The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially presented the certificate of return to the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Monday Okpebholo, following his victory in the Edo State governorship election.
The presentation took place at the INEC headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, solidifying Okpebholo’s position as the elected governor.
Okpebholo emerged victorious in the election held on September 21, where he secured a total of 291,667 votes, defeating his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 247,274 votes. Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) trailed in third place with 22,763 votes.
In this election, Okpebholo’s APC party made significant gains, winning in over 10 of the 18 local government areas, while the PDP managed to claim marginal victories in the remaining councils.
Notably, the APC dominated in two of the three critical senatorial districts within the state, reflecting a decisive shift in the political landscape of Edo.
Meanwhile, the PDP has rejected the results of the recent Edo State Governorship election, as declared by the INEC.
During a media briefing in Abuja on Monday, the Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Amb. Umar Damagum, expressed his party’s dissatisfaction with the outcome, asserting that the people of Edo State rightfully voted for the PDP’s candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, and expect him to be announced as the governor-elect.
Many civil servants at the federal, state and local government areas now go to work twice or three times a week to cut down the cost of transportation, Daily Trust’s findings have revealed.
Cost of living has risen in the last one year due to several economic policies of the government, especially the removal of fuel subsidy.
However, in order to save costs in the face of stagnant salaries, many civil servants have resorted to self- help.
Daily Trust reports that Lagos, Ogun and Osun governments, respectively, approved two-day work-from-home policy for junior civil servants, while those on senior cadre were given a day.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu introduced the policy in February and extended it by three months on September 4.
He directed that workers on grade levels 01 to 14 were allowed to work from home for two days a week, while those on grade levels 15 to 17 were allowed to work from home for one day a week. Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, adopted that Lagos template on September 11.
Osun’s Governor Ademola Adeleke followed suit on Tuesday in a circular from the Office of the Head of Service.
“By this circular, therefore, and until another directive is given, the working day schedules for public servants in the state have been approved as follows:
“Public servants on GL.01 to GL.10 – three days a week; public servants on GL.12 to GL.17 – four days a week,” a statement from the government reads.
A Labour leader in Lagos, Comrade Yusuf Bello described the work-from-home directive as an admittance of the failure of policy.
According to him, “If the policy of the government is working and it is working for the welfare of the people, they wouldn’t move in that direction.
“To pronounce that kind of policy suggests that the government itself understands that its policy is not working. Because when workers are supposed to work for five days or six days as the case may be but they are only able to work for two days, something is lost not just to the workplace but the economy in terms of the informal workers who trade around offices, who live on people who come to work. So there is a multiplier effect on the economy that is lost.
“What I would rather add is for the government to rethink its policies in a manner that those policies would address the welfare of the workers and the people generally, not to look for quick fix temporary solutions. We need an enduring long term solution that would address the challenges of the economy and the welfare needs of the people”, he said.
Other govs silent
Daily Trust reports that other governors have been silent on the work-from-home policy but civil servants in those states have resorted to ‘self-help’ to cut down cost of transportation.
Borno
Speaking to Daily Trust in Maiduguri, Mallam Baka, who works with the state government, lamented that life has been unbearable due to the high cost of living.
“My take home is N87,000; I have been working for 14 years now, but things are very difficult for us as workers. We have family and aged parents who depend on us for everything, including feeding, which is increasingly becoming difficult,” he said.
Babagana Mohammed, an assistant director said his salary is a little above N100,000.
“In the last one year, the prices of food items have quadrupled; unfortunately, our salary has not increased,” he said.
Reacting, the Chairman of Borno State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Yusuf Inuwa, explained that the workers enjoy transportation N50 per drop, which significantly reduces their expenses.
He added that N2 billion loans given to workers were part of the palliatives of the state government to reduce hardships faced by workers in the state.
“The state government rolled out metro transit, so we paid N50 instead of N200 for the transportation in Maiduguri. This has helped a lot as workers and the disbursement of N2 billion loans to workers equally assisted our members,” he said.
Kano
A senior civil servant said in spite of the rising cost, some servants do report to work except on Fridays.
“You know, in Kano, there is no work free day, unlike in other states.
“I live at Yakasai Quarters in the ancient city and I trek to this place every work day and my salary is nothing to write home about.
“While I was leaving for the office today (yesterday), my wife asked for money to buy charcoal but I did n’t have any,” Yakasai said.
However, the chairman of the state chapter of the NLC, Kabiru Ado said civil servants do not even want to talk about rising cost of transportation because it agitates their minds.
“The federal government is yet to begin payment of the N70,000 minimum wage signed into law, and we have not seen the template. The Kano State government has set up a committee on the minimum wage implementation. The committee has submitted its report.
“Hopefully, when negotiations are completed, the payment could begin and that may bring succour to workers, but I can tell you the situation is critically difficult,” he said.
Abuja
In Abuja, the nation’s capital, our correspondent reports that federal civil servants across ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) have made a series of arrangements to cushion the effects of rising costs of transportation, occasioned by fuel price hike.
Some workers at the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) and Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), in separate interviews with Daily Trust, said they have devised various “arrangee” models in their various offices.
One of the workers said that the arrangements depend on the offices or departments where one works, and also on the directors or other supervisors they are working with.
“For me, I go to work (office) two times. I know other workers who come to the office twice or three times a week.
“I also know of some others that their directors or superiors asked them to stay at home or work from home, but should be available when they are called,” he said.
Another civil servant said it was unfair for workers to come to office, especially the junior ones, even when the new minimum wage has not been implemented.
While the leadership of the labour unions were not available for comment, an executive of one of the chapels in Abuja, told Daily Trust that there have been some meetings where labour leaders defended workers who were reported to be skipping office due to high cost of transportation.
Some workers who spoke with Daily Trust at the FCTA’s Secretariat in Area 11, Garki, Abuja, said that since the upward adjustment of the petrol price, transporters have jacked up fares.
One of the workers, who gave her name as Mrs. Mary John, said they made an arrangement among themselves.
She said: “In our department, what we do is to divide ourselves into two sets; one set will come Mondays and Tuesdays while the other go Wednesdays and Thursdays every week.
“This is necessary because, for instance, I stay in Bwari and will have to spend N3,400 every day on transportation aside from food. So, how can I cope with that amount five times in a week when my salary is less than N100,000?” she asked.
Benue
Some of the civil servants, who spoke on condition of anonymity to our correspondent in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, said it was practically impossible for them to go to the office five times a week.
“I go to the office only on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in a week. We have the arrangement in my office and our boss supports us since we can’t afford daily transportation to be at work”, one of them said.
Another respondent, a senior civil servant, decried the hardship, saying he had long parked his car at home.
“I occupy a sensitive position in one of the ministries, so I try to be at work daily but without my car,” he said.
Zamfara
A civil servant working with Zamfara State House of Assembly, who preferred anonymity, said he could not afford going to office five days in a week because of the economic hardship.
“I am lucky, the director gave me the go ahead to report to my duty post three days in a week. At least, I will save the transport fares for the remaining two days to do something else,” he said.
A director in one of the ministries, who said he should be addressed with the name of his hometown, Dansadau, confirmed that many civil servants go to office twice a week.
“There is no way we can sanction them, honestly. We simply pretend that we are not aware. Even the permanent secretaries also pretend that they are not aware. This is because, what justification do you have to punish them?” he asked.
Rivers
Some respondents who spoke with our reporter said that they select the days they go to work.
“In every situation one has to devise a means of survival,” said James Abo.
“With the biting economic hardship ravaging the country, some of us have devised a means of surviving the high cost of transportation,” he said.
Alice Daniel, who works in one of the ministries, said, “it’s not possible for one to go to work on a daily basis.”
Kwara
Speaking on the issue, a civil servant in the state who gave his name as Mr. ‘B’, said their response to the situation varies.
“It depends on how you look at it. For the core civil servants, we have some that now go to work three times a week. It’s only senior management staff of those in public service that may not have options”, he said.
It’ll lead to low productivity – Analyst
An economic analyst, Prof. Adebayo Adams, said the policy, though a good idea, can only work in the public service, saying it cannot work in the private sector.
“It is going to cause a lot of low productivity. As it is now, a lot of companies would still leave the country. The implication is that more workers would go and in the private sector, the policy of the government asking workers to spend some days at home would not work.
“There is no way you can work for only three days and you think you would have good results,” he said.
[DailyTrust]
Three men in Benin, including a former minister and the man in charge of President Patrice Talon's security, have been arrested on suspicion of plotting a coup, the state prosecutor has said.
Ex-sports minister Oswald Homeky was caught on Tuesday while handing over six bags of money to the head of the Republican Guard, Elonm Mario Metonou, the prosecutor told a press conference.
Investigators said Col Djimon Dieudonne Tevoedjre was being bribed not to resist a coup d'etat planned for Friday in the small West African nation.
Also detained was a businessman, Olivier Boko - a friend of President Talon - who had recently indicated he had political ambitions
Mr Boko's lawyers and supporters condemned what they called his "abduction" and have demanded his immediate release.
Investigations are ongoing to identify further suspects, the prosecutor said.
Benin, once praised as a multi-party democracy, has taken a more autocratic turn under the presidency of Patrice Talon, rights groups say.
President Talon announced he would not seek a third term in office in the 2026 elections.
There have been eight military takeovers and several other coup attempts in West and Central Africa since 2020.
[BBC]
![[PRESS RELEASE] The Looming Industrial Crisis And Government’s Seeming Indifference](/media/k2/items/cache/176828353d1c5169887841fea7ddb8f5_M.jpg)
- The resolution of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), following its meeting at the University of Ibadan, Ibadan, 17th-18th August 2024, gave a 21-day ultimatum to the Government of Nigeria to address all the unresolved issues that have plagued the public university system. This ultimatum was duly communicated to the government through the Minister of Education via a letter dated 20th August 2024.
- The issues in contention include (a) conclusion of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, based on the Nimi Briggs Committee’s Draft Agreement of 2021; (b) release of withheld three-and-a-half months’ salaries due to the 2022 strike action; (c) release of unpaid salaries for staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments affected by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS); (d) release of outstanding third-party deductions such as check-off dues and cooperative contributions; (e) funding for the revitalization of public universities, partly captured in the 2023 Federal Government Budget; (g) payment of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA), partly captured in the 2023 Federal Government Budget; (h) proliferation of universities by Federal and State Governments; (i) implementation of the reports of visitation panels to universities; (j) illegal dissolution of Governing Councils; and (k) University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) as a replacement for IPPIS.
- The leadership of ASUU met to review government’s response on Thursday, 19th September 2024. We noted, with regrets, that government's failure to fully implement the Memoranda of Understanding/Actions (MOUs/MOAs) arising from the FGN/ASUU Agreement of 2009, particularly between 2013 and 2020, had continued to exacerbate crises in public universities. In particular, government’s failure to conclude the renegotiation of the FGN-ASUU Agreement that has lingered for upward of seven (7) years, and implement the Agreement, has not helped matters especially given the current economic realities in the country. Government’s wage awards should not and cannot replace the finalization of the draft FGN-ASUU Agreement package which was etched on collective bargaining principles.
- Also, the government's refusal to address non-monetary issues such as the removal of universities from IPPIS, despite a presidential directive and a court order, is deeply concerning. In 2020, ASUU responded to the government's challenge to provide an alternative and more efficient payment platform by developing the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS), a purely homegrown technology solution. However, the government has refused to accept this alternative despite its superiority to IPPIS.
- Furthermore, the government's failure to implement the recommendations of visitation panels and amend the National Universities Commission (NUC) Act to prevent the proliferation of public universities, despite claiming a lack of funds to support existing institutions, is not only alarming, but embarrassing. When it suits their interests, government agents expressly amend old laws and pass new ones without much ado. However, the same political elites ignore ASUU’s consistent demands for quality university education and treat the country’s scholars like 16th-century slaves in their rabid pursuit of bountiful dividends of “contractoracy” and constituency projects.
- What has become clear from recent engagements is that the current government has continued with the old antics, characterized by bureaucratic bottlenecks, time-buying tactics, denial of documentations, and lack of budgetary provisions, to confound and complicate matters. It is a fact that funds were allocated for payment of EAA and revitalization of public universities in the 2023 budget. It is also true that the Presidential directive on moving academics out of the IPPIS platform has not been heeded for close to one year! Our union shall not sit idly and watch agents of government undermine its resolve to cater for the welfare of its members and protect the integrity of the university system through these and similar acts of provocation.
- Information available to ASUU does not support government's claims of insufficient funds, but points squarely to deficit of political will. The substantial inflows from subsidy removal and devaluation of the Naira, translating to the humongous monthly Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) disbursements to the three tiers of government make nonsense of the outlandish claims. Elementary economics suggests that Government does not prioritize the welfare and well-being of Nigerian academics; otherwise, the prolonged engagements with ASUU should have yielded fruitful outcomes for stability and industrial harmony in the Nigerian University System.
- We reiterate our firm belief in the principles of dialogue and collective bargaining, as enshrined in the International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions, for resolving all issues. This is why ASUU has been consulting leaders of thought, including former presidents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and the leadership of the National Assembly, on how to peacefully resolves the lingering issues to the benefit of Nigeria’s public university system and the nation at large.
- However, the government's continued use of empty promises, non-committal attitude, and delay tactics is fanning the ambers of crisis in our public university system. Therefore, we call on all well-meaning Nigerians to prevail on the government to address these outstanding issues in line with the African Union’s strategy of using the path of quality and accessible education towards realizing the AU agenda 2063. This is especially as 2024 has been declared the African Union Year of Education. The Nigerian ruling class should stop paying lip service to funding public education, which they benefited from in their days.
- In view of the foregoing, ASUU resolves to give the Nigerian Government another 14 days, in addition to the earlier 21 days, beginning from Monday, 23rd September 2024 during which all the lingering issues must have been concretely addressed to the satisfaction of the membership of the union. The union should not be held responsible for any industrial disharmony that arises from government’s failure to seize the new opportunity offered by ASUU to nip the looming crisis in the bud.
Emmanuel Osodeke
President, ASUU
23rd September, 2024
3
![[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu Greets Oba Rashidi Ladoja At 80](/media/k2/items/cache/5ee7185b1fcf8ff288c5adadcc54ceb7_M.jpg)
President Bola Tinubu congratulates Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as he marks his 80th birthday today, September 25, 2024.
Oba Rashidi is an accomplished businessman who served as Governor of Oyo State from 2003 to 2007 and as a Senator in the Third Republic.
He was elevated from Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland to a beaded-crown-wearing Oba by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, on August 12, 2024.
President Tinubu joins family, friends, and the people of Ibadanland to celebrate the elder statesman on this milestone.
The President commends Oba Rashidi for his strength of will and courage in pursuing justice and lofty ideals.
President Tinubu salutes the astute politician for his service to the nation and dedication to the cause of a greater Nigeria.
The President recalls his time at the Senate during the short-lived Third Republic when providence crossed their paths.
He thanks Oba Rashidi for his friendship and support over the years.
President Tinubu prays for unceasing wisdom, robust health, and strength for Oba Rashidi as he marks this significant occasion.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed hearing on the money laundering case brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against the immediate former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.
Naija News reports that Nwite picked October 30, 2024, for the next sitting on the suit.
This comes after Bello approached the Supreme Court to file an appeal aimed at overturning the arrest warrant issued by the trial court on April 17.
During the proceedings, Bello’s attorney, A.M. Adoyi, highlighted that the matter of the defendant’s arraignment is currently under appeal at the Supreme Court. He expressed the desire to bring the court’s attention to the appeal, referencing an affidavit of record submitted on September 23.
Adoyi further stated that it would be prudent to await the Supreme Court’s ruling on the pending appeal before proceeding with the arraignment to avoid nullifying the appellant’s appeal or undermining the authority of the Supreme Court.
In contrast, Kemi Pinheiro, counsel for the EFCC and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, contended that the defence attorneys were treating the court as a venue for entertainment.
He noted that an appeal filed by the defendant regarding the method of service of the charges and the evidence presented to their counsel was dismissed by the Court of Appeal on August 28 of this year.
“The appellant shall not take any further step until he submits himself. But they took another step,” Pinheiro noted.
In opposing the Defendant’s applications, Pinheiro said, “they had three applications on this – two before your Lordship and one before the Supreme Court. I will now urge your Lordship to demonstrate audacity of coercive power on him.”
On the other hand, Counsel for Bello contended that the matter scheduled for today (Wednesday), specifically the arraignment, is currently under appeal at the Supreme Court by the defendant.
He requested that the court defer its proceedings until the Supreme Court renders its decision, emphasizing the importance of justice in this context.
Justice Emeka Nwite acknowledged the arguments put forth by the counsel and indicated that he would need to address the issues raised in due course.
He announced that he would adjourn the proceedings to deliberate on the matter.
Consequently, he set the next hearing for the 30th of October for both ruling and arraignment.
Last week, the former governor stated that he had complied with the Commission’s invitation, accompanied by Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, but claimed he was neither interrogated nor detained. The Commission, however, countered this assertion, maintaining that he remains a wanted individual.
The EFCC subsequently attempted to apprehend the ex-governor by surrounding the Kogi Government Lodge in Abuja during the night of Wednesday last week, but the effort was unsuccessful.
An economist, Idika Kalu, has said the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) knows the right policies to take to grow the country’s economy, but they are not doing it.
Idika Kalu stated this while speaking in an interview with Arise TV on the new interest rate raised by CBN, on Tuesday.
He noted that raising interest rates and, at the same time, removing subsidies that could help the citizens was wrong policy. He argued that Nigeria’s economy cannot grow with such a policy.
Kalu said, “You see, in governance, you can’t remove subsidy for the poor and at the same time increase taxes and interest rate. You don’t do that. So if you have high interest rates and have high taxes, you can’t build an economy by that means. What builds an economy is production. And the Central Bank knows that it has policies that it can tweak to get the economy on a productive trajectory.”
Speaking on what policies the CBN can take to grow the economy, Kalu continued, “First, you have the stock of money supply. They can manipulate that. The interest rate, that is what they are doing and they have been doing for over 20 years. You have volume of credit. You have management of the exchange rate. And you have what we call final expenditure. That is like mentioned ways and means of the Central Bank. You see, what the nation is suffering from is that we are not productive. And government has policies, economic policies, that should, I mean, for people in authority, that’s what should interest them.
“One, the first is your economic development policy. That’s very important. Price stability is the second policy. Then you have healthy balance of payments. You have creating employment opportunities. And of course, the development of the financial institutions. These are key policies of government.”
The Managing Director of GABS Financial Services explained that the current economic and monetary policies of CBN were responsible for no low growth in sectors of the economy.
“So whether it is the monetary authorities or the fiscal authorities, they should address these problems. So economic growth and development, there are two things. Economic growth is that maybe a sector is contributing to national income.
“But when you talk of economic development, it means the various sectors in the economy are simultaneously contributing to national income, housing, education, transport, health, all contributing. And that is what builds standard of living of individuals. And we are not doing that. We only have maybe the oil. Manufacturing sector is comatose. Nothing is happening. The agric sector, nothing is happening,” Kalu stated.
Speaking on how the capital market would react to CBN’s new interest rate, he explained that “there is an inverse relationship between interest rates and bond or stock market prices.
“So when interest rate goes up, stock market prices come down. And so before you take such sensitive decisions, you should know the implication or the ripple effect in other sectors like the capital market. It is the capital market that really builds a nation because they can mobilize long-dated funds for economic development.”
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has described the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, as a serial complainer.
The National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Felix Morka, said Peter Obi cannot agree with the result of any election he loses or his supporters lose.
Morka, in an interview, on Tuesday, with Arise TV, explained that the Edo governorship election was free and fair.
“Now, first of all, Peter Obi is obviously, I think everyone who bothers with Nigeria’s politics knows that Peter Obi is a serial complainer. He will not accept the result of any election that is not in his favor or in favor of candidates that he supports. He has done that.
“Since the 2003 election, Peter Obi has been a consistent denial of that election and now he has a new pet project to deny the Edo election. We don’t reckon with Peter Obi because he wasn’t a candidate in Edo and he was not a voter. So whatever he thinks of that election is absolutely irrelevant. He can speak what he wants, that’s up to him,” he said.
Speaking on possible court case against the Edo governorship election result by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) governorship candidates, Asue Ighodalo and Olumide Akpata respectively, the APC spokesman stated that the party and its candidate, Governo-elect, Monday Okpebholo, are okay with the decision.
Morka argued that the two candidates have yet to prove there was manipulation of the election results in favour of the APC candidate.
“About those who were contestants in the election, I think that Olimude Akpata and Asue Ighodalo, they have legitimate interests in that election. So if they are not satisfied with the outcome of that election, they must do what they must do, which is to take this matter to court and go there to prove the allegations that they are bandying around right now because that’s what they are doing. They are simply throwing a lot of things, unsubstantiated allegations.
“When an election is done, psychologically people are wounded because you went into it to win. So when you don’t win, understandably you can be sore. But I think that I have not listened to any of them articulate or furnish any sort of reasonable evidence of all of the high sounding allegations that they make and it’s not enough to throw those things out there.
“When you get to court, it’s not about the headlines. You must break down the headlines into credible, realistic evidence before the courts to support your argument that you won the election or that there was some foul play or some manipulation as they allege. So we’re not bothered by that. When they go to court, we will of course meet them in court and also present our side of the story and that’s the beauty of democracy. He who alleges must prove,” Morka added.
President Bola Tinubu while delivering his speech at the 79th United Nations General Assembly Debate, drew the attention of world leaders to 21 issues.
Represented by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu reminded the world leaders of the urgency of ensuring poverty is addressed across the world. He also advised leaders to work towards addressing terrorism, armed conflict, inequality, and climate change among others.
As compiled by Shettima’s spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, below are the 21 issues Nigeria presented to the world leaders.
1. The UN faces questions about its relevance and resilience in addressing global challenges.
2. The pillars of peace, sustainable development, and human rights are threatened by individual national priorities over collective needs.
3. Ongoing global challenges include terrorism, armed conflict, inequality, poverty, food crises, climate change, and others.
4. Nigeria celebrated 25 years of unbroken democratic rule, but unconstitutional changes of government in some African countries underscore democracy’s fragility.
5. The global debt burden undermines countries’ ability to meet citizens’ needs, while trade barriers and protectionist policies hinder prosperity.
6. Terrorism and violent extremism remain significant threats to peace and development.
7. Climate change is driving insecurity and poses challenges to sustainable development.
8. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict was highlighted, with a call for a two-state solution.
9. Nigeria supports UN Peacekeeping Operations and calls for support to operationalize the African Standby Force.
10. Reform of the UN Security Council is critical, with Africa deserving permanent representation.
11. Most developing countries are behind in achieving Sustainable Development Goals due to lack of resources and unsustainable external debt.
12. Nigeria calls for reform of the international financial architecture and promotion of a fair and inclusive multilateral trading system for developing countries.
13. The international community must strengthen cooperation to recover and return stolen assets and eradicate safe havens for illicit funds.
14. Nigeria advocates for comprehensive debt relief measures and fair international tax regimes.
15. Developing countries need debt relief and special concessions to enable sustainable development financing.
16. Natural gas is seen as central to addressing Africa’s energy challenges while transitioning to clean energy.
17. Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to climate action but emphasizes the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities.
18. The digital divide between Global South and North needs to be addressed, including regulating cryptocurrency trading.
19. Nigeria emphasizes the importance of youth and women’s advancement in national development and peace.
20. The country supports the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration.
21. Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to multilateralism and active participation in the UN.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has stated that the results of the recent governorship election in Edo State demonstrates that technology alone cannot resolve Nigeria’s electoral problems.
He emphasized that the root of the issue lies in the mindset of the people, not just the tools used.
Jonathan pointed out that while technology has its benefits, it can still be manipulated by individuals with corrupt intentions.
According to him, a shift in attitude is needed among Nigerians, as many approach politics with a negative mindset.
Speaking at an event organized by the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) in Abuja to mark the International Day of Peace, Jonathan discussed the challenges facing Nigeria’s electoral system.
He stressed that the quest for power is a significant driver of conflict across Africa, with technology being unable to fully address these deeper issues.
Jonathan, who was honored as a Fellow of the IPCR during the event, making him the second person to receive this recognition after former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon, reiterated that a corrupted electoral process could not be rectified by technology alone.
Reflecting on the aftermath of the Edo election, Jonathan expressed concern that tensions had escalated rather than subsided due to suspicions that the process was mishandled.
As the only Nigerian president to have peacefully transferred power to an opposition party after losing an election, Jonathan drew attention to the widespread conflicts across Africa, many of which stem from power struggles.
Jonathan said, “Here in Nigeria, we talk about technology. Without the human mind ready to do what is right, if we bring the technology, they will manipulate it.
“Actually, 10 top countries are in conflict globally. Three of them are in sub-Saharan Africa. And quite a number of countries around us, including us, are in one form of conflict or the other.
“And when you look at what causes conflict in Africa, most cases are struggle for leadership, contestation for power. And that is the main cause of conflict.
“Sometimes when you go through a society, and you can tell all kinds of stories. But by the time you do proper analysis, and dig deep, you know that most cause of conflict is leadership struggle. That is why I’m only worried about my country Nigeria.”
Jonathan also challenged the belief that politics is inherently dirty, clarifying that it’s the participants, not the system, that tarnish its image.
He referenced former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who similarly argued that politics only seems dirty because people bring their corrupt minds, hearts, and actions into the arena.
“People say politics is a dirty game. The way we play our politics is the way we want to play it.
“Remember (Olusegun) Obasanjo, the former president, recently made a statement that politics is not dirty but the people that play politics, come to play politics with their dirty minds, dirty hearts and dirty character.
“And that is why people say politics is dirty. And in that case, we must all begin to think differently. We must cultivate the culture of peace,” Jonathan explained.
The former president emphasized the importance of peace becoming a central part of African and Nigerian society, arguing that without this shift, the continent will continue to face political turmoil.
Jonathan stated, “Until we get to that level where we develop the culture of peace in this country, we will always have political conflicts in our election.
“And without us strengthening that effort, without us developing that culture of testing a nation peacefully, we will always be in conflict in Africa and in Nigeria.”
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The House of Representatives is set to reconvene on Tuesday, September 24, after its annual recess, with a legislative agenda that includes critical discussions on the 2025 Appropriation Bill proposed by President Bola Tinubu, constitutional review, and electoral reforms.
Following a break that commenced on July 23, 2024, lawmakers will return to address pressing national challenges, including insecurity, economic stability, and the ongoing petrol crisis.
In a statement released on Monday, the spokesman for the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi, indicated that Speaker Tajudeen Abbas will deliver an agenda-setting speech to outline the priorities for the upcoming session.
The statement read in part, “With the 2024 fiscal year coming to a close, the House eagerly anticipates receiving the 2025 Appropriation bill soon. Timely submission from the executive is crucial, as it facilitates thorough scrutiny and public input through town hall meetings, a practice pioneered by the House during the 2024 budget review.
“The House is firmly committed to maintaining the January-December budget cycle and anticipates cooperation from the executive in this regard.
“Honourable members will actively debate and pursue legislative action on pressing challenges faced by Nigerians, particularly those related to the recent flooding in Maiduguri, the spate of insecurity in the country, and the economy. These issues, among others of urgent national importance, will be prioritized as we respond to the needs of our constituencies.”
Rotimi, who represents Ikole/Oye Federal Constituency, Ekiti State, also noted that proposed laws captured in the legislative agenda would be deliberated upon, given their significance to Nigerians’ quest for good governance.
“Bills and motions aligned with our commitments in the legislative agenda will receive prioritisation and fast-tracking, particularly because they will serve as indicators by which Nigerians assess the 10th Assembly at the upcoming mid-term in June 2025,” he added.
The statement further highlighted the importance of amending the 1999 constitution, saying, “The constitutional review process serves as the bedrock of our democracy, embodying our collective aspirations for a just society. The House reaffirms the December 2025 deadline to arrive at definitive outcomes for the Sixth Alteration to the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“The House Committee on Constitution Review, chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, will intensify efforts to address pressing issues and align our laws with the needs of the public.”
He added that the Committee received “About 305 memoranda from the public and about 150 constitution alteration bills from honourable members, reflecting significant public engagement and concern. These bills will be given accelerated consideration.”
Electoral reform
“Article 6.7 on Law Reform in our Legislative Agenda outlines that the 10th House will prioritise amending the Electoral Act 2022 to address gaps, including vague and contradictory provisions. In line with our agenda, we are also committed to establishing a mechanism for periodic reviews of electoral laws to ensure they remain relevant and aligned with global best practices,” the statement further read.
Local Government Autonomy
“In light of the landmark Supreme Court ruling in July 2024 on local government autonomy, we anticipate bills aimed at ensuring the consequential alignment of various extant laws with this new reality. This issue is pivotal to our Legislative Agenda, particularly Article 6.3 on Law Reform (Agenda 3).
“The 10th Assembly proposed several reforms for Nigeria’s local government councils, including constitutional changes to grant them financial and operational independence. This shift is essential for clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of local governments and preventing overlaps and conflicts.
“Further reforms will address electoral processes within local councils and clarify their roles in maintaining security at the grassroots level. These initiatives are crucial for empowering local governments and ensuring they effectively serve their communities,” Rotimi stated.
Whistleblower Protection Bill
The House, according to the lawmaker, is anticipating an executive bill concerning Whistleblower Protection. “This initiative aligns with our 8-Point Legislative Agenda, particularly aspects focused on strengthening good governance and improving national security,” he said, stressing that “Efforts in this area promise to significantly boost the fight against corruption and improve Nigeria’s revenue streams.
Other areas of interest listed include oversight and legislative compliance, as well as constituency outreach.”
Naija News understands that the meeting is being held amidst plan to reshuffle is cabinet.
Before the commencement of the council meeting, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, commended President Tinubu for his commitment to democracy through “the conduct of free and fair election in Edo State.”
Akume also commended the leadership of Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the victory of Monday Okpebholo.
He said, “We want to use this opportunity, Mr. Chairman, to congratulate the people of Edo State, particularly the APC family, properly guided by the father of APC, in their fantastic outing, recording a huge victory, which had eluded the APC for over eight years.
“The election has been adjudged to be free and fair and that is what Mr. President has always stood for. We want to thank you, Mr. President, for being committed to the electoral process and ethos of democracy.
“Once again, we thank our family members of the APC from Edo state for this wonderful showing.”
The SGF also formally notified the council of the passing a former Minister of Women Affairs and Youth Development, Mrs Salome Jankada.
Mrs Salome Jankada was a Minister of Women Affairs and Youth Development in the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
The council then observed a minute silence in honour of the late former council member, who died in August 27 this year.
Those in attendance at the meeting include the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the National security Adviser, NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.
Majority of the Ministers were also in attendance.
[NaijaNews]
Some residents who infiltrated the Internally Displaced Persons camps for flood victims in Borno State have stated that they were forced to enter the camps due to the current hardship in the country.
The residents, mostly women, disclosed this during an interactive session with our correspondent in Maiduguri on Monday.
They expressed that the economic situation in the country is no longer bearable, and they cannot sit idly by while trucks of food items and cash enter the camps daily without being beneficiaries.
Speaking with one of the residents who infiltrated the camp at Ajilari Community Secondary School, Aisha Kuda, she said, “We are suffering from hunger; our children have started stealing due to poverty. Our girls are getting unwanted pregnancies because they are lured with money.
That is why we are going there to get something to eat.”
“We are pleading with the government to help us as they are helping the IDPs because we are in a critical condition too,” she pleaded.
Safiya Abdullahi stressed that it is unjust to overlook those affected by the flood who are residing with relatives instead of in the camps.
“We are hungry. Not everyone can stay in the camp because some have relatives who are not affected, just like myself. This does not mean we should be exempted. When the flood came, my family was displaced from Gwange, and we left to stay with my relative in Wulari. When we heard about the food and cash distribution in Bakassi camp, we went there.
“Upon getting there, they said we were not eligible to receive items. This happened the day the governor visited to share 10,000 Naira in the camp,” she stated.
On her part, Hannah Johnson, a Maiduguri resident, mentioned that she was aware of the different church denominations that have donated to the camp.
“I know some churches, including Dunamis and Apostle Suleiman’s church, have donated. Even though it was meant for those in the camp, some of us were affected by the flood, and we decided to stay out of the camp. How can you remove us from the list of beneficiaries?”
She continued, “I was in Yerwa camp a few days ago, and they said we wouldn’t benefit as long as we are not living in the camp. I went back home with nothing. This is uncalled-for.”
PUNCH reported that the governor of the state, Babagana Zulum, alleged the infiltration of camps by people not affected by the flood.
Following the allegation, he directed that only camps being operated in schools would be closed to allow learning activities to fully resume across the state.
[Punch]
A federal high court in Abuja has dismissed a suit seeking the removal of Abdullahi Ganduje as the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In the judgment delivered on Monday, Inyang Ekwo, presiding judge, held that the suit was premature and the issues raised were within the purview of the internal affairs of the political party.
Ekwo held that the group failed to show credible evidence that it was registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and therefore lacked the locus to have instituted the suit.
In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/599/2024, the North Central APC Forum, led by Saleh Zazzaga, queried the propriety of Ganduje’s appointment as the chair of the party since he is not from any state in the north-central geopolitical zone.
They argued that the national executive committee (NEC) of the APC breached the party’s constitution when it appointed Ganduje, from Kano state in the north-west geopolitical zone, to replace Abdullahi Adamu from Nasarawa state in the north-central geopolitical zone.
It also argued that Ganduje’s appointment to replace Abdullahi was contrary to Article 31.5(1F) of the APC constitution and ultra vires the powers of the NEC of the party, among other reliefs.
The plaintiff prayed the court to, among others, restrain Ganduje from further parading himself as chair of the APC.
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They also sought an order directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to accord recognition to all actions taken by the APC, including congresses, primaries and nominations — since Ganduje became APC chair on August 3, 2023.
Speaking with journalists after the court session, Ayuba Abdul, counsel to the plaintiff, said the judgment will be appealed.