Embattled Kenyan President William Ruto has dissolved his cabinet in response to lingering youth-led national anger against bad governance characterised by economic hardship, insensitivity and extravagance by government officials and police brutality.

“Upon reflection, listening keenly to what the people of Kenya have said and after a holistic appraisal of the performance of my Cabinet and its achievements and challenges, I have… decided to dismiss with immediate effect all the Cabinet Secretaries and the Attorney-General from the Cabinet of the Republic of Kenya except the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs,” he said in a four-page statement released by State House on Thursday.

He added: “I will immediately engage in extensive consultations across different sectors and political formations, with the aim of setting up a broad-based government that will assist me in accelerating and expediting the necessary, urgent and irreversible, implementation of radical programmes to deal with the burden of debt, raising domestic resources, expanding job opportunities, eliminate wastage and unnecessary duplication of a multiplicity of government agencies and slay the dragon of corruption consequently making the government lean, inexpensive, effective and efficient.”

The public disaffection against Ruto’s government policies came to a head on June 25, when youths stormed the Kenyan Parliament and chased away MPs who assembled to pass a controversial Financial Bill 2024 that sought to impose more taxes on the long-suffering citizens.

The National Human Rights Commission reported at least 39 deaths, hundreds injured and a score of persons missing from the clashes between the protesters and security forces across the country.

After his initial tough stance, President Ruto backed down. He withdrew the controversial bill and promised to cut drains on the public treasury, such as the office of the First Lady.

In Thursday’s statement, the president said: “During this process (of extensive consultations across different sectors and political formations), the operations of government will continue uninterrupted under the guidance of Principal Secretaries and other relevant officials.”

He also pledged “additional measures in due course,” adding: “Recent events that necessitated the withdrawal of the Finance Bill, which will require a review and reorganisation of our budget and fiscal management, have brought us to an inflexion point.”

Continuing, President Ruto said “… I announced last week barring State and public officers from engaging in Harambee, I want to inform the country that the Public Fundraising Appeals Bill is now ready for publication tomorrow. Even with the progress we have made, I am acutely aware that the people of Kenya have high expectations of me and believe that this administration can undertake the most extensive transformation in our nation’s history.”

When Ruto assumed office in 2022 at age 55, leading an opposition party after resigning as deputy president, there were high hopes that a new sheriff with fresh ideas had arrived in the Kenyan divisive political scene.  

After his recent trips to the U.S. and Asia, the impression created in official quarters was that Ruto had become a darling of the superpowers. He was quoted as saying the “right things” during meetings with his interlocutors.

To reinforce this notion, Kenya recently dispatched a police contingent to assist in the stabilisation of troubled Haiti, America’s neighbour that has known more crisis than peace since its emergence as the first independent nation of freed black slaves in 1804.

The deal for the police deployment was negotiated between Nairobi and Washington under the aegis of the United Nations.

As is usually the case, this played a huge part in the budget support promised to Kenya by the IMF.

This is despite the well-documented unsavoury legacy of the Bretton Woods institution in most developing countries, hence the uncomplimentary saying: “IMF in a country today, riots tomorrow,” due to the anti-people conditionalities attached to their financial support.

Despite warnings by even former senior officials of the IMF and its cousin, the World Bank, it beggars’ belief that African leaders still fall victim.

Otherwise, why did it take the avoidable death of almost 40 Kenyans and the material losses during the protests for President Ruto to realise that his government had to consult extensively before imposing more hardships on the citizens of his country?

Perhaps, it is a credit to him to have engaged a reverse gear. However, Kenyan youth have made it clear that the citizens can no longer be taken for granted.

The same message should not be lost on Ruto’s colleagues in other African countries, who may want to carry on as if governance is about arbitrariness, impunity, self-service and the looting of state treasury for the benefit of themselves and their families at the expense of the majority.

The responsibility of every government is to improve the well-being of the people; and to protect lives and property in an environment of equal opportunity to all inspective of political affiliation, status, tribe, religion or creed.

The vault face of Kenya’s fifth President, who morphed from a PhD in Botany and Zoology into a tough politician, should be a good case study in government subjugation to people power.

It should also encourage the people to demand accountability from the leadership instead of a lukewarm attitude or support for oppressive leaders.

*Ejime is an Author, Global Affairs Analyst, and Consultant on Peace & Security and Governance Communications

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has called for prompt action on its earlier decision to remove public universities from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) platform.

Naija News reports that the Council has instructed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) to expedite the implementation of this decision, made several months ago.

This move aims to address a long-standing grievance of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which has consistently opposed the use of IPPIS for university staff salaries.

ASUU argues that the system fails to accommodate the unique peculiarities of the academic environment.

Additionally, the Council has approved the establishment of a new National University of Science and Technology in Abuja. This decision follows an initial approval granted by former President Muhammadu Buhari on May 28, 2023, during the final days of his administration.

The new university is set to be a pioneering institution, marking the first in a planned network of Pan-African Institutes of Science and Technology.

Its primary mission will be to educate and train African scientists and technologists, thereby boosting the continent’s capacity in these critical fields.

The move to exempt universities from IPPIS and the creation of the new university signal significant steps towards resolving long-standing issues within Nigeria’s higher education system and advancing scientific and technological education in the region.

[NaijaNews]

A fresh showdown is imminent in the House of Representatives as over 150 aggrieved first-time members are up in arms against the House leadership over alleged marginalisation and exclusion from legislative business.

Already, the embittered federal lawmakers have formed a pressure group, codenamed “Novelty Group,” as a veritable platform for realising their mission and vision.

The group’s inaugural meeting, initially scheduled for Abuja yesterday evening, was abruptly cancelled following the death of a House member, Hon Olaide Adewale Akinremi.

Until his passage, Hon Akinremi represented Ibadan North Federal Constituency of Oyo State on the platform of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC).

A member of the group told LEADERSHIP last night that a new date for the inaugural meeting would be made public after the mourning period for the departed lawmaker.

An influential APC House member from one of the six states in the country’s South/South geopolitical zone (name withheld) is coordinating the group’s activities.

LEADERSHIP learnt that membership of the dissenting group was growing as of Wednesday night. First-time members constitute about 75 percent of the 360-member House of Representatives.

Findings by LEADERSHIP further revealed that membership of the group cut across eight political parties with membership in the House, and six geopolitical zones of the country.

Information available to LEADERSHIP revealed that members of the splinter group were particularly angered that the House had become an appendage of the Presidency.

One of the lawmakers told LEADERSHIP that his colleagues were aggrieved by the way the House leadership easily buckled to the whims and caprices of the Presidency in passing executive bills and other sundry correspondences from the Presidency.

He said his colleagues were concerned that the leadership had sacrificed their interests, well-being, and welfare due to its romance with the executive arm of government.

Speaker Tajudeen Abbas was accused of not acting decisively and assertively enough to guarantee the House’s independence.

LEADERSHIP gathered that members of the group were plotting the impeachment of Abbas, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, House Leader Julius Ihonvbere and Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda.
Reliable sources in the House revealed that the protesting lawmakers were uncomfortable with Kalu’s authoritarian tendencies and arrogant postures, especially when he was chosen to preside in Abbas’ absence.

The first-term lawmakers were reported to be after Ihonvbere and Chinda for alleged failure to protect and sacrifice their interests due to pecuniary gains.
Similarly, chairmen of the various House committees also incurred the wrath of the lawmakers for excluding them from the activities of the committees.

They added that the chairmen willfully sidelined their deputies and other members of their committees in carrying out oversight functions and sharing of accruing benefits.

They vowed to ensure a rejig of the House committees to weed out the uncooperative chairmen.
LEADERSHIP gathered that the forum also resolved “to deal with their oppressive first-time colleagues, who were fortunate to be made committee chairmen.”

One of the lawmakers said, “We have passed executive bills in very unusual ways within hours without serious legislative industry, because we are a mere rubber-stamp of the Presidency. That is the way the House leadership, headed by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas presented us to the Presidency.

“Most of the new members are suffering even though we all contested the same election, spending millions. We are treated with disdain as outcasts in the House by the so-called ranking members and our first-time colleagues who are fortunate to be made chairmen of the various committees.

“Nigerians see us all as unmindful of their plight when, in fact, only a few in the leadership cadre benefit from whatever they accuse us of amassing.”

“The executive, especially some ministers, have cornered the ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), and the CEOs of federal agencies give no damn about us (federal lawmakers),” he stated in a telephone interview with LEADERSHIP.

“Chairmen of committees are now behaving like demi- gods, relegating their deputies and first-timers to the background. And most of these so-called privileged first time and ranking members hardly come to plenary. Some of them supervise and administer as well as confiscate benefits from the federal agencies and parastatals we are supposed to handle together from abroad.

“A particular lady, who is a first-time member and chairperson of House committees of a juicy commission, has been resident in London, from where she solely performs and administers the oversight functions of a committee since our inauguration.

“No member. including her deputy, knows what is happening in the committee and the commission. She occasionally dishes out instructions and gives out nauseating hand-outs from the commission to members of the committee, whom she treats like her aides. We can no longer tolerate this rubbish.

“We now go cap in hand begging colleagues for jobs meant to be allocated to our federal constituencies. We want to show the nation that all is not well and that not all lawmakers are insensitive to their plight.

“The near uprising in the chambers against the retroactive approval of the extension of the 2023 Appropriation Act to December 2024 is a tip of the iceberg.

“We sent back the permanent secretary in the Federal Ministry of Finance when the minister did not honour our invitation to interact with us on the 2024 budget implementation to tell the executive arm of government that we cannot continue to be taken for granted.”

“More decisive actions are to follow because the leadership has shortchanged us. Novelty Group is formed to correct all these.”

“We are 150 members now and counting. We are not at peace with the Speaker (Abbas), who has sold us to the Presidency,” he said, adding that both the deputy speaker and the majority leader and minority leader were on their firing line.

“And a rejig of the committees is another mission of our group,” said the House member who craved that his name be not mentioned in print.

When contacted, the House spokesman and chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Akin Rotimi Jr., claimed ignorance about the formation and existence of the splinter group.
Rotimi, however, added that if such group was ever founded by House members, it would be part of the legislative processes.

“As a member of several first-time parliamentarian groups myself, I can assure you that these groups are formed to advance common interests and facilitate collaboration on legislative issues.

“They are a normal and healthy aspect of our parliamentary process, providing a platform for members to express their views and work together on matters of mutual concern.”

“I must emphasise that I am not aware of any organised effort to “gang up against the House leadership” as you mentioned.

“It’s important to note that approximately 75 percent of the 10th Assembly House of Representatives members are first-time lawmakers, and the Assembly includes representation from eight different political parties.

“The diversity within the House underscores the need for various groups to form and address specific interests and issues collaboratively.

“The House leadership remains committed to inclusive and transparent governance, ensuring that all members, including first-time representatives, are adequately represented and have their voices heard,” Rotimi said in a WhatsApp message to LEADERSHIP.

[Leadership]

The federal government has said that it is awaiting the report of the ombudsman, following the complaint it made challenging a report by the Daily Trust on the Samoa Agreement signed by Nigeria.

This was part of the issues discussed at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) Wednesday.

Addressing reporters after Wednesday’s FEC meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris said: “There was also a discussion on the report by Daily Trust and the position of government on that report is that the federal government insisted that the report was misleading, it was false and designed to create confusion in the land.

“We expect that the industry’s ombudsman will look at the government’s complaint dispassionately and FEC will be patient to await the report of the ombudsman,” Idris said.

Idris noted that the present administration “believes in the freedom of expression, believes in the role of the media in ensuring that there is continuous and uninterrupted democracy in our land.

“So, the government is not desirous of doing anything that will harm that freedom of expression. But like we have said, where we feel there is an infringement, where we feel that the media itself or a section of it, in this case, Daily Trust has erred, because the government still believes that the report by Daily Trust is not correct, Nigerians have been misinformed, and in the process, a lot of damage has been done on the psyche of our people.

“We have made a complaint to the ombudsman to look at the report and we have sighted examples of where Daily Trust got it wrong so that Daily Trust can come clean and also mention or apologise to the nation and the government”, he said.

Also speaking, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, said: “The disturbing report by Daily Trust is being handled because we are conscious of press freedom, and if you notice this administration has not and will not tamper with press freedom because if you know the President, he has been an ardent supporter and believer in press freedom, in fact that is what got him up to this point.

“He is conscious of that, not only in press freedom but in fundamental human rights as enshrined in the constitution.

“Generally, government MDAs are available if there is any area that members of the Press would like to clear and the Freedom of Information Act is alive and is being rigorously honoured and in operation. So, I will advise that if there is any information that the members of the press require, it should be channelled to the appropriate MDAs before going to press”, he said.

Reps make U-Turn

In a related development, the House of Representatives yesterday made a U-Turn, saying it did not call on the federal government to suspend the implementation of the Samoa Agreement.

The clarification was made by the House spokesman, Akin Rotimi.

Rotimi, who represents Ikole/Oye Federal Constituency, Ekiti State, said that contrary to media reports, lawmakers resolved to investigate controversial clauses in the agreement to ensure that they do not violate the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker noted that the House urged the government to engage in widespread consultations and stakeholder engagement concerning the agreement.

He said, “During the debate, concerns were raised regarding alleged clauses purportedly mandating support for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community as a prerequisite for financial and other aid from developed nations.

“Additionally, apprehensions were expressed about several specific articles within the agreement, including Articles 2.5, 29.5, 36.2, and 88, which some lawmakers believe may not align with Nigeria’s national interests and values, especially in the absence of a reservation clause.

“Rep Aliyu Sani Madaki had argued that Article 97 of the agreement, which asserts the supremacy of the agreement over any conflicting treaties involving European Union member states or the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States, potentially infringes upon Nigeria’s sovereignty.

“In response, House Leader, Julius Ihonvbere (APC, Edo) clarified that the agreement, as officially presented, does not include provisions related to a $150bn fund or any clauses promoting LGBT rights in Nigeria, contrary to public speculation.

“Emphasising the importance of parliamentary oversight, House Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda (PDP, Rivers) underscored the need for transparency in treaty negotiations, citing Section 12 of the Nigerian Constitution (1999, as amended), which mandates parliamentary involvement in such matters.

“It is important to clarify that the House of Representatives did not resolve to call for the suspension of the agreement nor the suspension of its implementation, as has been erroneously reported by some media houses.

“Instead, the House resolved to thoroughly scrutinise the Samoa Partnership Agreement for all contentious clauses through legislative hearings,” he said.

Former PUNCH Chairman, Chief Ajibola Ogunsola, is going to be 80 on Sunday. As someone who has worked under his management, it is fitting to take out this week to celebrate a man I have come to regard as one of my “destiny helpers.” Every story has multiple beginnings, and I will nail the start of this one down to sometime around 2008 when I joined PUNCH as a postgraduate student. I did not set out to be in journalism; it was the hand of fate that nudged me towards applying for their job when they were recruiting fresh graduates (which I was not). At the time, I had a novel titled “Under the Brown Rusted Roofs” in the works, and I thought I had my life mapped out.

I gave a copy of the published book to my then editor, Mr Steve Ayorinde, who asked me to send another to the company chairman, a proud Ibadan son. I did, and I did not think about it any further. Shortly after, Mr Ayorinde came to the newsroom to inform me that the chairman wanted to see me. My head swirled. If there is something I always try to avoid, it is attention. Depending on what is at stake, it is a good and bad habit which I do not know if I should shake off or retain. Anyway, they scheduled a time and up the stairs to his office I went with trepidation.

Anyone who has worked in PUNCH knows how much the man was feared and revered. He is a no-nonsense man with high professional standards. He brooked no sloppiness and approached any slack in quality with the sternness of a colonial-era village headmaster. In those days, he would scan a newspaper piece written by a journalist, make corrections with a red pen, put the copy in a white envelope, and address it to the writer. Even without further words, receiving that envelope would feel like your soul had been weighed and found wanting.

That day, I walked into his office with my fingers cold from the apprehension of approaching the throne of judgment, but what I met was a genial man. The first question he asked me was, “That character (in the book), was that your father?” It was an icebreaker, and from there we talked about everything else. He put me at ease, and what he did next, I can never forget. He offered to buy 100 copies of my book. It was a grand gesture.

When publishers print the first print run of your book—usually 1,000 copies—they dump a chunk with you and expect you to do part of the marketing. So, his offering to buy that many copies was a literal weight lifted off the corner of my one-bedroom apartment. But he did not stop there. He sent out those copies to people at home and abroad—prominent Ibadan people, journalists, professors, professionals and so on—whom he thought should read the book. For years afterwards, I encountered people who would tell me, “I read your book. Your chairman sent it to me.” But it still did not end there.

Months later, he sent another message asking the editor to make me (and another lady) a columnist. I thought things were going too far. If you had asked me then to list 12 things I could possibly do in this life, writing a column would not have made number 121. I had several favourite columnists, but joining their league never crossed my mind. Besides, I was new at PUNCH. Becoming a columnist would change my professional relationship with people around me.

I thought I should tell him that he had gotten things all wrong. The fact that I wrote a book he liked does not mean I could write a column. That was a different skill set (and discipline) that I simply did not have time to muster because I was already working towards graduate school abroad at the time. I would return from work late at night, start studying for the GRE examination, and leave home to pursue work again. Where was the time?

I asked to see him, and they scheduled an appointment. When I met him, I was so flustered that I botched my carefully rehearsed speech. His response was kind. When I left his office that day, it was with the resolve that I would live up to his expectations of me. Choosing someone as young and inexperienced as me was, no doubt, an “unmerited favour.” I know the term has now been bastardised, but the idea of “unmerited favour” was not that you were miscast for a role but that you represent a bankable promise. It is your responsibility to prove yourself worthy of the faith invested in you.

Starting the column was a rough ride worsened by the paralysing fear that Chief Ogunsola was somewhere upstairs, looking down and waiting to judge me. And for years, I wrote for an audience of one. The fear of letting down someone who believed I would rise to the challenge was petrifying. I waited, but the white envelope with the red pen markings never came. Good or bad, I never heard from him and that was hard.

Learning on the go meant part of your mistakes would have been published. You would learn, but you would also cringe. I did my best, supported by then editor and sister, Ayo Adesola-aderele (and later, Joel Nwokeoma). A couple of years later, the new editor, Mr Joseph Adeyeye, moved the column from the inside pages to the back page. I still wonder what he was thinking when he did that because I expected to be let go, but I was promoted instead.

After the first column was published, I received an unexpected call from Chief Ogunsola. He first congratulated me, and then brought me up to speed on the complexities of the world I was about to enter. If he had not taken that initiative, maybe my feet would have stumbled somewhere. I should also add that he sent me some money to buy a dictionary and thesaurus.

Years ago, he was in Austin, Texas, for his friend’s daughter’s graduation ceremony. During our lunch together, he happened to mention that one of the people who took over from him in one of the companies he managed told him how fearful they were that he, Chief Ogunsola, was always judging their managerial competence against his record. I stared as he explained that he understood that everyone’s tenure would be different. Then I finally confessed that I also lived with a similar fear of letting him down. ‘No, no, no,’ he said. Then he went on to tell me how proud he was of how far I had come, and that he wished me nothing but well. To think all the while, what I saw in my mind’s eye was a magistrate. It was a liberating moment for me.

Being a columnist has brought me a long way personally and professionally. I am thankful for the foresightedness of a man who thought of me beyond myself, and the guidance he supplied along the way. I have unlearned and relearned, and I am grateful for the education. If I have ever been wrong on this journey, it was with the same sincerity with which I have been right. I made mistakes, but I regret nothing. I said what I said, and I will repeat most of it. Pushing the borders of what can be said was consistent with my belief in human freedom. Yes, freedom is not freedom unless someone uses it. I have no apologies. Also, and not to be self-righteous, I do not have the sin of gluttony for “likes” or “loves.” I do not want to be loved or hated; I just want to understand and be understood.

So, to the man whose managerial acumen contributed to making me, and who supported me as I charted the path of self-discovery, I say a happy 80th birthday.

•   Allegedly paid $665,700 for house•Arraignment likely today in Abuja

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) may arraign a former Minister of Power,  Saleh Mamman, today for allegedly  laundering over N33, 804, 830, 593.73.

Mamman, who served under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, is expected to face 12-count charge, based on offences he allegedly committed during his tenure between August 2019 and September 2021.

The offences border  on conspiracy to commit money laundering, and possession and use of known proceeds of criminal conduct.

According to some of the charges, Mamman allegedly conspired with other officials of the Ministry of Power and private companies to “indirectly convert the total sum of N33, 804, 830, 593.73, which was part of the proceeds of unlawful activity”.

The EFCC said the unlawful conversion was a “criminal breach of trust in relation to the funds released for Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant Projects by the Federal Government of Nigeria”.

Also, he was alleged to have contravened Section 18(a), 15(2)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 as Amended), and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

Out of the sum, the EFCC said the former minister allegedly made a cash payment of $665,700(then worth about N200 million) for the purchase and acquisition of a landed property at No. 12A & B Lungi Street, Off Cairo Street, in Wuse II part  of Abuja.

The cash was paid to  MOHIBA INVESTMENT LTD (acting through Mohammed Asheik Jidda), without going through a financial institution.

The EFCC said Mamman therefore, allegedly committed an offence contrary to Sections 1 and 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as Amended), and punishable under Section 16(2)(b) of the same Act,

He was also alleged to have violated Sections 30(1Xf) and 22(a) of the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, and punishable under Section 30(2)(a) of the same Act.

The EFCC said  between the 21 day of August 2019 and the 1st day of September 2021, in Abuja, the Ex-Minister  indirectly took possession of Houses 93A & B, Ahmed Joda Crescent, Kado, Abuja, which property he reasonably ought to know was derived from the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: criminal breach of trust in relation to the funds released for the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant Projects by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The agency said Mamman  committed an offence contrary to Section 15(2)d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as Amended) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

He was accused of spending  N20million of the project funds  to  rent a One-Bedroom Apartment in Sammy Court Resort, which sum he  reasonably ought to know formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act contrary to Section 15(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as Amended) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

He was alleged to have  between January 20, 2020 and the 31st day of December 2020, in Abuja, through MISBAHU IDRIS, his Personal Assistant as Minister of Power, used the aggregate sum of N130,778,000:00 from the power  plants’ votes, contrary to Section 15(2\d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as Amended) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

The charges were filed and signed by Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika(SAN) ; Rotimi Oyedepo Iseoluwa(SAN); Bikikisu Bala;  Suleiman I. Suleiman; Chineye C. Okezie; and Abbas O. Muhammed.

Bearing any change in plan, the ex-minister will be arraigned at the Federal High Court, Abuja presided over by Justice James Omotosho.

[TheNation]

The Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Wednesday, said his administration has started the process of preparing the 2025 budget.

The governor also dismissed the threat by the Martin Amaewhule-led faction of the state House of Assembly that he should present the 2024 budget again, saying that having defected to the All Progressives Congress from the Peoples Democratic Party platform on which they got election, their seats remained vacant.

Fubara said this when he received on a solidarity visit, the leadership structure, critical stakeholders, opinion leaders, women and youths of Etche and Omuma Local Government Areas, led by Ogbakor Etche, the apex socio-cultural organisation of Etche Ethnic Nationality Worldwide, at the Government House, Port Harcourt.

In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nelson Chukwudi, and sent to newsmen, the governor described the recent ranting of the Amaewhule faction as noise-making from delusional folks.

He urged the “25 former lawmakers” to wake up from their slumber, adding that the ship of governance in the state was sailing smoothly.

The lawmakers loyal to the former governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, had been having issues with Fubara over the political control of the state.

After an unsuccessful attempt to oust the governor, resulting in the demolition of the Assembly quarters, the lawmakers announced their defection to the APC, a move the state PDP latched on to declare their seats vacant.

A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, the state capital, granted an interim injunction restraining the pro-Wike lawmakers from parading themselves as legislators in the state.

However, the Court of Appeal in Abuja, on July 4, affirmed Amaewhule and 24 other lawmakers as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Holding a session at the state Legislative Quarters on Monday, the court-reinstated lawmakers asked Fubara to re-present the 2024 budget to the Assembly and gave him a one-week ultimatum.

The government, in a swift move, approached the court to restrain the state Chief Judge and others from recognising the Amaewhule-led Assembly, while it also appealed the judgment of the Appeal Court at the Supreme Court.

Foreclosing the idea of presenting the 2024 budget again, Fubara said his administration had commenced preparing details of the 2025 Appropriation Bill, with priority placed on education, healthcare and agriculture.

“Let me assure you that agriculture is an area that we have promised the very special and peace-loving people of Rivers State that our 2025 budget, which we have already started preparing, will address.

“Don’t bother about those people that are delusional. They think we are still sleeping. Let me tell you people so that they can hear anywhere they are.

“I wanted to help them, sincerely because I know them. And I have said it before, these are people that I have helped. I paid their children’s school fees. I paid their house rent. So, I wanted to help them.

“We all knew what happened when they crossed (defected), and how did they cross? Because of our God, for them to make that mistake, they crossed. They are gone, and they are gone. Now, let me tell you: when I wanted to help them, I accepted to help them because we are all one. We disagree to agree as it is said,” he said.

He added, “They thought they were smart. What is holding them is the declaration of their seats vacant as done on December 13, 2023. We are not doing any budget to nullify that decision. It is what will send them to their villages.

“As I am talking to you, I have started preparing my budget for 2025, which I am going to present very soon. And, in that budget, my key areas will be education, healthcare and agriculture.”

Fubara said the three priority areas would ensure that even if more roads were constructed, emphasis would be placed on quality healthcare services for the people of the state.

“Our children need to go to quality schools. Even if they can’t go to private schools, let them go to the public ones that have standards. We need to go to good health facilities owned by the government and get standard healthcare services.

“Even if we cannot afford those private hospitals, when you go to the public ones, you can get the same services with qualified professionals. That is our thinking.

“And when we get to the issue of agriculture, it will address the issue of unemployment. When we start engaging our youths, they won’t have time to be involved in crime. So, our thinking is to secure and protect our state,” he added.

He reiterated that he was fighting nobody as insinuated, adding that being loyal did not mean losing one’s liberty, sense of discretion and doing what was right.

“I want to assure you of one thing: we are not fighting anybody. We appreciate what God has used people to also do in our lives. But, we are not going to rule (govern) this state on our bent knees. We will rule standing this way I am standing.

“If it is only being on our knees to rule that is the way that they will see us as being loyal, then, I will pack my few things that I have here, and go and relax in my house comfortably, because it will be a disaster, not just to me but to everyone in the state and even my generation.

“So, I will continue to stand tall and stand on the side of the truth. Let me thank the President General (of Ogbakor Etche) for bringing your people, the great people of Etche and Omuma together to come and pay us a solidarity visit,” he said.

Fubara urged the people of Etche Nation to sustain their support for his administration because its vision was clear and encompassing to advance the well-being of all Rivers people.

He promised to work with the Nigeria Police to resolve the issue of herdsmen attacks on farmlands and farmers in the area, including the issue of illegal dredging activities.

The Oyeisi Etche, Eze Emmanuel Opurum, promised the support of the Etche and Omuma people to Fubara to ensure his administration succeeded.

President-General of Ogbakor Etche Worldwide, Sir Charles Nwonuala, said the Etche people came to pledge their support, confidence and faith in Fubara and his administration.

The Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr George Nwaeke, said the Oyeisi Etche, the entire leadership structure, including the 70 academic professors from Etche Nation came together with the women and youths in solidarity with Fubara and his administration.

Meanwhile, the PDP has cautioned the Amaewhule faction of Rivers Assembly to refrain from actions and statements that could disrupt peace and governance in the state.

The party also urged the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to safeguard democracy, peace, and security in the state.

The National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, insisted on Wednesday that according to the self-executory provision of Section 109(1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, the lawmakers were no longer part of the state House of Assembly.

“The national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for the umpteenth time, cautions the former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who lost their seats upon defection from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) to desist from actions and utterances that are capable of disrupting peace and governance in the state.

“The party counsels the former lawmakers to wake up to the reality that they are no longer members of the Rivers State House of Assembly by the self-executory provision of Section 109(1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and as such cannot gather or issue any notice to the state governor in the capacity of members of Rivers State House of Assembly,” the statement read.

It said their action seeking to assume the powers of the state House of Assembly was to cause a crisis, undermine and disrupt the democratic and constitutional order in the state.

The party urged the residents to stay vigilant, adhere to the law, and collaborate to ensure ongoing stability, peace, and the delivery of democratic benefits.

[Punch]

The Federal Government has said food items to be imported into the country in the next 150 days will be subjected to recommended retail price to bring down the high cost of food in Nigeria.

This came on a day the lawmaker representing Borno South senatorial district, Senator Ali Ndume, alleged that the food crisis in the country was further worsened by the fact that President Bola Tinubu was not accessible to be advised by lawmakers and even cabinet ministers.

Recall that the government a few days ago, suspended import duties and taxes on food items, such as rice and wheat, among others.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, who disclosed this on his X (formerly Twitter) handle yesterday, said having suspended duties and taxes on food items, the Federal Government will take a step further to subject items to be imported to what he described as the recommended retail price.

He also assured that the prices of food items in the country will crash in the next 180 days, and pleaded with Nigerians to be patient with the government.

The minister said: “Our administration has unveiled a series of strategic measures aimed at addressing the high food prices currently affecting our nation. These measures will be implemented over the next 180 days, including 150-day duty-free import window for food commodities
“It also includes suspension of duties, tariffs, and taxes for the importation of certain food commodities through land and sea borders. These commodities include maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas.

“Imported food commodities will be subjected to a Recommended Retail Price, RRP. We understand concerns about the quality of these imports, especially regarding their genetic composition.
‘’The government assures that all standards will be maintained to ensure the safety and quality of food items for consumption.

“The Federal Government will import 250,000 metric tons of wheat and 250,000 metric tons of maize. These semi-processed commodities will be supplied to small-scale processors and millers across the country.’’

The minister stated further: “There will also be engagement with relevant stakeholders to set a GMP and purchase surplus food commodities to re-stock the National Strategic Food Reserve; Ramp-up production for the 2024/2025 farming cycle

“Continued support to smallholder farmers during the ongoing wet season farming through existing government initiatives; strengthening and accelerating dry season farming nationwide.’’

The minister also explained that over the next 14 days, the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit, PFSCU, and the Economic Management Team, EMT, will, in collaboration, meet with respective agencies to finalize implementation frameworks for the new policy of making food cheaply available for Nigerians.

‘’We will ensure that information is publicly available to facilitate the participation of all relevant stakeholders across the country,’’ he added.

We can’t see President to advise him on food crisis —Ndume

Meanwhile, Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno. South, yesterday on a BBC Hausa Service interview, said the biggest problem confronting members of the National Assembly is the alleged closed-door policy of the government, where even some members of Tinubu’s cabinet cannot see the President, let alone lawmakers who intend to see him and discuss issues pertaining to their constituencies, including the food crisis.

Senator Ndume also warned that unless steps are taken against widespread hunger in the country, malnutrition will affect many in Nigeria, stressing that it has already affected children in the North-West.

The lawmaker, who noted that a UN report had warned that 82 million Nigerians would find themselves hungry without food in the next five years, said: “We are afraid that one day, a person may go to the market with money and be confronted with a situation where there won’t be food to buy.

“If hunger persists, it’s the children that suffer most, the children lack food for healthy growth. This is a situation you find in places where there is war or famine.

“We’ve seen how it happened in Niger and South Sudan where children have died. Now the situation is rearing its ugly head in Nigeria.”

He expressed worry that the previous government had food banks for emergency needs but lamented that such food banks are no more.

“This is a matter of serious concern and something should be done quickly about it,’’ Senator Ndume said.

When asked why he couldn’t meet the President and talk to him over such matters privately instead of talking to the media, he alleged that it was extremely difficult now as “even some ministers cannot see the President.”

[Vanguard]