The factional Emir of Kano Emirate Council, Muhammad Sanusi, on Wednesday December 12,2024, described as a temporary set back and distraction, the security blockade on his Palace that also aborted the planned installation of a District Head for Bichi Local Government Area of Kano.
This is just as he vowed to go ahead with the installation on a date to be announced soon.
The Source reports that ,heavily armed security operatives had early morning last Friday December ,6 ,barricaded the Kofar Kudu City palace of the Kano state Government- backed Emir Sanusi.
The security condone ,which restricted movements in and out of the palace ,was said to be a proactive measure to stop the Emir who had scheduled to escort his appointee for the Bichi District Head position Munir Nasir to the area to formally assume duty.
But owing to security reports warning of a possible breakdown of law and order ,during the said visit ,security agencies led by the police had to halt the event.
This Magazine authoritatively gathered that ,an overwhelming majority of the people of Bichi are highly incensed over the attempt by Emir Sanusi and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to downgrade Bichi from a full blown Emirate to a mere district.
They were said to have put ,every machinery in motion ,to make the visit a very bitter one for the Emir.
For one ,Bichi was one of the hitherto four Emirates which Emirs were on Thursday ,May 23 ,2024 ,unceremoniously deposed to pave the way for the second coming of Emir Sanusi ,who was dethroned in 2020 as the 14th Emir of Kano.
Instructively, the other three affected Emirates namely Gaya, Rano and Karaye have all been given second class Emirs,after their first class traditional rulers were deposed along side that of Bichi.
Not a few a people of Bichi ,are amused by the decision to single the area for downgrading to the status of a District.
But on a solidarity visit by some traditional rulers and religious leaders from Bichi to his palace on Wednesday, Emir Sanusi assured the people that they will soon have their District Head.
According to him ,having turbaned the District Head at his palace ,nothing will stop him from resuming duty.
” I assure you that another day will be fixed and your District Head will surely be brought to you and everything will take place peacefully.
What happened ( security condone) was only a distraction. We still don’t know why it happened and those involved have not disclosed the reason why they. did it .However ,this will not stop anything.
Go back and inform the public to continue to remain peaceful and prayerful .Whatever ,the situation ,peace and prayers will surely take us to the of the tunnel” Sanusi stated.
The leader of the delegation of Bichi traditional rulers and religious leaders ,the Executive chairman of the Local Council Hamza Sule ,while expressing their disappointment with events that led to the suspension of the installation of the District Head , however pledged the loyalty of the people to the Emir.
He informed that ,the people were fully ready and in high spirit for the visit ,only to be told about what happened.
He explained that their visit to the palace was also to show solidarity and pledge their loyalty.
The news from Ghana was not how John Dramani Mahama’s opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC),defeated Nana Akufo-Addo’s ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The news was how Akufo-Addo managed to survive a full second term. Towards the end of his first and formuch of his second term in office, he governed with his head on the block, just waiting for the axe to fall.
His party’s loss in the December 7 presidential election was a defeat foretold. It was barely two years after Akufo-Addo assumed office in 2017 when doubts about his party’s viability began to surface. It shouldn’t have been so.
His predecessor, the John Atta-Mills/Dramani government, made such a mess. Apart from divisions within the NDC, it was further weakened by a series of serious corruption scandals, the most remarkable of which were the government’sinvolvement in the transfer of $11 million and £9 million paid by a party financier and a litany of failed promises.
Dramani’s loss to Akufo-Addo relieved the loser, who only managed to finish Atta-Mills’ term after the latter died in office.
Hero to zero
As I wrote in a 2022 article, Akufo-Addo was off to a flying start. From New York to Beijing and Paris, he became the new face of the African Renaissance, saying the right things wherever he went on the global stage and raising a $3 billion Eurobond for Ghana’s restructuring that overperformed its order book by $21 billion.
Despite his best efforts, COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine War put Ghana in a tight spot. The country’s predicament was worsened by poor fiscal discipline, unstable commodity prices, and a capitulation to pressure from Labour to increase public sector wages to unsustainable levels.
Akufo-Addo’s party paid upfront for the country’s misery. Multiple protests rocked the streets of Accra and other major capitals,and voters couldn’t wait to bury the NPP with any remaining claims of good deeds at the polls.
Beyond elections
However, the election meant something more for the subregion than about angry and tired Ghanaian voters removing an incumbent government.
In the last four years, the subregion has been plagued by military coups reminiscent of a bygone era. Mali, Niger, Guinea and Burkina Faso have formed an arc of DelinquentStates, with three of them sundering the decades-old Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) by creating a parallel Alliance for Sahelian States in defiance of the regional powerhouses and even the AU.
Successful elections and transitions in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Nigeria, and Ghana have offered a counter-narrative. It’s all the more heartening that the ruling party’s candidate in the election, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, did not wait for the official result before conceding defeat, reinforcing a trendstarted in 2015 by Nigeria’s former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Job for powerhouses
The successful transition is good news for regional economic stability. Although the four break-away states constitute half of the ECOWAS area and only seven percent of economic activity within the zone, the economic sanctions imposed on them by the subregional group impacted swathes of the primarily poor populations across the region, where informal cross-border trade, mainly in food, make up about 30 percent of regional trade.
Stable transitions in Ghana and Nigeria, the region’s two economic powerhouses, would allow ECOWAS to reassess its options – a significant point in the agenda as the sub-regional group meets in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, this week.
Delinquent Four on the agenda
Should ECOWAS continue to engage the breakaway states in its efforts at faster regional integration, especially in light of the fragile relations between these states and France, in an era where Russia and China are lurking and the US is self-absorbed? Or has the time come for the group to chart a new course and accept a future without the four breakaway states?
That would not only be an economic decision. It also carries significance for subregional security. Burkina Faso and Mali are out of the ECOWAS multinational joint task force. Protracted or failed elections in Ghana would have further weakened the group’s crisis response mechanismat a time when Nigerian military authorities aregrappling with new security threats from Lakurawa, an ISIS franchise.
It’s unlikely that the new government in Accra, on the watch of Mahama, one of the mediators during the post-election dispute in The Gambia in 2016, would depart significantly from the leading role that Ghana has played in subregional peace support operations, which goes back to its role in ECOMOG in the 1990s.
Go to court!
At a more granular level, there are other reasons why Ghana’s election matters, especially in relations between Abuja and Accra. Already, the commentariat in Nigeria is holding up Ghana’s election as a model for the election management body in Nigeria. Apart from former President Jonathan’s pre-emptive concession of defeat nine years ago, Nigeria is perhaps the continent’s capital of disputed elections.
Of course, Nigeria’s election management body needs to raise its game.Fundamentally, however,the chaos reflects the winner-takes-all mentality among Nigeria’s political elite, which has increasingly seduced the courts to decide elections. Often, when Nigerian politicians taunt their opponent to “go to court” after an election, they are confident of a favourable outcome.
Ghanaian Jollof
Nigerians also envy Ghana’s rise as the new destination for big business, a prospect that could only have been enhanced by the smooth election. Despite Ghana’s economic crisis, Nigeria has lost several fintech and manufacturing companies to its western neighbour in the last three years.
Guinness, for example, has moved its operational headquarters to Accra, while others, such as Afprint, President Industries and Aswani – all in the textile sector – are reportedly contemplating relocation. Because of Ghana’s stable and predictable political environment, tech giants, including Google, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook, have not hidden their preference for it despite Nigeria’s significant market size.
Whether, apart from its business attraction, Ghanaian jollof would also best Nigeria’s jollof in the unending cuisine war between both countries in the next four years under Mahama remains to be seen.
Voters’ psyche
If there’s anything that the outcome of Ghana’s election teaches, even beyond the subregion, it is that voters don’t forgive politicians who leave them feeling worse off. You may have saved them from COVID-19, the fallouts of global conflicts elsewhere, or the headwinds afterwards. However, what weighs on their mind when they cast their ballot is whether they’re feeling better off today.
That was why Rishi Sunak lost to Keir Starmer in Britain, and Vice President Kamala Harris lost to Donald Trump in the US. It was also why Akufo-Addo survived his second term by the skin of his teeth but failed to hand over the baton to his deputy in Ghana.
Ishiekwene is the Editor-In-Chief of LEADERSHIP and author of the new book Writing for Media and Monetising It.
Political observers says suspension politically motivated
The proposed plan of laying the Osun State International Airport Foundation in Ede, Osun State by Governor Ademola Adeleke has been dashed by the Federal Government.
The Federal Government has ordered the suspension of the relocation of the Osun State International Airport project from Ido-Osun to Ede, following protests and growing tensions.
Following the announcement of relocation of the proposed Osun State International Airport from Ido Osun to Ede, the hometown of the Governor, this generated controversy, as some protests trailed the proposal.
Wading into the issue, the Federal Government quashed the plan of Governor Adeleke of laying the foundation for the new airport in Ede scheduled for December 16, 2024.
The event was expected to include high-profile dignitaries, including the Ministers of Works and Aviation, David Umahi and Festus Keyamo.
However, the proposal sparked widespread protests, especially from the Ido-Osun community, who viewed the move as biased and driven by personal interest rather than public good.
Critics argue that the relocation would unfairly benefit Ede while disregarding Ido-Osun where the airport project was initially planned.
The decision to move the airport is unjust and undemocratic,” said one protester in Ido-Osun. “It shows that the government is more focused on political gains than on the welfare of the people.”
Though the Peoples Democratic Party- led Osun State government, on the other hand, has defended the relocation.
Officials pointed to the land encroachment issues at the Ido-Osun site, along with the presence of dangerous gullies and an insufficient runway, as reasons for the shift.
Despite these claims, the controversy has not died down, and the protests have only grown louder in recent weeks.
In a significant development, the Federal Ministry of Aviation intervened in the situation.
A letter dated December 6, 2024, and signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Emmanuel D. Meribole, instructed the state government to suspend the project indefinitely.
The letter called for the suspension of the foundation-laying ceremony until the disputes surrounding the airport project are resolved.
The letter read: “We respectfully request Your Excellency to suspend the foundation-laying ceremony of the Osun State International Airport until the issues regarding the petitions over the existing airstrip/airport are resolved.”
The letter further stated that the airstrip in Ido-Osun is a Federal project, included in the Ministry’s 2024 budget. The Federal Government has expressed concerns that moving forward with the new airport site in Ede could lead to unnecessary duplication of efforts and wasteful spending.
It also highlighted petitions that have been submitted, questioning the need for a new site when funds have already been allocated for the current airstrip.
“The federal government is mandated to ensure judicious use of funds to curtail wastage of resources,” the letter stated.
“As this Airstrip Project is a collaboration between state and federal governments, we must be in sync before the project takes off.”
The letter concluded by urging Adeleke to reschedule the foundation-laying ceremony until a mutual agreement could be reached.
This intervention has dealt a significant blow to Governor Adeleke’s plans, which were already facing mounting criticism from local communities and political opponents.
“We are committed to a transparent and inclusive process, and we expect the state government to resolve these issues with all stakeholders involved,” said a source from the Federal Ministry of Aviation.
The tension surrounding the Osun airport project highlights a growing divide between state and federal authorities, as well as local communities. While the state government is keen to boost its infrastructure and develop the region, critics argue that the current controversy is more about political favoritism than genuine development.
As protests continue in Ido-Osun, the people there are demanding that the federal government step in to protect their interests.
“This is not just about the airport,” said another local resident. “It’s about fairness. If the state government truly cares about all of us, they would not ignore our concerns.”
Governor Adeleke has yet to publicly respond to the suspension order from the federal government. However, the state’s Ministry of Works has stated that discussions with federal officials are ongoing, and that they hope to reach a resolution soon.
The outcome of this dispute could have major implications for future infrastructure projects in the state, as it underscores the complex relationship between state and federal governments in Nigeria.
The federal government’s decision to pause the project also raises important questions about accountability in the management of public resources.
Some political observers are of the opinion that the decision of the FG to suspend the project is because Governor Adeleke is from the opposition Party.
It was alleged that the past administration of Governor Gboyega Oyetola had set the roadmap for the building of the Osun State International Airport at Ido-Osun, and could have lay the foundation at it been he was re-elected as Governor, but, since the PDP came on board, it would be unwise to relocate the project to his home town in Ede, citing that the suspension by the FG was political motivated.
Some other political observers argued that it was a plot by the APC led FG to buy time and work tirelessly for Oyetola to come back as Governor in 2026, and defeat the incumbent, Adeleke, at the polls, thereafter, he would kick-start the project.
A member of the House of Representatives from Cross River State, Emil Inyang, has announced that no fewer than 5,000 farmers lost their means of livelihood to flooding in Urugbam community of Biase local government Area of the state.
Inyang, APC- Cross River, disclosed this on Wednesday at Urugbam, during the distribution of palliatives to the residents by National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
Inyang who represents Biase/Akamkpa federal constituency, said several buildings were also destroyed by the flood, which is the worst in the history of the community.
Represented by Mr Gabriel Owali, the lawmaker who facilitated the palliatives, noted that aside NEMA, the people have not received any other intervention to cushion against the impact of the flood.
“We understand this won’t go round but we are appreciative of the federal government effort through NEMA on this palliatives.”
Director General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, told the beneficiaries that the release of the palliatives came following earlier assessments of the impact of the flood by the interventionist agency.
Represented by Mrs Mmendu Aisuene, the agency’s head of operations in Uyo, the NEMA boss appealed to the people to always heed to flood warnings.
“I know this palliatives won’t do the magic, but it will go a long way to cushion the effect of the flood.
“I want to also appeal to you to always listen to warning against flood by the federal government, if not for nothing but to save lives and other valuables.
“Am also telling us to avoid blocking the drainage channel and also avoid erecting structures on water ways.”
A resident, Mr Okonli Ukan, while commending the federal government for coming to their aid, said they are yet to get over the destruction left behind by the flood.
Ekiti state Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Wednesday declared open the fourth Trade Fair in Ado Ekiti with a promise to devise means to reignite the state’s old glory in agriculture and education that earned it being classified as the Food Basket of the Southwest and Fountain of Knowledge.
Oyebanji described farming, skill acquisition, small and medium scale enterprises, as well as education, as magic wands being deployed by government to collaborate, network and open a vista of opportunities for the people at the grassroots for businesses to grow exponentially.
The 2024 trade fair holding at the Trade Fair Complex in Ado Ekiti attracted investors, farmers, artisans, manufacturers, captains of industries and entrepreneurs to showcase their products to the world, with many of products being sold at discounted prices.
The governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, observed that Ekiti made remarkable headways in farming and education in time past, promising to overhaul the sectors to restore the lost glory through huge investment in these thematic areas of the economy.
He assured that his administration would continue to engage captains of industries locally and internationally to make Ekiti the first destination of choice in investment to diversify the economy away from the monolithic civil service structure.
“These we are going achieve by providing enabling environment that supports entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship in order to take Ekiti to new heights in terms of viable economy among the comity of states in Nigeria and Africa as whole.
“Partnering critical stakeholders was part of measures to redefine Ekiti economy through partnership, innovation and collaboration with necessary stakeholders in industry, commerce and agriculture.
“In actual fact, this was part of my administration’s commitment to boost the state economy and achieve the mantra of my government, which is shared Prosperity for all the citizens”.
Lending credence to Oyebanji’s position, the Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperative, Mrs Tayo Adeola,
said the programme was designed to bring about economy growth by attracting investors and showcase Ekiti to the whole world with a promise that the trade fair would now be holding on annual basis.
Nasarawa State House of Assembly, has waded into the ongoing strike by the state’s organized labour over the new minimum wage.
The assembly appreciated the contributions of the workers in the state and appealed to the State Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to suspend its ongoing strike for further fruitful negotiations.
This, the House reaffirmed that the state government is ready to pay, hence the need for more understanding from the two parties for amicable resolutions to bring the matter to an end once and for all.
The Speaker, Danladi Jatau made the appeal on Wednesday, in Lagos, during the House plenary.
Speaker Jatau lauded the workers for their positive contributions to the development of the state.
He said that Governor Abdullahi Sule’s administration is willing to pay the new minimum wage to workers in the state.
”I want to appeal to NLC to suspend its ongoing strike as negotiations between them and government is ongoing.
”We have the hope and believe that both the State Government and Labour will come to terms for the overall development of the state.”
According to the Speaker, the House is fully concerned about the strike and was not happy with the development noting that it will ensure that both are engaged for fruitful resolution for peace, unity and progress of the State.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, in Abuja, met with the visiting President of Germany, Frank- Walter Steinmeier assuring him that moves are being made to return Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic back to the West African regional body, ECOWAS.
Tinubu pointed out that the interest and welfare of the citizens in the three countries remain priority for leaders of ECOWAS, assuring that wisdom and diplomacy will make the difference in reintegrating the countries into the commission.
Receiving the President of Germany, Frank–Walter Steinmeier, in a State Visit at the Presidential Villa, President Tinubu, who is the Chairman of ECOWAS, noted that the leadership of the three countries had been reluctant in bringing out transition programmes with clear dates.
“Our relationship of mutual respect will continue as we reappraise the situation in the three countries. What I can assure is that we will not give tolerance to unconstitutional government.
“We will continue to lead by example. We have innocent citizens who are victims of the military. We will continue to explore diplomatic channels to navigate without punishing the innocent people.
“We will continue to allow free movement and trade. Though the transition programme is not sure or certain, we will not punish the innocent citizens; they are not in possession of power.”
President Tinubu told the German leader that the regional body would leave the door open for the return of democracy in the countries.
“This is what ECOWAS will stand for. Whatever is happening in the countries, we are mindful of the wellbeing of the citizens. I don’t want to personalize issues as ECOWAS Chairman. We will leave the door for collaboration,’’ the President added.
In his response, the German President said the re-integration of the three countries will have significant impact on the economy and security of the West Coast.
“We will talk bilateral and regional issues. We just had a meeting with the President of ECOWAS Commission. We know how important it is to have regional cooperation. We are part of the European Union.
Though Seyi Tinubu, son of Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has neither formally confirmed nor denied his alleged Lagos gubernatorial ambition, this magazine can confirm that a Think Tank sort of has been commissioned by promoters of his governorship project and charged to come out with the best approach to actualise it.
Before Seyi’s ambition berthed on the media space, a number of Lagos APC chieftains including President Tinubu’s staunch loyalists had been linked with the same ambition. These include the incumbent Lagos state Deputy governor, Femi Hamzat, Chief of Staff to the president and immediate past Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, the President’s Private Secretary, Hakeem Muri- Okunola, Speaker of Lagos state House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, among others.
With the exception of Obasa who made a veiled declaration of his ambition penultimate week during the presentation of Lagos budget for 2025 by Governor Babajide Samwo-Olu to state Assembly, other individuals mentioned above are yet to either give a hint about their alleged guber ambition or react to Seyi’s
Meanwhile, despite muted opposition from a section of the Lagos chapter of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC and some critical members of the Lagos political establishment to the Seyi Tinubu’s governorship ambition, the project, impecable sources told the magazine, will in the coming months proceed with vigour as it will receive endorsements from critical stakeholders in the party in Lagos.
Ambode: Returning to office?
The Source Magazine was further informed that, “Seyi’s governorship project will ultimately result in his emergence as Governor Samwo-Olu’s successor in a such a manner that will leave opponents to his ambition as well as other aspirants to the Lagos number one political seat bemused and overwhelmed”
However, there are now a section of the Lagos political stakeholders who feel that Seyi’s governorship should not happen immediately after Sanwo-Olu on the grounds that it would be misinterpreted as the president using his official position to install his son in Lagos an then perpetuate the Tinubu political dynasty in the state.
Consequently speculations are rife that a search for a candidate stop-gap candidate, one that will do one term and leave the stage for Seyi in 2031, is afoot with former governor Akinwunmi Ambode featuring prominently in many discourses as fitting the bill.
The idea is to draft in Ambode, hand him the APC ticket and have him finish his eight year term which was cut short in 2019 following the godfather of Lagos politics and now President, Bola Tinubu’s insistence that he would not be re- elected.
“At least, in 2031, President Tinubu will be on his way out of power and the accusation of using his position to make a way for his son in Lagos will carry less weight”, one of the stakeholders told The Source.
Meanwhile, the Seyi governorship project think tank, the magazine learnt, is saddled with fashioning out less acrimonious ways to actualise the President’s son’s guber ambition has allegedly come up with a number of recommendations that will see him grab the APC Lagos gubernatorial ticket effortlessly and subsequently go ahead to win the election itself.
To get the APC ticket without rancor or upsetting his father’s political structure in Lagos, sources claim that the Think Tank will be recommending that other aspirants should be prevailed upon to stand down for Seyi in exchange for juicy federal political appointment.
And should they insist on pursuing their ambitions to a logical conclusion, the Think Tank, it was gathered, will be recommending a gubernatorial primary election, which on the surface, will present a semblance of an open, competitive and transparent exercise but behind the scene heavily skewed to produce Seyi.
Said an insider conversant with the unfolding intrigues: “It will be a case of carrot and stick. They will be cajoled, they will be informed the implication of proceeding with their ambition and insisting on an open primary election; those who opt to stand down for Seyi will be rewarded with juicy federal appointments, including ministerial positions, diplomatic postings and National Assembly membership. However, those who stubbornly pressed ahead will face political siberia.
“In any case, I don’t expect any contest against Seyi for the APC ticket; I believe that in deference to the President, others will announce their withdrawal from the race days before the primary”
And for the governorship election proper, given the outcome of the 2023 Presidential election in Lagos and the cosmopolitan nature of Lagos, Seyi is allegedly favourably disposed to a unique electioneering campaign and government where non- Yorubas will play critical roles.
To this end, the Think Tank is mulling a non- Yoruba running- mate for Seyi, preferably someone from the Southeast and a campaign DG of either a Middle Belt or South South extraction.
“You can’t wish away the peculiar nature of Lagos. The truth is that Lagosians of non- Yoruba extraction wield enormous electoral strength in Lagos and this reflected in the outcome of the last presidential election in the state.
“The grim reality is that if election is strictly held on the basis of one man one vote, any governorship candidate non- Yoruba voters support, particularly the Igbos with a significant voting strength, will win with a landslide.This is why Seyi, whose wife is from the Southeast state of Anambra, will be packaged as a pan- Nigerian candidate with his ticket and campaign line up reflecting so; our intention is to harvest all the non- Yoruba votes in Lagos” , the source stated.
Like a hurricane, rumours of Seyi’s gubernatorial ambition has been sweeping Lagos’ political space as a melange of groups and associations daily saturate the social and traditional media space with endorsements. Critics however, say the pro- Seyi groups are mere collection of mercantile, procured supporters who are only after their pockets.
The endorsement gale began with a press statement in Owerri, the Imo state capital by a hitherto unknown group, the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders, CONYL, made up of youth leaders from the six geo-political zones. While endorsing the younger Tinubu as the next governor of Lagos, the leaders of the group including its President, Goodluck Ibem, the Secretary Comrade Junard Abubakar, Public Relations Officer, Comrade Iniobong Sampson and the Publicity Secretary Comrade Adeyemo Adewale argued that Seyi has the capacity and competence to replicate his father’s legacies in Lagos when he ruled state between 1999 and 2007.
“Nigerians youths came to this conclusion because Lagos State has been a home for all Nigerians and who becomes the governor of the state is pivotal given the role the state has played since the inception of the country.
“Seyi Tinubu is gifted, qualified, experienced, well-read and capable to lead Lagos State to the promised land come 2027”, CONYL said.
Further highlighting Seyi’s credentials, the group recalls that “when there was flooding in Borno State, Mr Seyi and his team were there to sympathize and show support to those Nigerians whose property, homes and means of livelihood were destroyed by the flood. He gave a lot of gift items, food, home utensils, drugs and money to the affected persons during that period when the sad even took place”
Other groups that has since followed in the footsteps of CONYL include the Lagos branch of the Middle Belt Youths. Addressing a press conference in Lagos Eko Hotel, Dr Stanley Augustine Kavwam, Deputy National Publicity Secretary of Middle Belt Forum and other leaders of the Forum not only endorsed Seyi Tinubu but urged him to take over as governor of Lagos State in 2027 to continue building on political structure and legacy and of his father.
Another youth group which claims to be an advocate of progressive leadership and youth development, The Nationwide Tinubu Connect Associate (NTCA), has also endorsed Seyi.
NTCA in a statement by its South West Zone Coordinator Mr. Olusegun Nelson emphasized that “Seyi Tinubu, a dynamic and dedicated individual, has made significant strides in youth empowerment and community development across Lagos State and the Southwest region of Nigeria.
“His contributions have spanned various sectors, including education, entrepreneurship, and social services, reflecting his deep commitment to fostering growth and opportunities for young people”
In the same vein, Friends of Seyi Tinubu (FOST), has equally endorsed Seyi as next governor of Lagos State come 2027.
A statement by FOST President, Comrade Adejorin Tai Manuel, stressed that “Lagos State deserves a leader who embodies innovation, altruism, and strategic foresight. Seyi Tinubu has consistently demonstrated these qualities, making him uniquely qualified to steer Lagos into an era of unprecedented advancement”
Meanwhile, the younger Tinubu’s guber ambition which is increasingly assuming octane dimension is not without opposition. No sooner did CONYL stage its Owerri outing than a coalition of Lagos Indigenous Youths stated its determination to scuttle Seyi’s dream and those of non- indigenous Lagosians to rule the state come 2027.
Joe Igbokwe: Seyi is a “boy”
Reacting to the endorsement of Seyi by CONYL which it described as a faceless group, the indigenous Lagos youths urged the President’s son to go to Osun, his state of origin or Imo state where CONYL issued its statement endorsing him to actualise his governorship dream.
“Our attention has been drawn to the recent endorsement of Seyi Tinubu for Lagos governor by a group known as Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL) and the group is described as the the umbrella body of all the youth groups drawn across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria.
“The said Coalition sat in Owerri, Imo State and publicly issued the statement on endorsement. While we know Mr Seyi Tinubu has his democratic rights as a Nigerian, we condemn the ill-fated endorsement and describe it as anti-democracy and a deliberate move by some faceless individuals to deny indigenes of Lagos State right to govern themselves in 2027.
“It is no longer news that since 1999 no true blood indigenes of Lagos State have taken over the mantle of leadership in the state (except one), the marginalization which underscores the essence of democracy and an outright denial of indigenes of Lagos State the right to govern themselves.
“We know as a fact that there will soon be vacancy in Osun State where Mr Seyi Tinubu can best exercise his democratic rights unhindered. And if the people of Owerri in Imo are also interested in benefiting from the experience Mr Seyi Tinubu has acquired in recent times, they can push him to succeed Governor Uzodinma.
“As for us there is no vacancy for non indigenes in Lagos State in 2027. The marginalization is too much and the marginalization has led to the underdevelopment in the state.
“It’s unbelievable that since 1999, our hinterlands are not developed, no good roads, Lagos State is in debts and our traditional system distorted by successive governments.
“We are also aware of the moves by some non-indigenes to penetrate our traditional rulers in getting endorsements and ratifications from them.
“We are hereby calling on the Oba of Lagos to beware of persons who will soon seek indigenship of Lagos State because of 2027…We will fight dirty if the Oba of Lagos allows such anti- Lagos Indigenes move,”, the group’s president, Abdul Kareem Whyte said in a press statement.
Surprisingly, a staunch royalist of the president and Chieftain of the APC in Lagos, Joe Igbokwe, is also opposed to Seyi’s governorship drive, describing him as “a boy”.
Igbokwe who had held numerous strategic political appointments in Lagos at the behest of Tinubu wrote on his facebook wall: “Who are these faceless people pushing Seyi Tinubu for Lagos Governor? This is a needless distraction.
“To pull PBAT down is their target. Please allow PBAT to do his very engaging and tasking job. Ruling Lagos is not the job of boys”.
Seyi’s supporters have however, dismissed Igbokwe’s opposition, suggesting it was borne out of frustration.”Can’t you see that the man is frustrated? Governor Samwo-Olu did not consider him for any position and his main benefactor, President Tinubu appears to have completely forgotten and sidelined him, so Mr Igbokwe is doing everything possible to be noticed and remembered for appointment. Nobody should take him seriously”, Akinola Adigun, one of those pushing Seyi’s guber ambition told the magazine.
The West African Elders Forum (WAEF) led by former Nigerian President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has congratulated the President-elect of Ghana, Mr. John Mahama, and commended Ghanaians for the largely peaceful and orderly conduct of the December 7, 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections.
The Elders whose mission left Ghana on Wednesday following the official announcement of the election results by the Electoral Commission of Ghana described the election as transparent, stressing that Ghana has once more “demonstrated its unwavering commitment to democracy, peace, and stability, reaffirming its position as a beacon of democratic governance in West Africa.”
In a statement issued in Accra on Wednesday, Dr. Jonathan also commended Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President of the Republic of Ghana and Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), for conceding defeat and congratulating the president-elect, even before the official declaration of results, describing the action as the reflection of “true statesmanship, exemplary display of patriotism and a commitment to Ghana’s peace and democratic progress.”
In the statement, WAEF further said: “The Forum extends its heartfelt congratulations to the people of Ghana for the peaceful and orderly conduct of the December 7, 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections. We are pleased that, once again, Ghana has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to democracy, peace, and stability, reaffirming its position as a beacon of democratic governance in West Africa.”
While felicitating Mahama, the Forum stated: “We congratulate President-Elect, H.E. John Dramani Mahama as well as the leadership, and supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on his victory at the polls. We note that this victory is a reflection of the will of the Ghanaian people, expressed through a peaceful and transparent electoral process. It is for this reason that we call on the President-elect and his supporters to attend to the victory with magnanimity, humility, and respect for all.”
While acclaiming the concession of defeat by Dr. Bawumia as a good development for democracy in Africa, WAEF stated: “The continuing trend in West Africa of candidates conceding defeat ahead of official announcements of results, which also happened earlier this year in Liberia and Senegal, marks a significant step toward democratic consolidation and the entrenchment of a culture of peaceful political transitions in the region.
The Elders also extended “deep appreciation to the incumbent President, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, for his leadership throughout this process. We equally appreciate him for creating an enabling environment that allowed the Forum and other election observation groups to conduct their missions freely and effectively in Ghana.”
The Forum further commended the Electoral Commission (EC), the Joint Security Task Force, political parties, and civil society organisations for their professionalism, vigilance, and commitment during the electoral process.
The Forum however condemned the violent incidents that led to the tragic loss of lives and the destruction of electoral materials, including the burning of the Electoral Commission’s office in the Domingo District, Savannah Region.
“Elections must never be approached as a war or a ‘do-or-die’ affair. They are opportunities for citizens to peacefully express their will and determine their collective future. We reiterate that no political ambition is worth the blood of innocent citizens. Violence undermines the very essence of democracy and erodes the hard-earned peace and stability that Ghana is renowned for.”
WAEF’s charge to the leadership, presidential candidate and supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who lost to the opposition is to see the outcome as a victory for Ghana and an opportunity to restrategise before the next election.
“The next elections offer yet another opportunity to try again—to refine strategies, strengthen institutions, and reconnect with the aspirations of the people. Democracy is a continuous process, and each election provides a chance to learn, grow, and come back stronger.”
“We call on all stakeholders, particularly political leaders, to restrain their supporters and embrace dialogue and lawful means of addressing grievances. We urge security agencies to swiftly investigate and hold accountable those responsible for these incidents while ensuring the safety of all citizens and electoral materials.”
POST-2024 GHANA GENERAL ELECTIONS STATEMENT BY THE WEST AFRICAN ELDERS FORUM (WAEF), ACCRA, GHANA, 11TH DECEMBER 2024
The West African Elders Forum (WAEF) is pleased to have been on ground in the Republic of Ghana during the period of the 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections which held on Saturday, December 7, 2024, in line with its mandate of conducting regular interface with stakeholders in the sub-region in the interest of peace, especially at election time.
The Forum extends its heartfelt congratulations to the people of Ghana for the peaceful and orderly conduct of the December 7, 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections.
We are pleased that, once again, Ghana has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to democracy, peace, and stability, reaffirming its position as a beacon of democratic governance in West Africa.
We extend deep appreciation to the incumbent President, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, for his leadership throughout this process. We equally appreciate him for creating an enabling environment that allowed the Forum and other election observation groups to conduct their missions freely and effectively in Ghana. This demonstration of openness and respect for democratic processes reflects the President’s commitment to fostering peace, dialogue, and stability during this critical period.
We congratulate President-Elect, H.E. John Dramani Mahama as well as the leadership, and supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on his victory at the polls.
We note that this victory is a reflection of the will of the Ghanaian people, expressed through a peaceful and transparent electoral process. It is for this reason that we call on the President-elect and his supporters to attend to the victory with magnanimity, humility, and respect for all.
We note with admiration the concession of defeat by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President of the Republic of Ghana and Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), even before the official declaration of results. This reflects true statesmanship, exemplary display of patriotism and a commitment to Ghana’s peace and democratic progress.
The continuing trend in West Africa of candidates conceding defeat ahead of official announcements of results,which happened earlier this year in Liberia and Senegal, marks a significant step towards democratic consolidation and the entrenchment of a culture of peaceful political transitions in the region.
We appreciate the work of the Electoral Commission (EC), the Joint Security Task Force, political parties, and civil society organisations for their professionalism, vigilance, and commitment to upholding Ghana’s democratic values.
WAEF commends all political parties and their candidates for their active participation in the elections and, most importantly, for respecting the electoral process and the will of the people.
To the leadership, Presidential Candidate and supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), we understand the disappointment that comes with this development, but we encourage you to see the outcome of the recent elections as a victory for Ghana.
The next elections offer yet another opportunity to try again—to refine strategies, strengthen institutions, and reconnect with the aspirations of the people. Democracy is a continuous process, and each election provides a chance to learn, grow, and come back stronger.
We deeply regret the violent incidents that led to the tragic loss of lives, injuries to voters, and the destruction of electoral materials, including the burning of the Electoral Commission’s office in the Domingo District, Savannah Region.
Elections must never be approached as a war or a ‘do-or-die’ affair. They are opportunities for citizens to peacefully express their will and determine their collective future. We reiterate that no political ambition is worth the blood of innocent citizens. Violence undermines the very essence of democracy and erodes the hard-earned peace and stability that Ghana is renowned for.
We call on all stakeholders, particularly political leaders, to restrain their supporters and embrace dialogue and lawful means of addressing grievances. We urge security agencies to swiftly investigate and hold accountable those responsible for these incidents while ensuring the safety of all citizens and electoral materials.
The West African Elders Forum remains committed to supporting Ghana and other West African nations in their democratic journeys. We encourage ongoing dialogue, peaceful conflict resolution, and institutional strengthening to ensure continued stability in the region.
Together, let us celebrate this milestone and work towards a future of peace, progress, and prosperity for Ghana and West Africa.
Signed,
Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan
Chairman, Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF)
Head of WAEF Election Mission to the 2024 Ghana General Elections
Thursday December 11, 2024
Concerned about the health hazards Deekins Amoxycillin 500mg Capsules may cause consumers, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has announced the recall of one of its batches.
The drug manufactured by Ecomed Pharma Ltd and marketed by DevineKings Pharmaceutical Ltd, has been a major concern to NAFDAC, prompting it to swiftly inform Nigerians that the affected batch, with lot number 4C639001, is being withdrawn following reports of serious adverse drug reactions.
According to Ecomed Pharma Ltd, the recall follows three reported cases of severe adverse reactions in patients who were administered this batch of the antibiotic. Amoxicillin commonly used to treat bacterial infections such as tonsillitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections.
NAFDAC has emphasized that these adverse reactions could be life-threatening, leading to hospitalization, prolonged illness, significant disability, or even death in fatal cases. The product details for the affected batch are as follows: Manufactured by Ecomed Pharma Ltd, with a manufacturing date of March 2024, expiry date of February 2027, and batch number 4C639001.
The agency is urging distributors, healthcare providers, and patients to be vigilant, ensuring that the recalled product is not distributed, administered, or used. It has advised that anyone in possession of the affected batch immediately cease its sale or use and return the stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.
NAFDAC also urges individuals who have used this product or have experienced any adverse reactions to seek medical advice from a healthcare professional. Consumers and healthcare providers are encouraged to report any suspected substandard or falsified medicines to NAFDAC via its contact details or online reporting platform.
