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Since 1999 when the journey to civil rule began, having witnessed military rule for over 15 years, there have been arguments and counter-arguments as to the best form of democratic government for Nigeria.
While some have argued that the American styled presidential system of government which Nigeria practised between 1979 and 1983, and which is currently in practice, remains the best for Nigeria, others want a return to the parliamentary system which the British bequeathed to Nigeria at independence in 1960.
Those who are pushing for a return to what Nigeria’s colonial masters, Britain, handed down to the country in 1960, which is parliamentarianism, have argued that such a system would eliminate wastages in governance and ensure accountability.
They insist that with such a system of government in place, there would be no need for a two-chamber legislature- that is the Senate and the House of Representatives; instead, the country would make do with a unicameral legislature, which is less expensive and less cumbersome.
This, they argued, would cut down drastically on the amount of money used to run a bicameral legislature.
Recall that in the parliamentary system of government, the head of the government, who is the Prime Minister, is chosen from among the lawmakers or parliamentarians. He/she is always from the political party that has the majority in the parliament. And the ministers are also picked from among the lawmakers. This, the proponents of the system argued, would reduce, to the barest minimum, the cost of governance.
However, those pushing for the presidential system which was copied from the United States of America in 1979, have also argued that the system ensures checks and balances, as no organ or arm of government, represented by the executive, the legislature or the judiciary, can wield arbitrary powers.
It is their belief that absolute powers corrupt absolutely and to prevent a powerdrunk politician from riding roughshod over the masses, there is the need for each arm of government to act as watchdog and check the excesses of the other.
What is needed, according to them, is to modify the current system to suit Nigeria’s peculiarities as evidenced in its diversity.
But, the argument has refused to die. It has continued to rage on, with the House of Representatives exhuming the argument on the need for Nigeria to return to parliamentary system of government, considering the current economic realities in the country.
On Wednesday last week, a bill to return Nigeria to parliamentary democracy passed the first reading at the lower legislative chamber of the national assembly.
The bill, co-sponsored by about 60 lawmakers from across party lines, is expected to be gazetted for the second reading, before it would be referred to the Ad-hoc Committee on Constitution Review, chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, for further legislative actions.
Briefing journalists at the National Assembly (NASS) complex in Abuja, after the bill scaled the first reading, Wale Raji, noted that the idea behind the proposed bill was to initiate a conversation about the possibility of transitioning from the current presidential system to a less expensive parliamentary system of government.
The bill, if passed into law, would have the new system of government kick off in 2031.
“We anticipate that the process may not necessarily conclude with the current administration. We expect it to extend beyond 2027, with the actual commencement potentially in 2031. It’s a gradual process that we have now initiated,” he noted.
Speaking on behalf of the 60 lawmakers that sponsored the bill, Hon Abdusamad Dasuki, said: “Today, we stand on the cusp of history as lawmakers from different parties and regions, to present bills proposing constitutional alterations for a transition to a Parliamentary System of Government.”
He noted that the proposed alteration, if passed, would significantly impact the national political landscape, even as he highlighted the imperfections in the current presidential system, to include high cost of governance, excessive executive powers, and lack of direct accountability to the people, among others.
The bill seeks to return Nigeria to the governance system of the First Republic, which was characterised by accountability, responsibility, and responsiveness, ultimately being less expensive.
The changes outlined in the bills include replacing the President with a Prime Minister as the Head of Government, and establishing the office of the President as a ceremonial leader.
Other proposed changes involved shifting the process of electing governors and chairmen of local governments from the general elections to voting within their respective legislative bodies, aiming to streamline administration, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and enhance collaboration between the executive and legislative arms.
Dasuki and his group are of the view that a streamlined executive branch could bring about a smaller central government, leading to reduction in expenses, and that electing officials from the parliament could save costs spent on state and nationwide campaigns.
The bill also aims to spark a national conversation and encourage public debates, stakeholders’ consultations, and informed decision-making processes about the future of Nigeria’s governance system.
Commenting on the move, the president of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Dr Pogu Bitrus, said even though the parliamentary system would be cheaper for Nigerians, the presidential system currently in operation could still serve Nigerians if well modified.
He stressed that much as the parliamentary system was welcomed by him, what Nigeria needs was restructuring so that the current presidential system could be modified to suit Nigeria appropriately.
He also stated that whether the country would return to the parliamentary system or not was a decision for Nigerians to take after they must have debated on it.
He said: “I am one who feels that the American system, which we adopted, can still be modified and corrected to serve this nation appropriately. All we need to do is to restructure the country so that there will be some real good representations.
“Another thing is to ensure that the western system we copied is not a holistic thing. We should modify it to serve our own peculiarity. The parliamentary system will definitely work for us; it is cheaper than the presidential system, but it is left for Nigerians to debate on it and see which will work better for us.
“But, I still believe that with restructuring, this presidential system, which we currently operate, will still serve us well.”
On his part, a former House of Assembly member in Katsina State, Hon Yusuf Shehu, said he was in total support of the move for the country to return to parliamentary system.
He said the system is best for Nigeria, and that was why the British who colonized Nigeria bequeathed the system to the country at independence.
“Don’t forget that it was the system given to us by our colonial masters, Great Britain. They gave us our constitution and they considered our makeup before introducing the system to us. I believe they know it is the system that is best for us.
“Secondly, the system is less expensive and it promotes unity. Nigeria is diverse in culture, religion and tribe. The British knew about this diversity before they introduced the parliamentary system because it would suit our differences in culture and traditions.
“Remember that the presidential system was copied from America by the military and forced on us in 1979. It is alien to us. The parliamentary system is much cheaper than the presidential system. Under the parliamentary system, the prime minister is selected among the ministers.
“Under the parliamentary system, the states or the federating units are more powerful than the centre, but in the presidential system, the centre is more powerful than the states; it shouldn’t be so.
“Even the recent calls for the creation of state police would not have arisen if we were in a parliamentary state because the state would have been given the power constitutionally to take care of things like security, natural resources and others.
“So, the bill for Nigeria to return to the parliamentary system is a welcome idea. I learnt it has even passed the second reading. So, we are expecting the third reading before the presidential assent, so that it can become law in Nigeria.
“I support the move completely, and in fact, the situation in Nigeria today, calls for total revisit of the constitution,” he stated.
In his contribution, the president of the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF), Alhaji Yerima Shettima, equally threw his weight behind the call for a return to parliamentary system of government.
For him, the system would throw up good leaders, instead of the poor, incompetent and mediocre crop of leaders that the presidential system encourages.
He said: “I have no problem with the parliamentary system of government because the way our politicians are taking advantage of the centre is not going to augur well in the nearest future.
“A situation where every Tom, Dick, and Harry can just go to the centre and receive the blessing of one God-father will not augur well for us in the nearest future.
“We can also not sustain a system where governors will sit down, fold their arms, and expect miracles to fall from the centre.
“So, for me, it is only when we have a parliamentary system in place that the states can become more viable. Only then, will the states begin to harness their resources.
“This is because the constitution will spell out the percentage that the state or region will pay to the centre. That way, the centre will be less attractive and at that point, we will begin to produce good leaders because whether you have money or not, once you come from a community that can vouch for your antecedents that are good, you are good to go.
“But under the current system where somebody in Abuja will force an armed robber, or a fraudster on the people, you don’t expect to produce good leaders.
“For me, I welcome the parliamentary system of government because that is what fits Nigeria. That is what fits us as a country; we don’t have to borrow from America or Russia because they are not the same with us. And other people in any other country are not the same as us.
“We are Nigerians and we must be able to work with things we feel that can benefit us and that are good for us.
“So, I welcome the parliamentary system of government and it is the parliamentary system of government that can give Nigerians the state police we are all talking about.”
[DailyPost]
- We are not comfortable with all the stories – Youth leader
- Community insists on banker’s burial in hometown
Gloom and despair defined the atmosphere in Isiokpo, a community in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State on Thursday as the indigenes continued to mourn the tragic death of their illustrious son, reputable banker and philanthropist, Dr. Herbert Wigwe.
Their faces welled up in tears as the reality of an event they had received with disbelief finally dawned on them. Wigwe, his wife and son had died horribly last Saturday after the chopper they boarded in the US crashed and what started like a rumour in Isiokpo became a painful reality.
Isiokpo chiefs wept. Their women cried. Their youths were lost in melancholy and their children felt some vacuum. Since the incident, Isiokpo has been quiet. In fact, the entire Ikwerre Local Government Area felt the far-reaching sound of the fall of an Iroko tree in the wild. The Nigerian flag at the Ikwerre Local Government Headquarters located in the community was flown at half mast.
Undoubtedly, Isiokpo lost a great soul. Their shinning light was extinguished abruptly, causing thick darkness to pervade the entire community. Wigwe, indeed, meant different things to all the stakeholders of his community. The women and widows called him husband. For the youths, he was their hope, source of inspiration and role model. The chiefs and the traditional ruling council saw him as the pillar of Isiokpo’s development and the bringer of peace.
Little wonder everybody is mourning his exit. The community suspended all activities to reflect on the lives and times of Wigwe. In fact, markets, stalls and all business premises were shut in the community to mourn philanthropist Wigwe. The farmers abandoned their farmlands. Wigwe meant a lot for them.
Isiokpo Kingdom immediately declared eight days of mourning in honour of their benefactor. To begin the mourning period, all the indigenes and non-indigenes wore black outfits. Many were completely dressed in black while others wore clothes with touches of black. Vehicular movement was skeletal. Most of the vehicles seen that day in Isiokpo belonged to persons who came from other parts of Ikwerre and the state to join the mourning.
No market opened and no store sold anything on that day. All the busy roads of Ikwerre were dominated by persons in black carrying out processions in honour of Wigwe. Different groups of youths and women took over the procession. They sang sorrowful songs and dirges for Wigwe.
At the palace of the Isiokpo Traditional Ruler, HRM King Blessing Wagor, were canopies erected for mourners. The entire place was congested.
Others who could not join the procession were seen at the entrances of their houses sitting in melancholy and gazing into empty spaces. Some held their chins in their palms as they wondered what would become of their community without Wigwe.
At the palace of the Isiokpo Traditional Ruler, HRM King Blessing Wagor, were canopies erected for mourners. The entire place was congested.
He said: “We must traditionally bury him. He cannot be buried outside Isiokpo. He must be buried here. Isiokpo must find a way to probe his death. We must get to the root of the whole thing. Isiokpo is an ancient city. We must go back to our traditional way and find out what really killed Herbert Wigwe. If his death is natural, we will know. If it is from a human we will know.”
His demands were echoed by Apostle Ezemoye Peter, the President of Isiokpo Youth Council and the Coordinating Chairman of all the Ikwerre community youth leaders, who said said Wigwe would be remembered for restoring the elusive peace in Isiokpo.
Like the traditional institution, Peter called for a thorough probe of the circumstances that led to the copter crash that killed Wigwe.
He said: “We are not too comfortable with the stories. We, the youths of Isiokpo are using this opportunity to call on the Federal Government, the state and the National Assembly to look into this and follow up investigations to know what actually happened.
“We are not buying into the stories. It is a great loss to us and we can’t just lose a brother and father like that. We want the INTERPOL and the Nigerian government to find out what actually happened.
“I am not a pilot and I am not an engineer. But in my layman’s understanding, when the weather is bad, you don’t take off. So the engineering crew and the helicopter company should be investigated. We need a thorough investigation to see what really happened.”
The President of Ikwerre Isiokpo Women Association, Christiana Ikpe, also said the women would not stop grieving over Wigwe’s death, insisting that Wigwe’s death was not natural.
She said: “Wherever this death comes from, let the land of Isiokpo locate it and find them out. None of them will go free. He was everything to us. He never loved us to cry. He was always backing us. He was taking care of the widow and many people were feeding under him.”
But why will the death of one man throw the entire community into maximum gloom? King Wagor said the personality of Wigwe was the reason behind the community-wide mourning.
King Wagor described Wigwe as a special man to the community, saying he was championing the development of Isiokpo before his shocking demise. He said Wigwe fulfilled many promises he made to the community. But his death has truncated many other life-changing projects he promised the community.
“Who will now complete the ongoing electricity project he initiated? Who will give us light?” the monarch lamented. He said Wigwe began an ambitious project of electrifying all the communities in Isiokpo before his death
The monarch said: “He is a special man to us. We are crying and mourning him. God knows everything. I won’t ask God why. We have handed over everything to Him. May God give us the mind to endure it.
“We relied on him. He came to develop Isiokpo. He was a wonderful person to us. He left many legacies in the community. He sited a university here. He made many promises. He promised us plenty things. We are in tears.
“The light project He promised us is still ongoing. Who will give us light again? He has gone and we are in pains. What happens to our Xmas bonus? He used to supply rice all over Isiokpo. We enjoyed him and his death is painful. He was humble, honest and respectful.”
The traditional ruler said Wigwe’s death had taught others to strive and make positive impact in their communities. He said if Wigwe had not left such legacies, the entire Isiokpo would not be mourning him.
He said: “This death is an example to all of us. You must make impact in your community. If Herbert is not a good man, this crowd will not gather here today. We can’t be here crying. Let’s follow in Herbert Wigwe’s footsteps.”
For the youths, Wigwe stood for hope and peace. Isiokpo was a war-torn community before Wigwe’s intervention. The youths were known for kidnapping, cultism and armed robbery. The area was initially deserted as people fled the community because of insecurity.
Apostle Ezemoye Peter said Wigwe would be remembered for restoring the elusive peace in Isiokpo.
Peter said: “Wigwe was one of those who brought peace in the land. One of the task he gave to me as a youth leader is ‘if the town is quiet and cool, if the youths are changing into getting themselves educated and integrated into the society, I will support them’. It was a task and we ensured we carried it out. Everywhere has been transformed”.
He said Wigwe also promised to place the university on the world map. He, however, said the late banker fulfilled the promise through his vision of recreating the Harvard University in Isiokpo.
Peter said one of the ways he did that was through his decision to set up an ambitious university project, the Wigwe University, with a Harvard standard within the community.
Quoting what Wigwe told the youths, he said: “Our late father and boss Wigwe came back to us and said, ‘I am bringing down this university to our community and I am bringing down many of my friends to ensure that they put things in place that will put the community on the map’.”
Peter insisted that Wigwe fulfilled that promise, adding that through the Wigwe University, Isiokpo had been etched on the world map.
He said: “And I can tell you he did that. Isiokpo today is in the map of the world. Sometimes empowering the youth is not just about giving money. When they create an enabling environment for you to excel, it is empowerment. That is what has happened in Isiokpo.”
The youth leader lamented the death of Wigwe, describing it as shocking and saying that the entire community had been crying since the incident occurred.
Peter said: “The only way we can honour his death is to ensure that his legacies are sustained. That is the best way anyone can mourn him. We must protect all and ensure we actualise all his dreams and aspirations.
“His dreams and his name shouldn’t be allowed to go into extinction. He has done his own. The only thing left for the youth is to do their part.
“We must protect all and ensure we actualise all his dreams and aspirations. His dreams and his name shouldn’t be allowed to go into extinction.
“We are mourning him for eight days. But after today, activities will go on in the community on a low key. Wigwe did a lot for the community.”
Perhaps, the women are the worst hit. Wigwe took care of them all, including the widows. The President of Ikwerre Isiokpo Women Association, Christiana Ikpe, said the women would not stop grieving over Wigwe’s death.
Christiana said: “Herbert was a brave man and a great man. He didn’t eat alone and he loved his people. It is not everybody that made it that came home. But he made it and came back to give back to his community.
“He was my cousin, our brother and our husband. Our hearts are bleeding. The entire Ikwerre Isiokpo are in tears. Ikwerre as a whole we are in tears. Though you don’t ask God question, some things will happen and you will ask questions. Where did this thing come from? We want to know.
“This is a great shock in Isiokpo. We are crying for both his father and mother. It is only God that will console them. We can only tell them sorry the same way people are coming here to tell us sorry. Only God knows our hearts.”
Emphasising how Wigwe rescued the community from instability, he said: “He was feeding everybody. Ikwerre land was hot before; kidnapping and killing everywhere. But he came and collected all our children and gave them employment. More than 2000 of our children are there working. Since then, Isiokpo and all Ikwerre land became calm because of his good heart.”
At the massive site of Wigwe University located within the community, constructions are still ongoing. In fact, the general area is a construction site. An employee of the university, Godspower Brilliant Ezendu, who hails from Isiokpo described Wigwe as a father to all.
He said: “He was a father to everybody. The work I am doing today is as a result of his project, the Wigwe University. This his singular project employed over 10,000 youths. People should try to imitate him.”
The people of Isiokpo may take long to recover from the death of a man who floated different projects to rescue them from poverty, underdevelopment and unemployment. They are only praying that some of his projects such as the Wigwe University and the electricity project will not die with him.
[TheNation]
The Nigeria Labour Congress said it has put machinery in place for a two-day nationwide protest slated for February 27 and February 28, 2024.
The NLC’s National President, Joe Ajaero, said the protest would begin a week after the expiration of the 14-day ultimatum it issued to the Federal Government which will expire on February 23.
Ajaero, who spoke during a briefing with journalists in Abuja, said the decision followed an emergency National Executive Council meeting on the state of the economy and matters related to insecurity in the country.
On February 8, the NLC and the Trade Union Congress gave a two-week ultimatum to the government to meet demands ranging from wage increments to improved access to public utilities and accused it of failing to uphold pledges to soften the impact of reforms.
Ajaero said the Federal Government should not flout the deadline of the 14-day ultimatum.
The organised labour lamented that millions of Nigerian workers are facing hunger, erosion of purchasing power and insecurity due to reforms that drove up inflation.
This followed President Bola Tinubu’s decision to scrap a popular but costly fuel subsidy last May and his administration’s lifting of restrictions on currency trading, which more than tripled petrol prices.
Details later…
President Bola Tinubu has been appointed the African Union, AU, Champion for Human Resources for Health and Community Health Delivery Partnership against the backdrop of his ambitious, innovative, and people-focused efforts in the sector.
This was disclosed in a statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity on Friday.
The Commission of the African Union, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention — Africa CDC, in a letter to Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Tinubu was appointed on the recommendation of the Committee of Heads of State and Government of Africa CDC, under the leadership of His Excellency, President Azali Assoumani, President of the Union of Comoros and Chairperson of the African Union.
In his new role, the Commission subsequently invited President Tinubu to address the Ministerial Executive Leadership Programme, MELP, under the theme, ‘Impactful leadership in health: a whole government approach’, billed for Saturday, February 17, 2024, at the Africa CDC Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on the margins of the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of AU Heads of State and Government.
President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate upgrade of key health infrastructure and equipment across all six geo-political zones.
In a statement on Friday by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, the President said the upgrade aligns with his administration’s vision of overhauling the health and social welfare sector for enhanced service delivery to all Nigerians.
The President said the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in collaboration with the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), will comprehensively upgrade cancer-treatment infrastructure and other critical developments in six tertiary hospitals across several geo-political zones.
He added the ministry and the NSIA will carry out a full renovation and expansion of prior investments to improve broad-based access to high-quality healthcare in all six geo-political zones of the federation.
The President said six teaching hospitals across geo-political zones have been marked for the establishment of oncology and nuclear medicine centres.
The hospitals are University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, University of Nigeria (Nsukka) Teaching Hospital, Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, University of Jos Teaching Hospital and Lagos University Teaching Hospital.
The statement reads: “Upgrading health infrastructure and equipment is a top priority of President Tinubu’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative. To advance this landmark effort, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in collaboration with the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) will carry out the comprehensive upgradation of cancer-treatment infrastructure and other critical developments in six tertiary hospitals across several geo-political zones, in addition to the full renovation and expansion of prior investments to improve broad-based access to high-quality healthcare in all six geo-political zones of the federation.”
The following teaching hospitals across geo-political zones have been marked for the establishment of oncology and nuclear medicine centres per facility as part of President Tinubu’s bid to ensure that world-class cancer diagnosis and care is accessible across the country.”
The statement added that ten critical healthcare services were also approved for expansion projects across radiology, clinical pathology, medical and radiation oncology, and cardiac catheterization will be carried out in ten hospitals across all geo-political zones.
The ten hospitals are listed below:
– North-West: Reference Hospital, Kaduna — (Radiology, clinical pathology, medical and radiation oncology)
– South-East: Medical Diagnostic Centre Complex, Enugu — (Radiology, clinical pathology, medical & radiation oncology)
– North-West: Usman Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto — (Diagnostic and intervention radiology, clinical pathology, and cardiac catheterization)
– South-West: University College Hospital, Ibadan — (Diagnostic and intervention radiology, clinical pathology, and cardiac catheterization)
– South-South: University of Uyo Teaching Hospital — (Radiology and clinical pathology)
– North-East: Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi — (Radiology and clinical pathology)
– South-South: Federal Medical Centre, Asaba — (Radiology and clinical pathology)
– North-Central: Harmony Advanced Diagnostic Centre Complex, Ilorin — (Radiology and clinical pathology)
– North-Central: Jos University Teaching Hospital — (Radiology and clinical pathology)
– North-East: Federal Medical Centre, Nguru — (Radiology and clinical pathology)
It added: “These critical projects are set to be delivered within 12-18 months and will improve screening and diagnostics for communicable and non-communicable diseases; reduce mortality rates and improve outcomes for non-communicable diseases; create considerable employment opportunities for clinical, administrative, and managerial personnel across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones, all while building the capacity of clinical personnel in advanced procedures, diagnostics and treatment modalities, in accordance with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.”
[NaijaNews]
Following the placement of N20 million bounty on two suspected kidnappers terrorising Abuja and it environs by the minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, the operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have arrested one of them, Dahiru Adamu, whose real name is Saidu Abdulkadir.
He was arrested when police operatives raided two kidnappers’ camps bordering Nasarawa State and Abuja via Kuje Area Council on February 15, 2024, at about 12am and dislodged the camps.
FCT police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, said Abdulkadir was the gang leader and one of the wanted suspects of the kidnapping syndicate paraded by the FCT Police Command on February 14, 2024.
The police further said the bandits on sighting the police operatives, opened fire and engaged the Police in an intense gun duel and were eventually overpowered by the Police, as one Habu Yakubu and Isufu Abubakar, earlier abducted from Kwaita Village via Pegi district of Kuje Area Council, were rescued unhurt and the suspect arrested.
She further said peliminary investigation revealed that the suspect masterminded the kidnap and killing of one Mr Sunday Yahaya Zakwai, the district head of Ketti Village.
While effort was still ongoing to apprehend the other wanted suspect on the run, the FCT commissioner of Police, CP Ben Igweh, has reassured criminals in FCT that there was no hiding place for them.
He equally urged residents to report suspicious activities through the following emergency lines: 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653, and 08028940883; PCB: 09022222352.
[Leadership]
Laolu Akande, former spokesman of Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, says Nigeria needs bold leaders to confront the country’s multifaceted challenges, especially security and economic problems.
He made this known on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande aired on Channels Television on Friday.
According to him, leaders must be honest and courageous to overcome the challenges in the country.
“The problems as of today, the widespread hardship in the land and the menacing insecurities require courageous leadership at the very top. Our leaders must be bold enough to fire appointed public officials who don’t deliver on their KPIs (Key Performance Indicators).
“We have seen in this country how lack of consequences and impunity have created new problems and made old ones worse.
“For example, we have seen how we have been fighting insecurity for decades now and when it seems we’ve solved it at one point, it comes in another form. The problems re-emerge everywhere. There have been claims of collusion of corruption in certain agencies our leaders should not be shy to thoroughly investigate, discover what is really happening and punish those responsible for the corruption and collusion if that is established.
“How is it possible that more than half of the oil lifted in Nigeria for instance is being stolen and no one has been caught or punished in several years?
“As a nation, we are struggling to meet up with our OPEC quota. OPEC cut Nigeria’s quota to 1.38 million barrels per day from 1.78 million bpd because for years, we have failed to meet our quota.
“A President or a governor or elected senator or assembly member is no use, in the long run, if he or she fails to use the big stick against those holding our commonwealth down. Our leaders must be bold enough, honest and forthright to draw a line in the sand on the issue of corruption. It requires boldness. Corruption is corrosive. A former President said if we don’t kill it, it will kill us.
“In 2015, many Nigerians thought that former President whose campaign spearheaded the ‘Change’ narrative would actually bring the change. I served under that administration but that has not happened wight years after. Our leaders who made the promises are still grappling at the straws. Corruption is worse, economy is biting, insecurity is relentless. We seem to lack the bold leadership to look at the problems eyeball to eyeball and say, ‘No more’.
“But Nigerians have given the same set of leaders – the APC, who made that illustrious promise of ‘Change’ in 2015, another chance now under a new President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who would have spent nine months in office at the end of this month.
“The burden that President Tinubu is carrying is heavier than that of President Buhari and it is important that is said because now President Tinubu is not just carrying the burden of promise but he is carrying the burden of truncated hope. And good a thing he has rightly named his agenda Renewed Hope. Nigerians have placed so much expectations on the promises and now they are wondering how come they believed a lie. So, it is up to President Tinubu to show that those promises made in 2015 were no lies. And that is why we are appealing to him today and all those in authority that the government be it executive, judiciary or legislature, it’s important to apply courage and boldness.”
[DailyTrust]
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF) to re-open the investigation and prosecution of those who murdered the founder of Newswatch Magazine, Dele Giwa, in 1986.
Dele Giwa was murdered on October 19, 1986 in his Lagos office through a letter bomb.
Delivering judgment on Friday in a suit against the AGF, Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo held the Chief Law Officer of the Federation is under obligation to prosecute and penalize killers of media practitioners in the country.
Apart from Dele Giwa, the court ordered that the killings of other journalists in the discharge of their lawful duties must be investigated and perpetrators brought to book in line with the provisions of the law.
The Incorporated Trustees of Media Rights Agenda, MRA, had dragged the AGF before the court for the enforcement of fundamental rights of media practitioners to safety as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution and African Charters on Human Rights.
Justice Ekwo in the judgment ordered the Federal Government to ensure adequate protection and safety of lives of journalists as enshrined in sections 33, 39 of the Constitution and Articles 4 and 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights.
Details later...
[DailyPost]
Less than 24 hours to the primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to elect its flag bearer for the September 21 governorship election in Edo state, a frontline aspirant of the party, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has withdrawn from the race.
He announced his withdrawal on Friday, February 16, in a statement made available to journalists.
The withdrawal notice was addressed to the national chairman of the party, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and the Acting State Chairman of the party, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe.
Full text of the withdrawal letter reads: “Few months ago, after extensively interacting with family, friends, political associates, and supporters, I joined the 2024 Edo state gubernatorial race as a result of my passion and commitment to the cause of rescuing Edo state from the current condition of decrepitude.
“I entered the contest as a progressive democrat, with an open mind to keenly contest and accept the result of a process that is fair, credible and transparent. I appreciate the commended the effort made by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC to correct the erroneous impression maliciously created by certain persons that some aspirants, including myself had been disqualified from the gubernatorial contest. The NWC constituted the authentic screening committee and all twelve aspirants who purchased and completed the nomination forms were successfully screened and subsequently issued clearance certificates. This step was praise worthy and helped in restoring our integrity in the eyes of the public.
“Having being cleared to contest, I regrettably wish to announce my withdrawal from the race. Although painful, this decision has become imperative after an exhaustive consultation with my family, friends, political associates and supporters. I make this sacrifice in the interest of the peace and unity that the party desperately requires at both state and national levels.
“I humbly appeal to the good people of Edo state to accept my decision which I very personal and I promise to be there for them at all times.
“Thankfully, I acknowledge the fatherly role of President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, as well as the party’s national leadership for the fairness and commitment to the democratic process. Likewise, I remain grateful to the state working committee for their principled stand to allow a level playing field for all aspirants. I am extremely appreciative to my family, friends, supporters, well-wishers, and the extraordinary hardworking men and women of our campaign organization who were prepared to stop at nothing to see me fly the party’s flag. I salute your great works, your steadfastness and courage.
“Finally, as a loyal party man, I wish to pledge that I and my teeming supporters shall support any candidate that emerges in the primary election holding tomorrow.”
[TheNation]
More...
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, on Friday, sealed Sahad Store, a popular supermarket in the Garki area of Abuja.
The FCCPC said the store was sealed for lack of transparency in the way it is fixing prices for products.
This is coming twenty-four hours after President Bola Tinubu unveiled plans to tackle factors responsible for the food crisis across the country.
The Federal Government in collaboration with state governors had on Thursday agreed to set up a committee to tackle the issue of hoarding of products in the country.
This, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed after the meeting President Bola Tinubu held with governors, heads of Security Agencies and some ministers at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday.
Idris, who accused some traders of hoarding food products, stated that the security agencies had been mandated to liaise with governors to tackle the menace.
“Mr. President has agreed to set up a committee to deepen the conversation that has happened at the just-concluded meeting. Of course, you know that it is impossible to complete most of the issues that were raised at the meeting so it is going to be a continuous one.
“The National Security Adviser, the Director General of the state services, and the Inspector General of Police have been directed to coordinate with the state governors to look at the issue of those hoarding commodities.
“At this point, the nation requires foods to be brought out to the people so that we can control prices and put food on the table of most Nigerians. Other commodity traders are busy hoarding these commodities so that Nigerians will suffer or they will make more money as a result.
“So the governors and Mr. President have taken this decision that security agencies will collaborate with the state governors to ensure that this ends.”
However, the Federal Government has accused the management of Sahad Store of shortchanging customers by charging prices other than the price tag on the shelves.
The enforcement team was led by FCCPC Acting Executive Vice Chairman, Adamu Ahmed Abdullahi.
While briefing journalists after sealing the store, Abdullahi stated that the commission’s preliminary investigation revealed that the management of the supermarket was short-changing customers.
The FCCPC noted that the store would remain sealed until the completion of further investigation, saying, “What we have found out that these people are doing is misleading pricing and lack of transparency in the pricing, which is against Section 115 (3) of the law that says a consumer is not required to pay a price for any good or service higher than the one that’s on display.”
“Section 155 states that any corporate person that contravenes is liable to a fine of 100 million naira or even more and the directors of the company themselves are liable upon conviction payment of 10 million naira each or imprisonment of six months or both.
“What we have done today is to make sure that they comply with the law. We initially called them to come and defend themselves but failed to show up. In the long run, they sent a lawyer whom we asked if he was familiar with the facts of the case. He said he wasn’t.
“To unseal the store, they have to make sure that they do what is required to be done.”
Details later…
[Punch]
Russia’s top opposition politician Alexei Navalny, who died Friday in an Arctic prison according to Russia’s penitentiary service, survived a poisoning attack in 2020 only to be sentenced to 19 years in a penal colony.
Here are 10 key dates in his campaign against Russian President Vladimir Putin:
– 2007: anti-corruption campaigner –
Navalny begins buying shares in state-owned oil giants to access company reports and scour them for evidence of corruption, which he documents on his blog.
The same year he is excluded from the liberal opposition party Yabloko for taking part in “nationalist activities”.
– December 2011: leads election protests –
Navalny sets up the Anti-Corruption Foundation, which gains a huge following with exposes about the vast riches amassed by Kremlin elites.
In the winter of 2011-2012, he leads huge protests after parliamentary elections won by Putin’s United Russia party, a vote marred by allegations of fraud.
– July 2013: embezzlement conviction –
He is convicted of defrauding the government in the Kirov region of 16 million rubles ($500,000) in a timber deal while acting as an advisor to the governor.
He denies the charges, claiming they are an attempt to silence him.
– September 2013: Moscow mayoral bid –
Navalny finishes a strong second behind Kremlin-backed incumbent Sergei Sobyanin in the race for mayor of Moscow.
His calls for a recount are dismissed.
– March 2017: Medvedev ‘duck’ expose –
Navalny’s video about the lavish lifestyle of then prime minister Dmitry Medvedev, which includes a claim that one of his estates has a duck house in the middle of a pond, sparks rallies.
– December 2018: barred from presidential election –
He is blocked from running for president against Putin because of his embezzlement conviction.
He urges Russians to boycott the vote, which nonetheless sees Putin secure a fourth term.
– August 2020: poisoning –
Navalny is hospitalised on August 20, 2020, in Siberia and placed in a medically induced coma after losing consciousness during a flight.
He is transferred to a hospital in Berlin, where tests show he was poisoned with Novichok, a Soviet-era nerve agent.
He accuses Putin of being behind his poisoning, which the Kremlin denies.
– January-February 2021: arrested and jailed –
He returns to Moscow, where he is detained shortly after landing at the airport.
Tens of thousands of people demonstrate across Russia for his release.
In February, he is handed a two-and-a-half-year sentence for breaching the conditions of a suspended sentence while recuperating in Germany, and sent to a penal colony.
– August 2023: 19 years –
Navalny’s sentence is increased to nine years after a conviction on new charges of embezzlement and contempt of court.
A gaunt Navalny, who has experienced major weight loss in prison, is then sentenced to an additional 19 years at a harsher “special regime” facility on charges of “extremism”.
He goes missing for over two weeks in December 2023, before being located in a remote penal colony north of the Arctic Circle.
– February 16, 2024: dies in prison –
Navalny dies at the Arctic prison colony, Russia’s federal penitentiary service says in a statement.
It says Navalny lost consciousness after going for a walk and could not be revived by medics.
“The causes of death are being established,” it said.
[Vanguard]
…Says LASG is intentional, unrelenting in addressing traffic issues
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, said the much-anticipated Red Line rail will be commissioned on Thursday, February 29 by President Bola Tinubu.
Governor Sanwo-Olu made the announcement at the Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA) Stakeholders Forum themed: “Parking in Lagos, the journey so far – Assessing the social and economic impact of the industry” held at GRA, Ikeja.
He said the Red Line rail, which runs from Agbado in Ogun State and terminates at the Oyingbo area of Lagos, is one of the integrated mass transit corridors in the state in line with his administration’s THEMES+ Developmental Agenda.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said his administration, which is intentional and unrelenting in its efforts to address all traffic issues in the state, has identified indiscriminate parking as one of the major challenges of the free flow of traffic.
He said the Lagos State Parking Policy, which came into being with the establishment of the Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA) was to regulate all forms of parking by adopting innovative, adaptable, and sustainable operational systems and technologies.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, while reiterating his administration’s zero-tolerance policy for the flouting of rules and regulations guiding the Lagos transport sector, urged all stakeholders in the sector to comply with the Lagos State Parking Policy in the renewed and intentional effort to curb indiscriminate parking in the State.
He said: “We have adopted a model that ensures a win-win situation between the State and Local Governments. Lagos has already shown that this kind of state-LGA partnership can work, through the establishment of LASAA, and the Land Use Charge, and we are now set to showcase the same with the Lagos State Parking Authority.
“Therefore, the Local Governments in Lagos State, under the Conference 57 umbrella, and Mr. Kolade Alabi, the National President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), are our strategic partners in this renewed effort to regulate parking across the State.
“Just recently, we approved the On-Street parking scheme, to regulate the existing roadside parking and checkmate haphazard parking in line with global best practices. We are utilising existing major roads suitable to accommodate On-Street parking, and to create additional parking spaces, especially in areas with high parking traffic.
“The On-Street parking scheme, as with most of our projects, is being done in partnership with the private sector, and we will continue to explore the Public Private Partnership model to benefit from its effectiveness in delivering high-quality service to meet the needs of our increasing population.”
Speaking earlier, the LASPA General Manager, Mrs. Adebisi Adelabu, said parking management was on the centre stage towards meeting the target of traffic management of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration.
Adelabu urged all stakeholders to work with LASPA in its effort to rid Lagos of parking-induced gridlocks, through the effective implementation of the Lagos State Parking Policy.
She said: “As you are all aware Traffic management and Transportation is the first pillar of the THEMES+ agenda of the Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu-led administration. It might interest you to know that Parking management takes centre stage in the actualisation of this objective, as it is practically impossible to venture into traffic management without putting into consideration the issue of parking management.
“Our mandate is clear and we are resolute in pursuit of excellence in its actualisation in line with global best practices. We are fully empowered and also intentional about operating a more efficient and sustainable parking management system in line with the administration’s THEMES+ agenda to move Lagos State towards a 21st-century economy.
“We have a vision and are not unaware of the challenges to achieving it, but we are resolute in the pursuit of our goals and objectives towards the actualisation of this vision. This vision aims to achieve excellence in how Lagos State parking policies are envisioned and developed in line with the best global practices for a modern, efficient and sustainably managed parking system towards reducing congestion, disruption, improved road safety and changing travel behaviour.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
14 FEBRUARY 2024
The Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo has said that the promotion of sustainable agriculture and food security is crucial for the well-being and survival of the nation at large.
Owotomo stated this during a retreat organized for the management of the Ministry of Agriculture, with the theme; "Achieving Agriculture and Food Security in Ogun State: The Place of Public Servants", held at Grand Inn & Suites, GRA, Ijebu 0de, Ogun State.
He said that the state government in line with federal government objectives has been encouraging dry season farming to ensure all year round planting, adding that the state has been able to reach out to 500 farmers within one week with input and other materials needed for dry season planting with support from the Federal Government, Development Partners and other stakeholders.
He also assured the residents of the state government readiness to produce more agricultural inputs to the markets, saying that efforts are on top of gear to encourage more youth engagement in agriculture through improvement on mechanized farming.
Owotomo said that the importance of agriculture cannot be overemphasized appealing to all stakeholders to contribute their quota towards achieving food security in the state, as he emphasized that the retreat would give more insight into the activities of the ministry and allow for cross fertilization of ideas.
Speaking on the theme, the resource person, Prof. Kolawole Adebayo advocated the need for inter-ministerial collaboration, especially between the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), for the food system to be sustainable.
He said leaders must demonstrate the prowess and tenacity to evolve thought that would drive economic sustainability and food security.
Prof. Adebayo highlighted factors undermining the attainment of economic, environmental and food security to include continuous strive for global domination by superpowers, multinationals, political instability and inconsistency in policy among others.
Delivering his keynote address at the retreat, the state Head of Service, Mr. Kolawole Fagbohun described the retreat as strategic, as it would afford every stakeholders the opportunity to evaluate the mode of operation and re-strategize for better performance in all critical areas, admonishing them to always think out of the box.
He maintained that the management staff have the responsibility of working directly with the public, to provide solutions to challenges facing the farming community.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Samuel Adeogun noted that agriculture was key in the 'ISEYA' mantra of the present administration, disclosed that there was a need to critically look at responsibilities of each departments and what they intend to put in place to ensure delivery of the mandate.
Adeogun stressed the need for team work among the various departments and units within the ministry, to achieve a common goal in the task to deliver the set target in the sector.
On his part, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Olaolu Olabimitan, represented by the Chief Estimate Officer, Mr. Musibau Elemide advised that whatever decision taken must be in tandem with the overall vision of the state agricultural policy, saying that all target set must be realistic and achievable.
Olabimitan added that knowledge gained by participants should be cascaded to operational officers in the Ministry, so as to obtain their input in setting targets.
Speaking on behalf of other participants, Mrs. Kehinde Jokotoye and Mr. Ibrahim Busi appreciated the leadership of the ministry for putting up such a programme, assuring that the outcome of the retreat would greatly make an impact and helps in achieving the state agricultural agenda.
Highlights of the retreat included presentation by various departments, Aerobic, health talk, medical check up among others.