A professor of political economy, Pat Utomi, has lamented the lack of a functioning democracy in Nigeria.

Speaking on Tuesday during an interview on Arise TV, Utomi said Nigeria does not have any political party at the moment in the real sense of how democracy should work.

The political economist said what the country has been having since its return to democracy in 1999 is simply a platform for machine politics with the aim of grabbing power by all means and sharing the spoils of governance.

He added that it is of utmost importance to ensure democracy works in Nigeria with real political parties in place before the 2027 general elections.

In his words, “Nigeria is not a working democracy, and part of our efforts is to make our democracy work before people think about the next election. Countries don’t grow by waiting for the next electoral process; countries grow through the founding of political parties.

“I can say without any feeling of wrongness that we don’t have a political party in Nigeria today. What we have been able to couple together since 199 has been a platform for machine politics, where the game is to grab power rightly or wrongly and share spoils.”

As a solution, Utomi said he is working on a merger of all the front-runners from the 2023 general elections to present a common platform and put forward one person who can get the job done in 2027.

“My view is clear on this matter, let’s build a great party that can make Nigeria better. When we then build it, the people from different social movements, in addition to the political parties that come into this one party, subscribe to certain values and ideologies of how you make a nation happen, can then present those who seem interested can go forward.

“This is what Nigeria needs, and must have but shouldn’t be about some individuals advertising that they are the ones who should go forward, Nigerians will determine that,” he said.

The Federal Government has moved to tackle the issue of fake academic degrees in the country’s education system with the establishment of an inter-ministerial committee.

The Director, Press and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Education, Ben Goong, made this known on Tuesday in Abuja.

“Education Minister, Prof. Tahir Mamman, will this afternoon, inaugurate an inter-ministerial committee on degree mills,” Goong said.

DAILY POST reports that the issue of fake degrees has been trending in the country, following an investigation by a reporter, Umar Audu, with the Daily Nigerian newspaper on the activities of degree mills in Benin Republic and Togo.

The reporter disclosed how he obtained a degree within six weeks and even proceeded to embark on mandatory youth service under the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, scheme.

Audu, who reached out to the syndicate that specialises in selling degree certificates in December 2022, graduated in February 2023 and was issued a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication certificate from the Ecole Superieure de Gestion et de Technologies, Cotonou, Benin Republic.

The report which uncovered the illegalities perpetrated by some tertiary institutions in the West African states led to the Nigerian government imposing a ban on the accreditation and evaluation of degrees from Benin Republic and Togo.

The Education minister later said that President Bola Tinubu’s administration would further extend its searchlight to institutions in other African countries such as Ghana.

So far, no fewer than 10,900 Nigerian students studying in Beninois and Togolese universities are expected to be affected by the Nigerian government ban, according to statistics provided by the National Association of Nigerian Students in Benin Republic and Togo.

Also, the National Universities Commission, the regulatory body of universities in Nigeria, revealed that no fewer than 18 out of the 58 universities whose operations have been suspended in Nigeria are foreign-owned.

[DailyPost]

The Supreme Court on Tuesday reserved judgment on the appeal by the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang.

A three-member panel of the Court of Appeal led by Justice Elphreda Williams-Dawodu had declared Nentawe Goshwe of the All Progressives Congress the winner of the March 18 governorship election in the state.

The appeal court also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to withdraw the certificate of return issued to Mutfwang and issue a fresh one to Goshwe.

Details later…

[Punch]

Suspended Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Minister Dr. Betta Edu has arrived at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Headquarters for grilling over alleged N585 million fraud in her ministry.

Recall that Edu was suspended on Monday by President Bola Tinubu.

The minister was accused of paying the humanitarian fund into a private account.

The N585 million was meant for payment of grants to vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Cross River and Ogun states.

Edu is the first minister to be suspended from office since members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) were sworn in in August last year.

Details later…

[Vanguard]

A delegation, comprising Chief Dr. Dorn Cklaimz Enamhe, Prof John Undie, Dr. Isaac Ishamali, Dr. Mrs. Mary Mark Ogbeche, Dr. Mrs. Martina Ntino, and Mr. Roland Ugeh, representing the Who is Who of Cross River North, undertook a second visit to the displaced people of Belegete at the Obudu Ranch Resort on January 4, and 5th 2024.

During this visit, the group continued its commitment to supporting the Belegete IDPs. Notably, items presented to the community included wrappers specifically for women and mosquito nets, foams, and warm clothing, together with normal outing clothes. The terms also came with the medical team who are attending to the displaced families, carrying out tests, and giving treatment to them. These items were selected with consideration for the specific needs and challenges faced by the women, men, and children in the community.

Chief Enamhe reiterated the group's dedication to alleviating the suffering of the Belegete people. The focus remained on understanding and addressing the root causes of the crisis, mitigating its consequences, and engaging with government bodies to draw attention to the plight of the community.

The delegation emphasized the importance of cultural identity and regional unity, echoing the communal values passed down by their forefathers. By continuing their efforts, the group aims to reintegrate the Belegete people into the mainstream Cross River North community and provide them with a renewed sense of belonging.

In conversations with the residents, it became evident that the challenges faced by the IDPs extended beyond the initial crisis. The harsh weather conditions and inadequate supplies were reported to be taking a toll, leading to unfortunate deaths within the community. The delegation expressed solidarity with the people of Belegete and reassured them of ongoing support.

The Belegete community, despite its peaceful nature, found itself thrust into the complexities of a border region. Unfamiliar with the Ambazonian separatists, the residents were caught off guard by the violent attack on their village. Their readiness to return to their homeland demonstrated a strong desire to reclaim their natural habitat despite the hardships faced at the Obudu Ranch Resort.

In summary, the second visit of the Who is Who of Cross River North group reinforced their commitment to providing targeted assistance to the Belegete IDPs. The items presented, coupled with the ongoing engagement with the community, aim to contribute to the healing and eventual reintegration of the Belegete people into the broader Cross River North community.

The Chief Whip of the Senate, Ali Ndume, has warned that there is a growing cabal within the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Ndume raised the alarm on Monday when he commended President Tinubu for suspending the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, over the allegations of financial mismanagement against her.

The Borno South Senator, however, alleged that Edu is not working alone, but is in connivance with certain powerful individuals who have since formed a cartel in the Tinubu Presidency.

He added that Tinubu must act swiftly to dismantle them so the said cabal does not pull down his administration.

Senator Ndume, who made the revelation in a phone chat with Tribune, however, commended Tinubu for the boldness to suspend Edu, saying said the removal of the minister would send a strong signal to other ministers in Tinubu’s cabinet that their principal would not tolerate corruption.

He added that the President, by his singular action, has also gained the trust of Nigerians, who will now begin to take his administration seriously.

He said, “What President Tinubu has done is very timely. The suspension of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs is a welcome development. It will allow the relevant agencies to conduct a proper investigation.

“Some people in the same position Tinubu is in would not have acted. But as the leader in charge, he acted swiftly, and the minister has been suspended. We should commend the president. This is something Nigerians should commend.

“But the president should not stop there. There is an emerging political cartel within the corridors of power. The president must not act swiftly and dismantle the cartel.

“If they’re not stopped, they’ll be stronger and worse than the cabal. The president must not allow that to happen. I don’t think what the minister did was an isolated case. I don’t think she acted alone.

“The President needs to look deep and flush out those involved in mismanaging the funds meant for humanitarian assistance.

“We’re hopeful that the President will take more decisive actions in the future.”

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has refuted claims suggesting his involvement as a signatory in the company implicated in N438 million contract allegations linked to the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu.  

A leaked memo circulating online indicated that a company, allegedly owned by Tunji-Ojo, received N438 million designated as ‘consultancy fees’ from Edu. 

• Reacting to the allegation in an interview on Channels TV on Monday, Tunji-Ojo  said, “I am not a signatory to the company.” 
• “And actually, I was shocked because the company in question was a company where I was a director. About five years ago, I had resigned from my directorship,” he added.  

Meanwhile, the minister confirmed his role in co-founding the company with his wife and attributed his resignation in 2019 from the firm to his political ambitions. 

• “I and my wife founded the company 15 years years ago. Well, in 2019, when I got to the House of Representatives I won the election precisely, I made a change, 
• “I had resigned as director of the company to hold office. 
• “Of course, and to the best of my knowledge, the public service rule does not prohibit public officers from being shareholders,” Olubunmi said. 

What you should know 

• The embattled minister of humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation, Betta Edu, was suspended by President Bola Tinubu after allegedly diverting more than N585 million to a private account.  
• Also, a leaked memo circulating online showed that a company, New Planet Project Limited, was awarded contracts worth N438 million as ‘consultancy fees’ from Edu. 
• The connection between the firm and the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, raises concerns about a potential conflict of interest. It prompts scrutiny into whether the minister may have misused his position to secure the contract. 
• Meanwhile, Tunji-Ojo clarified in an interview on Monday that he is no longer a signatory of the company since he resigned from it in 2019 after winning the House of Representatives seat.  
• He therefore noted that there cannot be any conflict of interest, adding that he cannot be held responsible for the actions of the company he no longer runs.

Senate Chief Whip, Ali Ndume has advocated better welfare packages for the military men fighting insurgency in Nigeria, calling on President Bola Tinubu to revisit issues of their welfare.

Ndume said the members of the Armed Forces need to be better motivated so the country can see a drastic result in the fight against insecurity.

According to the lawmaker, the military men are not adequately motivated or equipped to fight the war against insurgency. He therefore called on the President to increase their salaries and allowances so it can serve as a motivation for them to win the war.

The Senator, who agreed with the recent rallying call from the President to heads of security agencies that he will not accept failure, said Tinubu needs to revisit the welfare of men and officers tackling insecurity across the country, especially in the North East.

“President Tinubu has made it clear that he won’t accept excuses from heads of security agencies. And I agree with him. We need to win this war. But we need to do more.

“I’m urging the President to do more and revisit these issues; he must equip them, motivate them, and revisit their salaries and allowances.

“These moves will go a long way in changing the tide of war in favour of the government. But currently, what they’re getting is too small to even take care of their daily needs in the field while fighting.

“I’m optimistic that if the right things are done, we’ll see a different outcome in the ongoing insurgency war in various parts of the country. Let’s equip and motivate them, and we’ll see drastic changes,” he said in a phone chat with Tribune on Monday.

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria has warned against witchhunt that may scare big investors like the chairman of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote from further investing in the country.

The Director-General of MAN, Segun Ajayi Kadir, gave the warning on Monday during an interview on Arise TV, monitored by THE WHISTLER.

Kadir reacted to issues surrounding preferential FX allocation by the government to Dangote Industries Ltd and over 50 others.

Last week, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission invaded the Lagos office of Dangote Industries Ltd over an alleged foreign exchange probe.

The EFCC is investigating 52 companies over their foreign exchange dealings in the past ten years.

But the MAN D-G said the government can decide on the sector to give FX support, particularly the one that is critical for the country’s economic survival.

Kadir said, “I mean the issue of the invasion of Dangote headquarters is quite an unfortunate one, and I think it’s something that Nigeria needs to look at in a very serious manner, so that the government decides as to whether we are going to continue to encourage private investment, and how we deal with our champions, without any doubt.

“Dangote industry is an institution, it’s one of the biggest, if not the biggest, manufacturing entities, not only in Nigeria, but in Africa, it employs thousands of people, and it’s one of those, I mean if I were the government, it’s one of the companies that I would rely upon to get me out of this forex issue that we’ve been talking about.

“So, my take is that there is absolutely nothing wrong with a company being close to the government, and who will be close to the government? If you are a businessman, and you have invested in such a humongous manner as Dangote has invested, not only in Nigeria but outside of Nigeria, of course, you have to be close to the government, of course, your business dealings will make you have engagement with government.

“You require incentives, and we look at the kind of money that is borrowing. I sometimes I wonder whether he sleeps. So, I believe that from your strategic point of view, and as a nation that wants to grow its economy, what would you focus on? I don’t think there’s anything. It has to be creatively done. It has to be intentionally done. And it’s not something that is not practiced elsewhere.”

The man D-G said the probe by the EFCC if not properly managed may scare foreign investors from investing in the Nigerian economy.

According to him, the EFCC needs to clarify on the matter surrounding the investigations in other to restore investors’ confidence in the Nigerian economy.

He added, “I have a feeling that the EFCC, for instance, needs to be able to clear the end on what is intended to do. I believe and I hope and I pray that the negative interpretations that he’s been giving to this rate, is not true.

“I think it behoves on the EFCC to come out to give some form of explanation that will not only reassure the Dangote Industries Limited, but it will assure all other domestic investors.

“Because I’m told that there are more than 50 and then, quite importantly, foreign investors. I mean, to explain in the best way that is possible. Very interesting about how this is going.”

The Federal Government says plans are almost “ready” for the commencement of full contactless passport application and the delivery of the same to applicants via courier. 

“Starting March 8, Nigerians will no longer have to come to our offices for their biometric,” the Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said on Monday’s edition of Channels Television’s Politics Today. “They can do it from the comfort of their homes and have their passports delivered to them.”

Starting March 8, Nigerians will no longer have to come to our offices for their biometric, they can do it from the comfort of their homes and have their passports delivered to them.

– Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior#PoliticsToday#CTVTweets pic.twitter.com/4dOCJzGhiH

— Channels Television (@channelstv) January 8, 2024

The minister spoke hours after the automated passport application portal was opened to the public, a fulfillment of the promise he made late last year.

“The whole solution is almost ready. We have phase one, phase two, and phase three. This is phase one that we have delivered. Phase two is the one in the diaspora. The one in the diaspora will be delivered on February 8. Then phase three is the contactless biometric whereby you don’t even need to go again and that’s March 8,” Tunji-Ojo explained.

“I guarantee you that in two months’ time, you sit at home, do your biometrics, fill in your delivery address and we send it to you via courier.”

Poised To Deliver

According to him, Nigerians should hold the ministry to its promises, expressing optimism that passport application in the country will become a much more seamless process soon.

“The Ministry of Interior is poised towards delivery of every promise that we made,” he maintained.

“With this now, the only thing you need to do there: you have an appointment, you just go there, take your biometrics. No picture and nobody is looking at your documents,” the minister added.