Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has asked Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to allow Governor Simi Fubara of River State to work.

Wike, the immediate past governor of the oil rich River state, has been locked in  a battle with his successor over control of the state.

Governor Fubara’s administration had conducted local government election on Saturday under the Action People’s Party (APP) following the handover of the PDP structure to Wike who is also reportedly controlling the All Progressives Congress (APC) structure in the state.

The tension in Rivers increased after the Saturday’s LG election where APP swept the polls in the 22 of the 23 local governments.

Adding his voice to the issue on Monday, Chief Bode George asked President Tinubu to call his Minister to order and prevail on him to allow Governor Fubara to work.

In a statement, he said, “Now that people of Rivers State have boldly asserted their civic and constitutional rights by coming out to vote in the Local Government election on Saturday, this is the time for former governor of the state and now FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to allow Governor Siminalayi Fubara work and deliver dividend of democracy to the people.

“This is also the time for President Bola Tinubu to advise Wike, who is one of his ministers, to allow the governor to work.

“I say this with all sense of responsibility because if this democracy is truncated, God forbid, Tinubu, as the Commander-in-Chief, will be the biggest loser.

“All lovers of democracy will agree with me that political happenings in this oil-bearing state in the last few months, if allowed to continue, can lead to a re-enactment of the crisis in the defunct Western Region between 1962 and 1966 which eventually led to the first military coup of January 15, 1966. Many of our national figures were killed and events of that day led to a second coup on July 29, 1966 when scores of military officers were killed.

“Since history is no longer taught in our schools, I want to remind the gladiators in this Rivers crisis that the January and July 1966 killings eventually led to the civil war between July 6, 1967 and January 15, 1970. Close to two million Nigerians died in the war.”

George stated that happenings in River State call for concern.

“I am raising this alarm because what is happening in Rivers now is a cause for serious concern for everyone.

“My understanding of this man-made crisis is that there is a despotic, divisive, wicked and anti-people design to create a conflagration which may eventually consume our country.

“We all know the economic importance of Rivers to the survival of this nation. It is the gateway to the Niger Delta.

“Any threat to peace in this state will eventually lead to huge security implications, not only for Nigeria but West Africa and Africa. It is good to have political ambition, to be the alpha and omega in a partisan setting but this ambition must not be at variance with the expectations of the people.

“Some have said what is happening can be traced to 2027 elections’ calculations. I believe it is too early to start strategising for a partisan event which is still close to 28 months away.

“One thing is clear: Nyesom Wike was governor of the state for eight years. He left the Government House in May last year and today, he is the FCT Minister. Sir Peter Odili and Rotimi Amaechi were governors before him. Now that Governor Fubara is the Chief Executive of the state, he should be allowed to work. Nobody stays in office forever.

“By 2027, people of Rivers State will decide, through their votes, if they want him to return to office or not. This is how political issues and ambitions are handled in civilised climes. The way this partisan crisis is going, if not checked, may collapse our democracy. Now that council chairmen and councillors have been elected, I appeal to Nyesom Wike to please give peace a chance. Tinubu must also call Wike and tell him to allow the governor to work.

“We know Wike sponsored and supported Fubara to become governor but somebody also supported Wike to be governor from 2015 to 2023. Somebody also nominated him to serve as minister. God will always use somebody to help anybody but nobody is God.”

[DailyTrust]

The Rivers State Police Command have remained silent amid sudden violence that erupted at several local government council secretariats on Monday morning.

DAILY POST reports that suspected “political thugs” believed to be supporters of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, attacked the Obio/Akpor, Ikwerre, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Eleme, and Emohua local government council secretariats on Monday morning, barely 24 hours after Governor Sim Fubara swore in newly elected LG chairmen.

The attackers reportedly barricaded the council entrances and fired shots indiscriminately.

These actions are allegedly aimed at preventing the newly elected LG chairmen from resuming in their offices.

On Monday, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ordered the immediate withdrawal of Police personnel from the 23 Rivers State LG secretariats after over three months of deployment.

In Bori, Khana LGA, a gunfight broke out after armed men opened fire on members of a political party, leading to an exchange of fire between the attackers and the Police.

Reports also indicate that the Bori Police Division recovered the body of a civilian who was fatally shot during the confrontation.

In Eleme, arsonists set fire to the local council in an effort to prevent the newly elected chairman from taking office.

Similarly, heavy gunfire was reported in Obio/Akpor LGA, where assailants sought to disrupt the inauguration of councilors by the local government chairman.

Also, a viral video obtained by DAILY POST showed the Ikwerre LG secretariat engulfed in flames, while in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, plastic chairs were scattered at the secretariat’s entrance following further disruptions by the alleged political thugs.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that three people have been killed in the chaos across Obio/Akpor, Khana, and Ahoada East LGAs.

Despite numerous calls for action, the state police command has yet to comment on the situation or take decisive steps to restore order and security at the affected secretariats.

[DailyPost]

Rapper Reminisce has shared insights on maintaining healthy relationships in the entertainment industry.

In a recent interview with Naija FM, he emphasised the importance of setting boundaries and recognising that not everyone is a genuine friend.

Reminisce attributed his cautious approach to his early experiences with fame.

According to him, he learned the hard way that “nobody is my friend” in the industry, and this realisation helped him navigate complex relationships.

He explained that when it comes to humans, they can quickly turn against you if they’re not favoured, especially monetarily.

Reminisce advised aspiring artists to be aware of their surroundings by knowing who fits in their circle.

He stressed that not everyone around you wants you to succeed, and it’s essential to set clear boundaries to protect yourself and your interests.

Additionally, he cautioned against confusing these gestures, emphasizing that being kind and helpful doesn’t necessarily mean someone is a true friend.

He said: “Fame is a drug that gets one high and clouds judgment. One of the things I did in life earlier on was to realise that nobody is my friend.

“That’s probably why many people don’t like me, if someone has worked with me and you find out that we had issues, if you find out what happened, it would probably have been because I made my decision and stood by it. I have learned that at the end of the day, na me go suffer the consequences.

“You know that when it comes to humans, they turn you into an enemy if they aren’t favoured, especially monetarily. It took a while before I became famous and I even had a child beforehand, so the first thing I got to understand is that nobody is your friend, you can be kind and you can assist but the first mistake you can make in this music industry is thinking everyone is your friend. Nobody is your friend.

“We all want the same thing so there is no way you’d think everyone is your friend. It is very normal to have people around you when you’re hot and popping and it is your responsibility as a famous person to determine what you want. Not everyone around you wants you to succeed.”

[TheNation]

The National Working Committee of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has officially released the timetable for its zonal congresses set for 2025.

The congresses will facilitate the election of new Zonal Working Committees and National Ex-Officio members.

In a statement from Abuja on Monday, PDP spokesman Debo Ologunagba announced that the party’s National Executive Committee has greenlit the congresses. He noted that the NWC finalized the timetable during its 592nd meeting, coinciding with the end of the current tenures for Zonal Executives in the South-South, South-East, South-West, North-Central, and North-East zones.

The timetable details various key activities: “Sale of forms for all ZWC positions and National Ex-Officio roles in the South-South, South-East, South-West, North-Central, and North-East: Monday, November 18, 2024 – Wednesday, December 18, 2024.

“Deadline for submission of completed Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms to the Directorate of Organization and Mobilization: Friday, January 17, 2025.

“Screening of aspirants at the Zonal Headquarters: Saturday, January 25, 2025.

“Screening appeal at the Zonal Headquarters: Saturday, February 1, 2025.

“Publication of cleared aspirants: Wednesday, February 12, 2025. Publication of delegate lists: Thursday, February 13, 2025.

“The congress dates are Zonal Congresses for the North-East, South-East, and South-South: Saturday, February 22, 2025.

“Appeal on Zonal Congresses: Tuesday, February 25, 2025.

“Zonal Congresses for North-Central and South-West: Saturday, March 22, 2025. Appeal on Zonal Congresses: Wednesday, March 26, 2025.”

The PDP has invited all prospective aspirants to reach out to the Directorate of Organization and Mobilization or the Directorate of Finance at the National Secretariat for details regarding fees and other queries.

Ologunagba also called on all PDP leaders, stakeholders, and members to foster unity and work towards the party’s advancement.

[FRipplesNigeria]

Billionaire CEO Elon Musk has unveiled a new initiative that offers $47 to registered U.S. voters who refer others to sign a petition promoting free speech and the right to bear arms.

The programme specifically targets voters in key swing states, aiming to maximise political influence in the upcoming elections.

“For every person you refer who is a swing state voter, you get $47! Easy money,” Musk announced via X on Sunday.

The petition is hosted on the website of Musk’s America PAC, a political action committee that aims to gather 1 million signatures from voters in battleground states.

The PAC, backed by several tech entrepreneurs, was established to support former President Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential bid.

The petition emphasises the importance of protecting the First and Second Amendments of the U.S. Constitution. The First Amendment ensures freedoms of speech, religion, the press, and assembly, while the Second Amendment protects citizens’ right to bear arms.

Musk recently took to the stage at a Donald Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where he voiced his support for Trump’s campaign.

During his speech, Musk issued a stark warning, saying this could be “the last election” if Trump fails to secure victory. He also addressed claims that Democrats are allegedly planning to curtail Americans’ rights, including free speech and gun ownership.

Musk in another post added, “Sign our petition to support the Constitution! Also earn $47 for every person you refer to sign the petition if they’re in a swing state. Goal is to get 1M voters in swing states to show support for free speech & right to bear arms.”

[Punch]

PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has directed the police to provide security to Rivers State Local Government Officials and to restore and maintain peace, law, and order immediately.

While instructing law enforcement agencies to bring the situation under control, President Tinubu emphasised the need to ensure the security of public institutions.

The President in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said government facilities built with public funds must be safeguarded from vandalism.

He stressed that self-help has no place in a democratic system, especially after 25 years of continuous democracy.

According to President Tinubu, the judiciary can settle all political disputes, and the outcome of this election should be no exception.

The statement further stated that the “President called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara, political leaders and their supporters in Rivers State to exercise restraint and uphold the rule of law.

“In response to recent tensions following last Saturday’s local government council election, the President expressed deep concern over reports of arson and explosions in the state.

“He urged all political actors to de-escalate the situation and discourage their supporters from engaging in violence or destructive actions.”

Vanguard News

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign council in Edo says the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is yet to allow it from inspecting election materials used in the state governorship election.

The election was held on September 21.

Asue Ighodalo, governorship candidate of the PDP, is challenging the victory of Monday Okpebholo, Edo governor-elect.

Okpebholo, a serving senator, won the election with 291,667 votes to defeat Ighodalo who polled 247,274 votes.

In a post on X on Monday, Oseh Anenih, the campaign’s director of strategy, said his party was prevented from inspecting the materials when it visited INEC’s office.

“This morning they refused to comply with a court order mandating them to allow the PDP inspect BVAS machines used to steal the Election,” he posted.

“The Nigerian Police prevented the PDP legal team from accessing the Commission; then thugs magically appeared.”

INEC is colluding with the APC.

This morning they refused to comply with a court order mandating them to allow the PDP inspect BVAS machines used to steal the Election

The Nigerian Police prevented the PDP legal team from accessing the Commission; then thugs magically appeared. pic.twitter.com/OC8Kr15cPn

— Ose Anenih (@ose_anenih) October 7, 2024

Advertisement

 

TRIBUNAL ORDER

In an order dated September 29 and seen by TheCable, the Edo governorship election tribunal, said the PDP should have “unfettered access” to all electoral materials in its custody.

“That the 1st Respondent (INEC) is directed to grant the Applicants or their Solicitors and Forensic documents Examiners unfettered access to and open up for inspection all electoral documents or any document in the custody of the National Chief Elcctoral Commissioner or any officer of the Commission/ 1st Respondent particularly the Voter Registers, the ballot papers, the BVAS machines, Forms EC25B, EC 25B(i), Forms EC40A and Forms EC40C which were utilised for the conduct of the Edo state governorship election held on the 21st September, 2024,” W.I. Kpochi, the tribunal judge, held.

[TheCable]

“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” –Socrates.

One of the greatest preachers who ever lived, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, called the “prince of preachers,” loved to tell this story: It seems there was a Duke who once boarded a galley ship and went below to talk to the convicts manning the oars.

When he asked several of them what their crimes were, almost every man claimed that he was innocent, blaming someone else, or even accused the judge of taking a bribe.

There was one young man whose reply was different. He said. “I deserve to be here, sir. I stole some money. No one is at fault but me. I am guilty.”

Nigerian Airways

When the Duke heard this he shouted, “You scoundrel, you! What are you doing here among all these honest men? Get out of their company at once!” The Duke ordered the young prisoner to be released.

So, the young man was set free, while the rest of the prisoners were left to continue to tug at the oars. The key to his freedom was his admission of guilt.

In the last few weeks, I have “touchlighted”, the Nigerian Railways, the old NITEL, I am randomly picking on what was once the fabric of this truly great nation called Nigeria, and this time, I sadly am xraying what was equally known as the Nigerian Airways.

The story of Nigerian Airways! It’s a tale of ambition, progress, and unfortunately, ultimate decline.

Nigerian Airways didn’t simply emerge; it soared from the remnants of colonial influence, embodying a newly independent nation’s dreams. Born from the West African Airways Corporation (WAAC), a joint venture of British colonies, Nigeria seized its moment, taking majority control and eventually full ownership. This marked a significant step, not just in aviation, but in Nigeria asserting its autonomy on the world stage.

The 1960s and 70s were a time of rapid expansion, mirroring Nigeria’s own post-colonial growth. Nigerian Airways became a symbol of progress and modernity. Investment in new aircraft, the establishment of international routes connecting Lagos to major global cities, and a burgeoning workforce all testified to the airline’s ambition. It wasn’t just about transporting passengers; it was about connecting Nigeria to the world, facilitating trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.

This ambition was further fueled by the oil boom of the 1970s. Nigeria’s newfound wealth translated into the acquisition of state-of-the-art aircraft like the DC-10, a symbol of technological advancement. Nigerian Airways even had the distinction of operating the last DC-10 ever built, a testament to its prominence in the aviation world. The airline became a major player in African aviation, a source of national pride, and a key contributor to the continent’s growing interconnectedness.

Sadly, the narrative takes a somber turn. Despite its promising beginnings, Nigerian Airways became entangled in a web of mismanagement, corruption, and political interference. What were once symbols of progress – expansion and modernization – became burdens as the airline struggled to manage its growing fleet and complex operations.

Debt began to accumulate, and the airline found it increasingly difficult to maintain its aging aircraft. This led to a decline in service quality, with delays, cancellations, and safety concerns becoming more frequent. Competition from both established international airlines and emerging African carriers further exacerbated the situation.

The 1990s and early 2000s saw various attempts to salvage the airline. Restructuring plans, privatization efforts, and even rebranding exercises were implemented, but none could overcome the deep-rooted problems. The airline was ultimately grounded in 2003, weighed down by insurmountable debt and unable to compete in a rapidly changing aviation landscape.

Now in academic parlance let me give us a short comparative analysis, using two national carriers. The first RwandAir, the flag carrier of Rwanda, known for its relatively young age (founded in 2002) and impressive growth. It has become a symbol of Rwanda’s post-genocide resurgence and ambitions in the aviation sector. RwandAir’s main hub is the Kigali International Airport (KGL), a modern and growing airport that serves as a gateway to East Africa. RwandAir focuses on connecting East Africa to the rest of the world. It flies to over 25 destinations across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.

While operating a modern fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft, including A330s for long-haul routes and Boeing 737s for regional flights. It has built a reputation for its excellent customer service, having won awards for its cabin crew and overall passenger experience. It’s also committed to safety and has obtained the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification.

Like many African airlines, RwandAir faces challenges such as competition from larger carriers, infrastructure limitations, and the need for continued investment to support its growth. It is growing in leaps and bounds…

Meanwhile, the Ethiopian Airlines, a continental giant and flag carrier of Ethiopia and one of the largest and most successful airlines in Africa, has a long history, dating back to 1945. Her Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) major hub is a significant aviation center for the continent.

Ethiopian Airlines boasts an extensive network covering over 130 destinations across Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. It plays a crucial role in connecting Africa to the world. She operates a large and diverse fleet, including Boeing 787 Dreamliners, Airbus A350s, and Bombardier Q400s, allowing it to serve a variety of routes.

A Star Alliance Member, the world’s largest airline alliance, providing passengers with seamless connections and benefits. Ethiopian Airlines is known for its profitability and operational efficiency. It has consistently been ranked among the top airlines in Africa and has won numerous awards for its service and performance. Ethiopian Airlines plays a key role in promoting aviation development within Africa, with a vision to become the leading aviation group on the continent.

Let me not go into the botched story of the last Air Nigeria fraud, but simplistically put it this way, we have remained deaf, blind and dumb to the greatness that we possess. Like Ethiopian Airlines like Rwandair. Trust me these nations have very dynamic governance issues and it’s not all gold glittering but we as Nigerians are on a bad patch. Our consolation being that we would get there and then my question is get where and, really we think anyone is waiting for us to get there. When we either do not want to get there or we are afraid of there, and don’t even know there.

By 2030 Air Nigeria will still not be beyond the logo, that’s one airline that crashed without flying once. We will never know how much all the drama has cost us as a nation. Why did Virgin Atlantic leave Nigeria, what killed Bellview or Aero, why is Arik sick. Will Ibom and the humanitarian AirPeace stand the test. What’s Rwanda doing differently that we need to copy?

When all our leaders are saints, and no one is guilty of any infraction, no one is sorry for the mess Nigeria currently is, we will remain far from redemption, let the blame game continue; May Nigeria win…when—Only time will tell

—

Prince Charles Dickson PhD

As Nigeria continues to grapple with the ripple effects of economic mismanagement, inflation, and rising poverty, all eyes are now on President Bola Tinubu’s expected cabinet reshuffle. Speculation is widespread that his administration is poised to make critical decisions, potentially rejigging his cabinet, unarguably for a more result-oriented performance. This move offers a unique opportunity for the president to demonstrate his commitment to Nigeria’s economic revival. However, if this reshuffle follows the same path of patronage-based appointments that prioritize political loyalty over merit, it will signal that this government has chosen to sideline competence in favor of vested interests. Tinubu’s legacy as a leader determined to restore Nigeria’s economic glory hinges on his ability to rise above the narrow confines of patronage politics.

In the face of deep economic challenges, the time has come for President Tinubu to make bold choices that prioritize expertise, knowledge, and proven leadership over political loyalties. These decisions should be aimed not just at improving Nigeria’s economic landscape but also at strengthening his political stature and legacy. If the president can successfully steer the country through these turbulent times by appointing individuals who are well-equipped to navigate Nigeria’s complex socio-economic realities, he will earn the respect of not just his political base but the wider Nigerian population and international observers alike.

The reason for the foregoing view cannot be farfetched as Nigeria has long been mired in a political culture where appointments are made based on loyalty rather than competence. This has led to the emergence of a bureaucratic elite, often out of touch with the struggles of ordinary Nigerians. While it is tempting for any leader to reward loyal supporters with positions of power, such appointments often come at the expense of national progress. Patronage-based appointments have been at the heart of Nigeria’s governance problem, contributing to a cycle of inefficiency, corruption, and economic stagnation. Political appointees focused on advancing personal or group interests often lack the foresight, skill, or will to tackle the country’s mounting problems head-on.

President Tinubu, a seasoned politician, must recognize that this cycle is not only unsustainable but also dangerous for Nigeria’s future. The country is in dire need of reforms, especially in key sectors like power, education, healthcare, and infrastructure. These reforms require skilled technocrats with the vision and expertise to implement long-term, sustainable policies, not political loyalists with little experience or knowledge of governance.

Nigeria is currently dealing with a myriad of economic challenges that cannot be addressed by mere political calculations. Inflation is eroding the purchasing power of the average Nigerian, food insecurity is on the rise, unemployment is at an all-time high, and foreign investment is dwindling. These are not problems that can be solved by political rhetoric; they demand innovative solutions grounded in sound economic policies and the ability to execute them effectively.

For Tinubu, who campaigned on promises of economic reform and transformation, the time to make good on those promises is now. If he reshuffles his cabinet based on competence and merit, the positive effects on the economy could be immediate. For instance, appointing a seasoned economist with a track record of success to the Ministry of Finance could help stabilize the economy, build investor confidence, and guide Nigeria through its debt restructuring. Similarly, bringing in professionals with vast experience in energy could help address Nigeria’s long-standing power generation problems, which continue to stifle industrial growth and development.

Appointing qualified and competent individuals is not just an economic necessity, it is a political strategy that could enhance Tinubu’s standing both within Nigeria and internationally. By doing so, Tinubu will demonstrate that his government is serious about fixing the economy and addressing the concerns of ordinary Nigerians, thereby gaining widespread support from across the political spectrum.

Beyond economic benefits, a cabinet reshuffle based on merit could help foster national unity in a country often divided along ethnic, regional, and religious lines. By moving away from appointments that cater to specific political factions or ethnic groups, Tinubu can send a powerful message that his administration is focused on governing for all Nigerians, not just a privileged few. This is crucial for nation-building, especially in a country as diverse and complex as Nigeria.

Tinubu’s government has a rare opportunity to bridge the nation’s divides by appointing individuals from across different backgrounds based on their competence and contribution to national development. This approach would not only build trust between the government and the governed but also lay the foundation for a more inclusive political culture.

In the long run, Tinubu’s political legacy will be shaped by the decisions he makes now. If his administration can deliver tangible results by surrounding itself with capable, knowledgeable, and experienced individuals, his name will be remembered as a leader who rose above the politics of patronage to deliver for the Nigerian people. On the other hand, if the reshuffle follows the same path of political patronage that has plagued past administrations, his government risks being remembered as one that squandered an opportunity for meaningful change.

The stakes are high, and Tinubu must choose wisely. He must understand that in the context of Nigeria’s current economic crisis, appointing the wrong individuals to key positions could result in further hardship for the Nigerian people, increased disillusionment with his administration, and political fallout that could jeopardize his broader reform agenda. However, by making appointments based on merit, he stands a better chance of not only revitalizing the economy but also positioning himself as a statesman who put the country first.

Tinubu’s political capital will not grow simply by rewarding loyalists. On the contrary, the only way to enrich his political stature is to show that his leadership transcends the narrow interests of his political allies. A leader who demonstrates a commitment to the collective welfare of the nation will always enjoy broader support, even from opposition quarters. If Tinubu can usher in a new era of merit-based appointments, his administration will earn the respect of Nigerians and the international community, thus boosting his credibility and giving him the political leverage needed to implement even more

By surrounding himself with technocrats and experts, Tinubu can also send a message that his government values competence, professionalism, and efficiency. This would go a long way in restoring the faith of the Nigerian people in their leadership and could even inspire future leaders to follow the same path of prioritizing merit over patronage.

As the Tinubu-led administration prepares for a cabinet reshuffle, the president faces a critical choice: continue the tradition of political patronage, or break from the past and embrace a merit-based approach to appointments. Nigeria’s economy, political stability, and future prosperity hinge on this decision. By appointing qualified, experienced, and capable individuals to key positions, Tinubu can revitalize the nation’s economy, foster national unity, and secure his political legacy as a leader who rose above the politics of patronage for the betterment of Nigeria.

For the sake of Nigeria’s future and his own political survival, President Tinubu must make the right choice. The country can no longer afford appointments driven by political loyalty over merit. The time has come for a new era of governance, one where competence, professionalism, and national interest take precedence over all else.