The Oyo State government and some stakeholders have advocated the speedy passage of National digital economy and e-governance bill to ensure accountability and transparency in governance.

The stakeholders who gathered in Ibadan on Tuesday, said the passage of the Bill would smoothen government activities and boost government-citizen engagement.

This was the submission of speakers at a stakeholders’ engagement on the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill held in Ibadan.

Speaking during the event, the Minister for communications, innovation and digital economy, Olatunbosun Tijani represented by Banke Ajagunna, noted that the importance of the bill cannot be underestimated as it will enhance the digital economy and build trust between the government and the people. 

The Minister called on Nigerians and the National Assembly to give the bill the needed support.

According to him, the consultative engagement is going on in all the states of the federation to seek the input of stakeholders on the bill.

He submitted that the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill, 2024, is a significant step forward in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.

This bill, according to him, aims to drive economic growth through digital technology, improve public service delivery, and create a competitive environment for the Nigerian digital economy.

He noted that in a bid to migrate Nigeria into a smart country, the Federal Government through the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy proposed the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill.

The Minister said the bill offers numerous opportunities for businesses to innovate and expand, with improved digital infrastructure and a supportive regulatory environment. Individuals will also benefit from improved access to digital services and better governance through e-Governance initiatives.

He highlighted the advantages of E-governance bill to include Economic Transformation and Establishment of a regulatory foundation to encourage digital commerce, cross-border trade, and innovation, positioning Nigeria as a major player in Africa's digital landscape.

He added that the bill, when passed will encourage Modernized, Citizen-Centric Public Services.

“It will facilitate the digital transformation of government services to make them more transparent, accessible, and responsive to citizens.”

He also said the bill will ensure Digital Access for All, saying, “it will promote infrastructure and digital literacy programs to make digital services accessible across Nigeria, including underserved regions.”

Speaking earlier, the Senior Special Assistant on ICT and E-Governance to the Governor, Mr. Bayo Akande hailed the federal government’s National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill.

Mr. Akande, who observed that the nation is overdue for a digital economy, which is the order of the day, added that this bill will drive economic growth through digital technology.

According to Akande, “Despite advances in technology, Nigeria's digital economy faces critical challenges, Nigeria lags behind countries with robust e-governance frameworks that empower citizens and protect consumer data. Without intervention, Nigeria risks losing economic opportunities in an increasingly digital world.”

He added, “though Oyo has already started to introduce digital methods in the governance space of the state, as the state recently deployed Business Process Automation, in a bid to make Oyo state government services go paperless, the bill is a step in the right direction.” 

It also seeks to create export-oriented capacities in Nigeria’s digital economy, support international digital trade and investments, and provide a legal framework for these activities.

In attendance were various stakeholders including several Tech Ecosystem leaders.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Commissioner for Information and Orientation,

Oyo State.

When I set out to do a commentary on the Unizik vice chancellorship tussle last week Tuesday, November 19, 2024, it was clear to me that the piece would be indictful.  My mental conclusion after assessing accounts of the crisis was that the VC contraption engineered by the Greg Mbadiwe led Governing Council had to be dismantled. I also realised that the essay would be fairly long. And while the newspaper audience do not generally mind long but informed essay, I could not say the same for social media. I therefore decided to break the work into two components. I eventually finished the Part 1 the following day Wednesday. Thirty minutes later, before I could send it out for publication, a friend sent me the Federal Ministry of Education statement nullifying Professor Bernard Odoh's appointment and also dissolving the Greg Mbadiwe chaired Governing Council. The cheering news however could create the misleading impression that my article was prompted by the development. After weighing the various implications, I chose to publish the script without any adjustment - even at the risk of blunting the prophetic tip of my essay. 

On that note of the federal government's intervention, I salute the President, Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Education,   Dr Tunji Alausa

for the prompt and decisive arrest of the disorder at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The sack of Associate Professor Bernard Odoh and R.I. Nwokike from the positions of Vice Chancellor and Registrar respectively is unassailable. The conditions precedent for attainment of the positions were not fulfilled. Abuja rose to the responsibilities of leadership and administration by her action. Government's intervention was necessary to avert further caricature of the offices; and towards restoring public confidence in the system. Other players, notably local and national leadership of ASUU, professional associations, individuals, who stood up for requisite standards deserve to be complimented. The corrective measures also announced for the University of Illorin suggest a firm resolve to deal with the excesses in the system.

 Media reports of Dr Bernard Odoh's rejection of the reversal of his VC appointment - which reports have not been refuted - flashed another shade of recalcitrance. Who could be so defiant to constituted authority? Although the angry threat of resuming at the VC's office the following day was not lived up to, the outburst suggested  disorientation with the norm of public service. It was a reflection of disconnect with  responsibility of position which even Mbadiwe, the daring enforcer was not infected with. The ambitious Imo State - born politician promptly understood the game was over and ducked out of sight without a word. It later emerged that amidst the turbulence generated by the capture of the vice chancellorship, Odoh had set up a disciplinary panel for  containment of the opposition. In the face of escalating tension on campus, the panel, with the speed of sound, had gotten busy issuing summons! The loss of the sense of scandal is a pointer to how things have deteriorated in our system; how the academic values cum  environment are increasingly being devalued. Associate Professor Odoh and Greg Mbadiwe were not alone. The caricature made of the system could not have gone this far without the collaboration of some other academics at Unizik. For how long will this devaluation of the university system go on? 

 It was only ten years ago that Unizik emerged hurt from the muddled hot water of another VC appointment. Like the 2024 episode, the 2014 selection process was marred by the intrusion of extraneous factors. What was supposed to be a transparent run of merit - and had actually started as such - got caught in a web of other interests. In Daily Sun feature of June 17, 2014, captioned "Unizik and Universities' Rusting Gold", I cautioned that  that the violence to the system from compromised selection exercises would linger into the future. I followed up that intervention with another engagement in ThisDay of Sunday, July 27, 2014 titled: "Unizik VC: A Flawed Selection". The crux of the matter was that at the expiration of Prof Boniface Egboka's term of office in 2014, Prof Greg Nwakoby who came tops in the three man shortlist made by the Selection Board was voted down by the Governing Council in preference for Prof Joseph Ahaneku.

Defending it's reinvention of the selection wheel, the Governing Council held that it was not bound by the performance order of the shortlist as it was not the final stage. The Council (and Ahaneku's supporters) emphasised that in vetting of the shortlist, the scale tipped in favour of Ahaneku, hence his appointment as Vice Chancellor. The Council's argument was superfluous, merely serving to deflect from the games being played. The provisions of  Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1993 as well as Amendment Act of 2007 do not contemplate the Governing Council as another selection panel. The role of the Governing Council is to confirm the Selection Board's nomination for appointment except in the event of serious allegation against the candidate. Professor Nwakoby who would later become Vice Chancellor of Anambra State University then defined the problem. He pointedly accused a member of the Governing Council from the southeast of having demanded sixty million naira from him as condition for becoming VC. The allegation was repeated at intervals during the appointment standoff. Not a word was heard from the identified member of Council. It later emerged that Nwakoby, a professor of law, had recorded the bribe demand. Regrettably, things went from the bad of 2014 to worse of 2024. Who knows what it takes to catapult an associate Professor to vice chancellor over and above experienced professors!

There's a theory that the stampeded appointments at Unizik, in this case, the vice chancellorship, was about the next Anambra State governorship election scheduled for November 2025. It is speculated that a group in the APC was pulling the strings of appointment towards softening the ground for their choice candidate. By convention, the role of state returning officer is often assigned to a vice chancellor. By the same token, a pliable VC could compile a list of loyalists to serve as local government area returning officers. While this view may only be considered as conjecture, established grounds of deep political exposure on the part of academics would lend probability to this theory. If this was the conceived game of some groups in the APC, it doubly makes acknowledgement of the federal government's response necessary. If it will take complimenting the positive steps of an underperforming government to achieve greater results, so be it.

In past and current cases of leadership succession in public universities, the Governing Councils have proved to be part of the problem. They have acted in such a manner as to constitute one of the parties to the dispute. Their extent of involvement in affairs of the institutions appears to be growing by the day. The increased interest in internal operations creates room for partisanship on the part of some members. At another level, the might - is - right - conditioning of the political class comes into play. Very often, politicians outnumber other categories in both the headship and general membership of the Councils. It would be naive to dismiss the gradual importation of political culture into the ivory tower by Council member - politicians. Succession processes in academic institutions are not designed as tests of political competency. And they are not intended to measure popularity of candidates either. But this is what politicians are introducing by making the Governing Councils a kind of electoral college.  Governments should consider replacing politicians in the Councils with retired  lecturers and former vice chancellors. What better way to talk about square pegs in square holes?

Nigerians may want to use this opportunity to take a second look at the office of vice chancellor. It would appear that the office has been impacted by the Nigerian environment in such a way that learning pursuits is no longer it's mainstay. It's not just about the declining serenity in the campuses. The concern here is  about the seeming shift from the centre of academic industry to pyramid of power. In recent times, the office has shed it's traditional, staid outlook for an unapologetic, bold flamboyance. The feeling of fraternity between the VC and fellow professors has dwindled. In the new era of establishment rule, it's a matter of boss - staff relationship. 

Nigeria's power configuration has reached the shores of our higher educational institutions. 

Positions of Vice Chancellors, Provosts, Rectors are evolving into executive authorities with their own power of patronage. Some vice chancellors are for all practical purposes, mini Governors, in the nature of their undertakings and style of operation. It is now fashionable to run an administrative machinery of special advisers, special assistants and personal assistants to the head of institution. Recall that a Personal Assistant on Media & Publicity, Charles Otu issued a combative statement that disregarded the sack of Bernard Odoh as Unizik VC. While some of these aides are recruited on contract from outside, lecturers who are paid to teach and research, are drafted to take up the other slots. And in tune with their executive clout, heads of institutions move around in convoy of vehicles trailed by security officers! Blaring sirens may not be too far, too long in coming. In the light of the commendable surgical operation at Unizik, the Minister of Education is invited to commission a study on reforms for refocused leadership in academic institutions.

Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) on Monday announced the postponement of the "Annual Town Hall Meeting on Security with the Governor" initially slated for Thursday, November 28, 2024, at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island. 

The Fund, in a statement signed by its Executive Secretary/CEO, Dr. Abdurrazaq Balogun, to announce the postponement of the meeting, said the new date for the event is December 18, 2024.

Balogun said the event, which is expected to be attended by Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, heads of security agencies, and critical stakeholders, among others, will now be held at the Lagos House, Ikeja, by 11 am prompt. 

The Town Hall Meeting on Security with the Governor is an annual event where the Lagos State Security Trust Fund gives an account of its stewardship in the last one year.

It is said that seeing is believing. But for the Nigerian, seeing alone may not be enough. There must be certainty and palpability not only to the sensory apparatuses but also to logic. Bottomline, there must be plausibility. I will attempt to put some logic into what Nigerians are witnessing today as regards the overhauled Port Harcourt Refinery.

I was a witness to history yesterday, November 26, 2024 -- the inauguration of the old Port Harcourt Refinery. Yes, it has come alive again. It is operational. To put it in our lingo, ‘’it is working’’. It has received a new elixir after many years of lethargy.

The 60,000 barrels-per-day old Port Harcourt Refinery, which was established in 1965, had suffered a series of aborted potential. Certain previous administrations had failed to restart this critical national asset. In March 2021, the Buhari administration awarded the contract for the rehabilitation of the refinery and repair works began in phases.

In his statement welcoming the revival of the plant, President Bola Tinubu, whose strong and courageous leadership brought to realisation this seeming holy grail, acknowledged the elemental role of former President Muhammadu Buhari in initiating the comprehensive rehabilitation of all the refineries and thanked the African Export-Import Bank for its support in financing the project.

The President also directed the speedy reactivation of the new Port Harcourt Refinery, the Warri Refinery, and the Kaduna Refinery. This is in furtherance of his vision of ensuring the nation’s energy security and independence, as well as economic advancement.

The President has undertaken bold and surgical reforms in the oil and gas sector. He issued five executive orders to unlock over $2.5 billion in oil and gas investments, among other initiatives. With his support for achieving local refining capacity, today, the billions of dollars previously spent annually on petrol subsidy, which puts pressure on the naira, can be repurposed, and with new opportunities opening up in the sector.

The launch of the revamped plant on Tuesday was successful but not without an expected sputter of heterogenous reactions. Nigerians are happy to see the revival of this often noised but slumbering asset. It is happening in their lifetime. Most young people, including myself, were not born when this refinery was set up. In fact, many were not born when the refinery was functional and only grew to hear about its spasms of failures. It is a living, puffing, and breathing labyrinth of engines today.

Putting clarity to misleading claims over the resuscitated plant, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) explained thus: ‘’The Old Port Harcourt Refinery is currently operating at 70% of its installed capacity, with plans to ramp up to 90%. The refinery is producing the following daily outputs:

‘’Straight-Run Gasoline (Naphtha): Blended into 1.4 million liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS or petrol)

‘’Kerosene: 900,000 liters

‘’Automotive Gas Oil (AGO or Diesel): 1.5 million liters

‘’Low Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO): 2.1 million liters

‘’Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG): Additional volumes

‘’It is worth noting that the refinery incorporates crack C5, a blending component from our sister company, Indorama Petrochemicals (formerly Eleme Petrochemicals), to produce gasoline that meets required specifications. Blending is a standard practice in refineries globally, as no single unit can produce gasoline that fully complies with any country’s standards without such processes.

‘’Additionally, we have made substantial progress on the new Port Harcourt Refinery, which will begin operations soon without prior announcements.’’

During a guided tour, journalists, industry leaders, and other stakeholders were conducted around the organs of the facility. From the control room to the processing units, the tanks, and the loading area where trucks were stationed to lift products. The plant was well and running.

Speaking during a ceremony to herald the onset of product loading at the refinery, Mr. Mele Kyari, GCEO of NNPCL, described the beginning of the loadout activities as a significant achievement for Nigeria. He thanked President Tinubu for his support and understanding towards the project and for his persistence to ensure energy security for the country.

He also thanked the NNPC Ltd Board of Directors and the entire staff for their support and commitment, which led to the reactivation of the refinery, and Nigerians for their patience and for the genuine expectations on the company to deliver on the other refineries.

There are well-founded concerns about the sustainability of the refinery. This is the plausibility factor. But one thing is certain about the Tinubu administration, there will be no unfinished business as regards securing Nigeria economically and ensuring the best outcomes for citizens across all sectors. With every horizon comes fresh possibilities, the administration is determined in its purpose of advancing the nation.

Fredrick Nwabufo is Senior Special Assistant to President on Public Engagement

The Joint Aviation Trade Unions' Forum-JATUF, the umbrella body for all aviation unions in Nigeria, over the weekend, honoured the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, with the Leadership and Excellence Award. The award, which celebrates his visionary leadership and contributions to advancing Nigeria’s aviation sector, was presented during the 2nd Edition of the Aviation Union’s Leadership Conference on held at Radisson Blu Hotel, Lagos.

Representing the Minister at the event, Mr. Henry Agbebire, Director of Special Duties at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria-FAAN, conveyed Mr. Keyamo’s heartfelt gratitude. The Minister commended JATUF for its efforts in fostering synergy within the aviation industry and lauded this year’s conference theme, “Synergy for Safety and Productivity: Management-Labour Collaboration,” as both timely and essential to the sector’s growth.

In his goodwill message, Mr. Keyamo emphasized the critical role of partnership in achieving safety and productivity in aviation.

“Safety and productivity are non-negotiable imperatives in aviation. Achieving these objectives requires a shared vision and concerted action by all stakeholders, especially the management and labour arms of the sector. As the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, I recognize and deeply value the critical role aviation unions play in maintaining workforce morale, advocating for best practices, and ensuring the seamless operation of our industry,” he stated.

The Minister reaffirmed his commitment to fostering strong collaborations between the government and aviation unions, highlighting transparency, fairness, and open communication as foundational principles of his leadership.

“I am committed to strengthening our collaboration with aviation unions, ensuring open lines of communication, and addressing concerns with fairness and transparency. Our collective efforts have already yielded positive outcomes, and I am proud of the constructive relationships we have built so far. Together, we can achieve the shared vision of a resilient, efficient, and globally competitive aviation industry,” he added.

The Leadership and Excellence Award underscores Mr. Keyamo’s dedication to tackling the challenges within the aviation sector while building partnerships that prioritize safety, productivity, and innovation.

The event attracted key stakeholders from the aviation sector, who lauded the Minister’s proactive initiatives in addressing critical issues and driving sustainable development in the industry.

Tunde Moshood 

Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development

The impending return of Donald Trump to the White House – with an almost lily-white team of cabinet appointees – follows an overwhelming victory in which his Republican Party also won the Senate and the House, and represents one of the greatest political comebacks in history.

The twice-impeached Trump is the first convicted felon to become president having been found guilty of  paying hush money to a porn star called Stormy Daniels.

Snow White

Trump is truly a phenomenon. He is, though, more like the wicked witch who has picked seven political dwarfs than Snow White. A billionaire businessman and reality show host who metamorphosed into a hate-spewing, white supremacist, nativist politician, he narrowly won the 2016 presidency.

Trump has now been able to convince a multi-racial working class and struggling middle-class majority to vote against their own interests through alchemic appeals to improving their economic condition by launching  tariff wars (against China and the rest of the world) and deporting – at an initial estimated cost of $315 billion – most of the 13 million illegal immigrants in America.

Just as during Trump’s first chaotic presidency (2017-2020), these policies are likely to cause self-inflicted harm, massively increasing the $35.4 trillion national debt, resulting in widespread labour shortages (an estimated half of U.S. farm workers are illegal), and raising food prices for the bottom 80 per cent of Americans. During his first tenure, Trump enacted $1.5 trillion of tax cuts, mostly for the super-rich.

It is highly unlikely that any other Republican politician could have achieved this improbable victory. Ironically, the Latinos and blacks who voted for Trump in larger than expected numbers, have scarcely seen themselves represented in the incoming president’s ministerial nominees. Without Trump at the head of the ticket in 2028, Republicans may well struggle to mobilise a majority from the shrinking white population. The Grand Old Party’s Faustian bargain to sell its soul to the Devil, could ironically damage its long-term electoral prospects. America’s misogyny must also be probed, having rejected two flawless campaigns by the entitled Hillary Clinton and the joyful Kamala Harris.

While disgruntled voters may well have liked Harris’s optimistic message, they rejected the messenger. Paradoxically, while they accepted Trump as the messenger who best embodied their anger and frustration, they did not necessarily embrace his message. America’s liberal elite also has profound questions to answer, having clearly lost the country through what many Americans feel is a Wokeish abandonment of traditional values. The talking heads on CNN and MSNBC as well as the pundits in the New York Times and the Washington Post must finally realise that America has tuned out of their self-obsessed, rambling echo chamber, and that what is going on in their newsrooms and studios is totally detached from what is actually happening across the country. This election definitively showed that Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and George Clooney may be talented artists, but have zero political clout.

The vengeful Trump has recently made cabinet appointments which suggest he has learned nothing from his first presidency. As he painfully discovered during his first term, running a government as complicated as America’s is not like running Facebook where you hire the best talent and get out of their way.

Trump recruited capable politicians, generals, and technocrats in his first term, but then fell out with many of them as they refused to enforce his sometimes autocratic whims, insisting on allegiance to the U.S. Constitution rather than to a mercurial King.

This time, he is picking adherents of his right-wing MAGA (Make America Great Again) gospel, shamelessly prioritising loyalty over competence. Many of these nominees, however, have little experience of heading large bureaucracies. We can therefore expect more scandals, sackings, and stepping downs.

 Four flawed dwarfs

There has already been an early casualty among Trump’s four flawed political dwarfs: his controversial pick for Attorney-General, Matt Gaetz, a Congressman who survived charges of child-trafficking before a report  of a Congressional investigation into alleged sexual misconduct with a 17-year old minor, drug use, and illegal acceptance of gifts was recently concluded.

Gaetz threatened to defund or close down the Justice Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Deeply unpopular even among Republican legislators, he recently stepped down amidst much unease in the Senate which confirms cabinet appointments.

Defence Secretary nominee, Peter Hegseth, is singularly unqualified to lead the three million-strong $2 trillion a year department. A presenter on the right-wing Fox News, Hegseth is a neo-conservative who was “radicalised” by the September 2001 terrorist attacks on the U.S. into supporting crusading wars in Afghanistan and Iraq which he now considers to have been a $5 trillion exercise in profligacy. Hegseth has thus opposed American spending in Ukraine, and described NATO as “totally corrupted.”

Trump’s pick for Defence Secretary wears prominent tattoos associated with Islamophobic crusading white Christian neo-Nazis, and has threatened to fire wokeish generals who promote diversity and inclusion in the military. Hegseth has vociferously attacked women and “trans-lesbian” soldiers who have patriotically served their country. He has defended American soldiers accused of war crimes. He has compared anti-racist U.S. civil society groups like Black Lives Matter and Antifa to Islamic terrorists. His second wife divorced him after he impregnated a fellow Fox news producer, and he also settled a rape allegation through a non-disclosure financial payment.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the scion of the legendary Democratic family, chosen by Trump to head the Department of Health and Human Services with an annual budget of $1.7 trillion. Kennedy has argued that no vaccine is safe and effective. He was a one-time heroin-snorting addict and self-confessed sex addict who accused his family of being victims of “hypnosis”. Kennedy had an adulterous affair with journalist, Olivia Nuzzi, and three other women have since claimed sexual affairs with him.

Trump’s nominee for national intelligence director, Tulsi Gabbard, transformed from being a liberal Democrat to a right-wing Republican Trump loyalist. She has often been portrayed as a Putin-supporting Russian intelligence asset. Gabbard has also reportedly been involved with a secretive Hare Krishna-linked sect called the Science of Identity Foundation renowned for its Islamophobia, homophobia, and vegetarianism.

 Three troublesome dwarfs

Among Trump’s three troublesome dwarfs, Secretary of State nominee, Hispanic Senator Marco Rubio, has experience but lacks substance. The Reversible Rubio has become a sycophantic Trump loyalist, having previously been one of his strongest critics during the 2016 Republican primaries. The Cuban-descended Rubio is an anti-China hawk who strongly despises the Chinese Communist Party which actually practices unbridled capitalism. Rubio also backs Trump’s calls for reducing American spending in Ukraine and getting Europeans to stump up more cash for their own defence. However, he previously led senatorial efforts to stall any American withdrawal from NATO.

National Security Adviser nominee, Mike Waltz, was a former Green Beret and former U.S. Congressman. A Trump loyalist, he has backed vice-president J.D. Vance’s MAGA approach of reducing spending on Ukraine and the Middle East to counter China more effectively. Waltz, however, has solid experience in this field, having served on Congressional committees on foreign affairs, armed services, and intelligence. He regards America’s military missions in Afghanistan and Iraq to have been hubristic, and has argued that ill-equipped NATO troops did more harm than good in Afghanistan.

The seventh dwarf is Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, who used Twitter/X to spread disinformation and spent $130 million to help Trump regain the White House.

An émigré whose formative years were spent in the militaristic milieu of apartheid South Africa, Musk appears to have embraced Trump’s white supremacy. He has long benefitted from U.S. government contracts, and has pending investigations with its Securities and Exchange Commission.

Musk has been tasked with heading up the Orwellian-sounding Department of Government Efficiency, with a pledge to slash $2 trillion (nearly a third of the budget) in government spending.

This would be politically suicidal given that popular programmes like Social Security and Medicare, which Trump has promised to protect, account for much of these costs.  Trump also seems determined to launch an ill-advised purge against what he calls the “deep state” by removing the job security of over 50,000 federal bureaucrats.

MAGA lunatics are about to take over the American asylum. This horror show is coming soon to a theatre near you. This will be no fairytale with a happy ending.

Professor Adebajo is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Pretoria’s Centre for the Advancement of Scholarship in South Africa.

The phenomenon of Nigerian support for Donald Trump, despite his stance on immigration, is indeed complex and seemingly paradoxical. During and after the U.S. election, many Nigerians, especially through social media, expressed strong support for Trump and shared his posts, including those who have never travelled to the U.S. Some even created sticker designs inspired by Nigerian culture featuring Trump. This phenomenon raises questions about whether these individuals have forgotten that Trump is a staunch supporter of strict immigration policies, with strong allegations of anti-Africa foreign policy stance. Obviously, many Nigerians seem to prioritise other aspects of his persona and policies that resonate with them, reflecting the complex nature of political support where certain values can overshadow conflicting positions.

Nigerians, and by extension Africans, are believed to be at the receiving end of Trump's anti-immigration policies. His previous administration imposed travel bans on Nigeria and other African countries, citing national security concerns, which could potentially be reinstated, limiting the ability of Nigerians to enter the U.S. His prior administration's policies led to considerable backlogs in visa processing, with current wait times for interviews reaching two to three years; these delays could worsen if similar policies are reintroduced.

Stricter immigration policies, including mass deportation operations and a focus on border control, may create a more hostile environment for all immigrants, even if not directly targeting Nigerians. While some experts suggest that legitimate students and professionals may not be heavily impacted, there are concerns about increased scrutiny and potential restrictions on study and work visas.

Trump's Consistent Hardline Stance on Immigration

Donald Trump's immigration stance has remained consistent from his 2016 campaign through his 2024 election victory. In 2016, he vowed to deport illegal immigrants. His 2017 executive order suspended visas from seven Muslim-majority countries and halted the refugee programme. After winning in 2024, Trump pledged to conduct "the largest domestic deportation operation in American history," stating, "We will pick them up and we will send them back to their countries." He also promised to "seal up the border" and implement "strong ideological screening of all immigrants."

These policies are seen as targeting non-white communities, particularly African Americans and Asian Americans. Critics argue that Trump's immigration policies disproportionately affect people of colour, citing mass deportations and travel bans. His use of racially charged language, such as referring to certain nations as "shithole countries" and describing immigration as an "invasion," has been criticised for supporting white supremacist ideologies and potentially contributing to increased hate crimes. Proposals to end birthright citizenship and implement "ideological screening" further fuel concerns about discrimination against non-white communities in the U.S.

Despite Trump's controversial rhetoric and policies perceived as targeting non-white Americans, somehow these demographic groups, including African Americans and Asian Americans, have shown support for him across political divides.

Based on the exit poll data and analysis provided, Donald Trump made significant gains among minority voters in the 2024 election. Approximately 13% of Black voters supported Trump, an increase from previous elections. Latino voters showed a substantial shift, with about 45% to 46% backing Trump, up from 32% in 2020. This change was particularly pronounced among Latino men, with 45% voting for Trump. Research showed that Trump also performed well among younger voters, securing 43% of those under 30. This shift indicates that what political strategist Mike Madrid who noted that not all non-white Americans see themselves as marginalized is true, thereby contributing to Trump's appeal among diverse voter bases. Why?

Is there a connection between Trump's support and sympathy for his persecution during the elections?

Though there is no clear evidence regarding this, still seems that the 2024 election campaign saw a strong link between support for Trump and sympathy for his perceived persecution. The July 2024 assassination attempt tended to boost his support, casting him as a martyr figure. The ceaseless barrage of attacks from mainstream media tended to achieve the opposite result of attracting voters to Trump.

Similarly, Trump's campaign framed his legal battles as political persecution, resonating with his base while religious language portrayed him as a protector of faith, appealing to evangelical voters. Thus, the assassination attempt amplified Trump's narrative of being victimised by "enemies" or Democrats. Many Christian voters viewed his persecutions as spiritual warfare. Trump adviser Kash Patel once indicated that a second Trump administration would actively target journalists for prosecution, further emphasising the notion of political persecution against those who criticised or investigated him.

What About Nigerians Who Are Not in the US? Why Do They Support Trump?

It is also more surprising that some Nigerians outside the US still strongly support Trump. Despite Trump's controversial rhetoric about Africa, some Nigerians supported him due to his stance on conservative social issues, particularly abortion and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBTQ+) rights. This is evident in Daddy Hezekiah (Victor Onukogu), the founder of Living Christ Mission in Onitsha, Anambra State, who led his church members in a march supporting Trump's re-election in 2020.  They carried placards reading "Trump 2020" and "God for President Trump," singing songs that translated to "We will gain victory ... pray for Trump to win." 

No doubt, Daddy Hezekiah's support was largely based on Trump's conservative stance on abortion and LGBT issues. That is why Jude Feranmi Adejuwon, a Nigerian political activist and writer explained that; "If the church supports Trump, it would be because of the manifesto of the Republicans; namely a zero tolerance for abortion and LGBT issues. For example, Trump was the first sitting president to speak in person at the annual March for Life."

Hence, some of those supporters viewed Trump as a defender of traditional Christian values, particularly his opposition to abortion and LGBT rights. Consequently, Nigerian Christians, especially evangelicals, aligned with Trump's conservative stance on these social issues, seeing him as a bulwark against what they perceive as liberal threats to religious beliefs and traditional family values.

That is why Pastor. Samuel Adebayo from Lagos, Nigeria, in 2024 stated, "Trump stands for traditional Christian values in an increasingly secular world. That is why we have raised an altar praying for him to win so the Bible can become a reference point in not just America but the world."

Aside from the issues of Christian and traditional family values, there are other Nigerians and politicians like Hon. Ehiozuwa Agbonayinmma, a former member of Nigeria's House of Representatives who also expressed support for Trump, stating that Republican administrations have shown more support for Nigeria. Others support Trump's "America First" policy and wish Nigeria's leaders would also prioritise their own citizens the way Americans do.

No doubt, Trump's support for cryptocurrency is another significant factor contributing to his popularity among some Nigerians. His pro-crypto platform resonates with enthusiasts who view digital currencies as avenues for economic growth and financial inclusion. During his campaign, Trump pledged to make the US "the crypto capital of the planet" and promised to appoint crypto-friendly regulators, appealing to those frustrated with current regulations. Following his election victory, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies saw significant price increases, reinforcing the belief that his presidency would benefit the crypto market. 

This particular stance contrasts with his opponents' skepticism, making Trump more appealing to crypto supporters in Nigeria. These voices span from 2019 to 2024, showing consistent support for Trump among certain Nigerian religious and political figures despite his controversial statements about African nations.

What About Those Who Do Not Support Trump?

While some Nigerians support Donald Trump, many do not for various reasons. His history of making derogatory comments about African nations, including calling them "shithole countries," has alienated many. Also, Trump's restrictive immigration policies, such as the 2020 travel ban affecting Nigeria, have been viewed negatively by those seeking opportunities in the US. Critics also highlight his perceived disregard for human rights and democratic norms and concerns that his "America First" policies could harm Nigeria's economy. Again, Trump's skepticism of climate change and behaviour especially his insensitivity that cryptocurrency could cause more global warming clashes with the cultural values of many Nigerians who are not in the crypto world.

Psychological and Emotional Factors of Trump's Support

Trump's support can be explained through various psychological and emotional factors. His rhetoric resonates with feelings of frustration and a desire for change while his blunt communication is seen as authentic. This creates a sense of belonging among supporters often overriding rational policy considerations. Furthermore, fear and anxiety about economic insecurity and cultural change drive his messaging while cognitive dissonance leads some to double down on their beliefs despite contradictory evidence. Hence, many view Trump as a straightforward leader who rejects the establishment. These factors combine to create a strong emotional attachment to Trump illustrating the sentimental nature of political support and his win in the just concluded US election. 

Newly elected Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa and deputy governor elect, Olayide Adelami presents their Certificate of Return to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. With them are the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje and Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji. Abuja. Tuesday, November 26, 2024.

ADDRESS BY DR. PETER NDUBISI MBAH, GOVERNOR OF ENUGU STATE, DURING THE PRESENTATION OF THE STATE’S 2025 DRAFT ESTIMATES OF REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES TO THE ENUGU STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, HELD AT THE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY COMPLEX, ENUGU ON November 26, 2024 

Protocols.

The Deputy Governor,

The Right Honourable Speaker,

The Secretary to the State Government

Principals Officers of the State House of Assembly

Honourable Members of the State House of Assembly

The Chairman, PDP Enugu State Chapter

Members of Enugu State Executive Council

Chairmen of Boards and Parastalals

Permanent Secretaries, Clerk of the House

Gentlemen of the Press

Ladies and Gentlemen,

1. On December 5, 2023, when we rendered the 2024 budget before this hallowed chamber, we came convinced of the huge social and economic potential of this State. Hence our decision to set ambitious goals for ourselves from the onset. Today, having run this race now for about 17 months we are more than ever convinced that we were not mistaken. We have seen enough to confirm our belief that our vision to grow Enugu’s GDP from $4.4b to $30b is patently achievable. Yes, Enugu State can be one of the top three economic pillars of Nigeria, and no citizen of this state need suffer poverty or penury. It is this  enthusiasm which has informed our budget for next year, which aims at ensuring that no geographical, social or economic segment or sector of this great State is left behind.
2. I am, as a result, deeply pleased to present to this August gathering of our esteemed House of Assembly today the Multi-year budget for2025-2027. As the second budget by this administration, we see this as a valuable opportunity to double down and consolidate upon the achievements made in our first year.
3. In our view nothing could better exemplify our commitment to the mandate Ndi Enugu gave us about One and a half years ago, than this annual event of accountability that is the budget speech. It is a responsibility we sort wholeheartedly and one we can only discharge with joy and appreciation.
4. Over the last year, the Nigerian economy which our State economy is inextricably linked to experienced  Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of about 3.49% in the third quarter.  
5. Other economic indicators have however, maintained negative trends so far this year. Inflation has most recently hit 33.88% and the Naira Dollar exchange rate is currently running at about N1,750 to the US Dollar. Related to this, the Monetary Policy Rate, which drives the cost of money in the economy have been most recently revised upwards to 27.25%. While, these negative trends may still be challenges to our overall economic growth, the improving GDP growth is perhaps a sign that the worst may be over and we are about to see more aggressive growth in the future.
6. In Enugu, for our own part, we were able to largely meet our development targets.
7. In the very important area of Education, we were able to award contracts for the development of all of our smart green schools across the State. These schools are at various stages of completion in 245 wards while we are still seeking suitable sites for 15 urban schools due to the built up nature of the wards where they are located. We envisage that all 260 of these schools will be completed, equipped, staffed and ready for classes by the commencement of the new school year in September 2025. We have also made extensive investments in developing Centres of Experiential learning where teachers will be trained and retrained to prepare them for the modern methods and facilities in use at the smart schools.
8. To provide senior secondary education to graduates from the Smart Schools, we are developing model secondary schools across the 17 Local governments of the State. We have also commenced work on the reconstruction of our technical schools across the State, in recognition of the need to build a strong work force of technical workers to support our ambitious development goals.
9. Mr Speaker and Honorable members, In the Healthcare sector, we have commenced construction of 260 of the type II, primary health Centre in each of the wards in the  State, We have also commenced the completion of the Enugu International Hospital on Rangers Avenue in Independence layout. This hospital will upon commissioning reverse the trend of indiscriminate medical tourism that has plagued our Country, by providing world class medical services using cutting edge medical equipment such as we typically travel to East and West to find.
10. We have also recently re-equipped and commissioned 3 type III primary health centres in Adani, Uzo uwani Local Government Area, Agbogugu, Awgu LGA, and Nara, Nkanu East LGA. These are the highest levels of facilities, in the Primary Healthcare system ranking just below the full scale General Hospitals. With the new standards of facilities we have just installed in these hospitals, they will be able to provide surgical services, initial kidney and cardiac care as well as highest levels of gynecological and Obstetric care to our expecting mothers across the State.  At the tertiary level, we are expanding the facilities at the Parklane Teaching Hospital with the construction of 2 blocks of high-rise buildings. One will provide additional office spaces and accommodation for the students, while the other will house medical services departments.
11. In the Power sector, we have finally commenced our journey towards building an independent power grid for Enugu State, with the effective handover of regulatory powers by the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to our own regulator, the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC). In line with this, the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has now incorporated and licensed a new vehicle Main Power Limited to manage the distribution of power in Enugu State. I would like to take this opportunity to commend the Company for the deep sense of partnership they have displayed throughout this transition process. We look forward to continuing to work with them to evolve a power sector in Enugu that will be the envy of the entire Country.
12. Very early in our journey as an administration, we identified Security as fundamental to the achievement of our governance vision, and established the Distress Response Squad. We have not wavered from that position in the slightest, so in the course of 2024, we have built up arguably the most extensive CCTV camera network, using AI enabled cameras to cover all areas of the State, as well as completed the construction and equipment of a world class command and control centre from where we are able to monitor all parts of the State and track criminal elements to facilitate their arrest and prosecution. We have also procured over 100 patrol vehicles mounted with wide angle AI enabled street cameras to boost the operations of the DRS, as well as procuring over 500 communication radios, helmets and body cameras for personnel. These additions are billed for a ceremonial launch in the coming weeks. Enugu State is already very uncomfortable for criminal elements, but with these imminent enhancements to our security network, I can only say to Ndi Enugu that ‘ the best is yet to come’.         
13. Our campaign to build or enhance up to Enugu’s Roads has continued to build steam, we have expanded the scope of our roads work from the initial 90 urban and inter-urban roads by awarding an additional 141 urban and 20 gateway roads.
14. These roads include the urban roads which cover all the zones in Enugu such as Independence layout, Emene, Thinkers Corner, etc., and the rural/ cross country roads and gateways such as the Abakpa-Ugwogo-Opi road which we are converting into an ultra-modern dual carriageway and the statewide ring road networks connecting Ama-Iwollo-Umulokpa-Adani-Ogurute and Ete.
15. In the Transport sector, we are on the verge of commissioning  our four ultra-modern transport terminals in Holy Ghost, Abakpa, Gariki and Nsukka. These terminals are expected to be commissioned by December 22 this year.
16. We are also on the verge of launching the Enugu Air Airlines in a few weeks time. In the same vein, we have completed all payments and are awaiting the arrival of over 200 dual fuel (Diesel and CNG) , high capacity urban mass transit buses. These include 50 which were formally in disrepair, which we have entered an agreement with ANAMMCO to refurbish. In our view, this particular element of our transportation intervention bears some emphasis. Beyond expanding our fleet of modern city buses, it supports domestic industry and helps boost high quality job creation in the State. It aligns with our strategy for to introduce a new and more organised transport system which will enhance the ease of movement across the City.
17. In the area of Tourism development, we are poised to finally commission the Enugu International Conference Centre (ICC) and very soon thereafter reopen the Presidential Hotel. We have also flagged off the construction of the all new over 300 room five Star ICC hotel adjacent to the Conference Centre. To stimulate tourism within the State and complement these initiatives, we are developing a number of tourism sites in the State including 5 sites namely the Magical Miliken Hill theme park (on which our development partners are currently working) the Awhum water falls and Cross, the Nsude pyramids and the Ngwo Pine Forest where we will be installing a zipline system. In addition we will be developing 5 urban recreation parks within Enugu City to enrich the leisure options available to residents and visitors.
18. We have also backed our commitment to Agriculture by commencing our journey towards the mechanization of farming in the State with the acquisition of 200, 75 horse power, Danish-made tractors. These are the first batch of a fleet which will ultimately get to 1,000 units. They will be available for use across the State through a Tractor leasing Company which we will be reactivating shortly.
19. We have also taken major steps in the areas of reactivating major government owned enterprises in the State either by attracting private investment to activate them or by directly funding their reactivation. Some of these entities include Enugu United palm Products Limited (EUPPL), where we have attracted over N100billion in private investment, Niger Gas, Sunrise Flour Mills where an investor is injecting over N40billion, Tractor Leasing Company etc. We have also initiated an investment in the establishment of a DNA Learning Centre in the State which will provide leading edge DNA and forensic services as well as research services making our State a major National hub in the area of the life Sciences.
20. In terms of budgetary performance, the total revenue realised in the State as at October 2024 came to N459,851,309,396.47, which comes to a budget performance of 88%. Of this amount N178,354,494,502.47 related to Statutory Receipts, while N136,700,000,000.00 related to Capital Receipts and N144,796,814,894.00 to Internally Generated Revenue.
21. As at October, these inflows had been applied to expenditure with N382,427,929,564.00 as Capital Expenditure and N76,546,090,116.18 as recurrent expenditure. These translated to a budget performance of 88%. Additional revenues and expenditure are still expected before the end of the year, with IGR envisaged to surpass the N200 billion mark.
22. While we may make bold to say that our progress in this past year is commendable given the odds that were arraigned against the State economy, we are not yet ready to rest on our oars.
23. Mr Speaker, Honorable Members, distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, it is with great enthusiasm and pleasure that I present to you our budget of ‘Exponential Growth and Inclusive Prosperity ’for 2025. In crafting this budget, we have sort to continue to lay the right foundation in Enugu to enhance the economy and attract even more private investment.  
24. In spite of the dreary economic environment across the Country, for us here in Enugu,  we have elected to remain bullish in our aspirations, and to double down on our commitment to elevate our State to top three status in terms of GDP nationally, and eradicate poverty from our midst. In deed, we see this as a vindication of our previously espoused view that sustainable national growth can really only be driven from the sub-national units to the Federal levels, and not the other way round as we have attempted to do to date.
25. It is on account of this that we are proposing to the House of Assembly today, a budget with a total envelope of  ₦971,084,000,000.00 (Nine Hundred and Seventy One Billion, Eighty Four Million Naira) as against the budget for 2024 fiscal year which totaled ₦ 521,561,386,000.00. This represents an 86.4% increase from the 2024 revised budget. The budget is broken down as follows:

27. In the area of our revenues, we estimated that total recurrent revenues during 2025will amount to ₦692,179,000,000 as against the approved revised provision for 2024 of ₦383,789,000,000.00. The recurrent revenues for 2025 are broken down as follows:

28. For 2025Fiscal Year, Recurrent Expenditure which is proposed at ₦133,140,000,000.00 is made up of:

29. With the total recurrent Expenditure at ₦ 133,140,000,000.00, this translates to a Net Recurrent Revenue of ₦ 559,039,000,000.00, which is thus transferred to the Capital Development Fund.
30. The total Capital Expenditure for the year 2025is projected at ₦ 837,944,000,000.00 as against ₦414,334,120,000.00 for 2024 Revised Budget. The current capital expenditure estimate will be funded from, the sum of ₦ 559,039,000,000.00 to be transferred from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, and the capital receipts of ₦278,905,000,000.00 to be realized as follows:

31. On a sectoral basis, the Capital expenditure is broken down as follows:

32. To throw more light on the specifics of our fiscal plans for 2025, I will spend some time to unpack the capital expenditure outlined above.
33. As we must all know by now, Education both our ‘sword’ and ‘shield’ in this battle to achieve economic growth in our state and banish poverty and want among our population. Consequently,we are maintaining the ambitious direction we charted in 2024 by voting a total of ₦320,609,059,000,00 for that sector, This represents representing 78% of the social sector of the budget and 33.2% of our Capital Expenditure this year. These funds will be applied towards the completion, equipping and staffing of our 260 Smart, Green basic Schools in readiness to school commencement in the third quarter of 2025. We will also be executing our model senior secondary schools in the 17 local government areas as well as rebuilding and reequipping the Government Technical Schools across the State. Finally, we will also be boosting the capacity of our tertiary schools by enriching their curricula and pedagogy to convert them to experiential teaching.
34. There can be no economic growth without quality healthcare. Not only because economic growth required a healthy work force, but also because private investment required a conducive environment with quality medical and related services. This is why we are spending N45,830,896,000.00 on the sector this year. This will go towards the completion of our new International Hospital, as well as the construction, re-equipment and staffing of the entire healthcare value from our new 260 type II primary Health centres, to the 22 new cottage hospitals and the various general hospitals across the State slated for renovation, refurbishment and re-equipment.
35. In the area of Works and Infrastructure, we will continue our relentless advance towards our target to build or refurbish all key roads across the State by 2031. In line with this, we will spend a total of N213,120,267,000.00 in 2025. Prominent among the projects in this envelope are the completion of the first phases of the New Enugu City for which sales are expected to commence next year, the completion of the ICC 5 Star hotel, the dualisation of the Abakpa -Opi-Nsukka Road, the dualisation of the Enugu Airport to Ebonyi Border road, the completion of the Owo-Amankanu-Ikem road which will open up the Eastern flanks of the State to economic development and many other road and infrastructure projects, such as:
    1. Oduma - Nomeh
    2. Nome-Mburumbu- Nara - Nkerefi
    3. Umabi-Ehuche- Achi with spur to Agbudu - ihe- Owelli - Ogugu-Amodu
36. We kicked off our entry into government in 2023 with our daring achievements in the water sector, but our work in that area is far from done. That is why we plan to spend another N23,223,150,000.00 on this sector this year. This spend would be towards the completion of the second transmission line from Ninth Mile to New Market twin tanks, and the refurbishment of a number of secondary lines to carry water into a number of zones which are yet to get reliable water supply. We will also be commencing work on the Scheme for the Nsukka metropolis, as well as a number of other small rural water schemes across the State.
37. Food inflation is a major component of core inflation in Nigeria. Consequently, food production is critical to moderation of the currently high levels of inflation in the Country. As a result, we will be spending up to N82,300,761,000.00 in the agricultural and agro-industrialisation sector this year.  Among other things, this amount will serve to fund the procurement of Tractors for use in the State, most of which will come from the local assembly plant of the Danish investors who established within the State earlier this year. In addition to this, we will be launching our new, modern farm estate projects across the State. This project will entail the earmarking of 200 hectares of land in each of the 260 wards in the State for the cultivation of staple and cash crops such as Cassava, Soya bean, Maize, peppers, vegetables etc. Government will collaborate with the various local governments to provide access to improved farming inputs, extension services and storage to help manage post-harvest losses. We will also work with the programme leadership to ensure improved access to market to assure the farmers of their just rewards for work done. We will also be collaborating with Development partners to establish a Special Agro processing Zone project together with 3 complementary Agro-Transformation Centres in the State.
38. In the area of Transport we will be spending a total of N41,132,463,000.00 to expand Enugu Air with the acquisition of 4 additional aircraft. In addition, we will be consummating the concessioning of the Akanu Ibiam international airport as well as the construction of an international cargo terminal. We will also be floating a new taxi scheme in collaboration with the private sector to modernize urban and inter-urban transportation for Ndi Enugu.
39. Other areas of the government activities which will continue to benefit from our focused activities during the year will be the security sector, where we will continue to boost the capacity of our security agencies both Federal and State with enhanced training and equipment
40. Mr Speaker, We will also invest additional and considerable time and resources towards boosting our capacity to collect internally generated revenues by redoubling our efforts to digitize various elements of revenue collection. In this light, in the next few weeks we should be commissioning the offices of the new Enugu Geographical Information System (ENGIS) which will provide more efficient and effective digital land management services to Ndi ENugu.
41. Mr Speaker and honorable members, as you may be aware, we have been awarded the hosting rights for the National Sports Festival in 2026. Consequently, we will be spending over N13b in upgrading our stadia and games facilities including the Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium where we will include aqautic sports facilities, and the Agwu games villages which will be fully revamped.
42. Speaker and Honourable Members, let me once more seize this opportunity to recognise and commend your tireless support to this administration.It is only trite to mention that the progress we have made in the course of 2024 is due in no small measure to the spirit of understanding you have shown in working with our executive. We appreciate this and do not in any way take it for granted. 
43. Mr Speaker, Honorable members, distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, Permit me to close by noting that this our budget of exponential growth and inclusive prosperity is engineered to deliver, more jobs for Ndi Enugu, more investment, better government services and improved quality of life for all. We hereby enjoin all residents of the State to continue to accompany us on this journey towards greatness and a return to our historical preeminence. I am convinced that with you all backing us wholeheartedly, there is no mountain too high for us to surmount.
44. Thank you all and God bless you. I wish you all the best of the remaining year, a joyful holiday season and prosperity in the course of 2025.  Our Tomorrow is here!

In a move to enhance oversight mechanisms, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated three new members to fill existing vacancies on the board of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

The announcement was made in a formal letter addressed to the Senate President.

The nominees are Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle from Oyo State, Kennedy Ikpeme from Cross River, and Justice Ibrahim Buba, a retired judge of the Federal High Court.

Established in 1979, the Code of Conduct Bureau plays a critical role in maintaining integrity within public service and ensuring compliance with the country’s ethical standards.

The Bureau operates with a 10-member board.

On October 23, 2024, President Tinubu swore in the chairman of the board, Dr. Abdullahi Usman Bello.

The current board includes: Barr. Muritala Aliyu Kankia, Hon. E. J Agbomayinma, Barr. Ben Umeano, and Prof. Juwayriyya Badamasiuy.

Other members are Mr. Bulus I Zephaniah, and Hon. Abdulsalam Taofiq Olawale.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President,
(Information & Strategy)