Home Blog Page 1568

Imo PDP Feasts On The Blood Of Insecurity Victims, Plans Phantom Protest In Abuja – IMSG

June 13, 2023

Imo State Government has declared that it is aware of a sinister plan by the State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to feast on the blood of the victims of insecurity in the State, through a planned phantom protest in Abuja, scheduled for this week.

According to the Government, the opposition has recruited unsuspecting indigenes and miscreants for shipment to Abuja for the protest at diplomatic missions, where the recruits will claim to be relatives of the victims of insecurity in the State, and blame the Government for the killings.

A statement in Owerri on Monday by the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon Declan Emelumba, said the frustrated opposition PDP rattled by the defeat staring them on the face in the November Governorship election is now employing all manner of desperate antics to cause confusion in the State.

Emelumba said the government is fully aware of this evil plan by the PDP, which is scheduled to hold in Abuja within the week, explaining that the whole idea is to blackmail the Government of being responsible for the killing of those who lost their lives in the State.

He regretted that a political party seeking to govern the State is ready to dance on the graves of Imo citizens and feast on their blood in their quest for power.

The statement continues: “Fully aware of its lack of capacity and integrity to win the upcoming Governorship election in Imo State this November, the PDP is now resorting to this barefaced falsehood embedded in hypocrisy as the last ditch effort to win the sympathy of gullible members of the society.

“Aware of its complicity in the blood letting that previously rocked the state after it brazenly declared that it will make Imo ungovernable for His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma, the Executive Governor of the State, PDP now wants to turn the table against the same government by recruiting unsuspecting people and urchins from the 27 Local Government Areas and parade them as victims of insecurity in the state, who will claim that it was the Government that killed their relatives.

“Currently, PDP is moving across the Local Government Areas paying huge sums of money to people, 10 per LGA, preparatory to shipping them to Abuja for the orchestrated protest.

“Government is, therefore, warning parents and guardians to rein in their children and wards lest they become victims in a proxy war of vendetta and greed.

“Both the Nigerian people and the Diplomatic community should ignore such self-serving politically motivated protest which is aimed at blackmailing the State Government.

“The security agencies have also been put on high alert to look out for those bent on perpetrating crimes in a bid to thwart the hard won peace in the State.

“Finally, the Administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma will continue to do all within its constitutional responsibilities to ensure that nobody disrupts the peace of the State. It will also continue to discharge its responsibility of protecting lives and property in the State.”

“You Are A Liar”, Airpeace Slams Sirika, Former Aviation Minister

Adesina Soyooye

June 13, 2023

By Adesina Soyooye

The Management of Airpeace, Nigeria’s largest Airline, has called the immediate past Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, a blatant liar.

Sirika has been under the slammer since he left office, especially, since after it was revealed that he deceived Nigerians by renting an Ethiopian Airline Aircraft, which he unveiled as a Nigeria Air Aircraft, to mark the take-off of Airline.

After the “show” at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, where the Aircraft was welcomed with pomp and pageantry, it flew back to its owners, Ethiopian Airline.

Since then, and especially since the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation called it a fraud, not a few Nigerians have called for the arrest and investigation of Sirika in connection with the role he, allegedly, played in the show of shame.

In a bid to defend himself and explain the role he played, the former Minister appeared on Arise Television on Saturday, June 10, 2023, to tell his story. But his explanation seem to have exposed him to more controversies.

For instance, he accused Honourable Nnolim Nnaji, former Chairman of the House Committee on Aviation of dubbing the Nigeria Air project a fraud, because Nnaji requested for bribe from him. He wanted five per cent shares for him and his colleagues, Sirika said.

He also denied being part of the Abuja launch, insisting he was invited to it by the investors. But investigation shows he and his Ministry were the masterminds. They were the ones who invited people to the occasion.

However, Airpeace has taken an exception to what he said about the Airline. Sirika had said that Airpeace leased two Boeing 777 for which the Airline is paying the sum of $250,000 per month. Sirika added that the Aircraft were parked for months for which it incurred loses of $19 million and the engines and landing gears became due for replacement.

He also said that the Airline discontinued its Dubai route because it lacked capacity.

But in a swift reaction, with facts, the Airline said the former Minister was 100 per cent incorrect, and called him a blarant liar. It said it was sad the Sirika was ignorant of the happenings in his Ministry.

For instance, Airpeace said it boasts of three Boeing 777 and not two. It said it purchased the three outrightly, and neither leased nor rented any of them. It also said it incurred no losses anywhere and debunked Sirika’s claim that it discontinued its Dubai route because it lacked capacity. It disclosed that it discontinued because Dubai banned Nigerians from getting visas, one of the reasons Emirates Airlines stopped coming to Nigeria.

Here’s what the Airline said in part, in the statement, signed by its Chief Operating Officer, Toyin Olajide:

“Air peace never incurred such a loss, we never paid rentals contrary to his lies. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, can attest to the purchase and ownership of the Aircraft by Air peace.

“Secondly, Sirika said the airline stopped flying to Dubai because ‘we lack capacity’. This is another stark lie.

“Air Peace never stopped the Dubai operations because of lack of capacity. Air Peace commenced operations into the UAE in July, 2019, but in October 2022, the UAE Government announced a total visa ban on Nigerians.

“Neither Emirates nor Air Peace is operating the Nigerian/UAE route since the ban. The persisting non-issuance of visas and the accompanying inconveniences necessitated the suspension of our Dubai operations from November 22, 2022 till date.

“For the former minister to ascribe the suspension to ‘lack of capacity’ is not only shocking but also shows how keen he is to disparage an airline which ascendancy, has defied all the commercial odds and hostile environment placed on its path to continue to serve our nation proudly.

“How could an airline that placed a firm order for 13 brand new E2-195 aircraft, a firm order of 15 Boeing 737 Max 8 & Max 10, with over 30 aircraft already in its existing fleet be accused of lacking in capacity?

“How can an Airline that stood up for the entire nation during the Covid-19 outbreak, and embarked on rescue operations worldwide, evacuating Nigerians from far away China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, India, UK and South Africa during the Covid-19 lockdowns be accused of lacking capacity?

“We implore the general public to disregard these lies told by the former minister of Aviation against Air Peace during the interview.

“We take serious exception to a situation where Airpeace is being misrepresented in the public sphere, causing wrong perceptions about our brand”

APC, INEC Are Anti June 12 Agents – PDP

Ayodele Oni

June 12, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

In a statement to mark the June 12 Anniversary, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), noted that democracy day is being celebrated under deceitful atmosphere.

The party described as distasteful, offensive and unacceptable for the nation to observe the Democracy Day under a system that violated, desecrated and despoiled all the tenets of Democracy as witnessed in brazen rigging that characterized the 2023 general elections.

It specifically said that the barefaced manipulations of the 2023 general elections by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), amounts to an unpardonable assault and rape of democracy and disregard for the Will of the people; the very ills which Chief MKO Abiola fought and died for.

PDP, therefore, urged Nigerians to use the June 12 Democracy Day to accentuate the demand for the entrenchment of democratic tenets in the country.

These were contained in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Hon. Debo Ologunagba in which the party noted that June 12 epitomizes the struggle by Nigerians against corrupt, manipulative and anti-democratic system; against injustice, impunity and electoral fraud which INEC, under Prof. Mahmood Yakubu now represents.

“It is indeed heartrending that all the steady progress and gains made by successive PDP administrations in reforming our electoral system have been completely wiped off by INEC in the conduct of the 2023 general elections.”

The PDP, however, urged Nigerians not to despair but remain optimistic and law-abiding in their hope for a better nation which they earnestly yearn for.

The Party also charged leaders at all level across the country to be guided by the essence of June 12 by always adhering to the principles of democracy in the overall interest of the Nigerians people.

June 12: Akeredolu Insists On Restructuring That Births State Police, Devolution Of Power

Ayodele Oni

June 12, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has emphasized the need to reassess the current socio-political structure in the country to ensure progress and development.

Governor Akeredolu asserted that undertaking a comprehensive restructuring of the nation is crucial for deepening democratic gains.

Acknowledging that June 12 represents more than just a milestone in the pursuit of justice, the Governor said that Democracy Day serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding principles of equity and fairness.

Akeredolu, Chairman of the Southern Governors Forum, called on the people to reflect on the significance of June 12 and honour the sacrifices made by the heroes of Nigeria’s democracy.

The Governor stated in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde that “Today is a commemoration of sacrifices, patriotism, and peaceful struggle. June 12 marks a significant moment in our country’s democratic history, symbolizing a profound renewal of hope and ambition.

“It serves as a powerful reminder of our unwavering optimism and determination in the face of formidable obstacles.”

Governor Akeredolu stressed that the welfare of the people should be the primary focus, urging Nigerians to unite for the collective betterment of the country.

He charged the new administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure a comprehensive revalidation of the hope of Nigerians.

“The need for restructuring has become undeniable. The federal government must relinquish its excessive control over the sub-national entities.

“It is imperative that security is decentralized to the states. There is no better time than now for the establishment of state police.

“The symbol of the June 12 struggle made the ultimate sacrifice. We must not allow our people to continue paying the price in vain.

“It is devastating. By devolving power to the sub-national entities, we can deepen our democratic values, strengthen governance, and make our nation more resilient.”

Governor Akeredolu further appealed for national unity, underscoring that the solution to Nigeria’s multifaceted challenges lies in the cohesion of all ethnic groups within the country.

He commended the extraordinary sacrifices made by both departed and living individuals in birthing democracy, urging Nigerians not to overlook the lessons taught by past political experiences.

While acknowledging the arduous nature of nation-building, the Governor expressed optimism that the challenges can be overcome.

He expressed confidence in the administration of President Tinubu, stating that the new President will restore the people’s confidence and work diligently for the betterment of the country.

The Governor said his administration firmly believes that any developmental aspirations must prioritize the well-being of the people.

He noted that despite financial limitations, his administration has made significant strides in bridging the infrastructural gap.

Ponmo Dangerous To Your Health – FG Warns

Ayodele Oni

June 12, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

The lust by Nigerians for bush meat, ponmo (cow skin) smoke meat seems to be under threat as the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development warns against their consumption.

The ministry has alerted Nigerians on the outbreak of Anthrax in some neighbouring countries within the West African sub-region.

With the development, the ministry strongly advised Nigerians to desist from the consumption of hides (ponmo), smoked meat and bush meat as they pose serious risk until the situation is brought under control.

This was contained in a statement in Abuja, signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, on Monday.

The statement said the outbreak was first recorded in northern Ghana bordering Burkina Faso and Togo putting the whole sub-region at risk.

“The disease, which has claimed some lives, is a bacterial disease that affects both animals and man, that is a zoonotic disease. Anthrax spores are naturally found in the soil and commonly affect domestic and wild animals.

“People can get infected with Anthrax spores if they come in contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products.

“However, Anthrax is not a contagious disease and so, one cannot get it by coming in close contact with an infected person.

“Signs of anthrax are flu- like symptoms such as cough, fever, muscle aches and if not diagnosed and treated early, lead to pneumonia, severe lung problems, difficulty in breathing, shock and death.”

The statement further warned the general public against closeness to non-vaccinated animals with Anthrax as it can easily be transmitted to man through the inhalation of Anthrax spores including consumption of contaminated/Infected animal products, such as hides and skin, meat or milk.

Let June 12 inspire us to correct the error of February” 25 – Obi urges Nigerians on Democracy Day

The Source

June 12, 2023

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi has urged Nigerians to let the spirit of June 12 being celebrated as Democracy Day in our country inspire us to correct the errors of February 25, 2023, as the surest root to restoring and deepening our democracy.

Obi in a Democracy Day message to Nigerians said that “ the challenge of June 12 and a dedicated Democracy Day is to inspire us to correct the errors of our recent elections. This is the surest way to restore the confidence of our people in the future of our nation and the promise of true democracy”

The Presidential candidate described June 12 as “a historic day that deserves to be celebrated” noting that “on that day in 1993, we the people of Nigeria stated our unreserved preference for true democracy. Though under military rule, we freely chose a transparent voting method. Our votes reflected our true choice as a people. Our choice on that day defied divisions of ethnicity, religion, and region.

Obi noted that it’s the qualities of votes reflecting the true choice of our people “that added up to make June 12 special in our search for true democracy. Our collective choice of late Chief M. K.O Abiola as a worthy leader for the nation was saluted by Nigerians and governments and peoples across the world.”

The former Anambra state Governor who is in court challenging the Presidential election he is perceived to have won remarked “June 12 underpins our long collective journey to nationhood as a true democracy.

He regretted that “the current state of our politics tells a different story. Our democracy is deeply troubled while our nation’s destiny remains uncertain and precarious.

“We remain a nation in search of solutions to too many basic problems. One of these is the search for a credible electoral system that would command the trust, confidence, and belief of ALL Nigerians just like June 12 did.”

The Presidential flag bearer urged the country to “use the commemoration of June 12 as an occasion to return to the true virtues of a truly democratic nation. We achieved that feat on June 12, 1993.

“In the spirit of June 12, therefore, we need to emplace an electoral system that commands the trust of the people. This is in recognition of the tenets and core values of democracy, which rest on respect for the wishes of the people as expressed in their ballots.

“Above all, the government must respect and protect the institutions of the democratic state by respecting the social contract with the people by meeting their needs, obeying their wishes, and fulfilling the responsibilities of responsible governance as contained in the constitution. A cardinal responsibility of government in this regard is respect for the rule of law.

Obi regretted that Nigerians are now in “an era where these foundational pillars of democracy are undermined by prevalent impunity and pervasive violence and bloodletting.

“The trust deficit between the leaders and Nigerians continues to expand. The deficits of trust and efficiency in our last elections demonstrate this malady quite boldly.

On behalf of himself, his Vice, Datti BabaAhmad, his party, the Labour Party, and the Obidient Movement worldwide, Obi congratulated Nigerians for the celebration and urged all not to lose faith in the inbuilt design of our democratic system to self-correct.

Finally, he expressed commitment and total conviction that a New Nigeria is POssible and that our aspiration for a nation of equity, justice, security, and peace can hardly be a utopia. “We are a nation blessed richly with human and natural resources. What we lack, are selfless leaders who are committed to national interest, sustainable development, and innovative thinking that offers every Nigerian irrespective of ethnicity, religion, or social strata, the freedom of choice of abode, and protection of lives, property, and ordered liberties. These aspirations are real and achievable, and I hereby reiterate my promise to Nigerians that we will not relent in our fight to bring about leadership that will accord them the priority they deserve”.

Below is the Full text of the statement.

MR PETER OBI’S 2023 DEMOCRACY DAY MESSAGE

Today is June 12, marked in our dear country as Democracy Day. It is a historic day that deserves to be celebrated.

On that day in 1993, we the people of Nigeria stated our unreserved preference for true democracy. Though under military rule, we freely chose a transparent voting method. Our votes reflected our true choice as a people. Our choice on that day defied divisions of ethnicity, religion, and region.

It is these qualities that added up to make June 12 special in our search for true democracy.

Our collective choice of late Chief M. K.O Abiola as a worthy leader for the nation was saluted by Nigerians and governments and people across the world.

Therefore, June 12 underpins our long collective journey to nationhood as a true democracy.

However, the current state of our politics tells a different story. Our democracy is deeply troubled while our nation’s destiny remains uncertain and precarious.

We remain a nation in search of solutions to too many basic problems. One of these is the search for a credible electoral system that would command the trust, confidence, and belief of ALL Nigerians just like June 12 did.

We should, therefore, use the commemoration of June 12 as an occasion to return to the true virtues of a truly democratic nation. We achieved that feat on June 12, 1993.

In the spirit of June 12, therefore, we need to emplace an electoral system that commands the trust of the people. This is in recognition of the tenets and core values of democracy, which rest on respect for the wishes of the people as expressed in their ballots.

Above all, the government must respect and protect the institutions of the democratic state by respecting the social contract with the people by meeting their needs, obeying their wishes, and fulfilling the responsibilities of responsible governance as contained in the constitution. A cardinal responsibility of government in this regard is respect for the rule of law.

Regrettably, we are now in an era where these foundational pillars of democracy are undermined by prevalent impunity and pervasive violence, and bloodletting.

The trust deficit between the leaders and Nigerians continues to expand. The deficits of trust and efficiency in our last elections demonstrate this malady quite boldly.

The challenge of June 12 and a dedicated Democracy Day is to inspire us to correct the errors of our recent elections. This is the surest way to restore the confidence of our people in the future of our nation and the promise of true democracy.

I however urge us all not to lose faith in the inbuilt design of our democratic system to self-correct.

I remain committed and convinced that a New Nigeria is POssible. Our aspiration for a nation of equity, justice, security, and peace can hardly be a utopia. We are a nation blessed richly with human and natural resources. What we lack, are selfless leaders who are committed to national interest, sustainable development, and innovative thinking that offers every Nigerian irrespective of ethnicity, religion, or social strata, the freedom of choice of abode, and protection of lives, property, and ordered liberties. These aspirations are real and achievable, and I hereby reiterate my promise to Nigerians that we will not relent in our fight to bring about leadership that will accord them the priority they deserve.

Let me, therefore, on behalf of the Labour Party and the Obidient Movement across the globe wish all Nigerians a happy democracy day.

Full Text Of Democracy Day Broadcast By President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

James Orji

June 12, 2023

Fellow Nigerians.

It is exactly three decades today that Nigerians went to the polls to exercise their inalienable right to elect a President of their choice to lead the transition from military dictatorship to a representative government of the people.

The abortion, by military fiat, of the decisive victory of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the June 12, 1993, presidential election, up to that time, the fairest and freest election in the country’s political evolution, turned out, ironically, to be the seed that germinated into the prolonged struggle that gave birth to the democracy we currently enjoy since 1999.

In rising to strongly oppose the arbitrary annulment of the will of the majority of Nigerians as expressed in that historic election, the substantial number of our people who participated in the struggle to de-annul the election signified their fierce commitment to enthroning democracy as a form of government that best ennobles the liberty, the dignity of the individual and the integrity as well as the stability of the polity. The fierce opposition to the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election and the unrelenting pro-democracy onslaught it unleashed was the equivalent of the battle against colonial rule by our founding fathers that resulted in the gaining of Nigeria’s independence in 1960.

Just like the anti-colonial movement, the pro-June 12 vanguard demonstrated, once again, the enduring validity of the 19th century historian, Arnold Toynbee’s eternal postulation, that civilisation and societies experience progress as they are forced to respond to challenges posed by the environment. The unjust annulment of a widely acknowledged free and fair election was a challenge that elicited resistance by a resurgent civil society, leading ultimately to the attainment of our ‘second independence’ as exemplified by the return of democratic governance in 1999.

Fellow compatriots, we celebrate a day that has remained a watershed in our nation’s history, not just today, but for every June 12, for the endless future that our beloved country shall exist and wax stronger and stronger, generations of Nigerians will always remind themselves that the democracy that is steadily growing to become the defining essence of our polity was not gifted to us on a silver platter.

We can easily recall the sacrifice and martyrdom of Chief MKO Abiola, the custodian of the sacred mandate that was so cruelly annulled. He sacrificed his life in unyielding, patriotic defence of the ideals of democracy as symbolised in his choice, by his fellow countrymen and women, as their duly-elected President. There was an easier choice for him. It was to forgo the justice of his cause and opt for the path of ease and capitulation in the face of the tyranny of power. To his eternal credit and immortal glory, Abiola said no. He demonstrated the time-tested eternal truth that there are certain ideals and principles that are far more valuable than life itself.

Everyday, on this day, down the ages we will recall the several other heroes of democracy, such as Kudirat Abiola, wife of Chief Abiola, who was brutally murdered while in the trenches fighting on the side of the people. We remember Pa Alfred Rewane, one of the heroes of our independence struggle and Major General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (retd.) who were silenced by the military junta while in pursuit of democracy. They gave their yesterday for the liberty that is ours today.

The point is that we must never take this democracy for granted. We must forever jealously guard and protect it like a precious jewel.For, a people can never truly appreciate the freedoms and rights democracy guarantees them until they lose it.

We have traversed the dark, thorny path of dictatorship before and those who experienced it can readily testify to the unbridgeable gap between the dignity of freedom and the humiliation and degradation of tyranny. True, rancorous debates, interminable wrangling, ceaseless quarrels, bitter electoral contestations may be perceived by some as unattractive features of democracy. But they also testify to its merit and value.

This year, we held the seventh in the cycle of elections that have become sacred rituals of our democratic practice in this dispensation since 1999.

That the polls were intensely contested is in itself positive evidence that democracy is well and alive in our land. It is only natural that even as those who won and experienced victory in the various elections are elated and fulfilled, those who lost are disenchanted and disappointed. But the beauty of democracy is that those who win today can lose tomorrow and those who lose today will have an opportunity to compete and win in the next round of elections.

Those who cannot endure and accept the pain of defeat in elections do not deserve the joy of victory when it is their turn to triumph. Above all, those who disagree with the outcome of the elections are taking full advantage of the constitutional provisions to seek redress in court and that is one of the reasons why democracy is still the best form of government invented by man.

For Chief MKO Abiola, the symbol of this day, in whose memory June 12 became a national holiday, democracy is eternal.

It is about rule of law and vibrant judiciary that can be trusted to deliver justice and strengthen institutions. It has become imperative to state here that the unnecessary illegal orders used to truncate or abridge democracy will no longer be tolerated.

The recent harmonization of the retirement age for judicial officers is meant to strengthen the rule of law, which is a critical pillar of democracy. The reform has just started.

The democracy that will yield right dividends to the people who are the shareholders means more than just freedom of choice and right to get people into elective offices. It means social and economic justice for our people. To the winner of June 12, democracy offers the best chance to fight and eliminate poverty. Thirty years ago, he christened his campaign manifesto, ‘Farewell to Poverty’ because he was convinced that there is nothing divine about poverty. It is a man-made problem that can be eliminated with clearly thought out social and economic policies.

It is for this reason that, in my inauguration address on May 29, I gave effect to the decision taken by my predecessor-in-office to remove the fuel subsidy albatross and free up for collective use the much-needed resources, which had hitherto been pocketed by a few rich. I admit that the decision will impose extra burden on the masses of our people. I feel your pain. This is one decision we must bear to save our country from going under and take our resources away from the stranglehold of a few unpatriotic elements.

Painfully, I have asked you, my compatriots, to sacrifice a little more for the survival of our country. For your trust and belief in us, I assure you that your sacrifice shall not be in vain. The government I lead will repay you through massive investment in transportation infrastructure, education, regular power supply, healthcare and other public utilities that will improve the quality of lives.

The democracy MKO Abiola died for is one that promotes the welfare of the people over personal interests of the ruling class and one where the governed can find personal fulfillment and happiness. That is the hope MKO Abiola ignited throughout our country in 1993.

On this year’s Democracy Day, I enjoin us all to rededicate ourselves to strengthening this form of government of free peoples that has been our guiding light these past 24 years. In particular, those of us who have been privileged to be elected into public offices at various levels in both the executive and legislative arms of government must recommit ourselves to offering selfless service to the people, and delivering concrete democracy dividends in accordance with our electoral promises.

On my part and that of my administration, I pledge anew our commitment to diligently fulfilling every component of our electoral pact with the people – the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda.

We shall be faithful to truth. Faithful to equity. And faithful to justice. We shall exercise our authority and mandate to govern with fairness, respect for the rule of law, and commitment to always uphold the dignity of all our people.

On this note, I wish us all a happy Democracy Day celebration and pray that the light of liberty shall never be extinguished in our land.

Thank you all and may God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

June 12: Nigerians Challenge Tinubu To Tackle Insecurity As President Promises Delivery Of Democratic Dividends

James Orji

June 12, 2023

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration will fulfill electoral promises made to them.

The president spoke on the occasion to mark Democracy Day, in remembrance of the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election won by late Chief Moshood Kashimaro Abiola.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari, on July 6, 2018, approved June 12 as a national holiday in appreciation of the sacrifice made by the late business mogul and other democracy activists who died under the repressive regime of military dictator, Gen. Sani Abacha.

President Tinubu made the assurance a few days after he took over power as the nation’s leader on May 29, from Muhammadu Buhari.

His election is still being contested by Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and Peter Obi of the Labour Party, LP.

The duo has approached the Election Petition Tribunal to challenge the results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, that Tinubu won the keenly contested election.

“On this year’s Democracy Day, I enjoin us all to rededicate ourselves to strengthening this form of government of free peoples that has been our guiding light these past 24 years. In particular, those of us who have been privileged to be elected into public offices at various levels in both the executive and legislative arms of government must recommit ourselves to offering selfless service to the people, and delivering concrete democracy dividends in accordance with our electoral promises,” Tinubu said on Monday.

Meanwhile, some Nigerians in their reactions to the president’s speech have urged him to deal with the problem of insecurity across the country without further delay.

For instance, they cited the gruesome killing of people in Plateau state by foreigners in the last few days.

Speaking about the killing in the state, a member of the House of Representatives from the state, Solomon Marren, claimed that close to 200 people have been killed so far.

Marren, who is representing Mangu/Bokkos Federal Constituency, called for the quick government intervention.

He said , “I find it expedient at this time to intimate the world on the unfortunate happenings in my constituency, Mangu/Bokkos Federal Constituency, Plateau state, in the last two days, where over 100 persons, most of them women and children, have been massacred and butchered in cold blood by terrorist during an overnight unprovoked attack, and their houses burnt down, including food stuffs, food barns and seedlings.

“These killings are one among many in the constituency, where over 200 persons have been killed in the last four months before this one.

“The government may claim to be doing its best but its best is not good enough, since it is not able to stop the killings in years. However, I commend the few gallant officers working without sufficient arms, yet gave themselves to save lives.

“The responsibilities lies in the President to first condemn the dastard act, which we expect him to do so, and immediately go ahead to protect lives and properties which is the primary responsibility of the government. Therefore, I urge the President to order the security agencies to move into the area with immediate effect to curb the killings.”

10th NASS: ‘Abbas, Kalu’s emergence As speaker, Deputy, Fait accompli’ – Greater Majority Spokesman And LP Caucus Leader, Ogene

James Orji

June 12, 2023

Afam Victor Ogene is the Leader of the Labour Party caucus for the incoming House of Representatives and Spokesman of the minority caucus otherwise called “Greater Majority”.

In this brief interview, he said that the duo of Honourables Tajudeen Abbas and Benjamin Kalu, both of whom were endorsed by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for Speaker and deputy speaker of the 10th House, have shown reasons to earn their votes.

Honourable, for sometime now, nothing has been heard about your group, the Greater Majority. Have you caved in?

No, no no, nothing of the sort has happened. Instead, what you see at play is the full unraveling of what a democratic process should be: aspiration, fierce contestation, consensus building, and ultimately, the free expression of choice, which is at the core of any democratic process. In the instant scenario, several persons put themselves forward with a desire to superintendent over their colleagues as Presiding Officers and what followed was fierce struggle by each and every contestant to reach the ultimate goal.
This state of affairs was later to trigger attempts at consensus building, leading to an expected expression of individual choices, when Members-Elect converge on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 to elect its leaders.

But we remember having the minority caucuses gear up towards presenting one of its own as Speakership candidate; whatever happened to that quest?

Although the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria unambiguously directed, in Section 50(1)(b) that “Members of the House of Representatives shall elect a Speaker and deputy Speaker from among themselves,” I suspect that most members of the Greater Majority, simply decided to adorn the toga of statesmen and women, by deciding not to put forward candidates for the Speaker and deputy Speaker positions.
This stance, I envisage, was taken to prevent the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC from having a ready-made excuse in the event of the administration not leaving up to expectations. So, essentially, it wasn’t a case of abandoning an opportunity to present a Speaker, but rather a patriotic decision, by the Greater Majority, to allow the incoming Government take off on a smooth sail.

So, in effect, could it be said that you have endorsed the candidature of Honourables Tajudeen Abass and Benjamin Kalu preferred by the APC, as Speaker and deputy Speaker?

Beyond mere endorsement, I think that the emergence of both men as leaders of the emergent 10th Assembly of the House of Representatives is already a fait accompli. Why? In spite of the wave of condemnations that attended their ‘adoption’, they remained focussed, and kept their eyes on the ball. In fact, I can say, with every emphasis at my disposal, that both men ran the most pragmatic campaigns, in terms of engagement with Members-Elect. They were neither laid-back nor sat in any comfort zone as anointed candidates. Besides the Rt.Hon. Aliyu Muktar Betara, whose aspiration attracted the most support from both returning and new members because of his own parsonage, the duo of T.J Abass and Benjamin Kalu, eventually earned their own stripes.

So, are you saying that Members-Elect would be going for both men willingly, and not because of imposition?

Let me reiterate, I had earlier explained the raison d’etre for the opposition to their candidature in the early days of their adoption by the APC. But rather than relax and bask in the euphoria of the adoption, they rather stepped up consultations amongst Members-Elect, showcasing in the process what the famed novelist, Chinua Achebe, described as “solid personal achievements.” For an Abass, who in one legislative cycle of four years, sponsored a total of 74 Bills – 22 of which received Presidential assent – and Kalu, with over 40 Bills, both men, I dare say, appear to have fulfilled the conditions precedent for their emergence as Speaker and deputy Speaker.

What other factors do you think would eventually determine how a winner would emerge?

In deed, for the Abass/Kalu ticket, the inclusion of the South East in the equation is a major master stroke. Till date, no other Speakership aspirant has offered the zone anything. Then, of course, the much-hyped G-6 eventually failed to live up to expectation, in terms of providing a credible alternative, leading up to a denouncement. But be that as it may, the outcome of the power-play in the Senate may ultimately influence, one way or another, the final outcome of the race.

Subsidy Removal : Nigerians Must Make Sacrifice For Country- Tinubu

James Orji

June 12, 2023

The removal of fuel subsidy is one of the sacrifices Nigerians must make for the country to move forward, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has said.

The president made the admonition on Monday during his speech to mark the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.

President Tinubu on his inauguration as President and Commander-in-chief on May 29, declared that his government has ended the subsidy regime that cost the country a whopping $10 billion last year alone.

“Subsidy is gone”, the president said, noting that there is no provision for it in the 2023 Budget, in reference to his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari’s decision to stop paying petroleum marketers subsidy by the end of June this year.

The president’s decision to end subsidy was received with mixed feelings by Nigerians, some said such will bring more hardship to the people while others welcome it as the right way to go in order to save funds for critical infrastructure.

Speaking today in a national broadcast, President Tinubu said he will ensure that the sacrifice Nigerians have to pay over the removal of subsidy, will not be in vain.

He said whatever is saved from the bogus subsidy will be used to provide critical infrastructure such as good roads, better medical care, quality and qualitative education, and other things to make the life of Nigerians better.

“I have asked you, my compatriots, to pay a little sacrifice” for the government to be able to turn the country around, the president said.

Meanwhile, some Nigerians who reacted to the president’s speech said government officials must also be ready to make sacrifices like other Nigerians, adding that past governments lived ostentatious lifestyles at the expense of Nigerians.

While speaking on the removal of fuel subsidy last week, Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, and a rights activist, noted that a large part of the nation’s resources is used to subsidise those in power while other Nigerians are made to pay for the bogus lifestyles of government officials.

1...1,5671,5681,569...2,933 Page 1,568 of 2,933