The President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and leader of Nigeria’s delegation to the 147th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Luanda, Angola, Senator Godswill Akpabio has asked countries of the world to work towards global peace to foster development. During the general debate on the theme: parliamentary action for peace, justice and strong institution, (SDG 16), Senator Akpabio said that the world must urgently find a solution to the crises between Russia and Ukraine and the conflict between Israel and Palestine. A statement by the Special Assistant on Media/Communication to the Senate President, Anietie Ekong, quoted Senator Akpabio as saying: “promoting and maintaining peace and development in the society must always be our primary role. That is why we enact laws to protect human rights, foster social cohesion, and address the root causes of conflicts.
“We also promote dialogue in resolving conflicts and build a culture of peace. “First and foremost, let us recognize the paramount importance of peace. Peace is not merely the absence of conflict; it is the foundation upon which prosperous nations are built. Without peace, we cannot achieve sustainable development, protect human rights, or ensure the well-being of our citizens. Therefore, it is essential that we prioritize peace as a fundamental pillar of our parliamentary agenda. “Equally significant is the pursuit of justice. Justice is the bedrock of fair and equitable societies. It ensures that no one is above the law and that the rights of every individual are safeguarded. By enacting legislation that promotes justice, combats corruption, and upholds the rule of law, parliaments play a vital role in creating just and inclusive societies where all individuals can thrive. “Furthermore, the practice of parliamentary diplomacy has proven instrumental in resolving conflicts and fostering peace. Through dialogue and negotiation, parliaments can bridge divides, build trust, and facilitate peaceful resolutions. The power of parliamentary diplomacy lies in its ability to transcend political differences and focus on shared objectives, ultimately paving the way for long-lasting peace in our nations.” He listed steps taken by the Nigerian Government towards social cohesion to include the establishment of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) the National Social Investment Program and the Counter terrorism Centre under the office of the National Security Adviser. Senator Akpabio urged delegates to recognize the urgency of parliamentary action for peace, justice, and strong institutions. “Let us work together to strengthen our parliamentary institutions, empower our citizens, and promote dialogue and cooperation at all levels. By doing so, we can lay the foundation for a brighter future, where peace, justice, and strong institutions prevail.”
The National President of the Association of the National Institute (AANI), Ambassador Emmanuel Obi Okafor, has listed various impediments to combating organised crime across Africa. Speaking today, October 24, at the opening of a two-day international symposium on countering organised crime in Africa, held in Abuja, Ambassador Okafor said that such impediments including weak institutions, lack of collaboration, poor planning, inadequate management, insufficient accountability and inadequate involvement of stakeholders. According to him, such impediments often lead to stunted economic growth, poverty, unemployment and insecurity. Ambassador Emmanuel Obi Okafor, who chaired the occasion, stressed the necessity of developing a robust agenda aimed at establishing strong and resilient institutions and enhanced collaboration that can effectively counter organised crimes, provide remedies for victims, and ensure accountability.
Dr. Umar Yakubu, Executive Director, Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Integrity Watch making his remarks…
Highlighting the timeliness and importance of the symposium’s theme, he emphasized its relevance to the survival and prosperity of Africa and stressed the urgent need to address the challenges posed by organised crime. He insisted that strong institutions are the bedrock of tackling organised crime effectively. Commending the symposium’s organizers, the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Integrity Watch, Ambassador Okafor said that the insecurity resulting from organised crime hinders economic growth and integration across Africa. He applauded the symposium’s focus on building relevant, resilient, and sustainable institutions to address this pressing issue. Ambassador Okafor emphasized that organised crime is a global challenge, requiring a coordinated response from various stakeholders, including security agencies, governments, and the media. He stressed the need for holistic approaches, encompassing law enforcement, prevention, community engagement, socio-economic development, and advocacy, to address root causes of organised crime and promote value reorientation. He advised on the adoption of advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence and data analytics to enhance law enforcement capabilities and cross-border cooperation against organized crime in Africa. The AANI President said that the organization is making efforts in advocacy and sensitization to promote attitudinal change, accountability, and good governance in Nigeria.
He added that AANI is committed to partnering with organizations like the Centre for Transparency and Integrity Watch and other NGOs to provide indigenous solutions to emerging developmental challenges such as organised crime in Africa. He reiterated the call on all African countries to confront organised crime head-on, prioritizing long-term stability, inclusive development, poverty reduction, and governance enhancement. He encouraged stakeholders to commit to collaborative efforts, ensuring the rule of law and fostering a secure and prosperous future for the people of Africa. The Alumni Association of the National Institute, comprising accomplished individuals who have graduated from the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru, is dedicated to promoting national development, and unity, and advancing Nigeria’s interests.
Embattled Medical Director of Optical Cancer Care Foundation, Dr. Olufemi Olaleye, who confessed having sex with the 16-year-old wife’s niece, has been sentenced to double life imprisonment.
Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Ikeja, Lagos, held that the prosecution proved the two-count of defilement and sexual assault by penetration against Olaleye. Justice Oshodi said that the evidence adduced before the court against the defendant was compelling and proved beyond reasonable doubts. According to him, the confessional statement of the defendant, which he made before his lawyer, Olalekan Buruji and the DPO of Anthony Police Station, that he regretted his act, proved that he committed the offence. The judge said that the oral statement, which the defendant denied, had the NBA seal of Buruji on it and his denial did not hold water. “You are a dangerous offender and you must be ashamed,” he said.
“Every major national development was based on a roadmap designed by citizens of the respective countries,” is a wise, futuristic quote from Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. His words took the participants who were in Ikot Ekpene in search of knowledge, on a backward journey. It was a gathering of the Distinguished men and women on two-day retreat to chart “the way forward.”
They were told to go back (in memory), in order to find a direction and momentum for development!
Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, while welcoming his colleagues to the Retreat on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, on October 19, 2023, spoke with conviction. As usual, his speech was well dressed, brief but enticing. Yet, it was long enough to cover the relevant matters. Among other things, Akpabio charged the legislators to put away party differences and give way to national interest. It was a clarion class to unity of purpose, to “ensure that the expectations and hopes of our people are not betrayed.”
They were to focus on how to restructure the nation positively, such that those who fled like the proverbial Andrew and the biblical Naomi, will be attracted to return. In essence, the Senate President reminded them that the journey to Ikot Ekpene was to locate a “roadmap” for the future of Nigeria. He recalled: “Frenchmen, Montesquieu and Jean-Jacques Rosseau, were the brains behind the French revolution. Kim Dae-jung changed the fortunes of South Korea. Lenin transformed Tsarist Russia and turned it into a super power. These people and more succeeded because they had plans and their countrymen and women followed their plans”. Apparently, Nigeria started well, with leaders who had visions and missions. They drew up roadmaps, which were unfortunately abandoned by subsequent sets of leaders. Specifically, Akpabio recalled that “the founding fathers of our nation (Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, etc.) had and followed a plan of development, and Nigeria, in their days, occupied a place of pride in the comity of nations.” A cursory analysis will prove what those leaders stood for. Starting with Balewa, the first Prime Minister of Nigeria (1957- 1966), he outlined a roadmap that aimed to achieve independence, promote national unity, and develop the country’s economy. Overall, his efforts laid the foundation for Nigeria’s subsequent political and economic development. Firstly, he emphasized the need for inclusivity and fair representation of all ethnic and regional groups in government. This ensured that all Nigerians felt involved and had a voice in the decision-making process. He implemented policies aimed at reducing ethnic and regional tensions. He encouraged dialogue and cooperation among different groups, fostering a sense of national identity and shared goals. His inclusive approach, emphasis on dialogue, and commitment to even development laid the foundation for a united and cohesive nation. Awolowo’s roadmap for Nigeria was centered around his philosophy of “strategic human development” and his ideology of socialism. He also advocated for the establishment of regional governments with autonomous powers to promote effective governance and local development. Furthermore, Awo envisioned a Nigeria that was economically prosperous, socially just, and politically stable. In terms of social justice, he proposed a welfare state approach, providing free education and healthcare for all Nigerians. He also emphasised on industrialisation, economic development, as well as the importance of equitable distribution of resources and opportunities to reduce inequality and promote social cohesion. Overall, Awolowo’s roadmap aimed to build a strong and united Nigeria by prioritising economic development, social justice, and political stability. His ideas continue to shape Nigerian politics and policy debates to this day. Azikiwe had a roadmap for Nigeria that focused on the principles of nationalism, self-governance, and social justice. He believed in the importance of unity and sought to build a united Nigeria by promoting a sense of shared values among its diverse ethnic groups. He advocated for the recognition and celebration of Nigeria’s diversity as a source of strength and unity. He also encouraged dialogue among different ethnic groups to facilitate mutual understanding and respect. Zik’s roadmap emphasised the need for Nigeria to become a fully independent nation, free from colonial rule. Additionally, he advocated for equal opportunities for all Nigerians, regardless of their ethnicity or social background. Azikiwe believed that by addressing social injustices and promoting equity, Nigeria could achieve greater unity and stability. In sum, Nnamdi Azikiwe’s roadmap for Nigeria focused on nationalism, self-governance, and social justice. His vision for a united and independent Nigeria played a significant role in shaping the country’s path towards independence and setting the foundation for its future development. Thus, by making reference to the founding fathers of Nigeria, Akpabio was drawing attention to the need to revive the dying ethos of national unity, inclusivity, social justice, equity, dialogue, religious tolerance, people-interest, economic development, among others. According to him, it has taken Nigeria years to witness “the kind of elaborate plan put forward by Mr President (Bola Tinubu) and which targets growth in critical sectors of our economy and seeks to remove wastages in our economic cycle.” The task before the legislators, as part of their contributions to nation-building, the Senate President pleaded, was to provide the launching pad for Tinubu’s “audacious plan,” as patriots and worthy representatives of the people. He added: “Today, more than ever before, we must come together in optimism to toe the roadmap of Mr President and where we consider that changes may be appropriate, work with the executive to perfect the document. We must take our destiny in our own hands and make the legend of this country as the giant of Africa a reality.” Nigerians who wait for foreign financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund(IMF) or World Bank to rescue the nation may be delusional. Those institutions and other foreign nationals may mean well, but like Akpabio said, “they have not worn our shoes and they do not know where it pinches. It is our walk not their own, so while they talk the talk, let us walk the walk. We wear the shoes and we know where it pinches.”
*Usoro, a public affairs analyst, wrote in from Lagos.
A Christian cleric of the United Methodist Church identified as Oscar Mukahanana has committed suicide over the leakage of his alleged sexual escapades with a church member on the church’s WhatsApp group. The cleric, who was a Reverend at the Harare East District Superintendent in Zimbabwe, was said to have engaged in an extramarital affair with a female youth in the church. There were reports that the audio of his secret sexual engagement with the said lady leaked on the WhatsApp group of the church. He talked about how his wild excitement after meeting the lady adding that he had a good session before her menstrual cycle. After the audio leaked on the WhatsApp group, Mukahanana’s church members started sharing the leaked conversation making him an object of mockery. Local media said they even created memes, ridiculing the District Superintendent over the adultery scandal. Mukahanana who felt humiliated and embarrassed over the matter then committed suicide on Friday when he could not withstand the shame. The UMC Harare District, while reacting to the incident said in a statement, “It is with heavy heart to announce to you the untimely death of our Beloveth District Superintendent Rev Oscar Mukahanana of the Harare East District. “The Office of the Bishop shall be informing the church of developments and funeral arrangements. As a Church, you are being cordially requested to support the Mukahanana family through your prayers.”
The government of President Bola Tinubu has concluded arrangement to borrow a fresh a $3.45 billion to finance five items, including the power, renewable energy, states’ resource mobilisation programme, adolescent girls’ initiative for learning and empowerment and a women’s empowerment project. The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, who made this known to newsmen yesterday, October 23, shortly the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the presidential villa, Abuja said that the government would proceed to receive the $3.5 billion “zero-interest” loan that is payable within 40 years with a 10-year moratorium, meaning payments would begin from 2033. “Today at the Federal Executive Council, I presented five memos which were gracefully approved by the Council. They had to do with concessional and, in many cases, zero-interest financing by the World Bank and the International Development Association, which is the very concessional financing arm. “The projects that were approved for funding were in the power sector and then the renewable energy sector. There was funding for states for resource mobilisation programmes to help them with the internally-generated revenue efforts. “There was a project for adolescent girls’ initiative for learning and empowerment. And then finally the fifth financing that was approved was for Women project.” The Finance Minister explained that the girls’ programme worth $700 million would support young girls within secondary school age to equip them with marketable skills in addition to their academic achievements. Edun said that “$700 million is the size of the current project. “So those were five loans totalling $3.45bn. And as you know, the tenure is all around 40 years, with a moratorium period of around 10 years and interest very low, or in the cases of either loans, zero interest. However, some fees would be incurred.” The Minister of Education, Dr. Tahir Mamman, on his part, said that the girls’ programme, which initially began in seven states, has been expanded across 11. “Initially, from seven participating states, we will now have about 11 additional states participating in this project, which will lead to the empowerment of girls between 10 to 20 right across the participating states. “This is a very major escalation of this programme that is meant to empower our girls, our teachers and the provision for additional schools in the country.” He said that the programmes are in line with the Tinubu administration’s agenda to reduce, “if not eliminated altogether,” the number of out-of-school girls and children generally. The Federal Executive Council also approved the setting up of the Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation Fund with the hope of raising the sum of $5bn annually for emergency responses to humanitarian crises. The minister of humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu said that the money would be raised from the government, contributions from development partners, private sectors, and individuals, among others.
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has continued with excellence in the delivery of its mandate as it retained its position as the best Federal Agency in transparency and efficiency in business.
In the 2023 Half Year Executive Order 001 Compliance Ranking, which covered from January to June 2023, NCDMB scored 83.06% to clinch the top position in the Federal Government’s ranking of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), the second straight year it was clinching the award.
The report was released today day, October 23, showing that has built on its sterling performance in 2022 during which period it had equally emerged the top performer in the whole year.
The Executive Order 001 (EO1) Compliance Report is compiled by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) is determined by a combination of the weighted scores for efficiency and transparency directives.
Issued on 18 May, 2017 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, the EO1 on the Promotion of Transparency and Efficiency in the business environment seeks to facilitate entrenchment of policies and practices that would foster an environment conducive to business, particularly start-ups, by eliminating bottlenecks.
PEBEC explained that an “MDA’s EOI overall performance is a combination of scores on the Efficiency and Transparency measures weighted at 70 per cent and 30 per cent of the overall score respectively.”
It added that “the top performing MDAs differentiate themselves by achieving a balanced performance on both the Efficiency and Transparency scales….”
Under Efficiency, the agency’s adherence to its service delivery timelines is key.
For Transparency, the chief consideration is existence and functionality of websites, as well as availability of detailed information on timelines, costs, statutory requirements and customer service contact channels. In combination, these would eliminate abuses in the system, including rent-seeking activities.
This latest award follows NCDMB’s emergence as “a Level 5 Platinum Level organization” in a summary report of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) Self-assessment Tool (SAT) released in January 2023, a rating which translates as “Exceptional Performance with a performance level of 90.5%.”
A statement from the Board said that this accomplishment underscores NCDMB’s unwavering dedication to creating an environment conducive to local and international businesses as well as putting in place initiatives aimed at streamlining processes, reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks, and ensuring that businesses in Nigeria can operate freely.
After over five years of legal fireworks, Nigeria has finally succeeded in halting the enforcement of the $11 billion arbitration award in favour of P&ID.
A judgment delivered today, October 23, by email, Robin Knowles, justice of the Commercial Courts of England and Wales, upheld Nigeria’s prayer on the ground that the ill-fated gas processing contract was obtained by fraud.
A private arbitration tribunal had on January 31, 2017 ordered Nigeria to pay $6.6 billion to P&ID plus interest, beginning from March 20, 2013.
With the interest rate fixed at seven percent amounting to $1 million a day, the potential payment had accumulated to over $11 billion before the verdict.
President Bola Tinubu has allayed the concerns of the business community, assuring them that crucial plans are underway to improve foreign exchange liquidity.
The President said that his administration will honour every legitimate contract with respect to the nation’s foreign exchange obligations.
Speaking at the 29th Nigerian Economic Summit (NES) in Abuja, today, October 23, President Tinubu said he is confident that by working closely with the private sector, financing the Three Trillion Dollar National Infrastructure Stock can be achieved in 10 years and not in 300 years.
The President said that the construction of megacities in every geopolitical zone of the size and scale of Lagos must not take six decades because it can be achieved in one decade, emphasizing that a fully networked and connected Nigeria by rail, gas, fibre optics and road network can be constructed in less than 20 years with thriving Industrial Zones in every geopolitical zone of Nigeria before 2030.
“Consistent with our commitment to enshrining fairness and the rule of law in our country, this government will uphold the sanctity of every legitimate contract. Specifically, as it relates to the foreign exchange obligations of the government, all forward contracts that the government has entered into will be honoured and a framework has been put in place to ensure that these obligations are met in due course.
“My government is not blind to the challenges which several of you are facing in the financial markets. I can allay these concerns by revealing that we have a good line of sight into the additional foreign exchange liquidity that is required to restore market confidence.”
The President assured the business community of a fairer and safer playing field for all, saying that his administration is strengthening the machinery and architecture of governance by establishing a public and civil service culture and structure that is performance and result-oriented.
“We shall govern ethically, with accountability and transparency; implementing sound and effective policies to accomplish our Eight Priorities.”
President Tinubu outlined the eight priority items of his administration as ending poverty, achieving food security, economic growth and job creation, access to capital across all segments of society and the economy, inclusivity, security, fairness and rule of law, and anti-corruption, stating that he is committed to delivering improved livelihoods and positive economic outcomes which Nigerians can tangibly feel and experience.
He recognized the institutional frailties of past years and his pragmatic approach to achieving his bold agenda through a path that fully accounts for present-day challenges.
“With the effects of an unsustainable fiscal deficit and hidden subsidies, these factors distorted the money supply and created an unfair playing field for an elite crop of unpatriotic forces. But that is no more. These changes have been tackled head-on. My government has introduced several measures to resuscitate the economy; including the Five Hundred Billion Naira intervention to support small businesses and the agricultural sector. By January 2024, the new student loan program and consumer credit schemes will have come into effect.”
The President called on the private sector to support his vision for a greater Nigeria, saying: “I would like to charge YOU, the Captains of Industry here present, to commit and redouble your commitment to our vision of a Renewed and more Prosperous Nigeria, a better Nigeria for all. “For us to successfully deliver our promise to Nigerians, we recognise that it is imperative that we foster a highly collaborative relationship with the private sector. We must work together. I have proven capacity in this regard, as we remember the role of public-private partnership in the transformation of Lagos State under my leadership. We will replicate that across Nigeria with your unwavering support.
“Today, I urge you, as Nigeria’s foremost private sector think tank and policy advocacy group, to go much further than you have done before. Bring your ideas, bring your leadership, bring your capital, bring the collective will of your large conglomerates and business networks. Let us build a future of renewed hope. My government is prepared. Are you also prepared?”
The annual Nigerian Economic Summit is organized by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning.
“Preliminary investigation showed that the alleged attack (on Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State) was a result of altercation between the military personnel at a checkpoint and the governor’s motorcade. “Investigation revealed that the crisis followed the refusal of the governor’s motorcade to stop at the military checkpoint.” This is part of the reaction of the Federal Capital Territory Police (FCT), Command in reaction to a statement by the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, on the alleged assassination attempt on Governor Yahaya Bello. The Command’s Commissioner, Haruna Garba, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja, said that full investigation into the matter has commenced. The Kogi State Commissioner, Fanwo had alleged that there was an assassination attempt on Governor Yahaya Bello a few kilometres away from Abuja. He said the governor was on his way to an official engagement from Lokoka, the Kogi State capital. He said that the attack occurred at about 4:20pm on Sunday, adding that the attackers were dressed in military uniforms. He said that the attackers waylaid the governor’s motorcade and fired sporadically at his vehicle and other vehicles in the convoy. Fanwo said: “It took the swift intervention of the security personnel attached to the governor to foil the satanic plans of the unknown soldiers. “The attacks were at three different points, the last barricade being around Kwali Federal Capital Territory at about 4.20pm.”
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“We also promote dialogue in resolving conflicts and build a culture of peace.
How 10th Senate Is Focusing On Nigeria’s Roadmap To Rosey Future, By Edward Usoro
“Every major national development was based on a roadmap designed by citizens of the respective countries,” is a wise, futuristic quote from Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
His words took the participants who were in Ikot Ekpene in search of knowledge, on a backward journey. It was a gathering of the Distinguished men and women on two-day retreat to chart “the way forward.”
They were told to go back (in memory), in order to find a direction and momentum for development!
Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, while welcoming his colleagues to the Retreat on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, on October 19, 2023, spoke with conviction.
As usual, his speech was well dressed, brief but enticing. Yet, it was long enough to cover the relevant matters.
Among other things, Akpabio charged the legislators to put away party differences and give way to national interest. It was a clarion class to unity of purpose, to “ensure that the expectations and hopes of our people are not betrayed.”
They were to focus on how to restructure the nation positively, such that those who fled like the proverbial Andrew and the biblical Naomi, will be attracted to return.
In essence, the Senate President reminded them that the journey to Ikot Ekpene was to locate a “roadmap” for the future of Nigeria.
He recalled: “Frenchmen, Montesquieu and Jean-Jacques Rosseau, were the brains behind the French revolution. Kim Dae-jung changed the fortunes of South Korea. Lenin transformed Tsarist Russia and turned it into a super power. These people and more succeeded because they had plans and their countrymen and women followed their plans”.
Apparently, Nigeria started well, with leaders who had visions and missions. They drew up roadmaps, which were unfortunately abandoned by subsequent sets of leaders. Specifically, Akpabio recalled that “the founding fathers of our nation (Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, etc.) had and followed a plan of development, and Nigeria, in their days, occupied a place of pride in the comity of nations.”
A cursory analysis will prove what those leaders stood for. Starting with Balewa, the first Prime Minister of Nigeria (1957- 1966), he outlined a roadmap that aimed to achieve independence, promote national unity, and develop the country’s economy. Overall, his efforts laid the foundation for Nigeria’s subsequent political and economic development.
Firstly, he emphasized the need for inclusivity and fair representation of all ethnic and regional groups in government. This ensured that all Nigerians felt involved and had a voice in the decision-making process.
He implemented policies aimed at reducing ethnic and regional tensions. He encouraged dialogue and cooperation among different groups, fostering a sense of national identity and shared goals. His inclusive approach, emphasis on dialogue, and commitment to even development laid the foundation for a united and cohesive nation.
Awolowo’s roadmap for Nigeria was centered around his philosophy of “strategic human development” and his ideology of socialism. He also advocated for the establishment of regional governments with autonomous powers to promote effective governance and local development. Furthermore, Awo envisioned a Nigeria that was economically prosperous, socially just, and politically stable.
In terms of social justice, he proposed a welfare state approach, providing free education and healthcare for all Nigerians. He also emphasised on industrialisation, economic development, as well as the importance of equitable distribution of resources and opportunities to reduce inequality and promote social cohesion.
Overall, Awolowo’s roadmap aimed to build a strong and united Nigeria by prioritising economic development, social justice, and political stability. His ideas continue to shape Nigerian politics and policy debates to this day.
Azikiwe had a roadmap for Nigeria that focused on the principles of nationalism, self-governance, and social justice. He believed in the importance of unity and sought to build a united Nigeria by promoting a sense of shared values among its diverse ethnic groups.
He advocated for the recognition and celebration of Nigeria’s diversity as a source of strength and unity. He also encouraged dialogue among different ethnic groups to facilitate mutual understanding and respect.
Zik’s roadmap emphasised the need for Nigeria to become a fully independent nation, free from colonial rule. Additionally, he advocated for equal opportunities for all Nigerians, regardless of their ethnicity or social background. Azikiwe believed that by addressing social injustices and promoting equity, Nigeria could achieve greater unity and stability.
In sum, Nnamdi Azikiwe’s roadmap for Nigeria focused on nationalism, self-governance, and social justice. His vision for a united and independent Nigeria played a significant role in shaping the country’s path towards independence and setting the foundation for its future development.
Thus, by making reference to the founding fathers of Nigeria, Akpabio was drawing attention to the need to revive the dying ethos of national unity, inclusivity, social justice, equity, dialogue, religious tolerance, people-interest, economic development, among others.
According to him, it has taken Nigeria years to witness “the kind of elaborate plan put forward by Mr President (Bola Tinubu) and which targets growth in critical sectors of our economy and seeks to remove wastages in our economic cycle.” The task before the legislators, as part of their contributions to nation-building, the Senate President pleaded, was to provide the launching pad for Tinubu’s “audacious plan,” as patriots and worthy representatives of the people.
He added: “Today, more than ever before, we must come together in optimism to toe the roadmap of Mr President and where we consider that changes may be appropriate, work with the executive to perfect the document. We must take our destiny in our own hands and make the legend of this country as the giant of Africa a reality.”
Nigerians who wait for foreign financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund(IMF) or World Bank to rescue the nation may be delusional. Those institutions and other foreign nationals may mean well, but like Akpabio said, “they have not worn our shoes and they do not know where it pinches. It is our walk not their own, so while they talk the talk, let us walk the walk. We wear the shoes and we know where it pinches.”
*Usoro, a public affairs analyst, wrote in from Lagos.