to the local government areas who will no longer be subservient, like fawning slaves to state governors. In fact, the judgement even went further to say that no state government has the power henceforth to dissolve local government areas. This is because we have been seeing cases where inspite of the provisions of section 7 of the 1999 constitution that give autonomy to local government areas, states normally go ahead and dissolve local government areas ND appoint caretaker committees for them.This is whimsical and capricious.The Supreme Court has said this can no longer go on and that henceforth, no state government should ever be able to dissolve any local government area in Nigeria for any reason whatsoever and howsoever.

The judgement is salutary, timely and regenerative. It should be upheld by all governments and people in Nigeria for better democratic dividends.I see this as victory for our wobbling democracy, even if we are far removed from true fiscal federalism where the federating units control and utilize their God-given resources while paying royalty or tax to the central government. This case is one big plus for tested court room gladiator, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the Attorney General of the Federation, who initiated the case at the apex court, invoking its original jurisdiction.Surely,to jaw-jaw is better than to war-war. God bless Nigeria.

A former governor of Delta State, James Ibori, has condemned the supreme court ruling on the financial autonomy of the 774 LGAs in the country.

Recall that on Thursday, the supreme court ruled that the federal government should henceforth pay allocations directly to local government councils from the federation account.

The seven-member panel of justices held that the state governments have continued to abuse their powers by retaining and using the funds meant for LGAs.

The apex court also ordered the federal government to withhold allocations of LGAs governed by unelected officials appointed by the governor.

Reacting to the judgement via a post on his X page, Ibori opined that the judgement is an assault and a setback on true federalism.

He argued that the court’s verdict contravenes section 162(3) of the 1999 Constitution.

The former governor said the federal government “has no right to interfere with the administration of LGAs under any guise whatsoever”.

He said the ruling would have “far-reaching” implications, such as “erosion of state autonomy” and centralising “more power to the centre,” among others.

Ibori wrote, “The supreme court has dealt a severe setback on the principle of federalism as defined by section 162(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“The section expressly provides thus: ‘Any amount standing to the credit of the Federation Account shall be distributed among the Federal and State Governments and the Local Government Councils in each State on such terms and in such manner as may be prescribed by the National Assembly’.

“Sections 6 provide further clarity on the subject matter: ‘Each State shall maintain a special account to be called ‘State Joint Local Government Account’ into which shall be paid all allocations to the Local Government Councils of the State from the Federation Account and from the Government of the State.

“The implications of the ruling are far-reaching, and the issues that readily come to mind are Constitutional Interpretation: The Supreme Court’s ruling appears to contradict the explicit provisions of Section 162 of the 1999 Constitution.

“The implications of the ruling are far-reaching, and the issues that readily come to mind are Constitutional Interpretation: The Supreme Court’s ruling appears to contradict the explicit provisions of Section 162 of the 1999 Constitution.

“This raises questions about judicial interpretation and whether the court has overstepped its bounds in reinterpreting clear constitutional language.

“Balance of Power: The ruling potentially shifts the balance of power between the federal government and states. By allowing federal intervention in local government finances, it arguably centralises more power at the federal level, contrary to the principles of federalism.

“State Autonomy: This decision could be seen as an erosion of state autonomy. States are meant to have significant control over their internal affairs, including the administration of local governments, in a federal system.

“Financial Independence: The ruling may impact the financial independence of states and local governments. If the federal government can directly intervene in local government finances, it could potentially use this as a tool for political leverage.

“Precedent-setting: This decision could set a precedent for further federal interventions in areas traditionally reserved for state governance, potentially leading to a more centralised system of government over time. That local governments must be ‘democratically elected’ goes without saying.”

[BusinessDay]

The Senate on Thursday rejected a bill seeking to amend the Foreign Exchange Act of 2004 to introduce provisions for the control, monitoring, and supervision of transactions in the Foreign Exchange Market according to reports from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).  

The bill, titled “The Foreign Exchange (Control and Monitoring) Bill, 2024 (SB. 353),” was sponsored by Sani Musa (APC-Niger), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, and was first read on Tuesday, February 20. 

In his lead debate, Musa described the bill as crucial legislation intended to repeal the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, Cap. F34, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. 

He stated that the proposed law would regulate, monitor, and supervise market transactions and related matters. Additionally, it aimed to contribute to the sound development of the national economy by facilitating foreign transactions and maintaining a balance of international payments. 

Sen. Musa said, “The Bill seeks to stabilise the value of the currency by ensuring the liberalisation of foreign exchange transactions to maintain an equilibrium of the balance of international payments.” 

“It will also stabilise the value of the currency by ensuring liberalisation of foreign exchange transactions and of other foreign transactions by revitalising market functionality. The newly introduced clauses will enable the CBN to determine the basic exchange rate of purchase and sale of foreign exchange,” 

Rejection of the bill by members of the senate 

However, senators expressed concerns that new legislation to monitor or control the foreign exchange market, beyond the current efforts by the CBN, could be counterproductive. 

Notable senators who voiced serious reservations about the proposed law included Solomon Adeola (Chairman of the Committee on Appropriation), Tokunbo Abiru (Chairman of the Committee on Banking, Insurance, and Other Financial Institutions), and Aliyu Wadada (Chairman of the Senate Public Accounts Committee). 

Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo (APC-Gombe), for instance, argued that passing such a law would confuse Nigerians. He noted that any further regulation of the foreign exchange market should originate from the executive branch to avoid creating a crisis in the sector. 

Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC-Edo) pointed out that the senators who had spoken had meticulously summarized and amplified the contradictions and negative implications of passing the law.

Oshiomhole believed the bill should not proceed further, as it would effectively take over the CBN’s monetary policy regulations.  

He suggested that if the executive branch wished, they could introduce a bill to further strengthen the CBN’s regulatory powers, emphasizing that such matters were not the Senate’s responsibility. 

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, urged Senator Musa to withdraw the proposed law for further consultations, but the senator declined. 

Sen. Akpabio then called for a voice vote to decide its approval or rejection for a second reading, and the majority of lawmakers voted against it. 

[Nairametrics]

The foremost Pan African student movement, the Progressive Students Movement (PSM), stated that President Bola Tinubu is fully in charge of the affairs of the Villa and not caged as claimed by Senator Ali Ndume.

Ndume had alleged that the president is unaware of the happenings outside the Villa, suggesting that he has been fenced off and caged.

Reacting to the senator’s comment, President of PSM, Bestman Okereafor, in a statement, said the president is fully in charge and remains the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“As progressives, PSM considers this statement from the Senate Chief Whip as diminishing and derogatory to the esteemed office of the Executive President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

He urged Ndume to propose open solutions to the security challenges and other issues facing the nation, especially in his senatorial district, noting that Vice President Shettima is also from Borno State.

“The Senate Chief Whip was insensitive to the fact that his derogatory remarks about Mr. President are harmful to the ruling APC, a party he also belongs to!”

“We are imploring President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently address the myriad of issues confronting the nation, which include but are not limited to economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, scarcity, and the unregulated sale of PMS, among several others,” he said.

[Leadership]