Nigeria’s Presidency has termed the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi as a man reeling in what it called “grand self delusion” to think that he won the 2023 presidential election. The Presidency emphasised that it is a grand delusion that made Peter Obi to believe that “he could have won a national election where he ran the most hateful, divisive and polarising campaign that pitched Christians against Muslims and one ethnic against another.” A statement today, November 6, reacting to Peter Obi’s earlier world Press conference where he lampooned the Supreme Court on its verdict in the election, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga said: “we are at a loss as to how the copy-cat Obi and his faction of Labour Party convinced themselves they won an election in which they came a distant third.” He took Peter Obi to the cleaner for casting aspersions on the Supreme Court and the Independent National Electoral Commission for not declaring him the winner of the February 25, 2023 election. “The grand delusion that made Mr. Obi believe he could have won a national election where he ran the most hateful, divisive and polarising campaign that pitched Christians against Muslims and one ethnic group against the other in a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society like Nigeria should be a matter for deeper examination. “At the press conference where he tried, in vain, to gaslight Nigerians with false claims and innuendos, Mr. Obi contradicted himself. “Here was a beneficiary of judicial pronouncements in the past now castigating the same court because its judgment did not go his way. “Mr. Obi claimed the Supreme Court justices didn’t consider public opinion in delivering what has been applauded as a most profound judgement in an election appeal where the Labour Party candidate presented the most watery and unreasonable petition before any court in the history of electoral cases in Nigeria. “He made false allegations of rigging and other electoral malpractices yet could not produce any evidence to back up his claims at both the court of first instance and at the apex court. “In a failed effort to mobilise and retain the support of his supporters, Obi gave them a forlorn hope that he won the election and would prove it before the courts. “Throughout the trial, his lawyers didn’t present any alternative results different from the results INEC uploaded on the IReV portal and the ones signed by all party agents from the 176,000 polling units.” Onanuga wondered how the Labour Party candidate expected the courts to do justice on the basis of rumours, lies and false narratives by sponsored partisans and fanatical members of his Obidient Movement. He said that the Supreme Court or any other court does not give judgment based on public opinion and mob sentiments, adding that Judicial pronouncements are based on evidence, precedents and the rule of law. “Having admitted that the Supreme Court ruling brought an end to litigation and any challenge to the bona-fide of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the validly elected leader of Nigeria and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Obi should have congratulated President Tinubu for his victory and pledge his support, in the spirit of statesmanship. “But instead, he brought up extraneous matters that he thought the apex court should have considered to declare him the winner. “In our view, the drowning Obi, just like Atiku, was merely attempting to hold on to a straw in raking up new allegations, which exist only in his imagination and that of his hordes of supporters. “Our admonition to Mr. Peter Obi is to find another worthwhile vocation to engage his time henceforth, having been rejected by majority of Nigerians who didn’t consider him qualified to lead our country. “Nigerians rejected Peter Obi and his demagoguery at the poll because he posed present and future danger to the peace, progress and stability of our country. “Obi’s antecedents as Governor of Anambra for eight years didn’t inspire any confidence as someone capable of running a country like Nigeria. No tangible records of achievement in the state he governed recommended him for the Presidency of Nigeria.” The Presidential spokesman said that if Peter Obi truly believes in Nigeria, the time to prove it is now when all men and women of goodwill are rallying support for President Tinubu in his determination to lead a new era of prosperity, inclusive governance and economic growth in Nigeria. He however, welcomed Obi and his party to play the role of the opposition and start preparing for another shot at the presidency in 2027 and hoped that by then, he would campaign on issues and not whip up religious and ethnic sentiments as he did in the last campaign.
The ongoing construction of the $5 billion Train -7 project being undertaken by the Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) at Finima, Bonny Island, Rivers State, has reached 52 percent and currently engages 8,300 Nigerians of diverse skills. These facts emerged on Friday as the Management of the Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas Limited (NLNGL), led by its Managing Director, Dr. Philip Mshelbila held an engagement session with the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote at the gas company’s operational base at Finima, Bonny Island. A statement from the NCDBM today, November 6, said that the high-level engagement was part of the three-day Nigerian Content Stakeholders Retreat. It said that the forum provided a platform for the two oil and gas industry leaders to sign an agreement on the Oil and Gas E-Market Place. The agreement will see the roll out of tender opportunities from the Nigeria LNG Ltd on the E-Market electronic platform, thereby implementing a key provision of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act. The statement said that Section 106 of the NOGICD Act defines the “Oil and Gas E-Market Place” as a virtual platform for buyers and sellers of goods and services in the oil and gas industry that allows for speedy and transparent transactions.” It quoted the NLNG boss, Mshelbila, as saying that the relationship between his organization and the NCDMB has been conscientiously nurtured over the years, with both parties striving ceaselessly to fulfil statutory obligations. ‘We recognise the role of the regulator and are happy you recognise that of the operator and the need for regular engagement.” He acknowledged the crucial role played by the Board in the take-off of the Train-7 project and assured of the company’s resolve to stretch its local content practice beyond mere compliance with the provisions of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act. He said the company was committed to engaging in initiatives that would boost in-country productivity and economic diversification. “We cannot have a better Nigeria unless we develop the capacities of Nigerians,” he stated, restating the vision of his company to be “a globally competitive LNG company, helping to build a better Nigeria.” He bemoaned the difficulties the company is facing in getting adequate gas supply and the resultant under-production by its six plants to below 50 percent of their total installed capacity. He remarked that feed gas to the NLNG plants comes mainly from some its joint ventures (JV) partners, including, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) Limited, Total Energies and Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC), but their supply pipelines suffer recurrent vandalism, coupled with facility failure and low production from aging wells, resulting in serious disruption of supplies. The Nigeria LNG, he explained, was exploring several options to mitigate the challenge, including partnering with critical security agencies to curtail vandalism on the pipelines and working with their JV partners to increase their gas production. He added that the Nigeria LNG Board of Directors had also approved for the company to procure gas from other international and indigenous gas producers in the country, with the goal of enhancing the performance of Trains 1-6. Mshelbila expressed deep concerns that deepwater gas projects that would provide feed gas for the upcoming Train-7 and other future expansions had not been commenced by the international oil and gas companies (IOCs), despite the significant progress made in the construction of the Train-7 plant. This situation, he said, could lead to the completion of the plant without gas being available for it to liquify. He solicited the Board’s support for the development of the deepwater gas projects, which are critical to keep Trains 1-6 full and provide gas for Train 7 and future expansion plans. Responding, the Executive Secretary affirmed that the E-Marketplace will be a game-changer, which will enhance the Service Level Agreement (SLA) guiding the relationship between two organisations. He noted that the Board decided to start with NLNG because the company’s record of excellence. He added that the intention of the E-Marketplace is to increase transparency in the tender process, “remove human interference in business processes, move things electronically and achieve better results”. He described the Final Investment Decision (FID) and other critical steps that were taken for the Train-7 project taken at the height of COVID-19 as a proof of stakeholders’ enthusiasm for the project. He expressed concern over the challenges of inadequacy of gas supply and promised to support the company along the lines of approving third party gas injectors and sanctioning new deepwater gas projects. He added that most of the marginal operators have also found gas but part of their challenge is where to send the gas. He lauded the NLNG for its remarkable success, recalling that at the initial phases of the company’s take-off the Management level had 90 per cent expatriates and 10 per cent Nigerians. “However, the table has now turned the other way, with the entire Management now consisting of Nigerians.” On milestones achieved by the foremost gas company since inception, its General Manager, Production, Engr. Nnamdi Anowi, said that NLNG has as its core areas of operation – Liquefaction, Transmission, Transportation, Marketing and sales. He disclosed that over 5,770 LNG cargoes have been delivered as of September 2023 and over 500,000 tons of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) produced and sold to markets overseas and in Nigeria.
Jazimine Okafor, daughter of a popular Nollywood actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Ibu, has confirmed that her father’s leg has been amputated. In a statement shared via Instagram today, November 6, Jazimine wrote: “Good afternoon, Nigerians. We want to appreciate everyone who has come through for our dad, saying we are grateful is an understatement and only the good Lord can thank you all enough for every help you’ve rendered. “As of 1 pm, noon today, Daddy has gone through 7 successful surgeries but to keep him alive and increase his chances of recovery, one of his legs had to be amputated. This development has been hard on us all but we’ve had to accept it as Daddy’s new reality to keep him alive. “Please we are still soliciting for support from well-meaning Nigerians as this stage Daddy is still one very delicate one and he needs all the help he can get. “Thank you, everyone, the Okafor family is grateful and we don’t take you for granted. In due time Daddy will personally acknowledge everyone who supported during this period as soon as he’s stable!” On October 31, Ibu’s family expressed gratitude to God and the general public for their support and encouragement, while disclosing that he recovering in an intensive care unit (ICU) after undergoing five successful surgeries. The movie star celebrated his 63rd birthday in an undisclosed hospital in Lagos on October 17. He said in a video posted on Instagram on Wednesday that he needed financial support so his leg would not be amputated. On October 21, it was reported that the Bukola Saraki Foundation had paid the medical bills of ailing actor. This happened after Ibu’s wife, Stella Maris put up a video, claiming that the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) lied about helping her husband. The statement was immediately debunked by the guild’s director of communications, Kate Henshaw who insisted that the guild has been supporting Ibu.
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 Presidential Election, Peter Obi has put a big question mark on the final verdict passed by the Supreme Court on the 2023 Presidential election, affirming the election of Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as President of the country. At a world Press conference he addressed today, November 6, days after the judgement, Peter Obi said that the Supreme court judgement ha dampened citizens’ trust in the judiciary. The LP candidate insisted that the.judgment amounts to a total breach of the confidence the Nigerian people have in the judiciary. “Without equivocation, this judgment amounts to a total breach of the confidence the Nigerian people have in our judiciary. To that extent, it is a show of unreasonable force against the very Nigerian people from whom the power of the Constitution derives. “This Supreme Court ruling may represent the state of the law in 2023 but not the present demand for substantive justice. The judgment mixed principles and precepts. Indeed, the rationale and premise of the Supreme Court judgment, have become clearer in the light of the deep revealing and troubling valedictory remarks by Hon. Justice Musa Dattijo Muhammad, (JSC) on Friday 27th October 2023.” Peter Obi, who is former Governor of Anambra state said that Nigerians are disappointed in Supreme Court but that despite the verdict, the quest for a new Nigeria has not ended. “This is Not the End. Where the value and import of the recent Supreme Court ruling ends is where our commitment to a New Nigeria begins. Our mission and mandate remain unchanged. From the very onset, our mission has been more about enthroning a new Nigeria. “It is a new nation where things work, where the country is led from its present waste and consumption orientation to a production-driven economy. Our commitment is to a nation anchored on the principles of prudent management of resources to quickly pull millions out of multidimensional poverty, ensuring transparency and accountability in the equitable distribution of opportunities, resources, and privileges. “In the new Nigeria, we aim to address all unmet needs by showing compassion for all those left behind by the present system.” Full text of Obi’s Remarks titled: “From Courtrooms to National Conscience: Our Democracy is the Victim” is reproduced below: 1. Fellow countrymen and women. Gentlemen of the Media, Good day and welcome to this press conference.Kindly permit me to make some brief remarks on the recent ruling of the Supreme Court, the highest court in Nigeria. About a fortnight ago, I was traveling abroad on a prior scheduled engagement when I received the notice that the Supreme Court would give judgment on Thursday 26th October 2023 on our challenge of the ruling of the Presidential Election Petitions Court (PEPC). That judgment has since been delivered as scheduled. The leadership of the Labour Party has already pronounced its position on the judgment. As someone who has previously benefited from the rulings of the Supreme Court on electoral matters, I have, after a period of deep and sober reflection, decided to personally and formally react to the recent judgment as most Nigerians have. Because we are confronted with very weighty issues of national interest, I will speak forthrightly. As students young lads at CKC, Onitsha, we were taught values and admonished to always; “choose the harder right, instead of the easier wrong.” Setting legal issues aside, the Supreme Court exhibited a disturbing aversion to public opinion just as it abandoned its responsibility as a court of law and policy. It is, therefore, with great dismay that I observe that the Court’s decision contradicts the overwhelming evidence of election rigging, false claim of a technical glitch, substantial non-compliance with rules set by INEC itself as well as matters of perjury, identity theft, and forgery that have been brought to light in the course of this election matter. These were hefty allegations that should not to be treated with levity. More appalling, the Supreme Court judgment willfully condoned breaches of the Constitution relative to established qualifications and parameters for candidates in presidential elections. With this counter – intuitive judgment, the Supreme Court has transferred a heavy moral burden from the courtrooms to our national conscience. Our young democracy is ultimately the main victim and casualty of the courtroom drama. Without equivocation, this judgment amounts to a total breach of the confidence the Nigerian people have in our judiciary. To that extent, it is a show of unreasonable force against the very Nigerian people from whom the power of the Constitution derives. This Supreme Court ruling may represent the state of the law in 2023 but not the present demand for substantive justice. “The judgment mixed principles and precepts. Indeed, the rationale and premise of the Supreme Court judgment, have become clearer in the light of the deep revealing and troubling valedictory remarks by Hon. Justice Musa Dattijo Muhammad, (JSC) on Friday 27th October 2023. In disagreeing very strongly with the ruling of both the Presidential Petitions Court (PEPC) and the Supreme Court on the outcome of the 25th February 2023 Presidential election as declared by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as democrats who believe in the rule of law, we recognize that the Supreme Court is the end stage of the quest for legal closure to the matter. As a party and as candidates, Datti and I have now exhausted all legal and constitutional remedies available to us. However, this end is only another beginning in our quest for the vindication of the hope of the common man for a better country. After all, sovereignty belongs to the people! If only for historical purposes, it behooves us to place our disagreement with and deep reservations about this judgment on public record. We have long been aware of how weak national institutions have negatively affected our democracy. This year 2023 has been quite remarkable and revealing. INEC has displayed incompetence in the conduct of its statutory duty. The judiciary has largely acted in defiance of constitutional tenets, precedents, and established ground rules. Political expediency has preceded judicial responsibility. A mechanical application of technicalities has superseded the pursuit of justice and fairness. Both INEC and the Supreme Court as the referees, respectively shifted the goalposts in the middle of the game. Where the value and import of the recent Supreme Court ruling ends is where our commitment to a New Nigeria begins. Our mission and mandate remain unchanged. From the very onset, our mission has been more about enthroning a new Nigeria. It is a new nation where things work, where the country is led from its present waste and consumption orientation to a production-driven economy. Our commitment is to a nation anchored on the principles of prudent management of resources to quickly pull millions out of multidimensional poverty, ensuring transparency and accountability in the equitable distribution of opportunities, resources, and privileges. In the new Nigeria, we aim to address all unmet needs by showing compassion for all those left behind by the present system. Going forward, we in the Labour Party and the Obidient Movement are now effectively in opposition. We are glad that the nation has heard us loud and clear. We shall now expand the confines of our message of hope to the rest of the country. We shall meet the people in the places where they feel pain and answer their needs for hope. At marketplaces, motor parks, town halls, board rooms, and university and college campuses, we all carry and deliver the message of a new Nigeria. As stake holders and elected Labour Party officials, we shall remain loyal to our manifesto. We will continue to canvas for good governance and focus on issues that promote national interest, unity, and cohesion. We will continue to give primacy to our Constitution, the rule of law, and the protection of ordered liberties. We will offer the checks and balances required in a functional democracy and vie robustly in forthcoming elections to elect those who share our vision of a new Nigeria. Given our present national circumstances, there is a compelling need for a strong political opposition. We shall, therefore, remain in opposition, especially because of the policies and the governance modalities that we in the Labour Party campaigned for, especially reducing the cost of governance, moving the nation from consumption to production, reducing inflation, ending insecurity, promoting the rule of law, guaranteeing the responsibility to protect, and stabilizing the Nigerian currency; are clearly not the priorities of the present administration nor is it interested in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). If there is one thing that has immensely gladdened my heart in the course of the struggle of the past 18 months, it is the passionate desire of our people, especially our young people from across ethnic and religious divides, to construct a new and restructured Nigeria that will work for all Nigerians. That goal remains my guiding light and abiding inspiration. Finally, I thank all Nigerians who believed in what is now only a revolution postponed. We deeply appreciate the unalloyed non-partisan moral support millions of youth and ordinary Nigerians across ethnic, religious, and geopolitical divides have continued to give to Dr. Datti Baba-Ahmed and me. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Nigerians who have supported this mission from the onset. We salute the leadership and members of the Labour Party, the Obidient Movement, the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Council, Nigerians in the Diaspora, Support Groups, and all people of goodwill who worked diligently and hoped for the realization of the beginnings of a New Nigeria in this election cycle. Nigerians who supported our cause have done so out of patriotism and their sincere conviction that our nation requires and deserves dedicated and visionary leaders who will lead Nigeria toward a brighter future. The energy and dedication of Nigerian Youths and the Obedient Movement have been simply amazing. I appreciate and salute them! I want to assure them that this is not the end of our journey; but in fact, the beginning. Nigeria heard you. The world has taken note and will not forget so easily. We shall endure, persist, until we get to our destination because a new Nigeria is our destination. A destination not an event. We thank, in a special way, our legal team. We also thank our elder States-Men, whose wise counsel were immeasurable To them, we wish to state unequivocally that this judicial outcome – an obvious misrepresentation of substantial justice – has by no means foreclosed the realization of a new Nigeria that is Possible. On a personal note, I take personal pride and express gratitude to those who share our vision; and who have also exhibited rare courage to challenge the nefarious system, the genuineness of individuals’ identities and their defining and qualifying particulars up to the highest extent allowed by law. Nigeria holds out hope of infinite possibilities leading to our desirable greatness. I remain consistent in my belief in the possibility of a new Nigeria built on character competence, capacity, compassion, integrity, and respect for the rule of law based on justice and fairness. God bless us all. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Mr. Peter Gregory Obi, CON Presidential Candidate of Labour Party.
Members of the Igbo Community Association (ICA) in Kogi State have pledged 100 percent block votes for the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Usman Ahmed Ododo in the next Saturday, November 11 Governship election in the State. The group assured the State Governor, Yahaya Bello, of an unflinching support for his administration as the November poll approaches. The Igbo community, at a meeting with Governor Bello and Ododo, during the weekend, gave assurance that with their total votes, Ododo will emerge the next Governor of the State. Speaking on behalf of the people of South East extraction, who are residents in Kogi State, the coordinator of Igbo Groups Backing Ododo (IGBO), Moses Okezie-Okafor, expressed gratitude for the Yahaya Bello Administration’s consistent friendship to the Igbo community, even as he highlighted the great achievements of the administration. Okezie-Okafor confirmed that he has served for over seven years in the Kogi State Executive Council, courtesy of Governor Yahaya Bello’s merit-based leadership, adding Ndigbo in Kogi State are partakers in the achievements of the Yahaya Bello’s government. The leader, who is a lawyer and hailed from Anambra State, expressed gratitude to Governor Yahaya Bello that for extending development to cover all sectors and constituencies in the state, especially education, infrastructure and healthcare. According to him, the APC’s candidate’s slogan of ‘Continuity and Consolidation’ is founded on solid realities as he asked his people to vote to sustain the same. The President of the ICA in Lokoja, Chief Sunday Nwachukwu, who doubles as the Leader of the Delegation, confirmed that the Igbo Community is a witness to the government’s great efforts in good governance across the state. He expressed the group’s appreciation to the Governor.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Chief Heineken Lokpobiri has threatened to hold the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) accountable if there is failure in the completion of the nation’s refineries on the dates that have been fixed.
Speaking to newsmen at the Presidential villa in Abuja, the minister said that the good thing is that it’s the NNPCL itself that fixed the dates for the completion of the rehabilitations.
Lokpobiri said: “Yes, the rehabilitation of the refineries if you could remember, was started by the previous administration and as part of the President’s directive, I have gone round all the refineries and from what they have briefed me, Port Harcourt has three phases, so Phase 1 will be ready by the end of this year. I am not the one who is directly in charge of rehabilitation. It is the NNPCL and they have told me and I am holding them accountable.
“For Warri refinery, they said Phase 1 will be ready by the end of the year. Phase 2 and 3 in Port Harcourt will be ready next year and the whole of Kaduna refinery will be ready by the end of next year. That is what they said and I am holding them accountable to their own words.
“I will be going there in the next few weeks, I go there regularly and sometimes without schedule so that nobody plans for me. I just appear to see what is going on.
“I believe that those refineries if we are able to achieve some level of rehabilitation by the end of this year it will also improve our domestic refining capacity. But that is not even the problem, Dangote refinery too is coming.
“We have a lot of modular refineries that we have given licenses but the challenge has been the feed stock. Even if you have the modular refinery do you have the crude to be able to refine?
“That is why I said unless we produce sufficient quantity, even if the refineries are rehabilitated there will be no feedstock. So my challenge is to ramp up production so that we can see how we can feed not only the big refineries but also the modular refineries, these are the real employers of Labour and they will do the magic.
“What I have done is to also liberalise the process to acquire licenses. Before I came they said sometimes it take so long to acquire licenses, so I said I don’t want to know your face provided the requirements are met, bring to me I will sign within 24 hours and I have signed them.
“I have also said I don’t want to give people licenses and they use it as souvenirs, if you are given a license you must use it within the terms or else I will cancel it. Just like I didn’t know you before signing the license, I will also cancel without blinking an eye.”
The NNPCL has been tasked with rehabilitating three refineries in the country to reduce fuel scarcity and increase dependence on natural gas.
Despite spending over $25 billion on fixing the refineries in the past 10 years, they were producing at less than 30 percent capacity, according to a report by the 9th National Assembly.
The report had called for a forensic audit of the matter and recommended that the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries be rehabilitated, and that the Kaduna refinery should also be subject to such treatment.
The Senate has constituted an ad-hoc committee to investigate the NNPCL over the N11.35 trillion spent on the Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) of the refineries. The committee was meant to interrogate the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), NNPCL, and the Bureau of Public Enterprises on the best approach to commercializing and ensuring profitability of the state-owned refineries.
A 44-year-old Nigerian man, identified as Olanrewaju Kolawole, and his wife have disagreed over DNA test results that revealed that none of his four children was his biological child. The man, who hails from Ikire in Osun State and his wife, Mrs. Tella Toyin, shared four kids together: namely Ayomide, 16, Sarah, 12, and two other children aged 8 and 5 years, respectively. However, the case of paternity fraud was revealed when the couple appeared on the popular radio show: ‘Kokoro Alate’, on Agidigbo FM, Ibadan, anchored by Oriyomi Hamzat. After the initial DNA test on the first child, which revealed that the child doesn’t belong to him, Kolawole claimed to have subsequently carried out tests on the remaining three children, all returning negative results. “I want Nigerians to come to my rescue because I must not suffer this in vain. I married Toyin in 2007 and gave birth to four children. “She gave birth to four children, but none of them belongs to me after findings from a DNA test.” When asked why he decided to conduct the test in the first place, he said he made the decision to carry out the tests on his children after noticing some promiscuous moves from his wife. The DNA test was conducted at the DDC DNA Diagnostic Center in Osogbo. Reacting to the development, Mrs. Tella Toyin disagreed with the results, saying that she was not there when they took the sample and didn’t know which samples were taken. “I don’t accept the result. I don’t accept it because I was not there when they took samples, and I don’t know which sample they took, so I don’t accept it. “I can’t accept it because I know how I conceived those children.” It was reported that the couple, who got married in 2007, are members of their church choir group in the Ikoyi area of Osun State.
Since the emergence of Senator Godswill Akpabio as the President of the Senate and Chairman of the National Assembly, the nation has seen a commendable improvement in the relationship between the National Assembly and the Executive led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In the past, the relations between these two critical arms of government have been characterized by unbridled tensions, gross misunderstanding, bad blood, aggravated rancour and undue mistrust. At the inception of this political dispensation in 1999, the relationship between the National Assembly and the Executive led by President Olusegun Obasanjo was largely adversarial. The overbearing nature of President Obasanjo and the propensity to meddle in the internal affairs of the national legislature at that early stage brought the National Assembly and the Executive into collision. This was the foundation of the crisis of confidence that followed and the subsequent instability in the leadership of the National Assembly. Within this period, the attrition rate in the leadership of the National Assembly, arising from externally induced impeachments, was very high and embarrassing. It got so bad that under an eight year period, between 1999 and 2007, the Senate witnessed a turn-over of five Senate Presidents. The House of Representatives was similarly not spared in the leadership crises where a serving Speaker was forced to resign. The National Assembly, in subsequent years did not fully recover from the seeds of discords and instability that were sown at the beginning. Under Presidents Umar Musa Yar`Adua and Goodluck Jonathan, there were some little improvements in the relationship between the Assembly and the Executive. However, it was not totally free of frictions and rancour. At different times, both Presidents were threatened with impeachments over the issue of budget implementation. In the first four years of the immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari, the relationship between the Executive and the National Assembly under the leadership of Senator Bukola Saraki was anything but cordial. It was, at most, cantankerous and adversarial. No meaningful social and economic development could be achieved by the Buhari administration as a result of the fractured relationship that existed between the National Assembly and the Executive at that time. The second coming of Buhari saw to the emergence of a pliant and subservient National Assembly leadership that was too beholden to the whims and caprices of the Executive. It could, therefore, not maintain the balance in government which was expected of it. Today, the story is different under the charismatic leadership of Senator Akpabio, popularly known as the uncommon transformative leader. He has developed a close and cordial relationship with the Executive arm of government without compromising the independence of the National Assembly. He carries himself with admirable respect and uncommon dignity. He is ready to support policy proposals and initiatives once they are in the best interest of the nation. The growing rapprochement between Akpabio and Tinubu is already yielding positive results for the nation as evidenced in the functional and speedy take off of key national institutions following the legislative backing of the National Assembly. The nominees of President Tinubu to the headship of critical institutions like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and other offences Commission (ICPC) and Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) have been successfully screened and passed. We also saw the mature and professional manner the Senate, under Akpabio, handled the screening and confirmation of Ministerial nominees. In spite of what critics may say to the contrary, the Senate showed diligence and thoroughness in the exercise. We did not see a situation of garbage in and garbage out. Some of the nominees could not scale through in spite of partisan pressures that were brought to bear on the Senate. This shows that the 10th Senate under Akpabio is not a rubber stamp. It is a Senate that is driven by a higher desire to serve the best interest of the nation. Akpabio`s dynamism and his strategic partnership with President Tinubu is also opening new vistas of opportunities for our nation on the international stage. Just last week, he led the Nigerian parliamentary delegation to the 147th session of the Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU) General Assembly which took place in Luanda, the Angolan capital. The IPU is the global organization of national parliaments founded in 1889, and dedicated to promoting peace through parliamentary diplomacy and dialogue. After a successful participation, he was elected as a Member of the Executive Committee of the global parliamentary body. By that election, he has broken a 59 year-old jinx in the history of Nigeria`s involvement in the leadership of IPU. The last time a Nigerian held such a ranking position in IPU was in 1964. This is historic and highly commendable. The feat, however, could not have been achieved without the strategic Tinubu-Akpabio partnership which is working for the common good of our country. Speaking on the essence of his election into the governing body of the IPU, Akpabio highlighted the benefits that would accrue to the nation: “A lot of employment opportunities will be created. A lot of offices will be opened. Sub-national offices will be opened and a lot of children who wish to be diplomats will have the opportunity of working there and it will also attract foreign direct investments in the area of training and retraining and capacity building not just for the legislators but for people who are in different fields. It’s quite a lot actually. The benefits are enormous. We thank God.” The Senate President rightly dedicated his victory to President Tinubu, noting that the Nigerian delegation was consulting and briefing him on what was going on. He stated: “There were very critical decisions we had to make sure that he was involved as the President of the country because that was an international body. You can’t take a wrong step.” The Tinubu-Akpabio partnership is a political model that deserves celebration. As a former Senator himself, Tinubu obviously understands the dynamics and configurations of power in the National Assembly. With the pragmatism of Akpabio, the combination will definitely deliver inclusive development to the nation. Dr. Nwosu, a political analyst, wrote in from Abuja.
Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II has expressed concern over the current inflation rate in the country. Sanusi, who led a team of Impact Investing Community (IIC) on an official visit to the new apex Bank Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, asked the new leadership of the bank to work persistently at driving down the rate. Sanusi II, who was the 14th Emir of Kano and is currently the Khalifa of the Tijaniyyah Sufi order of Nigeria and the neighbouring countries, said that addressing the high information rate will severely impact the wealth of individuals. He said that many people often “do not know the impact of a Central Bank’s works until a Central Bank fails.” The former Governor acknowledged the importance of long-term planning by the CBN in achieving its goals, even as he emphasised the need for the fiscal authorities to focus on agriculture and education, especially for the girl-child. Khalifa Sanusi pledged his continued support, along with the Impact Investing Community, to the CBN in achieving its goals. Also speaking, the Chairman of the Impact Investing, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, said that they were at the CBN to register their willingness to support what the Bank and the Federal Government are doing in terms of changing Nigeria’s investment climate by redirecting resources to areas where they will make the most positive impact. According to her, over $200 Trillion is available around the globe as investment funds, with $1 Trillion of it with impact investing. She said that Impact Investing, with presence in over 41 countries, is willing to blend with traditional investment practitioners to make an impact in the country. While stressing the importance of social investment, she sought the support of the CBN to enable the body to achieve its goal. This was even as the current apex Bank Governor, Cardoso reiterated that under his leadership, the Bank will focus mainly on the core mandate of price stability. He said that he and his team are determined to change the narrative about the Bank and make it more impactful in the lives of Nigerians by curtailing inflation. “At the end of our tenure, we want to look back and see that our policies have positively impacted people’s lives.” The CBN boss said that the Impact Investment Community represents an excellent future for Nigeria and has the potential to transform the country’s economy by tapping into the investment opportunities available across the country and the world. While commending the quality of leadership at Impact Investing Community and its effort to create awareness as well as build partnerships, the Governor assured that the apex Bank would collaborate with them in the direction of putting in place frameworks that will encourage investments that will positively influence the lives of Nigerians and contribute to economic growth. Speaking also, the Deputy Governor in charge of Corporate Services of the CBN, Dr. Bala Bello, stressed the importance of investment, saying that global capital is moving towards social investment. He acknowledged that collaboration and effective communication are vital to successfully navigating the current challenges in the country.
No fewer than 15,033 students in various secondary schools in Kogi State are set to enjoy payment of their WAEC examination fees from the State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello. The Governor has already approved the immediate disbursement of the money to the benefitting students. Among the schools that will directly benefit are Dekina with highest number of students, with 1,867 beneficiaries, followed by Lokoja Local Government Area, which has 1,569 students, and Okene, with 1,345 students. The move, according to a statement by spokesman to the Governor, Muhammed Onogwu, is to foster a brighter educational future for the youth of the State. “This initiative aligns with the governor’s commitment to free education and the Zero Out-of-School Policy in Kogi State. The statement said that the decision to settle the WAEC examination fees for the students demonstrates the administration’s unwavering dedication to ensuring that every child in the State has the opportunity to access quality education, regardless of socioeconomic status. “The goal is to empower students to undertake crucial examinations without placing any financial burden on their parents or guardians. “Governor Yahaya Bello has also made it clear that his administration will penalize parents who fail to enroll their children in school. This comprehensive approach to education underscores the state’s commitment not only to increasing access to education but also to ensuring active participation. “The impact of this initiative is substantial, with a total of 15,033 students benefiting from the payment of their 2023 WAEC examination fees.”
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Tinubu-Akpabio In New Model Of Partnership For Inclusive Development, By Emeka Nwosu
Since the emergence of Senator Godswill Akpabio as the President of the Senate and Chairman of the National Assembly, the nation has seen a commendable improvement in the relationship between the National Assembly and the Executive led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In the past, the relations between these two critical arms of government have been characterized by unbridled tensions, gross misunderstanding, bad blood, aggravated rancour and undue mistrust.
At the inception of this political dispensation in 1999, the relationship between the National Assembly and the Executive led by President Olusegun Obasanjo was largely adversarial. The overbearing nature of President Obasanjo and the propensity to meddle in the internal affairs of the national legislature at that early stage brought the National Assembly and the Executive into collision. This was the foundation of the crisis of confidence that followed and the subsequent instability in the leadership of the National Assembly.
Within this period, the attrition rate in the leadership of the National Assembly, arising from externally induced impeachments, was very high and embarrassing. It got so bad that under an eight year period, between 1999 and 2007, the Senate witnessed a turn-over of five Senate Presidents. The House of Representatives was similarly not spared in the leadership crises where a serving Speaker was forced to resign.
The National Assembly, in subsequent years did not fully recover from the seeds of discords and instability that were sown at the beginning. Under Presidents Umar Musa Yar`Adua and Goodluck Jonathan, there were some little improvements in the relationship between the Assembly and the Executive. However, it was not totally free of frictions and rancour. At different times, both Presidents were threatened with impeachments over the issue of budget implementation.
In the first four years of the immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari, the relationship between the Executive and the National Assembly under the leadership of Senator Bukola Saraki was anything but cordial. It was, at most, cantankerous and adversarial. No meaningful social and economic development could be achieved by the Buhari administration as a result of the fractured relationship that existed between the National Assembly and the Executive at that time. The second coming of Buhari saw to the emergence of a pliant and subservient National Assembly leadership that was too beholden to the whims and caprices of the Executive. It could, therefore, not maintain the balance in government which was expected of it.
Today, the story is different under the charismatic leadership of Senator Akpabio, popularly known as the uncommon transformative leader. He has developed a close and cordial relationship with the Executive arm of government without compromising the independence of the National Assembly. He carries himself with admirable respect and uncommon dignity. He is ready to support policy proposals and initiatives once they are in the best interest of the nation.
The growing rapprochement between Akpabio and Tinubu is already yielding positive results for the nation as evidenced in the functional and speedy take off of key national institutions following the legislative backing of the National Assembly. The nominees of President Tinubu to the headship of critical institutions like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and other offences Commission (ICPC) and Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) have been successfully screened and passed.
We also saw the mature and professional manner the Senate, under Akpabio, handled the screening and confirmation of Ministerial nominees. In spite of what critics may say to the contrary, the Senate showed diligence and thoroughness in the exercise. We did not see a situation of garbage in and garbage out. Some of the nominees could not scale through in spite of partisan pressures that were brought to bear on the Senate. This shows that the 10th Senate under Akpabio is not a rubber stamp. It is a Senate that is driven by a higher desire to serve the best interest of the nation.
Akpabio`s dynamism and his strategic partnership with President Tinubu is also opening new vistas of opportunities for our nation on the international stage. Just last week, he led the Nigerian parliamentary delegation to the 147th session of the Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU) General Assembly which took place in Luanda, the Angolan capital. The IPU is the global organization of national parliaments founded in 1889, and dedicated to promoting peace through parliamentary diplomacy and dialogue.
After a successful participation, he was elected as a Member of the Executive Committee of the global parliamentary body. By that election, he has broken a 59 year-old jinx in the history of Nigeria`s involvement in the leadership of IPU. The last time a Nigerian held such a ranking position in IPU was in 1964. This is historic and highly commendable. The feat, however, could not have been achieved without the strategic Tinubu-Akpabio partnership which is working for the common good of our country.
Speaking on the essence of his election into the governing body of the IPU, Akpabio highlighted the benefits that would accrue to the nation: “A lot of employment opportunities will be created. A lot of offices will be opened. Sub-national offices will be opened and a lot of children who wish to be diplomats will have the opportunity of working there and it will also attract foreign direct investments in the area of training and retraining and capacity building not just for the legislators but for people who are in different fields. It’s quite a lot actually. The benefits are enormous. We thank God.”
The Senate President rightly dedicated his victory to President Tinubu, noting that the Nigerian delegation was consulting and briefing him on what was going on. He stated: “There were very critical decisions we had to make sure that he was involved as the President of the country because that was an international body. You can’t take a wrong step.”
The Tinubu-Akpabio partnership is a political model that deserves celebration. As a former Senator himself, Tinubu obviously understands the dynamics and configurations of power in the National Assembly. With the pragmatism of Akpabio, the combination will definitely deliver inclusive development to the nation.
Dr. Nwosu, a political analyst, wrote in from Abuja.