I don’t think the founding fathers of this country wanted a single party structure. Not at all. They were aware of our diversity as a people. I don’t think a single political party or tribe or group can pocket this country for long.  Any attempt to try it, will end in futility no matter the desperation.

Yes the founding fathers went to London to seek independence, but they went divided. They had their own prejudices even while requesting for independence. They played a cat and mouse game. They went to London under different slogans, proposals and prayers but none of them wanted a single party structure. 

The Constitutional Conference held from May 23 to June 26, 1957 in Lancaster House in London, and presided over by the Colonial Secretary, Mr. Lennox-Boyd was anything but “cordial”.

Even before the conference, division was apparent. The division still exists till today. 

Chief Anthony Eromosele Enahoro (22 July 1923 – 15 December 2010) from Uromi in Edo state of the then Action Group had moved a motion on March 31st, 1953 during budget sessions in the federal house, Lagos on behalf of his party and was seconded by Chief Festus Olawoyin Awosika(1911-1965), the Bajulaiye of Ondo Kingdom on self government, at the Parliament before the London Conference. 

In moving the motion, Chief Enahoro declared “Mr. President, sir, I rise to move the motion standing in my name, “that this House accepts as a primary political objective the attainment of self-government for Nigeria in 1956”.

Sir, this motion is an invitation to the Honourable Members of this House to associate the highest legislature of our land with the expressed desire of the peoples of this country, whose views we all represent, for political autonomy in 1956. It seeks to provide representatives from all parts of the country with an opportunity to exchange views on the most burning question of our time. It is an invitation to this House to make a declaration of objective with regard to Nigerian freedom.

I do not propose, sir, to go into the arguments for self-government because I am satisfied that it is generally accepted on all sides of the House that self-government for this country at some future date is a desirability. Therefore I propose to deal with this motion in two main parts and very briefly –namely, of what significance is such a declaration of objective and secondly, why should the objective be 1956? Sir, I believe that a declaration of objective by this House has become a matter of supreme importance in our march towards self-government.

For the time being, this Legislature is the supreme voice of the people of this country, although not all majority decisions which have been taken in this House in the past could hope to survive the test of a referendum. It is essential, in my view, to assess why a formal motion of this nature the honest feelings of various sections of the House and to discover to what extent these feelings may truly reflect the aspirations of the politically conscious citizens of this country”.

Self-government is after all, sir, a subject on which it is of the first importance that people should believe rightly, and I cannot overstress the great inspiration and succour which various political parties in this country would derive there from if the demand for self-government in 1956 were to enjoy the full force of the backing of the highest legislature of the country”. 1956 is a convenient date, especially when the other two reasons are added, 1956 marked the end of the Macpherson Constitution. I therefore beg to move”. 

The motion led to riots in Kano thereafter which broke out in the ancient city in May 1953. The nature of the riot was clashes between Northerners who were opposed to Nigeria’s Independence and Southerners, made up of mainly the Yorubas and the Igbos who supported immediate independence for Nigeria. The riot that lasted for four days claimed many lives of the Southerners and Northerners and many others were wounded.

Chief Awosika was elected into the Western House of Assembly in 1951. He was later elected into the House of Representatives on January 10, 1952 along with Prince Adeleke Adedoyin alias SERIKI TULASI, Dr. I. Nimbe, K. Momoh, J.G. Ako, S.O. Ighodaro, E.A. Babalola, Tony Enahoro, Moyo Aboderin, C.A. Tewe, F. Agidee and A.O. Ogedengbe. 

Others elected were T.A. Odutola, T. Akinbiyi, O. Akeredolu-Ale, J. Oroge and Alhaji Dauda Adegbenro. 

In 1954, he was appointed the central Minister of Works. On October 18, 1955, he became the Minister of Finance in the Western Region, succeeding Chief Obafemi Awolowo GCFR, who later became Premier of the Western Region. 

However on May 27, 1956, Chief Awosika was among the four Ministers that were defeated in the general elections to the House of Assembly. Others who lost in the election were S.O. Ighodaro, Minister of Health, Mr. Augustus Meredith Adisa Akinloye, Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources and J.F. Odunjo, Minister of Lands. A parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Education, Mr. Kessington Momoh was also defeated.

One of them who lost the election Samuel Osarogie Ighodaro born on March 21, 1911 later served as Minister of Justice and Attorney- General, Western Region, 1959-63. He quit politics  and  served as Senior Lecturer, University of Lagos, 1966-67; appointed Judge, High Court of Midwestern Region (now Edo State), 1968-73; and later became the Iyase of Benin. 

Four other Ministers were elected: Chief Anthony Enahoro, Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Jonathan Olawale Odebiyi, Minister of Education, Mr. I.O.O. Oshuntokun, Minster of Works and Chief C.D. Akran. 

In 1957, the Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Tewogboye II made Chief Awosika, the Bajulaiye of Ondo Kingdom.

The Northern leaders objected to the motion. The motion angered them. They fought back instantly.

To be concluded 

Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole, said Nigerians are still suffering from the impact of the policies of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari.

Oshiomhole stated this in an interview on Channels Television.

The former governor of Edo State said President Tinubu should not be held responsible for the right or wrong decisions taken by the previous administration.

Oshiomhole said he (President Tinubu) always places national interests above partisan interests.

He said, “My first loyalty is to Nigeria. At some point, before the last president left office, I lamented loudly what I saw as reckless policies that were designed to dehumanize the population that was already in pain.

“I felt that it is not what the then president promised. I dissociated myself from those policies and I’m happy that I was not the only one.

“There were governors who approached the court to denounce some of those policies. It is the long term consequences of those policies that we are still grappling with now.

“Yes, it is our party platform. Like Tinubu also said, he was not a minister or adviser. He never took a contract in that government and he cannot be held responsible for what the government did right or wrong,” he said.

A former Vice Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC in the north-west, Salihu Lukman, has begged President Bola Tinubu to be responsive to the sufferings of Nigerians.

Lukman, who made this appeal in a statement, said Nigerians are becoming impoverished and can no longer afford basic medication.

The APC chieftain said he is heartbroken because the performance of Tinubu in the last 10 months betrays all the expectations “we had.”

“President Asiwaju Tinubu, APC leaders and Nigerian politicians can do better.

“How can anyone with the faintest of conscience live a normal life with a reality whereby the same citizens who elected them as leaders are impoverished by decisions we took as a ruling party?

“Is President Asiwaju Tinubu at all aware that the majority of our citizens, including relatively high-income earners cannot afford medication when they are sick?

“The belief of many of us, and indeed most Nigerians, is that President Asiwaju Tinubu is a responsive politician who will not recklessly take any decision without weighing its consequences on the lives of citizens.

“Being human, our expectation is that, if decisions are taken with grave consequences such as withdrawal of subsidy and floating the exchange rate, being the responsive leader he is.

“It is our expectation he will quickly review and recalibrate such decisions with the overall objective of protecting the welfare of citizens. That is what progressive politics is all about.

“May God Almighty touch the heart of President Asiwaju Tinubu and all APC leaders, and indeed all Nigerian politicians, to understand that millions of Nigerians are confronted with life threatening reality today.

“Just like we asked for the votes of citizens during elections, citizens are asking leaders, especially President Asiwaju Tinubu, to be responsive to today’s reality.”

Lukman added that it is difficult to predict where the country is headed under Tinubu.

A fresh crisis has hit the Labour Party as its National Treasurer, Mrs. Oluchi Oparah, has demanded that the National Chairman, Julius Abure render an account of party funds over N3.5bn being proceeds of sale of forms and sundry fundraisers for the 2023 general elections.

Oparah made the demand at a press conference in Abuja, on Monday.

According to the treasurer, the National Chairman has prevented her from exercising her constitutionally assigned role of handling the party’s accounts.

She equally alleged that the chairman has shunned all entireties to open the party’s books for scrutiny since the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms closed before the 2023 general elections.

Oparah said, “Good morning, ladies and gentlemen of the press. I stand before you today with a heavy heart and a sense of duty to the principles of transparency, accountability, and justice. With great reluctance and deep concern, I am compelled to publicly address the media regarding the egregious financial mismanagement and corruption that have plagued our beloved party under the leadership of Mr Julius Abure, the current National Chairman.

“As National Treasurer, I am constrained to come before you and the public today because the internal mechanisms of our party have failed woefully to bring Mr Abure to account for his brazen abuse of office and misappropriation of party funds.

“ His appetite for power has grown unchecked, and he has deliberately undermined my duties and authority as stipulated in the party’s constitution.”

Super Eagles midfielder, Alex Iwobi has removed all photos on his official Instagram page.

A check by VANGUARD on Monday afternoon confirmed that only one video remains on the account.

The video was shared ten weeks ago, and the comment section remains locked.

Iwobi is one of the players that faced criticisms after Nigeria’s 2-1 loss to Ivory Coast in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday.

The Fulham midfielder featured for 79 minutes as the Eagles failed to add to their three AFCON championships.

Iwobi was replaced by Alhassan Yusuf for the last 10 minutes of the game.

Cote d’Ivoire has announced Monday a work-free day to celebrate the the Elephants’ African Cup of Nations (AFCON) victory.

The hosts overcame Nigeria 2-1 on Sunday night to claim their third AFCON title.

Eight minutes before halftime, the Super Eagles took the lead through William Troost-Ekong.

However, Emerse Fae’s team scored twice after the break, thanks to Franck Kessie and Sebastien Haller.

The locals celebrated the team’s victory into the night.

Meanwhile, Abidjan’s Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium will host a trophy parade today.

President Alssanne Quattara and other top government officials are expected to be present.

During the parade, the president is expected to give cash reward to the players and their officials.

Amid the hardship in Nigeria, Deji Adeyanju, a sociopolitical activist, has slammed the religious leaders in northern Nigeria over their silence during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

He was reacting to the remark by the Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, that First Lady Remi Tinubu should tell the president that Nigerians are hungry.

Bayero spoke during the opening of the Faculty of Law at a private university on Monday in Kano State.

According to Bayero: “The hunger and starvation didn’t start with this government, but the situation has become more alarming and needs urgent attention.”

Reacting, Adeyanju posted on X: “Emir of Kano to Remi Tinubu: ‘Tell your husband Nigerians are hungry’. May God bless Sarkin Kano. But why did all the religious and traditional leaders in the North refuse to speak truth to power like this during Buhari’s eight-year disastrous regime? Not once did they speak truth to power. Sanusi Lamido Sanusi that tried, he was removed as king.”

The International Monetary Fund, IMF, says Nigeria’s foreign reserves dropped to a record low of $24 billion in 2024 from $33 billion last year.

The IMF’s latest country report for Nigeria disclosed this, signalling potential challenges for Africa’s largest economy.

It noted that the first half of 2023 witnessed a surplus in the current account, yet there was a notable decline in reserves.

“Through 2024–25, the financial account will likely deteriorate, with no projected issuance of Eurobonds, large Fund and Eurobond repayments of $3.5 billion, and portfolio outflows.

“Hence, despite a current account surplus, officially reported reserves are projected to decline to $24 billion in 2024 before increasing again to $38 billion in 2028 as portfolio inflows resume,” the report stated.

However, Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, data showed Nigeria’s foreign reserves stood at $33.12 billion as of February 8, 2024.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) is partnering with the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to probe the helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Herbert Wigwe, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Access Holdings Plc, and five others.

The passengers included the GCEO’s wife, son, and Abimbola Ogunbanjo, the former Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group). All six individuals on board have been confirmed dead.

NSIB’s statement on Monday, as conveyed by Bimbo Oladeji, NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, highlighted the collaboration’s alignment with international aviation protocols under ICAO Annex 13.

Regrettably, the United States authorities have now confirmed that everyone onboard the aircraft lost their lives in the crash,” the director said.

“The deceased are two crew members comprising a pilot in command and a “safety pilot” and four passengers namely Dr Herbert Wigwe, his wife, son, and Mr Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, (NGX Group).

“In the aftermath of the accident, the Director-General, NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh, established contact with NTSB, in accordance with Chapter 5 subsection 27 of ICAO’s Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation-Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation, which grants a State (nation) special interest in an accident involving its citizens.

“This participation ensures access to relevant information and facilitates cooperation with the investigating authorities, towards ensuring the investigation reaches a conclusive outcome.

“The ongoing discussion between the NSIB and NTSB has highlighted the diligent investigation efforts of the NTSB.

“NTSB investigators were present at the crash scene in Halloran Springs, California, on Saturday to collect evidence and conduct initial on-scene documentation.

“The documentation process included aerial mapping of the wreckage with a drone, and site measurements.

“Correspondence between the NSIB and NTSB further revealed that the NTSB investigation into the crash is being led by Aaron Sauer as the investigator in charge, supported by Mark Ward as the deputy investigator in charge.

“Several other NTSB investigators will also be examining various aspects of the accident, including airworthiness and maintenance structures, operations, meteorology and air traffic control.”

Oladeji said the NTSB is already moving the wreckage to a secure location for in-depth examination and analysis.

Cote d’Ivoire youngster, Simon Adingra has said the Elephants’ win against Nigeria was one of the best moments of his career.

Adingra bagged two assists as Cote d’Ivoire defeated Nigeria 2-1 in the final.

The Brighton & Hove Albion star was almost unplayable in the game with his runs and dribbles causing problems for the Nigerian defence.

The winger was named Man of the Match after the game.

Adingra also won the Young Player of the Tournament award.

He also credited the effort of his teammates in winning their third tittle in history.

“We did it together, we’re Africa champions and it’s incredible. I’ve just experienced one of the most beautiful moments of my life, and that’s down to the effort of everyone in the team,” he told CAFonline.com.