The Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC) has directed its members to mobilise ahead of taking over offices of the Labour Party(LP) nationwide following the Supreme Court ruling that sacked Julius Abure as National Chairman of the party. 

In a statement by its President, Joe Ajaero, the NLC directed the LP National Executive Committee (NEC) to appoint an interim leadership which will conduct an inclusive Special National Convention for the party in line with the provisions of the LP Constitution and the consent judgement.

“To resolve the leadership vacuum in the Labour Party, the surviving institutional members of the LP National Executive Committee (NEC) are expected to appoint an interim leadership which will conduct an inclusive Special National Convention for the party in line with the provisions of the LP Constitution and the consent judgement. Any step outside these constitutional procedures will be an affront to the rule of law and would be tantamount to an unmitigable assault on constitutional rule. Such mischief will be stoutly resisted by Nigerian workers and people,” the statement partly reads.  

It added: “We use this medium to put every Nigerian worker, labour party members and patriotic citizens on alert. We will no longer condone the antics of inconsequential characters like Mr. Julius Abure whose only relevance is their availability for mischief and inanity at the behest of silhouettes in the corridors of power. 

“The Supreme Court is one of the most enduring institutions and beacons of not only the rule of law but our sovereignty as a country. Nigerian workers and people, especially genuine members of the Labour Party will not sit back and watch unscrupulous elements desecrate Nigeria’s laws and the well-founded judgement of the Supreme Court.

” If we fail to take action, it means that we have accepted the complete deconstruction of the institutions of state and the desecration of the shared values that bind all of us as one people under constitutional rule. 

“As authentic Labour Party leaders known to all Nigerians continue to take steps to recover and reposition the party as the vehicle for the emancipation of the Nigerian masses, we wish to warn that characters like Julius Abure should advise themselves to recuse themselves from the path of complete self-destruction they have embarked upon through their headless and heedless affront to the judgment of the Supreme Court that has swept their existence into oblivion. Just as we warned him about a year ago that Nigerian workers and genuine members of the Labour Party will always collect what belongs to them no matter how long a mischief lasts. 

“By this communication, we urge every worker in Nigeria, all genuine members of the Labour Party and all lovers of democracy to be on standby to once again peacefully repossess all offices of the Labour Party nationwide. The leadership of the NLC Political Commission and other concerned Labour Party stakeholders will issue necessary directives to this effect.”

The congress put the security agencies, especially the Nigeria Police Force and the State Security Service on notice, saying that they have a constitutional duty to enable and enforce the judgement of the Supreme Court.

It also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to remove every insignia of Abure and his National Working Committee from its portals.

“We are also putting all the security agencies, especially the Nigeria Police Force and the State Security Service on notice that they have a constitutional duty to enable and enforce the judgement of the Supreme Court. We expect their cooperation as we pursue the rule of law. Any action to the contrary, will present our dear country as a banana republic. 

“Finally, we call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) which had always pleaded alignment with the pronouncement of the court of law in the leadership issues in the Labour Party to give full effect to the conclusive judgment of the Supreme Court by removing every insignia of Mr. Julius Abure and his National Working Committee from its portals.”

Responding to the threat by the NLC to take over its offices, National Publicity Secretary of the LP, Obiora Ifoh said the NLC has no right to attack any of its offices because there is no trade dispute. 

The party said the latest threat by the NLC is “pure blackmail on INEC and security agencies to do the wrong thing.”

Ifoh, in a statement on Wednesday morning in Abuja, said the party would take every legal means to “deal with Ajero and his gangsters should they attempt to resort to self help.”

The statement reads: “The attention of the Labour Party leadership has been drawn to a statement issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero threatening to attack the offices of the Labour Party across the nation. Ordinarily, we would have ignored that threat but  there is need to assure our teeming members of our commitment to keep the fate and resist all forms of rascality and intimidation from persons who think themselves to be above the laws of the land 

“We therefore see NLC’s latest threat as pure blackmail on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and security agencies to do the wrong thing. 

“The Supreme Court is clear about party leadership in which the courts have no business. The Supreme Court stated  that courts can not interfere in the internal affairs of  a political party.  The Courts didn’t sack the NWC nor held the tenure to have lapsed. We advise  Joe Ajaero and his ilks to seek legal advice if they can not comprehend a simple court pronouncement. 

“Nigerians will recall that the Labour Party executive that was elected in 2019 whose tenure was to expire in June 2023, was extended in Asaba for one year by the National Executive Committee of which NLC attended and played a key role. The tenure was to end in June 2024, however, before the end of that duration, the National Convention was conducted in March 2024 in line with our party constitution and the 2022 Electoral Act as amended which ushered in the present leadership. There has never been any vacuum in the leadership of the Labour Party.

“We must note that we didn’t go to court with Nenadi Usman or any other person on  account of leadership because leadership was not in dispute. We only went to court to compel INEC to give us uploading code for Ondo state governorship election. This was the case when Nenadi Usman and Mr Nwokocha came to join. 

“We had warned them against the illegality of convening an unauthorised NEC meeting in Umuahia. Every outcome of that meeting is inconsequential, null and void, and of no value. They are again aggregating in Abuja this Wednesday in furtherance of their illegality. 

“Threats to attack offices and organizations have become the hallmark of the NLC under Ajaero. Recall that in 2024, NLC forcefully broke into our national headquarters carting away valuables. That matter was reported to the police. The recent threat to invade our office was leaked to us by some members of the NLC, hence we alerted the nation.

“Ajaero should by now learn that attacking law-abiding citizens, hooliganism and rascality is not a trait of a good unionist. He should be concerned more about workers welfare. He has since politicised the Labour Union in Nigeria and he is no longer fit to occupy that exalted office. We have once advised him to quit unionism and join politics but he will not listen.

“We must state categorically that the NLC has no right to attack any Labour Party office because there is no trade dispute. Based on the trade dispute Act, you can not picket or declare a strike without  a trade dispute. In any case, we do not have any staff of the NLC in our employment. There is no Union in our offices.  their action is purely an illegality. 

“Let it be known that we will take every legal means to deal with Ajaero and his gangsters should they attempt to resort to self help. We will not hesitate to write to the Registrar of Trade Union to discipline them if they resort to taking laws into their own hands.

“Finally, we will seek the protection of the security agencies but where they defy the security agencies, we will have no option but to mobilise our members across the nation to resist them.”

“As President, I reaffirm this administration’s steadfast dedication to the welfare and empowerment of the Nigeria Police Force. A secure Nigeria is vital for our collective prosperity, and this vision begins with ensuring that our police force is well-equipped, well-trained, and well-motivated.  We are resolute in our commitment to police welfare and comprehensive reform.” – President Bola Tinubu at the maiden National Police Day celebration in Abuja on April 7, 2025

An April 2, 2025, press statement by the Force Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police, Assistant Commissioner of Police Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stated, “The Nigeria Police Force is set to host the maiden edition of National Police Day on April 7, 2025, at Eagle Square, Abuja. This historic event, which will run from April 2 to April 7, 2025, will feature a series of impactful humanitarian and community-based activities, including medical outreaches, community engagements, exhibitions by security companies and partners, among other programmes, aimed at fostering stronger police-community relations. The National Police Day was pronounced by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces on the 19th April 2024, during the Nigeria Police Award and Commendation Ceremony in Abuja. The National Police Day is designed to celebrate the dedication, sacrifices, and achievements of the Nigeria Police Force in ensuring national security. It will provide a platform to recognise the force’s pivotal role in safeguarding lives and property while reinforcing public trust and collaboration in maintaining law and order.”

An April 7, 2025 statement on the website of State House on the National Police Day said inter alia that the President outlined decisive measures his administration is currently putting in place to immediately engender an effective and formidable police force, including provision of modern tools and technology to enhance the operations of the force, as well as adequate accommodations, accessible healthcare and quality education for families of police personnel. In a speech delivered on his behalf by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu was quoted as saying, “In this light, we are taking decisive steps to improve the conditions under which our police officers serve. Adequate housing, accessible healthcare, and quality education for your children are priorities we are committed to fulfilling.  These promises will begin to materialise immediately. We are also determined to equip you with modern tools and technology to enhance your effectiveness in combating crime. Furthermore, we will ensure that your salaries and benefits reflect the gravity of your responsibilities and the risks you face daily. Anything less would be unacceptable,” he stated.

Earlier, IGP Kayode Egbetokun said beyond commemoration of the day of the establishment of the Nigeria Police Force, the National Police Day offered the opportunity to remember fallen heroes and acknowledge the heroics of men and women of the Police in theatres of operation across the country and beyond.  The IGP said the day also provided a platform to emphasise the renewed call for excellence, professionalism, and respect for human rights, among other virtues that the new police force embodies.  He highlighted the reform agenda of the police force under his leadership, noting that the reforms are hinged on building a force that commands trust and professionalism, enforces justice and promotes national development through enhanced security and policing of the country.

The high points of the event were the inspection of the guard by the Vice President, procession by tactical units and other security organisations, and the silent drill display by officers of the Nigeria Police Force. Also present at the event were the Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji AbdulRazaq Abdulrahman; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Chairman, House Committee on Police Affairs, Hon. Makki Yallemen and other members of the National Assembly; Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa and other Service Chiefs. Others include Deputy Governors of Delta, Ondo and Enugu States; heads of security and paramilitary organisations; representatives of the Minister of Police Affairs, the Police Service Commission, former Inspectors General of Police and retired senior police officers, among others.

It is indeed a welcome development to have a day set aside to recognise the gallantry of the Nigerian police. I was privileged to discuss the significance of this day on Citizen 93.7 FM Abuja and the NTA News 24 programme called Nigeria Today on Monday. As far as I am concerned, beyond the fanfare of celebration, National Police Day is a call to action. As we all know, Nigeria is severely challenged in terms of security. Yet, Section 14(2)(b) of the Nigerian Constitution says security and welfare shall be the primary purpose of government. Banditry, kidnapping for ransom, armed robbery and other crimes are unsettling Nigerians and are cited as part of the reasons some of our elite are leaving the shores of Nigeria for a more secure environment. Moreover, no foreign investor will want to bring his or her hard-earned resources into an insecure environment.

Beyond the rhetoric, Nigerians want to see a more improved policing system. No country is crime-free, but it seems Nigeria’s security architecture needs to be retooled, as the institutions meant to protect the country seem overwhelmed. Indeed, many communities have to hire vigilantes and private security guards to provide security for their communities. While there is no gainsaying that Nigeria Police officers and men are trying their level best to provide security, however, poor funding, inadequate training, lack of professionalism, inadequate equipment and facilities, abuse of office, corruption, lack of proper motivation and inadequate personnel are some of the bane.

While the immediate past administration of President Muhammadu Buhari did a lot to improve the lot of the Nigerian police through the amendment of the Police Act, establishment of Police Equipment Trust Fund, order to recruit 10,000 constables annually from 2016 or thereabouts, and salary increase for the police personnel, it is disheartening that the Nigerian police performance is still sub-optimal. An intra-organisation faceoff between the Office of Inspector General of Police and the Police Service Commission stalled the recruitment of police constables while litigation ensued until the Supreme Court upheld the PSC as the rightful body to recruit all personnel from constable to senior cadre.  The impact of the Police Equipment Trust Fund has not been well felt over the years, while there are not enough budgetary allocations to fund the force.

Solutions to Nigeria’s policing challenges should include the scrapping of the Ministry of Police Affairs. This is not necessary as the Police Service Commission is a constitutional body established by Section 153(m)  of the Nigerian Constitution, and its responsibility as stated in the Third Schedule of the Constitution, Section 30, says, “The commission shall have the power to – (a) appoint persons to offices (other than the office of the Inspector General of Police) in the Nigeria Police Force; and (b) dismiss and exercise disciplinary control over persons holding any office referred to in sub-paragraph (a) of this paragraph.” Keeping the Ministry of Police and Police Service Commission is a needless increase in the running cost of the Nigeria Police. The President should do as he did last year with the scrapping of the Ministry of Sports while resuscitating the National Sports Commission. The second recommendation is for the President to throw his weight behind the establishment of state police. This is long overdue. Thirdly, Nigeria Police should learn to respect the fundamental rights of citizens. The illegal arrest and detention of suspects should be a thing of the past. I posit that the retirement age of police personnel should be increased to 65 years. This will ensure that experienced personnel are retained to help in the fight against crime.

Anyone not trained to respect elders or people in positions of authority would have described some of the latest pastimes of the National Assembly as the acts of people without a sense of why they were elected as legislators in the first place. What is mostly coming out of the NASS reeks of buffoonery, far from matters appertaining to the well-being of Nigerians.

There is a story of a retired university vice-chancellor who was scandalised by the greed of his colleague senators, who wanted to fix huge salaries and allowances for themselves. He, as majority leader, however, found a way to manoeuvre his colleagues off their wayward path.

You may have seen videos of Elisha Abbo, who once represented Adamawa North Senatorial District, bellyaching over unpaid allowances, pay-outs that he did not take and how he was hounded out of the Senate because he did not support Senator Godswill Akpabio to become Senate President.

At the end of the day, Senator Abbo was removed from the Senate by a court judgment that pronounced that his seat be yielded to Senator Amos Yohanna of the opposition People’s Democratic Party that it determined had won the election.

Recently, senators have been projecting negative images of sexual harassment, and distracting everyone with a contrived and bungled recall of a female senator, said to be a victim of sexual harassment by principal officers of the Senate.

The courts that have obviously become irritated even told both the Senate President and his sparring partner not to grant press interviews on the inanities that the two of them are putting the Senate and Nigerians through.

In addition to these allegations of the peccadilloes of some principal officers of the Senate, the legislators thought that they could waste precious time over the asinine issue of putting a cap on the age of those who can contest elective offices.

Members of the House of Representatives who have apparently lost sight of their responsibilities have successfully advanced a bill to ban Nigerians older than 60 years from contesting elective offices of the president, governors and their deputies, to the Second Reading.

These very unserious legislators need to know that Winston Churchill, regarded as the greatest Englishman that ever lived, began his second term as British Prime Minister in 1951, when he turned 77, and ended his tenure in 1955, at the age of 81.

Also, Konrad Adenauer, who took over the position of Chancellor (or Prime Minister) of the Federal Republic of Germany in 1949, when he was already 73, left it after 14 long years, in 1963, at the advanced age of 87.

Both men, and American President Ronald Reagan, who became President in 1981, at the age of 69, and left office in 1988, at the age of 77, performed excellently well as chief executive officers of their respective countries, in the delicate Cold War years that came with the threat of a nuclear war.

None of these men betrayed any signs of frailty when they were in office. Of course, it has been argued that the immediate past President Joe Biden of America appeared to be absent-minded during his re-election debate.

Maybe those legislators have never heard the Yoruba folktale of animals who killed their mothers during a famine, only to learn that the wiser canine took his mother to heaven, from where she lowered food supplies to him whenever he was hungry.

They are probably unaware of the Yoruba observation that whereas the hands of the juvenile cannot reach the rafters, the hands of the elders cannot pass through the thin neck of the gourd. They also may not have heard of the Yoruba saying that it is with the wisdom of the young and the old that Ile Ife was built.

And by failing to extend this unnecessary age limitation to elections into the legislative houses, the legislators are demonstrating that they are in office to serve only their personal interests. One can only hope that the Senate will not join the mindless circus.

The idle legislators also thought it was necessary to remove the immunity clause of the vice president and deputy governors, clearly forget that Sections 143 and 188 of Nigeria’s Constitution have already provided impeachment as a tool to remove the president, the governors and their deputies so that they could face legal prosecution for any wrong acts they may have committed while in office.

The disingenuous legislators somewhat failed to realise that if the Vice President or any deputy governor was going to carry out any corrupt acts, it must have been with the indulgence and connivance of their principals, who are the President or the governors.

They also did not seem to remember that it is the governors, and not their deputies, who usually become the guests of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission at the end of their tenures, after which they would have lost their immunity.

But the 60 legislators who are proposing Nigeria’s return to the parliamentary system of government got it right. In addition to not being as expensive as the presidential system, the parliamentary system can hold the prime minister, who is a member of the parliament, more accountable than the presidential system.

It is important to note that the adoption of the presidential system was not exactly the choice of Nigerians, but that of General Olusegun Obasanjo, an alumnus of the over-centralised command-and-control system of his military alma mater.

But to segue for more compelling and urgent matters of state, one hopes that the delegation of the Rivers State caucus of the NASS, led by Senator Barina Mpigi, reminded Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, Sole Administrator of Rivers State, that the revised 2025 budget that he is preparing must be presented to the National Assembly for approval.

This is in line with the resolution of the National Assembly to set up an ad-hoc committee with members from the two chambers to exercise oversight functions over Rivers State under the state of emergency that has temporarily rendered Governor Siminilaye Fubara hors de combat and placed the state under the sole administrator that was appointed by President Bola Tinubu, in clear breach of Nigeria’s Constitution.

In any case, Section 11(1) of the Constitution makes it clear, “The National Assembly may make laws for the Federation, or any part thereof… with respect to… providing, maintaining and securing of (assets)… as may be provided by the National Assembly as essential supplies and services (that will be funded by provisions of the statutorily approved budget).”

Also, Section 11(4,5) provides, “At any time when any (state) House of Assembly… is unable to perform its functions… the National Assembly may make laws… on matters (including annual budget) as may appear to be necessary or expedient… until the National Assembly is able to resume its functions…”

If they are serious about this oversight assignment, which they told President Tinubu that they will perform, they will be making legitimate operational expenses and the project expenditures that Admiral Ibas will naturally like to embark upon.

Caesar’s wife must not only be beyond suspicion, she must be seen to be beyond suspicion. She may also be helped to be beyond suspicion. The National Assembly must pay more attention to its responsibilities and stop its inanities.

A total of 11 governors of the Peoples Democratic Party have approached the Supreme Court challenging what powers President Bola Tinubu has to suspend a democratically elected structure of a state.

The suit filed by the governors also challenges the declaration of a state of emergency rule in Rivers State.

While the media previously reported that the suit had been filed before the Supreme Court, the governors suit was actually only filed before the apex court on Tuesday.

This was exclusively confirmed to The PUNCH by the Director of Information and Public Relations of the Supreme Court, Dr Festus Akande.

President Bola Tinubu had on March 18 declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the state deputy governor, Mrs Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.

Following the suspension, President Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (retd.) as the sole administrator to oversee the affairs of Rivers State pending the period of the suspension.

Meanwhile, the legislature at the National Assembly, on their part supported the President’s decision to implement the suspension.

Aggrieved by the suspension meted out to one of its fellow party governors, 11 PDP state governors approached the Supreme Court to challenge the suspension, the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers state and the appointment of the sole administrator before the apex court in the country.

The governors, in the suit marked: SC/CV/329/2025, predicated the summon on eight grounds.

The plaintiffs in the suit are – Adamawa, Enugu, Osun, Oyo, Bauchi, Akwa Ibom, Plateau, Delta, Taraba, Zamfara, and Bayelsa states.

The plaintiffs urged the Supreme Court to determine if the President had the powers to suspend a democratically elected structure of a state.

They also asked the apex court to determine if the way and manner the President pronounced the state of emergency declaration in Rivers State was not in contravention of the 1999 Constitution.

Amongst others, all 11 governors in the suit, filed through their state Attorney Generals, prayed the court to determine the following, “Whether upon a proper construction and interpretation of the provisions of Sections 1(2), 5(2), 176, 180, 188 and 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria can lawfully suspend or in any manner whatsoever interfere with the offices of a Governor and the Deputy Governor of any of the component 36 States of the Federation of Nigeria and replace same with his own unelected nominee as a Sole Administrator, under the guise of, or pursuant to, a Proclamation of a State of Emergency in any of the State of the Federation, particularly in any of the Plaintiffs States?

“Whether upon a proper construction and interpretation of the provisions of Sections 1(2), 4(6), 11(4) & (5), 90, 105 and 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria can lawfully suspend the House of Assembly of any of the component 36 States of the Federation of Nigeria, under the guise of, or pursuant to, a Proclamation of a State of Emergency in any of such States, particularly in any of the Plaintiffs States?

“Whether the consequent threat by the first Defendant acting on behalf of the President to the States of the Federation, including the Plaintiffs’ States, to the effect that the offices of the Governor and Deputy Governor of the States can be suspended by the President by virtue of a Proclamation of a State of Emergency, is not in contravention of the provisions of Sections 1(2), 4(6), 5(2), 11(2) and (3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 and inconsistent with the principles of constitutional federalism?

Meanwhile, the respondents in the suit are to within 14 days after the service of the summons on them, inclusive of the day of such service, cause an appearance to be entered for them.

The suit filed by the opposition governors ends weeks of speculation of what action they would take following reports that they had earlier approached the apex court to challenge the President’s action.

Before Tuesday, seven PDP governors, specifically from Bauchi, Adamawa, Bayelsa, Enugu, Osun, Plateau and Zamfara states reportedly decided to challenge the President’s action by filing a suit before the Supreme Court.

However, multiple Supreme Court and Ministry of Justice sources told The PUNCH that they were yet to be served with the court papers, following findings by our correspondent.

When our correspondent asked a  state counsel at the Ministry of Justice, Abuja last month if the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), had been served with the PDP Governors suit challenging Fubara’s suspension, he replied, “We haven’t seen it.”

The PUNCH on March 31, a week after the suit was reportedly filed at the Supreme Court, was also told by another state counsel in the Federal Ministry of Justice that the suit had yet to be served on the Federal Government.

The official, who works with the Attorney General of the Federation, spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the media.

He said, “Here at the Ministry of Justice, we have yet to be served with the governors’ suit that they said they filed before the Supreme Court to challenge Fubara’s suspension. Immediately after we heard about the suit, we prepared our response.

“We have our response ready because for three days we started reading books to prepare but we have yet to be served. We are still waiting.”

Last month, while speaking on the Rivers State situation, Bayelsa State Governor, Duoye Diri, who is the Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum, was also silent on the filing of a suit.

Rather, he harped on the call for the Federal Government to urgently reverse the Rivers emergency rule, reinstate Governor Fubara and set up a panel to reconcile Fubara and the state lawmakers.

[Punch]

Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has dismissed the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as lacking any real political structure, describing it as a “one-man show”.

The elder statesman made the statement on Wednesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Morning Brief while addressing the possibility of a third political force, such as the Social Democratic Party (SDP), emerging ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“The APC has no structure; it’s just a one-man show,” he said.

He emphasised that any meaningful political alternative must prioritise the people and not personal ambitions. “What should come first is the people. Then, our attitude to manage the resources of this country for the benefit of the people. Individualism can never solve this. Personal ambition is a very dangerous, stupid approach to problem-solving.

“You must give in to something and must allow the freshness in the minds of the people of this country. Governance is about them; power should be from them.”

PDP will resolve its crisis at next NEC meeting

Speaking earlier in the interview, George also addressed the internal crisis within the PDP. He expressed optimism that the party’s issues would be resolved at its next National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

His words: “This thing started like a little sore; now it’s almost like a cancer that spreads. It began with the inordinate ambition of individuals; it didn’t just start yesterday.”

He continued, “The PDP has a system by which we will resolve our problem. The day we have the next NEC meeting, we’ll resolve our problem. So many people have been interpreting the position, laws, [and] constitution of the party to soothe themselves.”

According to him, the meeting will provide an avenue for honest deliberation. “I believe that when we meet, we will fight, discuss and debate. In the long run, we will come to a unanimous decision because we will now put at the centre of discussion the process established by the founding fathers of the party. Those who don’t like it can take a walk and join another party.”

He added that the party is aware of those stirring trouble and must act decisively. He warned, however, that if the PDP fails to resolve its issues at the next NEC meeting, “that’s the end.

[Vanguard]

Donald Trump’s return to aggressive tariff policies, under his “MAGA Master Plan,” has cast a long shadow over global trade, creating a complex landscape of risks and potential opportunities for African economies, particularly Nigeria. Some people called yesterday Black Monday as stock markets everywhere, including Nigeria’s NGX, bled red. 

While critics denounce these measures as disruptive and chaotic, Trump’s administration presents them as a necessary realignment of US economic dominance. For Africa, the implications are multifaceted: the initial turbulence could pave the way for strategic, long-term gains, provided the continent seizes this moment to diversify its trade relationships, bolster domestic production, and diminish its reliance on volatile global markets.

The tariffs, including a blanket 10% levy on imports and a 54% surcharge on Chinese goods, threaten to destabilise Africa’s established export routes. Nigeria, a key US trading partner in sectors like crude oil and cocoa, faces the risk of collateral damage. In 2023, the US imported $3.8 billion worth of Nigerian crude; however, tariffs could incentivise American buyers to seek alternative sources, thereby squeezing Nigeria’s crucial dollar earnings. Similarly, African manufacturers dependent on Chinese intermediate goods—such as textiles, electronics, and machinery—face the prospect of increased input costs, potentially hindering industrial growth.

Furthermore, these tariffs risk exacerbating existing currency pressures. African nations burdened with dollar-denominated debt, such as Nigeria with its substantial $40 billion liability, may see repayment costs escalate if the dollar strengthens under Trump’s policies. Concurrently, diminished export revenues could deplete foreign reserves, further destabilising currencies like the naira.

However, within these challenges lie strategic opportunities for Africa to reshape its economic trajectory.

Firstly, Trump’s tariffs underscore the inherent vulnerability of over-reliance on US and Chinese markets. Africa can mitigate this risk by accelerating the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to increase intra-African trade from 18% to 50% by 2035. Nigeria, with its substantial consumer base, could position itself as a regional hub for processed goods, such as value-added cocoa products, thereby circumventing tariff barriers.

Secondly, tariffs on Chinese imports could stimulate African industrialisation. Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector, which currently imports 70% of its medicines, has the opportunity to expand local drug manufacturing. By fostering partnerships with Indian and European generic producers, and leveraging the AfCFTA’s scale, Nigeria can reduce its dependence on US-linked supply chains.

Thirdly, African countries can diversify their exports towards non-traditional sectors less susceptible to US tariffs. Morocco’s successful automotive export sector serves as a model. Nigeria’s burgeoning tech sector, with its software service exports, could also thrive, as digital trade is less affected by tariffs.

Fourthly, Trump’s “green bucket” strategy, which offers preferential treatment to allies, may compel Africa to forge closer ties with alternative partners. The BRICS bloc, now including Egypt and Ethiopia, offers a platform to negotiate favourable terms for commodity exports and secure infrastructure investment.

If African countries, particularly Nigeria, wish to truly benefit from the shifting global trade landscape, they must act with purpose and determination. Specifically, Nigeria needs to reassess its export strategy, focusing on promoting goods with added value and enhancing trade within the region. Additionally, a significant investment in the country’s logistics infrastructure is crucial. The current inefficiencies at Lagos ports, leading to daily losses of $55 million due to delays, pose a serious barrier to trade. Lastly, Nigeria should actively engage its diaspora, encouraging them to invest their remittances, which total $20 billion annually, into promising, export-oriented start-up businesses.

Trump’s tariffs are a stark reminder for Africa to reassess its position within the global economy. While short-term disruptions are inevitable, the continent can turn this moment into a catalyst for self-reliance. By deepening regional integration, fostering local industries, and diversifying trade alliances, Nigeria and its peers can emerge stronger, transforming from victims of global chaos into architects of their own economic destiny.

Nwanze is a partner at SBM Intelligence

Inclusion is an inexorable ingredient for national cohesion. It is an ideal that demands deliberate and methodical enactment. It is largely potent, not as an abstract concept, but as the praxis for promoting peace and harmony and holding it all together at the umbilicus.

The Tinubu administration has been conscientious and pragmatic about building an egalitarian Nigeria; a nation where ethnic or religious complexion does not supplant excellence and performance; a nation where no Nigerian will need to know anyone to enjoy the harvests of good governance; a nation where all are equal before the law; God and man; a nation where that orphan, Chinedu, in the quiet town of Obosi, can enjoy higher education without the constraints of finance; a nation where all citizens regardless of their tongue, tribe, or religion matter in the minutest scheme of things.

It is reductive to abridge or pigeonhole the conversation on inclusion. It is broader as an ideal. It is all-encompassing; affecting all facets of society.

In terms of appointments, the lineup is balanced and well-spread, especially matching diversity with competence and character. More importantly, as regards the policies, programmes, and projects of the administration, all Nigerians enjoy equal patrimony.

For instance, the Consumer Credit Scheme has beneficiaries drawn from different working strata and diverse taxonomy.

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has over 200,000 beneficiaries drawn from across universities in all the geo-political zones, with over N32 billion disbursed as of February 2025.

The free C-Sections for women in need and the President’s approval of an 80% subsidy on kidney dialysis, reducing the cost from N50,000 to N12,000 per session, are tangible initiatives that directly impact the lives of Nigerians of all phyla.

These programmes and initiatives are implemented across the geo-political zones with absolute fidelity to the sworn oath of fostering unity, peace, and progress.

It is important to mention that under the N50 billion Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme for one million nano-businesses spread across 774 local government areas, with a minimum of 1,000 beneficiaries, over N41 billion has been disbursed to over 828,564 beneficiaries across all the local government areas.

Also, under the FGN N75 billion MSME Intervention Fund, N659,376,800 has been disbursed to 714 beneficiaries. This is in an effort to support young Nigerians and, most importantly, the live-wire of the economy, MSMEs.

The president recently signed some regional development commission bills, giving every zone the muscle to accelerate its development. This shows even-handedness and large-heartedness.

In terms of roads and other infrastructural projects, they are equitably distributed, with work going on on roads across all geo-political zones — the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway, the Sokoto-Badagry road, Enugu-Port Harcourt dual carriageway 2, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway, and many others.

The Tinubu administration is building an inclusive society where everyone has a sense of belonging not just in the psychological sense of it but also in the very essence of life, making sure the benefits of governance percolate to every man and woman — even to the last man.

Fredrick Nwabufo is the senior special assistant to the president on public engagement

Nigeria’s trade relations with the United States hit a combined value of N31.05 trillion between 2015 and 2024, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

TheCableIndex analysis shows that within the 10-year period, Nigeria imported American goods worth N14.71 trillion, while exports to the US stood at N16.34 trillion.

The report said the African giant recorded a trade surplus of N1.63 trillion (meaning that Nigeria exported more to the US than it imported), even though yearly fluctuations show that the country ran deficits in some years, particularly in 2015 and 2020.

In 2024 alone, Nigeria’s exports to the US climbed to an all-time high of N5.52 trillion — up from N2.61 trillion in 2023 and N334.55 billion in 2015.

On April 2, President Donald Trump announced sweeping global tariffs on all imports into the country, including a 14 percent levy on Nigerian goods.

Announcing the tariffs during the ‘Make America Wealthy Again’ event at the White House, Trump said the policy would “supercharge” domestic manufacturing and revive American jobs.

“Jobs and factories will come roaring back into our country… This will be, indeed, the golden age of Americans coming back,” he declared.

Trump’s action has ignited concerns from global leaders and Nigeria’s government.

Jumoke Oduwole, minister of industry, trade, and investment, warned that the newly introduced 10 percent tariff on key export categories could weaken Nigeria’s competitiveness in the U.S. market and threaten non-oil exports that have benefited from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) exemptions.

“A new 10% tariff on key categories may impact the competitiveness of Nigerian goods in the U.S.,” Oduwole said in a statement.

“For businesses in the non-oil sector, these measures present destabilising challenges to price competitiveness and market access, especially in emerging and value-added sectors vital to our diversification agenda.

“SMEs building their business models around AGOA exemptions will face the pressures of rising costs and uncertain buyer commitments.”

The minister said over the past two years, Nigeria’s annual exports to the US have steadily remained between $5 billion and $6 billion.

She noted that “crude petroleum, mineral fuels, oils, and gas-related products” make up more than 90 percent of the exports.

Further analysis of the NBS data shows that Nigeria’s imports from the US surged in 2024, hitting N4.07 trillion — almost seven times higher than the N581.99 billion recorded in 2015.

Over the past decade, it was observed that Nigeria maintained a trade surplus with the US in six out of the 10 years examined, with the highest surplus posted in 2024 at N1.45 trillion.

AFRICA STILL MATTERS — BUT LAGS IN IMPORTS

While Africa plays a key role in Nigeria’s export economy, the data indicates that it is lagging as a source of imports for the continent’s giant.

The NBS said between 2015 and 2024, Nigeria imported goods of N7.45 trillion from African countries — about half of the N14.71 trillion spent on imports from the US within the same period.

More so, imports from America outpaced those from Africa every year in the period reviewed, with the highest value recorded in 2024, when Nigeria bought N4.07 trillion worth of goods from America, compared to N2.16 trillion from African nations.

The data highlights a significant pattern of imbalance, suggesting that African countries buy more from Nigeria than they sell to it.

For instance, the continent is a major destination for Nigerian crude oil, refined products, and agricultural exports — totalling N30.42 trillion in the decade — nearly double the N16.34 trillion exported to the US.

Oduwole said Trump’s tariff on Nigeria was a strong signal for Africa to start trading more within its continent through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.

The AfCFTA is a trade pact brokered by the African Union (AU) to boost intra-African trade.

“Reinforcing the case for Nigeria’s accelerated implementation of the AfCFTA, deepening regional integration, and leveraging frameworks like the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) to lower trade costs and promote intra-African trade,” she said.

‘RETALIATING WITH HIGHER TARIFFS WOULD HURT NIGERIA MORE’

Muhammad Bello, an economist, stressed the importance of strategic responses to the new levy, advising against Nigeria retaliating with higher tariffs, as that could exacerbate inflation.

“Reciprocating with higher tariffs against the U.S. would not be a wise move and could harm Nigeria more than it would impact the US,” he told TheCable.

“Most of our imports from the US are cars, refined crude oil, spare parts and other machinery parts, equipment and other instruments which are very important for our domestic production and meet our domestic demand.

“The implication of retaliating here is that these imports would now become more expensive. This would jack up costs for businesses and consumers, worsening inflation, which is already one of our major concerns.

“Instead of a tit-for-tat, the best thing for us to do is to respond strategically through negotiating and even exploring alternative markets such that we no longer border (sic) what they do.”

Bello also advocated for a stronger focus on Africa, especially in light of the AfCFTA, which promises to open up vast economic opportunities for Nigeria.

He said while the shift towards Africa cannot completely replace oil exports to the US, non-oil exports like agriculture and fertilisers will benefit from greater regional integration.

‘NIGERIA POSITIONED TO WITHSTAND US TARIFF SHOCK’

Wale Edun, minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, says Nigeria is positioned to withstand global trade disruptions, including the new US tariffs.

Speaking at the corporate governance forum organised by the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) in Abuja, Edun said while oil and minerals are exempted from the tariffs, the broader economic impact could be felt through declining oil prices.

He stressed that Nigeria remains relatively insulated due to early reforms and a shift in economic strategy.

“Nigeria-US trade has been in surplus in the last three years (2022-2024),” Edun said.

“Consequently, the tariff effect on exports is negligible if we sustain our oil and minerals export volume.

“The adverse effect on Nigeria will be through the oil price plunge, and we are intensifying efforts to ramp up crude oil production to curtail any price effect.”

The minister said Nigeria is also focusing on non-oil revenue mobilisation, with “budget adjustment and prioritisation where possible, and also innovative non-debt financing strategies”.

[TheCable]

At the Convocation Lecture, the fourth event in the ongoing 28th Convocation ceremony of the Lagos State University, the National chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and Chairman of the occasion, and the Minister of Education and convocation lecturer, Dr Tunji Alausa, have reiterated the imperative of unity and patriotism in achieving national development. Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who spoke on “Patriotism, Citizenship, and National Ownership: The Imperative of Collective Responsibility for Nigeria’s Future,” emphasized the need for patriotism and collective responsibility in achieving national development. 

Dr. Alausa charges Nigerians to adopt a “redefined” patriotism which should “reflect integrity, civic responsibility and a shared vision for national advancement.” According to him, commitment, political leadership and accountability, and promotion of unity and justice are characteristics of a true Nigerian patriot.

“A true patriot in modern Nigeria is someone who contributes to the nation’s growth in tangible ways, whether through education, entrepreneurship, innovation, or public service. This means working towards economic self-sufficiency, supporting local industries and promoting sustainable development initiatives that uplift your or any community in the country.”

However, in his opening address, the APC national chairman and Chairman of the event, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, tasks Nigerians to utilize ethnic diversity in contributing to the nation’s progress. 

“There is no doubt Nigeria is blessed with many ethnic nationalities and, sociologically, each ethnic nationality in Nigeria has some inherent traits; if properly harmonized, Nigeria will be greater than what it is in the moment. I have this hope that going forward there shall be a renewed national patriotism, sense of belonging, from the north to the south; from the east to the west, and by this Nigeria will rise again. 

“We should rise to the responsibilities of true citizenship and restore the glory of our nation’s founding fathers because, ultimately, our most promising path to national awakening is to begin to think less of ourselves as individuals and tribesmen but rise collectively through the responsibilities of true stewardship,” the former governor said. 

 Delivering the Welcome Address of the 28th LASU Convocation Lecture, on the 8th of April, the Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, advocates for patriotism and good citizenship, which should be done in both words and deeds. 

“The emerging leaders of this nation, you are the ones who must rise to the occasion; who must safeguard this nation in the face of threats to its unity, peace and progress. Yes, our nation has its challenges—our fault lines are visible, but let us not forget our nationhood runs deep, woven through our history, our culture and our shared dreams. We are more than our divisions.”

The Vice-Chancellor decried the extinction of history in the Nigerian education curriculum while acknowledging its consequences on Nigeria’s vibrant youths.

"I would also like to touch on one thing I consider a disservice to our sense of patriotism and collective responsibility: the removal of History from the curriculum in our primary and secondary schools. When we lack a sense of the past, then our future is endangered. So much harm has been done to our young generation, the group that we call the Gen Z, who pass through schools at a time when history was expunged from the curriculum. Some of such harms are evident in the even dangerous narratives that avail the social media space. The ethnic-induced abuses, trolling and verbal attacks on individuals and groups have become the hallmark of social media engagement amongst others. 

"And it is on this note that I salute President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Education for the bold decision to return the teaching of history to schools. This is a crucial step towards healing these generational wounds and ensuring that our young people understand the rich, complex story of our nation. A story that will empower them to engage with one another and with Nigeria’s future in a more informed, respectful and united manner.”

The 28th convocation lecture of the third most sought-after Nigerian university was commemorated in grand style as distinguished personalities permeated the scene. In attendance were the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mr Femi Pedro, LASU Chancellor, Gbolahan Elias (SAN), Executive Secretary of Tetfund, Emeritus Professor Sonny Echono, Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr Tolani Sule, amongst others. 

The convocation ceremony is expected to continue until Thursday when the University conferred honorary doctorate degrees on the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Buba Marwa (rtd) and former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Femi Pedro.

3rd April, 2025

Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), CFR

Administrator,

Rivers State,

Government House,

Port Harcourt. 

Dear brother and Admiral,

OUR DEEP CONCERNS OVER TEARING DOWN OF DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS IN RIVERS STATE

 I have thought it important and quite pertinent to write to you to raise a matter of serious concern to all watchers of event in Rivers State and particularly leaders of various groups in the South-South of the country. This is as it pertains to what we observe to be a systematic tearing down of various structures, which are important for the continued building and consolidation of democracy in Rivers State right now taking place under your watch.

2. Before I proceed, let me express my regret that I did not, as expected, send felicitations to you on your appointment 

to this office. I must say that this has nothing to do with my esteem for you and our joint participation in national service in which God graciously took we both to the very peak of our chosen careers. Conversely, at my last count, I congratulated you both on your appointment as Chief of Naval Staff in 2015 and thereafter as Nigeria's High Commissioner to the Republic of Ghana in 2021. 

3. On this occasion of your most recent appointment, I could not extend same brotherly felicitations on account of the fact that I still cannot come to terms that a state of emergency was declared in Rivers State just one week after our most revered leaders had audience with Mr. President on 11th March 2025. On that occasion, he requested leaders of South-South under PANDEF to go and continue with peace building in Rivers State and report back to him. Alas, there was no chance for that. Besides, I have been close enough in government, having worked closely with at least 3 former Presidents to know that the decapitation of democratic institutions in times of emergency rule is alien and repugnant to our current democratic structure. 

4. I recall vividly that during the time of President Goodluck Jonathan, the then Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Mohammed Adoke, SAN, was man enough and had the fear of God to tell the then President that even though the parts of the country, i.e., Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe were under foreign invasion, a state of emergency cannot result in pulling down the institutions of democratic governance we are still nurturing after long years of military rule. 

5. It was therefore difficult for me, despite the fact that you are a man with a good service record and also one of our proud sons, to endorse you. Because your presence in Rivers State is an embarrassing aberration to all men of goodwill and good conscience.

6. However, PANDEF will work with you to ensure your peaceful tenure and early exit from the scene in Rivers State. That is why we have continually urged our people, particularly the youths and political actors of Rivers State, to accord you maximum cooperation. The more troubling scenario that has emerged from your assumption of office is the unbelievable level of dismantling, disassembling, and raising down all the institutions of democracy that have been in existence in the state. These are many, and I may not be able to exhaustively recount all of them, but the mention of a few will suffice. 

7. First is the removal of the photographs of the elected governor from all offices when he has not yet been removed from office. This I saw first-hand at the Port Harcourt International Airport, where I often pass through and was told this was at the behest of your administration. On enquiry, I was told that this has happened in all other government offices around the state. Beyond that, is your most recent decision to suspend the boards of existing statutory institutions such as State Independent Electoral Commission, Governing Councils of Tertiary Institutions, and even the revered Traditional Rulers Council. 

8. I do not claim to be an expert on constitutional matters but as one who has been atop in the country's bureaucracy and from best global practices around the world which I know too well from my diplomatic career of nearly half a century, the duties of a sole administrator as a placeholder are: 

i) Making decisions in an interim manner regarding the management and day to day administration of the state; 

 ii) Financial control, especially receiving money, making payments, and ensuring transparency;

iii) Managing personnel and ensuring other human resource functions; and 

iv) Taking measures to ensure peace, particularly using the office to intermediate and bring back peace to the realm in question; in this case, Rivers State.  

9. It is against this backdrop that I have been in great pain to write this letter to you and take the liberty to caution that in this complex national assignments which you find yourself enlisted to carry out, you must be timorous enough to not find yourself taking decisions that pale in the sight of best and acceptable standards of decency. This is more so as I have thoroughly read the Gazette dated 19th March, 2025 appointing you as Administrator as well as extracts of National Assembly Proceedings of Thursday, 20th March, 2025 and do not find the kind of wide and sweeping powers being deployed by your office.  

10. In conclusion, may the good Lord use you as a dispassionate instrument of peace, and may you have the courage to undo some of your actions that have so far proven to be over the bar.

With my regards.

Signed

Godknows Boladei Igali

National President