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North East Governors’ Forum has reiterated its concern over the seeming neglect of the region in the allocation of Federal Government Capital Projects.
In a communique issued at the end of 10th Meeting of the forum held in Bauchi, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, who is the Chairman, said the region is also not included in the National Infrastructure Plan for the transition from PMS to Compressed Gas
The Forum noted with dismay that despite its cry for attention on the State of infrastructure in the region which has been consistently echoed in all its communique over the years, especially the poor road and railway infrastructure along the economic corridors that links the NorthEast subregion to the rest of the country, nothing serious seems to be happening.
“The Roads from Enugu to Maiduguri is in deplorable State and the railway from Enugu up to Maiduguri has been destroyed. This is a major route for regional trade and very important for integration, peace building and improving national unity.
“The Forum is calling on the Federal Government to look into the situation and consider the reconstruction of these basic infrastructure along Enugu-Maiduguri Economic Corridor and inclusion of NE in all National Development Plans and initiatives.”
The Forum further noted the blackout experienced by the region over the lack of electricity experienced over the last one month and the nonchalant attitude
exhibited by the TCN in addressing this issue of National importance for the security and development of the country.
“Forum is watching keenly the commitment made by TCN to restore power to all the state of the region by the 27th May, 2024; accordingly, the Forum urged the Federal Government to direct TCN to take immediate action.
“The Forum has resolved in the short term, to set up a solar power plant that can generate a minimum 10 Megawatts per State.
“The Forum notes with deep concern that the Northeast, is the only region in Nigeria that has one transmission line supplying six states with a land mass of nearly 300Km square and population of over 35 million,”This has made the region the most vulnerable and most disadvantaged for industrial development and economic growth with over 70% of its population below 35 years of age. ”
“The Forum therefore calls on the Minister of Power and indeed the Federal Government as a matter of urgency to implement the extension of the 330KV transmission line from Makurdi – Gassol – Jalingo linking to Adamawa – Gombe – Bauchi and the extension of the 330KV line from Kano- Bauchi- Yobe, linking to Borno.
“The Forum resolved to maximise the existing hydropower generated in Kashimbilla and Dadin Kowa dam which the region has not been benefitting from because of the Ministry of Power has failed to extend the 330KV line of Makurdi Gassol- Jalingo line. Forum notes that climate change and environmental degradation remains a reality in the region.
“The Forum appreciates the various states for the policies they are putting in place to reclaim the environment. It called for a more sustained and coordinated regional onslaught to reverse the speed of desertification in the region.
“The Forum also charges the Northeast Development Commission
(NEDC) to be consultative in its dealings, operation and project prioritization. It calls on the NEDC to work with the
States in the region for Energy Development to unlock the energy potentials of the region and lessen the energy paucity burden of the people.”
[DailyTrust]
Three abducted Chibok girls who escaped from Boko Haram captivity and enrolled at the American University of Nigeria, AUN, were among 189 students who officially graduated with first degrees on Saturday.
DAILY POST reports that of the hundreds of girls who were abducted from Chibok in 2014, while a great number remain in captivity, many have been lucky to escape and lead better lives.
In his remark during the 15th Commencement (Convocation) ceremony of the university at its main campus in Yola on Saturday, the President (vice chancellor) of the University, Dwayne Frazier, charged the graduates to uphold the tenets of the institution.
He reminded them that the university prepares students to face their new challenges.
“I have no doubt that you will excel because you have all shown resilience, determination, and commitment. These qualities will propagate you for the best even as you contribute to the development of the country,” Frazier told them.
In his message, the guest speaker, Professor Mike Ozekhome, asserted that the institution has proven that it can impact the world positively.
“With the entrepreneurship lectures and training you have received here at AUN, you can create jobs for yourselves,” he charged the students.
Eight students were awarded PhD, 10 students with MSc, and 189 students awarded first degrees.
Ozekhome was honoured with a Doctor of Letters degree for promoting peace, human rights, the rule of law, and good governance in Nigeria.
[DailyPost]
The Federal Government has released the names of the Pro – chancellors/Chairmen and members of the Governing Boards of 111 Federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education eleven months after they were dissolved by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
The list, which comprises technocrats, politicians and traditional rulers, is made up of 50 Federal Universities, 37 Polytechnics and 24 Colleges of Education.
The government named Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Wole Olanipekun as the Chairman of the Governing Council of University of Lagos (UNILAG).
Others on the list included former Bauchi Governor, Isa Yuguda, who will chair the Governing Council of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN); former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Yayale Ahmed, was appointed to lead the council of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State; former Zamfara Governor Mahmud Shinkafi will chair the council of University of Jos, Plateau State; former Ebonyi Governor Martin Elechi was named chairman of the Governing Council of Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa State while former Adamawa Governor Bala James Ngilari was appointed chairman of the Governing Council of Federal University of Calabar, Cross River State.
Also, the government appointed former Borno Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ali Abubakar Jatau as chairman of the Governing Council of Federal University, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State; former Katsina Deputy GovernorTukur Jikamshi, as the chair of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State and former Senator from Anambra state, Joy Emordi will chair the council of Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, Imo State.
Others are: former executive secretary of the National Universities Commission, Prof Julius Okojie was appointed as chairman of the governing council of Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State; former Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Udoma Udo Udoma was appointed as the Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of Bayero University, Kano, Kano State; Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Yusuf Ali, was named as the Pro-Chancellor/Chairman, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, a former Executive Secretary of NUC, Professor Emeritus Peter Okebukola as well as Dr. Abiodun Layonu head the University of Port Harcourt and University of Benin Governing Councils respectively.
The immediate-past Executive Secretary of NUC, Adamu Rasheed, who resigned from office a few months into his second term in office, was also named to chair the governing council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State.
The details containing the names of the governing councils are contained in an advertorial signed by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Didi Esther Walson-Jack.
According to the advertorial, the inauguration and retreat of the Council members would hold on May 30 and 31, 2024 at the NUC headquarters in Abuja.
“The inauguration and retreat for the Governing Councils will take place on Thursday, May 30 and Friday, May 31, 2024, at the National Universities Commission, 26 Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja. Both events will commence at 9:00am daily,” it said.
Some of the chairmen of boards of Polytechnics include: HRH Arc. Ezeogo Ewa Elechi (Federal Polytechnic, Ugep, Cross River State); Salisu Kallamu (Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State); Ekem Okeke (Federal Polytechnic, Orogun, Delta State); Sir Paul C. Chukwuma (Federal Polytechnic Kabo, Kano State); Sen. Suleiman Hunkuyi (Federal Polytechnic, Daura, Katsina State); Otunba Tajudeen Abioye (Yaba College of Technology, Lagos State); Prof Erik Omogbai (Federal Polytechnic Bida, Niger State) among others.
For Colleges of Education, the immediate past Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, David Andrew Adejo heads the Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, Lagos State as Chairman while renowned labour leader, Comrade Isa Aremu pilots affairs as Chairman of the Governing Board of Federal College of Education (Tech) Keana, Nasarawa State. Also in the list is Sen. Binta Masi (Federal College of Education, Iditep, Akwa Ibom State); Prof. Isah Garba (Federal College of Education, Kontagora, Niger State), Sen. Emmanuel Anosike (Federal College of Education, Aha-Amufu, Enugu State) among others.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had threatened to embark on strike if the government failed to reconstitute the Governing Councils of Universities within two weeks.
The National Universities Commission (NCC) on June 22, 2023 announced the dissolution of Governing Councils of all federal universities and boards of other agencies and parastatals in the country.
The NUC directive was based on a similar one three days earlier by President Bola Tinubu ordering the dissolution of the boards of all government parastatals, agencies and companies.
[TheNation]
Shehu Sani, a former Senator representing Kaduna Central, has revealed that the proposed N45,000 minimum wage by the Federal Government is not realistic, saying no Nigerian worker can survive with less than N100,000 minimum wage with prevailing economic reality.
The former Kaduna lawmaker stated this while on ARISE TV discussing the ongoing minimum wage controversy between organized Labour and the federal government
He said, “I don’t know how a Nigerian can survive with less than N100,000. If you break down what the government is offering N45,000-48,000, you will see how unrealistic it is by the time you factor in many things. The position taken by labour should be considered by the government.
“It is one thing agreeing to increase the minimum wage and then the capacity to pay. Let us not forget that in the last few years, the government has been finding it difficult to even pay the ones that they already have on paper, so how this could be reflected should be considered.
“But from what we have learnt since the withdrawal of subsidy, the government has more money and there’s no better way to effectively and productively spend it than to increase the minimum wage of Nigerian workers to a reasonable point where he can adequately take care of his family.
“Economic reforms are taking place in this country, there are consequences for the reforms. They are supposed to be sacrifices but it should be across the board.
“Workers are seeing that money is coming in trillions, they want their own share. When a nation subsidises, it makes more value for wages but when they are removed, you have to pay for it.”
[Vanguard]
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar says he has been engaging Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, to discuss the possibility of a merger.
Atiku was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last election. Both Obi and Atiku lost the election to Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking on Friday in an interview with BBC Hausa, Atiku said he would support anyone chosen to represent the PDP in 2027 — even if the candidate is from the south-east.
Atiku also said he would not be retiring from politics any time soon.
“This is to anybody that thinks there is going to be a misunderstanding between me and Obi, let me assure you that not even a small issue is going to happen between us,” he said.
“Also we are going to be behind anybody that will be chosen to represent us in the forthcoming elections.
“I have made it clear in my previous speeches that if our parties are going to merge to agree on a candidate from the south-east, as long as he is qualified, we will allow it.
“At this moment we are meeting and making arrangements to unite the party and take it to a more promising point.
“If there is anybody thinking we would be moving backwards, keeping quiet to the dishonesty and injustice happening to the people of Nigeria, then I think he is daydreaming because I am still very much active in political activities.”
When asked if he would be running in the next election, he said “at this moment, we should all sit back until 2027 to see if I would be contesting or not”.
“We are the people championing the return of democracy and we will continue to ensure democracy is fully improved. We are not going to watch how things deteriorate,” he added.
[TheCable]
President of the Pan-African Conglomerate, Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Aliko Dangote has called for increased investments in the African continent to foster its rapid growth and development.
Speaking at the largest gathering of private sector leaders in Africa, the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, Dangote emphasized that recent trends underscore Africa's pivotal role as the future epicenter of global progress.
The business mogul cautioned against the continent's overreliance on raw material exports, but advocating instead for strategic investments that will propel indigenous industries. He urged African nations to resist the urge to export raw materials but to nurture domestic manufacturing capabilities so as to reduce dependency on imported consumer goods.
"Looking ahead, Africa holds the key to its greatness. I'm not merely investing money but dedicating my entire being to this cause. In Africa, possibilities are boundless. It is like a scratch card; you won’t know what is inside unless you scratch it. For some of us, despite the boom of the capital market in the US, we didn’t really participate, rather we invested in Africa,” he affirmed.
Over the past seven years, Dangote said he had channelled over $25 billion into bolstering Africa's self-sufficiency in vital sectors such as fertilizers, petrochemicals, and refined products. Notably, he said the monumental Dangote Refinery, boasting a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, stands poised to meet the burgeoning demand across West Africa, Central Africa, and South Africa.
“We have finished our refinery; it is quite big. We believe it is what Africa needs. If you look at the entire continent, there are only two countries that don’t import petroleum products, only Algeria and Libya but the rest import. We need to change that, so we don’t just produce raw materials but finished products and create jobs. One of the things we need to know as Africans is that when we produce raw material and export them while others dump finished products on our continent, what we are doing is that we are importing poverty while exporting jobs. We must change the narrative.
“We just commissioned in February. We are producing jet fuel and diesel. By next month, we will be producing gasoline but what that will do is that it will be able to take most of the African crudes that are being produced and be able to supply refined products not only in Nigeria because our capacity is too big for Nigeria. It will be able to supply in West Africa, Central Africa and South Africa. This is the first phase, we are going to the next phase by next year,” he said.
Expressing concern over Africa's paradoxical export of raw materials juxtaposed with an influx of imported finished goods, Dangote underscored the urgent need to reverse this trend. He lamented that exporting raw materials while importing finished goods perpetuates a cycle of job loss and poverty.
Founded in 2012, the Africa CEO Forum, is a platform through which African decision-makers connect with each other continuously, as well as with international investors and institutions operating on the continent..
It has evolved into an organisation dedicated to facilitating business in Africa through the exchange of ideas and experiences,
The Cross River State Government has dismantled no fewer than 50 illegal revenue points in parts of the state.
This follows a monitoring and inspection exercise led by Special Adviser to the Governor on Tolls Collection, Mr Bassey Ita Edet, in the northern part of the State.
Findings indicated that unauthorised persons allegedly use the 50 revenue points to extort money from commuters on the roads within the State.
Edet told journalists that they are poised to clamp down on the menace of illegal checkpoints and tolls, which is the reason a massive crackdown on such collections has begun.
He stressed that the end to all illegal tolls and checkpoints was in line with the mandate of Governor Bassey Otu’s “People’s First.”
He said the team is given the mandate to enforce, inspect, and monitor all approved checkpoints and toll collection to ensure compliance and due process.
Edet warned those that have constituted themselves as hindrances to the government’s effort to stem illegal collection of taxes, rates, and assessments as a way of creating an enabling environment for commercial users of the roads, saying his team will not condone such any further.
Further findings confirmed that vehicles carrying goods are subjected to paying N27,000, and failure to comply results in impounding ‘offending’ vehicles.
Victims of road harassment by touts alleged that they used military men to enforce the extortions.
A driver, Etom Daniel, who plies the Cross River North routes, lamented other road taxes in other parts of the state.
“This is one of the major reasons for the increment in the costs of food items and farm produce cultivated in Cross River State.
“Some persons who have no idea about public administration are trying to tarnish the governor’s name.
“I am the Governor may not be aware of all these harassment, wickedness and extortions perpetuated by those they’ve given sub-heads,” he said.
Junta-run Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have finalised plans to form a confederation after turning their backs on former colonial ruler France to seek closer ties with Russia.
Their foreign ministers met Friday in Niger’s capital Niamey to agree on a text establishing the Confederation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
“The objective was to finalise the draft text relating to the institutionalisation and operationalisation of the Confederation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)”, said Niger Foreign Minister Bakary Yaou Sangare as he read the final statement late Friday.
He said the text would be adopted by the heads of state of the three countries at a summit, without specifying the date.
“We can consider very clearly, today, that the Confederation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) has been born,” Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop said after meeting General Abdourahamane Tiani, the head of Nigerien military regime.
The third foreign minister at the meeting was Burkina Faso’s Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore.
The Sahel region has been subject to deadly jihadist violence for years, which they accused France of not being able to curb.
The three countries said late January they were quitting The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which they said was under French influence, to create their own regional grouping.
A prosecution witness, Victor Onyejiuwa, on Friday, told the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja that the alleged $600,000 he was asked to pay for the contract he executed for the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, was paid to the former apex bank Director of Information Technology, John Ayoh and not to the embattled ex-CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele.
Onyejiuwa who is the Managing Director of Resource Computer Limited, stated this while being cross examined by Emefiele’s lawyer , Mr Olalekan Ojo, SAN.
The witness who stated that all his communication with Ayoh was done via Whatsapp, noted that first bribe payment he made to Ayoh was $400,000, in Lagos and the second payment of $200,000 was made in Abuja.
Onyejiuwa also stated that he didn’t get any letter of authorization from the CBN management that he should pay bribe for the contract that was awarded to his company but that it was Ayoh that signed the award of the contract and the completion.
He however noted that after Ayoh left the CBN, he still did other contacts with CBN till 2019 when Emefiele was still in charge and that he was paid in due time and no bribe was demanded from him.
“I have never met him (Emefiele) before. My dealings with the CBN management was through Ayoh.
” I did a new contract with CBN and no bribe was demanded and the payment for the contract was paid in due time
” I executed the contract while Godwin Emefiele was still the CBN governor,” the witness said.
Asked whether he had any conversation with any of the CBN deputy governors, to find out if Ayoh had the authority to collect the $600,000 bribe he answered in the negative.” No, I did not”.
When asked if Ayoh showed him any communication between himself (Ayoh) and Emefiele about the delivery of the money, he said no.
The witness was also asked if he showed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC a letter demanding for bribe, he said no.
Asked who the money was delivered to he said it was delivered to Ayoh, in his office and after the payment was made it was an official of the IT department that signed.
The embattled Emefiele and his co-defendant, Henry Omoile, are currently facing trial on 26 counts, bordering on abuse of office alleged $4.5bn and N2.8bn fraud.
The former CBN governor and Omoile pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Onyejiuwa on the last adjourned date in his examination in chief had told Justice Rahman Oshodi, that
he was pressured to pay $600,000 before he was paid for a contract.
According to him, sometime in 2017, he got an ‘enterprise storage and servers’ from the CBN and after executing the job, he was approached by a senior official who told him that his payment would not be approved if he did not pay certain sums.
“The official said there was pressure on him. I told him that our payment was being delayed. He told me that if I didn’t accede to his request, my payment would not be approved.
“After several back and forth, I succumbed to his pressure. I was able to organise the sum of $400,000 and $200,000 to facilitate payment of the contract funds.
“Within two or three weeks after, the payment was made. That is what happened,” the witness said.
However the case was adjourned till July 9, 10, for continuation of trial.
Atiku Abubakar, the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the 2023 election, has hinted at the possibility of supporting his Labour Party counterpart in the last election, Peter Obi in 2027.
The former Vice President, who is currently on a merger talk with stakeholders of some opposition political parties, said he will not hesitate to support Obi in the next election if the party picks the former Anambra governor.
According to The Sun, Atiku gave the hint in an interview with BBC Hausa Service.
Recall that Obi and Atiku recently met behind closed doors, sparking speculations about a merger of some opposition political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Confirming the move by opposition parties to align in a bid to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC in the 2027 election, Atiku said, “We can merge to achieve a common goal. So, it’s possible and nothing can stop it if we so wish to achieve that.
Atiku said if the new “party decides that it’s the turn of the South-East and Peter Obi is chosen, I won’t hesitate to support him.
“I have said repeatedly and I even said it before the 2023 general elections that if PDP decides to zone the presidential ticket to the South or South-East specifically, I won’t contest it.
“As long as it is the decision of the party, I will abide by it. But I contested the 2023 presidential ticket because it was thrown open to all members of the party”.
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About 555 persons have been appointed to serve as chairmen and members of governing councils of tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
President Bola Tinubu, according to the Ministry of Education in an advertorial
signed by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, gave the approval of the pro-chancellors and chairmen of the Governing Board of universities, polytechnic and colleges of education.
He approved the appointment of Air Cdre. Emmanuel Jekada as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Board of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi State.
Members are Usua Charles Akpan, Sen. Lanre Tejuosho, Modu Mustapha and Olusegun Olufemi White
Also, a former Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udo Udoma, was appointed as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Board of Bayero University, Kano, Kano State. Prof. Idris Nasiru Maiduguri, Prof. Uchenna Newi, Salisu Mohammed Birniwa and Ms Fola Akinsete are members.
The President appointed a former Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Martin Elech, as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Board of Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa State. Members are Imamuddeen Ahmed Talba, Ismalla Monammed, Prof. Seun Liberty and Moses Osogi.
A former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, was named the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Board of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State. Members are Opeyemi Aisha Oni, Rufus Bature, Wumi Ohwovoriole and Matthew Raymond Akpan.
For the University of Calabar, Cross River State, he appointed a former Governor of Adamawa State, Bala Ngalari, as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Board and Dr. Adebisi Obawale, Idowu Mafimisibe, Nbadiwe Emelnmna and Sadat Garba as members.
Also, a former Governor of Zamfara State, Aliyu Shinkafi, was made the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal University in Jos, Plateau State.
Members are Malandi Sabo, Chijioke Okeifufe, Ayo Afolabi and Mohammed Abdullahi
Tinubu appointed a former Governor of Bauchi State, Isa Yuguda, as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Open University of Nigeria. Members are Mrs Betty Efekodah, Bawuro Bapetel Yahaya, Dr. Gidado Bello Kumo and Mr Bola Akinola
A former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, was also appointed as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Board of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Sokoto State.
Members are Miss Mary Nyieor Yisa, R. O. Kazeem, Prof. Usman Musa and Dr. Anthony Usoro
Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, was made the Pro-chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Board of the University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos State. Members are Prof. S. E. Ogbeide, Rufai Chanchangi, Chief Mrs Glory Ekpo-Oho, and Patricia Seubittere Yakubu
See the list below:
Asclepius Consulting, a foremost medical consultancy firm, has called for early screening to detect and treat high blood pressure (HBP).
The firm made the call to commemorate the 2024 World Hypertension Day on Friday, May 17, 2024, with the theme, “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer”.
World Hypertension Day which is observed worldwide to promote increased awareness of high blood pressure, accuracy in blood pressure measurement and works toward the control of hypertension-related Non-Communicable Diseases, especially in low to middle income countries like Nigeria.
In a statement released by Client Services Executive, Asclepius Consulting, Dr. Seun Williams, accurate blood pressure measurement is key for the effective diagnosis, prevention and control of hypertension.
He noted that, “This can be achieved with the use of clinically validated automated devices, use of a correct protocol measurement and proper patient preparation. Asclepius Consulting and partners encourage Nigerians to participate in World Hypertension Day by having blood pressure screenings and having all the necessary information about the risk factors which may lead to Hypertension.
“These screenings and education on exercises, stress management, lifestyle modification and dietary salt reduction help reduce the risk for heart attack, stroke, cardiovascular disease and also kidney disease in communities in Nigeria.”
Speaking further, Williams noted that many people who suffer from hypertension are not aware that they have it as there can be no symptoms and very often people only find out after suffering a heart attack or stroke which is why Hypertension is known as the ‘the silent killer’.
“Asclepius Consulting and partners have screened over 100,000 Nigerians in different public health facilities for high blood pressure since the beginning of 2024 and plan to screen another 100,000 Nigerians before end of the year,” he added.
[Leadership]
Former Vice President Atku Abubakar has said members of his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would decide his fate come the 2027 general elections.
He said that it was too early to decide whether he would vie for the presidency in the forthcoming elections.
In an interview with the BBC yesterday, Atiku, who was the presidential candidate for the opposition PDP in the 2023 general elections, said his recent meeting with the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, could be a signal to a possible in the build-up to the 2027 general elections.
Daily Trust Saturday had reported that Atiku Abubakar met with the candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election Peter Obi, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, and former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido in separate visits earlier last week.
He said their meeting augured well for democratic governance in Nigeria while implying a possible alliance between the opposition parties. He also dispelled claims that they couldn’t produce a consensus candidate.
According to him, should the PDP members unanimously agree on zoning PDP’s presidential candidate to South East, he will abide by it.
“I’ve made it clear since last elections that if our party members had a consensus that southeast should produce the candidate, we would all agree. And if our parties also had a similar agreement, then so be it,’’ Atiku said.
However, Atiku confirmed the opposition parties’ possible alliance ahead of the 2027 elections but couldn’t provide details as to when they would seal the alliance.
He also refuted claims that he would relinquish from active politics after the 2023 polls adding, “We fiercely fought even the military governments; let alone the civilian administrations. So, if you’re thinking otherwise, you might be dreaming. We would never retrace from fighting injustice, and bad governance. I am not yet tired of the political activism.’’
Atiku added that his not retiring from active politics does not in any way block the chances of fresh blood to have their shots.
Asked if his recent talks with topnotch politicians across the country might be a litmus test for eyeing up towards 2027 polls, he said, “We are in a democratic system and don’t forget that we are those who fought for its entrenchment. So, we are going to continue entrenching good governance and a sound democratic system. We would never fold our arms watching things deteriorating.”
[DailyTrust]
A former Special Prosecutor, Special Presidential Investigation Panel for Recovery of Public Properties, Tosin Ojaomo has petitioned the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo over an ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in the
alleged corruption case against the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Ahmed Audi.
Ojaomo said it would be in the interest of public safety and to safeguard the investigation process to prevent any possible interference in the investigation, that the immediate suspension of Audi was recommended.
The petition dated May 15, a copy which was made available to DAILY POST was addressed to Tunji-Ojo and also copied to President Bola Tinubu, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi and the Chairman of EFCC, Olanipekun Olukoyede.
Ojaomo said it was no longer news that the NSCDC has been under the investigative periscope of the EFCC in the past few weeks over allegations of financial mismanagement wherein the anti-graft agency made considerable progress.
He alleged that Audi also has a pending allegation of unexplained property acquisition which was also levelled against him before the Code of Conduct Bureau, CBB.
Ojaomo said the application was brought pursuant to the Provision of Section 8 of the Nigeria – Security and Civil Defence Corps Act, 2003 (As Amended) and Section 11 of the Interpretation Act, 2004 which empowers the minister to recommend the appointment and removal from office of any person appointed by the President to the Office of the Commandant General of the NSCDC.
The petition reads: “We are compelled to make this request as the investigation of the agency cannot be thoroughly and discreetly conducted if the current Commandant General of the NSCDC is allowed to continue in office while the investigation continues because most of the financial activities of the agency which form the subject-matter of the investigation are conducted under the current CG’s watch.
“It will be in the interest of public safety and to safeguard the investigation process to prevent any possible interference in the investigation, that we request the immediate recommendation of the suspension of the current commandant General of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, to allow an unfeathered investigation into the subject matters of the investigation.
“The revelations that the current Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps is directly linked to the investigation wherein a company linked to him known as Keltes Security and Consultancy Limited was alleged to have received some contracts from Tantita Security Limited which is also a company under the agency’s supervision have raised more dust which may request the anti-corruption agencies to require some clarifications directly from him.
“In fact, there is a pending allegation of unexplained property acquisition which was also levelled against him before the Code of Conduct Bureau, CBB.
“In view of these facts it will be in the interest of public safety and to protect the integrity of the office to suspend Dr Abubakar Audi the current Commandant-General of NSCDC so that the EFCC can conduct a thorough and discreet investigation into the matter.”
[DailyPost]