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The League of Nigerian Columnists (LNC) has condemned the arrest of journalists in the country.
The association expressed this in a statement made available to this paper by Anthony Kila, Secretary General of the LNC, on Tuesday, while calling for press freedom.
It described the arrests, detention, and even abduction of journalists in the country as “not worthy of a democratic country and should be condemned in unequivocal terms by all.”
Several arrests and detention of journalists have been recorded in the country lately including the abduction of Segun Olatunji, a former Editor of FirstNews by armed men in his home in Iyana Odo, Abule Egba area of Lagos, on March 15, 2024; Daniel Ojukwu, a journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism; Nurudeen Akewushola, a journalist with the International Centre for Investigative Reporting.
The LNC further noted that the country, with 25 years of interrupted democracy, is old enough to be free of infantile ailing typical of a growing child.
“At 25 years of democracy, the LNC expect journalists to be free to report without fear or favour, and where they err, we expect those who feel wronged should follow civil and legal processes.
“It is important to remind all that a country or government that cannot guarantee the safety and freedom of the press cannot be defined as democratic, and the onus of ensuring the safety and freedom of the media is entirely on the government of the country that wants to described as democratic,” it added.
The LNC is a conglomeration of op-ed writers in Nigeria, led by Tola Adeniyi and Yakubu Mohamed.
It comprises columnists whose columns are published in newspapers and magazines with a full-time editor. Some of its members include Ray Ekpu, Dan Agbese, Dare Babarinsa, Martins Oloja, Sam Omatseye, Ikechukwu Amaechi, and Ruben Abati.
[BusinessDay]
The Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA), on Tuesday, sealed the offices of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) in Enugu State.
The action followed EEDC’s announcement that it would disconnect the power supply to the Enugu State Government House and other state government institutions in the South East over an N180bn debt.
EEDC’s spokesman, Emeka Ezeh, said upon arriving at the EEDC headquarters, he and other staff members found the building sealed.
“We were informed by the security men on duty that in the early hours of today (Tuesday) at about 2am, a group of men came and locked up the gates, claiming that the state governor directed the action,” he said.
In addition to the headquarters, EEDC offices in Abakpa, Awkunanaw and Ogui areas were also sealed by the agency.
Ezeh described the development as “strange”, noting that EEDC had not received any notice or communication from ECTDA regarding the action.
Ezeh said the sealing their offices might be connected to EEDC’s notice to begin disconnecting indebted customers starting Tuesday.
“Enugu State Government happens to be one of the indebted customers, with over N1bn owed to EEDC.
“It is important to state that the majority of the state government’s facilities are metered. So, it is not a case of estimated billing. EEDC has about N180bn in debts and has concluded plans to commence disconnection of indebted customers,” he explained.
When contacted, the Chairman of ECTDA, Uche Anyanwu, declined to comment on the incident.
[DailyTrust]
The 2023 Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has said the failure of the opposition to unite is threatening Nigeria’s democracy.
Atiku said the failure of opposition political parties to form a coalition and articulate a plan of good governance makes them more guilty than the All Progressives Congress, APC.
He stated this in a statement to celebrate this year’s Democracy Day.
Atiku said: “The historical timeline of the struggle that birthed this democracy is abundant with a series of coalitions and alliances amongst the political leaderships of that era to flush away the vestiges of military and dictatorial governance in order to return power to the people.
“It is commendable that for 25 years, we have witnessed an uninterrupted season of electoral politics. It is an unprecedented epoch in our history.
“It is worthy of celebration and commendation must go to the people of our great country. I must also congratulate the political class for having embraced the rectitude of nurturing a democracy, as well as the civil society. It is important that all stakeholders continue to do their bit to ensure the sustainability of our democracy.
“Today, the failings of the opposition parties to uphold the functionality of their existence are a major threat to our democracy. The earlier they realise that the fortunes of Nigeria lie in their forging a coalition, the better it will be for our country and the people.”
[DailyPost]
President Bola Tinubu marked the 25th Anniversary of Unbroken Democracy in Nigeria with a compelling address on Democracy Day, June 12, 2024. In his speech, he reflected on the nation’s journey from the struggles of military rule to becoming Africa’s most populous democracy.
Paying tribute to the heroes of the democratic movement and emphasizing the importance of sustaining democratic values, Tinubu outlined his commitment to protecting citizens’ rights and pushing forward with vital economic reforms. His call for unity and perseverance underscores the ongoing efforts to secure a brighter, more democratic future for Nigeria.
Tribute to Heroes: He pays tribute to the individuals who sacrificed their lives for the nation’s democratic struggle, including MKO Abiola, Kudirat Abiola, General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, and others.
Role of Activists and Journalists: Tinubu acknowledges the contributions of pro-democracy activists, journalists, and media establishments in fighting against military dictatorship.
Democracy as a Way of Life: He emphasizes that democracy is more than just holding elections; it is a way of life that includes freedom of speech, liberty, and peaceful transitions of power.
Commitment to Democracy: Tinubu vows to protect the rights, freedoms, and liberties of Nigerian citizens and pledges to cement democracy as the nation’s way of life.
Economic Reforms: He acknowledges the economic challenges facing Nigeria and highlights ongoing reforms aimed at creating a stronger economic foundation for future growth.
Labour Relations: Tinubu discusses negotiations with organized labour on a new national minimum wage, emphasizing the importance of cooperation over conflict in resolving disputes.
Principled Leadership: He underscores the importance of reasoned discussion and principled compromise in democratic governance.
Call to Action: Tinubu urges Nigerians to embrace the challenges of the future and to continue moving forward together toward progress and prosperity.
Preservation of Democracy: He calls on citizens to keep the fire of democracy burning and to preserve it for future generations, ending with a blessing for the Federal Republic of Nigeria and a wish for a Happy Democracy Day.
[Vanguard]
Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has said that phase one of the Lagos-Calabar super highway will be ready for commissioning by May 2025.
Umahi disclosed this at a meeting with contractors at the Ministry’s headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja. Commending the contractor handling the project for the quality of work, Umahi also revealed that the Federal Government has paid N10bn as compensation for communities and individuals along the road corridor affected by the project.
He said;
“The ministry is doing everything possible to see how we can do away with veriation of price. In the states, there is nothing like variation of price, but what is fashionable in the Ministry of Works is variation of price.
“Let me announce that the concrete we gave, the asphalt we gave are based on a price of N1,700 per $1 US dollar; it don’t attract any variation. Even the legacy project, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, we have cut down to six lanes. The project has not been stopped.
“It is going on smoothly. The first phase of this project should be ready for commissioning by May 2025. It shows that we mean business. As we are taking now, over 4 kilometers of concrete road has been completed. And where you have MTN and African cable, we saved the community and the cables.
“We had to reroute to establish a new pathway away from the old route and the gazetted route. We’ve paid compensation of almost N10bn.
“Over 90 percent of the new projects in the 2024 budget are constituency projects of the National Assembly. These constituency projects have very poor (funding) allocations in the 2024 budget, and that is why I say it is a palliative budget.
“The budget is, (however) also very useful because a chain is as strong as its weakest link. If you have a beautiful road and it is broken into two by a flood, what do you do? That is where the budget provision or emergency project will come in handy.
“We have 330 (emergency) projects, and as at today, we have completed over 80 per cent. We’ve completed some bridges.”
Umahi also said that the Federal Executive Council has agreed that some projects that do not have funding will be stepped down for those that have the greatest impact on the lives of a greater number of Nigerians.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) says the official version of the national anthem it issued remains the correct lyrics.
On May 29, President Bola Tinubu signed the national anthem bill 2024 that reintroduced the old anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” into law.
Subsequently, the NOA released the standardised lyrics of the reintroduced national anthem.
However, on Tuesday, Senate President Godswill Akpabio reportedly said what the agency is circulating is different from the new national anthem approved by the upper legislative chamber.
“Take note of what we have here; what we have is different from what the NOA has,” Akpabio was quoted as saying.
“Where we have Nigerians ‘all’ are proud to say, they have Nigerians all and proud to say. Also, where we have ‘though’ tribe and tongue may differ, they have ‘though tribes and tongues.
“Also, at the end, where we have ‘Nigeria shall be blessed’, they have Nigeria ‘may’ be blessed. We are using ‘shall’ which is a compulsion that this country shall be blessed. So tell the National Orientation Agency to drop what they are circulating now.”
But in a statement, Lanre Issa-Onilu, the director general of NOA, said the official version of the national anthem the agency unveiled remains the correct lyrics approved in the Act signed by the president on May 29.
“Mallam Issa-Onilu clarified inquiries from the media on the correct lyrics of the new national anthem, saying as an act of the Parliament, the NOA is duty-bound to only promote the official version,” the statement issued by Paul Odenyi, spokesperson of the agency, reads.
“Believing that the Senate President was misquoted, Mallam Issa-Onilu advised the media to always cross-check their facts before publication.
“He also advised the media to check the Act signed by the President as approved by the National Assembly to confirm the version as released by the NOA.
“The official version that we issued remains the correct lyrics. We are making an effort to standardise the instrumental and audio versions before we release it to the public.”
[TheCable]
President Bola Tinubu, has raised the alarm over alleged attempts by some people to cash in on the current economic challenges in the country to undermine and destroy democracy.
The President, however, promised to preserve democracy and protect the rights, freedoms, and liberties of Nigerians.
He added that the Federal Government negotiated in good faith and with open arms with organised labour on a new national minimum wage.
He promised to as soon as possible send an executive bill to the National Assembly to enshrine what has been agreed upon as part of the law for the next five years or less.
In his nationwide broadcast, today on Democracy Day, the President noted that some persons sacrificed their lives to ensure that democratic government was put in place about 25 years ago.
His words: “My dear compatriots, Nigeria faced a decision of untold gravity 25 years ago: Whether to veer towards a better destination or continue aimlessly in the fog of dictatorship.
“We made the right choice then. We must continue with that choice now.
“As Nigerians, we must remind ourselves that no matter how complicated democracy may be, it is the best form of governance in the long run. We must also be aware that there are those among us who will try to exploit current challenges to undermine, if not destroy, this democracy for which so much has already been given.
“These people do this not to make things better but to subject all other people and things to their control and dominance until the point that, if you are not counted among their elite, then your life will be small and no longer owned by you.
“This is the great battle of our day and the major reason we specially celebrate this Democracy day.”
The President said that Nigeria’s democracy is more than a historic fact, noting that it is a living, breathing reality.
He further said that the true meaning of the day is not to focus solely on the great deeds of the past that have brought the country to her present point.
He said: “Yes, we pay eternal honour to those who laid down their lives, sacrificing everything to pave the way for the nation.
“I stand uniquely placed in this regard. I was among those who took the risk to midwife the birth of our democracy. I am now a direct and obvious beneficiary of the fruits of those historic efforts.
“As president of this nation, I am morally and constitutionally bound to preserve this precious form of governance. I vow to do my utmost best to protect your rights, freedoms, and liberties as citizens of Nigeria.
“Even more than that, I pledge to do whatever is necessary to cement democracy as our way of life.
“I come before you also to declare that our most important work remains before us. This real test has never been whether we would rise to challenge the slings of misfortune and grievous pain of dictatorship.
“The real test is whether we shall lower our guards as the shadow of despotism and its evident physical danger fade.”
We must re-commit to inclusivity, accountability, transparency
President Tinubu had earlier urged the citizenry and leaders to recommit to the values of inclusivity, accountability and transparency to guarantee an enduring democracy.
President Tinubu said after 25 years of uninterrupted democracy, it was time for all Nigerians to partake “in building a nation where every voice is heard, where every potential is realised, and where every citizen is empowered to contribute to the collective good.”
The President, who spoke during the 2024 Democracy Day Lecture at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, noted that at this point of the nation’s democratic journey, every Nigerian, irrespective of background, must be given a chance to contribute to the nation’s shared destiny.
The president spoke as a host of leaders and groups dissected Nigeria’s democracy since the June 12, episode and offered suggestions on the way forward.
With a series of activities mapped out to celebrate June 12 by The Patriots, state governments, especially in the South-West, and Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, notable Nigerians and groups, who spoke on June 12, yesterday, included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP; Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU; International Press Centre, IPC, among others.
This happened as the Federal Government declared today as a public holiday with the Department of State Service, DSS, warned those planning to embark on June 12 protest to have a re-think or face the consequences.
We must entrench flourishing democracy – Tinubu
President Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said the lessons learned after 25 years is that democracy is a journey that must be constantly nurtured and watched closely.
His words: “Our progress has been marked by both triumphs and trials, each serving as a reminder of the preciousness of our democratic principles. As we move forward, let us recommit to the values of inclusivity, accountability, and transparency, ensuring that our democracy not only endures but flourishes for generations to come.
“The future of Nigeria lies in our hands, in our ability to dream, innovate, and act with courage and conviction. Let us embrace this moment with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that the path we tread today will shape the Nigeria of tomorrow.
“This is an invitation for each of us to participate in building a nation where every voice is heard, where every potential is realised, and where every citizen is empowered to contribute to the collective good.”
President Tinubu observed that sustaining democracy for 25 years, the longest in the country’s checkered history is evidence of “the enduring sacrifices of several generations of patriots.”
Passing his verdict on the democratic journey so far, the President declared that 25 years was time enough to ascertain the effectiveness of any experiment.
He said, “Our democratic experience, despite the lows and the highs, is a telling referendum on our aspiration to build a nation that serves the interests of all, a federation that has not conspired against any benign group.
“We are here because the alternative is a descent into dystopia. Today is a moment to reflect on our journey so far. The tragedies Nigeria survived to settle for this democracy, the fourth of such experiments, must inspire each of us to play our part to honour the labour of our founding fathers and mothers and remind ourselves of the principles that drove their resolve to build for us a diverse nation that has defied the pessimism of detached agents of anarchy.”
Noting that it is not just a day of remembrance, Tinubu stated that it is a call to action, even as he said young and competent Nigerians, including the patriotic and innovative, must all be engaged in crafting a succession plan that secures the desired future.
“It is through their energy, creativity, and commitment that we will build a Nigeria that stands resilient against the challenges of tomorrow. Let us therefore pledge to create an environment where every Nigerian, regardless of background, has the opportunity to contribute to our shared destiny,” President further noted.
Earlier, Secretary to Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, highlighted the sacrifices made by heroes and heroines who fought for democracy, with many paying the ultimate price.
He saluted the courage of Nigerians in upholding democratic values despite challenges.
He said, “Our democratic journey is one of optimism as reversal is never contemplated. Today provides an opportunity to salute the resilience of our people in believing in democracy,” Akume stated.
In his keynote address, former Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari, called on politicians to prioritise citizens’ needs, saying: “democracy is about the government of the people, not just politicians. We therefore need to prioritise the needs of the populace ahead of our own needs. We also need to become better democrats. We need to fully imbibe the culture of democracy. We need good winners and good losers.”
The Federal Government will seek a a $2.5 billion World Bank facility as a funding window for the 2024 supplementary budget.
The money will augment the N50 billion Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) domiciled in the National Sovereign Wealth Investment Authority (NSWIA), which the government has also earmarked for the budget.
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, stated this in Abuja on Tuesday when he briefed the Joint Senate and House of Representatives Committees on National Planning and Economic Affairs.
Bagudu told the lawmakers that the $2.5bn was meant to augment the N50bn, which he said was not enough to execute the Renewed Hope Transformational Projects of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Recall that on May 29, President Tinubu had hinted the National Assembly of his plan to forward a Supplementary Appropriation Bill for the lawmakers to work on it.
According to Bagudu, the budget will be devoted mainly to the transformational projects of the administration, though he added that it might also include a provision for the new national minimum wage.
The minister listed the projects to include the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road; the proposed Sokoto- Badagri Road; and the completion of all ongoing railway projects, which the government had yet to provide its own counterpart fund.
In addition, Bagudu informed the lawmakers that the budget would provide more money to support CNG, LNG projects targeted at improving energy for transportation and household use.
He added that the Trans-Saharan Highway, which the current administration inherited, would also be funded with the supplementary budget.
Bagudu spoke more, “The supplementary budget that was announced or rather was mentioned, came about when Mr President presented a memo to the Federal Executive Council.
“In the memo, he said that he inherited the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund, which was domiciled in the National Sovereign Wealth Investment Authority.
“He has also identified transformational projects, including Lagos – Calabar, Coastal Road; proposed Sokoto-Badagri Road; completion of all ongoing railway projects, which we have not provided counterpart funding.
“We also plan to fund the rehabilitation and expansion of dams and irrigation schemes in order to support increased production within the economy. Last but not the least, more money to support CNG, LNG.
“The three roads, dams and irrigation, and railways, is what Mr. President designated as the infrastructure, renewed health infrastructure priority items.
“So that’s what he directed that the ministry prepare for appropriation supplementary appropriation bill.
“We have not finished work on the bill, we have not submitted the supplementary appropriation draft to the Federal Executive Council yet.
“So many people have approached the ministry and indeed leadership of the National Assembly as well as many members asking about the renewed hope the supplementary appropriation.”
Commenting on the new wage demand by the organised labour and the government’ plans, said the new pay demand might be covered by the budget.
“We are not clear how much revenue we have, given the challenges of the moment.
“Yes, we have done some scenarios given the exchange rate fluctuation and the impact of the budget and even scenarios given the current minimum wage negotiation that is ongoing.
“This is because even at N60,000, even at N62,000, that immediately doubles the minimum wage.
“So it was the forecast that even at the lowest level, it will increase inflation rate and that might affect interest rates which will affect in turn, economic activity, debt surges among others.”
He also spoke on the performance of the main 2024 budget of N28.7trillion, explaining why funds had yet to be released to some MDAs.
Bagudu stated, “Unlike the usual practice where every quarter the ministry of finance sent money to MDAs depending on what the envelope size is. That has been discarded and replaced by the bottom up cash.
“Under our procurement laws, ministries and MDAs are supposed to commence procurement as soon as the budget is passed into law.
“So most MDAs are in that process now. The first quarter capital releases is not high because most MDAs have not yet awarded the contracts and consequently they have not put any request for cash.
“We believe that it will pick up in this second quarter and subsequent quarters. So the budget performance will be difficult as procurement processes are completed by MDAs.
“Equally, as part of an effort for better treasury management, the federal Ministry of Finance have now decided that for some category of contracts, they will be doing the payments.
“So again, that is intended to ensure that financial resources are pooled in one place, rather than sent to various MDAs awaiting processes. So those are the broad brief on the 2024 budget.”
However, the Chairman of the session, Sen. Yahaya Abdullahi, felt that that executive should have proposed amendments to the 2024 budget as against sending in a new one, considering the time it would take to conclude work on the new bill.
As the Country sets to commemorate its 25th Democracy Day on June 12, the Department of State Services (DSS) has issued a stern warning against individuals and groups planning to stage a protest.
The intelligence unit on Tuesday raised the alarm over a staged protest, it said has been designed “with sinister objectives to coincide with the Democracy Day Celebration.”
The agency acknowledged the right of assembly and expression but noted that the determination by some non-state actors to incite mass disaffection through demonstrations, which may turn violent, will not be tolerated.
The DSS said, “However, it is instructive to note that violent demonstrations are at variance with the peaceful disposition of the Federal Government to amicably address all contentions including the minimum wage.
“Citizens are, therefore, called upon to resist any persuasions to be lawless or cause disorder and anarchy in the nation. Displeased persons are rather encouraged to appropriately channel their grievances through the right channels and procedures.”
The agency further reaffirmed its duty to protect the country from inimical acts being orchestrated by disgruntled groups to cause a breakdown of law and order through collaborations with relevant stakeholders and sister agencies.
“The Service, while felicitating the government and citizens on this auspicious occasion of celebrating 25 years of unbroken democracy, calls for continued patriotism, unity and commitment in building a Nigeria of our collective dream.
“Meanwhile, the DSS website, dss.gov.ng; email address- This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and Telephone lines +2349153391309; +2349088373514 remain open to the public in the event that there is need to contact it.”
In past weeks, the social-economic stability of the nation has been tense, particularly with the unresolved negotiations between the Federal Government and the National Labour Congress concerning a deserving wage for the nation’s workers among other demands.
The NLC, after a week-long grace that was given to the federal government to enable an upward negotiation of the minimum wage, is likely to embark on a strike in the absence of a favourable agreement.
With this in view, President Bola Tinubu is set to address the nation on June 12 at 7 am.
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The Federal Government has rolled out plans to subsidise Compressed Natural Gas vehicle conversion kits by 50% for road transport union members across the country.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Presidential initiative on CNGi, Engr. Micheal Oluwagbemi, said it was part of its move to convert one million vehicles from PMS to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) by 2027,
Oluwagbemi, who’s also the Programme Director of the P-CNGi, spoke at the Northern Stakeholders Engagement in Kaduna on Tuesday.
He said the Federal Government had procured over 20,000 conversion kits that would be immediately deployed for the conversion incentive programme.
This was even as he said that the P-CNGi had identified eight conversion centres in four states which include Kwara, Lagos FCT and Rivers that would pilot the programme.
He said, “we are launching what we called the Conversion Incentive Programme with members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers of Nigeria, Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria and National Association of Road Transport Owners being our immediate focus. This is because they are the operators in the road transport sector providing 90 per cent of the transportation in the country to members of the public.
“We will be making the conversion kits available to them at 50% discount and we are also ensuring that the installation cost is free. We are already negotiating with our partners who will initiate that project in the next week.
“We have already identified eight conversion centres in four states, namely Kwara, Lagos FCT and Rivers that will pilot the programme. Immediately after that, we will start expanding to other conversion vent that we have identified and there are 120 of them across the country.”
He the subsidised conversion programme was part of President Bola Tinubu’s goal of having one million vehicles converted to CNG by 2027.
In his keynote address, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, commended the Federal Government’s initiative setting a phase in switching from petrol powered vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas powered vehicles particularly the buses category
The governor, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Works, Ibrahim Hamza, said transportation remained the backbone of the nation’s economy.
“Transportation is one of the major promoters of our socio-economic activities which deals with the movement of persons, goods and freight from one point to another,” he said.
JUNE 12 PROTESTS: Too late, Arrest of Any Leader will not Deter us, Nigerians are Hungry and Tired and will Protest Against The Tinubu Regime Tomorrow and Beyond
Admin
Information reaching us as at 10.05 pm is that one of the coordinators of the #WeAreHungry Protests slated for tomorrow 12 June 2024 has been arrested by security agents in Lagos, following series of threats by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Police Force to clampdown on peaceful democracy day protest.
Around 10 pm, Comrade Sanyaolu Juwon, the National Coordinator of the TIB sent distress messages to members of the movement saying he has been arrested and taken to an unknown location. Efforts to reach him have been futile.
We are not surprised at this strategy of intimidation but the news we have for this tyrannical and ruinous Tinubu regime is that the arrest is rather too late. The veil is off and Nigerians can see through the cluelessness of this government.
We want to state categorically that the tactics of the Nigeria Security apparatus already mobilized by the Presidency, is too late. Nigerian are not deterred as they have resolved to protest against hardship and nothing shall stop them tomorrow.
We also want to advise that instead of wasting time on harassment and arrests, the Police should release him immediately as these acts of human rights violation will be heavily resisted now and beyond.
Our demands, in the midst of the wicked policies of the Tinubu regime, are that hardship must end, gruesome hunger must end, insecurity claiming lives of thousands must end, hike in fees must stop, fuel hike must end etc.
In conclusion, we again urge Nigeria’s longsuffering people not to concede to threat and intimidation. Protest is an alienable right under a democracy. We shall not relent until victory is achieved.
SIGNED
1. Speaker Bright, Coordinator, TakeitBack Movement, North West
2. Peluola Adewale, National Mobilization Officer, Joint Action Front (JAF)
3. Hassan Taiwo Soweto, National Coordinator, Education Rights Campaign
4. Comrade Ayoyinka Oni, Chairman, African Action Congress (AAC), Lagos Chapter
5. Kunle Wizeman Ajayi, National Chair, Socialist Workers League
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has lamented there was no political will to eliminate banditry in the state and country.
Alleging the laid-back attitude of the police and the military in combating the menace of banditry plaguing the state, he said that the kidnapping-for-ransom trade, which was booming in the state can be eliminated in two weeks with the right political will.
He said that the uninspiring attitude of Federal Government-controlled security agencies was responsible for the creation of the state security outfit, Community Protection Guards in January.
The governor, who was featured on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme, yesterday, said: “We, as governors, don’t have control over the military, we don’t have control over the police as well as the civil defence. In most cases, we get frustrated.
“When you need these people, they are nowhere to be found and the best thing to do is to set up that kind of security outfit.
“Sometimes, you’re really helpless. When you need them (security agents), they are not there. Even when they are there, they are given certain instructions on what to do and what not to do.
“In two weeks, we can take care of the situation but the political will is not there.
“We know who they (bandits) are. We know where they live. It’s just that there is no political will.
“At a point, I had to really come and say it clearly because when we are trying to take care of the situation, somebody somewhere is negotiating with the bandits without my knowledge,” he said, noting that the series of negotiations with bandits by previous administrations did not yield any positive results, hence there was no basis to continue with such venture which, he said, enrich the vicious marauders.
On the identity of those negotiating with bandits, he said: “To some extent, we do.”
Further, the governor said: “Zamfara State has become the hub of banditry in Nigeria. If you can take care of Zamfara today, you have solved more than 90 per cent of issues in northern Nigeria as a whole.”
Lawal said he had met with President Bola Tinubu to complain about the saboteurs to the security challenges in the state, noting that the President had assured him that something would be done to address the challenges.
On security outfits set up by states to complement security agencies in their states, he noted that these outfits have been handicapped in their operations due to several factors, including lack of license to bear assault rifles and superior weapons to confront deadly insurgents and criminals but governors were upbeat that with a constitutional backing, these outfits will live up to their full potential.
The World Bank yesterday affirmed its 3.3 per cent economic growth forecast for Nigeria in 2024 saying the nation’s economy was mildly buoyant in the early part of the year despite macroeconomic adjustments.
However, the World Bank downgraded its forecast for Nigeria’s economic growth in 2025 to 3.5 per cent, from the 3.7 per cent forecast made in January.
Similarly, the World Bank downgraded its forecast for Sub-Saharan economic growth in 2024 to 3.0 per cent from 3.8 per cent forecast made in January.
The report stated: “Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) weakened to 3.0 per cent in 2023. Growth in the region’s largest three economies—Nigeria, South Africa, Angola—remained weak. In early 2024, private sector activity picked up, buoyed by a strengthening global economy.
At the same time, many economies in the region continue to struggle with weak government balance sheets, stemming partly from low revenue collection and high debt-service costs, while some also need to manage the adverse effects of currency depreciations. In Nigeria, growth slowed to 2.9 per cent in 2023. Despite ongoing macroeconomic adjustments, the economy was mildly buoyant in early 2024.
Growth in SSA is projected to pick up from 3.0 percent in 2023 to 3.5 percent in 2024 and about 4 percent annually in 2025-26, as fading inflationary pressures allow for interest rate cuts, which will support private consumption and investment.
Growth in the region’s largest three economies is expected to accelerate from 1.8 percent in 2023 to 2.4 percent in 2024 and an average of 2.6 percent in 2025-26. Yet, this is markedly below the region’s average growth. Non-resource-rich economies are forecast to maintain growth above their historical average rate, while resource-rich economies recover from their slow growth in 2023 that mainly reflected declining metal prices.