The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)/Transparency International in Nigeria has asked President Bola Tinubu to rescind his decision to appoint the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Abel Oluuyiwa Enitan as acting minister.
Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani) Executive Director of CISLAC/Head of Transparency International in Nigeria in a statement yesterday said They “Received with utter disappointment, the appointment of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan to run the ministry”
He said “It is not acceptable that Mr Enitan, the accounting officer of the ministry involved in such scandal should be allowed to supervise the ministry.
“This action will compromise the investigation and is an insult to the intelligence of the public, at best. The impression to right-thinking people is that the government is planning a river of the heist and abuse of public trust”
Rafsanjani argued that “By our extant regulations and laws, the Permanent Secretary is the accounting officer who should have been suspended along with the Minister.
“Ministers work on recommendations of civil servants led by the permanent secretary. There is no evidence that the permanent secretary did not participate in the matters being investigated. In any case, the permanent secretary did not object to what happened and should be the subject of investigation.
“We are seriously perturbed that top officers who are connected with approvals and sanctions of financial and procurement process within the ministry like the permanent secretary are yet to be suspended or subjected to thorough investigation till their innocence is proven; instead they are promoted to sensitive positions, where the ongoing investigation could easily be hampered or sabotaged”
Continuing, the CISLAC boss submitted that “The appointment of Enitan to head the ministry will certainly undermine the credibility and respect accorded the current administration.
“We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to as a matter of urgency rescind his decision to appoint the Permanent Secretary and other persons who should as well be under serious investigation to occupy such a sensitive position, pending the conclusion of the ongoing investigation and scrutiny of the Ministry by anti-corruption agencies.
“We also call on the president to consider persons with integrity, track record and free of corruption background in future appointments to demonstrate the readiness for good governance in Nigeria.
“We further call on Civil Society, media and other well-meaning Nigerians to remain vigilant and reject unjustified or secluded appointments, to ensure inclusive reform that will enhance transparency and accountability in governance”.
The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has disbanded his current legal team led by Mike Ozekhome, SAN.
Kanu also terminated the services of his medical team for failing to provide a medical report substantiating his alleged heart-related illness.
The decision follows the Supreme Court’s judgement on Friday, December 15, 2023, which mandated the continuation of Kanu’s trial on terrorism charges.
The case, initiated in 2015, had been put on hold at the Federal High Court in Abuja after the Court of Appeal dismissed the charges in October 2022. The Court of Appeal’s decision was based on the illegality of Kanu’s “extraordinary rendition” from Kenya to Nigeria in June 2021 for the continuation of his trial.
However, the Supreme Court ruled in December that Kanu’s trial on terrorism charges must proceed. Judicial sources, confirming the disbandment of the legal team, stated that Kanu was dissatisfied with the Supreme Court’s decision and subsequently ordered the dissolution of the legal team.
The sources further revealed that another Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kanu Agabi, would be enlisted as the embattled IPOB leader continues to fight his case in court.
The objective is to have Kanu transferred to Kuje prison, where he will have unrestricted access to people.
It is noteworthy that Kanu’s family had previously dismissed the legal team in June 2023.
A statement issued by Kanu’s younger brother, Kanunta Kanu, and posted on his social media handle, read: “I hereby formally notify @MikeozekhomeSAN and @IfeanyiEjiofor that their services are no longer required in #MaziNnamdiKanu’s case pending before the Supreme Court of Nigeria and all matters concerning him.”
The Henley Passport Index has listed the most powerful passports in the world, saying Nigerians now have about 45 visa-free countries enabled with their passports.
HPI is a global passport-ranking website with an original, authoritative ranking of all the world’s passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa.
Their index is often based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) – the largest, most accurate travel information database – and enhanced by Henley & Partners’ research team.
The passport ranking website on Thursday listed Nigeria as 95th out of the 104 countries with the most powerful passports.
According to it, Nigeria sits behind Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Lesotho, Morroco, Benin Republic and Namibia which are at number 76th, 83rd, 67th, 65th, 71st, 79th and 65th respectively.
The 45 visa-free countries Nigerians can travel with their country’s passports are: Barbados, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde Islands, Chad, Comoro Islands, Cook Islands, Cote d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Fiji, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau and Haiti.
Others include; Iran, Kenya, Kiribati, Lebanon, Liberia, Madagascar, Maldives, Mali, Mauritiana, Mauritius, Micronesia, Montserrat, Mozambique, Niger, Niue, Palau Islands, Rwanda, Samoa, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, St. Kitts and Nevis, The Gambia, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, has expressed disappointment at the state of the Abuja Central Metro Rail Station and the Kukwaba stations, saying that no excuses would be tolerated.
The minister stated this when he inspected the Metro Train Station in the Central Business District, and the Kukwaba II station in the Piwoyi district.
Wike stated that he was unhappy with the state of insecurity at the central station and the engineering design of the Kukwaba station, saying that the contractors will have to work round the clock to be able to ensure the delivery of the project by the given deadline of May 24.
“When we first visited the Metro station, I discovered that there were many security lapses, and I remember when I first came after our inauguration, I did say that we have to work on the issue of security by putting up the fence around the Metro Station, to ward off criminals, but unfortunately, that has not been done.
“To my surprise, it was discovered that the contract was not even awarded to CCECC, it is a different contract awarded by the FCT, and this is my first time hearing that and we are going to take it up immediately, to see that it is being put in place.
“We must also talk about the kind of vandalization and stealing that is going on there. We have security companies that were awarded contracts to secure those areas, yet things are happening.
“Excuses are being given on how security agencies release those that are caught but for me, that is not enough, and we are going to make sure that we have a different method to be adopted, to see that we cannot continue to give excuses every day,” he said.
The minister further directed that all the stations must be cleaned and also all the necessary things there must be provided, saying that there is no room for excuses at all.
On whether the state of work at the stations could affect the May 24 deadline, the minister said he was not a pessimist, expressing hope that the projects will be ready before May, adding that companies handling the projects must speed up work.
“This is one project that I’m so passionate about, and you know that Mr. President gave me a directive that must not be taken for granted. Therefore, we must come and make sure that things are in good shape.
“So, I am not happy, the company must speed up, and those who are doing the access roads must also speed up. Here we are standing, and we have been assured that this road will be completed before May, we just hope so and this is the best I can tell you now. I am not a pessimist, but also, I doubt. But by putting all our energies together, we might achieve it,” he stated.
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, (SAN) has commended President Bola Tinubu for reducing his travel entourage by 60 per cent but said he can do more.
Falana, who was a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today yesterday, said it is commendable that the government is starting to cut costs, but noted that there are other areas where resources could be saved from wasting away.
“It (cutting of entourage) is realistic and if possible, the government can go further to reduce the number from 60 to 40 per cent or thereabouts, having regards to the state of the economy. But there are areas to address where we are wasting a lot of resources.
“I once travelled and I was in one of the embassies. I was flabbergasted that Nigeria has been paying rents in an African country for our embassy since 1962; that should not be so. So, the government will have to holistically look at the areas of waste,” Falana said.
The Senior Advocate told Channels TV last night that just like the president, the governors must also reduce their travel entourage both locally and internationally.
Emphasizing the need for sacrifice in the face of a poor economy, Falana said that it is time for the government to tighten their belts after telling the poor to do the same for years.
The Presidency had on Tuesday announced a major slash of travel delegations for all federal government official trips within and outside the country.
According to the presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, the directive means a 60 percent slash across board and affects all MDAs, including the office of the president, vice president, and first lady.
[PRESS RELEASE] Odu’a Investment Company Limited Announces Retirement Of Group MD/CEO, Names Successor
AdminODU’A INVESTMENT COMPANY LIMITED “Odu’a Investment” announces the retirement of the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Adewale Raji, and the appointment of Mr. Abdulrahman Yinusa as the Group Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer effective 1st of June, 2024.
Mr. Adewale Raji’s retirement follows ten (10) years of dedicated service as Group Managing Director of the forty-seven (47) year old conglomerate. As Group Managing Director, he oversaw the Group’s return to a growth and profitability trajectory through strategic restructuring of the operating structure of the group to improve efficiency. During his two (2) tenures, the company grew Profit Before Tax (PBT) from N378 million (2013) to a high of N2.2 billion (2021), paid a total of N2.56 billion in dividends so far, diversified into Agribusiness, Oil and Gas and other sectors through strategic partnerships, and repositioned the group’s key subsidiaries and assets. He also helped improve the group’s corporate governance framework, and culture of accountability and transparency amongst management and staff. Prior to his appointment at Odu'a Investment, Mr. Raji was the Managing Director, Distribution Services at PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc where he served for 8 years on the Board.
Mr. Abdulrahman Yinusa currently serves as Executive Director, and the Group Chief Financial Officer of Odu’a Investment. He is a thoroughbred finance professional with over three (3) decades in-depth experience in the Financial Services Industry. He will be responsible for implementing the Group Board’s shared vision and plan, as well as ensure continued execution of existing strategic projects. Prior to joining Odu’a Investment, he retired from Diamond Bank (now part of Access Bank) as an Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer. In the course of his over thirty (30) year career, he demonstrated unique leadership skills, versatility and excellence, and developed expertise in several areas including asset management, local and international capital raising, mergers and acquisitions, strategy, treasury and business transformation. Mr. Yinusa graduated with a B.Sc. Accounting from the Ahmadu Bello University, and holds both M.Sc. Economics and MBA (Finance) degrees from the University of Lagos. He is also an alumnus of the University of Cambridge, IMD, Switzerland and INSEAD, France where he attended top management programmes.
Odu’a Investment has also appointed Mr. Yemi Ajao as Executive Director, and Group Chief Investment and Business Development Officer, a role he will assume on the 15th of January 2024. Mr. Yemi Ajao has over twenty (20) years’ extensive experience in oil and gas operations (engineering), strategy, corporate finance, real estate, venture capital and private equity. He graduated with a B.Sc. Chemical Engineering from the Obafemi Awolowo University, and holds an M.Sc. Petroleum Engineering from the University of Houston, and an MBA from the Jones Graduate School of Business, Rice University, Houston, USA.
Commenting on these leadership changes, the Group Chairman of the Board, Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, stated; "Today we announce the retirement of a Group Managing Director who superintended over a pivotal period in Odu’a Investment’s evolution into a world class conglomerate. On behalf of the Board, I will like to express our sincere gratitude to Mr. Adewale Raji for his exceptional leadership, and for steering the ship with such vision, courage and professionalism during his tenure. We are also delighted about the smooth leadership transition, and I will like to congratulate the Shareholders and the Board on Mr. Abdulrahman Yinusa’s appointment. I have no doubt in my mind that he will take Odu’a Investment to another level of growth, especially with the foundations laid over the past few years”.
Commenting further, the outgoing GMD, Mr. Adewale Raji said: It has been a great honour to have been entrusted by the Group’s Shareholders and the Board to superintend over the affairs of the business from June 2014. The period witnessed remarkable changes in the financial performance and corporate governance standing of the Group. I am delighted that the modest successes recorded in portfolio rebalancing and asset optimization in our notable chosen sectors of Real Estate, Hospitality, Financial Services, Agriculture, Energy, etc are going to receive accelerated transformation under my worthy successor (Mr Yinusa) and the excellent crop of talent that the Group has attracted under the support of the Board in these past few years’’
Victor Ayetoro
Media Relations
08035645584
The executive Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, has said Nigeria should capitalise on the exodus of medical doctors abroad to earn foreign currencies.
He said since Nigerian doctors are much valued abroad, the government should train more doctors and export them abroad to get “repatriation of money.”
Mohammed made the proposition on Tuesday in Abuja when he paid a courtesy visit to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund.
According to him, “Go by what they want and produce more (doctors) and be exporting and getting repatriation of money coming back not only to Bauchi, but to other states.
That’s why we’re repositioning our schools for nursing health technology and university to produce more doctors since we are found to be competent.
I think we should not be crying over spilled milk. The more they need, the more we should produce for our national and their need and we need your (TETFund) support in that as well.”
[NationalDaily]
The Postmortem Sub-Committee of the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has recommended that the Federal Government refund the about N228 billion loan it took from the non-oil excess revenue account to fund the 2023 general elections.
This is according to a report on the inflow into and payments from the non-oil excess revenue account for the period January 2020 to October 2023, which was signed by sub-committee chairman, Kabir Mashi, on December 14, 2023.
Mashi, who was once an acting Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) is also a Federal Commissioner of the Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Allocations Commission (RMAFC), representing Katsina State.
The genesis of this report can be traced back to a FAAC Plenary meeting held in September 2023. During this meeting, members raised alarms over the substantial deductions from the Non-Oil Excess Revenue Account, prompting a deeper investigation.
These concerns were primarily centred around the large sums being borrowed by the Federal Government. The sub-committee further wrote to the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) to provide some information as it examined the Non-Oil Excess Revenue Account Ledge.
FG made N864.16 billion in deductions
The loan taken for the 2023 general elections makes up about 26% of the total deductions between January 2020 to October 2023, according to the sub-committee.
There were other deductions made for different purposes, such as a refund of gas flared penalty to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The findings of the sub-committee read:
- “That the total inflow into the Non-oil Excess Account for the period January 2020 to October 2023 was N2,607,067,427,659.48;
- “That the total amount distributed to the three tiers of Government was the sum of N1,035,298,000,000.00 in the period under review;
- “Total deductions from the Account for other purposes amounted to N846,159,187,753.64 in the period under review;
- “That the sum of N20,009,001,423.57 was deducted as Refund of Gas Flared penalty to NMDPRA;
- “That the sum of N20 billion was transferred to the 20% of the Amount due to States on ECA withdrawals Account;
- “That the sum of N136,571,812,718.58 was used for Refund of PAYE to States and the sum of N31,311,515,329.52 for FCT respectively;
- “That FGN borrowed the sum of N41,844,164,400.00 for the payment of final Settlement of Ground Rent Liabilities;
- “That FGN borrowed the sum of N227,998,501,190.36 for the funding of 2023 General Elections;
- “That amount borrowed by FGN for Payment of Contingencies to the Office of the National Security Adviser was N2,750,000,000.00;
- “That the sum N28,608,118,834.81 was deducted from the Account to Refund Paris Club Loan Deduction from SRA of FCTA;
- “That the difference between Foreign taxes figures on Component Statement and Actual was deducted from the Non-Oil Account to the tune of N73,066,073,856.80;
- “The sum of N30,000,000,000.00 was deducted from the Account for refund to CISS being amount borrowed for FIRS’s Priority Projects;
- “That there was no record that the amounts borrowed by FGN were paid back.”
In its recommendations, the Sub-Committee recommends that the total deductions of N864.16 billion for other purposes should be refunded back to the account.
It also stressed that further deductions from the account should be in line with the vertical revenue allocation formula.
The recommendation for the Federal Government to refund the borrowed funds is a significant step towards ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of Nigeria’s financial resources.
More Insights
While there seems to be no known specific information available about the creation of a non-oil revenue account in Nigeria, its concept appears to parallel the structure of the Excess Crude Account (ECA).
Established in 2004 by then-President Olusegun Obasanjo, the ECA functions as a natural resource fund, primarily serving as a fiscal buffer during economic downturns.
The ECA accumulates revenues exceeding the benchmark crude oil price set in the national budget, providing a savings mechanism for the country.
In a similar vein, it is conceivable that the non-oil revenue account operates on a parallel framework, wherein surplus revenues from non-oil sources are earmarked for savings.
Notably, the Federal Government’s approach to withdrawing from these accounts has occasionally deviated from the standard vertical revenue allocation formula outlined by the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).
This formula currently allocates 52.68% of revenue to the Federal Government, 26.72% to states, 20.60% to local governments, and 13% for derivation.
The Federal Government’s deductions from the non-oil revenue account, often contrary to RMAFC stipulations, highlight ongoing challenges in adhering to established fiscal management protocols.
Also, efforts to revise the revenue allocation formula under the previous administration of Muhammadu Buhari led RMAFC to propose a new distribution: 45.17% for the Federal Government, 29.79% for states, and 21.04% for local governments.
This proposal represented a shift in resource allocation, reducing the Federal Government’s share by 3.33%, while increasing the states’ and local governments’ shares by 3.07% and 0.44%, respectively.
However, akin to prior attempts to revise this formula, the proposal was not approved. There appears to be no immediate prospect of such a revision under the current administration, reflecting a continuity in the status quo of revenue allocation in Nigeria.
[Nairametrics]
The most recent data provided by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) revealed that the 2024 Henley Passport Index positions the Nigerian passport at 95th globally.
This ranking is determined by the count of destinations that Nigerian passport holders can visit without the requirement of obtaining a prior visa.
The index assesses the visa-free access of 199 distinct passports to a total of 227 travel destinations. A passport is assigned a score of 1 if no visa is required to enter a particular destination.
According to the report, individuals holding Nigerian passports are obligated to obtain visas for 181 destinations.
Notably, the Nigerian passport is positioned lower than its West African counterparts, with Ghana, Benin, and Togo securing ranks of 76th, 79th, and 83rd, respectively.
In comparison, South Africa holds the 53rd spot globally, allowing its passport holders to travel to 108 destinations without the need for a visa.
Japan, previously ranked second, has now secured the top spot on the list, with its passport holders enjoying visa-free access to 194 countries.
Singapore, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain are joining Japan in possessing the world’s most powerful passports.
[NaijaNews]
The Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has directed Muslim Ummah to watch for the new Moon of Rajab 1445 AH starting on Friday.
The Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council Sokoto, Prof Sambo Janaidu announced in a statement on Thursday.
The statement reads, “This is to inform the Muslim Ummah that Friday, Jan. 12, equivalent to the 29th day of Jumada-Assani 1445 AH, shall be the day to search for the new moon of Rajab 1445 AH.
“Muslims are requested to commence the search on Friday and report its sighting to the nearest District or Village Head for communication to the Sultan,” it said.
The Sultan extended his prayers, seeking Allah’s assistance for all Muslims in fulfilling their religious duties.
DAILY POST reports that Rajab, the seventh month in the Islamic calendar, is considered one of the four sacred months in Islam during which battles are prohibited.
[DailyPost]
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The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has explained why it made the National Identification Number (NIN) mandatory for registration for national service.
The Scheme said the NIN would be used to mobilise corps members for the 2024 service.
It insisted that prospective corps members without the number would not be mobilized for national service.
The organization said it took the decision during the meeting of NYSC management led by the Director-General, Brigadier General Yusha’u Ahmed with the management of the National Identification Management Commission, led by its director-general, Abisoye Coker-Odusote in Abuja.
In a statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Eddy Megwa the NYSC said: “Starting from the 2024 Mobilisation Exercise, all the eligible Prospective Corps Members are expected to register for Mobilisation with their National Identification Numbers (NIN).
“This was part of the deliberations during the meeting of NYSC Management led by the Director General, Brigadier General YD Ahmed with the Management of National Identification Management Commission, led by its Director General, Engr Abisoye Coker-Odusote in Abuja today.
“The NYSC Director General, Brigadier General YD Ahmed said the collaboration with NIMC on Corps Mobilisation would strengthen the online registration process for the Scheme.
“He added that the NYSC Integrated system that was introduced in 2014 has tremendously assisted the Scheme in its mobilization process, but there is a need for improvement.”
Coker-Odusote promised the readiness of the commission for the collaboration between both agencies.
She lauded the NYSC mobilization protocols and the Scheme’s efforts towards molding corps members for leadership responsibilities for over fifty years of its operations.
The NIMC boss said the synergy will simplify the entire mobilization process and also address multiple issues.
She added that the commission has partnered with several government agencies while promising to present the best services to the nation.
[TheNation]
President Bola Tinubu is currently meeting with Governor Simi Fubara of Rivers State at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The governor arrived at the Presidential Villa about 5:35 p.m. and proceeded straight to the president’s office.
Unlike the last time he came to the State House with a delegation of his loyalists during the peace meeting with his estranged political godfather and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, and the President, the governor came alone today.
Although the agenda of his visit was not made public at the time of filing this report, it may not be unconnected with the political crisis between the governor and the FCT Minister over the control of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, structure in Rivers State.
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party , Mr Peter Obi says President Bola Tinubu must ensure that those culpable in the alleged scandal involving the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu are brought to book.
Obi said in a write-up in his X-handle platform on Thursday that the government should go beyond the suspension of the minister, which he described as a welcomed development, and carry out a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
According to him, the government must give the problem of public sector corruption the severe urgency it deserves.
Obi expressed disappointment that a ministry created in good faith to attend to the plight of the suffering masses was being turned into a conduit pipe to steal from the poor as seen in the current and previous ministers of the ministry.
“I like to add my voice with most Nigerians concerned about accountability in government and judicious use of public funds, to welcome the suspension of Edu, and subsequent directives for her investigation.
“The investigation must be comprehensive so that all those culpable are brought to book,” Obi, a former two-term Anambra governor said.
Cautioning against taking the issue lightly, Obi added that the suspension of the minister should not be a window-dressing action but should be a peg to get at all those who are deserving of blame, punished just like the minister.
“By a sad coincidence, the alleged fraudulent diversion of N585 million of public money by Edu broke almost at the same moment that the minister who held the same portfolio in the last administration is being investigated for a whopping N37 billion misappropriation.
“The ministry may have been created by the system as a conduit pipe to siphon public funds while using the poor as a face.
“Equally worrisome and disgusting is the fact that the missing funds are meant for poverty alleviation in a time of severe suffering among the people.
“Unfortunately, the ruling elites can shamelessly convert, divert, or misappropriate such huge sums meant for the poor and cannot be trusted to address the severe poverty ravaging the people.
“It is not only immoral but also insensitive for those entrusted with funds for public welfare to steal from the poor,” the Labour Party leader said.
Obi called on the Tinubu administration to use these cases to initiate a thorough system-wide and systematic investigation of all reported cases of fraud and corruption among high government officials in the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that President Tinubu on Monday, suspended Edu, following controversies about financial transactions she authorised in her ministry.
The suspension according to a statement by presidential spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale was with immediate effect.
The scandal included the approval of payment of hundreds of millions of naira into private accounts of civil servants.
Edu had come under criticism from Nigerians for ordering the transfer of N585.2 million into the private bank account of a civil servant, who is the accountant in charge of grants for Vulnerable Nigerians.
The minister had issued a memo to the Accountant General of the Federation in December 2023, ordering the said amount to be paid into the civil servant’s private bank account.(NAN)
The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has asked President Bola Tinubu to focus on creating a true federal constitution and restructuring of Nigeria.
Iwuanyanwu made this appeal in an interview with Arise Television on Wednesday.
According to him, the peace committee he set up by Ndigbo was intended to clear up the misunderstandings and curb the alleged unfair treatments that other Nigerian tribes show towards Igbo people.
On the need for a federal constitution, Iwuanyanwu said, “That particular government before independence, they had a constitution, a true federal constitution. A constitution that could actually apply and bring, without a lot of strain, to a people who have diverse background like Nigeria. We had a true federal constitution in 1960,1963, and that worked for us.
“Later on, they changed to military constitution which is not right. Now, that is why we in Igbo land, we are saying, please, let us have a true federal constitution. What we are operating today is a unitary government. It doesn’t work with a people who have diverse backgrounds.
“I believe that the government of Bola Ahmed Tinubu should take steps to see if we can actualise this restructuring of Nigeria. Without a proper restructuring, Nigeria will continue to have problem, there is no way this country can survive. Today, everybody is talking about presidency. In a restructured Nigeria, the presidency will not attract so much attention as it does today,” he said.
Speaking on alleged animosity displayed towards Igbos, Iwuanyanwu said since the recent Presidential elections, there had been unfair treatments towards Igbos.
He said, “Suddenly after the elections, Igbo buildings were being demolished in various places with excuses. I have investigated the demolitions in Lagos with example, and it is very clear to me that some of them didn’t follow the process of law of any civilised society.”
On the peace committee that has been set up to clear the prejudice between the Ndigbo and the rest of Nigerians, he said, “We’re going to produce our own story about the events in Nigeria from 1966. We’re going to produce a book which we are going to keep in Nigeria for posterity, to know the position of Igbos.
“Because today, a young Northerner, for example, will think Igbos hate Northerners by killing two great leaders from the North, it’s not true. But when we put our story, this community will put up a story, it will be clear position is.”
According to Iwuanyanwu, the committee is also set to contact the heads of other ethnic groups to find out their misgivings and fallouts with Ndigbo, so that peace can be brokered between the Igbos and the ethnic groups in Nigeria if there were any problems.