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The Economist and Chief Executive Officer of CFG Advisory, Tilewa Adebajo stated that the issue of Census before an election year is very volatile.
Mr. Adebajo said this in an interview on CityTalks with Reuben Abati on City105.1 on Saturday.
The subject of Population Census has been a discourse since the last population and housing census in Nigeria took place in 2006.
When there was a clamour by some groups for Census to be conducted in 2018, the Speak of the 8th National Assembly, Hon Yakubu Dogara, stated categorically that Census close to an election year, would make some politicians hijack the process that would determine the outcome of the results, rather than the actual figures.
In a recent development, Mr. Adebajo argues that the Population Census process in Nigeria has been politized and a lot of people has lost confidence in the system.
According to him, “If you try to do a census now, everybody is going to scream bloody murder, because they will feel that you are going to use the census result to try to influence the elections next year.”
He said, “the National Population Commission will tell you that they are ready to conduct a census, but there is no political will to go ahead to conduct the census because some people feel that it might not favour them.
With references from the amount of mobile telephone penetration, voter register, and National Identity Management system, mentioned by Mr. Adebanjo to give an overview of Nigeria population estimate; he said, “the amount of mobile telephone penetration could give an idea of what the population in Nigeria looks like.
“The National Identity Management System, again a lot of people do not have confidence in that system.
“The voter register; but over the last 15 years you will see a situation whereby the vote register has shifted from the large population from the Southwest to the North, which is currently the largest within the last 10 years.
“People are concerned about how this has been manipulated and if you don’t know your population, you can’t plan all the social infrastructure that a teaming population requires, you need to know the numbers so that you understand your demography, so that you can plan properly.
When fielded with questions concerning the launch by the President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday, 3rd February, 2022, on the Revised National Policy on Population for Sustainable Development, stressing the need for urgent measures to address Nigeria’s high fertility rate, through expanding access to modern contraceptive methods across the country and the National Council on Population Management inaugurated by President Buhari, chaired by Mr. President, and the Vice President as the deputy chairman with Heads of relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies as members.
Mr. Adebajo replied: “The Nigeria population has become a liability.
“They have recognized those issues, they have brought it up, so it’s now a situation where we talk about policy flip-flops, and consistency in government.
“It is important that we do not only set up these policies, but it’s important that we are consistent with the policies. If we need to enact a legislation to back those policies let’s do but we can borrow some from the Chinese model and the Indian model.
“It’s not only important that we plan, but it is also important that we move ourselves from western conspiracies on Population control,” he said.
Mr. Adebajo further speaking, said that “The first step to put in place population control, we need to put in place a credible census for Nigeria.
“The strategy for one part of the country is different from another part of the country.
“You cannot manage what you cannot measure.”
Feedback during the interview via WhatsApp by Abdul Kayode from Ajangbadi in Lagos, he said, “a country without database of its citizens, should not bother to consider population control measures.
“For God’s sake, we don’t have a record of the numbers of people going and coming into the country through our land borders. How do you preach to a Hausa man who has four wives, not to produce kids?
Prince Wale Gomez, a Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Lagos State opined that nothing is working in Lagos State.
The bigtime player in facility management made this assertion in an interview on CityTalks with Reuben Abati on City 105.1 on Saturday.
His protestation on the state of Lagos was based on his assessment of different administrations since 1999 dominated by the defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD) and Action Congress (AC), now merged into the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to Prince Gomez, “Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos state governor, has not done a fantastic job. He has been maintaining Lagos.
“We want a developmental program for Lagos and not maintenance!”
A permanent secretary in Lagos state Government rebutted Prince Gomez’s view on the facts and figures of Babajide’s administration.
In Prince Gomez’s reaction, he poised a rhetoric: “anybody can rule out figure, but has it been independently audited?
He added, “What has the Lagos state government done and let is put it on an investigative independent audit.”
When fielded with the question about his blueprint for the development of Lagos state, He said, “I have my blueprint and it is in my manifesto that I cannot release yet.”
Prince Gomez only mentioned a snippet of his plan for Lagos state.
According to him, “I will ensure that in every local government there will be a clinic, where all artisans and everybody in any industry will all sit down and talk about the problem in Lagos state.
“We are going to change Lagos state from the ward level.
“When I come into government, I will ensure that every Ward is given a face lift.
“Under my party, I will ensure that Lagos is different.”
Prince Gomez stated that he will use his resources to support anyone who gets the PDP ticket, if he didn’t get it.
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Programme: CITY TALKS WITH REUBEN ABATI
Time: 11:45am
Guest: Prince Wale Gomez- Lagos state PDP Gubernatorial Aspirant
Topic: Lagos State PDP & 2023 General Elections
Date: 15 January 2022
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2023 Presidency: I have been taught by two Presidents on how to be a President - Dr. Doyin Okupe
AdminNigerian physician, politician and Presidential aspirant, Adedoyin Ajibike Okupe better known as Dr. Doyin Okupe, declared that he has been taught by two past presidents on how to be a President.
The cum politician made this know in a recent interview on CityTalks with Reuben Abati on City105.1 monitored by Abati media.
The former presidential spokesperson made his intention known to contest the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in August 2021.
Other politicians on the list of the PDP who have expressed interest in the 2023 Presidential race are: Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, Former Senate President and Secretary to the Government, Senator Ayim Pius, Veteran Journalist and Publisher of the Ovation Magazine, Chief Dele Momodu, and Former President, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Sam Ohuabunwa
According to Dr. Okupe, the race for the President is beyond brandishing of Curriculum Vitae when it comes to national politics.
“I have worked with two major Presidents (President Olusegun Obasanjo and President Goodluck Jonathan) in this country, I have been with them in hard times and in good times, I have seen what their fears were and how things are done.
“My situation is much better than those who came to gamble,” Dr Okupe said.
He stated that apart from Atiku Abubakar who was a former Vice President,” I am the most well positioned person to run the next administration after General Muhammadu Buhari,” he said.
In his view, “I have a lot of respect for Senator Anyim, he was a former secretary to government and I have the opportunity of working with him.
“Being a Senate President and a Secretary to the Government is far from being a President.
“Inspite of Ayim’s antecedents, I am still a better candidate than him,” Dr Okupe said.
He added, “there are different levels of government, the fact that you have occupied one does not mean you can do well in other areas.”
Dr Okupe blamed the failure of past Presidents in Nigeria on the lack of preparedness and he described the events where other people coerce others to vie for presidency as “idiotic.”
He alluded his interest to vie for the position of the President on his preparedness and motivations.
His words: “I have done my research, I know where the government failed, I know the bottle neck, I have designed a roadmap.
“I have reached a point and I have reached an age that I can give my optimum best, particularly, to address the issue of poverty, the issue of insurgency and insecurity and to relieve the pain of the masses and those who are needy and poor.
“From day one; if sworn-in-as-Presidents, I will announce 10 ministers whose names are already on my mind.
“After the first Federal Executive Council meeting, I will announce the remaining ministers.”
Yahaya Bello, Kogi state governor, has assured Nigerians that he will not betray their trust if elected as the president of the country in 2023.
Speaking on Thursday during a north-east state legislators meeting in Bauchi state, Bello said he will not disappoint Nigerians because he always keeps to his promises.
The governor, who spoke to the lawmakers on phone, further noted that he is confident that he will achieve victory at the polls and “get to the promise land”.
“It is about all of us. It is about our party, about Nigeria and our future. But by the grace of God, with your support and prayers, I know we will get to the promised land,” Bello said.
“I would have been there personally to appreciate you, but I don’t want to be seen to be breaking the law by now since open campaigns have not been allowed. I want to keep to the law.
“I’ll come around when the ban is lifted to speak to you one-on-one in your various enclaves. However, my speaker and other well-spirited Nigerians are moving around the country and are talking to people of importance, especially critical stakeholders like you.
“I want to promise you that I will not disappoint any of you. Looking at the relationship I have with my speaker of the Kogi state house of assembly, I know that by the grace of God when we get to the promised land, we will have a more robust and wonderful relationship when we get to the villa and I know we will get to the villa on May 29, 2023, by the special grace of God.
“I need your support. I need your prayers. I need your buy-in. I need you very much so that together, we can save this country and build on the successes of President Muhammadu Buhari. I once again promise that I will not betray your trust. I will not disappoint you because I am a man who keeps promises and trust.”
In October, the Kogi governor had said Nigerians would heave a sigh of relief when he takes over from President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023.
[THECABLE]
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Programme: CITY TALKS WITH REUBEN ABATI
Time: 11:45am
Guest: Dr. Doyin Okupe
Topic: 2023 Presidency: My Agenda For Nigeria
Date: 22 January 2022
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Lifting Twitter ban: If you put too much control in everything, it loses innovation - Segun Awosanya
AdminSegun Awosanya, a Nigerian realtor, human rights activist, and business and strategic consultant, has offered his insights on the potential outcomes of excessive control. Segalink, as he is commonly referred to, holds the belief that excessive control can hinder innovation and limit personal freedom.
During a recent interview on CityTalks with Reuben Abati on City 105.1, the well-known human rights activist shared his perspectives on a range of urgent matters.
The Nigerian government's recent decision to ban the widely-used social media platform, Twitter, has caused significant disruption in the digital realm. This controversial decision took effect on June 5, 2021, causing millions of Nigerian users to lose access to the platform and igniting a passionate debate about the consequences of this action. Following Twitter's removal of messages from Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari and the subsequent temporary suspension, the Nigerian government has decided to implement a prohibition on the use of the social media platform. President Buhari's messages, cautioning Nigerians in the southeastern part of the country, particularly the Igbos, about the potential of a recurrence of the 1967 Biafran Civil War in light of the ongoing insurgency, were deemed inappropriate by Twitter. Consequently, access to Twitter has been restricted by the Nigerian government within the nation.
Nigeria's decision to ban the social media platform was influenced by a range of issues affecting the country, one of which was the removal of the president's tweets. The platform has been a hotbed for misinformation and fake news, leading to real acts of violence. The Nigerian government defended its action by emphasising the platform's ongoing use for activities that endanger the nation's unity and stability.
The ban imposed by Nigerian authorities has faced widespread criticism from international entities. Amnesty International, the British, Canadian, and Swedish diplomatic missions in Nigeria, along with the United States and the European Union, have collectively voiced their disapproval of the ban. The Nigerian Bar Association and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) have announced their plans to legally challenge the ban. Twitter users have raised concerns about a suspension on the platform that they find deeply troubling.
According to a recent study, Nigeria has become the 66th country to impose restrictions on social media access, joining a growing list of nations that have taken similar measures in the past six years.
The Nigerian government has announced its decision to lift the ban on the popular microblogging site, Twitter. According to official sources, the action is set to begin at exactly 12 a.m. on Thursday.
After a long seven-month period of restricted access, Nigerians can finally rejoice as platform visits are now restored. Users are now able to access the site without the requirement of a virtual private network (VPN).
In a statement, Mr. Awosanya voiced his concerns about the government's efforts to stifle a popular platform for public expression, government oversight, and business operations. Mr. Awosanya believes that the government's measures are ultimately harmful and do not produce any positive results.
He emphasised the significant financial consequences that could arise from a potential Twitter shutdown. Based on the analysis, the cost of suspending the platform for 7 months, or 222 days, would be an astonishing $26.1 billion. This staggering amount, when converted to the local currency, equates to around 10.72 trillion naira at the current exchange rate.
Upon closer examination, a striking contrast becomes apparent when considering Nigeria's debt to other nations.
The government has issued a statement addressing the matter, emphasising their main priority of justifying their actions by pointing out a perceived lack of control.
The speaker highlighted that the implementation of more stringent measures has failed to produce any significant results.
It is interesting to consider why the government focuses on censorship and control instead of creating a supportive regulatory environment for global technology initiatives.
The lawyer, civil right activist and the Mayegun Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Dr Kayode Ajulo described the scenario concerning the police officer’s refusal on last week Tuesday to obey Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as a power play of the judiciary and Lagos State Government.
Speaking during an interview with Reuben Abati on City 105.1 FM on Saturday.
The incident has raised a slew of concerns, including state policing, true federalism, and police undermining the authority of a state governor, who is essentially characterized as the state's chief security officer in section 216 subsection 4 of the constitution.
The crisis at Magodo Phase 2 did not start under the watch of Governor Sanwo-Olu; the fight started as far back as 1969.
In 1984 the State started negotiations with the purported owners and We've been told that Shangisha Landlord Association lost out.
According to Dr Ajulo, “…by so doing the property is taken away from them and it was dawn on the landlords that the property taken away to build a hospital; is now sold to other people, and based on that premise they went to court.
“It was over 30 years ago and 29 years ago, Justice Balogun of Lagos High Court, gave an injunction that those landlords are entitled to 549 plots of land to be given to them.
“Instead of obeying court order, the matter moved to Appeal Court, from Appeal Court to supreme court.
“And in 2012, Supreme Court gave the judgement for the landlords that they are entitled to such plots of land.”
Ajulo refered to page 40 of the Court judgement, implying that the judgement emphatically explained and directed that, “these are the numbers of the plot that must be given to the land lords.”
“And what is expected from the government is to obey the law,” he said.
“Giving a contrary order, trying to subvert that reinforcement of that judgment, trying to subvert the pronouncement of the Supreme Court; is an impeachable offence,” Ajulo added.
However, Dr Reuben Abati stated that in 1988 Supreme Court decided; and the 2012 judgement by the Supreme Court is not declaratory.
Abati said, “The court weighed heavily on the side of the doctrine of equity.
“The judgement was not specific in terms of identifying plots of land.
“The judgement creditors who went to take possession are acting on their own.
“Which particular plot are they are attaching?
“Those buildings they marked, have certificate of occupancy,
“The residence of Magodo Phase two are saying that this land was allocated to them.”
Dr Ajulo’s reaction: “The equity of that case demand s that the Lagos government playing about four or three rules; apart from being a judgement creditor happen to be the government of the day, apart from being the government of the day; they are the trustee that hold the trust of the people and they are accountable whole to have been able to have sit down to say look our situation, justice must be done and it is expected within 12 years that this issue would have been resolved.”
Ajulo blamed the Lagos State government as the major provocateur of the Magodo issue.
He described what transpired between the Lagos State Governor the Police Officer a disservice and that incident cannot be used to canvass for State Police.
He described the statement the South West Governors led by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State condemning the act, as being partisan.
In Ajuolo’s words, “the forum of Governor is to defend the governor and not even the state.”
He commended the Lagos State Government for setting up a committee to solve the inherent problem.
Segun Awosanya, also known as Segalink, is a Nigerian realtor, human rights activist, business consultant, and member of Justice Doris Okuwobi's Panel on the #EndSars. He believes that Nigerian police officers often feel neglected and marginalised by society.
The human rights activist shared their thoughts during an interview with Reuben Abati on City FM 101.5, discussing the issue of police salary increments.
According to Awosanya, police officers often feel neglected in our society. They receive criticism for their mistakes but rarely receive recognition for their accomplishments. This is despite the fact that they face numerous challenges with limited resources, while lower-ranking military officers are exempt from taxes. In contrast, police recruits in Nigeria are required to pay taxes.It's important to bring attention to the disparity between the military's lack of pension and the fact that police officers contribute up to 12% of their salary towards their pensions.So, these are some of the issues that require attention in order for the police to feel a greater sense of belonging and care from the government.
Starting in January 2022, the Federal Government has given the green light to a 20 percent salary hike for police officers.
During the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday, President Muhammadu Buhari presided over the proceedings in the recently refurbished council chambers. Maigari Dingyadi, the Minister of Police Affairs, shared important information with the media present at the state house.
According to Dingyadi, the review is a direct response to one of the demands put forth by the #EndSARS protesters in 2020. This particular demand focuses on improving the overall wellbeing of police officers.
There are concerns among certain individuals regarding the certainty of the police salary increase being implemented.
Interestingly, the federal government has previously discussed the review of police salary structure on multiple occasions. Specifically, between 2018 and 2021, there were four instances where the government addressed the topic.
When asked about the government's commitment to implementing the salary increase, Mr. Awonsaya responded, "The increment we are discussing is not a mere promise or a gamble."It is a component of the ongoing implementation of the presidential police reform roadmap.
According to reports, police officers have allegedly been receiving a significant portion of their salary from the Nigerian government. This information is expected to be supported by testimonies from the officers themselves.
More...
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Programme: CITY TALKS WITH REUBEN ABATI
Time: 11:45am
Guest: Segun Awosanya. (Convener EndSARS ReformPoliceNG, President/Founder Social Intervention Advocacy Foundation (SIAF))
Topic: Police salary increment
Date: 18 December 2021
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Programme: CITY TALKS WITH REUBEN ABATI
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Guest: Mr Akinola Akinropo(Family life development strategist)
Topic: Dowen college, Sylvester Oromoni, schools and parenting.
Date: 11 December 2021
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#EndSARS White Paper: The panel arrived at a conclusion without premise - Comrade Nelson Ekujumi
AdminThe Spokesperson Coalition of Concerned Civil Society Groups, Comrade Nelson Ekujumi stated that the panel arrived at a conclusion without premise
The human right and good governance advocate, said this in an interview as a guest on CityTalks with Reuben Abati where he seemed to have agreed with the position of the Lagos State government on the White Paper Report.
Ekujumi opined that the Whitepaper has come to do justice to inconsistencies.
The White Paper on the Judicial Panel of Inquiry report set up to investigate the Lekki Toll Gate incident on October 20, 2020 has elicited mixed opinions.
On October 20, 2020, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu launched a judicial panel led by Justice Doris Okuwobi to investigate petitions alleging police brutality in the state and alleged protester shootings.
The panel issued two reports on November 15, one on police brutality cases and the other on the probe into the Lekki incident.
Following the panel's report's submission, Sanwo-Olu formed a four-member team to draft a white paper on the panel's recommendations.
The white-paper committee will be chaired by Lagos Attorney-General Moyosore Onigbanjo.
The Lagos State Government revealed in the 24-page document that it accepted eleven (11), rejected one (1), and accepted six (six) with modifications out of the 32 recommendations made by the Judicial Panel of Inquiry in its Report dated November 15, 2021.
Fourteen (14) proposals fall outside of Lagos State government's powers and will be referred to the Federal Government for consideration.
Ekujumi stated that he found it worrisome that the findings of the Judicial panel were not based on facts and evidence, but was premised on “hearsay.”
According to him, there are many inconsistencies and contradictions in the report that was submitted by the Justice Okuwobi’s panel.
He recalled three observations he had noticed in the report; “Nathaniel Solomon who said that his younger brother, Solomon Abuta was killed at the Lekki Toll gate.
“In the findings, I saw his name among the deceased.
“And that tells you that something is wrong with the Judicial Panel report and findings,” Ekujumi said.
He added, “When you look at the story concerning the death of his brother, this was a petitioner whose story was not corroborated by any utter of evidence.”
Another instance, Ekujumi mentioned was that of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Maroko Police Station and his men who were alleged by petitioners of being responsible for deaths of protesters on October 20, 2020 after the army had left.
The DPO was allegedly wearing white jalabia when he led his men to the toll gate and shot at protesters and killed them.
He said, when the petitioners were asked about photo or video evidence of the DPO with white Jalabia bearing arms with his men; they didn’t have.
He stated further, that when the counsel summoned the DPO, he challenged his accusers to produce any iota of evidence to back up their claim. In addition, he told the panel that wearing a jalabia is not part of the police uniform, and that he could never have done so for safety and security reasons while on an operation.
Ekujumi added that when the petitioners were called for a rebuttal; they had no evidence.
Another mention by Ekujumi, was that of someone who was awarded N10 million who was not a petitioner.
He said, “From my own little understanding of the Judiciary, they are not a father Christmas.
“The person is not a petitioner; how did the panel resolve that they should give her N10million?”
When field with question concerning by Dr Reuben Abati about the position of Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), where the SAN said that the Lagos State is not in the position or has no power to either accept or reject recommendations of the panel, and what is regarded as inconsistencies are basically computer errors and there are more revelations that he will be willing to bring to the table.
In a reaction by Ekujumi, “if Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN, has any quarrel with the findings of the panel’s report and as well as the white paper released by the government, he has the option of going to court to challenge the white paper or the legality of the white paper.”
The Former Director General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Dr Muda Yusuf stated that Nigeria is between the devil and the deep blue sea.
Dr Yusuf said this on Saturday on CityTalks with Reuben Abati on City 105.1.
However, the fuel subsidy removal is not a new subject to Nigerians. The Jonathan-led administration attempted it in 2012 but resulted to protested from Nigerians that was tagged “October 22” which known as “occupy Nigeria.”
Recall recently, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank recommended to Nigeria that if they don’t deregulate petrol by the first quarter of next year; it may become very difficult to pay salaries.
Dr Yusuf opined that there is an invest angle to conversations that the petroleum downstream sector, and have been staffed of investment.
He added, that they have effectively blocked private capital into that space.
“When you have a policy that is blocking investment into a very critical sector, then it is the economy and the people that will pay for it,” he said.
The economist raised some major arguments which has a social effect on our economy: “One strong argument he raised, is that we need a policy regime that will allow investments to be private capital to go into that sector.
“Second major argument, is what he called the revenue argument. Close to 40% of government revenue is used for payment of subsidy.
“As a country facing challenges in infrastructure, roads and education and we are spending close to 50 % of our revenue on payment of subsidy; that calls to question what kind of priority we have as a country.
“The debt profile is increasing, the fiscal deficit is increasing, debt service component is increasing, and all of this thing is also affecting us one way or the other as citizens.
“The employment effect: the private sector is a source of generating quality jobs for that matter and once they are blocked from investment, how can jobs be created.
“Our foreign reserves: our refineries are not working, consequently putting a lot of pressure on our foreign reserves,” he said.
He raised his observation that only the technocrats, and NNPC have said much about the removal od subsidy but the political actors are not speaking much.
In his view, “People who want to aspire to offices, wouldn’t want the chances to be jeopardized by this very big issue but the impression that have being given that the government is ready to ensure that these things go ahead.”
When fielded with question on the N5000 proposed for 40million Nigerians, he said “it is still a proposal for further engagements but what is important is that government has demonstrated a willingness to at least put something on the table to cushion the effect in the short term.”
He added, “There are concerns about the integrity of the database itself.”
According to him, “there is no difference btw now and 2012 but for now the message has to be stronger and the people should understand that this is the way to go otherwise if we spent all our recourses on fuel subsidy, we all suffer for it.”
Dr Yusuf recommended engagement and communication so that it can be implemented.