FEATURES
Actress and producer, Chief Ejiro Okurame has formally declared interest to vie for the seat of the chairman as the election for the chairmanship of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Lagos Chapter draws nearer.
Okurame made her intentions known at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos in the presence of her supporters.
Speaking on what informed her decision to run, Okurame said: “It is the desire and the fact that for a long time AGN Lagos Chapter has been held backward and nothing positive has been seen in the eye of the public even in the diaspora. AGN started in Lagos and it is so funny that it has been forgotten, nothing to write home about. A lot of us have gone out of state, out of the country and we have forgotten to give back. I am here to contribute my own quota positively to the development and growth of the guild and also to empower the younger ones because at the end of the day, we look back and say we were once like these people,” she said.
Continuing, she said, “If you are coming out for them to vote you into power, there have to be a lot of sacrifices and this is one of such. Before I came on board, I consulted with my family, spoke to my pastors, spoke with some elders in the industry, I had a lot of consultations and I was given the go-ahead. And I have taken it upon myself to do this to the end. I want a situation when we mention AGN, Lagos Chapter, it would be a thing of pride. We are also going to look into how we are going to be united. There is so much hate in the industry. Let us bring back the good old days.”
Other candidates on her team include Prince Eletu (vice-chairman); Jude Orhora (Secretary); Mark Chukwu (PRO;, Cyndi Marcus (Financial secretary); Chidimma Dikeocha (Treasurer); Emmanuel Onyeka (DGS); Vivian Okoro (Assistant Secretary); and MC Richard (Chief Whip).
Four female students from Jacob’s Well High School International, a Port Harcourt based private school who developed an android application named AgriConnect, are to attend this year’s World Technovation Girls Challenge at the Silicon Valley, California, United States of America.
Their winning android application was developed to deal with hunger issues in the country.
They will be joined by other phenomenal young female developers from other parts of the world between October 15 and 19 this year.
The young students-Oghenemaro Tejiri,12, Salome Akhabhau,11, Excel Barile-Nwika,11 and Goodness Nwonanne-Chima,12- are students of Jacob’s Well High School, Port Harcourt had developed the android application to combat hunger in Nigeria.
The girls were under the tutelage of Code Ambassadors, the consultants engaged to groom students in the school to become shining stars in the evolving tech world.
The AgriConnect was among the 3,200 android applications developed by about 11,000 girls from 69 countries, including the USA, UK, Japan, China, Canada, and Spain.
The four girls who call themselves the Smart Elite, fell into the beginners division of the contest, whose age bracket falls between eight and 12 years; the other categories being the junior division (ages 13-17) and Senior Division (ages 18 and above).
After a series of assessments by several judges drawn from various disciplines, 15 android applications were selected as finalists (five android applications for each division), while three android applications were selected for special awards, which virtual ceremony took place on July 9.
For their outstanding app, the young Nigerian female developers who were given special recognition, are being invited to the all expenses paid technovation summit where the grand awardees would be selected.
Speaking on the development, coordinator and proprietor of the school, Egondu Jacob, told journalists that it was not surprising that her students were putting Rivers State, the Niger Delta and Nigeria on the list of nations of the world whose students are outstanding in app developments at a very young age.
She said “the news of the exceptional performance of our girls and the special award for combating hunger was received with lots of excitement by the board chairman, Engr. Unwana Jacob, and the entire school.
“This achievement is a dream fulfilled because having seen our biological children – Miss Ukemeabasi Unwana Jacob (with 8A1s and 1B2 result in the 2023 WASSCE) and Master Uwakmfon Unwana Jacob (a young maths Icon with over 40 national and international medals in mathematics)-receiving national and international accolades in their secondary school education, we had challenged ourselves that under God, children from other families should equally be trained to stand out and be recognized nationally and globally through the facilities and programmes of the Jacob’s Well Schools International.
“We are grateful to God for the enormous support received from our consultant, Mr. Somkenechukwu Mamah, the founder of Code Ambassadors (an organization dedicated to training kids & teens in technology, problems solving and entrepreneurship), amazing staff and also from parents in the school. We are optimistic that greater achievements are on the way and Nigeria and Africa would be made proud through the achievements of our students.
“It is interesting to note that AgriConnect was the only android application from Nigeria that made it to the final round as well as the only android application in Africa that got a special award out of the three mobile applications recognized for a special award, globally.”
She added that in today’s world that was being driven by technology, it was important for Nigerian leaders to invest in and encourage children to grow in their knowledge of technology, adding that it was for that reason that Jacob’s Well Schools decided to introduce coding and robotics and ICT to pupils from primary one.
“As at date, students and pupils in the school have created over 12 android applications to solve societal problems and some of these apps have received international recognitions.
“Five android applications created by the five teams of female students in the school were registered for the 2024 Technovation Global Competition, an annual event where girls from various countries in the world register in teams in order to showcase their tech-based solutions to community problems created by their teams in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” she said.
Also speaking, the school’s tech consultant expressed the hope that the female quartet app developers would stand out “as the youngest startup co-founders who leverage technology to solve more problems, especially in the agricultural sector.
“In the next five years, they should have gained experience building business models around their solution, gaining more traction, attracting funding, and inspiring more young minds to start their tech journey early enough.
“I hope the country supports them by providing all the resources and access they need to get their solution into the hands of Nigerians.”
[EagleOnline]
Pavlo Denysiuk, the CEO of Lunu has stated that the number of crypto holders globally is set to cross the much-awaited one billion mark as early as 2026.
Pavlo who heads Lunu, a crypto payment firm stated that moving by current user growth in the industry, the number of global crypto holders is set to triple by 2026.
Pavlo stated this during a panel discussion on NFT Fest 2024.
“Within two years there will be at least two times or three times more crypto holders worldwide. This is where we get more adoption everywhere and in terms of payments as well.” Pavlo said
An earlier report by Triple-A on cryptocurrency ownership pegged the number of global crypto holders at 560 million. This means that about 6.8% of the world currently owns crypto. Pavlo believes this number is set to triple by 2026 if the user growth rate of the crypto industry remains the same.
Mr. Denysiuk went ahead to explain the correlation between the growing number of global crypto holders to the mainstream adoption of crypto payments.
He argued that the mainstream adoption of crypto payments will take root when adequate infrastructure is put in place.
“Crypto payment adoption] is not something that you need to convince someone of. Whenever the infrastructure is there, whenever you come to your Starbucks shop or somewhere else and there is a sticker saying, ‘we accept crypto’. Denysiuk added.
Denysiuk maintained that crypto payments are just like other kinds of payments and there isn’t much difference between accepting payments in crypto and using credit cards and bank-approved digital payments.
Mr. Denysiuk whose Lunu company is spearheading a stablecoin-powered payment ecosystem drew parallels in the proposed growth of global crypto adoption and the role of stablecoins in making that happen.
He explained that the stablecoin sector is a source of major onboarding of new users to the crypto industry and would be instrumental in seeing global crypto adoption cross the 1 billion mark.
“Stablecoins are very important for adoption. In our case, we rarely see people paying in Bitcoin, even though Bitcoin was invented as a digital currency.” Denysiuk said.
According to CoinMarketCap data, the stablecoin market is currently worth over $163 billion which represents 7.7% of the entire crypto market capitalization worth $2.11 trillion.
What to Know
- Pavlo Denysiuk is the CEO of Berlin-based Lunu which focuses on building a stablecoin-powered crypto payment ecosystem.
- Popular Payment Company PayPal is also in the stablecoin market with the launch of PayPal USD (PYUSD). PYUSD is PayPal’s stablecoin and can be bought on PayPal for 1 USD.
[Nairametrics]
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Oba Owolabi Olakulehin on his coronation today, July 12, 2024, as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadan.
The President in a State House press release on Friday, signed by his special adviser on media and publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, wished the new monarch a peaceful and successful reign.
He promised to support the new Olubadan as he works to promote and preserve the culture and traditions of the ancient city.
The President charged the new Olubadan to bring to bear his wealth of experience and character to ensure the development of Ibadan land.
The full statement reads:
“President Bola Tinubu extends his warm congratulations to Oba Owolabi Olakulehin on his coronation today, July 12, 2024, as the 43rd Olubadan of the ancient city of Ibadan.
“President Tinubu joins the family of the new Olubadan, Ibadan citizens, the Oyo State Council of Obas, and the Oyo State Government to celebrate Oba Olakulehin on his ascension to the revered throne of his forebears.
“The President affirms that Oba Olakulehin brings to the throne immense wisdom, experience, character, and strength, and urges the monarch to use the highly esteemed stool of Ibadan to advance the peace, security, and development of the area.
“President Tinubu assures the new Olubadan of his support and wishes him success as he works to promote and preserve the culture and traditions of the ancient city.
“The President also congratulates Ibadan indigenes on the peaceful succession process and prays that the peace, beauty, and renown of Ibadan will abide always.”
Recall Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin was earlier on Friday, officially declared the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Naija News reports that the coronation ceremony took place on Friday at the Labosinde compound, the family with the authority to crown any Olubadan of Ibadanland.
He subsequently received the staff of office and other official regalia from the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.
[NaijaNews]
Popular Afrobeats singer Davido has launched his own social media platform called “Chatter.”
Taking to his official X handle on Friday, Davido revealed that he co-owns the new social media app with his close friend, Sir Banko.
“Chatter is a social audiovisual utility platform designed to connect content creators with a lively community and amplify their voices,” Davido explained.
LEADERSHIP reports that Davido had in May, 2024 introduced a cryptocurrency named $DAVIDO meme coin. Despite its initial popularity, the coin crashed shortly after its launch, drawing criticism and accusations of being a scam from cryptocurrency enthusiasts.
Chatter App aims to provide a platform for content creators to share their work and engage with their audience. Davido’s foray into the tech world continues to showcase his versatility and ambition beyond the world of music.
[Leadership]
The Federal Government has inaugurated the Presidential Food Systems Coordination Unit (PFSCU) as part of its efforts to tackle the prevailing hardship in the land.
While inaugurating the unit at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, on Friday, Vice President Kashim Shettima said it was part of the present administration’s ongoing plan to tackle hunger.
The presidency has also engaged the states, development partners and other critical stakeholders in the efforts to address the soaring prices of commodities and general food insecurity in the country.
Addressing members comprising governors, cabinet ministers and representatives of development partners, Shettima said, “The nation is facing a rare food security crisis and the sooner we come to terms with the reality, the better.
“Food insecurity endangers the very basis of our democratic experiment and this is why all hands have to be on deck. We are in a food security crisis but it also provides us the opportunity to re-engineer and reposition the nation on a firmer footing”.
Outlining the mandate of the PFSCU, the Vice President said the unit was not created to usurp the functions of the Ministry of Agriculture, noting that the urgency and seriousness of the matter at hand requires the ideas and resources of all stakeholders.
Shettima also made reference to the Green Imperative Programme, a government-catalyzed, private sector-driven, agricultural industrialization programme, as one initiative which the PFSCU must work assiduously to activate and operationalize.
He stated that with improved farming practices, improved seeds, use of fertilizers, Nigeria’s agricultural productivity could be turned around for the better.
Speaking earlier, governors on the committee outlined plans to modernise farming practices, increase crop yields, and transform Nigeria into a self-sufficient food producer.
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River said his state is looking to feed the country, adding that his government must modernize agriculture to feed the population.
“We are an agrarian state, and we have stepped up our game,” Governor Otu noted.
On his part, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, emphasised the need for a coordinated approach, citing low productivity and population growth as a major challenge to the nation’s food security drive.
He called for investment in commercial agriculture, improved funding, and enhanced security for farmers.
Also, Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, highlighted the state’s potential to achieve food security.
“All that is needed is the political will to drive the process. Our lands are very fertile. In Jigawa, there are places where we are yielding ten tonnes per hectare of rice. There are so many places like that. As of today, our average in Jigawa State is about 12.56 per hectare. We are on the right course. What we need is sustained political will,” the governor explained.
On his part, Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, proposed his state as a pilot for the President’s food security initiative.
He claimed that Niger has invested over N100 billion in agricultural mechanization, with 5,000 tractors and twenty pilot irrigation systems available.
[DailyTrust]
Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF, and Governor of Kwara, AbdulRazaq AbdulRahman has reacted to the Supreme Court judgement granting full autonomy to Local Government Areas, saying the development is a huge relief on governors.
But the NGF chairman also said the governors will meet next week to consider the judgement, and come out with a resolution.
AbdulRahman, who met with President Bola Tinubu in the Presidential Villa on Friday, said many people are oblivious of the burden the state governors carry, especially in terms of bailing LGs out.
“We welcome the ruling of the Supreme Court. Compliance is a given and our Attorney Generals have applied for the enrollment order, which we’ll study carefully.
“But by and large governors are happy with the devolution of power in respect to local government autonomy. It relieves the burden on governors. Our people really don’t know how much states expend in bailing out local governments, and that’s the issue there,” the NGF Chairman told State House Correspondents.
Reacting to how the judgement would affect his state, Kwara, the governor said the implication is that the various LGs would have to manage themselves, especially on the payment of salaries to workers and traditional rulers.
He said, “It’s not going to affect Kwara State. We’ve never tampered with local government funds. So it’s going to continue. What the local governments have to do is to manage themselves, especially with the oncoming minimum wage, to manage their affairs and make sure salaries are paid, traditional rulers get their 5% and those are the main issues.
“Like I said, we haven’t seen the enrollment of the court order and so we really don’t know what is in there.
“The Forum will meet next Wednesday, to look at the issue wholly and then come up with a resolution on that.”
[DailyPost]
President Bola Tinubu has named the National Arts Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos, after Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka.
Tinubu announced this in a letter he wrote to celebrate the iconic figure in commemoration of his 90th birthday.
In the tribute personally signed by the President and made available to the media on Friday, he noted that the literary giant, the first African to win the Nobel Literature Prize in 1986, deserves all the accolades in this milestone “Having beaten prostate cancer, this milestone is a fitting testament to his ruggedness as a person and the significance of his work.”
Details shortly…
[TheNation]
Afrobeats star, Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema performed his hit song “Calm Down” at the high-profile wedding of Anant Ambani, son of Asia’s richest man Mukesh Ambani, and Radhika Merchant, daughter of pharma tycoons Viren and Shaila Merchant.
His record label, MAVIN on X.com shared the video on Friday.
According to Hindustan Times, Rema charged $3 million to perform his global hit song ‘Calm Down’ at the event.
The event, which took place on July 12 at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai, featured performances by global stars like Justin Bieber, who reportedly received $10 million for his performance, and Rihanna, whose fee was not disclosed.
The four-day wedding extravaganza in Mumbai City is the final stop in a string of lavish parties the family has hosted since March.
The wedding was attended by numerous celebrities and dignitaries, including Kim Kardashian, former UK Prime Ministers Boris Johnson and Tony Blair, and former US Secretary of State John Kerry, among others.
Watch video Below:
https://x.com/i/status/1811805479959437330
[Punch]
In a major move to curb oil theft in the Niger Delta region, the Federal Government has approved a $21 million contract for the installation of meters in 187 flow stations.
The Minister of Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri who disclosed this to journalists in Abuja on Friday said the move is expected to improve oil production and boost revenue to the Federal Account.
Senator Lokpobiri also disclosed that another contract has also been approved to allow the government to monitor advanced cargoes to be able to track the movements of Nigeria’s crude oil.
He said the contracts which were approved by the Federal Executive Council have 180 days (six months) completion period.
“One of the key decisions of the Federal Executive Council on Wednesday has to do with the awarding of the contract for metering of our 187 flow stations across the Niger Delta region of Nigeria by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC.
“As part of the reforms to ensure that we have proper accountability, the Federal Executive Council approved the metering of all our production and we have 187 flow stations in the country, littered across the Niger Delta area so that we would be able to properly account for what we produce and what we export. It’s a major, major development that will happen in this country.
“This project is meant to be completed within six months, within 180 days. And it’s important that Nigerians know some of the key steps that this government is taking to ensure that we maximize the opportunities that other countries are getting by the availability of oil and gas”.
“As part of the steps towards ensuring that we account for what we produce and then Nigerians get the maximum value for what we produce, the second memo that was approved by the Council has to do with what we call advance cargo. Which means we’re awarding a contract to a company that will provide the technology within the 180 days, the same period, to enable us, you know, know from the point of loading of every cargo of crude oil that’s loaded in Nigeria up to the point of destination.
“So if, from Forcados terminal crude oil is loaded, I can stay in my office and know when it’s taken off from Nigeria up to the final destination. You will agree with me that most of the times we talk about the issue of oil thefts, major steps have to be taken. But this is the time for us to take very, very major steps so that we know from the beginning what we produce to the point of loading from our terminals up to the point of destination”.
He explained that the main objective from the contracts “is for us to ramp up production and improve the federation revenue.
Remember that oil is still the fastest way we can raise the funding we need to be able to address our economic and social problems”.
Senator Lokpobiri said the move would provide a database on the movement of Nigeria’s crude and a tracking centre for crude oil export.
He noted that reforms put in place by the administration have increased investors’ confidence in the Nigerian environment adding that in the coming months, the government expects major investment decisions that would “amount tens of billions of dollars”.
The Oil Minister also said the ongoing move by International Oil Companies, IOCs, to divest their onshore assets was going on smoothly, assuring that it was not unusual in any sector.
More...
The University of Warwick in the United Kingdom (UK) has awarded Cherish Daniel Markson, a Nigerian student, first prize for her exceptional performance in a three-year BA (Hons) law with social sciences degree programme.
Cherish will also receive £250 as part of the prize for her outstanding performance and a formal reception after the main graduation ceremony on July 19.
She is the daughter of Daniel Iworiso-Markson, a former commissioner for information and orientation in Bayelsa state.
In a congratulatory letter, Margaret O’Brien, director of undergraduate studies at the university’s school of law, said Markson scored the highest marks “on the most demanding of all courses”.
“You have been awarded First Prize for your three-year BA (Hons) Law with Social Sciences degree at the University of Warwick. You achieved a second-class higher division degree with an overall average of 67.3%,” the letter reads.
“This was the highest mark of all students on this most demanding course. A record of your prize-winner status will be added to your HEAR transcript.
“Your prize of £250 will be paid directly into your bank account.”
Cherish had maintained good grades before the prize.
Three years ago, Cherish, as a student at Bridge House College, Lagos, was awarded the first prize in the world award in law and high achievement in sociology by Cambridge International.
In November 2021, she bagged a prestigious award for outstanding achievement in her advanced subsidiary-level examination.
She bagged A-stars in nine of her IGCSE subjects: English, Mathematics, Biology, Geography, Literature, Business Studies, Economics, History, and ICT.
[TheCable]
This Is A Severe Setback On Federalism — Ibori Faults S’court Ruling On LGs Financial Autonomy
AdminA former governor of Delta State, James Ibori, has condemned the supreme court ruling on the financial autonomy of the 774 LGAs in the country.
Recall that on Thursday, the supreme court ruled that the federal government should henceforth pay allocations directly to local government councils from the federation account.
The seven-member panel of justices held that the state governments have continued to abuse their powers by retaining and using the funds meant for LGAs.
The apex court also ordered the federal government to withhold allocations of LGAs governed by unelected officials appointed by the governor.
Reacting to the judgement via a post on his X page, Ibori opined that the judgement is an assault and a setback on true federalism.
He argued that the court’s verdict contravenes section 162(3) of the 1999 Constitution.
The former governor said the federal government “has no right to interfere with the administration of LGAs under any guise whatsoever”.
He said the ruling would have “far-reaching” implications, such as “erosion of state autonomy” and centralising “more power to the centre,” among others.
Ibori wrote, “The supreme court has dealt a severe setback on the principle of federalism as defined by section 162(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“The section expressly provides thus: ‘Any amount standing to the credit of the Federation Account shall be distributed among the Federal and State Governments and the Local Government Councils in each State on such terms and in such manner as may be prescribed by the National Assembly’.
“Sections 6 provide further clarity on the subject matter: ‘Each State shall maintain a special account to be called ‘State Joint Local Government Account’ into which shall be paid all allocations to the Local Government Councils of the State from the Federation Account and from the Government of the State.
“The implications of the ruling are far-reaching, and the issues that readily come to mind are Constitutional Interpretation: The Supreme Court’s ruling appears to contradict the explicit provisions of Section 162 of the 1999 Constitution.
“The implications of the ruling are far-reaching, and the issues that readily come to mind are Constitutional Interpretation: The Supreme Court’s ruling appears to contradict the explicit provisions of Section 162 of the 1999 Constitution.
“This raises questions about judicial interpretation and whether the court has overstepped its bounds in reinterpreting clear constitutional language.
“Balance of Power: The ruling potentially shifts the balance of power between the federal government and states. By allowing federal intervention in local government finances, it arguably centralises more power at the federal level, contrary to the principles of federalism.
“State Autonomy: This decision could be seen as an erosion of state autonomy. States are meant to have significant control over their internal affairs, including the administration of local governments, in a federal system.
“Financial Independence: The ruling may impact the financial independence of states and local governments. If the federal government can directly intervene in local government finances, it could potentially use this as a tool for political leverage.
“Precedent-setting: This decision could set a precedent for further federal interventions in areas traditionally reserved for state governance, potentially leading to a more centralised system of government over time. That local governments must be ‘democratically elected’ goes without saying.”
[BusinessDay]
The Senate on Thursday rejected a bill seeking to amend the Foreign Exchange Act of 2004 to introduce provisions for the control, monitoring, and supervision of transactions in the Foreign Exchange Market according to reports from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
The bill, titled “The Foreign Exchange (Control and Monitoring) Bill, 2024 (SB. 353),” was sponsored by Sani Musa (APC-Niger), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, and was first read on Tuesday, February 20.
In his lead debate, Musa described the bill as crucial legislation intended to repeal the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, Cap. F34, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
He stated that the proposed law would regulate, monitor, and supervise market transactions and related matters. Additionally, it aimed to contribute to the sound development of the national economy by facilitating foreign transactions and maintaining a balance of international payments.
Sen. Musa said, “The Bill seeks to stabilise the value of the currency by ensuring the liberalisation of foreign exchange transactions to maintain an equilibrium of the balance of international payments.”
“It will also stabilise the value of the currency by ensuring liberalisation of foreign exchange transactions and of other foreign transactions by revitalising market functionality. The newly introduced clauses will enable the CBN to determine the basic exchange rate of purchase and sale of foreign exchange,”
Rejection of the bill by members of the senate
However, senators expressed concerns that new legislation to monitor or control the foreign exchange market, beyond the current efforts by the CBN, could be counterproductive.
Notable senators who voiced serious reservations about the proposed law included Solomon Adeola (Chairman of the Committee on Appropriation), Tokunbo Abiru (Chairman of the Committee on Banking, Insurance, and Other Financial Institutions), and Aliyu Wadada (Chairman of the Senate Public Accounts Committee).
Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo (APC-Gombe), for instance, argued that passing such a law would confuse Nigerians. He noted that any further regulation of the foreign exchange market should originate from the executive branch to avoid creating a crisis in the sector.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC-Edo) pointed out that the senators who had spoken had meticulously summarized and amplified the contradictions and negative implications of passing the law.
Oshiomhole believed the bill should not proceed further, as it would effectively take over the CBN’s monetary policy regulations.
He suggested that if the executive branch wished, they could introduce a bill to further strengthen the CBN’s regulatory powers, emphasizing that such matters were not the Senate’s responsibility.
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, urged Senator Musa to withdraw the proposed law for further consultations, but the senator declined.
Sen. Akpabio then called for a voice vote to decide its approval or rejection for a second reading, and the majority of lawmakers voted against it.
[Nairametrics]
The foremost Pan African student movement, the Progressive Students Movement (PSM), stated that President Bola Tinubu is fully in charge of the affairs of the Villa and not caged as claimed by Senator Ali Ndume.
Ndume had alleged that the president is unaware of the happenings outside the Villa, suggesting that he has been fenced off and caged.
Reacting to the senator’s comment, President of PSM, Bestman Okereafor, in a statement, said the president is fully in charge and remains the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“As progressives, PSM considers this statement from the Senate Chief Whip as diminishing and derogatory to the esteemed office of the Executive President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
He urged Ndume to propose open solutions to the security challenges and other issues facing the nation, especially in his senatorial district, noting that Vice President Shettima is also from Borno State.
“The Senate Chief Whip was insensitive to the fact that his derogatory remarks about Mr. President are harmful to the ruling APC, a party he also belongs to!”
“We are imploring President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently address the myriad of issues confronting the nation, which include but are not limited to economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, scarcity, and the unregulated sale of PMS, among several others,” he said.
[Leadership]