President Bola Tinubu while delivering his speech at the 79th United Nations General Assembly Debate, drew the attention of world leaders to 21 issues.

Represented by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu reminded the world leaders of the urgency of ensuring poverty is addressed across the world. He also advised leaders to work towards addressing terrorism, armed conflict, inequality, and climate change among others.

As compiled by Shettima’s spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, below are the 21 issues Nigeria presented to the world leaders.

1. The UN faces questions about its relevance and resilience in addressing global challenges.

2. The pillars of peace, sustainable development, and human rights are threatened by individual national priorities over collective needs.

3. Ongoing global challenges include terrorism, armed conflict, inequality, poverty, food crises, climate change, and others.

4. Nigeria celebrated 25 years of unbroken democratic rule, but unconstitutional changes of government in some African countries underscore democracy’s fragility.

5. The global debt burden undermines countries’ ability to meet citizens’ needs, while trade barriers and protectionist policies hinder prosperity.

6. Terrorism and violent extremism remain significant threats to peace and development.

7. Climate change is driving insecurity and poses challenges to sustainable development.

8. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict was highlighted, with a call for a two-state solution.

9. Nigeria supports UN Peacekeeping Operations and calls for support to operationalize the African Standby Force.

10. Reform of the UN Security Council is critical, with Africa deserving permanent representation.

11. Most developing countries are behind in achieving Sustainable Development Goals due to lack of resources and unsustainable external debt.

12. Nigeria calls for reform of the international financial architecture and promotion of a fair and inclusive multilateral trading system for developing countries.

13. The international community must strengthen cooperation to recover and return stolen assets and eradicate safe havens for illicit funds.

14. Nigeria advocates for comprehensive debt relief measures and fair international tax regimes.

15. Developing countries need debt relief and special concessions to enable sustainable development financing.

16. Natural gas is seen as central to addressing Africa’s energy challenges while transitioning to clean energy.

17. Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to climate action but emphasizes the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities.

18. The digital divide between Global South and North needs to be addressed, including regulating cryptocurrency trading.

19. Nigeria emphasizes the importance of youth and women’s advancement in national development and peace.

20. The country supports the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration.

21. Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to multilateralism and active participation in the UN.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has stated that the results of the recent governorship election in Edo State demonstrates that technology alone cannot resolve Nigeria’s electoral problems.

He emphasized that the root of the issue lies in the mindset of the people, not just the tools used.

Jonathan pointed out that while technology has its benefits, it can still be manipulated by individuals with corrupt intentions.

According to him, a shift in attitude is needed among Nigerians, as many approach politics with a negative mindset.

Speaking at an event organized by the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) in Abuja to mark the International Day of Peace, Jonathan discussed the challenges facing Nigeria’s electoral system.

He stressed that the quest for power is a significant driver of conflict across Africa, with technology being unable to fully address these deeper issues.

Jonathan, who was honored as a Fellow of the IPCR during the event, making him the second person to receive this recognition after former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon, reiterated that a corrupted electoral process could not be rectified by technology alone.

Reflecting on the aftermath of the Edo election, Jonathan expressed concern that tensions had escalated rather than subsided due to suspicions that the process was mishandled.

As the only Nigerian president to have peacefully transferred power to an opposition party after losing an election, Jonathan drew attention to the widespread conflicts across Africa, many of which stem from power struggles.

Jonathan said, “Here in Nigeria, we talk about technology. Without the human mind ready to do what is right, if we bring the technology, they will manipulate it.

“Actually, 10 top countries are in conflict globally. Three of them are in sub-Saharan Africa. And quite a number of countries around us, including us, are in one form of conflict or the other.

“And when you look at what causes conflict in Africa, most cases are struggle for leadership, contestation for power. And that is the main cause of conflict.

“Sometimes when you go through a society, and you can tell all kinds of stories. But by the time you do proper analysis, and dig deep, you know that most cause of conflict is leadership struggle. That is why I’m only worried about my country Nigeria.”

Jonathan also challenged the belief that politics is inherently dirty, clarifying that it’s the participants, not the system, that tarnish its image.

He referenced former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who similarly argued that politics only seems dirty because people bring their corrupt minds, hearts, and actions into the arena.

“People say politics is a dirty game. The way we play our politics is the way we want to play it.

“Remember (Olusegun) Obasanjo, the former president, recently made a statement that politics is not dirty but the people that play politics, come to play politics with their dirty minds, dirty hearts and dirty character.

“And that is why people say politics is dirty. And in that case, we must all begin to think differently. We must cultivate the culture of peace,” Jonathan explained.

The former president emphasized the importance of peace becoming a central part of African and Nigerian society, arguing that without this shift, the continent will continue to face political turmoil.

Jonathan stated, “Until we get to that level where we develop the culture of peace in this country, we will always have political conflicts in our election.

“And without us strengthening that effort, without us developing that culture of testing a nation peacefully, we will always be in conflict in Africa and in Nigeria.”

Galatasaray are working on securing the services of Nigerian star, Victor Osimhen permanently, despite previous reports suggesting that the Napoli loanee might leave the Turkish side during the winter transfer window.

There have been reports about certain clauses in Victor Osimhen’s contract with Galatasaray, allowing him to pursue a move to a top European club on a permanent deal in January.

Though Osimhen’s release clause has reportedly been reduced to €75 million, retaining him beyond the current season could pose a significant challenge for Galatasaray, given the continued interest from clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, and Chelsea.

However, the deputy chairman of Galatasaray, Ibrahim Hatipoğlu, has dismissed rumours of the striker’s potential departure from the club in January, emphasizing that the side is committed to retaining Osimhen beyond this season.

In an interview with Turkish outlet NTVSpor, Hatipoğlu said the 25-year-old Nigeria international is contented at Galatasaray.

The football administrator said, “Osimhen’s departure in January is not under consideration. We are making plans for Osimhen to continue playing with us next season as well. Osimhen is dedicated to Galatasaray and demonstrates his commitment in every match.

“A player performs best where they are happy. Osimhen is under contract with us until the end of the season and is delighted to be at Galatasaray. Instead of speculating about his departure, we should focus on how he will contribute in the upcoming seasons. There’s no need to discuss his potential departure during the break.”

Osimhen joined Galatasaray on loan from Napoli during the final hours of the summer transfer window, resolving his prolonged summer transfer saga.

He has already contributed two assists in as many games for Galatasaray and is eager to secure his first goal for the club as they face PAOK in a Europa League match at 8 p.m. later today, September 25.

A battle on the electoral turf has just been won and lost in Edo state, Nigeria. Governor Godwin Obaseki was elected as Governor in 2016 on the platform of the All-Progressive Congress (APC) in that state. By 2019, he had fallen out of favour with the Godfather that brought him to power, former Nigerian Labour Congress President, and former Governor of Edo State for eight years (2008 – 2016), now Senator Adams Oshiomhole. In due course, Oshiomhole left the PDP and pitched his tent with the APC where he would later rise to the position of the National Chairman of the Party. In 2020, Obaseki crossed over to the Peoples’ Democratic Party and successfully upstaged his Godfather to get a second term in office.  His tenure in office ends on November 11, 2024. Hence, there has been a lead up to Gubernatorial elections in Edo State to mark the effective end of Obaseki’s tenure, the Nigerian Constitution providing for only two terms in office for Governors and the President. The Gubernatorial election to see Obaseki out of office and to determine the next occupant of the Osadebey Government House in Benin was held on Saturday, September 21, with 17 candidates and political parties on the ballot. 

We were eventually confronted with a three horse-way race involving boardroom guru and lawyer, Asue Ighodalo of the PDP, Senator Monday Okpebholo of the APC and former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) as the leading contenders. The voting took place in 4, 519 polling units, in the state’s three Senatorial districts, with 35, 000 policemen in attendance along with 8, 000 other security agents – military, EFCC and the Civil Defence Corps. Total number of registered voters in the election was 2, 629, 025. Total number of 2, 249, 780 voters’ cards were collected.  It was a high stakes election as seen in the febrile drama that led to the election, with the incumbent Governor saying it was a do-or-die election in which the Federal Government was determined to rig in favour of the APC candidate, creating a Federal Might vs. The People’s might encounter. The PDP further alleged that the state police command and the state resident INEC commissioner were known associates of former Governor of Rivers State, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun pledged that the police were impartial and unbiased.  Wike did not help matters by boasting openly on live television that no Jupiter could change the police commissioner in Edo state and the INEC resident commissioner and that he, Wike would not endorse either Ighodalo or the PDP in Edo State. This is the same Wike who claims to be the political leader of the PDP in Rivers State, but he is currently an unabashed agent of the APC in deed and in words! No individual should be so brazen. 

Instructively, Obaseki, the PDP and their candidate refused to sign the Peace Accord that had been brokered by the National Peace Committee, a respectable body of eminent men and women led by Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah and others.   A Governorship debate that was organized for the candidates was boycotted by the PDP and APC. Only the candidate of the LP showed up to complain bitterly about the effrontery of the APC that offered to send Senator Adams Oshiomhole who was clearly not the candidate to stand in for Okpebholo. Similarly, Akpata condemned Ighodalo. There were fears about the possible outbreak of violence and the breakdown of law and order. Poll watchers and analysts pointed to a number of factors that could determine the September 21 election as follows: climate of fear and voter apathy, which could affect voter turn-out, manipulation of votes, violence and ballot snatching, vote buying or stomach infrastructure; voter suppression, current economic hardship, neutrality of otherwise of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies, the influence of key political actors especially Godfathers, Federal might and power of incumbency at both Federal and state levels.  When the battle was won and determined on September 21, against the background of a slew of allegations and mixed reactions, INEC on September 22, announced the results to the effect that Monday Okepbholo of the APC had been validly elected, with 291, 667 votes, winning in 11 Local Government Areas, Asue Ighodalo, the PDP candidate, with 247, 274 votes with majority in 7 LGAs, and Olumide Akpata, of the LP with 22, 763 votes, without any majority in any LGA, not even in his own polling unit. APC leaders have been singing and dancing since then, claiming that God has blessed the words of their mouth, that the APC would triumph. The PDP leaders believe that they have been robbed. Gov. Obaseki calls this “a travesty and a tragedy”, a display of brute force and a violation of the people’s right to choose. He has however asked that the aggrieved should be calm and seek redress by following due process in expressing their grievances. Asue Ighodalo, the PDP candidate alleges that the Edo Election 2024, might be the worst ever in the history of this country. Akpata says the votes went to the highest bidder. Mr. Peter Obi, Presidential candidate of the LP has said this was a case of “state capture”. 

My quick observation is that whatever happens hereafter, perhaps at the election petition tribunal and the courts, both Ighodalo and Akpata have put up a gallant and spirited challenge and there are more people in and out of Edo State who consider them the better candidates in the race. If the beauty of television advertisements alone could win elections, the tally would have gone to Olumide Akpata. If the ability to speak English grammar and a person’s pedigree mattered for anything in Nigerian politics, Ighodalo would have won. What we have just been confronted with in Edo state is the reality of Nigerian politics - where ideas, pedigree, brilliance - in the context of a webbed transactional politics that compromise and overwhelm every single factor in the process, do not matter. 

In 1999, shortly after the election that brought President Obasanjo and the PDP to power in Nigeria, election observers had reported that Nigerian politicians had devised many methods of election rigging, which some analysts identified in a well-publicized list. This led to talks about electoral reform and the need to clean up Nigeria’s elections to promote the common good. In 2003, and 2007, analysts had observed greater sophistication in the corrupt manipulation of election results across the country. It was so bad in 2007 that the Yar’Adua/Jonathan administration that came to power openly admitted that the elections were flawed, and insisted that the most urgent task before Nigeria was electoral reform. In 2015, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan was a victim of his own insistence on the values of transparency, integrity and accountability in elections. The APC leaders who succeeded him could not care less. In 2021, it was a tough battle to get the amended Electoral Reform Bill of 2010 signed by President Buhari.  In fact, it was not signed for flimsy reasons.  In 2022, the National Assembly finally managed to smuggle in an Electoral Act 2022, under which the 2023 general elections were conducted.  But in real terms, nothing has changed since 1999. Civil society groups are still arguing for an Electoral Framework with the same old argument that the extant Electoral Act is defective. The first lesson of Edo Election 2024 is that nothing has changed in Nigerian politics. The political parties, the institutions, the politicians and the people have learnt nothing. The people quotient of Nigerian democracy is weak, poor, disconnected. Edo State has just confirmed our worst fears. There has been open, front-face evidence of vote-trading. On Saturday, September 21, politicians and agents offered to buy votes, with the cost now as high as N20, 000. It used to be cheaper to buy a vote, but we are made to understand that the high inflation in the land and economic hardship have both marked up asking prices. In Edo, they were selling votes as if they were trading bags of tomatoes. Ballots were snatched. Ballot papers were burnt. There were sporadic shootings if not an outright breakout of violence. Yiaga Africa, one of the many civil society observer groups that formed the Nigerian Situation Room observing the Edo election has reported that the biggest problem was the failure of integrity. 

The stakes were high. Edo 2024 was a revenge operation among the Godfathers and the political actors. It has been said that the loser in the election is not Asue Ighodalo (PDP) but Godwin Obaseki, the incumbent Governor, seen to be the main supporter of Ighodalo, and who had acquired a very powerful team of former allies turned “enemies”. These enemies were determined to teach him a lesson for alienating them. Asue Ighodalo probably chose the wrong party for as we see, there was nothing he could have done to please the likes of Adams Oshiomhole, the Godfather whom Obaseki turned against and embarrassed thoroughly and Philip Shuaibu, the Deputy Governor whom Obaseki despised and humiliated.  There were other anti-Obaseki political actors: Dan Orbih, Anselm Ojezua, Osagie Ize-Iyamu and Kabiru Adjoto. Obaseki was also considered unfriendly to the exalted throne of the Omo N’Oba. In Edo state, anyone considered rude to the palace loses favour, even among the people. The Oba once had cause to admonish Obaseki publicly to remember that one day he would no longer be Governor and he should be guided accordingly. That moment has arrived! It is Ighodalo who has now paid the price of this undercurrent. Philip Shuaibu was on television yesterday boasting that he won his polling unit, his ward and his LGA for Monday Okpebholo, the best record in Edo State. He boasted that Obaseki was a non-politician that was brought from Lagos and made a Governor. Obaseki in this last election did not win his ward and LGA. He was outboxed, outthought, and bulldozed as Daniel Dubois did to Anthony Joshua at the IBF boxing match at the Wembley Stadium the very same day! In 2020, Obaseki boasted, while seeking a second term, that “Edo No Be Lagos” in a subtle reference to Tinubu’s promise that he would return Edo State to the APC. Over the weekend, the point would seem to have been made that “Edo is now Lagos” and we saw the APC chieftains dancing. Shuaibu says Obaseki has to come and beg the victors. That may not be an idle threat. 

The security agencies have been praised for overseeing a peaceful election in Edo State. But was it free and fair? Is the outcome fair to all parties concerned? It would have been scandalous for the security agencies to deploy a total of 43, 000 men, who could have been put to better use to fight banditry and terrorism, to an off-cycle election and we would have a breakdown of law and order. The architects of violence in Edo State had to moderate their madness perhaps because the security presence was intimidating, and oppressive. Edo State was like a war zone. Two days earlier, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa was on the ground to address his troops and the people, noting that he had express instructions from the President, Commander in Chief to enforce peace in Edo State. Elections should not be held with the gun pointed at the people’s heads. It should be a peaceful, civil event where the people make informed choices freely and without fear and pressure. Not surprisingly, voter turn-out in the Edo election was low, despite the people’s obvious enthusiasm. Election observers put the voter turn-out rate at 22.4% with a margin of error of +/- 1.6%, much lower than the 27% turn-out in the 2020 Edo Gubernatorial election. If this is a case of apathy, then it means the people in Edo as elsewhere, are beginning to lose faith in Nigeria’s electoral process.  

INEC, the electoral umpire has featured prominently in the various reports. The electoral umpire did well with BVAS and accreditation but voting processes did not start early. As at 8:30 am only about 17% of the voters had been accredited, by 11:51 am, about 64%. For an off-cycle election in just one state, this was not good enough. There were inconsistencies in the officially announced results, on IREV, the INEC portal. At some point, the political parties and their agents felt obliged to take over the collation process. Governor Adamu Fintiri of Adamawa state who was in Benin, as Chairman of the PDP Campaign Council for the Edo election, had to do his own collation and advise INEC not to delay the announcement of results in outstanding three LGAs. Fintiri had to explain that he had not broken any law – he merely announced what he found on the IREV portal. Nonetheless, INEC is the only body empowered by law to announce any results. But Fintiri insists that the Edo election was a rape of democracy and that the PDP candidate won. He says he weeps for Nigeria because “democracy is under attack”. The desperation of the various political personae casts doubts on the effectiveness of INEC in the Edo election. There is no denying it: there is still the urgent need to strengthen electoral institutions and address the challenge of reforms. Obviously, no amount of law can transform Nigeria’s elections unless the people themselves agree to change and the institutions function differently.

The Edo Gubernatorial election 2024 has taken place against the background of the fact that many Nigerians have been complaining about poor governance and hunger in Nigeria. In August, this class of Nigerians openly expressed their anger and they are threatening to do so again in October. In other climes, when people face economic hardship in the hands of a sitting government, they express themselves through the polls when they have the opportunity to do so. Nigeria is a strange country where a political party’s performance in power does not really matter, and hence, politicians get rewarded, regardless of how the people think or feel. It is therefore not for nothing that an APC chieftain has remarked that the outcome of the Edo election is an affirmation of the people’s confidence in President Tinubu’s economic reforms. It is possible in Nigerian politics to say anything when your party has won and has been declared winner. The standard rule in Nigerian politics is for you to work on your strategy so well, whether in a crooked manner or not, win and let the other party complain. Both PDP/Ighodalo and LP/Akpata may be talking to their lawyers right now but while they are spending more money paying lawyers, Monday Okpebholo would be sworn in on November 11, 2024. With the Federal Might behind him, and powerful Godfathers like Adams Oshiomhole, Nyesom Wike, Philip Shuaibu and the APC demolition machinery involved, it would be difficult to upturn the results announced on September 22.  It is called realpolitik.

The House of Representatives is set to reconvene on Tuesday, September 24, after its annual recess, with a legislative agenda that includes critical discussions on the 2025 Appropriation Bill proposed by President Bola Tinubu, constitutional review, and electoral reforms.

Following a break that commenced on July 23, 2024, lawmakers will return to address pressing national challenges, including insecurity, economic stability, and the ongoing petrol crisis.

In a statement released on Monday, the spokesman for the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi, indicated that Speaker Tajudeen Abbas will deliver an agenda-setting speech to outline the priorities for the upcoming session.

The statement read in part, “With the 2024 fiscal year coming to a close, the House eagerly anticipates receiving the 2025 Appropriation bill soon. Timely submission from the executive is crucial, as it facilitates thorough scrutiny and public input through town hall meetings, a practice pioneered by the House during the 2024 budget review.

“The House is firmly committed to maintaining the January-December budget cycle and anticipates cooperation from the executive in this regard.

“Honourable members will actively debate and pursue legislative action on pressing challenges faced by Nigerians, particularly those related to the recent flooding in Maiduguri, the spate of insecurity in the country, and the economy. These issues, among others of urgent national importance, will be prioritized as we respond to the needs of our constituencies.”

Rotimi, who represents Ikole/Oye Federal Constituency, Ekiti State, also noted that proposed laws captured in the legislative agenda would be deliberated upon, given their significance to Nigerians’ quest for good governance.

“Bills and motions aligned with our commitments in the legislative agenda will receive prioritisation and fast-tracking, particularly because they will serve as indicators by which Nigerians assess the 10th Assembly at the upcoming mid-term in June 2025,” he added.

The statement further highlighted the importance of amending the 1999 constitution, saying, “The constitutional review process serves as the bedrock of our democracy, embodying our collective aspirations for a just society. The House reaffirms the December 2025 deadline to arrive at definitive outcomes for the Sixth Alteration to the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“The House Committee on Constitution Review, chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, will intensify efforts to address pressing issues and align our laws with the needs of the public.”

He added that the Committee received “About 305 memoranda from the public and about 150 constitution alteration bills from honourable members, reflecting significant public engagement and concern. These bills will be given accelerated consideration.”

Electoral reform

“Article 6.7 on Law Reform in our Legislative Agenda outlines that the 10th House will prioritise amending the Electoral Act 2022 to address gaps, including vague and contradictory provisions. In line with our agenda, we are also committed to establishing a mechanism for periodic reviews of electoral laws to ensure they remain relevant and aligned with global best practices,” the statement further read.

Local Government Autonomy

“In light of the landmark Supreme Court ruling in July 2024 on local government autonomy, we anticipate bills aimed at ensuring the consequential alignment of various extant laws with this new reality. This issue is pivotal to our Legislative Agenda, particularly Article 6.3 on Law Reform (Agenda 3).

“The 10th Assembly proposed several reforms for Nigeria’s local government councils, including constitutional changes to grant them financial and operational independence. This shift is essential for clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of local governments and preventing overlaps and conflicts.

“Further reforms will address electoral processes within local councils and clarify their roles in maintaining security at the grassroots level. These initiatives are crucial for empowering local governments and ensuring they effectively serve their communities,” Rotimi stated.

Whistleblower Protection Bill

The House, according to the lawmaker, is anticipating an executive bill concerning Whistleblower Protection. “This initiative aligns with our 8-Point Legislative Agenda, particularly aspects focused on strengthening good governance and improving national security,” he said, stressing that “Efforts in this area promise to significantly boost the fight against corruption and improve Nigeria’s revenue streams.

Other areas of interest listed include oversight and legislative compliance, as well as constituency outreach.”

A federal high court in Abuja has dismissed a suit seeking the removal of Abdullahi Ganduje as the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In the judgment delivered on Monday, Inyang Ekwo, presiding judge, held that the suit was premature and the issues raised were within the purview of the internal affairs of the political party.

Ekwo held that the group failed to show credible evidence that it was registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and therefore lacked the locus to have instituted the suit.

In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/599/2024, the North Central APC Forum, led by Saleh Zazzaga, queried the propriety of Ganduje’s appointment as the chair of the party since he is not from any state in the north-central geopolitical zone.

​​They argued that the national executive committee (NEC) of the APC breached the party’s constitution when it appointed Ganduje, from Kano state in the north-west geopolitical zone, to replace Abdullahi Adamu from Nasarawa state in the north-central geopolitical zone.

It also argued that Ganduje’s appointment to replace Abdullahi was contrary to Article 31.5(1F) of the APC constitution and ultra vires the powers of the NEC of the party, among other reliefs.

The plaintiff prayed the court to, among others, restrain Ganduje from further parading himself as chair of the APC.

They also sought an order directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to accord recognition to all actions taken by the APC, including congresses, primaries and nominations — since Ganduje became APC chair on August 3, 2023.

Speaking with journalists after the court session, Ayuba Abdul, counsel to the plaintiff, said the judgment will be appealed.

The Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, has said the victory of All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Monday Okpebholo, was a vote of confidence on President Bola Tinubu by Edo people.

Naija News reported that Senator Okebholo defeated the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) Asue Ighodalo and Olumide Akpata, respectively, during Saturday’s Edo governorship election.

In a statement on Monday, Senator Jibrin stated that the victory of Okpebholo was well deserved. He noted that it was a victory for democracy and the people of the state.

The Deputy Senate President said, “The victory of our great party, the All Progressives Congress in last Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State is well-deserved. I congratulate the governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo and all our supporters for this victory. It is not just a victory for the APC but for our democracy and the people of Edo State.

“This victory is a further expression of the confidence of the people of the state in the exemplary leadership and performance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu since his assumption of office in May last year.

“It is also a result of the visionary leadership of our national chairman, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who has made the party more cohesive and paved the way for its victory in this election.“

President Bola Tinubu has directed security and law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts to combat cybercriminals and transnational car thieves operating within the country.

The president’s order follows the government’s commitment to curb organised crime networks that engage in illicit activities, particularly those targeting foreign nationals.

In a statement on Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser on information and strategy to the president, Tinubu commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its recent collaboration with Canadian authorities.

This partnership led to the recovery of $180,000 and 53 vehicles, which were handed over to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) on behalf of two citizens the country.

The president acknowledged the significance of this cooperation and called for sustained efforts in tackling transnational crimes.

“Nigeria is not a destination for stolen vehicles and a haven for illicit wealth from foreign countries,” Tinubu said.

He emphasised that his administration will remain relentless in tackling financial crimes, cybercrime, and money laundering.

He stressed that the most effective way to weaken organised crime is by depriving criminals of the proceeds from their illegal activities.

The president also expressed concern over the involvement of transnational organised criminal groups in the export of stolen vehicles into Nigeria.

He urged law enforcement agencies, particularly the EFCC, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), to step up their vigilance and work together to intercept these criminal networks.

He noted that seized and confiscated assets, especially moveable property like vehicles, should be preserved for the benefit of the state, society, and victims in accordance with existing legislation and international conventions.

“Criminals must not benefit from their illicit activities,” Tinubu said, adding that Nigeria is committed to maintaining strong relationships with international partners to ensure that criminals who operate across borders are brought to justice.

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to “direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and appropriate anti-corruption agencies to promptly investigate the spending of the billions of naira of Ecological Fund collected by Borno State since 2001, including the N816 million collected by the state between January 2024 and June 2024.”

SERAP said, “Suspected perpetrators of allegations of corruption and mismanagement of ecological funds should face prosecution as appropriate, if there is sufficient admissible evidence, and any proceeds of corruption should be fully recovered.”

SERAP also urged him to “direct Mr Fagbemi and appropriate anti-corruption agencies to urgently identify and ensure access to justice and effective remedies to affected victims in Borno state.”

SERAP urged him to “direct Mr George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation to work with appropriate anticorruption agencies to track and monitor the spending of Ecological Fund by the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, 36 state governors, the 774 local government areas, as well as all emergency management agencies across the country funded through the Ecological Fund.”

In the letter dated 21 September 2024 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “Your government has a legal obligation to address the prevalence of flooding across the country and its effect on people, and to ensure that the money meant to stop the floods is not lost to corruption.”

SERAP said, “There is a legitimate public interest in ensuring justice for the victims of Borno’s flood victims, and accountability for the spending of the monthly ecological funds collected by the state through the Federal Account Allocation Committee [FAAC].”

The letter, read in part: “Although ecological funds are shared across the three tiers of government, and emergency management agencies, the funds are managed and supervised by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.”

“The devastation in Borno highlights your government’s obligation to promote and ensure transparency and accountability in the spending of ecological funds by all tiers of government and emergency management agencies.”

“SERAP notes that Borno state receives millions of naira monthly through the Federal Allocation Committee as shares from the Ecological Fund.”

“Other states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja also monthly receive funds from the Ecological Fund. According to reports, trillions of naira have over the years been budgeted through the Ecological Fund to tackle floods and other ecological problems.”

“SERAP is concerned that the ecological funds collected by Borno state over the years may have been diverted, mismanaged or unaccounted.”

“SERAP is also concerned about reports that the funds released to the states for ecological projects are characterised by mismanagement, diversion of funds, substandard and abandoned projects fully paid for.”

“Ecological funds have also been allegedly spent for other purposes such as election campaigns and political patronage.”

“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”

“Your government has legal obligations to ensure protection of the rights of flood victims in Borno and elsewhere in the country, including the obligation to ensure they receive adequate food, shelter, safe drinking water, access to sanitation and other basic aid.”

“Your government must use all means available to it to prevent and address the threats to human rights that result from climate change and to provide access to remedies when these rights are violated.”

“According to reports, the recent floods in Borno started when a dam [the Alau Dam in Maiduguri] burst its walls following heavy rainfall. More than 30 people have reportedly been killed by the floods.”

“About one million people have been affected, most of whom are housed in camps without food and clean water. The According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), 229 people have been killed by floods in Nigeria since the start of the year. The worst flooding in recent times killed 600 people in 2022.”

“According to a four-year audit of the Ecological Fund Office carried out by the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI, the total amount allocated and received by the fund from December 2011 to November 2016 was N277 billion.”

“The operations of the Fund from 2012 to 2016 reportedly showed that some of the disbursements were not utilised for the purpose for which it was established. During these periods, N74,170,932,645.20 was released to State Governments to solve ecological problems in their States.”

“SERAP notes that the Ecological Fund was established in 1981 to respond to and address serious ecological problems such as soil erosion, flooding, drought, desertification, oil spillage, general environmental pollution, and related issues, as well as prevent suffering and possible death from these natural disasters.”

“As the floods in Borno state have shown, the lack of transparency and accountability in the management of ecological funds by states and the resulting human costs directly threaten fundamental human rights – rights to life, to food, to a place to live and work – rights that your government has an obligation to protect.”

“Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and the human rights and anti-corruption treaties to which the country is a state party impose obligations on your government to probe and prosecute allegations of corruption in the spending of Ecological Fund, and to ensure access to justice and effective remedies for victims of flooding.”

“Corruption and mismanagement of the fund have caused negative human health impacts, and rendered already impoverished citizens incapable of satisfying their minimum needs for survival.”

“The failure of successive governments and high-ranking government officials to prevent corruption in the spending of Ecological Fund has hugely contributed to the inability of authorities at all levels to address ecological challenges, and the impact of flooding across the country.”

“We note that while a governor may enjoy immunity from arrest and prosecution, he does not enjoy immunity from investigation. Any criminal allegation against a sitting governor can and should be investigated pending the time the governor leaves office and loses immunity.”

“The findings of such an investigation can also be the basis for initiating impeachment proceedings against the governor.”

It’s been over a year that Nigeria has not named ambassadors in over a hundred diplomatic missions, which has raised concerns about the country’s position in the comity of nations, writes GIFT HABIB

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and one of its largest economies, has now spent over 13 months without ambassadors in 109 diplomatic missions worldwide.

The diplomatic vacuum has raised serious concerns about the country’s standing in the global arena and its capacity to navigate the increasingly complex international relations.

For more than a year, Nigeria has lacked formal representation at the highest levels of diplomacy, leaving the country at a disadvantage in engaging with global partners.

Following President Bola Tinubu’s inauguration, a reassessment of foreign policy led to the recall of 83 ambassadors; both career and non-career from their posts in September 2023, but the subsequent appointment of replacements has yet to occur.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, had said the ambassadors served at the president’s behest in their host nations and that it was the President’s “prerogative to send or recall them from any country.”

The envoys were instructed to return to Nigeria by October 31, marking a shift in diplomatic strategy and suggesting that the government was looking to realign its foreign engagements to better serve national interests.

However, more than a year later, the anticipated appointments of new ambassadors have yet to materialise, creating a diplomatic vacuum that has left the country’s missions leaderless and its voice on the global stage weakened.

This prolonged diplomatic vacuum echoes the delays seen during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, which took 17 to 20 months to establish ambassadorial positions.

The implications of this prolonged absence are far-reaching. At a time when global diplomacy is becoming more intricate, Nigeria finds itself without the ability to fully engage with other nations or participate in critical trade and security negotiations.

Ambassadors play an indispensable role in representing their country’s interests abroad, managing bilateral relations, and serving as key players in multilateral organisations. Their absence means missed opportunities and a weakening of Nigeria’s influence in global affairs.

While the Federal Government has made some progress by appointing 12 consuls-general and five chargés d’affaires to represent the country in 14 countries in April 2024, these appointments fall short of filling the gap.

Consuls-general and chargés d’affaires can handle routine administrative duties and oversee the day-to-day operations of an embassy, but they do not possess the authority or diplomatic weight to engage at the highest levels, such as with heads of state or critical international negotiations.

The absence of full ambassadors is a glaring omission at a time when Nigeria needs strong representation more than ever.

This diplomatic void is not just a procedural issue; it has real consequences for the nation’s global influence, its ability to secure international investments, and its role in shaping policies that affect the African continent and beyond.

On May 28, 2024, the Minister of Foreign Affairs  acknowledged the situation, citing a lack of funds as the primary reason for the delay in appointing new ambassadors.

Few days later, the MFA’s spokesperson, Amb. Eche Abu-Ode, said any new ambassadorial appointments will depend on budget allocations. “I guess the funds may be included in the supplementary budget, but for now, there is no clear way forward without funds,” Abu-Ode stated.

The admission highlights a troubling intersection between diplomacy and economics, with financial constraints halting Nigeria’s global engagement.

The issue of funding underscores deeper problems within Nigeria’s diplomatic apparatus. With no clear timeline for when the budgetary issues will be resolved, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is left in a holding pattern.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s international partners may interpret this prolonged inaction as a sign of instability or disinterest in global affairs.

This perception can be damaging, particularly for a country that relies on foreign investments and international partnerships to fuel its economic growth.

A senior official in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who spoke anonymously, voiced concern over the lack of communication and direction from the government. “There is silence on the issue. Nobody knows what’s going on,” the official remarked.

Diplomats and foreign policy experts warn that Nigeria’s absence from the international stage could have long-term consequences for its reputation.

In diplomacy, perception is often as important as reality. A prolonged lack of ambassadors can signal disorganisation or instability in the global community. Such a perception risks alienating potential investors and partners, who may view the absence of leadership as a sign that Nigeria is disengaging from international affairs.

In a world where nations are vying for influence and economic partnerships, Nigeria’s inability to project its voice and defend its interests could result in missed opportunities for collaboration, trade, and investment. Each day that passes without ambassadors in place represents another lost opportunity to advance Nigeria’s national interests on the global stage.

Many within Nigeria’s diplomatic community are calling for immediate reforms to address the country’s diplomatic challenges.

A retired Nigerian Ambassador to Mexico, Ogbole Amedu-Ode, voiced his concerns over the prolonged absence of ambassadors.

“That diplomatic missions are without substantive heads for a short period is widely acceptable. But their absence over a year leaves so much to be desired, especially against the backdrop of the Ministry’s funding challenges,” he said.

Amedu-Obe’s concerns reflect the broader sentiment within the country’s foreign service, where the lack of principal envoys is seen as damaging to the country’s international reputation.

Similarly, a retired Consul to Cameroon and Delegate to the World Expo and Economic Development Centre in Paris, Amb. Rasheed Akinkuolie echoed the need for reform.

“It is not the best option not to have resident ambassadors at post. Chargés d’affaires may not be able to relate with host governments at the highest level, which includes heads of state. A chargé d’affaires can generally only relate with foreign ministries and other officials,” Akinkuolie explained.

He also expressed concern that host governments might begin to question why Nigeria has not replaced its recalled ambassadors, potentially seeing the prolonged absence as a sign of instability.

He noted that diplomatic missions should be funded from dedicated dollar accounts at the Central Bank of Nigeria to ensure steady financial support for operations abroad. He also emphasised the need for a more streamlined process in deploying ambassadors, suggesting that the MFA could benefit from a Minister of State, drawn from among retired diplomats, to help manage the workload.

He urged the government to prioritise ambassadorial appointments and ensure that Nigeria’s missions abroad are properly funded and staffed.

“The minister is overburdened and overworked. The MFA urgently needs a Minister of State, who should be drawn from among retired Permanent Secretaries of the Ministry or Ambassadors. This will help sort out the grey areas, which may be preventing the swift posting of Ambassadors.

“Diplomatic missions should be funded from a dollar account, dedicated for the purpose at the CBN while running the ministry at home should be in the local currency,” the retired ambassador noted.

An economist, Shadrach Israel stressed the importance of ambassadors not just in diplomatic but also in economic matters.

“A lot of people see the ambassadorial position as political rather than economical. The truth is that if there are no ambassadors in a country, the area of economic gains might be affected.

“For instance, looking at the trade negotiations, if there is no ambassador in a particular country, the president or elected officials in that country might not have who to negotiate with which is a disadvantage to the ambassador’s country.

“For Nigerians who have businesses in other countries, they need the Nigerian ambassadors to protect them as well,” the economist stated.

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the need for robust diplomatic representation has never been more critical. Nigeria’s prolonged absence from the global diplomatic scene is now threatening to undermine its standing in international organisations, its ability to influence global policy, and its attractiveness as a destination for foreign investment.

Tinubu’s foreign policy overhaul may have been well-intentioned, aimed at realigning Nigeria’s diplomatic focus and strengthening its global position. However, the government’s failure to swiftly appoint new ambassadors has left the country in a diplomatic vacuum that it can no longer afford. The longer Nigeria remains without ambassadors, the more it risks being sidelined in key international discussions and negotiations.

Restoring the country’s diplomatic presence must now be a top priority for the government.

Each day that passes without ambassadors represents another missed opportunity to advance Nigeria’s interests on the global stage.

With the clock ticking, the FG must act decisively to restore its ambassadors and reclaim its voice in international diplomacy.