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Sign Electoral Act Amendment Bill, NUJ Charges Buhari

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Mr Chris Isiguzo

By  Ayodele Oni

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has called on President Mohamadu Buhari to sign the Electoral Amendment Act, 2021, to allow the real people  participate in choosing their Leaders.

A statement signed by the National President, Mr Chris Isiguzo, on Wednesday in Abuja, stated that “Having taken a critical look at the passage of the Electoral Act Amendment 2021 by the two chambers of the National Assembly particularly with regards to the Direct Party Primaries clause which has become a subject of controversy between members of the Governors Forum, political parties and the Federal Legislators.

“Having listened to the arguments for and against the Direct Party Primaries for political parties, we wish to commend the 9th National Assembly for taking the bold steps in trying to fine tune the electoral Bill in a manner that would translate into giving the people the power to determine who should be their leaders.

“This is against imposition usually experienced through the indirect primaries where political godfathers are usually the sole determinants of winners without consideration for the people they desire to lead.

“We are however curious that some of the politicians that spend billions of Naira in purchasing votes at every election, are now complaining of high cost for Direct Party Primaries.

“It has to be stated in unambiguous terms, that no cost should be considered as too much in entrenching true and acceptable democracy in which the people are the real repository of power.

“The NUJ is, particularly, pleased to note that President Muhammadu Buhari had assured that having gone through a herculean task before getting to the office as President, he would hand over to Nigerians an electoral system that would be to the benefit of the generality of Nigeria and not for a few.

“The time has come for the President to demonstrate his promise by signing the Electoral Act Amendment Bill before him to allow the people have a say in who becomes their leader right Leader  from the political party.

“Simply put, Direct Party Primaries afford all party members the opportunity to participate in the process of selection of candidates for elective offices.

“This singular exercise would specifically reduce to the barest minimum, if not eliminate the prevalence of imposition of candidates often associated with money bags during Indirect Party Primaries by delegates who are known and easy to buy.

“Critical evaluation has indicated that Indirect Party Primaries have not helped the growth of democracy in Nigeria as political office holders see themselves as being far above their subjects whose mandate they claimed to be holding in trust by making it difficult to hold them accountable as a result of the faulty process which saw them through to the office.

“The National Assembly, with the inclusion of Direct Party Primaries in the Electoral Amendment Bill 2021 awaiting the President’s assent, has empowered the people with the right to participate in governance.

“It is on this note that we passionately appeal to Mr. President not to turn his back on the people at this critical moment in our democracy. President Buhari should not deny the people this vital opportunity.

“The ‘Not too young to run’ policy can only be made effective when the young population can fully participate in the selection process of their leaders as against the imposition of candidates and godfatherism in our political landscape.

“This singular act will not only produce competent leaders but will also steer the country to the path of prosperity.

“The NUJ strongly calls on President Muhammadu Buhari to discard all sorts of distractions from some self-serving politicians bent on influencing him not to sign the Electoral Amendment Bill into law.

“The President should allow posterity to remember him as one that restored power back to the people and not to be judged on the wrong side of history as he boldly steps towards strengthening the nation’s democracy and good governance.”

Ekiti 2022: Southern Senatorial Zone Goes For The Jugular; DG Resigns In Protest

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Ekiti State Govenrorship Candidates

By Ayodele Oni

Politicians from South Senatorial District of Ekiti State have continued to intensify effort to ensure that the successor of the incumbent Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi comes from the zone.

Apart from regular dialogue and consultations, political leaders from the zone have commenced moves to streamline the number of Governorship aspirants from the leading two parties, PDP and APC.

Investigations reveal that some notable political office holders from the zone, in the present administration have started to tender their letters of resignation.

First to quit Dr Fayemi’s Government is Prof Bolaji Aluko, a Director General in one of the agencies, who said he was not comfortable with unconfirmed report that the Governor has reneged in his earlier promise to support a candidate from the zone as his successor.

There has not been any official confirmation that Dr Fayemi is backing any of the aspirants, but political watchers in the ruling All Progressive Congress, (APC) in the State are insisting that the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Biodun Oyebanji that resigned his appointment last week, is the annoited candidate of Dr Fayemi.

Their position is further reinforced by the manner he has been going around in the State with Government officials and political office holders on his trail.

Biodun Oyebanji, who had earlier served during the administration of Otunba Niyi Adebayo, is from the Central Senatorial District district of the State.

Presently, of all the seven aspirants from the APC, that have picked nomination forms, only three of them are from the South. They are Prince Dayo Adeyeye, who was sacked by the Court of Appeal as a Senator, Makinde Araoye and Femi Bamisile, member, House of Representatives.

The Ekiti South Development Agenda, a group committed to the emergence of a Governor from the zone, has advised the National leadership of the APC to warn its State Governors to desist from imposition of candidates forthwith.

Coordinator of the group, Comrade ldowu Afuye went down memory lane by saying that Senator lbikunle Amosun, adopted Akinlade and they both failed, the former govenor of lmo state Okorocha, adopted Uche Nwosu, they failed, Late Gov Abiola Ajumobi adopted Adelabu, it led to defeat,  former Governor Adams Oshiomole, out of party principle and supremacy enforced Eze lyamu, it led to the defeat of the party, same in Zamfara.

The group said history remains the best teacher, and thus, the national leadership of the party should salvage the Ekiti state situation as what is happening at the moment, if not checked will spell doom for the party.

The Group lauded some of the politicians serving in Dr Fayemi’s Government for resigning in protest against subtle imposition of a candidate by the Governor.

The coordinator, in a statement said: “The Ekiti South Development Agenda commends Prof Mobolaji Aluko, a serving D.G in the present Dr Kayode Fayemi Government for standing against insinuations and statement circulating around that there are no qualified people from Ekiti south that can rule the state.”

Prof Aluko was quoted as saying that; “What I don’t know is if the Governor of the State is the party, l don’t have any problem with the Governor, l work with the Government but there must be a forum concerned with picking the candidate not a personal decision.

“The Ekiti South Development Agenda and the Ekiti South people are more resolute than ever on their quest to occupy the Oke Ayoba government house.”

The group members went a step further early this week when they prevented the former SSG’s entourage from addressing APC supporters at Ilawe Ekiti, a Southern town,  a situation that almost led to violent clash.

Aspirants from other zones of North and Central are however accusing the people of the South of being selfish in their demand since they have been showing interest in the Governorship since the creation of the State.

Former Governor Segun Oni, an aspirant from the North, seeking the mandate to complete his second term, stated that all interested aspirants from whichever zone are free to take a shot at the Governorship and that it will rather be abnormal if only candidates from the South are allowed to contest.

Insecurity: Protesters storm Kano NUJ

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Kano Protesters at NUJ Office

By Uche Mbah

Protesters, Wednesday, stormed the office of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, Kano State, to drive home their anger over the state of the nation, and the worsening insecurity in the North.

There has been palpable anger in the region that the insecurity in the North has been under reported, with the press calling terrorists bandits to massage their ego.

But the rampaging youths were stopped by heavily armed security personnel made up of police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC).

However, the anger of the youths, this magazine gathered, stem from the alleged plan by the Federal Government to increase fuel pump price, a rumor that has caused great disquiet especially during this Yuletide season.

Several security vehicles were used to barricade the premises of the NUJ, with security agents in combat gear. Protesters were  forced to assemble at a distance.

They were later to march to the gate of the Secretariat, though they  were not permitted to enter because of the locked gates.

One of the leaders of the protesters, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, North West Coordinator, Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) presented and read a communiqué, which reads in part:

“That the excuses adduced by the Federal Government and its cronies in the pretext of rival of subsidy and promise of a N5,000 palliative to 40 million Nigerians are unfounded lies, unwarranted, fake, impracticable, ill-intended and unacceptably disgusting.

“The current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari and all the 36 state Governments have failed totally in the major areas of providing security of lives and properties of citizens and ensuring a secure economic environment in the North in particular.

“That the problems and sufferings in the North today without being compounded by a further hike in prices of essential commodities and mobility are traceable only to inept and insensitive leadership at national and state levels as well as the cowardice of other community and religious leaders who lack the courage to stand up to them in the interest of the people of the region and Nigeria.”

Kaduna State Lawmaker, Rilwan Gadagau Assassinated By Suspected Bandits

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Rilwan Gadagau - Lawmaker

By Akinwale Kasali

The Kaduna State Government and the House of Assembly have been thrown into mourning following the assassination of a member of the Assembly, Hon. Rilwanu Aminu Gadagau, by suspected bandits.

The death of the lawmaker representing Giwa West Constituency was confirmed by former Senator, Shehu Sani via his Twitter handle on Wednesday.

Sani had,  in a series of tweets, initially called for prayers for a member of the State House of Assembly as of 10:15am without disclosing any detail, but was forced to reveal his identity in a follow-up tweet.

The late Gadagau was said to have been shot by bandits while on his way to Kaduna.

Sani wrote on his Twitter handle, “Pray for a member of Kaduna State House of Assembly.”

“A member of Kaduna State House of Assembly Hon Rilwanu Aminu Gadagau from Giwa LG is reportedly shot and killed by bandits on his way to Kaduna. A tragedy a day.Inna lillahi wainna Illayhir rajiun.”

For months now, Kaduna State have had series of security issues with wanton killing in the State by bandits and kidnapping reigning supreme in the State.

Marriage Validity: Ruling Interpretation Wrong; Marriages At Ikoyi Registry, Others, Invalid – FG

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Ikoyi Registry

By Akinwale Kasali

Following the apprehension that took center stage over the ruling by a Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, declaring all marriages conducted by the Ikoyi Marriage Registry and other such Federal Marriage Registries as illegal,  and so, invalid, the Federal Ministry of Interior has declared the Interpretation of the ruling wrong and misleading.

The Permanent Secretary and Principal Registrar of Marriages, Ministry Of Interior, in a statement  Tuesday,  described the reports as “false, misleading and a deliberate distortion of the decision of the Court in Suit No: FHC/L/CS/816/18 between Eti-Osa Local Government Council & 3 others”.

According to the statement, the Court only ruled that the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Interior, is constitutionally empowered to conduct marriages in Nigeria and the Local Governments were only delegated by the Federal Government to conduct marriages, by virtue of Legal Notices issued pursuant to the Marriage Act.

It also stated that contrary to their (LG’s) pleading, the trial judge held that nothing in the role of Local Governments, as defined in the Constitution, suggests that they can conduct, or contract marriages. The only power is derived from the Legal Notices issued by the President.

The full statement reads:

“The attention of the Ministry of Interior has been drawn to news making the rounds on social media claiming that the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has declared all Marriages conducted by Ikoyi Marriage Registry to be illegal and invalid.

“We would like to state that this statement is false, misleading and a deliberate distortion of the decision of the Court in Suit No: FHC/L/CS/816/18 between Eti-Osa Local Government Council & 3 others where the Honourable Court held that only the Local Government Councils can conduct valid marriages in Nigeria.

“It is noteworthy that, the same Federal High Court situated in Ikoyi, Lagos in Suit No. FHC/L/870/2002 between Prince Haastrup and Eti Osa Local Government held that the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Interior is constitutionally empowered to conduct marriages in Nigeria and held that the Local Governments were delegated by the Federal Government to conduct marriages, by virtue of Legal Notices issued pursuant to the Marriage Act.

“In that case, the learned trial Judge held that nothing in the role of Local Government, as defined in the Constitution, suggests that local governments can conduct or contract marriages as alleged in their pleadings. The Court affirmed that powers of the local governments to contract statutory marriages is derived from the Legal Notices issued by the President.

“The Court also confirmed that the role of Local Government, as enshrined in the Constitution is limited to registration of all forms of marriages (including Islamic and customary marriages).

“Rather than appeal this decision, the same claimants instituted another action in 2016 Suit no. FHC/L/CS/1760/16 Egor Local Government, Eti Osa Local Government and 2 others V Hon, Minister of Interior and 2 Others.

“The Court held that the Suit was an abuse of court process, as it could not be invited to make another pronouncement on the same point, which would lead to conflicting decisions coming from the same court and struck out the case.

“The same issue was adjudicated in the case of Olumide Babalola vs Ikeja Local Government and the Registered Trustees of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) in Suit No. LD/1343/GCM/2016 delivered on 15th May, 2017.

“The Court held that while registration of marriages are regulated by local governments, being under the concurrent list, formation of marriage is under the Exclusive Legislative List, within the jurisdiction of the Federal Government, regulated by the Ministry of Interior.

“It is further worthy of note that the issue of formation, annulment and other matrimonial causes are by virtue of item 61 of the 1st Schedule of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria exclusively reserved for the Federal Government. The General Public is invited to note that these judgments are all still subsisting, competent and have not been appealed against till date.

“Further to the above, the current decision of the Federal High Court delivered by Hon. Justice D. E. Osiagor of Court 6, cannot set aside a previous decision of the same Court, which is of coordinate jurisdiction, as that would amount to the court sitting on appeal over its own judgment.. In the circumstances, the Federal Government through the Ministry of Interior, has applied for a certified true copy of the judgement and will take appropriate further action including but not limited to filing of an appeal in respect of this conflicting and confusing decision, in line with the provisions of the Constitution.

“We would like to appeal to the general public, the international community, to couples who had hitherto had their marriages solemnized at Federal Marriage Registries by duly licensed places of worship and to all intending couples to be calm and continue transacting their normal businesses at all Federal Marriage Registries subsisting throughout the federation in line with statutory and constitutional provisions.

“The general public is to please note the foregoing and maintain status quo ante. Dr. Shuaib Belgore Permanent Secretary/Principal Registrar of Marriages.”

How Suspected Cultists Set Ablaze University Student

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Police Command

By Ayodele Oni

Osun State Police Command and the Security Unit of Osun State University are on the  trail of some suspected members of a secret cult who set on fire a student of the University.

The victim, Victor Oke, a final year student was said to have been set ablaze for his refusal to join a fraternity.

A report filed at the University’s Security Unit indicated that  some suspected cultists attacked Victor Oke last weekend as they shot and macheted him.

He was later set ablaze before he was rescued and taken to a hospital, according to a statement by the Management of the school.

The University’s Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, in the statement, explained that Victor is a part-time final year Political Science student.

“We noticed that Victor was absent for his final paper in the afternoon and decided to contact his parents. It was later discovered that he was attacked by unknown cultists in the early hours of Saturday.

“Victor was shouting that he was not joining their cult group while they continued to hit him with cutlasses, hard stones and attempted to burn him, partially succeeding, before he was eventually rescued.

“The University security unit is currently working with the Police to ensure the culprits are exposed and brought to book. The cultists must be arrested.”

The University Management, which described the incident as strange, further explained that the cult group members had a free day as majority of the students reside at private hostels, which are outside the campus.

There are unconfirmed allegations that Victor, perhaps, belong to a rival group.

Breaking: Northern Group Storm Abuja, Protest Against Buhari’s Administration

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By Akinwale Kasali

There is apprehension at the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja,  a Northern Youths Group stormed the Nation’s seat of power to protest against President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration over the killings in the North.

The Group had taken over the social media for weeks with the hashtag #NorthIsBleeding.

The members are lamenting the continuous insecurity and killings that have ravaged the Northern states under the All Progressives Congress, APC, of President Buhari.

The aggrieved Youths chanted revolutionary songs carrying placards with different inscriptions against the Government.

It was gathered that policemen in the FCT harassed some of the protesters and arrested some.

It would be recalled that in recent weeks, the hashtag #NorthIsBleeding, had gone viral, as Nigerians from the Northern part of the country took to Twitter, a microblogging and social network service, to demand Buhari’s resignation over his Government’s failure to combat increasing insecurity in the region.

They had, among other things, condemned Buhari’s visit to Lagos State for the book launch of a political ally, Chief Bisi Akande, a few days after bandits burnt to ashes, according to reports, about 45 travellers in Sokoto State.

Protests had enveloped Kano, and a few other Northern States before spreading to the FCT.

Details Later….

$5.8bn Loan: Reps Approve Without Details; DMO Reveals New Debt Figure

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By Tosin Olatokunbo

Barely few hours after Nigeria’s House of Representatives approved a $5.8 billion loan for the Buhari administration, the nation’s Debt Management office, DMO has revealed that the country’s total debt as at September this year stood at over N38 trillion.

The figure, however, does not include the new loan approved for the administration by the nation’s lower house on Tuesday, where in the lawmakers failed to get details, from the executive, conditions attached to the loans by the multilateral creditors.

Critics of the National Assembly said the lawmakers, have by that action, failed to hold the executive account in line with their legislative duties.

“The lawmakers have put the cart before the horse by failing to grill the executive arm on the prone and cons of the loans. This should have been done so that Nigerians will know what they are entering into. Surely, we don’t want to fall into the same trap that Uganda fell into recently with China,” an analyst said anonymously.

According to a statement, DMO said the debt is a combination of what is currently owed by the federal government and 36 states in the country to multilateral agencies and global development partners.

“In line with its practice, the Debt Management Office has published Nigeria’s total public debt as at September 30, 2021. The data which includes the total external and domestic debts of the Federal Government of Nigeria, 36 state governments and the Federal Capital Territory, shows that Nigeria’s public debt was N38.005tn or $92.626bn at the end of Q3 2021,” the debt office said.

Records from DMO indicates that the total debt stock rose by N2.540 trillion in three months from June 30 to September 30, 2021.

This is an “increase of N2.540tn when compared to the corresponding figure of N35.465tn at the end of Q2 2021 was largely accounted for by the $4bn Eurobonds issued by the Government in September 2021.

“The issuance of the $4bn Eurobonds has brought significant benefits to the economy by increasing the level of Nigeria’s external reserves, thereby supporting the naira exchange rate and providing necessary capital to enable the Federal Government finance various projects in the budget.

“The triple tranche $4bn Eurobond, issued in September 2021, was for the implementation of the new external borrowing of $6.18bn in the 2021 Appropriation Act,” the agency said.

On Tuesday, the lower chamber approved President Muhammadu Buhari’s loan request of 5.8 billion dollars and grant of $10 million, without first considering the terms and conditions for the loans from the executive.

The Chairman, House Committee on Aids, Loans and Debt Management, Hon. Ahmed Safana, said the Presidency can forward the conditions for which the loans were obtained from the World Bank, Islamic Development Bank, China Exim bank, Chinese Africa Development Fund, and International Fund for Agricultural Development, to the lawmakers later.

The breakdown of the loans indicate that $2.3 billion will be used for Grid Modernization and Expansion Programme, $290 million  for the malaria project, $700 million for the Sustainable Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Project, and $786,382,967 for the Gurara Phase II project among several others.

Safana said, “That the House do consider Final Report of the Committee on Aids, Loans and Debt Management on the Proposed 2018–2020 External Borrowing (Rolling) Plan.

“That the House do approve the under listed ongoing negotiation of external borrowing of $5,803,364,553.50 and a Grant component of $10,000,000 under the 2018-2020 External Borrowing (Rolling) plan and a Grant component of $10,000,000 (Ten Million USD) under the 2018-2020 External Borrowing (Rolling) plan.

“Funding agency, World Bank (WB), German Consortium, Islamic Development Bank, China Eximbank, Bank of China, International Fund for Agricultural Development.

Ecobank Opens New Lekki Branch With 24hrs Digital Experience

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By Fola James

Ecobank Nigeria has assured that it’s poised to provide seemless,  world class  banking services  to its teeming customers  across the country. This was disclosed by the outgoing  Managing director of the Pan-African  bank, Patrick Akinwuntan while unveiling a state-of-the-art branch and digital experience centre strategically located at the heart of the highbrow Admiralty Way in Lekki Area of Lagos.

Akinwuntan said he new branch  has been specially equipped  to provide a-list services to high end customers through its dedicated Premier Lounge, provide the regular banking services to all its customers, as well as reach out to the youthful public within and around the corridor through the Digital Experience Centre.

According  to him, “For us as a bank, this new branch is part of our transformation efforts to satisfy our customers. The branch comes with full complement of banking services; 24/7 Digital Experience Centre and Dedicated Premier Lounge. It promises to offer customers the latest in banking technology. I assure our customers that Ecobank is well-positioned to meet and surpass their expectations through its seamless and world-class digital products and services, as we have put in place initiatives that enables us serve the customer better, ensuring their satisfaction at every interaction with us”.

Ecobank Nigeria is a full-service bank providing wholesale, retail, investment and transaction banking services and products to governments, financial institutions, multinationals, international organizations, medium, small and micro businesses and individuals. It is a major player in the distribution of financial services in Nigeria, leveraging digital platforms including Ecobank Mobile App and USSD *326#, Ecobank Online, Ecobank OmniPlus, Ecobank Omnilite, EcobankPay, Ecobank RapidTransfer, ATMs, POSs and an extensive distribution network of over 250 branches and about 30,000 agency banking locations.

Ecobank Nigeria Ltd. is a subsidiary of the Ecobank Group, the leading pan-African banking group with operations in 33 African countries and an international presence in four locations (London, Paris, Beijing and Dubai)

2023: Tinubu Says He Will Run For Presidency

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Bola Tinubu
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Gideon Njoku

Finally, National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Tinubu has let the cat out of the bag. He has declared, literally, that he would run for the office of the President in 2023.

For over one year, speculations have been very strong that the former two-time Governor of Lagos State will run in 2023.

He has been exploring and consulting. Different political groups and organisations had been set up to root for him. They have been in the field, campaigning. Everybody knew he was behind them. He never said so. But he, also, did not distance himself from them. He kept mum, and let them do the work. During festivals, they package bags of rice to distribute, with Tinubu’s photograph on them. They have been touring different States, meeting those that they think matter, including Traditional Rulers, many of whom already endorsed him as the man for 2023, especially, those from the South-west.

The strongest inkling that Tinubu’s running in 2023 is a done deal was when the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, launched a political group to promote Tinubu’s aspiration. He called it the South-west Agenda. That was a day before Tinubu’s return from months  of medical trip abroad – the Unted Kingdom.

While he was there, his London residence was a Mecca of sorts for politicians in Nigeria. His first high profile visitor was President Muhammadu Buhari who was on his own medical trip to the UK same time. But he made out time to visit the Asiwaju of Lagos.

Mr President’s visit opened the flood gate for visitors. National Assembly members. House of Assembly members Governors. Local Government Chairmen.

During the visit of the Northern Caucus of the House of Representatives to him, led by the Deputy Speaker, one of them called Tinubu Mr President. “See you soon, Mr President, he quipped. Tinubu lapped it up.

On his return to Nigeria, nothing changed. Both his Ikoyi and Abuja homes have remained a Mecca of sorts. Politicians of all shades, including serving Ministers, even Afenifere, led by Tinubu’s strong critic, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, trooped to his homes to welcome him.

He has been living it up as a President-in-waiting. And he has been consulting too. He has embarked on high profile visits of politicians. After a visit to the Kano petrel, Tanko Yakasai, in Abuja, the old man let it be known that Tinubu sought his support for his Presidential aspiration, and he gave him. He said he would support Tinubu in 2023.

But on Tuesday, December 14, 2021, Tinubu gave the most hint that he would run for the office of the President in 2023.

Speaking after a closed door meeting with members of one of the groups rooting for him – Northern Alliance Committee – Tinubu declared that he would not turn down the calls by his teeming supporters to run for the Presidential seat. Even though he said he was still consulting, and would consult widely, he let on, when asked if he would heed the clamour of those Nigerians asking him to run.

“I am not going to turn them down. But I will still effectively and widely consult. I will, particularly, brainstorm with my friends and find a date to come out and tell Nigerians,” he quipped.

The Minister for works, Babatunde Fashola, a two-time Lagos State Governor, who succeeded Tinubu had, a couple of weeks ago, said it was his understanding that Tinubu would speak on his ambition in January, 2022.

That date is only about three weeks away. And Tinubu is warming up for the big day.