Medical leaders in federal hospitals have been directed by the Federal Government to apply a ‘no work, no pay’ policy towards striking members of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).

The health authorities have also instructed these hospitals to maintain an attendance register for any resident doctors willing to continue working.

The directive was issued in a letter dated August 1, 2023, by Dr. Andrew Noah, the Director of Hospital Services.

Naija News recalls that resident doctors on the 26th of July, 2023 commenced an indefinite strike following the expiration of a two-week ultimatum issued to the government to meet their demands.

The doctors are demanding the implementation of the one-for-one replacement policy for healthcare workers; the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to discontinue the downgrading of the membership certificate issued by the West African Postgraduate Medical and Surgical Colleges; the immediate payment of all salary arrears; the implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure; a new hazard allowance; and the domestication of the Medical Residency Training Act; among others.

The government, in the letter, accused the striking of being insensitive.

The letter read, “The various conciliatory meetings by the Federal Ministry of Health, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment with government stakeholders, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and the National Assembly have proved abortive.

“I am directed to inform you that the Federal Ministry of Health has instituted the policy of ‘No work, No Pay’ against the striking resident doctors in line with circular Ref. No.58598/8.1/II/182 dated June 22, 2016.

“I am further directed to request you to maintain an attendance register for all residents willing to work and furnish the ministry of such name on a monthly basis.”

The Secretary General of NARD, Dr Kelechi Chikezie in his reaction to the decision of the Federal Government said the directive was not unexpected.

Chikezie said, “We have seen the letter and we will meet as leaders of NARD to take a position on that.

“But that policy is not new to us, and we would not say we were not expecting it. However, the position of NARD will meet and take a position on it.”

Veteran Nollywood actor, Pete Edochie, has confirmed the marriage crash of his junior colleague, Chioma Chukwuka Akpota.

Naija News recalls that in 2022, rumours made rounds online that the thespian, who has been married for over fifteen years and very private with her union, is no longer with her husband.

Chioma also gave hints about the crash of her marriage at the time as all her social media posts always come with an emphasis on her maiden name, ‘Chioma Chukwuka’.

Despite the speculations online, the movie star failed to debunk or confirm the reports about her marriage.

Speaking during an interview with media personality, Chude Jideonwo, Pete frowned at the increase in divorce in the Nollywood industry.

The veteran actor said he was shocked by the news of Chioma’s broken marriage, stressing that people must understand that the marriage union is for better or worst.

In his word, “If you come to our Industry today, most of our ladies who got married 2- 3 years ago have all left their husbands, I was shocked that Chioma Chukwa had left her husband, Ireti Doyle, Tonto Dikeh. You take a vow when you are going to get married for better or worst, not for better or out. You will always think it’s greener on the other side, that is the mistake we all make”

Speaking about some of the ladies that have played his daughters in movies, Pete said he loves Genevieve Nnaji the most because she is exceptionally brilliant.

He said, “Of all the girls who had played my daughter in films, somehow it is Genevieve Nnaji I love most, I look at her as my daughter and she also sees me as a father, she is an exceptionally brilliant lady. I have not heard of her lately ever since I heard she is a little disturbed mentally, I don’t know whether it is true or false, I hope that one day she calls me and say I am ok.”

August, 18th has been fixed for the burial of the late Nollywood actor, Saint Obi, by his family.

Naija News reported that the thespian died on Sunday, May 7, 2023, in the home of one of his siblings at 13 Metropolitan Street in Tudun Wada, Jos.

The family of late Nollywood actor, Saint Obi disclosed details of his burial ceremony on Thursday, August 3rd.

The statement reads partly, ”The Nwafor family of Ogwa, Imo State cordially invites you as, Our Superhero goes home Obinna Nwafor Saint Obi, Our beloved husband, father, brother, uncle and son.

“The Furnal service and interment will hold at the Saint Obi’s family home, Umuezealaeze, Alaenyi Ogwa, Imo State.”

Meanwhile, filmmaker, Zik Zulu in reaction to the death of the veteran actor, exposed circumstances that led to his death in an article titled ‘Between Saint Obi’s Marriage and His Death’ where he alleged that the late actor’s marital life may have led to his demise.

The former president of the Association of Movie Producers of Nigeria noted in his article that Saint Obi’s stardom fetched him a “financially strong and powerful wife,” drawing him into a wedding that would “drastically alter the cause of his life.”

According to him, Saint Obi was always harassed by his wife’s siblings and this eventually led to the end of the marriage.

Okafor disclosed that the actor became sick in mid-2022 following their divorce sage and his health deteriorated before he was taken to his sibling’s home in Jos.

In a resolute stance, France has vehemently denounced the suspension of France 24 and RFI broadcasts in Niger.

France has once again emphasised its unwavering dedication to upholding the principles of press freedom, freedom of expression, and the protection of journalists worldwide. The nation stands firm in its commitment to ensuring the safety of those who play a vital role in delivering unbiased and diverse information, thereby fostering an environment conducive to robust public discourse.

In Niger, the press is facing measures that are part of a broader context of authoritarian repression orchestrated by those implicated in the attempted coup.

FOLLOWING the round-up of the group stage matches, three out of four of the African women’s football teams have scaled the hurdles from their respective groups to qualify for the knock-out stage of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Out of the four African representatives that qualified for the world cup, they are Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa and Zambia. Only Zambia failed to progress to the next round of 16.

The ICIR had reported that none of the four African teams won their opening matches, casting doubt on their strengths on the global stage.

But, The ICIR observed that out of the total 12 matches played by the African quartet at the ongoing FIFA women’s world cup in Australia and New Zealand, each one of them won at least one match apart from Morocco winning two in a row.

Results from the group stage revealed that African sides won 5, lost 4 and drew 3 matches.

Nigeria and Cameroon are the only two African countries that have reached the knockout stage in the past. Nigeria became the first African side to progress to the knockout rounds in the USA in 1999, while Cameroon matched them in 2015 later in Canada.

It is believed this is the first time Africa had more than two teams advance from the group stage at the Women’s World Cup. However, this feat falls in the context of the tournament’s recent expansion to include more teams.

Round of 16 encounters

All three African sides qualified as the second from their groups. Due to this, they will fight tough teams to get to the top.

As the group stage commences tomorrow, 5, August, African representatives have another barrier to break. South Africa will face the Netherlands on Sunday, August 6, while, the next day, Monday, Nigeria will slug it out against England.

On Tuesday, August 8, Morroco will square against France.

[ICIR]

Walsh missed the Lionesses’ 6-1 win over China on Tuesday after injuring her knee against Denmark this time last week.

Scans have since shown the 26-year-old has not injured the anterior cruciate ligament in her knee and England clearly hold some hope she can play again at this World Cup.

The Lionesses trained this morning at the Central Coast Stadium and Walsh was the only member of the squad missing.

She is a doubt for Monday’s last-16 game against Nigeria in Brisbane, but her recovery is progressing.

Walsh was at the Central Coast Stadium, where England are training here in Australia, for the first time since injuring her knee.

England played in Adelaide on Tuesday and Walsh did not travel to the game. The squad then had a recovery session on Wednesday before travelling back to their base in Terrigal.

The players had a rest day yesterday and trained this morning as they gear up for Monday’s game against Nigeria.

Walsh was training away from the group and has been given an individual programme to follow. England have built a temporary gym at the Central Coast Stadium, which is located behind one of the venue’s stands.

Without Walsh in the team, England played a 3-4-1-2 formation against China on Tuesday and it worked well.

Manchester United captain Katie Zelem came into the midfield for Walsh and she will hope to keep her place alongside Georgia Stanway.

Stanway is one of three England players who will be suspended for the quarter-finals if they are booked.

Lauren Hemp and Lucy Bronze are in the same position, with yellow cards not wiped at the tournament until after the quarter-finals.

[standard]

Prominent Nigerians and groups have cautioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to lead the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to take military action against coupists in the Republic of Niger. 

ECOWAS, which has the backing of the western countries and United Nations, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the military junta to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum as democratically elected president or face a range of stiff sanctions. The ultimatum will lapse tomorrow. 

Those who spoke on the stalemate in Niger include members of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF); former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; legal luminary Femi Falana; ex- naval chief, Suleiman Sa’idu (retd); former Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Almustapha Haruna Jokolo; former Wazirin Katsina, Sani Abubakar Lugga, and prominent columnist and former presidential spokesman, Segun Adeniyi.

They said the best way to go is to use diplomacy, and when it fails, deploy serious sanctions that would compel the coup plotters to rethink and go back to the barracks for democratic authorities to return. 

They also emphasised the humanitarian crises that would come with military action, especially for millions of people in northern Nigeria, who have strong affinity, social and economic ties with Niger. 

Daily Trust reports that Nigeria shares elaborate borders with Niger in many states, including Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Jigawa, Yobe and Borno. 

In some border communities, it is very difficult to identify the artificial boundaries as residents from the countries mingle together day and night, transact businesses using the currencies of the two countries with some having their wives and children on both sides of the divide. 

Currently, there are over 300, 000 Nigerian refugees who were forced to flee to Niger  by Boko Haram terrorists and bandits; with pundits saying once war breaks out in Niger, all of them would have to return even as Nigeriens would also push their way into Nigeria. 

ECOWAS’ dicey decision 

Daily Trust reports that ECOWAS had tasked all Chiefs of Defence Staff of the member-states to proceed for an emergency meeting to strategise on effective ways to implement a possible military operation to restore constitutional order to office. 

In the face of the military threat, the military junta in Niger has sought Russia’s help. 

The transitional leaders of Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso are also backing the military authorities in Niamey against ECOWAS. 

Any military intervention against Niger “would be tantamount to a declaration of war against Burkina Faso and Mali,” they threatened in their joint statement on Monday. 

They added that such a move could result in “disastrous consequences” that “could destabilise the entire region”. 

ACF cautions 

Leading the caution on Tinubu yesterday was the ACF. While expressing its support to restore democratic rule in Niger, however, it called on the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government under the chairmanship of Tinubu to toe the path of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving the impasse and certainly not force. 

The body in a statement issued yesterday in Kaduna and signed by its Secretary General, Murtala Aliyu, urged Tinubu to consider the historical antecedents and mutual interests of the two countries and weighed the consequences of the use of force. 

The statement said in part, “Nigeria and Niger share a long historical border of more than one thousand five hundred kilometres with families, communities sharing common facilities including farmlands, markets, cultural bonds and languages for many centuries predating the Trans Saharan Trade and colonial times.

“The two countries have enjoyed harmonious brotherly and mutually beneficial inter communal relationships from time immemorial.

“While the ACF recognises the ECOWAS position to bring pressure to bear on the coupists but nevertheless, the military option shouldn’t be a prerequisite for Nigeria and the community’s continuing efforts to enthrone democracy in the region in the 21st century; certainly not an adventure to be led by Nigeria.

“Democracy has taken root in Nigeria and her leadership role has inspired many countries in ECOWAS to embrace democratic governance structure. We shouldn’t throw that away for some misadventure against our brothers and sisters on the other side prejudicial to our non-interference in a country’s internal affairs posture and attendant legal implications.”

Atiku, Falana, Adeniyi, others caution 

Also, Atiku in a statement on Thursday cautioned that the crisis in Niger required diplomatic engagements, adding that the channels for dialogue should be well sustained. 

“This is undoubtedly a challenging time for the West African region. However, any actions taken towards the prompt resolution of the crisis in the Republic of Niger must prioritise democracy as the ultimate victor,” the PDP presidential candidate in the 2023 election in Nigeria noted. 

On his part, Falana advised the bloc against military interventions and asked the organisation to explore other alternatives. 

“Apart from suspending Niger from ECOWAS, the leaders of the sub-regional body should refrain from attending international conferences with coup plotters as was recently witnessed during the recently concluded Russia-Africa summit held in St. Petersburg, Russia. 

“While the resolve of the ECOWAS leaders to resort to force to restore President Mohamed Bazoum is understandable, the acceptance of the coup by the majority of the Nigerien people must be seriously considered. 

“Having not invaded Burkina Faso, Guinea and Mali when power-drunk soldiers sacked democratically elected governments, ECOWAS leaders should not play into the hands of the enemies of Africa by launching a military attack on Niger,” he said. 

In the same vein, Admiral Sa’idu (retd) told Daily Trust that the current standoff in the Sahel country is an internal affair of an independent country that ECOWAS should rather mediate. 

“In warfare, fighting a war requires two things: dialogue and battle. It’s only when dialogue fails that one resorts to battle. 

“We’ve many examples of the United States’ actions in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan where the battle was won but the objective wasn’t achieved. In fact, in all these cases, the US came out with a bloody nose,’’ he said. 

There’s apprehension in North – Jokolo

 In a post on social media, former Emir Jokolo went down history lane to lay credence to why Nigeria should not mull using force against coup makers to restore democratic government in Niger. 

The former emir, a retired military officer, said the Nigerien military was helpful toward Nigeria during the Biafran War. 

“Again, during Abacha’s regime when terrorists hijacked the Nigerian Airways, the then National Security Adviser, Ismaila Gwarzo, was in touch with the jet’s pilots and they landed in Niger when the republic’s commando unit impounded the plane and rescued its passengers unhurt. They later held the terrorists who were later convicted. 

“Cameroon built a dam along River Benue; while the Niger Republic didn’t do that on River Niger. We have River Niger Basin Authority headquartered in Niamey, the capital city of Niger. 

“We import foodstuffs such as beans and cows, sheep, camels, goats, and even rams during Eid el Kabir. We do intermarriage with their citizens,” he said. 

5th Wazirin Katsina warns against military intervention 

Also, Waziri Lugga in an exclusive interview with Trust TV in Katsina, suggested more consultations, dialogue and diplomacy in resolving Niger’s crisis other than military intervention. 

He warned that a military action would further compound the socio-economics and security challenges confronting Nigeria, especially in the Northwest region. 

“When you want to restore a civilian administration, I think it should be done in a civilian way not in a military way. First of all, we should avoid war. We should use diplomacy as much as possible. Modern history has shown that after every war, there is always dialogue at the end.

“Secondly, in the event of war, it will be only Nigeria versus Niger Republic because out of all the neighbours of Niger Republic, it’s only Nigeria that has accepted to go into war.’’

Also lending his voice on the issue, Adeniyi, who served as spokesman for late President Umaru Yar’adua, backed Falana’s position. 

He said, “With hundreds of thousands of refugees from war-torn Sudan already invading Chad, the fear is that many will end up in Nigeria given our porous borders. To unwittingly create a condition for an influx of migrants from Niger will therefore be unwise. That’s what will happen in the event of an armed attack by ECOWAS which for all practical purposes means Nigeria.” 

He pointed out that the coup leaders in Niger were looking towards the Russian mercenary paramilitary group, Wagner, for support. Wagner is currently operating in Central African Republic (CAR), Mali, Sudan, Chad, Mozambique, Libya, Guinea, and Burkina Faso.

 On his part, Dr Umar Ardo, SDP governorship candidate in Adamawa State, said the war would only lead to the disintegration of ECOWAS and plunge the sub-region into more violent conflicts to the benefit of the armed industrial West to sell their arms and further plunder Africa’s vast natural resources.

 “It will also increase poverty, death and destruction, insecurity, insurgency and terrorism in the sub region.

 “At the current height of the ideological war between the west and the east, we will only turn the sub-region into a proxy war theatre of foreign superpowers,” he stated. 

On his part, Babafemi Badejo, a former Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia, warned that Nigeria should do costs and benefits analysis for the short, medium, and long-term, especially under the current financial problems Nigeria is facing before venturing into any war.

 “Given the refusal to reimburse Nigeria’s efforts in Sierra Leone and Liberia in the past, is Nigeria able to fund a possible war with the Niger Republic as others in ECOWAS cajole her to lead, and as usual carry most, if not all of the yoke?

 “How will the ECOWAS leadership close Niger’s borders with Mali and Burkina Faso – countries with sympathetic military regimes to those in power in Niger and the possible availability of counter air power instruments?

 “Has Nigeria pondered on a perceived weak Niger Republic entering into a wider alliance(s), including with other stronger governments, organised and unorganised terror franchises? 

“Is Nigeria acting swiftly to please external interests, without a thoughtful consideration of the all-round implications for ECOWAS, Nigeria, and its people, if a Libya type internationalised war starts next door?” he queried. 

Badejo, therefore, posited that preventing coups in West Africa is not by sanctions and threats but by addressing leadership deficit and corruption, curtailing negative external pressures, as well as the building of credible institutions to provide for the needs of the people.

Military action, last option – DHQ 

Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said the proposed military actions being considered by the ECOWAS is the last option against the juntas who have taken over the government in Niger. 

It also clarified that the Armed Forces of Nigeria had not received any order from the appropriate authority to commence military action, adding that appropriate actions would be taken after a two-day extraordinary meeting at the nation’s capital. 

The Director, Defence Information, Tukur Gusau, a Brigadier-General, who made the clarifications at Defence Headquarters, Abuja on Thursday, said the mandate to proceed on such a mission must come from the Authority of Heads of States and Governments of Member States of ECOWAS. 

“At the moment, the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff is currently holding an extraordinary meeting in Abuja to discuss the political situation in the Republic of Niger and submit their plans to the committee of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS for consideration.”

Abdulsalami, Sultan meet with coup plotters 

Meanwhile, former Nigerian Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (Retd), the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III and the President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Omar Alieu Touray yesterday met with the coup leaders in Niger.

The meeting was at the instance of President Tinubu with a mandate to expeditiously resolve the current political impasse in the country.

 A statement in Abuja by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to President Tinubu, said the action was in line with the resolution reached at the end of the extraordinary summit of the ECOWAS held last weekend in Abuja. 

The president has also sent a separate delegation led by Ambassador Babagana Kingibe to engage with the leaders of Libya and Algeria on the Niger crisis.

 Briefing the two delegations, President Tinubu charged them to engage all stakeholders robustly with a view to doing whatever it takes to ensure a conclusive and amicable resolution of the situation in Niger for the purposes of African peace and development rather than a move to adopt the geopolitical positions of other nations.

[DailyTrust]

Arsenal midfielder, Thomas Partey has held talks over a possible transfer move to Juventus.

Sky Italy reports that Partey has agreed personal terms with Juventus to join the club this summer.

The Serie A giants will now lodge an offer for the Ghanaian international, but are aware they need to sell one or two players before they can buy him.

However, it is unclear whether Arsenal would let Partey leave Emirates after midfield partner Granit Xhaka also departed the North London club this summer.

Partey joined Arsenal from Spanish La Liga giants Atletico Madrid for £45million in the summer of 2020.

[DailyPost]

THE new military rulers in Niger Republic, the country which marked independence day on Thursday, August 3, 2023 have a Sunday ultimatum from the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS. It is that they give up power and restore elected President Mohammed Bazoum to power or face serious measures, including possible invasion.

ECOWAS also imposed sanctions, including border closures, a no-fly zone and the freezing of Nigerien assets. The options seem to be that if former Presidential Guard head, General Abdourahamane Tchiani and his boys do not give up power by that day, ECOWAS would either add more sanctions and pressure, or invade Niger. The issues are, however, not as straight forward; there are many complications, including foreign interests.

As for war, you can only know its beginning, not how it will end; the logic of war is that it has no logic except death and destruction. For instance, ECOWAS can invade Niger only to also be faced by the armies of Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso and Algeria. Nigerian soldiers can be sent into Niger, only to find out that they are essentially continuing France’s unholy wars of occupation, domination, exploitation, theft and assassination of uncooperative leaders in Africa.

The new leaders in Niger accuse France of planning to invade the country because they have asked French troops to leave the country. France has refused to either confirm or deny the allegation but it will be logical for France to want to hold on to Niger after its troops have been kicked out of Mali and Burkina Faso. Those expulsions leave France with only two major military bases: Niger and Chad. In comparison with these, the other French military bases in Africa such as Cote d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Senegal and Gabon, are small.

While ECOWAS motives may be pure, its signals can sometimes be confusing. For instance, the envoy it sent to Niger is Chadian coup plotter, General Mahamat Idriss Deby from Chad, a country that is not even a member of ECOWAS. Mahamat was seven when his father, Idris Deby overthrew the Chadian government. In preparing Mahamat to take over the Chadian government, Deby made his son a General at 26. Deby transitioned into an ‘elected’ president with a constitution.

When he died on April 19, 2021, constitutionally, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Haroun Kabadi was to act as President for 40 days after which fresh elections were to be held. But Mahamat next day overthrew the government, sacked the executive, dissolved parliament and suspended the constitution. The international custodians of democracy generally gave a nod to the coup. France was more direct. Its Foreign Minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, said the coup was justified on the basis of security, adding that overthrowing democracy in Chad was acceptable as: “There are exceptional circumstances.”

Big Brother Nigeria also supported the Chadian coup. Its then Foreign Minister, Geoffrey Jideofor Onyeama, said Nigeria supported the coup because it does not want a power vacuum. Then Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari followed up by inviting Mahamat to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja where the young General in uniform with military boots thudding the floor, was given a red carpet. Buhari assured him: “We will help you in all ways we can.”

So, what is the logic in anti-coup ECOWAS sending a coup plotter to meet a fellow coup plotter in neigbouring Niger? Is it to set a thief to catch a thief or in the hope that General Mahamat would take advantage of esprit de corps to persuade the Nigerien military to restore constitutional rule; the very thing he has for two years refused to do in Chad? The reason why the Chadian military would not allow democracy of the ballot box is because it is controlled by a tiny ethnic group, the Zaghawa or Beri, which is one per cent of the population but has been in power for the past 33 years.

While the motives of ECOWAS might be pure, those of some of its leaders at the meeting may not be. For instance, President Alassane Dramane Ouattara of Cote d’Ivoire whose dedication to France is not in doubt, is in his third term in office when the country’s constitution provides for a maximum two terms. Another ECOWAS leader is Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe who has been in power for 18 years now. When his father, former Sergeant Gnassingbe Eyadema died on February 5, 2005 after 37 years in power, Faure overthrew the elected Togolese government.

He was in power for 20 days before installing a puppet, Bonfoh Abass in office for 68 days, after which he returned to power. Can the son of a coup plotter, and a coup plotter in his own right, really be against coups? Those who advocate the immediate invasion of Niger may be oblivious of the fact that President Bazoum, his family and some officials of the Niger administration are being held by the coup plotters; or would they be mere collateral damage?

In my analysis, were there to be an invasion, Nigeria will play a lead role. Yet, its military is bogged down by secessionist violence in the South-East, terrorists in the North-East, armed militia storming through the Middle Belt and bandits rampaging throughout the country, especially in Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara and Niger states. So, would it be wise to pull out troops from this same military and send them into Niger with which we share a 1,000-kilometre border?

In any case, should an heavily indebted Nigeria, unable to maintain vital subsidies for its populace, spend resources sending and maintaining troops in a foreign country? If the money comes from other countries, at what costs and what guarantees? On the other hand, the invasion of Niger can be sourced to Chad, whose French-backed military is essentially mercenary which has fought in countries like Mali and the Central African Republic, and can source troops from its Zaghawa kith and kin in Darfur, Sudan.

Also, before we invade Niger, let us think through some basic facts. First, the coups in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger are said to be in response to Islamic jihadist movements. These terrorist movements have their ancestry in the Mujahedeen created by the Unites States and its allies in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Bin Laden’s Al Qaeda grew out of that Mujahdeen.

Then the West with its Gulf allies created the Islamic State, ISIS, which spilled out of control, spreading terrorism to various countries, including Mali where the Nigeria Boko Haram members were trained, financed and armed. Yet, another vital link. The West bombed Ghadafi and his government out of existence turning Libya not just into a basket case, but also the source of free arms and itinerant terrorists. Before we invade Niger, let us pause and think. Dacor (Okay?)

All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje yesterday promised to reposition the platform for growth and victory in future polls.

He spoke in Abuja shortly after he was elected as the sixth chair of the 10-year-old party during the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

Also endorsed as the Secretary is Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru.

Basiru was the spokesman of the ninth Senate, representing Osun West. A consummate lawyer and former Attorney-General/Commissioner for Justice in Osun, Basiru holds a Ph.D. in Law.

Ganduje replaced Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, while Basiru replaced Sen. Iyiola Omisore. Both of them resigned last month.

The NEC was also empowered to fill the remaining six vacant party positions during the meeting presided over by the former acting chairman, Senator Abubakar Kyari. Kyari’s Deputy Chairman (North) position is also vacant, having been nominated for a ministerial position and screened by the Senate.

Five other positions in the National Working Committee (NWC) are vacant due to ministerial nominations and resignations.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the party leader, who attended the meeting, enjoined the leaders to support his administration in its bid to fulfil his campaign promises.

Read Also: 10 things to know about new APC chairman Ganduje
He said the policies being rolled out by his administration are not meant to punish Nigerians.

Tinubu reaffirmed that the February 25 election that brought him into office is one of the freest ever conducted in the country.

Benue State Governor Hyacint Alia urged Ganduje to work for the unity and stability of the party.

Since he assumed office on May 29, Tinubu has introduced policies that have been criticised by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP).

Some of the Federal Government’s bold policies include the unification of exchange rates and the removal of petrol subsidy, which has resulted in the high price of commodities and transportation.

Tinubu said his administration intended to tackle Nigeria’s problems “squarely” without inflicting hardship on citizens.

He said: “We will face it squarely to re-engineer the economy of this country.

“We must find a way to satisfy the yearnings of the common man and we must ensure that all the policies we roll out work for the common man. Our policies are for the people not to punish the people.

“Yes we are facing challenges in the court, but I think this is the most credible election in Nigeria.

“So, we must congratulate ourselves. As democrats, those who cannot accept the results of a free and fair election do not deserve the joy of victory.

“There are governance issues and we are taking it heads on. We must oil the wheel and grease it and we are.

“I have submitted ministerial lists to the Senate for screening and approval. We are in the process of establishing fully the government of the people, for the people and by the people.”

Ganduje promised to promote unity and sustain the winning capacity of the party so that it can have more governors and lawmakers at the state and national levels.

He said: “Under my watch, internal democracy will be strictly adhered to with a deliberate policy to engage in wider consultations and make party functional throughout the year.

“More reforms will be carried out in the party in alignment with the current political landscape

“We all agreed that we must unite our members to achieve support for our government to respond adequately, urgently and assertively to the challenges that Nigerians confront daily.

“The challenges include unemployment, poverty, insecurity, social cohesion and the rising cost of living.

“I want to make a special appeal to Nigerians to bear with the President at this trying moment, considering that the country’s economy has been in shambles for years.

“I believe the policies and programmes to be unveiled by Mr President when his administration fully takes shape will surely turn around things for the better.

“Our party must remain rooted among the people, must demonstrate a willingness to serve and make sacrifices, and must be willing to acknowledge and address our weaknesses.”

Reiterating his readiness for effective leadership, Ganduje said: “It’s a huge privilege and an honour and a great responsibility to take on this job and I will do it with everything I have to the best of my ability for my party and my country.

“We will ensure a level playing field for all party members who want to contest elections on the party’s platform. Our primary elections would be free, transparent and fair.

“Let me also use this opportunity to call on members of our party and all the people of Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa states to close ranks and ensure that the APC wins in the forthcoming governorship elections.”

NEC cedes power to NWC

Before bowing out, Kyari said in line with Article 13(2) of the APC Constitution, the NEC had ceded its powers to the NWC to fill the six vacant positions in the administrative organ of the party.

The vacant positions are National Deputy Chairman (North), National Vice Chairman (North West), National Legal Adviser, National Women Leader, National Welfare Secretary and Deputy National Publicity Secretary.

The NEC also appointed new External Auditors to audit party accounts.

President Tinubu requested the NEC to cede its power to the NWC to fill the positions, following a motion moved by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, seconded by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, who is also chair of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF).

The President noted that during the last NEC meeting of April 20, 2022, it had ceded some of its powers to NWC for smooth party operations, thanking the party organ for effectively utilising that mandate.

Kyari said the ruling party was conscious of its new challenges.

Paying tribute to the founding members, he said the party had achieved significant milestones and made a positive impact on Nigerians since its establishment 10 years ago.

He congratulated the President, the Vice President and other elected party members on their victory, describing the recent election of President Tinubu as chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of States and Government as a foreign policy triumph for Nigeria.

He promised that the party would continue to stand with the President, “no matter the complexities of the challenges ahead.”

Vote of Confidence in INEC over 2023 polls

Uzodimma raised an issue of national importance, accusing the opposition of blackmailing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the outcome of the last general election.

He also alleged that the opposition was responsible for the controversial European Union (EU) report on the election and the recent incitement of members of the public against the judiciary over the ongoing cases at the tribunals.

Moving a vote of confidence motion on the electoral body, Uzodimma said well-meaning Nigerians should condemn the opposition for unnecessarily attempting to overheat the polity.

The motion, which was unanimously passed, was seconded by the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Kwara State Governor AbdulRaham AbdulRasaq.

At the NEC meeting were Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senator Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, governors, members of the NWC, former Interim National Chairman Chief Bisi Akande, lawmakers and state chairmen.

Abbas hails Ganduje, Basiru

House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas congratulated Ganduje and Basiru, wishing them a successful tenure.

He said Ganduje will take APC to a higher level, noting that the former Kano State governor is a consummate politician with a lot of experience.

He said Ganduje’s emergence is a testament to his years of dedication and commitment to the party.

Abbas said the party has set a great example of internal democracy for other political parties in the country.

He urged the new leaders to unite the party and mobilised support for the Tinubu administration.

As a loyal party member, the Speaker said he looked forward to working with the new national chairman and the entire members of the APC NWC.

Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, also lauded Ganduje and Basiru on their emergence.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, Barau said with Ganduje in charge, the ruling party would be repositioned and strengthened for the benefit of all its members.

The lawmaker added that with the vast experience of the former Kano governor, the conflict resolution mechanism of the APC would be enhanced to reduce internal wrangling.

“His Excellency is coming on board with enormous experience spanning decades in politics and governance.

“With him piloting the affairs of our party, internal democracy would prevail,” the statement said.

Northern governors: we have confidence in Ganduje

Gombe State Governor and Chairman of Northern States Governors’ Forum Inuwa Yahaya said an opportunity has been bestowed on Ganduje and Basiru to continue their services to the party.

Inuwa, in a statement by his Director General, Press Affairs, Malam Ismaila Uba Misilli, said Ganduje’s election not only reflected his exceptional leadership abilities, but also underscored the trust and confidence reposed in him by the party.

He said: “Your distinguished tenure as the governor of Kano demonstrated your commitment to the welfare of the people and the development of our great party and nation.

“As the newly elected national chairman, you hold a critical position in steering our great party towards a united and prosperous future.

“Your experience and strategic vision will be vital in addressing the challenges ahead and harnessing the collective strength of the APC to bring about positive change for all Nigerians.

“I am confident that under your able guidance, the party will chart a course of progress, inclusivity, and good governance that will resonate with citizens across the country in line with President Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ mantra.”

Alia to chairman: unite APC

Alia urged Ganduje to foster unity and stability in the party.

He spoke with reporters after visiting Shettima at the Presidential Villa.

The governor emphasised the need for Ganduje and Bashir to promote national unity in the country.

He said: “We call on them to work for the unity of the party, unity of the nation, and to continue the hard work that was done in the past.

“We need continuity. We have this regime of Renewed Hope. We all have to make our nation continually great. And it’s nothing less that is expected of the new leadership.”

Basiru’s election sparks jubilation in Osogbo

Osogbo, capital of Osun State and hometown of Basiru went agog when the news filtered in that he had been elected to the exalted position.

APC members in Osogbo and Olorunda Local Government Areas converged on Oja-Oba, near Ataoja of Osogbo’s palace and marched through Station Road, Post Office, Orisunbare, Ola-Iya, Aregbe, after which they terminated the walk at the state party secretariat in Ogo-Oluwa.

State Secretary Kamarudeen Alao described Basiru’s emergence as a plus for the chapter.

He said: “The choice of Basiru by the national leadership showed that the party has not abandoned its progressive ideology.

“Basiru understands party politics and the concept of good governance. He will liaise effectively with elected public officials to ensure that the party manifesto is not jettisoned. We also commended President Tinubu for nominating ex-governor Adegboyega Oyetola as Minister.

“We commend Chief Bisi Akande, former governor Gboyega Oyetola for their tenacity and support for the former senator, we are sure the party will move to higher ground both at the national level and state.”

Similarly, the former Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties, Olalekan Badmus, congratulated the new leadership.

To Basiru, he said: “Your success in succeeding Senator Omisore, another remarkable figure from our great State of Osun, is a testament to your abilities and the trust placed in you by the leadership of our party.

“Your elevation to such a prestigious position reflects your outstanding capabilities, values, and commitment to the betterment of our party and our nation.”

PDP criticises Ganduje’s choice

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chided the APC for making Ganduje chairman. It spoke through a statement by its national secretary Debo Ologunagba.