The Nigerian Senate, on Tuesday, further compounded the nation’s debt overhang following its approval of $1.5bn and €995 million foreign loans for the federal and state governments. The Debt Management Office, DMO says the nation’s total foreign debt portfolio is over N33 trillion by end of 2020 and many Nigerians have called for restraints on the part of the President Mohammadu Buhari-led government to borrow more funds.
The administration has borrowed more funds since it assumed power in 2015, much of which came from the Peoples’ Republic of China amidst public outrage that the country could find it difficult to pay back the huge debt which many say has become unsustainable in the face of dwindling revenue from crude oil, Nigeria’s mainstay. But the government says the loans are needed to close the infrastructure gap left by previous administrations.
Both the minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed and Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi have recently said the loans are being used to build railways and other social amenities required to leapfrog the country to development. In spite of this argument, critics of the government insist that the situation seriously calls for introspection, considering the remote and future impacts on economy.
The Senate had given its approval, saying the loans were part of the external borrowings requested by President Buhari, in May 2020, to finance various priority projects of the federal government and to support the state governments facing fiscal challenges.
The nation’s upper legislative chamber endorsed the loan sequel to consideration and adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, Chaired by Senator Clifford Ordia, who while presenting the report said $1.5 billion will be sourced from the World Bank to finance projects of state governments facing fiscal challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the details cited by the magazine projects tied to the World Bank loan are States Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability program to provide fiscal support to states, SFTAS and COVID-19 Action recovery and economic stimulus program to support State-Level efforts to protect livelihoods, ensure food security and stimulate economic activity, N-CARES.
The senator further stated that the €995 million to be sourced from the Export-Import Bank of Brazil is to finance the Federal Government Green Imperative Project to enhance mechanization of agriculture and agro process in Nigeria to improve food security, adding that the borrowings were largely concessional loans with low interest rates and a reasonable moratorium and payback period.
He said “the Committee most importantly notes that the indicative terms and conditions under which the loan will be borrowed, there are no unusual or onerous conditions attached and the terms do not in any manner compromise the sustainability of the Nigerian economy or impugn the integrity and independence of Nigeria as a sovereign Nation.
“The Committee finally notes that the Loan is in the immediate best interest of the Nigerian State and its citizens in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic in a way that the economy will be positioned for quick recovery and resume growth.
“The Committee notes that while Nigeria’s Total Public Debt Stock is on the increase, it is still relatively low vis-a-vis the country’s GDP and the increased borrowing requirements is needed to sustain the economic recovery.”
Thousands of e-cab drivers spread across Lagos State have embarked on strike action since Monday 19th April 2021, which has inturn affected people’s mobility in getting to their respective places of work and destinations.
The e-cab drivers are lamenting poor conditions of services by their coordinating body, Uber and Bolt Nigeria.
Enumerating their demands, the drivers stated that it want a proper profiling of all drivers patronizing the services, upward review of the fares to meet the current economic reality, review of all accounts blocked unjustifiably, adequate welfare packages for drivers and compensation to the family of those that lost their lives or permanently disabled and cancellation of Individual engagement among others.
In a chat with Akeem Kehinde, Bolt driver and member of Professional E-Hailing Drivers and Private Owners Association, PEDPA, revealed that over 15 drivers have died untimely as a result of the poor welfare condition and 20 were missing as a result of kidnapping and rituals, while some currently suffer permanent disabilities due to non-challant attitude of the coordinating body over the drivers’ welfare.
He said as a result of the unhealthy and inhumane treatment meted out on them by Uber and Bolt Nigeria, drivers cover a minimum of 150 kilometres in 15 hours daily service at N65 per kilometer and N10 per minute fixed by Uber and Bolt Nigeria which amounts to a gross of N15,000 daily.
Analysing how the money is spent, Kehinde said out of the N15,000, 25 per cent goes to Uber and Bolt Nigeria as commission, N4,950 on fuelling and N5,000 as vehicle rental while the drivers are left with a meagre sum of N1,200 out of which feeding, data and airtime will always be taken care off.
PEDPA is said to have over 50,000 registered members across Nigeria, and it is registered under Trade Union Congress (TUC), International Labour Organisation (ILO) and relevant government agencies and parastatals in Nigeria.
Inspite of the ongoing strike by the e-cab drivers, some of them are still working, but the fare have increased astronomically.
For instance, before the commencement of the strike, a ride from Ogba to Magodo-Isheri is between N500-N600, but presently, it is between N1100-N1300.
This development has however raised poser among Nigerians, the moral justification in jacking up the price of fare when there is no increment in price of petrol by the Federal Government and the petrol regulatory Agencies.
Former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has hailed the verdict entered against former United States police officer Derek Chauvin in the George Floyd murder trial, stating that it brings a sense of closure and to the floyd family and relief to the larger global society.
Dr. Jonathan who stated this in a statement titled ‘May The Verdict in The George Floyd Trial Be The Healing Balm The World Needs’ also urged leaders “to be inspired by this verdict to take steps to ensure that policing is done with a human face”, adding that it has lessons for the whole world, and not just the United States of America.
The former President said: “I received the verdict in the George Floyd murder trial with a sense of relief. Relief that a family and a community, and indeed the whole world, can now have a sense of closure that allows for healing.
“The guilty verdict entered against Derek Chauvin may not bring George Floyd back to life. However, it does achieve something.”
He added that the verdict had posthumously transformed the late Mr. Floyd from a victim to a victor. “A victor for the cause to make every life matter before the law and officers of the law,”he said.
He said further: “Nations around the world must see this as a turning point. Every country ought to be inspired by this verdict to take steps to ensure that policing is done with a human face.
“Law and order can coexist with respect for the dignity of human life. And to engender this, we must ensure that those who enforce the law, must respect those for whom the law was made.
“My family and I, as well as the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, send our best wishes to the family of George Floyd in America, and to the families of those who have endured similar treatments in Nigeria.
“And I encourage those at leadership levels in all nations, to make use of this holy month of Ramadan, to bring people of all races, religions and regions together, and promote peaceful coexistence between law enforcement agencies and the communities they police.”
The nine people already arrested over the deadly attack on the former Central Bank Governor, Professor Charles Soludo, will be eliminated.
Even though they have not been arraigned before any Court of law, Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, said they will be eliminated.
Soludo, the leading candidate for Obiano’s party, All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, had come under a deadly attack by gunmen in his Community, Isuofia.
Soludo was addressing the youths in the Community’s town hall when the gunmen struck.
At the end of the attack, three Policemen attached to him lay dead, and a number of people injured. Soludo, miraculously, escaped. But the State Commissioner for Public Utilities, Emeka Ezenwanne, who was at the venue, was kidnapped, and released days later.
Speaking on the incident in Awka, on Tuesday, April 20, while giving an overview of his seven years in office, Governor Obiano described it as unfortunate, but said it would never happen again.
Professor Charles Soludo
He said his Government has re-strategised, with a special squad in place. “We shall no longer take prisoners”, he emphasised.
The most heart-warming news he gave was his revelation that nine of those who carried out the tragic attack are in custody, and would be eliminated.
Obiano: “What happened last month was unfortunate. But let me tell you, we have re-strategised, and we are coming out like a smoking gun.
“We are not going to take prisoners. The nine people that attacked Professor Soludo are in our net now. We are going to eliminate them. We will go after the others.
“We are not going to take prisoners any longer. A special squad has already been put together, and they are already working everywhere.”
However, since then, the crime rate in the State has continued to rise. Aside from killing security agents, especially, the Police, attacking and razing Police Stations and Divisions, the most daring attack was the recent attack on Zone 13 of the Nigeria Police Force in the State.
During the attack which recorded two fatalities, office blocks and vehicles were razed. Fortunately, the Armoury was saved from being looted.
Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye, Ekiti, (FUOYE) Prof Abayomi Fashina, has began what can be described as an unslaught against perceived opponents among principal officers of the University.
Already, the Registrar, Mr Olatubosun Odusanya has been suspended on alleged charges bordering on untidy recruitment of staff, on the orders of the Vice Chancellor. But not a few people in the University Community dismiss the charges as trumped-up.
Although the letter of suspension handed over to Odusanya accused him of involving in illegal recruitment of workers, but there are more to it as investigations revealed.
Prof Fashina was Deputy VC during the immediate tenure of Prof Kayode Soremekun while the suspended Registrar was in the office of the ex-VC as administrative secretary.
Odusanya was one of the most powerful figures behind the former VC during which he used the office to work against the interest of some of the University staff, including the incumbent VC.
During the process of appointing a new VC, Odusanya was fingered as one of the Principal Officers that were opposed to the emergence of Prof Fashina.
The new VC did not hide his mission as he, immediately, after assuming office, set up Committees to review some decisions of his predecessor, and even stopped payment of some of his outstanding allowances.
There are indications that one or more Principal officers are on their way out of the institution as the VC is set to replace them with subordinates perceived to be loyal.
Special Adviser on Media to the VC, Mr Wole Balogun, who was brought in to take over the job of the University Director of Information, one of the appointees of the former VC, confirmed that Mr Adebowale has been suspended as Registrar.
His suspension letter reads in part, “You would please note that consequent upon the consideration of the report of the Committee on the review of appointments made in the University from August 1, 2020, to February 2021 by Council, you were recently queried via our memo Ref. No: FUOYE/VC/CD/007 dated 6th April 2021, for the act of misconduct in the appointments.
“The staff Disciplinary Committee which was constituted by Council has considered your written representation and found it unacceptable to exculpate you from the act of misconduct.
“In line with the Regulations Governing the Conditions of Service of Senior Staff on CONTIS 06 and the above in the University, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, on behalf of Council, has directed that your appointment be suspended from the University with half salary, with immediate effect, pending the determination of the case against you.”
Odusanya in his reaction to the present development simply said “I have been given the letter. I received it today when I got to the office and I have no further comment.”
The Mazi Nnamdi Kanu-led Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, has received a tacit support from the United Kingdom. In an action that shocked the Federal Government, the UK Government said it would grant asylum to any member of IPOB and the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB.
IPOB, which Leader, Kanu, is a British citizen, has since been proscribed by the Federal Government, and labelled a Terrorist organisation.
Both IPOB and MASSOB, especially IPOB, are asking for freedom, and an independent Republic of Biafra, something the Nigerian Government is averse to, accusing both organisations of trying to destabilise Nigeria.
The Government was counting on the British Government for help, particularly as Kanu is not only resident in the UK with his family, but is their citizen.
But in a move that took the Nigerian Government by surprise, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) released new guidelines on how to treat asylum applications by members of Biafran secessionist groups.
The guideline focuses on if a person “who actively and openly supports IPOB is likely to be at risk of arrest and detention, and ill-treatment which is likely to amount to persecution”.
The Federal Government, reacting, expressed both shock and disappointment at the decision of the United Kingdom, accusing the UK of disrespecting Nigeria, and encouraging terrorist activities in the country.
Speaking on behalf of Nigeria, Minister for Information and Culture Lai Mohammed described the decision as “disrespectul” to the Nigerian government, adding that it “sabotages the fight against terrorism and generally undermining Nigeria’s security.”
Mohammed: “Let me say straightaway that this issue is within the purview of the Honourable Minister of foreign affairs and I am sure he will handle it appropriately.
“But as the spokesman for the Federal Government of Nigeria, I will say that if indeed the report that the UK will grant asylum to supposedly persecuted IPOB and MASSOB members is true, then something is wrong somewhere.
“Against the background of the fact that IPOB is not only proscribed but also designated as a terrorist organisation here in Nigeria, the UK’s decision is disrespectful of Nigeria as a nation.
“The decision amounts to sabotaging the fight against terrorism and generally undermining Nigeria’s security.
“It is not only unconscionable, it is inexplicable. For the UK to choose this time to give succour to IPOB beggars belief and calls to question the UK’s real intention.
“If we could go down the memory lane, what the UK has done is like Nigeria offering asylum to members of the IRA before the 1998 Good Friday Peace Agreement.”
Mohammed accused IPOB of being the group behind the recent attacks on security operatives in the South-East, an allegation IPOB vehemently denies.
But appreciating the UK’s magnanimity in granting asylum to IPOB members who feel persecuted by the Nigerian Government, the organisation said IPOB wanted more.
In a statement signed by its Spokesman, Emma Powerful, said IPOB wanted a Referendum and not asylum.
The statement reads:
“We the global family of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) ably led by our great and indomitable leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has noted with satisfaction the news that the United Kingdom has agreed to grant asylum to persecuted Biafra agitators resident in the UK.
“While we commend them for this bold initiative, we wish to most graciously remind them that what we Biafrans need and cherish the most is referendum and not asylum in the UK. We are tired of living in bondage in the devilish contraption called Nigeria they single-handedly created.
“We would not wish our children, now and generations unborn, to share the same geo-political space with those that reward terrorists and criminalize law abiding citizens. We particularly thank the UK government for confirming what the rest of the civilized world already know that the great IPOB worldwide family are not TERRORISTS but peaceful agitators and freedom fighters.
“That Nigeria is a country run by terrorists for the benefit of terrorists has been confirmed by this noble move by the United Kingdom. Aso Rock, the seat of power in Nigeria is a terrorist haven with serving ministers who are openly sympathetic to terrorists and their activities comi ng and going as they please, while freedom fighters are languishing in jail. We want freedom not asylum.”
The FG is likely to invite the British High Commissioner to protest the asylum offer to IPOB and MASSOB members.
Meanwhile both Ohaneze and Afenifere have supported the UK action.
Former Nigerian President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has described the late Chadian President Idriss Deby as a leader who made appreciable contributions efforts to stabilise the Sahel region and bring peace to the continent.
Jonathan said this in a statement to commiserate with the Government and people of Chad over the death, on Tuesday, of their President.
Deby died on Tuesday, according to a statement by the Army, of injuries sustained in a battle with rebel army. He was in the battle field with the troops, something he did often. He had been the President of Chad for 30 years, and had won the Presidential election for the sixth time on Monday April 19. He was billed to give a victory speech on Tuesday, buy instead, decided to go to the battle front with his troops. He was shot and died of the injuries.
Idriss Derby
The Chadian Army which has suspended the Legislative arm of Government has set up an Army Council to rule the Country for 18 months, organise an election, and hand over to a democratic Government. The Council is headed by the late President’s son, a four star General.
Following is the text of Dr. Jonathan’s condolence message:
“I am saddened by the sudden death of Chad’s President Idriss Déby. As a leader, he made great efforts to stabilise the Sahel Region and bring peace to the continent.
“ Through the Multinational Joint Task Force, the late President Déby, and the Republic of Chad partnered with Nigeria and our neighbours to address issues of terrorism and other challenges affecting the Lake Chad Region.
“He played a prominent role on the African continent, and his Chairmanship of the African Union saw the progress of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, which the Republic of Chad ratified under his leadership.
“I will remember him for the role he played in helping our two nations build positive cooperation that mutually benefited our peoples, and his death is mourned.
“On behalf of my family, and the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, I condole with the Government and people of the Republic of Chad over his death, and pray for peace, progress and prosperity for Chad.”
Most of the politicians whose names have been mentioned in connection with Nigeria’s 2023 Presidential election, either as a hopeful or an aspirant would readily tell you it is too early to talk about the next election. Don’t buy that. They are lying. The race for the next Nigerian elections began immediately the last general elections ended.
The politicians are at best hedging their bets. Perhaps for this reason: The two major political parties – the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) are busy watching and spying on each other. They have so far refused to announce their zoning formula, but even with all that talk about merit and competence, both parties will still adopt a zoning principle at all levels.
The way I see it, the questions to consider are as follows: Will the Presidency be zoned to the North, the East or the South? The people of the South East have already stated clearly, and they are not joking about this, that the only way to ensure equity, fairness and justice is to allow the Presidency go around the six geo-political zones before anyone begins to reject zoning. Meanwhile, what we have seen across the country’s six geo-political zones, are persons who have been testing the waters, flying kites, engaging in whispering campaigns, auto-suggesting the future of Nigeria. I intend to devote some time to a deconstruction of the emerging trends, particularly in the South West where members of the APC have made it clear that there is an outstanding Memorandum of Understanding within the party dating back to 2014/2015.
The understanding is that after President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure, the Presidency will be zoned to the South West. Key political figures in the South West wing of the APC are relying on this promise and agreement. Who are they? What is the state of play? Will the APC keep the promise? My preliminary reading is as follows:
The most dominant name, figure and player in South West politics, at the moment is Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Jagaban of Borgu, former two-term Governor of Lagos State, the man who led the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) into the alliance with Buhari’s Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), the new PDP, a faction of APGA and the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) to form the APC, the Special Purpose Acquisition Company, that grabbed power by hook or crook from the PDP in 2015.
Tinubu is a national leader of the APC. The big elephant in the APC room is that he, the well-known Godfather, wants to be President in 2023. His posters are all over the country. Yesterday, I saw one of those posters proclaiming his 2023 Presidential ambition around the Ikoyi-Lekki link bridge in Lagos. And I was like: really, so this thing is true?
A few days earlier, social media was awash with images of small bags of rice with Tinubu’s image being distributed in parts of the North. His spokesperson says he has nothing to do with that. Just the handiwork of benevolent volunteers who are distributing rice, in the godfather’s name, in the spirit of Ramadan.
Before that particular monkey business, Tinubu was also shown cosying up to the North; his 69th birthday colloquium was held in Kano, and he has been seen, lately, trying to be more Northern than the average Northerner.
Tinubu’s alleged Presidential ambition has driven up hypertension levels across regions. But his ambition if it exists, is unpopular. Not even his own Yoruba people have bought into it despite the pretensions of a vocal minority. I really don’t think Asiwaju Tinubu wants to be President, nor will he be. In the course of his political career, he has made more than enough enemies and acquired more than enough baggage, stepping on toes, and playing the role of a Grand Architect. If he steps forward to grab the Crown, he faces the prospect of being told ugly and unpleasant stories. My view is that Asiwaju Tinubu is savouring the talks about his possible Presidency just to re-establish and reinforce his own relevance.
In case some people have forgotten, he more or less single-handedly handed over the South West to President Buhari in 2015 and 2019. He is today the only person in the South West who can stand up to the same North to remind other elements in the APC of the MOU that was signed when he decided to lead the South West to support Buhari and keep him in office. He wants to remain relevant and have a voice in determining who becomes President in 2023. His greatest strength is in identifying and building talent. He is exceptional in that regard in contemporary Yoruba politics.
Asiwaju Bola Tinubu
The only problem is that other Nigerians would not want to hand over Nigeria to him so he can run it with the same kind of totalitarian grip that he has over Lagos. His Presidential ambition, for that reason alone is dead on arrival. His strength is his hubris. But once he achieves his goal of remaining relevant and being the go-to-person in the South West, he will be fine, and that is all I believe he can get.
Tinubu’s so-called Presidential ambition is all about tactics, so finely honed that anybody who wants to be President from the South West cannot side-line him. With the noise made so far about his imagined Presidency, Tinubu appears to have already checkmated every other likely aspirant from the South West. But that may not be the true picture of things.
There is Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo. He has been facing his assignment as Vice President dutifully, doing only what they allow him to do and keeping his head slightly above water. In six years of being Vice President in a cabal-dominated environment, he is beginning to look like he has learnt his lessons. However, there are persons who think that he is President Buhari’s safest bet as a successor. He is not likely to probe the Buhari administration for sure. That would amount to self-immolation.
The way the Buhari government has played its game so far, if power gets into the hands of an adversary, every member of that government would have to leave town or prepare to go to jail. There are forces and elements waiting to expose and humiliate President Buhari the moment he leaves office and they are wielding all kinds of weapons: their pens, laptops, tongues and smart phones. An Osinbajo Presidency will naturally serve as a bulwark against that, to the extent that a President Osinbajo is not likely to betray his boss.
There is also the view that Pastor Adeboye once predicted that a member of his Church would one day rule Nigeria. Could he have been referring to Osinbajo? But there are problems:
Osinbajo is a teacher of letters, the law and the word of God. He doesn’t have a political base of his own. It is too late for him to create one. He is therefore, completely, a creation of Tinubu’s political machinery. If Tinubu is genuinely interested in becoming Nigeria’s President, I don’t see Professor Osinbajo challenging his former boss and benefactor. He can try but he won’t succeed. If Tinubu backs him however, he will be a main player. If Buhari supports him also, then he would have received divine anointing. His Redeemed Church politics may however count against him.
There is also Senator Ibikunle Amosun, former Governor of Ogun State. His name has been mentioned as a potential President of Nigeria from the South West. Amosun has been Senator twice representing Ogun Central. He has also been a two-term Governor of Ogun State. He has both bureaucratic and legislative experience. He also spent his initial years as a key player in the private sector, so it can be said of him that he has quality and broad-range experience.
He, Tinubu, and Osinbajo are not likely to be tongue-tied at an international conversation forum whether on radio, television or in person. But Amosun’s biggest obstacle is that his fortunes depend almost entirely on President Buhari. He is Buhari’s man and friend. Can President Buhari make him President? I am not sure. There are forces in Amosun’s immediate constituency that will fight tooth and nail to stop him. Tinubu. Osoba. Gbenga Daniel. Dapo Abiodun. And others. Besides, Amosun’s main constituency is Abeokuta where he has proven to be a loyal son of the Realm.
A Nigerian President of whatever regional extraction will need a lot more than village support. He is also a Muslim like Tinubu and Buhari. That could be a problem.
There is also Kayode Fayemi, the current Governor of Ekiti State. Some people tell me he is the man to look at if the APC zones the Presidency to the South West. Like Amosun, he has been Governor twice in his state of birth. Like Vice President Osinbajo, he is well educated. He has also been a Minister of the Federal Republic in charge of Mines and Steel Development. He can write, talk, and hold his own in international circles. He has a Ph.D in War Studies. And Nigeria just happens to be at war. He is also the only one who does not have the kind of baggage that the others carry on their backs like the curse of Atlas.
Fayemi has not said he wants to be President, but there are persons pointing in his direction. I tell them he is my friend and brother and that he has one of the best wives anyone can get who will make an excellent First Lady for Nigeria. In Ekiti State, he has put up a great performance. He is also unencumbered compared to the others from his zone. But people don’t become President because they have everything in place, from “the other room” to the public sphere. Will Fayemi no longer be part of the conversation when he ceases to be Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum? Is his Chairmanship an advantage?
My take is that the biggest challenge to anybody’s Presidential ambition in the South West today is Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He won’t be President. But will he also be allowed to determine Nigeria’s future? And unfortunately. we are all bound to revisit that perennial controversy about religion and ethnicity.
Both winner and loser in the petition filed to challenge the outcome of October 10, 2020 Governorship election in Ondo state have reacted to Tuesday’s judgement of the election petition tribunal.
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, whose reelection was upheld by the Tribunal, described the judgement as a reflection of the law and people’s wish.
The petitioner, Mr Eyitayo Jegede of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome of the petition and vowed to challenge it.
But he Governor again extended his hand of fellowship to his opponent saying he has no enemy to hold any grudge against as a result of the Tribunal case.
“For every purpose and mission endorsed by God, the will to navigate the clouds of uncertainties and the path of thorns becomes stronger if backed by faith.
“In our own case, our faith is unshakable. It is, therefore, with gratitude to God that we accept the verdict of the Honourable Tribunal.
“We have gone through this legal process and the path of Justice with the hope that the true position of the Law shall once again, be examined and exposed. The industry and legal expertise demonstrated by the Honourable Tribunal has corroborated this desire.
“We were equally enamoured by the inexorable quest to renew our social bond with the good people of State while the legal tussle was on. In an unambiguous manner, the Tribunal verdict has further fermented this bond and strengthened the wish of the people.
“Notwithstanding, the legal process was not just part of our democratic culture. Legal paths, without doubt, provide in some cases, certain opportunities that permeate fresh frontiers.
“Therefore, the ability to extend the hands of friendship, the courage to absorb even the undeserving as well as the magnanimity to reinvigorate old, laxed relationships without grudges is what makes a real democrat. I hold no grudges against anyone.
“Once again, the good people of Ondo State, without any stratification, remain my constituents. We shall together, move the State to higher and loftier heights.
“For my brother, friend and colleague, Eyitayo Jegede, my respect for him cannot wane and I enjoin him to join hands with us in this Ondo Project. There is no victor, no vanquished
The PDP Ondo State Chapter and its Candidate, said they will appeal the judgement of the Elections Tribunal delivered virtually on Tuesday.
A statement by the spokesman of the party, Mr Kenedy Peretei, stated that: “It is important to stress that, in its wisdom, the Tribunal admitted that issues raised by the petitioners were sufficient for consideration, but Constitutional, which the Tribunal is not in a position to do justice to.
“The interpretation of the Constitution is a role reserved exclusively for the highest Court in the land- the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
“The Constitution of every country is the document that regulates actions and behavior of her citizens.
“Therefore, it is our belief that nobody can flagrantly trample on the 1999 Constitution (as Amended) and escape with the excuse that the Tribunal has no jurisdiction.
“The PDP is convinced that, we have a strong case for which we shall be vindicated at the end of the day.
“We wish to appeal to all our party faithfuls to be steadfast and remain calm in the present circumstance, as we are sure of victory in the long run.”
Both Akeredolu and Jegede are Senior Lawyers – Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SAN.
The Chadian Army which announced the death in battle with rebels, of the Chadian President, Idriss Derby, on Tuesday, has set up a Military Council, and a new Leader.
To head the Military Council for about 18 months, is the late President’s son, Mahamatt Idriss Derby.
The new leader, a four star Army General, is 37 years old.
Deby, 68, had ruled Chad for three decades and was a key ally in the West’s anti-jihadist campaign in the troubled Sahel region.
On Monday, the army had claimed a “great victory” in its battle against the rebels from neighbouring Libya, saying it had killed 300 fighters, with the loss of five soldiers in its own ranks during eight days of combat.
Deby would have been one of the longest-serving leaders in the world, after provisional results showed him winning the April 11 election.
The late President was the son of a Herder from the Zaghawa ethnic group who took the path to power through the army and loved the military culture.
His latest election victory as President, with almost 80 percent of the vote was not in doubt. A divided opposition called for boycott. Demonstrations were either banned or dispersed.
Said a report “Derby had campaigned on a promise of bringing peace and security to the region, but his pledges were undermined by the rebel incursion.
“The Government had on Monday sought to assure concerned residents that the offensive was over.”
“The tanks were later withdrawn apart from a perimeter around the president’s office, which is under heavy security during normal times.
“The establishment of a security deployment in certain areas of the capital seems to have been misunderstood,” government spokesman Cherif Mahamat Zene had said on Twitter on Monday.
“There is no particular threat to fear.”
However, the US embassy in N’Djamena had on Saturday ordered non-essential personnel to leave the country, warning of possible violence in the capital. Britain also urged its nationals to leave.
France’s embassy said in an advisory to its nationals in Chad that the deployment was a precaution and there was no specific threat to the capital.
Sources in N’DJamena, the country’s capital said “The rebel raid in the provinces of Tibesti and Kanem was carried out by the Front for Change and Concord in Chad (FACT), based in Libya.
“The group has a non-aggression pact with Khalifa Haftar, a military strongman who controls much of Libya’s east.
“FACT, a group mainly made up of the Saharan Goran people, said in a statement Sunday that it had “liberated” the Kanem region. Such claims in remote desert combat zones are difficult to verify.
“The Tibesti mountains near the Libyan frontier frequently see fighting between rebels and the army, as well as in the northeast bordering Sudan. French air strikes were needed to stop an incursion there in February 2019.”
In February 2008, a rebel assault reached the gates of the presidential palace before being pushed back with French backing.
