The Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, Aba Branch, has called for a drastic reformation of the Legal System in Nigeria to bring it in tune with the current dynamics and realities on the ground.
Egwu said the country’s legal system needs to be purged of some, if not most of the received laws from our colonial masters, adding that they are no longer relevant to the administration of justice system in Nigeria.
In an interview with The Source, Barrister Egwu noted that while Nigeria has continued to hold on to most of the received laws, those who gave them to us have since discarded them.
“Frankly speaking, we require a very drastic reformation of our legal system .There is something called Received English laws that were operational in England as far back as 1900.We made our laws based on most of those received laws.
“This was mainly because ,at independence we needed laws ,and had to rely on those received laws.
But ironically ,we are still operating most of those received laws, even when those that gave them to us have discarded them.
“Despite a whole lot of those received laws being discarded in both Western and Eastern Regions as early as 1963 ,some of them are still there.” Egwu noted
He blamed the seemingly inability of the country to embark on a meaningful reformation of laws on lack of sincerity of purpose on the part of those saddled with the responsibilities.
According to Egwu, selfishness on the part of major actors in the task of reforming the country,s legal system has continued to stall the process.
“Most of our laws are obsolete. Even some laws that were not received are obsolete as well. But the problem is that the political class are really in charge .
“Most of the bills are presented from the nursery stages as ,executive bills where some people already have their interests and targets. Before sending the bills , the Executive will first of all look at how the proposed law will benefit and or negatively affect it .
This is the root cause why some provisions in the Electoral Act were left as non obligatory.
“Some people believe that making such provisions like the issue of transmission of election results electronically have the potentials of undermining their electoral fortunes.
All will need is to muster the required political will in our quest for the reformation of our laws .
“There have been calls for the establishment of a constitution review committee. But people should also not forget that there must be a law that will mandate the formation of any constitution review committee. There again politics will come in ” the NBA chairman stated.
According to Egwu, the tendencies for people to misunderstand and accuse the judiciary of alleged bias and compromise in their rulings ,especially in political cases boils down to lack of adequate knowledge of the laws by most of the critics .
” It is laughable when some people will be accusing the judiciary of trying to undermine our democracy through its pronouncements.
“I believe that the Judiciary, to those who understand what the law says, is rather working hard to protect our democracy.
“From your question concerning how three or five people will just sit down and upturn the will of millions of people.
“Well, this is a serious misconception. The judiciary is not out to upturn what anybody has done. Rather ,it is there to ensure that what ever those three millions and or more people have done is in accordance with the laid down procedures.
“Our democracy is a constitutional democracy. And that being the case, if some three million people should do what is not constitutional and in the process produce a winner, it is then the duty and responsibility of the three people to tell the three million people, ‘you have done well but you didn’t follow the the laid down rules in the performance of your duty’.
“The problem is that some people want the judiciary to follow three million people and accept their unconstitutional decisions just because it came massively.” Egwu noted.
Until the very last minute before Nigeria’s Apex Court pronounced its judgement on the legal tussle for the Kano State seat of power on Friday January 12,2024, not a few political plaudits and observers had envisaged a State that will be engulfed in a monumental conflagration, regardless of the side the pendulum of the Court’s ruling would swing.
Yet, it was not a perception anchored on nothingness, but on the trajectories of a political enclaved widely acknowledged for its near zero tolerance for manipulative political tendencies over the years.
However, from the point of the pronouncement of the ruling in favour of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to his triumphant return to the anxient commercial city on Sunday, January 14, Kano continued to cut an image of not only a State at peace with itself, but classical case study in political tolerance, hence rendering nugetary all permutations to the contrary.
The Source News magazine findings have revealed that Dr Nasiru Gawuna, the rival All Progressive Congress, APC’s speech in Abuja, immediately after the Supreme Court ruling was a soothing balm, as his message accepting defeat and premising same on the Will of God was said to have resonated with majority of APC followers in the state.
According to a chieftain of APC in the State, Gawuna’s speech and congratulatory massage to Governor Yusuf and the rival NNPP, apart from serving to sooth frayed nerves was believed to have prompted many outside the NNPP family to join in the rousing welcome party for the Governor.
The Source News Magazine reports that the reception/ victory rally which commenced from neighbouring Kaduna State, saw thousands of enthusiastic crowd line up from the Chiromawa / Karna Dangora axis of the boundary between Kaduna and Kano waiting all day to welcome back Governor Yusuf.
“We normally believe that power belongs to God.And He gives same to any one He chooses.
“The APC as a Party and our amiable flagbear Dr Gawuna have fought a good battle.
It is time to move on. But it is our prayer that the APC as a party will find a way to continue to tap from the potentials and sterling leadership qualities of Dr Gawuna”, Hon Seyi Olorusogun a chieftain of the party in kano told The Source.
A peaceful and calm Kano post Supreme court ruling, The Source News Magazine gathered, has continued to rattle Security Agencies, which had, in the wake of the tensions, anxiety and palpable apprehension that trailed both the tribunal and Appeal court rulings, embarked on series of proactive measures to secure the State.
The State Police Command had, on December 22 2023, in the aftermath of Political missiles being hauled from all the political camps , declared no fewer than 72 alleged notorious thugs operating in some parts of the Kano Metropolis wanted.
According to the State Commissioner of Police, Mohammad Hussaini Gumel, the 72 wanted thugs are linked with the alleged criminal activities of one notorious bandit – Bahago Afah, whose primary aims are the instigation of crises as well as capitalizing on the situation to disposes innocent people of their valuables. He noted that by their alleged criminal activities, they have proved to be enemies of the society” and we hereby declare them enemies”
The proactive security measures also led to the ringing of tight survailence on some politically exposed persons and perceived trouble makers in all the political camps.
The huge security presence climaxed on Thursday January 11 after a joint meeting of all the Heads of Security Agencies in the State, with the deployment of combat ready and sophisticated security equipment to all the perceived flash points across the state, with the Police Commissioner gleefully noting that they are on top of the security situation.
However, as it has turned out, the commercial center of the Northern Region appears not only to radiate peace, but seems not ready to court violence.
Meanwhile, Governor Yusuf has annouced plans to inaugurate a Security Trust Fund, in a move to curtail insecurity in the state .
The Governor, who spoke at the occasion of the commemoration of the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day on Monday January 15, promised to prioritize the protection of lives and property of the citizens .
“Very soon we are going to invite eminent kano Residents and other Nigerians we feel can assist so that we take measures to curtail the level of insecurity in the State” Governor Yusuf stated
Imo safe, happy and ready for business, says Tinubu
21 First Ladies join Imo First Lady At Ceremony
After his inauguration on Monday for a second term in office, Governor Hope Uzodimma told the people of Imo State to expect more development in the next four years.
Governor Uzodimma and his new Deputy, Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru, were inaugurated at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, at a well attended ceremony that attracted the high and mighty from Imo State and beyond including from the Presidency, the National Assembly, the Judiciary, the traditional institution, the clergy, the academia, captains of industries and others.
The Chief Judge of Imo State, Justice Theresa Chikeka administered the oath on Governor Uzodimma and his deputy, Lady Ekomaru, surrounded by their family members.
In a massive show of solidarity, the Imo State First Lady, Barr. Chioma Uzodimma, led other 21 First Ladies to grace the occasion.
Governor Uzodimma said massive economic development and concerted efforts to sustain the gains of the foundation already laid for economic prosperity of the State is a task his second term must accomplish.
“I want us to see the event of today as remarkable because it opens a new page in our history. That new page is the commencement of our determined march to economic growth and self sufficiency. It heralds the new dawn in our efforts to develop Imo State and make it one of the leading industrial states in Nigeria and indeed, West Africa. This is our vision and mission, and it is doable.”
President Bola Tinubu and Chief Olusegun Obasanjo
The Governor also reiterated his pledge in his New Year meassage, that his second term performance will exceed and in fact, dwarf that of his first term.
In his brief keynote address after witnessing the inauguration, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remarked that he was glad that “today, Imo is safe, happy and ready for business.”
Governor Uzodimma in his address assured that his second term ambition is to work to ensure that Imo State is the industrial hub of the South East, Nigeria, and West Africa.
“It is one that our generation must accomplish, to the glory of God,” he said adding “my second tenure shall be defined by an uncommon apostolic zeal and tenacious application of clinical efficiency in the execution of policies.”
The Governor promised that the massive economic development of Imo State with emphasis on 15 sectors will permeate every community or ward through the Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI) where, in the next 12 months, each community will have something to show, based on their needs as government presence, either in the area of electricity, portable water, health centre, market etc.
The Governor’s address read in full
“My esteemed and beloved people of Imo State, it is to the glory of God that we are privileged to witness this momentous occasion of my swearing in as the governor of Imo State for a second tenure. I am mindful of the fact that this would not have been possible without your love and support at the governorship election of November 11, 2023. I thank you all most sincerely.
“As you witnessed, I have just performed the solemn ritual of taking the oath of office to defend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and to serve Imo people faithfully. Expectedly, the oath-taking ended with the invocation of God to help me. For me, this is not a mere ritual. It is a renewal of my covenant with God and the good people of Imo State. That covenant is to serve Imo people honestly and faithfully, to the best of my ability and with the fear of God.
“So, as I give God the glory for making this day possible, I once again declare my profound gratitude to Imo people who, through their unprecedented massive support for me in the November 11th, 2023 governorship election, made this day possible. Never in the history of democracy in our state has any governor won in all the local governments, but you did it for me. Thank you very much indeed. By that victory, I entered into a social contract with all Imo people, and it is a contract I intend to honour.
“I cannot proceed further without extending my deepest appreciation to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for honouring us today with his highly esteemed presence. Mr. President Sir, Imo people feel very happy indeed that you squeezed out time from your usually crowded programmes to be personally present at this event. It speaks volumes of your love for Imo people. Thank you Mr. President and welcome.
“I also welcome in a very special way, all State governors here present, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the National Chairman of our great party, His Excellency Abdulahi Umar Ganduje, members of the National Assembly, Hon Ministers, highly revered traditional rulers, notable leaders and members of the clergy from different parts of the country.
“On that note, let me gladly recall that in the last four years, we have demonstrated a high degree of commitment to duty. We demonstrated vision and purpose. We were also able to demonstrate that managing public funds honestly, prudently and transparently is doable and also yields more dividends of democracy.
“Expectedly, our shared prosperity mantra, which is the philosophical fulcrum of my administration, was able to address the problem of infrastructure deficit and the near absence of governance that we met on the ground in January, 2020. Through the provision of extensive road infrastructure, we have been able to lay a solid foundation for the accelerated economic growth and development of our state. We also addressed the decay in the civil service, education, and the health sector.
“In addition, we addressed the lingering problem of unemployment, through a variety of youth empowerment initiatives and artificial intelligence that included the provision of digital and other portable skills. There is, therefore, no gainsaying that the right foundations were put in place in the last four years to enable our state to move to the next level. Now, another tenure of four years has been availed to us, and we are ready, able, and determined to take our state to that next level.
“The next four years of my administration will, therefore, focus firmly on deepening our shared prosperity mantra through massive infrastructure expansion to ensure accelerated economic growth. I have already signaled this new direction in the 2024 budget in which capital expenditure has the lion share of 491.2b of the total budget of 591.2b or 83% of the budget. This transformational journey, which we have commenced with the 2024 budget, will be sustained in the next four years.
“In doing so, our vision will be anchored on our 10-year Development Plan, which has been outlined in my vision document. This development plan has the capacity to transform Imo State into an industrial, self- sufficient state in the next ten years.
“This 10-year development plan is also designed to deepen the intervention framework of my 3R mantra of Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction.
“In the development plan we have identified priority sectors, including industries and projects, which will accelerate the economic prosperity of our dear Imo State such as the Orashi Free Trade Zone and the supporting businesses such as petrochemicals industries, gas processing facilities, etc.
“Another focus of the plan is to harness our agricultural potentials and exploit the mineral resources and align them to the proposed establishment of ceramic industry and agro processing facilities across the three senatorial districts of Imo State. The lifespan of the development plan was deliberately made to last beyond my tenure because I believe that government is a continuum.
“Let me assure you that, on my honour, I am determined to exceed my own first tenure records. As I said in my New Year broadcast, my second tenure achievements will dwarf the achievements of my first tenure. Those who followed the evangelical zeal of St. Paul in the Bible would know that he put in more effort in his second missionary journey because he wanted to consolidate on the gains of the first journey. That spirit of St Paul’s second missionary journey shall be the spirit that will drive my second tenure.
“In like manner, I have been greatly inspired by the audacious and visionary transformational programmes and policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. His emphasis on infrastructure development through generous budgetary provisions for capital expenditure define the qualities of a leader that is burning with the fervent desire to develop his country.
“I am therefore delighted to affirm that my second tenure will be centred on the massive economic development of the state, which will permeate every community or ward. We shall kick start this through our Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI). Consequently, within the first 12 months of the current tenure, every community in the state will feel the impact with at least one significant project fully executed for them.
“Consequently, in the coming weeks, working with the local government council leadership, each community will be expected to identify one project that they want the government to do for them. The chosen project must have a direct and immediate impact on the overall economy of the communities. It could be in the form of provision of electricity, potable water, road, a health centre or a market development project. Further details and modalities for this community economic development initiative will be made available within the next few weeks.
From left: Governor Hope Uzodimma, President Bola Tinubu and Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.
“As I mentioned earlier, the policy thrust of my second tenure would continue to be massive investments in infrastructure, full recovery of the economy to a sustainable level, human capital development with emphasis on youth empowerment and educational advancement of our children, coupled with the further invigoration of the civil service for more efficient service delivery. Anything recurrent is considered the normal or statutory business of government. Therefore, it must be taken care of in the course of governance. In my normal tradition, the prompt payment of salaries and pensions will remain a priority.
“My priority areas going forward will be on 15 critical sectors needed for the sustainable development of Imo State. This will be in tandem with my 3R mantra and the 10-year Development Plan as earlier mentioned. The areas are:
Road infrastructure
Education
Health
Sanitation
Water Supply
Agriculture and Food Security
Housing and New Cities Development.
Digital infrastructure
Transportation Infrastructure
Market Access
Industrial Policy
Safety / Security
Enabling Laws and Policies
Public Financial Management
Electricity Infrastructure
“In line with the standard institutional framework, each of these sectors is to be implemented in such a manner that the results would readily impact the economy and standard of living of the citizenry.
“My dear brothers and sisters, as you know, Imo State belongs to all of us, and building the state of our dream will require the contributions of everyone of us, irrespective of our political affiliations. The time has come to bury all those differences so we can work collectively to develop our state. Remember, this is the only state we can truly call our own. Therefore, we should all think of how we can contribute to her growth instead of leaving it to the government alone.
“The least we can do to demonstrate our love and patriotic zeal for our state is to be law-abiding and responsible citizens who take our civic obligations to our state seriously. Our simple civic obligations like paying taxes, observing traffic rules, and keeping our environment clean can go a long way toward helping the government succeed.
“In the same vein, I urge all those with the wherewithal to think of establishing industries, especially in the rural areas, to help create jobs for the youths. On our part as government, we will continue to provide the enabling environment and assistance to encourage all well-meaning investors.
“My beloved Imo people, Ndi Imo, I have just given you a synopsis of my vision and mission for the next four years, which should suffice for this occasion.
“Having said that, I want us to see the event of today as remarkable because it opens a new page in our history. That new page is the commencement of our determined march to economic growth and self sufficiency. It heralds the new dawn in our efforts to develop Imo State and make it one of the leading industrial states in Nigeria and indeed, West Africa. This is our vision and mission, and it is doable.
“In this regard, I am pleased to inform you that our shared prosperity flight which is taking us to the great Imo State of our dream, is now at cruising altitude. So, relax, unfasten your seat belts and enjoy the rest of the flight. An experienced and dependable captain is in charge.
“I will also like you to take this home from this ceremony today: By the time we are through with another four years, the institutional and infrastructural structures we would have put in place will make it a herculean task for any Pharaoh to take Imo State back to Egypt. Let me assure you that my second tenure shall be defined by an uncommon apostolic zeal and tenacious application of clinical efficiency in the execution of policies. The task is to make Imo State the industrial hub of the South East, Nigeria, and West Africa. It is one that our generation must accomplish, to the glory of God.
“Once again, I thank Mr President, and all the dignitaries who are here today for honouring us with their presence. thank you Ndimo for your love and uncommon solidarity. I invite you all to work with me to build a great Imo State that we shall all be proud of.
“Thank you and may God bless all of us.”
President Tinubu who congratulated Governor Uzodimma said it was a joy for him to be part of the swearing in ceremony which afforded him the opportunity “to witness a rekindling of hope and blessing of the seed of prosperity.”
The President said that the relative peace Imo people are enjoying today will be better, noting that the federal government will work together with the people to make it even better. “What we learn from this is for us to work together and pay attention to our internal security.”
Tinubu who said he was glad Imo State is part of a united country working hard to move it forward assured of his government’s readiness to bring substantial development in the areas of education, industrialisation, health care, training and employment.
Catholic Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev Lucius Ugorji offered the inauguration prayer for the Governor, the Deputy, Imo State, President Tinubu and Nigeria.
Senate President and his deputy, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Governors of Abia, Borno, Ebonyi, Cross River, Ekiti, Lagos, Rivers, Ogun, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, former Governor Rochas Okorocha, former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, former Governor Ikedi Ohakim, the Ooni of Ife, the Obi of Onitsha, the Etsu Nupe, the Chairman, Imo State Council of traditional rulers, Eze EC Okeke, Ministers, serving and former members of the National and State legislators, captains of industries among other dignitaries too numerous to mention attended the event.
Conference Of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) and frontline civil society organisations (CSOs) under the aegis of the Coalition Of National Civil Society Organizations Against Inept Leaders, have sounded a note of caution against undermining the ongoing investigation into allegations of corruption against Betta Edu and Sadiya Umar-Farouq, embattled former and suspended ministers of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, now Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
In a statement signed by the CNPP’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Comrade James Ezema, and the National Secretary of the coalition of Nigeria civil society organizations, Alhaji Ali Abacha, they also called “for investigation of the Judges of the Court of Appeal who masterminded the miscarriage of justice in the legislative election appeals to determine if the Judges soiled their hands to stand justice on the head.”
While former minister Umar-Farouq is under investigation at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for over N37 billion corruption allegations, Betta Edu was recently suspended by President Tinubu after a week of deafening accusations of financial misconduct against her to the tune of N585 million.
The groups noted that they have “watched with kin interest how some CSOs have engaged in pro- and anti- investigation of corrupt leaders.”
Decrying what they called “the obvious move by interested civil society groups to undo each other in defence and against the ongoing investigation of the rot in the corruption allegations against public officials, a development that is capable of undermining the ongoing process.
“We, therefore, call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that justice is done and that anyone found wanting in the allegations of corruption in the Humanitarian Ministry is diligently prosecuted.
“We equally call for public probe of all Appeal of Court judges involved in the judgment that removed both elected governors and legislators in the 2023 general elections contrary to the recent judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
“The miscarriage of justice meted against validly elected National and State Assembly members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) in Plateau, Enugu, Abia and other states who have been unjustly removed from their legitimate seats by the Court of Appeal contrary to earlier decided and settled cases by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
“While we await whatever remedy that is open for the victims of the Court of Appeal’s miscarriage of justice, if any, we call for immediate probe of all the affected judges to determine if they were induced financially or otherwise.
“An open investigation and adequate discipline of judges, who are found wanting, are necessary deterrence to bad eggs in the Nigerian judiciary”, they stated.
The much anticipated cabinet reshuffle in Ondo state will come up any moment from now, according to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
The governor, who spoke on Monday through his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan in a radio programme in Akure, explained that swapping of the commissioners was necessary to ensure speeding up development in the state.
On his assumption of duty in December last year, following the demise of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, some aides including commissioner that worked with he late Governor resigned voluntarily citing personal reasons.
Some of those that are yet to resign are nursing governorship ambition which may lead to their resignation or possible sack later as the governor too may likely take a shot at the contest.
Speaking on the rumour of reshuffling the cabinet members, Aiyedatiwa said he was taking his time and would not rush to rejig the members of the State Executive Council (SEC).
“Mr governor will take his time to put his team together. He would not rush to do anything. He has a team that is already working to put the right team together.
“He is already meeting with stakeholders. And I can assure you that when the time is ripe, he will put the right team together.”
The governor again maintained that he was not disturbed nor distracted by unscrupulous politicians maligning his personality and credibility ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
According to Aiyedatiwa, it’s election season in the state and a period for politicians to sell their cards to the electorates but the campaigns should be done with decorum and not to heat the political space.
He assured the people of the state that the present administration was committed to speeding up development in all spheres of sectors to enhance economic growth in the state.
Governor Aiyedatiwa stated that with the ongoing efforts to take the state to an enviable height, Ondo would soon be economically progressive with a lot of business investors trooping in the state.
He said he has been busy and having sleepless nights on how to ensure the state is flourishing with development, most especially with the continuation of projects embarked upon by his late principal, former governor Rotimi Akerdolu.
“The governor is ready to speed up the development in the state. He is not disturbed at all. Although, he has been having sleepless nights it is about the development of the state.
“He is very busy with how to develop the state and we owe that responsibility to the people of Ondo State by ensuring development and boasting our economy.”
The speculated reshuffling of the Cabinet by President Bola Tinubu Cabinet has been debunked by the Presidency which dismissed it as a figment of imagination from mischief makers.
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale disclosed this in an interview with the National Television Authority, NTA, over the weekend.
Ngelale said, “It is only natural to drive such stories, particularly if there’s even a whisper that such a thing could occur.
“But I think it’s important that we not preempt the activities of the President. The President is fully aware of all factors related to what people are doing and not doing within his administration.
“He does have a special adviser on policy and coordination in the person of Hadiza Bala Usman, who is also monitoring the activities of the MDAs with respect to performance-related issues, and he has all of that information at any point in time”, he said.
Ngelale said a possible cabinet reshuffle by President Tinubu would have to wait until the ongoing investigations into the alleged fraud in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and its Social Investment Programmes have provided conclusive ends.
According to him, the Tinubu-led administration will not spare any individual found culpable.
Speculations have been rife that heads are set to roll in the Cabinet of the President with anyone found culpable of any misdemeanor to face the full wrath of the law, following alleged corrupt practices in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs as well as the suspension of the National Social Investment Programmes Agency’s (NSIPA) activities, following allegations of financial impropriety.
Reacting to the speculations, however, Ngelale said, “at this point, it is in the realm of speculation. What is not in the realm of speculation, however, is that the President has ordered a thorough investigation. And wherever that investigation takes him, he will act accordingly.
“I do think that the President would not make such a move until he has a clear idea of exactly what that investigation has unearthed and whether or not there are other officials of the government that he feels would need to be roped into such an exercise on the basis of whatever the findings of that investigation are”.
As regards the on-going probe, Ngelale said, “The President has given full instruction to the EFCC Chairman to conduct a thorough investigation.
The way the President would direct such an investigation is to say that nobody, no name, should be left out if they are found wanting in the situation. No sacred cows at all.
“Anywhere this investigation takes the EFCC and other investigating authorities. That is where the investigation must go and the President will take action accordingly.”
Speaking further, the Presidential spokesperson added that the President has “since made it clear to all members of his administration, within the Federal Executive Council and private meetings, that he will not tolerate any form of indiscipline corruption, dereliction of duty or any other form of incompetence.
“President Tinubu is going to let time go by. If he fully understands that somebody is not up to the task, he will fix the problem and fix it as quickly as possible,” he added.
Daniel Bwala, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chieftain and former Spokesperson to PDP Presidential Candidate at the 2023 Presidential Election, Atiku Abubakar, has revealed that the former Vice President was aware of his meeting with President Bola Tinubu.
Bwala made this disclosure in an interview with Channels Television’s Sunday Politics.
He said, “I informed Atiku Abubakar I was going to see the President. After I had seen the President, I informed him (Atiku) that I had just seen the President and he replied me that, ‘Thanks Daniel for notifying me’.”
Bwala also said his decision to now support President Tinubu does not mean he betrayed Atiku.
“It’s absolute nonsense for somebody to say because I said I will support President Bola Tinubu therefore I betrayed Atiku,” the lawyer said.
He described as absurd, criticisms trailing his sudden-found support for Tinubu whom he flayed during the 2023 politicking process.
Recall that in July 2022, Bwala, then an APC member, dumped the ruling party when Tinubu announced his running mate as ex-Borno governor, Kashim Shettima.
Bwala faulted Tinubu for his choice of a fallow Muslim as a running mate and quickly joined the campaign train of Atiku, a Muslim and ex-Vice President, who chose a Christian as running mate in the person of ex-Delta governor, Ifeanyi Okowa.
However, Bwala met with the President at the Aso Villa in Abuja last week and declared his unalloyed support for him.
Bwala has since attracted a scathing string of criticisms with many questioning his political ideology but the lawyer said “even ideology, you have the right to change ideology”.
Students of the Federal University of Technology Akure, (FUTA) on Monday embarked on protest over hike in school fees, which led to complete blockage of the Akure-Ilesa highway.
The situation led to traffic jam on the road for hours as the students barricaded the ever busy expressway, displaying various placards and chanted solidarity songs to show their displeasure.
To curtail the situation, the management has announced postponement of resumption date for 2023/2024 academic session indefinitely and blocked institution’s portal to stop students from further registration.
The management insisted that tuition remains free while increment was made on some certain essential utilities to ensure that they were not stopped.
The President of FUTA Students Union, Olayemi Oluwasoromidayo also known pleaded with the management of the school to revert to the old school fees in view of the current economic challenges in the country.
Oluwasoromidayo said the students body had met with the management many times but it refused to yield to their demands hence their decision to stage a protest.
He revealed that the last increment was not even up to one year before the new hike was effected.
The students leader pointed out that the management had increased the school fees to over N200 thousand for freshers while old Students who were paying N35 thousand would now pay N130 thousand. He said they would continue to stage the protest until their demand was met.
A statement by Adegbenro Adebanjo, director corporate communication, stated that “The Management of the Federal University of Technology Akure FUTA has ordered the indefinite postponement of resumption of students for the 2023/2024 academic session. It has also directed that all students currently on campus and in hostels within the University vacate them within 24 hours.
“The Management also directed that registration of returning students via the University portal and payment of fees by all Returning students for the new academic session via the portal scheduled to begin on Monday January 15 ,2024 be put on hold .
“It is important to State that the University DID NOT open the portal for Registration for Returning Students for the new session contrary to what was being bandied in the public domain.
“On the proposed new fees and charges , they are mainly for students related services which are sourced from the economy . And the costs of such goods and services provided by the University for the students will certainly be impacted by costs of Good and services in the economy.
“To ensure smooth running of the University, certain consumables and payments for municipal services such as electricity, water , hostel maintenance and cleaning and sundry other services are necessary and the costs of providing the services have shot up and the new charges are in response to this.
“Other costs that were adjusted as a result of economic reality include medical examination for all new students , Biometric ID cards and Tertiary Institutions Students Health Insurance Programme TISHIP administer by NHIS for students, and final year book.
It is important to say that Tuition is free and no money is being charged as tuition fee
“The Management reiterates that tuition remains free for all students and that it has inbuilt mechanism within the system to look into and build consensus on matters affecting students including charges and fees. And that mechanism is working on this matter and consensus will be achieved.”
In an effort to make widows of fallen soldiers cater for those left behind, Ondo State government has announced injection of another N30 million into the micro credit loan scheme initiated for relatives of the falling heroes.
The State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, disclosed this on Monday in Akure at the final parade to mark the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebrations.
The Governor explained that the micro credit loan scheme for the widows of departed soldiers is at zero interest rate to ensure easy repayment.
“The Micro-Credit Loan Scheme for the Widows of the departed heroes, which is at zero interest rate, remains a unique programme of this administration.
“This is to support their businesses to enable them take care of themselves and their children. Last year, many widows benefitted from the Micro-Credit Revolving Loan, we have made provision for another sum of Thirty Million Naira (N30,000,000.00) only for this purpose this year.
“We are aware of the various complaints surrounding this loan scheme and the poor attitude of some widows especially towards the repayment of these loans.
“While assuring you that we shall continue to make the loan more accessible, we are equally appealing to the beneficiaries to join hands with Government to make the programme sustainable by making prompt repayment of the loan a priority.
“It is the plan of our administration to continually put smiles on the faces of the widows and children of the fallen heroes. We, therefore, crave your understanding and support to make it sustainable.”
Aiyedatiwa announced that the minister of defence has assigned more responsibilities to members of the Nigeria Legion as they are now to take charge of crowd and traffic control.
“While commending the Legions in areas of security in the State, I want to use this medium to inform all and sundry that the Hon. Minister of Defence has added to the Portfolio and responsibilities of the State Chairmen of Nigeria Legion.
“They are now to double as the Commandants of the Nigerian Legion Corps and Commissionaires.
“The Corps is a product of the Nigerian Legion which is empowered to provide body fitness, self defence (unarmed combat), strategic principle of crowds and traffic control, care security, tour guard, kidnapping control and use of CCTV Camera monitor as measures of crime control.
“Let me therefore, enjoin everyone to cooperate with the Legion in this regard at every point of their service for the purpose of security of lives and property in the State.”
The occasion was also observed in the state to pay tribute to Kate Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for his doggedness to ensure the establishment of the South West Security outfit, Amotekun, despite opposition by he federal government.
Aiyedatiwa stated that “I am also deeply convinced that today’s event affords us the opportunity to call to mind the memories of our late Governor, my boss and mentor, an Icon, a Political Hero, a courageous and dogged fighter, a Civilian but Military-spirited man – Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN, CON.
“The gallant Civilian-Soldier fought doggedly alongside other South-West Governors to strengthen our security architecture in the South Western Region when some forces were threatening the peaceful existence of our dear people.
“The struggle led by this perfect gentleman of blessed memory gave birth to the ‘Amotekun Corps’, the South-West Security Network, an outfit purposely established to complement the National Security Agencies.
“On this note, I will like to crave your indulgence to rise, and observe a minute silence in honour of this freedom fighter, our dear former Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN, CON. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace (Amen).
“Ladies and Gentlemen, you would recall that our Late Governor, even when the Federal Government considered the Corps illegal before the eventual tacit approval, declared his readiness to forge ahead with the establishment of the security outfit in-spite of the fact that his second term election was still being contested in the court of law.
“This showed his avowed love and commitment to the security of lives and property of not only the people of the Sunshine State but that of the entire South-West.
“Today, Amotekun Corps has come to stay in Ondo State and other South-West States. We owe him a great honour, we owe him our salute, we owe him our gratitude so that the works and struggle of this gallant hero will not be in vain.”
“I am a human being. I may make mistakes. But what is important is for you to realise that you have made a mistake and apologize to the people. I am sorry. Forgive me”
A sudden humble Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has apologized profusely to Felix Obuah and the people of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State for not backing Obuah in his aspiration to become the Governor of Rivers State.
Obuah, a former State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Rivers State, who backed Wike to the hilt to “vanquish” former Minister for Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, even when Amaechi was Governor, had sought to succeed Wike in office in the 2023 Governorship election. But Wike made sure that Obuah, and every other aspirant, either failed at the Governorship Primary, or forced to step down for his preferred candidate, Siminalayi Fubara, now the Governor.
However, not quite five months into Fubara’s tenure as Governor, he and Wike fell apart so badly that Wike engineered an aborted impeachment against the Governor. And even though President Bola Tinubu tinkered a-much criticized peace between the two, nothing has been the same in the State. Since then, about 27 members of the House of Assembly loyal to Wike have dumped the PDP, and defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC, a Government under which Wike is serving at the Federal level, even though he still claims he is a PDP member.
With an eye on the Governorship election in 2027, or a possible successful impeachment of Fubara, Wike has been frequenting Rivers State, and amending fences with those he hurt badly just to impose Fubara as the Governor of the State.
Over the weekend, it was the turn of Obuah. Accompanied by a number of people, including the Minister of State, Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri, the FCT Minister visited Obuah at his Omoku country home in the Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni LGA, where he was received by a sizeable number of people.
His mission: To apologize to Obuah and his people for ditching them for Fubara in the race to the Governorship seat in 2023.
His words: “In 2023, if you look at those who ordinarily I should support for Governorship, “Go Round” (Obuah), you should have been one of them at the forefront – that is if we do things based on your contributions, based on your support. ‘Go Round’ is the first of the two persons that ought to get my support.
“So, I use this opportunity to apologize to all of you in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni for taking a decision that hurt you. I’m sorry. It is because you know your judgement may not be right all the time.
“But I’m a human being. I may make mistakes. But what is important is for you to realise that you have made a mistake and apologize to the people.
“So, I beg you to beg ‘Go Round’ for me to forgive me. I hope one day another opportunity may come. But let nobody lose faith, let nobody lose hope.”
Wike has, effectively, become the Leader of both the PDP and the APC in Rivers State. Based on that, not a few people insist that Governor Fubara will most likely be a one term Governor. Reason: Wike will be in charge of both the Governorship Primaries of both Parties. But, very likely, it is speculated, he will back the APC Candidate for the Governorship seat.
