FEATURES
Daniel Bwala, the Special Adviser on Public Communications and Media to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has stated that his principal is qualified to contest elections in 2027.
Bwala insisted that Tinubu would not be distracted by people’s comments about the 2027 poll.
He stated this in Abuja on Wednesday at the national secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“So, the time for politicking is not yet, and when that time comes, we are going to be ready for everyone.
“The president’s agenda, which is working well, is what will naturally endear Nigerians to vote for him for the second term.
“He is more than eminently qualified constitutionally to contest for the second term in office, and God willing, if God gives him life and health, we do hope that he will run his cause as provided by the Constitution,” he said.
Bwala said the APC is not bothered by the victory recorded by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Ghana’s presidential election.
The presidential spokesperson said Tinubu’s administration has gained public trust, noting that Nigerians are witnessing its impactful efforts, “focusing on everyday realities beyond political affiliations”.
“They don’t actually care whether you are white or black-skinned or whatever, as long as what matters to them on their dinner table is dealt with,” he said.
There is palpable tension in the nation’s aviation sector as the tenure of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) acting director general, Capt Chris Najomo, expires on Thursday, December 12, 2024.
The minister of aviation and aerospace development, Festus Keyamo, appointed Capt. Najomo in acting capacity on December 13, 2023, after suspending the substantive director-general, Capt Musa Nuhu, over alleged corrupt practices.
However, Section 7 of the federal government’s Public Service Rules on Acting Appointment states that any officer appointed in acting capacity cannot serve more than 12 months in such a position.
The relevant Section 7 of the federal government’s Civil Service Rules also said that recommendations for such an appointee in acting capacity must be forwarded to the Federal Civil Service Commission and must include a certificate stating that the acting officer would assume the full duties and responsibilities of the post.
With Najomo’s assumption of office in acting capacity on December 13, 2023, according to the civil service rules, his one-year tenure is expected to end today, December 12, 2024.
With this, he is expected to step down from office unless reappointed by the president on the recommendation of the minister on or before December 13, 2024.
However, stepping down from office will create a vacuum in the administration of the nation’s leading regulatory agency in the aviation sector.
The rules added, “The period of acting appointment shall not exceed one year but, in exceptional circumstances, may be extended for another year.”
LEADERSHIP, however, gathered that the substantive DG, Capt Nuhu’s refusal to resign or step down from office delayed Capt. Najomo’s confirmation kept him in the acting position for 12 months.
This is because section 3 of the Management and Staff of the Authority of NCAA Act 2022 states that the substantive director-general can only be removed from office by the president, subject to confirmation by the Senate, when he is of unsound mind, absent from five consecutive board meetings without the chairman’s consent unless he shows good reason for such absence, or guilty of serious misconduct.
Other conditions for removal are if the person is disqualified or suspended from practising his profession in any part of the world by an order of a competent authority or is in a conflict of interest as stipulated in the First Schedule to the Act, among others.
LEADERSHIP gathered that Capt. Nuhu had assumed office on February 24, 2020 and that his five-year tenure was expected to end on February 23, 2025.
Speaking on the uncertainty about the agency’s leadership, an industry analyst and former Commandant of Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos, Capt. John Ojikutu said a substantive DG cannot be appointed without Capt Nuhu’s exit.
He wondered why Capt Najomo’s name was not sent to the National Assembly almost 12 months after his appointment.
“I understand that they still have runnings with the issue about Nuhu, and if they refuse to settle, they can’t proceed on Najomo,” Ojikutu argued.
All efforts to speak to the minister on when Najomo’s name will be sent to the Senate for confirmation were futile. At the time of filing this report, text messages sent to the minister, Festus Keyamo, and his spokesman, Tunde Moshood, had not been responded to.
LEADERSHIP reports that stakeholders have been seriously lobbying for Najomo to be confirmed as substantive DG in the last few weeks.
For instance, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), through its vice president, Allen Onyema, has urged the government to approve Najomo’s appointment as substantive DG.
Onyema, who is also the chairman of Air Peace, said that Najomo’s arrival at the NCAA had revolutionised the sector by ensuring the safety of aircraft and passengers and other topical issues that airlines and airport workers take seriously.
He said, “This man has come into the industry; he is not a novice. This is one of Nigeria’s finest pilots ever created under the sun. Quote me: Captain Chris Najomo is one of the most proficient pilots, not just in Nigeria. He has paid his dues.
“Not only that, but he has also paid his dues in airline management. Don’t forget that he was once the managing director of an airline. So he knows the pains of the operators. On the other hand, you need to go to the NCAA. When you go to the NCAA today, the people are full of smiles because of Najomo. This is the kind of thing nobody should pray to lose. If we take it for granted, our fingers will be burnt.”
Cargo Airplane Skids-off, Safety Bureau Investigates Incident
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched an enquiry into the runway incident involving a Boeing 737-400 Cargo aircraft at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja.
Both the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) confirmed the safety of all crew members after a cargo airplane skidded off the runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The aircraft with registration and nationality marks 5N-JRT is operated by Allied Air.
The director of consumer protection and public affairs, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Michael Achimugu, while confirming the incident, said, “Due to an incident at the Abuja airport, passengers may experience some delays, please be patient and orderly.”
FAAN spokesperson Obiageli Orah said: “At 10:05 am on December 11, 2024, an Allied Air Cargo aircraft with registration number 5N-JRT skidded off Runway 22 at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja with five souls on board with no reported injury. They were all safely evacuated and taken to the FAAN clinic for further checks.”
The FAAN thanked the aviation community and the general public for their understanding and patience and requested that all speculation be put on hold until the preliminary report is released by the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).
Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance Bimbo Oladeji said the incident occurred at approximately 10:06 a.m. local time on Wednesday, December 11, 2024.
“The aircraft, operating as flight AJK206 from Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, skidded off the right side of Runway 22 into the grass verge after landing. No fatalities or injuries to the crew or ground personnel have been reported.
“The aircraft sustained significant damage. Emergency response teams were promptly deployed to the scene to ensure the safety of all personnel and secure the site.
“The NSIB has initiated an investigation to determine the causal and contributory factors that led to this incident. Our Go Team has been dispatched to the site to conduct an on-site assessment, recover relevant data, and interview involved parties.
[Leadership]
The Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee and the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission are locked in a dispute over the constitutional rights to administer and allocate Value Added Tax revenues in the country, The PUNCH has learnt.
While both entities support the need for tax reforms, their positions differ sharply on the constitutional interpretation and implications for revenue sharing.
The RMAFC has maintained that VAT allocation should strictly adhere to the principles of fairness and equity outlined in the 1999 Constitution.
In a memo to the National Assembly, which was seen by The PUNCH, the commission emphasised its constitutional mandate to determine revenue-sharing formula and cautioned against any arbitrary changes that could disrupt the VAT allocation system.
A part of the memo read, “Section 162 (2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) empowers the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission to determine the formula for the equitable sharing of revenue among the three tiers of government. Ensure that such formula reflects the principles of fairness and justice. The Constitution therefore made RMAFC the empire arbiter in matters of revenue allocation for the three tiers of government.
“The Constitution, being supreme, does not envisage that any other Act of Parliament such as the VAT Act could assume this responsibility. Any such attempt would contravene the Constitution. Therefore, the RMAFC remains the sole arbiter in producing allocation formulae that are fair, just, and equitable for the three tiers of government; any deviation from a formula crafted by the RMAFC risks violating constitutional provisions and undermining the Commission’s role as the impartial arbiter of revenue allocation in Nigeria.”
It further argued that VAT, as a consumption tax, must be distributed in a way that supports less economically developed states to ensure national cohesion and stability.
In contrast, Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, contended that VAT predated the 1999 Constitution and was fundamentally a state tax.
This is according to a statement he shared on his X (formerly Twitter) page on Wednesday.
In the statement, he argued that VAT’s design as a consumption tax meant its administration and allocation should reflect its nature.
Oyedele also pointed out that the existing system, which allocated 85 per cent of VAT revenue to states and local governments, already reinforced its classification as a state tax.
His statement read, “The tax predates the 1999 Constitution and despite having been in operation for over five years, the tax is not mentioned in the 1999 Constitution, making it a residual matter within the purview of the states.
“As a result of the above, VAT is paid into a special pool account and not treated along with the other revenues accruable to the federation for which the RMAFC is expected to play an advisory role regarding the sharing formula as contained in section 162 of the 1999 Constitution.
“A similar revenue item is stamp duties which also belong to states and it is meant to be shared among them based on 100 per cent derivation without any requirement for the RMAFC to be involved in determining the sharing formula.”
VAT was introduced in 1993 to replace the state-administered sales tax system, with the goal of broadening Nigeria’s tax base and modernising its revenue framework.
Initially set at five per cent, the VAT rate was raised to 7.5 per cent in 2020 as part of measures to boost non-oil revenue.
Over the years, VAT has grown to become a critical revenue source, managed centrally by the Federal Inland Revenue Service.
Under the current revenue-sharing formula, 15 per cent of VAT is allocated to the Federal Government, 50 per cent to states, and 35 per cent to local governments.
However, states like Rivers and Lagos have criticised the existing system and called for a derivation-based model that allocates revenues based on consumption within their jurisdictions.
In its memo to the National Assembly, RMAFC expressed its support for the proposed tax reform bills but highlighted significant concerns over the application of the derivation principle to VAT.
It argued that VAT revenues should be shared equitably to provide financial support to weaker states, warning that arbitrary changes could undermine the country’s unity.
The commission also pointed to administrative challenges in tracking VAT consumption across states, citing the lack of robust digital infrastructure to monitor consumption patterns effectively.
Oyedele, however, rejected some of the points raised by the RMAFC.
He clarified that the horizontal distribution of VAT among states is determined by a formula that allocates 20 per cent based on derivation, 50 per cent on equality, and 30 per cent on population, a different framework from what the RMAFC previously cited.
He also dismissed claims that advanced technology was required to track VAT consumption, asserting that existing input-output VAT mechanisms were sufficient.
The statement noted, “There is no need for any technology to track the location of consumption, every eligible business will simply be required to indicate the location of sales in its VAT returns as stipulated under section 22(12) of the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill. It is not necessary to tag VAT collections to end-user locations from sale to consumption, neither is it practical to do so. After all we may not be able to tag services or creative work that are digitally delivered as intangible goods.
“The horizontal distribution of VAT revenue among states is not based on a formula of 50 per cent derivation, 35 per cent population and 15 per cent equality as stated by the commission but rather 20 per cent derivation, 50 per cent equality and 30 per cent population.”
Also, Oyedele cautioned that decentralising VAT administration would likely result in significant revenue losses for many states, disrupt interstate commerce and heighten fiscal risks.
He said, “Moving away from the central collection of VAT will not only lead to significant revenue loss of over 50 per cent for all the states, they will also face challenges in collecting VAT as evident from the old sales tax regime administered by states and the consumption tax being collected currently by some states.”
Both RMAFC and the Presidential Committee have called for constructive dialogue to address the VAT allocation controversy.
Proposed solutions include the development of a VAT formula that balances derivation, equity, and consumption; engaging stakeholders from all levels of government; amending VAT laws to clarify ambiguities; and improving digital infrastructure to enhance transparency and accountability in VAT collection and allocation.
In a related development, the National Bureau of Statistics disclosed that a total of N4.77tn was earned from Value Added Tax on local, foreign and imported goods and services within the first nine months of 2024.
An analysis of the VAT sectorial reportt released by the NBS revealed a sharp increase in VAT revenue for the first nine months of 2024, with collections soaring by 95.76 per cent compared to the same period in 2023.
The data shows total VAT receipts for the nine-month period in 2024 amounted to N4.77tn, significantly higher than the N2.44tn recorded during the corresponding period last year.
Breaking down the figures, VAT collections in the first quarter of 2024 were N1.43tn, nearly double the N709.59bn generated in Q1 2023.
This upward trend continued into the second quarter, with collections reaching N1.56tn compared to N781.35bn in Q2 of the previous year.
By the third quarter, VAT revenue had climbed to N1.78tn, surpassing the N948.07bn recorded in Q3 2023.
The surge in VAT revenue has been attributed to a combination of factors, including naira devaluation, rising inflation, and improved tax compliance.
The sharp depreciation of the naira has increased the naira-equivalent value of taxable goods and services, especially those involving imports or priced in foreign currencies.
Additionally, persistently high inflation, which has driven up the cost of goods and services, has naturally translated into higher VAT collections since the tax is based on consumption value.
[Punch]
Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the United Kingdom (UK) Conservative Party, says she is not interested in laundering the image of Nigeria after Vice-President Kashim Shettima criticised her for denigrating the country.
Badenoch was born in the UK in 1980 to Nigerian Yoruba parents. She returned to Nigeria, where she grew up. Badenoch finally departed for the UK when she turned 16.
Before she was elected leader of the Conservative Party, Badenoch described Nigeria as a socialist nation brimming with thieving politicians and insecurity.
“This is my country. I don’t want it to become like the place I ran away from,” she said.
“I grew up in Nigeria, and I saw firsthand what happens when politicians are in it for themselves, when they use public money as their private piggy banks, when they pollute the whole political atmosphere with their failure to serve others.
“I saw what socialism is for millions. I saw poverty and broken dreams. I came to Britain to make my way in a country where hard work and honest endeavour can take you anywhere.”
Badenoch also said she “grew up in a place where fear was everywhere. You cannot understand it unless you’ve lived it. Triple-checking that all the doors and windows are locked, waking up in the night at every sound, listening as you hear your neighbours scream as they are being burgled and beaten, wondering if your home would be next”.
On Monday, Vice-President Kashim Shettima hit back at Badenoch, accusing her of denigrating Nigeria.
Shettima compared Badenoch to Rishi Sunak, a “brilliant young man” who “never denigrated his nation of ancestry”.
Former Prime Minister Sunak hails from India.
However, a spokesperson for Badenoch said the politician stood by her statement.
“Kemi is not interested in doing Nigeria’s PR; she is the leader of the opposition in the UK,” the spokesperson said.
“She tells the truth. She tells it like it is. She’s not going to couch her words, and she stands by what she says.”
Shettima had urged Badenoch to change her first name if she no longer wanted to identify with her homeland.
Born Olukemi Adegoke to Nigerian parents, the lawmaker married Hamish Badenoch, a Scottish banker, and took her husband’s surname.
[TheCable]
…Dangote Refinery, Neptune Oil Announce their first export transaction of Refined Products to Cameroon
In a landmark move for regional energy integration, Dangote Refinery and Neptune Oil jointly announced the first-ever export of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from Dangote Refinery, Africa's largest oil refinery, to Cameroon.
This milestone, resulting from a strategic collaboration between the two companies, underscores their commitment to strengthening economic ties between Nigeria and Cameroon while meeting the region's growing energy demands… Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President and CEO of the Dangote Group, stated: “This first export of PMS to Cameroon is a tangible demonstration of our vision for a united and energy-independent Africa. With this development, we are laying the foundation for a future where African resources are refined and exchanged within the continent for the benefit of our people.”
Antoine Ndzengue, Director and Owner of Neptune Oil emphasized: “This partnership with Dangote Refinery marks a turning point for Cameroon. By becoming the first importer of petroleum products from this world-class refinery, we are bolstering our country’s energy security and supporting local economic development. This initial supply, executed without international intermediaries, reflects our commitment to serving our markets independently and efficiently.”
The collaboration between Dangote Refinery and Neptune Oil does not end with this first export. Both companies are exploring new initiatives to establish a reliable supply chain that will help stabilize fuel prices and create new economic opportunities across the region.
A Major Regional Impact
For Nigeria, this export showcases Dangote Refinery’s ability to meet domestic needs and position itself as a key player in the regional energy market. It represents a significant step forward in accessing high-quality and locally sourced petroleum products for Cameroon.
About Dangote Refinery
Located in Lagos, Nigeria, Dangote Refinery is the largest single-train refinery in the world, with a processing capacity of 650,000 barrels per day. It is a flagship project of the Dangote Group, which is dedicated to transforming Africa’s energy landscape.
About Neptune Oil
Neptune Oil is a leading energy company in Cameroon, committed to providing reliable and sustainable energy solutions. Through collaborations with international partners, Neptune Oil plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth in the region.
The national grid has collapsed for the eleventh time in 2024, leading to a nationwide blackout.
Data obtained from the Nigerian system operator’s portal showed that the grid recorded zero megawatts (MW) as of 2pm on Wednesday.
Confirming the collapse on its X page, Abuja Electric Distribution Company (AEDC) said the system failure at the grid happened at 1:33pm.
“We wish to inform you that a system disturbance occurred on the national grid at 1:32pm today causing power outage across our franchise areas,” AEDC said.
“While gradual restoration of power supply has commenced, be assured that we are coordinating closely with relevant stakeholders to restore power fully as soon as the grid is stabilized.”
Also, Friday Adakole, head, corporate communications, Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC), on Facebook, said the current outage affected all feeders.
“The current outage being experienced within our franchise States is a result of loss of power supply from the national grid,” Adakole said.
“The loss of power supply from the national grid occurred this afternoon at about 1333 hours of today, Wednesday, 11th December 2024, hence the loss of power supply on all our feeders.
“We hope to restore normal power supply to our esteemed customers as soon as the grid supply is restored back to normalcy.”
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) had yet to confirm the incident at the time of the report.
On February 4, Nigerians experienced the first national grid collapse.
The national grid collapsed again on March 28, April 15, July 6, and August 5.
Another blackout was recorded on October 14, October 15 and October 19.
On November 6, another grid collapse was recorded and 72 hours later, the grid collapsed again.
Adebayo Adelabu, minister of power, had on October 17, said the frequent system failure at the national grid is inevitable due to the outdated infrastructure.
The minister also said the country will continue to experience grid disturbances until there is a complete overhaul of the system.
Adelabu said more investment in power infrastructure will prevent future collapses.
Jarrett Tenebe, chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo, has defended Monday Okpebholo, governor of the state.
On Tuesday, Okpebholo stuttered before lawmakers while reading figures from his 2025 budget proposal.
The governor said the N605 billion appropriation bill represents a 25 percent increase from the 2024 budget.
“The Edo state Appropriation Bill of six billion… 605 billion… 76 million…” Okpebholo began, his hands unsteady and voice quivering in the rarefied assembly.
“Let me take it again. 506 billion… 605 billion… sorry… 776 billion… sorry, it’s confusing me.”
Okpebholo’s admission elicited laughter and murmurs in equal doses from the lawmakers.
Defending the snafu, Tenebe said Okpebholo struggles with figures because he does not know how to steal public funds.
In a video, the state’s APC chair said unlike a handful of politicians from Edo, Okpebholo is no kleptomaniac.
“The social media has been agog with the governor’s budget presentation about mistake on N605 billion and the rest of it all,” Tenebe said.
“It’s a normal thing. People make such mistakes. I don’t know figures… and that’s how to know original and innocent people.
“Monday Okpebholo is not a thief and he is not familiar with figures. Anybody who wants to talk and continue to talk is nonsense.
“He is the governor of the state, he is performing and he’ll continue to perform and anybody who does not like his face should go to hell and burn to ashes. Period!”
A mild drama has played out on Tuesday after Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo couldn’t read out the figures contained in the 2025 budget during his presentation to the Edo House of Assembly.
The incident happened during the budget proposal on Tuesday before the Edo State House of Assembly.
The incident caused uproar from those in attendance.
Media
Malam Aminu Umar Kofar Mazugal, a civil servant, from Dala Local Government Area, returned bundles of U.S. dollars worth over N40 million that were accidentally left behind by a visitor at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre in Kano.
The owner of the money, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed, accidentally left it in a bag at the hospital’s parking lot near a mosque, where he had briefly sat before rushing off to catch a flight.
After the owner departed, Aminu Umar, a hospital staff member who was working with colleagues to clear the pavements, discovered the bag of money.
Umar told Daily Trust that after about an hour, the owner returned to inquire about the bag, and he promptly returned it to him.
He said the owner offered Umar a reward, but he declined, though he provided his phone number and the owner promised to contact him upon return from abroad.
Dr. Aminu Imam Yola, the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, confirmed the incident and stated that the hospital management had submitted Aminu’s name to the Kano State Hospitals Management Board for special recognition.
Justice M. A. Adegbola of an Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan on Wednesday granted an interim order restraining, human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, his publishers, and their re-publishers from further publication and sale of the book titled: “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.”
The order specifically named publishers and their re-publishers including Amazon Online Bookstore, Rovingheights Bookstore, Booksellers Bookstore, Jazzhole Lagos Bookstore, Glendora Bookshop, Quintessence Lagos Bookstore, and Patabah Books Limited.
Additionally, it stated that the publication, whether hard or soft copy must be stopped from further publication and sale through any mainstream or social media platform or any other means whatsoever, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.
It would be recalled that Mr Adebayo Adenipekun, SAN instituted suit Number: I/1442/2024: Adebayo Adenipekun versus Dele Farotimi & Anor at the Oyo State High Court on Monday, 9th December 2024.
The Motion on Notice for interlocutory injunction was adjourned by the Court to 7th January 2025.
More...
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has declared the seat of Monday Okpebholo at the upper legislative chamber vacant.
During a valedictory session in his honour on Wednesday, Akpabio declared Okpebholo’s seat vacant, acting on a request by Abba Moro, the minority leader of the senate.
Okpebholo was the senator representing Edo central until he became the governor of Edo. He took his oath of office in November after winning the governorship election in September.
Akpabio asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a by-election to fill the seat.
“So in line with your letter and the Constitution, the seat of Edo central central senatorial district is hereby declared vacant,” the number three citizen said.
Earlier, Moro premised his request paragraph D of section 68 of the constitution.
“This vacancy has become necessary following Senator Monday Okpebholo’s inauguration as governor of Edo State, and in accordance with the Constitution, his seat is now deemed vacant, and we invite you to declare,” the senator said.
With the demise of Ifeanyi Uba, senator representing Anambra south, and vacant seat of Okpebholo, the upper legislative chamber has 107 senators out of 109.
An 18-year-old British teenager has been sentenced to one year in a Dubai jail for having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl.
The teenager was on holiday with his family in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) when he met the girl — who is now 18 — at the same hotel.
The teenagers who are both from London were said to have made plans to continue their romance when they returned to the UK.
Detained in Dubai, a group of UAE legal experts, said the young man was charged because the girl’s mother found their chats and pictures back in the UK. The woman subsequently contacted police in Dubai and he was arrested.
The head of the campaign group Detained In Dubai, who recently announced the teenager’s sentence, described the judgment an “utter disgrace”.
“The UK was once the most diplomatically influential western country in the Middle East. Now, we are seeing countries like Canada, Malaysia, Ireland and the US leaving the UK way behind,” Radha Stirling, the group’s founder, wrote on X.
“The Labour government should be ashamed they have not secured the freedom of a teenage tourist. It wasn’t a difficult job.”
She said the boy, who has been held in Dubai since September, would appeal against his sentence and was “desperately hoping to come home this week”.
“I urge young people and parents to reconsider holidays in Dubai where so many people find themselves at risk of unfair and lengthy detention in prisons notorious for human rights abuses and torture,” Stirling added.
In Dubai, if an adult has a sexual relationship with a person under 18 they can be prosecuted for having a sexual relationship with a minor.
The special adviser to the president on public communication and media, Daniel Bwala, has dismissed the insinuation that Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will suffer the same fate as Ghana’s New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2027 elections.
Speaking with newsmen at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja on Wednesday, Bwala emphatically stated that what happened in Ghana cannot replicate itself in Nigeria.
In Ghana’s recent general election, incumbent Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia lost to opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate and former President John Dramani Mahama.
When asked if the Presidency is concerned by the outcome of Ghana’s election, Bwala argued that the scenario in Nigeria is different from that of Ghana.
He insisted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been addressing the major challenges facing the country with positive results to show for his efforts.
“If you have been following events in Ghana over the last one year and if you follow the indices, you find out that it is not the same thing that is happening in the two countries. With what Mr. President (Tinubu) is doing in redirecting the economy on the right path, Mr. President is very confident.”
Expressing confidence for APC’s victory in 2027 Bwala said, “The idea of the ruling party losing the election that will not happen, because Nigerian people are seeing what the administration is doing.
“Nigerian people only care about what they are confronted with every day. They don’t actually care whether you are white or black skin or whatever, as long as what matters to them on their dinner table is dealt with, Nigerian people will always stay with you and that is what Mr. President is doing and that is why Mr. President is receiving commendations from every part of the country every day.”
On the Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume’s submission that it is not yet the turn of the north to produce Nigeria’s president in 2027, Bwala noted that President Tinubu is currently focused on governance, delivering on the mandate and his electioneering promises to Nigerians people.
He however added that the President is competent and qualified to seek for second term in 2027.
The presidential spokesman said that the President has refused to be distracted by any political talk ahead of 2027.
According to him, “Well for now Mr. President is focused on governance, delivering on the mandate and the promises to Nigerians people and he has refused to be distracted by political talk ahead of 2027.
“He (Tinubu) is very focused on issues that bother the Nigerian people, to make sure that people come out of hunger, to make sure that agriculture brings about the expected revolution, to make sure that our people can deal with their everyday problems.
“So the time for politicking is not yet and when that time comes we are going to be ready for everyone.
“Mr. President’s agenda, which is working well is what will naturally endear Nigerians to vote for him for the second term and Mr. President is more than eminently qualified constitutionally to contest for the second term in office.
“God willing, if God gives Mr. President life and health, we do hope that Mr. President will run his course as provided by the constitution.”
The entertainment industry in 2024 recorded a series of tragic events, and some celebrities narrowly escaped death, which was most recorded in Nollywood.
In this article, Naija News highlights some celebrities who survived ghastly accidents and recounted the experience on their social media pages.
1. Soso Soberekon: On January 4, the music executive survived a ghastly car accident at Okada University, Edo state, which left his car in bad shape inside the bush.
Due to the intensity of the accident, Sosoberekon’s airbags all burst, and some eyewitnesses claim that the car somersaulted before hitting a tree in a nearby bush.
2. BBNaija Chizzy: In a post via Instagram in January, Big Brother Naija star, Chizzy Francis, revealed that he survived a ghastly car accident.
Recounting his experience, the reality TV star stated that the incident was indeed a fatal one and appreciated God for giving him a second chance.
3. Shallopopi and Israel DMW: In Febuary, Davido’s logistics manager, Israel DMW, and singer, Shallipopi, were involved in a car accident in Abuja.
In an Instagram post, Israel said the crash happened while returning from Shallipopi’s concert in Abuja.
He expressed gratitude to God that neither he nor Shallipopi sustained any injury in the incident.
4. Phyna: Winner of the Big Brother Naija, ‘Level Up’ edition, Josephine Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, escaped a kidnapper’s attack in Delta State.
The reality star narrated her experience via social media, revealing how the kidnappers hijacked four cars in front of the vehicle she rode in and abducted the occupants.
5. Zicsaloma: In November, Nigerian skit maker Aloma Isaac Junior, better known as Zicsaloma, expressed gratitude to God in a social media post after he and his team narrowly escaped a disastrous accident at his house.
Zicsaloma shared a video of the aftermath of how a plaster of Paris (POP) ceiling collapsed in his sitting room.
The skit maker stated that no one was injured except for the ceiling fan, which was damaged, adding that one should always get good artisans for building construction.
6. Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde: A few weeks ago, veteran Nollywood actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde expressed appreciation to God after serving a life-threatening health scare.
In a post via her Instagram page, the movie star recounted the experience of undergoing emergency surgery after enduring severe back and chest pain, persistent vomiting, and debilitating stomach discomfort.
While describing her recovery process as a ‘fight for her life’, Omotola reflected on the importance of gratitude and the fragility of life, urging his fans and followers to join her in thanksgiving to God.
[NaijaNews]