A chieftain of the Labour Party, LP, Kenneth Okonkwo, has slammed President Bola Tinubu’s administration for nominating 47 persons for ministerial appointments.
Okonkwo wondered why the administration considered setting up what he described as ‘the most bloated bureaucracy in the world’ when according to him, the nation is heading towards being the poorest country in the world.
The Nollywood veteran actor’s assertion was contained in a post via his Twitter handle on Thursday.
He claimed that the constitution allows only 37 ministers and not 47.
“What a regime? We are heading towards being the poorest country in the world, and this regime is considering setting up the most bloated bureaucracy in the world, which will lead to the highest cost of governance in the world. 47 Ministers when the government is only compelled to have 37.
“The money to be used to pay them will eventually be extorted from Nigerians through inordinate taxing and over-pricing of essential commodities and borrowing from outside sources because APC regimes produce nothing. I pity Nigerians under this clueless regime,” he tweeted.
Lateef Fagbemi, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), says the way corruption and grafts are being fought in Nigeria leaves so much to be desired.
He noted that the two major anti-graft agencies in Nigeria should be merged.
Speaking on Wednesday during his screening by the senate as a ministerial nominee, Fagbemi said investigation and prosecution of corruption cases should be handled by more than one agency.
The legal luminary, while suggesting ways to effectively fight corruption in the country, said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Related Commission (ICPC) should be “brought together” to perform separate functions of investigation and prosecution.
However, the senior lawyer did not state which of the agencies should be saddled with the responsibility of conducting the investigation or prosecution.
Both EFCC and ICPC are empowered by their enabling acts to investigate and prosecute cases of corruption.
According to the ICPC act, the commission is to investigate and prosecute corruption in the public sector, especially bribery, malfeasance gratification, graft, and abuse or misuse of office.
The EFCC, on the other hand, is to probe and prosecute people who engage in money laundering and other financial crimes.
“Truth be told, we fight corruption but at the same time, the way it is being fought in Nigeria leaves much to be desired,” Fagbemi said.
“If I have my way, I’ll advise the president to unbundle, first of all, bring ICPC and EFCC together, unbundle them.
“Investigation should not be handled by the same body that must be the supervisory authority within the same system.
“Prosecution is another body. It doesn’t augur well to ask the same authority to (carry out) investigation and prosecution. That is why we have problems.”
Fagbemi also emphasised that conducting investigations requires “patience” to ensure a thorough and proper examination.
He said: “We are not also patient enough. Investigation takes time, especially in serious corruption cases. Are we prepared to wait?
“My take is that, a situation such as the one that happened when Hushpuppy was arrested. They have been trailing him for years but he didn’t know, and nobody talked to him. But the day they said the time was up, he also knew that the time was up.
“Investigation should be thorough. It shouldn’t be that when a sitting governor leaves office then say EFCC is inviting you. That is not the way to prosecute criminal and corruption matters.
“We have to put in place very good laws to do this.”
The SAN asked the parliament to make laws that will be good for society without the lawmakers “anticipating” how it will affect me.
Fagbemi, who is a nominee from Kwara, was accompanied to the red chamber by AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq, governor of the state, and several SANs, including Wole Olanipekun, Yusuf Ali and Adeniyi Akintola.
Kogi Governorship Election: APC Is History, My Name Is Daniel, I Befriend And Subdue Lions - Dino Melaye
AdminDino Melaye, the Governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the November 11, 2023 Kogi Governorship election has issued a warning to the All Progressives Congress.
According to Dino, he will win the Governorship election in the state come November, 11.
Speaking at the inauguration of the National Campaign Council for Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa states as well as the presentation of certificates of return to the party’s three governorship candidates in Abuja on Wednesday, Melaye said he has expertise in taming lions.
Melaye said the ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC), will fail on November 11.
“I just want to announce that as far as this election is concerned in Kogi State, APC is history. APC has gone to oblivion.
“PDP is the party to beat in Kogi State and I assure the people of Kogi State, that my name is Daniel and Daniel is used to taming lions. I befriend lions, I kiss lions and subdue lions,” Melaye said.
Acting National Chairman of PDP, Umar Damagun, in his remarks said the chances of the party emerging victorious were brighter than ever.
“We will have Bayelsa, we will have Imo and we will have Kogi. These are PDP states. Somehow, they slipped away but Bayelsa has always had a PDP governor. I want to challenge everyone in this country to look at the states governed by PDP governors viz-a-viz the other parties. We have always excelled,” he said.
Speaking in solidarity with the contestants, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, said, “The chances of the PDP in the three states are very great because we are bringing light all the way and you know when the light comes, darkness vanishes.”
Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party have expressed optimism that the party will emerge victorious in the upcoming governorship elections in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa States.
The party leaders spoke at the inauguration of the National Campaign Council for the three states as well as the presentation of certificates of return to the party’s three governorship candidates, in Abuja, on Wednesday.
Acting National Chairman of the party, Umar Damagun, in his remarks described the inauguration as historic noting that the chances of the party emerging victorious were brighter than ever.
He said, “We will have Bayelsa, we will have Imo and we will have Kogi. These are PDP states. Somehow, they slipped away but Bayelsa has always had a PDP governor. I want to challenge everyone in this country to look at the states governed by PDP governors viz-a-viz the other parties. We have always excelled.
“Today marks another historic day for the PDP in its political development. As we inaugurate the National Campaign Council for Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States, I want to say a few things to members of these campaign councils.
“You’ve been carefully selected to go into these states and saddled with the campaigns. We don’t expect less from you because before you were selected, you were found very capable and we expect nothing other than victory.
“You are going in at a time whereby the country as it is, everybody is feeling the burden of the mistakes that have happened in this country.
“What is expected of you is go there and remind them that this is not what we bargained for and that there is a time God in his infinite mercy, always give us to change the course of history, and this is the time.
“To you that are going to Kogi and Imo states, remind them that it has not been like that before they made a mistake to where they are today. There are times and opportunities to change and there’s no better time than now.”
Damagun also charged members of the committee to go out and “conquer.”
Speaking in a similar vein, the party’s National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, who also spoke shortly after the presentation of certificates of return to the three candidates said, “We are here to present certificates of return to our three candidates for Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa States.
“The party is sure of coming victorious. As you are aware, we are presenting Gov Duoye Diri for Bayelsa State; our own National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu for Imo State and My own brother, Senator Dino Melaye for Kogi State.
“As you heard yesterday at the court, the judge said Nigeria needs a lot of prayers. We need prayers for these three candidates to win this election.”
On his part, Bayelsa State Governor, Duoye Diri, who is seeking reelection on the party’s ticket said, “PDP is very sure of victory in Bayelsa State. We don’t have any internal crisis in the PDP in Bayelsa State.
“This is a governorship election in Bayelsa State and so, we are well organized. We have more members of the opposition coming into PDP in Bayelsa State.
“Those are no issues in Bayelsa State. Bayelsa PDP is very strong, vibrant and poised the win the election.
“If I should give you a scale, it would be like 80-20. Bayelsans have resolved unanimously that PDP as exemplified by me, you don’t need to change players in a winning team. Bayelsans are very resolute about that and I just want to say thank you. We will do it again.”
The party’s candidate for the Imo State election, Sen. Sam Anyanwu, in his remarks said, “Imo is traditionally PDP State. What you have there now is a product of the court. I am back to reclaim the mandate of the PDP.”
The National President of Heavy-Duty Drivers Association, Mr Uchenna Nebuwa, says members of the association and other drivers no longer use the second Niger Bridge because of security concerns.
Nebuwa told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Onitsha that criminals have taken over the route, including Obosi-Owerri axis of the road.
According to him, hoodlums, armed robbers and kidnappers now operate along the bridge.
“Drivers are afraid because there is no adequate security on the second Niger bridge, Federal Government should provide security to secure lives and property.
“Another worrisome one is the failed portions of Obosi-Owerri road, as our trucks fall on the road on daily basis, we have lost over N20 billion worth of vehicles and goods on that road.
”We are begging Federal Government to help us fix the failed portions of Obosi-Owerri road as this will encourage drivers to be using the second Niger bridge”, he said.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Great Tippers Association of Nigeria, Anambra Chapter, Mr Chukwuemeka Olekpe, expressed concern about the security situation, saying armed robbers and kidnappers have scared them away from using the bridge.
On his part, a commercial bus driver, Paul Osakwe, who plies Asaba-Owerri road, said drivers avoid the area because the bridge has become lonely and insecure.
“The bridge is not secure, it’s too lonely, you can’t even try to use it at night, even you inside the bus will be scared, government should at least install light on the bridge, maybe that will help”, he said.
Mr Seyi Martins, the Engineer in charge of the bridge, attributed its low usage to the security challenges in the South-East, adding that their mandate was to construct the bridge and open it to ease traffic.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Mr Mahmuda Mamman, had while inspecting the vandalised part of the bridge on Monday, urged security agencies to beef up security on the second Niger bridge and surrounding areas.
The chief executive officer of Convvy Estates Limited, Samuel Oni has lamented the current cost of labour and building materials triggered by removal of fuel subsidy by the federal government, saying it is affecting the cost of housing units in the country.
The Convvy boss, who disclosed this to newsmen in Lagos, revealed that the cost of labour and building materials have skyrocketed, saying he has been working around his finances and work’s ethics without compromising standards.
He said: “within the estate, we do some basic things by ourselves. Let me let you know that the cost of labour has also gone up. A mason or carpenter now collects N7,000 instead N3,500. We have to go back to the drawing board to look at our operation, then scale it down so that we will be picking it gradually. We are not stopping work, we are progressing but our activities are based on scale of preference.”
Due to these challenges, he said, the prices of the housing units have been affected, adding that the increase in price is tied to the present economic challenges.
“Housing units’ prices ranged from N55 million for outright purchase. The same unit can’t go for that in the next 12 months. When we started, the price was N48 million. The fuel subsidy removal is affecting our bottom line if you look at it very well,” he said.
He disclosed the 2025 deadline for the delivery of all the housing units, pointing out that, one uniqueness about the estate was that, immediately you subscribed and made payment, subscribers got all their documents immediately.
He added that lack of transparency in the area of documentation remains one of the reasons Nigerians in Diaspora are wary of investing in housing back home.
Oni said:” When we showed interest in investing back home in Nigeria, we said we wanted all the documents to be perfected before selling any of the property. And that’s what we are doing in Convvy Estate. As you subscribe to our estate and make full payment, you get all the documents.“
Having spent two years in putting Convvy Estate in shape, Oni is of the opinion that Nigerians, wherever they are either at home or in the diaspora, should be able to buy land, subscribe or get their home conveniently without any hassle, without omo-onile’s crisis, without the issue of documentation.
“Documentation is the most common thing that is really a hindrance to people living abroad from investing in real estate back home. For people living abroad, there is this kind of distorted information, process that you have to get this, you have to buy this, and at the end of the day after paying for some certain documents, developers would still go back to them that they still need to pay for one kind of document that does not really exists.
“I am a Nigerian and I live in Canada, I have witnessed how things are done over there in Canada, South Africa and other parts of the world. I am also bringing this to Nigeria and that is the basis of Convvy Estates,” he said.
A data and intelligence company providing subscription-based data and insight to global businesses and professionals, Stears has conducted a poll to understand public sentiment in the wake of a storm of policy reforms implemented by the current administration.
In the poll, the intelligence company has rated president Bola Ahmed
Tinubu’s policy approval rating better than former president Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
The newly introduced Stears Approval Rating (SAR) revealed that despite multiple policy changes, Tinubu’s policies have received twice as many approvals from respondents compared to those of the previous administration.
The inaugural Stears Approval Rating sampled 519 respondents across Lagos’ 20 local government areas.
The SAR is built from responses to 25 questions about socioeconomic policies, living conditions, institutional trust and voter status. Interviews were conducted in English, Pidgin English, and Yoruba, and lasted an average of 10 minutes.
“After Stears’ proprietary estimation model correctly predicted the outcome of the 2023 presidential elections, we wanted to continue to build on the application of data in governance and beyond. Particularly, we’re excited about how the SAR captures subtle fluctuations in consumer sentiment,” explains Tokunbo Afikuyomi, Economist at Stears.
Senior Governance Analyst, Joachim MacEbong, expressed the importance of paying attention to the survey results. He stated, “The Stears survey offers a valuable glimpse into the concerns of Nigerians, and it is clear that urgent action is needed to ease the cost burdens on citizens. Our poll showed that 42% of Lagosians are pessimistic while 32% said they were optimistic about the country’s direction.”
Coup: Money Earmarked To Prosecute War In Niger Republic Should Be Used To Increase Minimum Wage - Expert Advises Tinubu
AdminA United States-based financial expert, Kalu Aja has warned that Nigeria may not be able to sustain the war it is starting with Niger Republic.
President Bola Tinubu in a leaked memo ordered the Nigerian Army to proceed to Sokoto State and enforce a no-fly zone in Niger.
The Chiefs of Defence Staff of Togo, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Guinea, Gambia, Cote’Divoire, Cabo Verde, and the Republic of Benin held a meeting on Wednesday in Abuja over the matter.
The order by Tinubu was in response to the coup which took place in Niger Republic last week that ousted Mohamed Bazoum, the country’s elected president.
The Niger coup plotters however warned against ‘military intervention’ by ECOWAS.
Aja in his analysis said Tinubu does not have a fund appropriated by the National Assembly to fund a war.
He said considering economic realities, the country does not have the financial capacity to enforce a no-fly zone in Niger.
He said in his analysis seen by THE WHISTLER, “I don’t believe the President has this authority without NASS appropriation of funds for this action which will cost a lot of money.
“I personally know Nigeria does not have the means or financial resources to enforce a no-fly zone in Niger Republic, where is the aviation fuel?
“Last year bandits inside Nigeria shut down a Nigerian fighter jet, yet we are prepping to cross an international border? With fighter jets?”
Tinubu is facing an internal crisis. The fuel subsidy removal has induced hardship in Africa’s biggest economy leading to a national protest.
The country borrowed $800m from the World Bank as a palliative for subsidy removal.
According to the Debt Management Office, Nigeria’s total debt was N49.85trn as of March 2023, excluding the Ways and Means of N22.7trn.
Also, the country is battling with Boko Haram terrorists in the North as well as farmer-herder crisis. In the South Eastern region, it is faced with separatist agitations.
Aja explained, “Nigerian farmers do not have safe access to farms, this insecurity has led to high inflation in Nigeria caused by high food costs. Similarly, oil exports have been muted due to illegal oil theft inside Nigerian waters.
“A President that has told the Nigerian Labour Congress he inherited a mess and pleads with Nigerians still earning N30,000 as month minimum wage should focus on Nigerians, not Nigeriens.”
Tragedy struck on Tuesday in Akure following the over 24 hours’ rainfall which led to part of a building collapsing and causing the death of a man.
Eyewitnesses told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday that the incident occurred at 3.00 pm, at Itedo Eledumare Street, Oba-Ile in Akure North local government area.
Mrs Elizabeth Columbus, a tenant in the collapsed bungalow, said that a section of the building wall collapsed on Mr Titus Adega and his five-year-old son , Kizito Adega, causing the death of the former.
The widow of the deceased, Mrs Margaret Adega, said the wall of the back section of the building suddenly fell on her husband and son, who were outside, during the rainfall.
“I heard the loud cry of my son from deep in my sleep and I rushed outside to discover him under the rubble of the collapsed wall of the building.
“I tried to extricate him and discovered the unconscious body of my husband on top of him. I believe my husband used his body to protect our son when the wall fell.
“I called out to neighbours who assisted me to extricate them from the rubbles and rushed them to the maternity centre in the neighborhood.
“There we were asked to take them to the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, but when we got there, he was confirmed dead on arrival.”
The widow said that the corpse had been deposited at the mortuary while their son, who had a fracture on the leg and slight bruises on the face, was receiving treatment.
Margaret Adega said immediately her son was discharged from hospital, her husband’s corpse would be taken to Benue for burial.
Mr Gabriel Folahan, the head of the Children’s Emergency Room, said Kizito Adega was brought in at 4.52 p.m., with bruises on the face and a leg fracture.
Folahan said the child would be referred to the orthopedic ward for traction today
The Adamawa State House of Assembly has screened and confirmed 23 commissioner nominees to form Governor Ahmadu Fintiri’s cabinet.
Six of the 23 commissioner-designates are former commissioners and two are women.
The confirmation followed the completion of the screening exercise of the last batch of commissioner nominees in the House.
Speaker Bathiya Wesley, who directed the clerk to communicate the House resolution to executive governor for further action, commended his colleagues for the successful exercise.
Wesley said the exercise was enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, adding that those slated for appointment to serve as members of the state executive council ought to be screened and confirmed by the legislature.
The Assembly earlier screened the first batch of the commissioner Nominees on August 1, 2023 while the remaining batch of the nominees were screened on August 2, 2023 as scheduled by the House leadership.
The exercise was based on the track records, experience and qualifications of the nominees.
The commissioner nominees screened in the second batch include Ibrahim Mijinyawa (Yola North); Barr. Wali Yakubu (Madagali); Musa Mahmud (MayoBelwa); Usman Abdullahi Lamorde (Mubi South); Mrs Wunfe Brina Anthony (Guyuk); Dr Umar Garba Pella (Hong); and Barr. Bello Hamman Diram (Yola South).
Others, who scaled the screening exercise, are chief Felix Tangwami (Demsa); Titus Solomon (Lamurde); Anthony Garba Pindimso (Toungo); Mrs Neido Geofrey kofulto (Numan); Ibrahim Haruna (Shelleng); and Ayuba Audu Tanko (Mubi North)
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to embrace accountability in all forms, but especially concerning financial discipline and in the active promotion of top-level women and youth participation in the day-to-day operations of the party.
He stated that this would strengthen the APC and firmly establish its stability as a governing party.
The President made this charge on Wednesday during the National Caucus meeting of the party, which took place at the State House Conference Centre.
In a statement to journalists by the President’s Special Adviser on Media & Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu noted that the future of the party belongs to Nigeria’s young people and women, considering their proven dedication and demonstrable prowess in election matters.
The APC national leader said: “As a party, we must handle our finances very well. I hope the financial audit recommended by the National Working Committee (NWC) will help us strengthen our finances better. I thank our governors who contribute generously to the wallet of the party. These times are tough. We are challenged. Please continue to support the party.
“Our party also needs to be more gender friendly, and we need more participation from the youths because they own our tomorrow. Let’s get more youths and women involved. They are very dedicated election masters.”
While intimating the party leaders in attendance, which included the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, former National Chairmen, Bisi Akande, John Oyegun, as well as serving governors, former governors and National Assembly members, the President detailed decisions he has taken so far to reform the country’s economy.
Tinubu reiterated that Nigeria cannot continue to sustain the treasury-depleting fuel subsidy and losses incurred by the past foreign exchange management regime.
“We can’t continue to play poker with our economy. That is why I took the decisions I have taken so far,” he said.
In his welcome address, Acting APC National Chairman, Senator Abubakar Kyari commended President Tinubu for the steps he has taken so far to reposition the economy for greater productivity and future prosperity.
The Acting National Chairman presented two memos to the National Caucus; Appointment of External Auditors and filling of vacant party offices.
The two major party positions which the Caucus considered are that of the National Chairmanship and National Secretary seats that will be filled by the National Executive Council (NEC) at its next scheduled meeting for Thursday, August 3, 2023, at, the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has submitted the second batch of his ministerial nominees containing 19 additional names.
Recall that the list was submitted on Wednesday to the Senate for screening and confirmation.
On the list are five former Governors, Gboyega Oyetola (Osun), Simon Lalong (Plateau), Ibrahim Gaidam (Yobe), Bello Matawalle (Zamfara) and Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi).
Here are the profiles of the nominees:
Maryam Shetti (Kano)
Maryam Shettima famously known as Maryam Shetty was national leader of #WeBelieve, an APC support group.
She is a social activist and qualified physiotherapist. Born into the Kano royal family, Ms Shettima started her early education in Kano and went to Federal School of Physiotherapy in Bayero University, where she finished her Bsc with distinction.
She worked briefly with Dala Orthopedic and Malam Aminu Kano Teaching Hospitals in Kano before she went to London to further her education.
She obtained her Masters Degree from the University of East London, Stratford where she majored in sports physiotherapy.
She was on the medical team of the London Olympics where she worked with top-tier athletes including world record holder, Jamaica’s Usain Bolt.
Bosun Tijani (Ogun)
He was born on 20 July, 1977. He is an entrepreneur, co-founder and CEO of Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB), the leading Pan-African innovation and technology centre.
Tijani is widely acknowledged as a pioneer and industry leader in the African technology ecosystem and was named as one of the 100 Most Influential People on the continent by New Africa Magazine.
He initiated the first visit of Mark Zuckerberg to Nigeria in August 2016 as part of efforts to place Africa on the global technology map. He has also hosted other global technology leaders in Nigeria, including former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey in 2019[6] and most recently in June, 2023, hosted a fireside chat with Microsoft founder and co-Chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Bill Gates.
In 2019, under his leadership, CcHUB acquired Kenya’s iHub and launched the CcHUB Design Lab in Kigali, Rwanda in the same year.[9] He has also expanded CcHUB’s Pan-African footprint into Southern Africa by opening CcHUB Namibia, the main tech hub in Windhoek, Namibia in 2023.
Tunji Alausa, M.D (Lagos)
Alausa is the Executive Chairman & Chief Medical Officer
Dialysis Care Centre in Homer Glen, Illinois, United States
The Epe-born Nephrologist studied Medicine at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and was Assistant Professor & Attending Physician Rush University Medical Center – Cook County Hospital.
He was named America’s Best Physician in 2007 & 2012 and served as Chief Medical Resident Cook County Hospital, Chicago, IL.
Tanko Sununu (Kebbi)
He represents Yauri/Shanga/Ngaski Federal Constituency. He was a Member of Board of Management Federal Medical Centre Katsina (2013), Member of Board Management Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto (2018).
The trained Obstetrician and Gynaecologist was born on 02/02/1967.
Ishak Salako (Ogun)
Dr Ishaq Kunle Salako is a medical practitioner and former Commissioner for Health in Ogun State. He’s the Co-ordinator, Ogun West Stakeholders Forum.
Adegboyega Oyetola (Osun)
Adegboyega Isiaka Oyetola CON was born on 29th of September, 1954. He served as governor of Osun State from 2018 to 2022.
Oyetola was born in Iragbiji, Boripe Local Government Area. He started his secondary education at Ifeoluwa Grammar School, Osogbo and graduated in 1972.
Oyetola proceeded to the University of Lagos and graduated with a Bachelor of Science honours degree in Insurance in 1978.
He proceeded for his mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Potiskum, Yobe State, where he lectured at the Staff Training Centre between 1978 and 1979. He obtained his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Lagos in 1990.
He contested for the Osun gubernatorial seat on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September 2018 gubernatorial election and won.
Oyetola was the Chief of Staff to Rauf Aregbesola, his predecessor.
Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi)
Abubakar Atiku Bagudu CON, was born on 26th December 1961. He is the immediate past Kebbi Governor. He served as the Senator for Kebbi Central.
He obtained a BSc (Economics), Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Msc (Economics) University of Jos and M.A. (International Affairs). He is married to Zainab Bagudu.
Bagudu succeeded Adamu Aliero when he won the by-election for the Kebbi Central Senatorial seat following Aliero’s appointment to become the Minister for FCT.
BELLO MATAWALLE (Zamfara)
Bello Muhammad was born on 12th February 1969, known as Bello Matawalle and is the immediate past Zamfara Governor.
He obtained First School Leaving Certificate from Maradun Township Primary School in 1979. He graduated from VTC Bunza in 1984. He attended Yaba College of Technology, Lagos and later went to Thames Valley University, London.
After briefly serving in the Abacha-era House of Assembly and Commissioner from 1999 to 2003 in the Ahmad Sani Yerima administration in the Fourth Republic, he first won an elected office in 2003 as a member of the House of Representatives for Bakura/Maradun and retained the office until 2015 first as a member of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) before switching to the People’s Democratic Party in 2011.
Between 1999 and 2003 he served as Zamfara Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Commissioner for Environment, Rural Development and then Commissioner for Youth and Sports.
Matawalle was elected into the House of Representatives by his constituents Bakura/Maradun in May 2003 on the platform of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).
Matawalle was re-elected in 2007 still on the platform of the ANPP only to defect to PDP on which platform he was re-elected for a third term in 2011.
Four years after losing his Bakura/Maradun Constituency seat in 2015, Matawalle became the 2019 PDP gubernatorial nominee and won the office after a Supreme Court ruling disqualified the original winner. In 2021, he defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress after a defection rally in Gusau alongside most Zamfara State elected officials.
Ibrahim Geidam (Yobe)
Ibrahim Gaidam is a Senator from Yobe East Senatorial District. He handed over to Governor Mai Mala Buni on 29 May 2019.
Gaidam was born on 15 September 1956 in Bukarti village, Yunusari local government area in the old Borno, now Yobe state. He attended the Borno Teachers’ College (BTC), Maiduguri from 1974 to 1979 where he obtained a Teachers’ Certificate. He attended Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria from 1981 and 1983, earning a Diploma in Accountancy.
Later he returned to Ahmadu Bello University, earned a BSc in Accountancy Degree in 1990 and became a member of the Certified Public Accountants of Nigeria.
In April 2007, Ibrahim Gaidam was elected Deputy Governor of Yobe State on the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) platform and was sworn in on May 29, 2007. He was sworn in as Governor on January 27, 2009, following the death of Governor Mamman Bello Ali in Florida of a liver problem.
Geidam was elected as senator representing Yobe East in 9th NASS on 23 March 2019.
Simon Bako Lalong (Plateau)
Simon Bako Lalong CON, born on 5th of May 1963, served as governor of Plateau State from 2015 to 2023.
After his elementary and secondary school education in Shendam Local Government Area, he proceeded to the School of Preliminary Studies (S.P.S) Keffi, passing out in 1986.
He then continued to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, graduating in 1990 with a bachelor’s degree in Law.
This was immediately followed by the Law School in Lagos, where he was also called to the Bar. He later obtained a master’s degree in Law from the University of Jos, in 1996.
In October 2000, he became Plateau Speaker, occupying that position until 2006, following a political upheaval within the House. The seven years which he served as the speaker made him the longest serving speaker of the House in the history of Plateau State. During that period he was two times (2001–2002) elected as the Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of the 36 states of Nigeria.
In the March 9 2019 Plateau gubernatorial election and March 23, 2019 Plateau State supplementary Gubernatorial Election, Lalong won re-election as governor of Plateau State, having polled 595,582 votes against his rival, General Jeremiah Husseini of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who polled 546,813 votes. He was re-elected as the governor of Plateau State on May 29, 2019.
In the 2023 general election, Lalong contested for the seat of the senate to represent Plateau South senatorial zone in the National Assembly but lost the election to Napoleon Bali who won under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party.
Lola Ade John (Lagos)
Lola Ade John is a seasoned Information and Technology expert and a leader in designing, integrating, deploying, and managing core systems for global banking institutions.
She studied Computer Science at the University of Ibadan. She has worked with Access Bank, United Bank of Africa, Ecobank and Novateur Business Technology.
Her experience spans in the areas of leveraging and managing technology to drive strategic business results, structure efficient and effective implementation and support of technology to benefit small, medium and large-scale central and distributed working environments.
She has led the integration and implementation of systems focused on facilitating corporate change management, increasing technology service delivery, and the strategic advantage of businesses while at the same time reducing business operating risks.
Shuaibu Abubakar (Kogi)
Abdulrahman Shuaibu Abubakar FCNA, FNIM, FCMA was born on 5th of July 1965. He holds the titles of Talban Mubi and Ebubedike Ndigbo of Mubi. He is an accountant, businessman, philanthropist and lawmaker.
He represents Mubi North/Mubi South/Mahia federal constituency of Adamawa state in the House of Representatives, and is a member of the country’s governing party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Abdulrahman was born in Digil, Mubi North Local Government Area of Adamawa State on 5 July 1965, to the family of Alhaji Shuaibu Liman Difil. He is the second of 15 children.
His education began at Demonstration Primary School, Mubi, where he was a pupil from 1972 to 1973. In 1974, he moved on to Digil Primary School, also in Mubi, and obtained a primary school leaving certificate in 1978. His secondary education took place at the Federal Government College, Maiduguri, from 1978 to 1983.
From 1983 to 1984, he attended the School of Basic Studies in the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, then proceeded to study accounting at the Institute of Administration (also in ABU, Zaria), and graduated in 1987. He also obtained a certificate in computer and computer operation.
He has two master’s degrees from the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, the first in Business Administration (Banking and Finance; awarded in 1998) and the second in Economics (awarded in 2002). He also attended several additional courses at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, the Lagos Business School and the Manchester Business School.
Tahir Mamman (Adamawa)
Tahir Mamman OON, SAN is a Professor of law, Senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN). Educational administrator and the Director-general of the Nigeria Law School from 2005 to 2013.
Mamman was born in 1954 at Michika in Adamawa State. He holds a LL.B degree at the Ahmadu Bello University in 1983 and call to the bar in the Nigerian Law School in 1984. He earned his masters from the University of Warwick England in 1987 and his PhD in 1990 University of Warwick, Warwickshire England.
He is the Vice chancellor of Baze University Abuja and member governing board of Niger delta development commission NDDC.
He is a recognised member of the Body of Benchers. In 2010 he became a board member of the International Association of Law Schools based in Washington DC.
In September 2015, he was conferred as a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN). In recognition of his efforts, the Federal Government of Nigeria bestowed him with the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
Professor Tahir Mamman joined party politics in 2014 after completing his tenure as Director general of The Nigeria Law School. He ran for Adamawa state Governorship election on the platform of the APC in December 2014 along with three other aspirant.
In June 2020, the All Progressive Congress national executive committee appointed and inaugurated him as a Member representing the northeast geopolitical zone/ acting national vice chairman north east in the National Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee CECPC of the All progressive congress APC.
Aliyu Sabi (Niger)
Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi CON, was born on 10th of January 1967, He was a Senator from Niger North Senatorial District of Niger State at the Nigerian 8th National Assembly and 9th National Assembly. He was also the deputy chief whip at the Nigerian 9th National Assembly.
Abdullahi participated in the March 28, 2015, Niger North Senatorial District Election and was announced as the Winner.
In October 2022, a Nigerian national honour of Commander Of The Order Of The Niger (CON) was conferred on him by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Alkali Ahmed (Gombe)
Ahmed Alkali, born on the 12th of February, 1969 was elected as Senator for the Gombe North senatorial district of Gombe State, in August 2010 by-elections after the death of Senator Kawu Peto Dukku.
He was re-elected in the 2011 General elections, running on the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) platform, also in the 2015 and the 2019 General elections under the platforms of APC.
Sen. Alkali lost Gombe North Senatorial seat to Former Gov. Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo in the 2023 general elections
He holds the honorary title of Sarkin Gabas Dukku. He obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics, and became a public servant. Alhaji Alkali was formerly commissioner of information in the administration of Governor Danjuma Goje.
Heineken Lokpobiri (Bayelsa)
Heineken Lokpobiri, born on 3rd of March 1967, was elected Senator in April 2007 on the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) platform in Bayelsa State, for the Bayelsa West constituency.
He was also the Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development.
Lokpobiri received an LL.B (Hons) in 1994 from Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, BL February 1995. Expert in Environmental Rights and Environmental Law, holds a Doctorate degree Ph.D. from Leeds Beckett University, UK in 2015.
Uba Maigari (Taraba)
Alhaji Uba Maigari Ahmadu was a former Deputy Governor of Taraba state.
He was impeached under controversial circumstances shortly after the 2003 elections.
Zephaniah Jissalo (FCT)
Hon. Zaphaniah Jisalo, born on April 3rd, 1970. He is from the Abuja Municipal/Bwari Constituency at the Federal House of Representatives, Abuja.
Hon. Jisalo began his education at Garki Primary School, Abuja and graduated with a First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC).
He proceeded to the Government Secondary School, Karu, Abuja where he obtained a General Certificate of Examination (GCE) and West African Senior Certificate (WASC).
He had his tertiary education at the University of Jos, Plateau State and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Education.
The organised labour which consists of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has reacted to the decision of the Federal Government to sue the unions following the protest held on Wednesday.
Naija News had earlier reported that FG on Wednesday filed a contempt case against organised labour for allegedly defying an order restraining the unions from embarking on industrial action.
The organised labour in reaction to the action of the federal government stated that all workers in the private and public sectors across the country will appear at court proceedings in a contempt case.
A statement by the President of NLC, Joe Ajaero, and President of the TUC, Festus Osifo, notified Nigerians that the unions had “just received a court summons purporting to charge us with contempt of Court”.
The statement read, “To further show our collective resolve, All Nigerian workers will resume at the Courts wherever they may be across the nation on the days of the Court sittings to hear the contempt proceedings against the leaders of trade unions.
“The Airports, the Seaports, the Hospitals, Schools; all public and private sector workers will all appear in Court across the nation in response to the Contempt Charges.”
See the full statement below:
The Federal Operations Unit, Zone A Ikeja, of the Nigeria Customs Service, said it intercepted a Toyota Sienna vehicle loaded with 15 bulletproof jackets, 15 pieces of jack knives, and 20 pieces of pistol pouches at Ijebu-Ode checkpoint in Ogun State.
A statement by the command on Wednesday said the driver of the vehicle was arrested and the controlled wares seized.
In the statement, the acting Customs Area Controller in charge of the unit, Hussein Ejibunu, said importation of any form of bulletproof items required an end-user certificate from the office of the National Security Adviser.
The statement read, “Within July, our officers intercepted smuggled 15 bulletproof jackets, 15 pieces of jack knives, and 20 pieces of pistol pouches inside a Toyota Sienna bus in Ogun State at Ijebu-Ode Checkpoint.
“The driver of the vehicle was arrested with the seized controlled wares. It is pertinent to know that the importation of all forms of bulletproof materials such as vests, ballistic materials, and vehicles, as well as parts and accessories for all military armaments and hardware such as guns, arms, and ammunition of all kinds; lethal and non-lethal requires an end-user certificate.”
Ejibunu said a total of 50 seizures were made and 13 persons were arrested in connection with different seizures in July.
“Notable among the seizures made were, 5,642 bags of foreign rice 50kg each equivalent to nine trailer loads, 18,925 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, 20 pieces of pistol pouches, 15 pieces of bulletproof jackets, 15 pieces of jack knives, 49 cartons of children school shoes, 181 parcels of Indian Hemp 87 kg each, 357 kegs of vegetable oil five litres each, one unit of Honda Motorcycle, two used (Tokunbo) vehicles, among others,” he said.
He also said that the duty-paid value of the seized goods stood at N463m.
According to the statement, the acting FOU boss handed over three suspects and cannabis sativa with a net weight of 7.73 kg to officials of the Lagos State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, for further investigation and prosecution.