President of Guinea- Buissau, Umaro Sissoco Embalo says the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) supports President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to reposition the giant of Africa.
President Umaro, the Chairman Authority ECOWAS Head of State and Government, said this during a private visit to Tinubu on Saturday in Lagos.
He said the economic steps so far taken would not only be for the good of Nigeria but the entire West Africa.
Addressing newsmen after the visit, Mr Dele Alake, Special Adviser, Special Duties, Communications and Strategy to the President, said the visit was strictly private.
“It was a meeting between two African brother presidents, and it was very cordial. Of course, the visiting president appreciated the steps taken by President Bola Tinubu within the last one month.
“He said he is ready to cooperate with Nigeria and President Bola Tinubu at all times, just as the rest of the world have commended him over his recent policies.
“They also spoke of the ECOWAS head of government meeting which is imminently coming up and also spoke on other areas of cooperation,” he said.
The meeting was attended by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos and Alake, among others.
The Guinea-Bissau leader left after the over three hours private meeting.
[DailyPost]
The Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign in the February 25, 2023 election, has raised alarm over alleged attempts to alter the original results of the Federal Capital Territory to satisfy sinister motives.
Manager of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign, Mr. Oseloka H. Obaze subsequently warned the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC against tempering with IRev as it concerns the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
He said this in a tweet on Saturday. Obaze said that intelligence reaching the Campaign office shows that INEC is trying to yield to pressure to tinker with the results of some states including the FCT to enable the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, to be in good standing.
A statement from the Obi-Datti Media Office signed by its Head, Diran Onifade, quoted Obaze as saying, “According to our source, INEC is tempering with the machines used in the election to adjust FCT results to give the APC candidate, the much-needed 25%, which he did not get as per the initial INEC declaration and for which he is being challenged at the Presidential election tribunal.
“It’s not clear how the Electoral Commission can brazenly carry out such bizarre action but given the abracadabra they did to announce the APC Candidate winner by 4 a.m., there is nothing to be taken for granted.
“Mr. Obaze warns that INEC and the ruling APC may be taking the adherence to the rule of law and due process disposition of Nigerians in general and the Obidient Movement in particular for granted, but it would be courting catastrophe for them to want to pour salt into an open wound inflicted on Nigeria’s electorate.”
Obaze, a retired United Nations diplomat reminded INEC that what they are trying to do is tantamount to raising a dead horse and that whether reports were fake or real, the commission should know the level of public confidence in them has long been eroded.
[Vanguard]
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has urged the Department of State Services to hasten the investigation into the cases involving the suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Abdulrasheed Bawa, and the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele.
Emefiele was arrested on June 10 by officials of the DSS over charges surrounding terrorism financing, while Bawa was arrested over allegations of abuse of office.
Falana made the call while featuring on Channels TV’s Politics Today programme on Friday night
He said, “Under the administration of Criminal Justice Act if you’re going to detain a Nigerian beyond 24 hours in places where there are no courts within a radius of 40km{like Lagos and Abuja), you’re required to approach a Magistrate court to ask for a remand order to allow for investigation.”
Falana said that even if the DSS has obtained a court order to detain Emefiele and Bawa, the order cannot last for long.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria urged the Nigerian government to handle the cases in line with the provisions of the law to avoid a situation whereby loopholes are exploited.
“As far as I’m concerned, investigations should be speedily conducted, more so where allegations are made. I do not expect any delay in the investigation of the very serious allegation that has been made,” he mentioned.
“In the case of Emefiele, the State Security Services last year alleged his involvement in terrorism financing. Please, quickly do something about that. With respect to money laundering and other offences, take them to the appropriate agencies of the government.
“In the case of Mr Bawa, we haven’t been told the offences he committed. I cannot speak very confidently with respect to the gentleman except to ask the government or the agencies involved to speed up an investigation and have them arraigned if they are indicted.”
The SAN stressed that if the appropriate legal procedures aren’t met to keep them in detention, the duo should be granted bail.
ON May 29, no fewer than 18 fresh men took over the governance of the country as governors. The new state helmsmen include Governors Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Alex Otti (Abia), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Siminialayi Fubara (Rivers), Sherrif Oborevwori (Delta), Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi) and Umar Namadi (Jigawa).
The rest are Abba Yusuf (Kano), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Dikko Radda (Katsina), Nasir Idris (Kebbi), Umar Bago (Niger), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Ahmed Aliyu (Sokoto), Kefas Agbu (Taraba) and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara).
Most of the governors inherited an avalanche of challenges including insecurity, huge debt, backlog of unpaid workers’ salaries and retirees’ pension, dwindling revenues, rising poverty and unemployment among the citizenry.
Thus, the governors assumed power on a promising note amid high expectations among the populace.
One month after, the governors have embarked on the huge task of surmounting the challenges in ways that elicited kudos and knocks for a host of them.
Fubara demonstrates loyalty to Wike in Rivers
In Rivers, Governor Siminialayi Fubara, who said he is “unapologetically 100 per cent loyal” to his benefactor and immediate past governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, irrespective of whatever anyone says, has tried to demonstrate his loyalty in the last 30 days.
Within one month in office, he has demonstrated this unreserved loyalty to Wike by not only building his cabinet around the same men Wike engaged but also gave them the same portfolio they handled in Wike’s time.
In the 15 cabinet members Fubara has announced so far, Prof Zachaus Adango remains Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice as he was in Wike’s administration. Others who retained the portfolio they held under Wike include, Prof. Chinedu Mmom, Education commissioner; Isaac Kamalu (Finance), Alabo Dax George Kelly (Works), Chris Green (Sports) and Mrs. Inime Aguma (Social Welfare & Rehabilitation).
With Wike’s men firmly occupying the most sensitive slots, some critics said Fubara’s government is Wike’s 3rd Term. However, the governor insisted that the idea was in tune with the vision of building a prosperous Rivers State on the agenda of continuity and consolidation.
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In his first 30 days in office, Fubara was busy monitoring and evaluating ongoing projects, assuring that he would get them completed.
However, one of his most outstanding feats within the period was intervening in one key development quarter, the state secretariat, which Wike neglected.
Under Wike, Rivers civil servants at the State Secretariat worked in piteous condition with lifts in the highrise structures broken down, and there were no power supply and water.
But within 48 hours of being sworn into office, Sim visited the Rivers State Secretariat Complex in Port Harcourt, assuring he would fulfill his campaign promise of giving priority to the welfare of civil servants in the state, including revival of the fading complex infrastructures.
Shielding his predecessor from blame, Sim noted that the state government had previously spent much money on water supply in the secretariat but there were no results justifying the funds released as he called for investigation into how the funds were utilized. Meanwhile, work is said to have commenced towards restoring water supply and other utilities.
Mutfwang’s steps on the Plateau
In Plateau, Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who was elected on the platform of the PDP, had a handful on taking over. The bandits’ coordinated attacks on communities in three local government areas of Mangu, Riyom, and Barkin Ladi, which escalated before he came into office were sources of concern.
He started by visiting the displaced persons in the various camps in the local councils, sympathized with them, and assured them that efforts are being intensified to ensure improved security for their early return to their homes.
He also met with stakeholders in the security sector to discuss ways of fighting insecurity.
He made some appointments such as Director of Press and Public Affairs, Secretary to the State Government, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Private Secretary, Chief of Staff, and Special Advisers.
Governor Mutfwang adhered to the 9th State House of Assembly’s recommendation to suspend the chairmen of the 17 LGAs of the state due to their inability to make available records of their income and expenditure to the House.
Shortly after that, the governor approved the constitution of a nine-man Task Force on recovery of auctioned government property and charged them to identify/trace all government properties that were purportedly auctioned across the country, ascertain whether or not due process was adhered to in the exercise, recover all government assets that were purported/or inappropriately acquired by individuals/groups/or corporate entities.
Inability to form cabinet mars Idris’ performance in Kebbi
Governor Nasir Idris was sworn in as governor of Kebbi State amid fanfare and high hopes from the civil service and business circle because he was the first home-bred politician in the history of the young state to occupy the position.
Since assuming power, some of the tasks carried out by Idris include inauguration of the state House of Assembly where Muhammad Usman (Ankwai) emerged as speaker; approval of funds for water treatment and other plants required to give 24hrs water supply from the main public water system to all those connected to it in Birnin Kebbi and environs, and appointment of 30 political aides, chief of staff, secretary to the state government, special adviser on media and publicity and Chief press secretary among others.
However, Idris has come under fire over what many described as lopsided appointments especially the appointment of his father-in-law as chief of staff.
He is also being accused of trying to favour people from the state capital. The governor is said to be under pressure to please members of his campaign team, and political helpers like former AGF Abubakar Malami who contributed directly to his success at the polls.
The governor is yet to send his nominees for commissionership to the assembly.
Aliyu restoring hope in Sokoto
Before Dr Ahmad Aliyu took over as governor of Sokoto State critical sectors such as water, power supply, Environment, hygiene were neglected. There was lack cash allocations to ministries and parastatals.
The Governor has set up a committee for the restoration of water supply to the state capital and its environs.
He also restored power supply to many public hospitals including the state specialist hospital which spent 9 months without electricity.
The situation prompted the Governor, in company of his press secretary, Abubakar Bawa, to pay an unscheduled visit to hospital in the odd hours of the night in Keke NAPEP (motorized tricycle).
Other impactful activities the governor carried out include evacuation of refuse in many areas of the state capital including the famous refuse dumping site at Police AIG zone 10 (Marina area) in the state metropolis.
The Governor was at the state Orphanage home which operates for over 10 months without cash allocation, a situation which forced many orphans to engage in manual labour to survive
The home has been in shambles for years due to absence of social amenities.
Aliyu’s policies selective — PDP
However,the opposition PDP in the state has accused the Governor of being selective in his administrative policy, and judgemental on issues.
The party through its Publicity Secretary, Hassan Sahabi Sanyinnawal, accused the Governor of incompetence in handling the affairs of the state especially on the dissolution of over 13 traditional rulers who were recently turbaned by his Eminence the Sultan of Sokoto, Dr Muhammad Saad Abubakar III.
The PDP also faulted the Governor on his refusal to pay salaries of some political appointees of the immediate past administration despite being in office up to May 28.
According to PDP, Governor Ahmad Aliyu has disenfranchised civil servants in the state since he cancelled appointments of permanent secretaries and director generals made by the administration of former Governor Aminu Tambuwal.
“Many offices remain vacant and since the Governor made the pronouncement civil servants no longer have the passion to report to their offices for work.
“How will people in statutory offices work when committees have taken over their schedules? A committee has taken over at the water board, another committee has also taken over the responsibilities of the state environmental protection agency,” PDP officials said.
Radda adopt no nonsense style in Katsina
In Katsina, Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has been making efforts to lay a solid foundation and successfully implement his administration’s programmes.
In the last 30 days, the efforts of the former SMEDAN boss who is posing as a no nonsense governor has been widely commended.
His first set of appointments, consisting of the Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Principal Private Secretary and media aides have been applauded based on competence of the appointees.
The Governor’s media team, particularly, made up of the Director General Media, his Chief Press Secretary, and Senior Special Assistant on New Media have been adjudged to be outstanding. They have demonstrated professionalism and a complete departure from the old order as they unhesitatingly communicate to the press activities of the government promptly.
To discourage mediocrity and ensure effective public service delivery in the state, Governor Radda directed all permanent secretaries to sit for a competence aptitude test.
Similarly, on the recent call for recruitment of more teachers and granting of permanent offers to teachers under the S-Power scheme, the Katsina new Governor has directed that the exercise should strictly be subjected to an aptitude test.
Security
As part of efforts to restore peace, protect lives and properties from the menace of terrorists in the state, Gov. Radda during a recent visit to the Chief of Naval Staff in Abuja disclosed that plans have been concluded for Katsina State to adopt a Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) modelled after that of Borno State. He requested the support of the military in training the proposed CJTF to ensure professionalism.
Radda also visited the National Institute for Security Studies with the objective of building security-centred synergies on how banditry and other kidnapping-related activities in Katsina State could be brought to an end.
The governor has also commenced moves to boost the state’s internally generated revenue and end total dependence on federal allocation. Governor Radda held an emergency meeting with all the revenue-generating agencies in the state where he explicitly expressed his firm determination to restructure the State’s Board of Internal Revenue for effective revenue generation.
He said the initial targeted benchmark for the state’s IGR should be enough to cater for the salaries of the state workforce.
Kefas tampering with status quo in Taraba
The 30 days of Dr. Agbu Kefas as governor of Taraba, have witnessed a shift from status-quo in governance of the state.
First among his long list of engagements was hosting the first ever youth, economic and security summit to galvanise support and inject new ideas to get the state working. The week-long event drew in experts and investors from across the country in what watchers of the state’s polity described as unprecedented.
He has injected breathe of fresh air in the education sector.
Gov Kefas has toured numerous primary and secondary schools within the state to ascertain their state and has also shut down those that are not conducive for learning.
This singular act has increased his goodwill among citizens of the state and his actions have witnessed praises even from opposing parties.
Added to this was the life he has injected into the state civil service, following his unscheduled visit to ministries, which has made absconding workers sit up to avoid being axed.
Within the period under review, the governor has also engaged traditional rulers on the security situation in their respective domains which then necessitated the ban on mining activities across the state.
Added to this was the tour of some LGAs in the state where he had direct engagement with the people with a view to noting their concerns and executing projects in order of priorities across the state.
Eno demonstrating capacity, ability in Akwa Ibom
Within four weeks in office the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has demonstrated that he has the capacity and ability to pilot the affairs of the state and actualize his campaign promises.
On assumption of office on May 29, Eno embarked on a ‘thank you’ visit to Elders, political and religious stakeholders, youth groups, traders, and even churches and solicited for their support for his administration.
The move has endeared the governor not only to some aggrieved members and stakeholders of his party the PDP but also many stakeholders and supporters of major opposition parties in the state.
To actualize his A.R.I.S.E Agenda he knows that he must collaborate, and work with relevant stakeholders.
A few days ago he met with the leadership of the Akwa Ibom chapter of National Association of Students with Disability where he set up a N100m Education Fund to encourage and support those of them in tertiary institutions in the state.
Within the same period, Governor Eno met with the Forum of Pioneer Retired Permanent Secretaries and set up a three-man committee to look into the lingering issue of harmonisation of their pensions. The retired perm secs in turn assured him they will withdraw the court case they instituted against the state government.
Eno demonstrated commitment to keep to his campaign promise that he would follow in his predecessor’s footsteps by ensuring that uncompleted projects he inherited from the immediate past administration were all completed when he visited some of those project sites penultimate week.
Also, in fulfillment of his campaign promise, last week, he flagged of his first Road construction within the Uyo metropolis, the Ndiya Street and others around the popular Akpan Ndem Market.
When completed, Ndiya Street will have solar powered street lights, de-flooding drainages and pipe borne water.
Eno’s recent meeting with stakeholders from some local government areas aggrieved over the new State Map aimed at dousing the tension which the issue has generated also demonstrates his capacity to sustain the peace being enjoyed in the state.
Corroborating this governor’s effort, a clergyman, Reverend Richard Peters of the African Church in the state, asserted: ” In his quest to ensure peace and guarantee the growth, development and progress of the state, Governor Eno is building bridges, creating synergy across partisan lines.”
On his part a Chieftain of the PDP, Professor Emmanuel Onwioduokit, said: “One of the things that I praise him (gov Eno) for is his going into governance, and leaving politics behind. That visit he made to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio’ is very significant. Also going to receive Akpabio at the Victor Attah Airport, when he came to Akwa Ibom is a very big statement.”
How Uba Sani fared in Kaduna
While assuming office Governor Uba Sani said he is prepared for governance and will cater for the welfare of Kaduna residents.
This was exemplified when the Governor ordered a full investigation into the alleged shooting in Sabon Gero community in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State by the men of the Kaduna Vigilance Service, KADVS, during a demolition exercise.
It was reported that the KADVIS operatives who shot the citizens were trying to push back residents attempting to stop the Kaduna State Urban Planning and Development Authority, KASUPDA, from carrying out demolitions in the community.
According to the reports the operatives of the KASUPDA left 12 persons with gun shot injuries including women and children.
Governor Uba Sani, has ordered full investigation into the shooting in Sabon Gero community, expressed deep concern about the incident and directed the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the facts of the matter and ensure that justice was served.
This development has gone a long way in dousing tension and calming nerves, particularly in communities that had previously become apprehensive of the demolition exercise embarked upon by the previous administration.
Governor Uba Sani had also met with the old students of Federal Government College (FGC), Kaduna, over the annexation of the school’s land by former Governor Nasir el-Rufai administration.
The old students, under the auspices of Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA) and Federal Government College Kaduna Old Students Association (FGCKADOSA), had staged a protest, at the College premises, calling on Governor Sani to restore the college’s landed property annexed by the El-Rufai’s government.
The Governor, after he personally met with the aggrieved, assured the old students that all work at the site would be halted until he personally visits the school to assess the situation, after which dialogue between the government and the stakeholders would continue.
The Governor has also constituted a high powered Committee to probe activities of the state government parastatals with a view to review their performance.
The Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, will be the chairman of the committee, which would also be assessing the complete records of the heads of the parastatals to ascertain their qualifications and experiences.
Governor Uba Sani has said his administration has initiated dialogue with key stakeholders on the key challenges facing the state and the pathway to sustainable peace, progress and development, vowing that peace must return to the troubled communities.
His government, he said, requires peace and stability to realize the administration’s vision.
While commending the security agencies and community leaders for the progress so far made in restoring peace to some of the troubled communities, he urged all to redouble their efforts to ensure that peace and stability return to virtually all communities in Kaduna State.
LP’s Ozigbo, Pat Utomi, Ambode, Kwankwaso, Alimikhena, Wike, Others May Make Tinubu’s Ministerial List
AdminAhead of the unveiling of his ministerial nominees, reports have revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may have settled for technocrats, politicians, and top career public servants.
The President, according to close allies, might have concluded plans to form a government of national unity, with emphasis on competence, where he would bring technocrats and politicians across the various political parties into his government and career public servants as members of his cabinet.
A close ally of the president, who spoke to Saturday Sun, said one of the names currently being considered for the ministerial slot for Lagos State is that of one of the immediate past governors of the state, Akinwunmi Ambode, who reconciled with Tinubu recently. The source stated that Tinubu is impressed that Ambode refused to dump APC even when the temptation was high.
Another name being mentioned, according to the ally, who is a former governor, is the immediate-past Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola.
Both Ambode and Fashola are former governors of Lagos State and are also considered technocrats.
In Ogun State, the source said there are strong indications that Gbenga Daniel, a former governor and serving senator, may be offered a ministerial position and therefore resign from the Senate.
In Ekiti State, the name being mentioned for a ministerial position, according to Saturday Sun, is that of Senator Dayo Adeyeye, chairman of the South West Agenda for Tinubu 2023. Also, the immediate-past governor of the state, Dr. Fayemi Kayode, is being considered.
In the South East, a former senator from Anambra State, Andy Ubah, is among those being considered. Also, former senator Uche Ekwunife from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been mentioned.
Immediate-past governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi, who is currently in the Senate, has been mentioned also for a ministerial position. The name of the former governor’s brother, Austin Umahi, also came up.
Competent sources said that in Edo State, names of former Senator Francis Alimikhena, who was defeated by Tinubu’s ally, Adams Oshiomhole, as well as Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, who worked for Tinubu in the last presidential election, have been pencilled down for possible nomination into the President’s cabinet.
In Rivers State, immediate-past governor, Nyesom Wike, or former APC governorship candidate in the state, Tony Cole, may make the list.
In the North, former Governors Nasir El-Rufai, Abdullahi Ganduje, Sani Bello and Simon Lalong, all former governors, are being considered by Tinubu.
It was also gathered that barring any last-minute changes, Rabiu Kwakwanso, presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), may join the cabinet as a minister. In the Labour Party (LP), Prof Pat Utomi and former Anambra State PDP governorship candidate, Valentine Ozigbo are being eyed for cabinet slots.
Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma on Friday assured the Igbo living in Lagos that he would broker an enduring peace between them and the Yorubs to ensure peaceful coexistence based on mutual respect for each side.
He said he would meet with the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo Olu, and other stakeholders to broker an enduring peace between the Igbo and their Yoruba brothers.
Senator Uzodimma spoke when he met with different Igbo interest groups in Lagos.
The governor described as unfortunate the misunderstanding among some Yoruba and Igbo as a result of political differences, assuring that the situation will normalize soon.
He noted that although the constitution of Nigeria guarantees everyone the right to reside in any part of the country, the owners of the land must be accorded the necessary respect.
He traced the relationship between Igbo and Yoruba to many decades, resulting in marriages and business partnerships, saying that he would work towards the renewal and strengthening of that relationship.
Uzodimma who is the Chairman of South East Governors’ Forum urged them not to panic as he would lead a delegation of Igbo intelligentsia and other stakeholders in Lagos to meet with the Lagos State government and stakeholders from Lagos.
Earlier, Representatives of the various groups in Lagos had commended Governor Uzodimma for answering their distress call to wade into the crisis of confidence between them and their Yoruba brothers living in Lagos.
They canvassed the intervention of the governor for a peaceful resolution of the misunderstanding to enable them carry out their businesses in peace under a relaxed atmosphere.
In their separate speeches, the leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos, Chief Sunday Osaiah, regretted the misunderstanding among some Yorubas and Igbos and described it as unfortunate.
He disclosed that Igbos in Lagos sent a distress call to Governor Uzodimma for him to leverage on his excellent relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to bring a lasting solution to the problem.
Also speaking, the President of Ndigbo Lagos, General Austin Umahi (Rtd) expressed appreciation to Governor Uzodimma for his quick response to the distress call from his brothers in Lagos. He thanked the organisers for putting the meeting together.
He assured the governor that Igbos in Lagos were not planning to relocate outside Lagos but wanted to be guaranteed a conducive atmosphere to live and transact their businesses.
Others who spoke along the same lines include President of Igbo Amaka, Chief Obinna Ukatu, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, former MD/CEO of Pfizer, Chief Obi Azodo, Chairman, Marbles Gardens Estate and representative of the Oil and Gas Sector, Mrs Uju Ifejika.
A senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana has stated that the final report of the European Union (EU) election observation mission in Nigeria on the 2023 polls can not be relied upon.
This was made known on Friday by Falana while speaking in an interview on Channels Television.
Falana said it smacks of colonial mentality for Nigerians to start celebrating or debating the EU mission report on the elections.
Recall that the EU mission on Tuesday presented its report on the general election in Abuja.
Barry Andrews, the chief observer, said the report was based on the analysis of compliance with Nigeria’s regional and international commitments for democratic elections.
The observation team said the elections exposed enduring systemic weaknesses that needed to be corrected.
Reacting to the development, the human rights lawyer said the reports by local media regarding the elections were “more credible” than what the EU election observers presented.
“I’m very reluctant to speak about the report of the EU observers team because it smacks of colonial mentality for us in this age and time to be celebrating the report of the EU observers,” Falana said.
“I have found reports in the local media much more credible than the report of the EU. We should not waste our time debating what the EU observers found.
“For instance, they were saying that about 97 people were killed. The local media have reported about 137 deaths and that has been confirmed by the human rights community.
“I can count other areas that one cannot rely upon.”
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) spokesperson, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has said that no Nigerian leader would be worse than the immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari.
Reflecting on eight years of the previous administration, Baba-Ahmed said the former president left the seat of power with more challenges than he met.
According to him, Buhari came into power with enthusiasm that he would fight corruption, insecurity and a bad economy. But that he things became worse under him.
Naija News understands that Baba-Ahmed said this when asked during an interview if he expect things to be different under the incumbent administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Eight years ago, when President Buhari came, he cleared all checkpoints, removed Service Chiefs, and ordered the military to relocate to Borno, then Boko Haram was chased and limited substantially. These were greeted by the same euphoria. There was enthusiasm that he would fight corruption, insecurity, and a bad economy. But look at where we are now after eight years. We are worse than when he came in. Certainly, the entire country had not been in the situation before. So, forgive me if the Northern Elders Forum has a different perspective on the euphoria as a result of the tentative action or salvo being released by President Tinubu against the economy, corruption and service chiefs, and others. I will rather exercise some reservations. It is good he is starting with some policies, but he has to be very careful, he should not rush into putting in policies just because he wants to be different from Buhari. Although by all means, any worst government will be better than Buhari’s government of misrule, indifference, and incompetence. I am sorry if I don’t share your enthusiasm (about Tinubu). I will rather advise him to be different from Buhari and address those issues that needed to be addressed with courage and sensitivity. Buhari had lowered the bar of governance and lowered our status of existence; insecurity and poverty are more pronounced,” the NEF spokesperson told Vanguard.
Tinubu Must Be Careful Not To Repeat Buhari’s Failures
Baba-Ahmed cautioned President Tinubu to thread carefully not to repeat the same mistake Buhari made while in office.
He warned Tinubu not to get carried away by the euphoria of actions and picking points.
The NEF leader also urged the President to be careful about policies. He said: “For me, I will not rush but I also will not hesitate to put a distance between Tinubu’s administration and Buhari’s. Tinubu’s administration must be infinitely better because this country cannot stand another eight years of misgovernance, indifference, and incompetence.”
Tension has enveloped Amaraku Market in the Isiala Mbano council area of Imo state, following the stealing of a seven-month-old baby by a suspected child traffic syndicate, last Friday.
It was gathered the incident caused pandemonium within the area as residents continued to assist in the search for the missing child.
An eyewitness, who is a trader but does not want her name mentioned, narrated the incident saying a suspected child trafficker targeted the crying baby wrapped on her mother’s back, while the mother was selling at her shop.
The suspect approached the woman and offered to assist her carry the crying baby. She even collected a wrapper from the mother of the child.
However, as the mother of the child was busy selling her wares, the suspected child trafficker disappeared with the baby.
According to the eyewitness, “I was buying some foodstuff at Amaraku Market when a woman started shouting, ‘My baby, my baby, where is my baby?’
“She had given her seven-month-old baby out to a stranger, while she was selling okro and other vegetables because the baby was crying and disturbing.
“The stranger carried the baby on her back but later disappeared into the crowd. When the woman realised the woman was no longer in sight, she started shouting and crying.
“Other traders around helped to search for the woman but could not find her. The woman may have been charmed by the stranger because no one in her right senses will release her baby in such an environment with over ten thousand buyers and sellers.
“What is she going to tell her husband?”
At the time of filing this story the State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, was yet to respond to the inquiry.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to forward names of ministerial nominees to the Senate for confirmation less than one month before the expiration of the constitutionally-mandated 60 days within which the Federal Executive Council (FEC) must be constituted.
Since his swearing-in on May 29th, Tinubu has taken some tough decisions, including the removal of fuel subsidy, suspension of the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, and Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Abdulrasheed Bawa, sacking and appointment of new security chiefs, among others.
However, the new amendment to the 1999 Constitution, mandates the president and governors to submit the names of persons nominated as ministers or commissioners within 60 days of taking the oath of office for confirmation by the Senate or state House of Assembly.
Currently on a three-week break, the Senate is expected to reconvene next Tuesday, ahead of the possible screening of ministerial nominees.
Speaking to Saturday Sun, an ally of President Tinubu disclosed that the delay in announcing the names is as a result of the realities the President met on the ground when he took office in May.
He stated that the former Lagos State Governor would submit the names of the ministerial nominees to the Senate before the middle of this month.
According to the source, Tinubu would find a way to balance the political equation in many states where there are conflicting interests in order not to face a rebellion from his allies.
He said Ogun, Kano, Delta, Kaduna, and Lagos, are among the key states where the President is facing serious headaches over conflicting interests.
Another ally of the President revealed that lobbyists angling for ministerial positions have been harassing close friends and allies of the President.
He accused some of the lobbyists of offering money to secure appointments as ministers, or heads of departments and agencies, including Federal Boards.
The source, a former governor, said some of the lobbyists have also reached out to traditional and religious leaders from the South West, who are believed to command the respect of President Tinubu.
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In a noteworthy event on Friday, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, made a visit to his predecessor in office, Senator Ahmed Lawan, at his residence in Abuja to celebrate Sallah.
[LIST] Former Service Chiefs to Get 4 Bulletproof SUVs, 20 Dedicated Aides, and 36 Armed Guards
AdminRetiring Chief of Defence Staff and service chiefs in Nigeria will be granted certain benefits upon retirement.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that these benefits, outlined in a confidential document known as the Terms and Conditions of Service for Officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces, include bulletproof vehicles, personal assistants, guards, and generous medical allowances both in Nigeria and abroad.
Among the retirees set to receive these benefits are General Lucky Irabor, the former Chief of Defence Staff, along with other military leaders such as Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, and Air Marshal Isiaka Amao.
According to Section 11.8 of the revised HTACOS 2017 (a revision of the HTACOS 2012), the retirement benefits for the Chief of Defence Staff and service chiefs encompass several privileges. These include a bulletproof SUV or an equivalent vehicle, to be maintained and replaced every four years by the military service. Additionally, they will receive a Peugeot 508 or equivalent backup vehicle, along with five domestic aides consisting of two service cooks, two stewards, and a civilian gardener.
Furthermore, each retiree is entitled to an Aide-de-Camp or security officer, a special assistant of lieutenant/captain rank or equivalent, or a personal assistant of warrant officer rank or equivalent. Additionally, they will have nine soldiers serving as standard guards.
In terms of transportation, the former Chief of Defence Staff and service chiefs will have access to three service drivers and one service orderly. They will also be provided with escorts by appropriate military units or formations when required. Furthermore, the retirement benefits include free medical coverage within Nigeria and abroad.
Retirees will have the privilege of retaining their military uniforms and accoutrements for ceremonial purposes, as well as personal firearms. However, it should be noted that such firearms will be reclaimed by the relevant services upon the beneficiaries’ demise.
Section 11.19 of the HTACOS 2017 specifies the retirement benefits for Lieutenant Generals in the Nigerian Army, Vice Admirals in the Navy, and Air Marshals in the Air Force. These benefits include two Peugeot 508 cars or one Toyota Land Cruiser, two cooks, two stewards, four residential guards, one service orderly, two service drivers, and free medical treatment in Nigeria and abroad, amounting to $20,000 per year.
For Major Generals in the Army, Rear Admirals in the Navy, and Air Vice Marshals in the Air Force, who hold the rank of two-star officers, retirement benefits consist of one Peugeot 508, a cook, a steward, two residential guards, one service orderly, one service driver, and free medical coverage within Nigeria and abroad, up to $15,000 annually.
Brigadier Generals, Commodores, and Air Commodores, who are one-star officers, will be entitled to one Peugeot 408, a service driver, two residential guards, one service orderly, and free medical coverage in Nigeria and abroad, totaling $10,000 each.
As for Colonels, Captains, and Group Captains in the Army, Navy, and Air Force, respectively, their retirement benefits include a Peugeot 301 or a vehicle of similar value, as well as free medical coverage within the country.
It’s worth noting that the document underwent a review in 2022 after a five-year period. However, it remains unsigned due to concerns regarding unequal distribution of benefits. In order for the revised terms to take effect, the Chief of Defence Staff requires permission from the President to sign the document.
The current HTACOS, which is in effect, specifies that the Chief of Defence Staff and service chiefs must hold the rank of four-star Generals and serve in these positions for a continuous period of two years. The Commander-in-Chief has the authority to extend these appointments for an additional two-year term following the initial expiration.
Despite the detailed provisions outlined, the duration of the Chief of Defence Staff and service chiefs’ tenure ultimately rests at the discretion of the President. This has raised concerns about potential unfair extensions, as was the case under the previous administration when President Muhammadu Buhari extended the tenure of service chiefs appointed in 2015 until their replacement in January 2021.
[PoliticsNigeria]
A former chairman, Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria, Tunji Oyebanji, has cautioned Nigerians and marketers against speculations over the pump price of petrol.
Oyetunji in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday in Lagos said in a deregulated market, prices would be determined by market forces, noting that it was a needless speculation to project that a litre of petrol would sell for N700.
Oyebanji was reacting to a recent statement by the National Controller, Operations, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Mr Mike Osatuyi, who said the pump price of petrol could hit N700 per litre, especially in the North once independent marketers started importing the products from July.
Oyebanji said no marketer could predict the pump price until importation of the product commenced.
Oyebanji, who is the Managing Director, 11 Plc, said, “It depends on the exchange rate. If those factors are changing, prices of those products will also change. As you know, at a time, diesel went up significantly at above N800 per litre, but now it has come down to within N600 to N620 per litre.
“So, once you are in a deregulated environment, that is how it is, especially when you are importing the product. I cannot predict the price of petrol for now until we import the product.”
“Not until you order a cargo and know the exchange rate before you can predict the price. Those projecting the price are just saying this on a sensational basis to get marketers excited. I do not think anybody needs to do that. If you are observing the exchange rates, you will see that it is getting worse. If the price at the international market is also going up, then, you see how those things are being affected and that is how the price comes in.”
He said people would “have to adjust their spending accordingly and prioritise their choices”.
Oyebanji, however, added that the price could drop depending on the exchange rate, adding that it would create a healthy competition among marketers.
He noted, “The bottom line is that there will be an adjustment in price. Yes, it may go up and can also drop, depending on the exchange rate. But the good thing is that products will be everywhere. If people see that yours is more expensive than those of the filling stations around them, they will not patronise you. Then, you will be forced to bring down prices.
Osatuyi told NAN that fuel being sold by marketers such as DAPPMAN, IPMAN and MOMAN were old stock
He added, “Nobody has imported new products from the new foreign exchange regime and the new deregulation. Marketers are just planning to import, so everybody is in a transition pricing to the new regime.”
[Punch]
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that he could have chosen to maintain the hitherto multiple foreign exchange systems and benefit from it, but instead opted to unify the official and parallel market rates to save the country from financial hemorrhage.
Speaking on Thursday at a civic reception organised in his honour by the Lagos State Government at the Lagos House, Marina, he explained that said he took the decision in the nation’s best interest just like he did with fuel subsidy removal.
“I could afford to share the benefit by participating in the arbitrage, but God forbid! That’s not why you voted for me,” he said.
The President said it was imperative to take those decisive actions in the early days of his administration.
“We need to take the steps to stop the bleeding of our finances through speedy action on fuel subsidy. We have no choice,” a statement by Dele Alake
Special Adviser, Special Duties, Communications and Strategy, quoted him as saying.
President Tinubu said as a way of ensuring good use of available resources, the government would “re-engineer the effectiveness of the control and management of our resources in order to meet the obligations to Nigerians by political officeholders”.
The President used the opportunity to solicit the support of governors present at the event to work with him in ensuring even development of the country.
“We will work together with an open door policy. We will bring Nigeria from the brink to a resilient economy. I want us to be partners so that we can rescue our land and make it a born-again nation,” he further said.
According to the statement, President Tinubu, who was thankful to the Lagos State Government for putting together the reception and to his friends and associates who attended, apologised to some of his friends in the audience who, he said, had been yearning to see him but could not, because of the demands of his office.
“The assignment is greater than the love of the living room. We got to do the job,” he said.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, while appreciating guests, expressed gratitude to God for making President Tinubu the leader of Nigeria. He described him as a competent manager of human and financial resources with the midas touch to turn around the economic fortunes of the country.
Speaking on behalf of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the forum, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, pledged that state chief executives, regardless of party affiliations, were ready to cooperate and work with the President to ensure the country becomes better and safer for all citizens.
“NGF is excited that both the President and Vice President are alumni of the Governors’ Forum. We are committed to work with a federalist who worked to get things done in a truly federal system. We reiterate our support for a renewed hope agenda regardless of our parties.”
President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who spoke on behalf of members of the National Assembly, thanked President Tinubu for his leadership in smoothening the take-off of the 10th National Assembly.
“You will succeed. Nigerians are proud of you and the National Assembly is here for you 100 percent. We will do whatever is legislatively possible to make you succeed,” Akpabio said.
Immediate-past Minister of Works and Housing and former Governor of Lagos, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, pleaded with governors and Nigerians that the work of remaking Nigeria should not be left alone to the President, stating that good governance must be replicated across 36 states.
Going down memory lane, leader of Lagos Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), Pa Tajudeen Olusi, said the emergence of President Tinubu was a pay-back time for the state having contributed significantly to the political evolution of Nigeria since the colonial era of Herbert Macaulay till date.
“Those who have led this country were tutored in Lagos. We are grateful that the President of Nigeria this time finally came from Lagos. We have a man whom we are proud of. He has already started well and Nigerians have seen his first 30 days as remarkable.”
The event was attended by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima; wife of the president, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; All Progressives Congress National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu; Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of House Representatives, Special Advisers, Hon. Tajudeen Abass, and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, among others.
Lagos Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat delivered the vote of thanks at the occasion which was also attended by serving and former govenors from across party lines in solidarity with the President.