₦airaland Forum

Is this sheer coincidence? In 2019, Gbenga Daniel was the South-West coordinator of the PDP presidential campaign and was always with the then presidential flagbearer of the party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. They moved around the country together in private jets. Many times, he talked to the media about the chances of Atiku in the presidential election. But when Atiku lost to President Muhammadu Buhari, Daniel made a 360-degree turn and started negotiating with APC. He was negotiating with APC because he knew that he could not meet with Ibikunle Amosun who had just floated another party, the APM after his (Amosun’s) crony lost out woefully at the APC gubernatorial primary in Ogun State, coupled with the fact that the then governor had declared him persona non grata for eight years.

He also suspected that the PDP would not be able to perform well at the gubernatorial election just ahead. Ladi Adebutu, who was defeated by Governor Dapo Abiodun in the March 18 election, was also the PDP gubernatorial candidate then. As a political Maradona, he was able to read the script very well and of course Abiodun won the election, and Daniel got all the benefits attached to joining the winning side. For one thing, the embargo that Amosun had placed on his businesses were removed. Besides, Daniel was even to interface with APC chieftains to the level that he also aspired to become a senator. Lekan Mustapha, the outgoing senator, is a two-term senator who ordinarily would have become a high ranking senator had he won a third term ticket. But he was prevailed upon with the intervention of some other aspirants and Daniel won the Ogun East senatorial primary.



But having won the primary, Daniel started another scheme. He began thinking of how to outsmart the man that gave him the platform to contest and bounce back into political reckoning. He started badmouthing the Governor all around. During the February 25 presidential and National Assembly elections that APC won by a landslide in Ogun State, the Governor and the APC leadership had supported Daniel with a lot of logistics. That was only natural. However, shortly after he won the election, the 2019 Judas spirit in him struck and took control of his faculties. Daniel started hobnobbing with the same PDP he had rejected and betrayed then, with Ladi Adebutu and his father now becoming his closet political pals. His project was now to run the sitting Governor down and out of town. And he did his best to undermine the Governor, with his attack dogs in full battle mode. He ensured that during the gubernatorial poll, the Governor lost out in his areas of influence.


It has become quite apparent now that Daniel is a serial betrayer and cannot be trusted. What is important to him is his bread basket and nothing else. There is nobody he cannot betray. If he can betray PDP in 2019 and APC in 2023, what type of character is he portraying in the public space? When you look at the way he was so close to Atiku, it would have been hard to suspect then that he would dump him (Atiku) so spectacularly. But he did. Then when you look at the way he was also close to Dapo Abiodun and President-elect Bola Tinubu, taking centre stage as the latter came to campaign in Ogun State during the APC presidential primaries and during the presidential campaigns proper, it would also have been difficult to suspect that he would play the Judas card so soon. But that was what he did. He, Abiodun and Tinubu rode in the same bus on the campaigns, yet the bile inside him was huge.

For Daniel, what is permanent is his interest, pure and simple. So, this is not a matter of coincidence; it’s a matter of character. No wonder the Yoruba say that character is a smoke; it can’t be hidden. Governor Abiodun must take comfort in the words of our elders: Whoever is betrayed by friends should take it in his stride. After all, blood relations also betray.

The recent invitation of Senator Godswill Akpabio, former Minister in the Ministry of Niger Delta by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) to answer questions pertaining to Corruption charges may have begun to affect his electoral chances for the Presidency of the Senate.
Our investigations reveal most of the Senators-elect are already looking away from his candidature because of what one of them who craved anonymity described as "too many weighty allegations" against him.
The EFCC had last week summoned Akpabio to appear before it on March 29, 2023 but the former Minister through his lawyers wrote back pleading for more time to be able to be able to attent to his health abroad.
“We write to convey our client’s inability to honour the scheduled visit to your office on the 29th day of March 2022 due to ill health, and, already arranged medical appointments overseas.

“As mentioned in our last letter to you dated February 10, 2023, our client is undergoing treatment for pneumonia and cardiac arrhythmia, and, has recently been advised to seek further attention abroad.

“It is in the light of the above, that we respectfully request that our client's appointment with you be rescheduled to a date convenient to your officers. preferably after the forthcoming Easter and Ramadan".
The above response from Akpabio's legal team is being interpreted by many to mean that the former Minister may have tactically disappeared from the political scene to avoid arrest.
" With this development, Senator Akpabio May have unwittingly dropped out of the race because of fear of arrest as the EFCC is on the lookout for him and by disappearing from the scene, his campaign is already in jeopardy", a Senator-elect from the South-South said.
The situation is said to have been brought to the attention of the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in order for him to be circumspect of the candidate to be supported for the Senate Presidency.
According to a Public Affairs commentator, Joe Mesele, "The President-elect must be very careful in the area of selecting who to back for any of these positions, especially those with heavy corruption baggages on their neck. In this particular case of Akpabio, he should be made to exonerate himself of these allegations before throwing his hat in the ring and I doubt if there's enough time for that before the 10th Senate resumes activities".
In 2020, the EFCC said it was investigating corruption allegations against Godswill Akpabio as a minister of Niger Delta Affairs.

This was contained in a response letter dated August 14 to Foundation for True Freedom and Good Governance, a civil society group.


The EFCC, in a response letter by Adebayo Adeniyi, head of the economic governance section at the EFCC, said “We write to acknowledge the receipt of your petition dated August 3, 2020 in respect of the above subject and to inform you that investigation into the case has commenced.”
There had been allegations of N40 billion fraud perpetrated in the NDDC, a ministry which was headed by Akpabio for three years.

The Senate and the House of Representatives in 2020 resolved to probe the alleged N40 billion financial recklessness of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the NDDC in the previous three months.

Also, there were allegations of over N86 billion contract scam involving the senator-elect and the former Acting Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Prof. Kemebradikumo Pondei, which the EFCC has been looking into.

The anti-graft agency had also in the past arrested Akpabio over alleged theft of N108.1billion of Akwa Ibom funds.

Applauds Unprecedented Improvement of NPF in Human Rights, Discipline, Welfare, Infrastructural Transformation

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc(+), NPM, NEAPS, fdc, CFR, was on Thursday 30th March, 2023 at the IGP Conference Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja, honoured by the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations for Good Governance with the well-deserved award of Grand Defender of Democracy in recognition of his giant strides since assuming leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.

The Coalition which comprises leaders of 37 Pro-Democracy and Civil Society Organizations, conferred the honour on the IGP during a solidarity visit to the Louis Edet House. They applauded the effective leadership qualities of the IGP which has led to an unprecedented improvement in the Nigeria Police Force, particularly with regard to human rights compliance, discipline, welfare, infrastructural transformation, decent, and secure electoral process in Nigeria.

In his reaction, the leader of the delegation, Comrade Femi Lawson, expressed satisfaction with recent policing strategies, improved human relations, and sterling leadership qualities of the IGP in particular.

The Inspector-General of Police while acknowledging the Coalition for the honour, appreciated their respective efforts targeted at deepening democracy within the country. He further reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to continuous improvement of security networking and the general safety of the country.

RE: NEDC: 146 BILLION FRAUD, ABANDONED PROJECTS ROCK NIGERIA’S NORTH EAST COMMISSION.

By Charles Ibekwe

For a medium which hurts, destroys people and elicits growling messages, phone calls and libel suits, has little chance of survival. Ethically, objectivity, fairness, sticking to the facts, weighing facts against truths and demanding the other side are hallmarks of good reportage. But when misinformation, propaganda, and lies are shared as core truth, then a research is needed to find a path to viable answers that will establish facts that aligns with figures.

So much attention has been drawn to a malicious report of “146 billion naira fraud, abandoned projects by Nigeria’s North East Commission” published by a known notorious propagandists in-house media known as Sahara reporter.

Reading through the reports, I cannot but show my disgust at the unsubstantiated, fake, and mischievous article that has been pushed to the public space. It is unfortunate that such widely followed news media platform will engage in such smear campaign.

Before I critically analyze Sahara reporters' unprofessionalism, It is imperative to note that The North East Development Commission (NEDC) is the coordinating body for government, organisations, international and civic leaders, to rebuild the North-Eastern states in Nigeria into a safe, economically vibrant, ICT driven 21st Century region.

In the opening body of the article, the statement “The Leadership of NEDC may soon be investigated by EFCC and ICPC” shows how long they’ve been hunting the reputable NEDC for a great fall.

They further wrote that the commission has refused to respond to the earlier petition some people sent. NEDC is a focused body with lots of mandates to be executed, they are not a commission with an ample time for inappropriate chitchats, or shenanigans from anyone or some people. Therefore, it should be noted that if the leadership of NEDC didn’t reply to earlier petitions, it’s because the petitions were not sent through the proper channels. The Leadership of NEDC are highly committed to transparency in every area of their operations.

According to Sahara reporters, NEDC was been petitioned by two transparency groups, PATAI and AITA, who have based their clowning core allegations on corruption, financial misappropriation and abuse of office, led by one Mr Bassey. He claimed that the N146.19 billion was the budgetary allocation to the commission, and also said the money was paid in full for uncompleted or abandoned projects.

They stated with temerity that, “The abandoned projects include the construction of a central workshop in Maiduguri, the construction of Birma Primary School at Kashimbila in Taraba, and the Madagali and Pinlla primary school projects in Adamawa. Others are the equipment supply at the Eye Clinic Centre in Azare, the construction of the ICT training centre, College of Legal and Islamic Studies, Misau, all in Bauchi state.”

From the malicious narrative above, they failed to tell everyone the specified budgetary allocations for all these listed projects, if it’s 50b, 12b, or what? This truly shows they lack the technical know-how of the modus Operandi of projects execution. Since they claimed to know the full allocated fund, their allegations would have been of a good substance if they were able to provide comprehensive breakdown on the amount they believed would have been appropriate for the execution of the projects they were smart to point out, but they blindly went all in for a pull-down syndrome.

Sahara Reporters article rode on a the false narration of 146.19 billion fraud provided to them by the hungry NGO’s without substantiating the amount of budgetary for different listed projects that are needed to be executed, also not giving specificity to the time frame needed for execution, thereby revealing their level of absurdity in the face of professional journalism.
All these, Just to smear the leadership of NEDC, and I asked “For what reason, and to what extent?”

However, it is expected that the media do thorough Investigation bearing in mind the corporate social responsibility of the press to report only accurate and factual News. The press is expected to observe high social standard and responsibilities in performing their professional functions, but Sahara Reporters failed woefully in this quest.

Sahara reporters ought to have known better that the leadership of a sensitive commission like NEDC, that’s fully under the watch of anti-graft agencies and other law enforcement agencies, won’t be that stupid to dive into the ruffles of corruption and mismanagement. But it’s very unfortunate that Sahara reporter has to peddle the paid news for better considerations of upcoming paychecks from their political godfathers that are just after their selfish gains from the ruins of good governance.


Should we say that sahara reporters and these two transparency NGO’s had no clue of the many fully executed projects that could easily be googled by a 7-year old? Projects t like;

The construction of 1,000 housing units as that was part of the Federal Government’s resettlement efforts for millions of inhabitants displaced by the 13-year insurgency in Nigeria’s North-East.

The Education Endowment Fund with a seed capital of N6bn.

Three bridges had been constructed in Kudzum, and Wuro-Ngayandi areas of Adamawa State.

Execution of 647 projects ranging from agriculture, health, education, energy/power across 112 local government areas in the North-East. With each LGA gulping at least N50m, the total costs accrues to N5.6bn. etc

These are just to mention a few of the many achievements by NEDC, “Please, Go and Check”.

Alkali, the MD of NEDC once said, “the commission required at least N31.05tn to execute its mandate according to the North-East Stabilization and development masterplan in the next 30 years.” From this statement, we can easily conclude that a good breakdown shows that the leadership of NEDC has been running a wisdom and requisite compassion to the proper management of available funds.


Further in the article, there were claims that other abandoned projects, included the mass housing project in Dadin Kowa, Gombe, 200 mass housing units in Nguru and a 300 mass housing project in Damaturu, both in Yobe.

For simplicity sake, If they were claims of abandonment and incomplete task, shouldn’t it be a question of asking why, and knowing the factors for suspending for a while? But Sahara in their derogatory personality went on with a falsified conclusive narrative of a Fraud report, when it is a fact that projects are usually implemented over a period of time on account of funds being released over several budget cycles such that projects are implemented in phases.

Unfortunately, this narratives has been further accentuated by the virulent utterances and statements by some rat-house media houses that had relied on their mother-decks like Sahara reporters. It’s so debasing to think that in spite of all the facts they claimed to possess, both groups opted for media show-bashing and name-smearing when they could have simply tendered their grievances and petitions to the EFCC for proper indulgence.

As Abba Musa has rightly said, this regime is well known for transparency and accountability, and it is not possible for anyone to mismanage over N146 billion, and nothing will happen. The process to perpetuate such financial robbery and vandalism in a commission like NEDC is suicidal and never possible.

According to the response given by the NEDC official in Sahara Reporters article, it is obvious that there was no denial of acknowledging the groups grievances. They were also given the relevance they sought for by promising to grace their official invitation.

Unlike a renowned restaurateur with wide ranging traditional clientele who are pernickety, the likes of Sahara Reporters are piffling, pigheaded and higgledy-piggledy. The dysfunctional aspect of their reportage is fast becoming a phenomenon contrived mainly to destroy, damage reputation and integrity built over the years all in a bid to get rich quick Extortionately.

The nontradable products of the medium are fertile grounds for a classical Study of an abuse of the new media and its irresistibility by gullible few who are rather quick in swallowing their false churn-outs hook, line and sinker and disregarding rebuttal or apologies by such errant media.

Owning to these fact that Sahara reporter publication, and the actions of PATAI and AITA has a large political and personal undertone against the leadership of NEDC, Iaw enforcement agencies need to grill the operators and their leadership in a bid to prove their innocence against the disruption of the now existing form of peace in the many Northeastern regions.

However, I believe that we should be consequently alarmed at any spurious allegations without recourse to implicating NEDC, which by all intent we know that the purposes are of poor taste and lacking any form of credibility as there are no such infractions in the operations of the NEDC.

As a matter of fact, the operational manual of the NEDC is such that is tailored to ensure accountability at all times and as such we should wonder how such infractions would have been effected with the multiple layers of checks and balances put in place.

Therefore, the leadership of NEDC is further urged to focus more on its mandate of returning the northeast to the commercial powerhouse it was before terrorism ravaged the community, and disrupted lives there. The leadership of NEDC must not let the strong focus on their mandate be shaken by any media propagandist that only cause mayhem for massive gains.

Charles is a forensic analyst writing from University of Nigeria Nsukka.

Prince Emmanuel Odigie, a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Edo state, wishes President-Elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a very happy 71st birthday.

Odigie said “Bola Ahmed Tinubu's strong belief in democracy and good governance has been an inspiration to millions of Nigerians. His selfless service to the nation has been remarkable, and we are thankful for your dedication and unwavering commitment to the development of our dear country, Nigeria. We are proud of you and appreciate your immense contributions.



On this special day, I Prince Emmanuel Odigie, my entire family and associates join the rest of Nigerians in praying for the good health and long life of President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Happy 71st Birthday!

By Williams Ochonu

"Leadership is the creation of an environment in which others can self-actualize in the process of completing the job." "If your actions inspire others to dream, learn, do, and become more, you are a leader."

The above quote summarizes the leadership qualities of Hon. Aliyu Muktar Betera, a member representing Biu, Bayo, Kwaya Kusar, Shani Federal Constituency of Borno State in the Federal House of Representatives. A man of few but impeccable words—a distinguished parliamentarian whose contributions to advancing democracy in Nigeria cannot be overemphasized.

Hon Betera means different things to different people. However, there is a meeting point for these divergent views. It is the fact that he is a dynamic individual whose passion and commitment to the advancement of democracy are unparalleled. This much has been evident in his leadership strides in the various committees he has led in the National Assembly. I recall that at a time, he was commended by the House leadership for his passion, dedication and leadership strides.

I was, therefore, not surprised when he indicated an interest in leading the 10th Assembly as the Speaker. I sighed in relief, knowing what he would bring, especially the ability to provide purposeful leadership and galvanize all members towards the common good, regardless of party affiliations. This has been his trademark all along. As the Chairman of the House Committee of the Nigerian Army, Hon. Betera was passionate about improving the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army. He contributed to debates; he advocated for improved funding for the Nigerian Army and other sundry issues relevant to the Nigerian Army's success.

Hon Betera stands on a tripod; experience, competence and character. He has been in the National Assembly since 2007, making him one of the few members to have served in Nigeria's sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth assemblies. He has led various house committees. Between 2007 and 2011, Betara was Chairman of the Sub-committee on NDIC, Banking and Currency. He also served as a member of the House Committee on Interior. He was appointed Chairman of the Sub-committee on Customs, Immigration and Prisons Pension Office.

He was appointed Chairman House Committee on the Army at the seventh Assembly (2011 to 2015). From 2015 to 2019, Betara served as Chairman of the House Committee on Defence. He is the current House Committee on Appropriations Chairman, presiding over all other committees regarding the appropriation process in the House of Representatives. These indeed speak volumes of his experience with the intricacies of the House of Representatives.

If we admit, Nigeria deserves leaders that would hit the ground running to translate our hopes and aspirations into tangible realities. And if that is the case, it is a requirement that such leaders must have substantial experience in their kitty, for the challenges at hand requires that proactive measures are embraced in the bid to overcome the numerous challenges in the country.
I am privileged to have interacted with Hon Betera several times. His depth and grasps of issues are impressive. He is always willing to engage you in the national discourse. He could pass for a historian and public analyst. He is ready to take you on Nigeria's political and leadership history without blinking. What this shows is that Hon Betera is one individual that understands the issues bedevilling the country and what ought to be done to take the country out of the doldrums.

This explains why I was excited when he indicated an interest in leading the 10th Assembly as Speaker. If he is elected as Speaker, Nigerians should expect a robust Federal House of Representatives where ideas on how to proffer solutions to the crisis in the country will take centre stage.

Hon Betera is a well-rounded parliamentarian who resonates brilliance and strength of character. His track record speaks volumes of a man who desires to bring about meaningful changes in the polity. This much he has demonstrated over the years in the National Assembly and getting elected as Speaker would bring to the fore the attributes needed to bring about purposeful leadership in the country.

Remember that the legislative arm of government also needs to get it right with its choice of principal officers because they are meant to be partners in progress. The executive arm of the government can't do it all alone. This mistake has cost the country a lot over the years. When I hear of things like ethnic balancing or religious considerations for the leadership of the National Assembly, I always nod in disbelief because the consideration should be about competence and experience.

Competence and experience should be the watchword in choosing principal officers for the 10th Assembly. Hon Aliyu Muktar Betara fits the bill to provide purposeful leadership in the Federal House of Representatives.

As a high-ranking legislator, who has been in the National Assembly for the past 16 years, he needs no further introduction. He has built bridges across party lines, and his sphere of influence extends beyond the Federal House of Representatives. He is primed and positioned to lead. Ladies and Gentlemen, enter the world of Hon Aliyu Muktar Betera.


Ochonu wrote this piece from Abuja

Senate Presidency: Group Raises Alarm on Vote Buying, Seeks intervention of anti-corruption agencies


A Civil Society Organisation(CSO),
Adopt a Goal for National Development Initiative(AGNDI)
has raised alarm over bribery allegations ravaging the Campaign Organisation of one of the aspirants for the 10th Senate Presidency in Nigeria.
The Group in a statement released Sunday, March 26 and signed by its Director of program, Victor B. Martins said the allegation is a weighty one that must not be swept under the carpet.
"We are shocked with reports accusing an aspirant for the position of the Senate Presidency of bribing Senators-elect with the sum of 10,000 Dollars to curry their favours. The despicable act, our group discovered, could be traced to a former Chief Executive of a State from the North who would be inaugurated into the Senate for the first time in June. He has been accused of boasting that he would stop at nothing in getting the highly coveted seat no matter what it would cost, including guile. The Senator-elect who wrote a letter congratulating all Senators-elect mischievously referred to himself in the letter as a Distinguished Senator instead of Senator-elect, apparently to hoodwink new members. The question is how could a fresher that has never stepped his feet into the Senate nor inaugurated refer to himself as Distinguished Senator?".
Our group calls urgent attention to the issue of this former Governor who though a fresher going to the Senate, already corrupting the system. This is a Governor under whose watch banditry started and ravaged the whole zone. Same Governor was recently indicted by the EFCC alongside the discredited former Accountant-General of the Federation for mismanaging States funds running into several billions. Reports reaching us at the moment indicate that the same Governor has pencilled a wooping N500M to book a whole floor for his Campaign Headquarters at Transcorp Hilton!
Such a wooping sum in hiring a whole floor for a campaign lasting not more than two months?"
Our investigations further reveal that the former Governor is bent on getting the position in order to cover up his numerous corruption cases! Where on earth has a fresher to the parliament pursued the Presidency of the Senate or Speakership in this manner? The ranking rules remain valid for all members to respect not disrespect.
We therefore call on all the anti corruption agencies to swing into action by investigating this allegation and bringing him to book if found guilty. We also call on the President-elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to be very circumspect in choosing whom to support for leadership positions in the parliament as all eyes are on him to clean the nation’s augean stables under his watch.

By David Tolulope

James Madison, America's fourth president (1809–1817), who made a major contribution to the ratification of the Constitution by writing The Federalist Papers, once said, and I quote, "No man can be a competent legislator who does not add to an upright intention and a sound judgment a certain degree of knowledge of the subject on which he is to legislate. Legislators represent people, not trees or acres. Legislators are elected by voters, not farms, cities, or economic interests." The above quote speaks volumes about the inevitability of the legislature in any innovative and progressive society. The knowledge that a legislator brings to the table can bring about an incredible change in the wellbeing of a nation. The sponsoring of bills, the passing of laws, establishing the government's budget, confirming executive appointments, ratifying treaties, etc., have to be rightly handled by a crop of intelligent, credible, and patriotic lawmakers who have the nation’s interest at heart above their own.
Honorable Muktar Aliu Betara, the current Chairman of the Appropriations Committee in the House of Representatives, is one lawmaker who has the legislative acumen and has done frighteningly well in his leadership position. He is brilliantly representing Biu/Bayo/ Shani federal constituency of Borno State and excellently piloting the affairs of the Appropriation Committee in the Green Chamber. In the discharge of duty, he has employed fear of God, nationalistic spirit, vigor, and wisdom. He is a leader who has really left indelible prints on the sands of time. The Green Chamber veteran is truly the man of the people and has a penchant for true federalism, selfless leadership, and of course, a nation of greatness. If you are looking for a man of unquestionable character and strong-willed determination, you can rightly point to Honorable Betara. The people of his constituency hold him in high esteem. The reason is that he has proven to them all without doubt that true leadership still exists in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Last year, Betara won the APC return ticket unopposed for Biu Federal Constituency. Before then, Betara received overwhelming support from the people of his constituency, who also contributed money to purchase the nomination and expression of interest form for him. Market women, artisans, and youth came out in their numbers to surprise him with this. Those gathered affirmed that he has achieved well, especially in the areas of road construction, scholarships, education, and women empowerment, among others. This struck me when I heard it and later watched the video. It takes a good leader to enjoy such support. When he was finally announced the winner, there was excitement in the air, and various solidarity songs were chanted in his honor. Also, in the just concluded general elections, Betara won with a very wide margin. In June of this year, when he is sworn into office, it will already be his fifth term in office. Let us even look at it logically: If he wasn’t performing to the expectations of his constituents, he would have been voted out of office a long time ago.

Without mincing words, Betara has recorded noteworthy and significant achievements, not just as the Chairman of the Appropriation Committee but also as a member who has sponsored a lot of bills and motions in the House of Representatives since he was first elected in 2007. It is audible to the deaf and visible to the blind that he is one man who has gathered legislative experience for sixteen (16) years now. Being an accountant with years of experience and currently the Chairman of the Appropriation Committee, one would deduce that he must have employed significant knowledge in budgetary matters as they concern the nation. If I want to enumerate all his achievements in this publication, then we will have to consume a lot of pages. For the sake of time and management, let me delve into some of his key achievements as a prominent member in the hallowed chamber for years now.

Muktar Aliyu Betara played a significant role in the appropriation of funding for the many programs and projects of the Nigerian government serving as the Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations in the House of Representatives. He led the committee in charge of examining and approving the federal budget, making sure that the money was allocated in accordance with the nation's development priorities. The budget's timely passage and accurate representation of the needs of the Nigerian people were both made possible in large part by Betara. He collaborated closely with other committee members and pertinent government agencies to determine funding priorities and made sure the money was used as intended.
Betara was renowned for managing the appropriations process with openness and responsibility. In order to guarantee that the budget accurately reflected Nigerians' needs and ambitions, he pushed for open discussion and collaboration with all relevant parties, including civil society organizations.
Muktar Aliyu Betara was committed to making sure that the Nigerian government's resources were used wisely and effectively for the benefit of the nation and its citizens, which was evident during his time as the chairman of the Committee on Appropriations.

When Borno was the hub of the insurgency that ravaged lives and property, Honorable Betara, in his usual spirit of patriotism, sponsored a motion calling for the improvement of security in his constituency and other parts of Borno State, which had been affected by the Boko Haram insurgency. Records have it that that motion moved in the house brought about a significant improvement in security in that constituency and, of course, the entirety of Bornu state. Today, relative peace has been restored. Today, the people of that constituency can go about their respective businesses without apprehensive tendencies. Apparently, this feat contributed to the massive turnout of his constituents to vote for him in the just concluded elections.




At the sixth assembly in 2007 and 2011, Betara acted as Chairman of the Sub-committee on NDIC, Banking, and Currency. More also, he served as a member of the House Committee on Interior and was later appointed as Chairman, Sub-committee on Customs, Immigration, and Prisons Pension Office (CIPPO).
During the seventh assembly (2011–2015), he was appointed as Chairman, House Committee on the Army. He made recommendations to empower and sustain the activities of the army against the rising insurgency in the northern region of Nigeria.
Furthermore, between 2015 and 2019, Betara served as Chairman of the House Committee on Defense.


Some of his other notable achievements worthy of mention are:

Supporting the National Lottery Act Amendment Bill, which aimed to control how Nigerian lottery businesses operated and ensure that they aided in the nation's growth.
supporting a proposal to build a federal medical center in Biu, Borno State, in order to offer top-notch medical care to his people and fellow citizens.
- Starting a number of initiatives aimed at empowering young people and reducing poverty in his constituency, such as giving young entrepreneurs motorcycles and sewing equipment.

- Enabling the building of a number of roads and bridges in his constituency, which has improved the flow of people and commodities and eased transportation.
- Promoting the availability of necessities like power and water in rural areas has raised the standard of living for the locals.

In June of this year, the 10th National Assembly will be proclaimed by the incoming president after he has assumed leadership of the country. This will mean that the ball will be set rolling for new leadership in the House. Obviously, representatives of various political parties will enter the hallowed chamber. It is pertinent that the leadership of the house be made up of a crop of leaders with an altruistic spirit and experience. Nigerians are eagerly waiting, with hands placed on their chins, to see what will become of the revered House of Representatives. A house that will constitute representatives from various constituencies with varying backgrounds and orientations will require a man who can organize and not agonize, a man with experience and legislative tenacity. Betara has the capacity, experience, and tact required for this all-demanding function. He can deliver pretty well because he has seen it all. What Nigerians want to see is good legislation, and Betara is really up to the task. Regardless of party affiliations, beliefs, and ideologies of the representatives in the 10th National Assembly, this man named Honorable Batere should be given a try. All we are looking for is a better Nigeria through the instrumentality of proper and realistic legislation.
Let me end this piece with this quote by John Quincy Adams, the sixth president of the United States of America: "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader." The Honorable Betara has inspired a lot of his colleagues and Nigerians in general. I urge members of the house to give him a try and benefit from the avalanche of experience that will be displayed by him.


Tolulope is a political analyst based in Lagos.

Former Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to Ex-President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Dr. Doyin Okupe has appealed his conviction by Hon. Justice I. L. Ojukwu of the Federal High Court. Dr. Okupe had been convicted for receiving cash above the permitted threshold on 19 December 2022.

While the Federal High Court had held that the Prosecution had failed to prove the charges of money laundering against Dr. Okupe and acquitted him of the charges relating to same, the Court convicted him of the charges relating to the receipt of monies above the threshold permitted by the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act. The Court held that though he was a victim of circumstances, the law is trite and ignorance of same cannot be an excuse.

The Court, in the exercise of its discretion under Section 311 of the ACJA and after receiving character evidence in favour of Dr. Okupe under Section 310 of the ACJA had sentenced Dr. Okupe to 2 years imprisonment (to run concurrently) or an option of the fine of N500,000 (consecutively) for each count. Dr. Okupe immediately exercised the option of a fine and has been enjoying his freedom.

The said appeal was filed by his lawyer, Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN on Thursday, 16 March 2023 within the constitutional timeframe provided for by Law. The crux of Dr. Okupe's appeal is that he had received the said sums in cash not in his individual capacity but on behalf of the office of the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Public Affairs and under the instructions of the Ex-President and hence, should not be penalized unjustly.

.Says it reflects people's wish

An independent monitoring group, under the eagies of Forum of Election Observers Groups, has declared that the outcome of the Governorship and House of Assembly elections in Ogun State, largely reflect the opinion of the vast majority of residents in line, with the assessment of various stakeholders, including local observers.

Coordinator of the group, comrade Ayodeji Ologun, who stated this at a media briefing in Ikeja, Lagos, on Thursday, expressed vote of confidence on Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC over the conduct and eventual results of the polls.

Instructively, Forum of Election Observers Groups, were among the 146,913 observers accredited by INEC, to Observe the 2023 general elections.

According to Ologun: "As a group, we observed the 2023 Presidential, National Assembly, Governorship and State Assembly elections and we wish to state, that the results as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), during the last Governorship and State Assembly election, were consistent with our parallel vote tabulation results estimates.

"A classical of this, is the result of the Governorship and House of Assembly elections in Ogun State, which were monitored by many of our leaders, herein present.

"Not minding various reactions that have trailed the outcome of the elections, we consider it a patriotic duty, to inform Nigerians, about our observations, and ultimately advise against tendencies, that seek to undermine the progress, being recorded in our democratic journey, as a nation.

"While it is no doubt, that several complains have risen, as a result of the eventual outcome of the elections, particularly, last Saturday’s governorship and State House of Assembly elections.

"The March 18 Governorship and State House of Assembly elections, witnessed a significant improvement in the performance of the INEC, and this in no doubt, impacted positively on the eventual outcome of the election."

Ologun stressed that the clarification became necessary considering series of reports and agitations, so far generated, by the outcome of the last Saturday’s elections, and negative reports being attributed to it by some politically exposed interests.

The group maintained that various organisations for instance, had observers deployed to observe the governorship and house of Assembly elections in Ogun State, which also embarked on a conscious effort at monitoring and collating results of the elections, during the elections.

It continued: 'The official results announced by INEC, into the Governorship position and House of Assembly seats, were consistent with our Vote Tabulation results estimates. In other words, the results reflect the votes cast at the polling units, and the general interest of the people of Ogun State.

"Furthermore, our findings revealed certain lapses and reports of malfeasance that impacted on the quality of the process in some polling units, in the state, that nonetheless was insignificant, compared to the progress made, during the election.

"Our observers, in some local governments, including Ikenne, Abeokuta South, Ijebu North and Ado Odo Ota witnessed incidences of voters inducements and campaign during election.

"In fact, not less that 10 agents of the major opposition political party in the state, were arrested by security agents for attempt to induce voters with cash and compromise, election officials, in parts of the Ado Odo Ota local government.

"We also witnessed how branded Automated Teller Machine ATM Cards, pre-loaded with money were being used to induce voters and influence their choices during the election.

"There is no doubt, that last Saturday’s election was a test for our democracy, as it presented an opportunity for us, as a people, to consolidate on the gains of the previous elections and deepen our democratic transition.

"Although INEC introduced reforms to deepen electoral integrity and citizen’s participation, the elections witnessed some of the shortcomings that were seen during the February 25th Presidential and National Assembly elections.

"We also strongly believe, that INEC must improve its capacity to deliver credible elections and political parties must play according to the rules as failure to do so could undermine Nigeria’s democracy,

"We wish to state, that the outcome of the Governorship election in Ogun state, largely reflect the opinion of the vast majority of Ogun State people, and very much in line, with the assessment of various stakeholders, including local and international observers, who witnessed the election.

"Finally, we wish to state, that every democrats, who are committed to the advancement of our democracy, must discourage every attempt, by politicians, and political parties, to resort to self help.

"We encourage every aggrieved individuals and parties, to explore the legal opportunities available, to seek redress, rather than encouraging any form of action, that seeks to undermine our democracy, and destabilize our peaceful coexistence as a people."

In pictures, moments Mr Governor; *H.E BABAJIDE OLUSHOLA SANWO-OLU* receives his official INEC election results confirming him as the duly elected governor of Lagos State 2023.
The presentation by *Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi*; Head of Lagos APC Election Task Force for the governorship and House of Assembly Elections, in the company of State Chairman of APC; *Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi*, *Mr Fuad Oki* (Chief Collating Officer) and *Mr Dele Alake* (Special Adviser Media to President-Elect H.E Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu)

Guber Polls: Observers commend CDS, security agencies for increased surveillance, low violence



A group of foreign and local observers has commended the Armed Forces led by General Lucky Irabor for the peaceful conduct of the governorship and state assembly polls across the country.

The observers, under the aegis of the Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights (CALSER), described the entire exercise as free and fair, adding that Nigerians exercised their franchise in a safe and secure environment.

In a statement by Princess Ajibola, the Centre admitted that pockets of violence were recorded in certain areas but the troops rose to the occasion in all the cases.

Ajibola recalled that the Chief of Defence Staff had promised Nigerians of hitch-free process devoid of intimidation, harassment, and oppression.

She said the CDS met with the military service chiefs and other security heads including the Inspector-General of Police, Director-General of DSS, Director-General of NIA, and the Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI) ahead of the elections.

True to his words, Ajibola said the military was on the ground to provide support for the Police who are the lead security agency for the polls.

She added that there were increased surveillance and contingency actions to address areas with peculiar security challenges.

Ajibola noted that troublemakers and enemies of the country got bloody noses for attempting to cause unrest and panic.

The observers, therefore, rated the military highly, describing the security agencies as the heroes of the elections having stood strong to defend the nation's democracy at all costs.

Ajibola added that the 'Operation Safe Conduct' which was activated for the elections yielded positives aplenty as it guided the Armed Forces.

She further revealed that the operations centres established in the FCT and 36 state capitals of the federation served as quick response centres for all distress calls in the event of any breach of peace during the election period.

The observers, however, urged the military and other security agencies to maintain this momentum to eliminate remnants of terrorists and criminals across the country.

Ajibola also urged the security agents to be on the lookout for violent protests that could ultimately threaten the peace of the land.

She, therefore, urged aggrieved parties from the polls to seek redress in court and avoid any tendencies that could result in chaos.

Against the backdrop of the jostle for the top job of the President of the Senate, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress(APC) is said to have finally opted to zone the position to the North West Geo-political zone.
This newspaper reliably gathered that the decision was reached last night by the leadership of the APC after consulting with the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The decision overrides earlier suggestions in some quarters to zone the position to the South.
Our usually reliable source revealed that what swung the decision in favour of the North West was that the APC Presidential candidate got his highest number of votes from the zone.
Some Top leaders of the party from the zone were said to have
made that very strong case for the North West.They maintained that the zone should be rewarded for its performance during the presidential election.They went further to say having the Senate President from the North West will spur the zone to give His Excellency more votes in his reelection in 2027 God willing.
"It would amount to a great mistake if the position of the President of the Senate is gifted to zones where we got very little votes .This should not be done due to the pressure mounted by those who are calling for the so called “religious balance’.This country has gone beyond this kind of sentiment.There must be reward for performance otherwise , God forbids, our party will be doomed in future elections. we should not rob Peter to pay Paul. We must take a cue on how H.E Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu won the primary and the general elections to become the President-elect . He succeeded based on his foresight, hard-work and above all Merit . He never resorted to evoking religious sentiment.This was emphasized in his statement to the nation yesterday, that his cabinet shall be “devoid of ethnic and religious considerations.”There are several other positions that could go to such zones", the party Chieftain stated.
The decision to zone the Senate Presidency to the North West has now opened a flurry of support for Senator Barau Jibrin from Kano North Senatorial District.
Amongst the aspirants for the Senate Presidency, Senator Jibrin is the highest ranking
having spent a term in the House of Representatives and now a third termer in the Senate. His two main competitors from the South, Senators Orji Uzor Kalu and Godswill Akpabio are only two termers while former Governor Abdul'azeez Yari is a first termer.
Aside that, Senator Jibrin has handled some very critical Committees in both Chambers like Appropriations and Education.
Most Senators-elect,our investigations reveal, have been meeting secretly pledging support to the Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriations.
Part of the highlights of the meeting is the Zoning of the Speakership of House of Representatives to the South East while the Deputy President of the Senate is zoned to the South South. The position of the Deputy Speaker has been zoned to the North Central while that of Senate Majority Leader is zoned to South West. That of House Majority Leader has also been zoned to the North East.
These Principal officers' positions in both Chambers would be announced next week according to our source.
There had been speculations in the media about zoning of Principal officers' positions in the 10th National Assembly but last night's decision may have finally laid to rest the controversies.

SDP National Assembly candidates declare support for APC State Assembly candidates.

The Social Democratic Party, Ondo State Chapter, on Thursday unveiled Barr. Dele Thomas and Dr. Shola Agboola as the Chairman and Secretary of the SDP/SDAPC Alliance for Tinubu/Shettima respectively.

This was disclosed through a press statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of the Party, Alh. Alfa Mohammed.Esq.

The Press Statement reads:

"We write to introduce the duo of Barr. Dele Thomas State Chairman and Dr. Shola Agboola (08145311817) Secretary of the SDP/ SDAPC Alliance for Tinubu/Shettima respectively.

"The SDAPC ALLIANCE is a campaign platform launched by the authentic faction of the leadership crisis embroiled SDP to harvest millions of SDP supporter s' votes across the country for Tinubu/Shettima on the 25th February Presiden tial Election day, haven adopted Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as its preferred presidential candidate.

"Similarly, the state chapter has been directed to also adopt the candidature of the Senators and others at a Press conference without delay, and after which t hey are to embark on massive grassroots votes canvassing within the remaining days to election.

"Therefore, we enjoin you to grant them necessary supports which they may re quire to summon their expanded State Executive meeting, and conduct the pre ss conference."

Civil Society Organisations endorse Dapo Abiodun; says Ogun Governor Deserves Second Term.



With few days to the Ogun State Governorship elections, the Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Good Governance have stated its convictions that the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun deserves a second term in Office. The group stated this, after a meeting in Lagos, where it reviewed the 2023 General elections and issues generated, since the February 25th Presidential and National Assembly elections, held across the country.


The Coalition said since his assumption of office, Governor Abiodun has demonstrated a very high level of commitment, to good governance and delivery of the dividends of democracy in Ogun state. The group also said, Abiodun’s is going into Saturday’s election, with outstanding records, that are luminous, inspiring, and transparent compared to his opponents, in the election.


In a statement issued at the end of the meeting, which was jointly signed by Comrade Olufemi Lawson and Declan Ihekhaire, the Civil Society Organisations, said, that the first term of Governor Dapo Abiodun “has concretely bridged the disconnect between government and the citizenry in all spheres of human endeavor with a plethora of people centered, home grown policies and programmes which are unprecedented in the annals of Ogun State.”


”Governor Abiodun has over the past three and half years, remain committed to delivering his promises to the people of Ogun State, despite an avalanche of baseless provocations and arm chair criticisms of his opponents, many of whom are completely detached from the contemporary realities of the Ogun State people. Governor Abiodun has in no small measure turned around the fortunes of Ogun State and lived up to expectation as a leader, who have refused to hand over the heritage of the people to any ferocious godfather. He has remained grateful to God and the Ogun State people for their support at all times knowing fully well that the people are with him because of their conviction on his competence rather than any form of gratuitous imposition from outside.”


”it is on record, that through his administration's commitment to community development; several projects that are spread over the nook and crannies of Ogun State had been completed and put to use. The score card is indeed endless as the Dapo Abiodun led administration has, in less than four years taken Ogun State to the front row of political communities in Nigeria and beyond with the numerous home-grown policies and frameworks that are unprecedented in the state.” the statement further said.


The Coalition also said, since Governor Abiodun had performed creditably well and has now put himself forward for re-election; massive votes that translates to victory is the sure incentive, that people of Ogun State, can reward him with, in order to ensure, a future that can make him perform better.

The group also urge the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, to avoid a repeat of events, which created several controversies, around the Presidential and National Assembly elections, particularly on the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System BVAS and the election result portal.

A group, Elite Nigeria, has advocated for the emergence of Hon. Abbas Tajudeen as the next speaker of the Federal House of Representatives.

The group made this known on Monday in a press statement jointly signed by its coordinator, Adeleke Funsho and its secretary, Emeka Chigozie.

Hon. Tajuddeen of the All Progressives Congress represents Zaria Federal Constituency and is the House Committee Chairman,Land Transport.

The group while commending the emergence of the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the president elect also encouraged Tinubu to support the Hon. Tajudeen as the next leader of the green chamber.

The group stated that given the vast wealth experience of Hon. Tajudeen, he is the most worthy and suitable candidate who should be made the next speaker of the green chamber.

According to the group, Hon. Tajudeen enjoys a solid grassroots support which lays testament to his popularity among his people.

They stated that the strong outing of the Lawmaker in the just concluded general elections is one which further lays credence to the large support which he enjoys from his people.

"His educational qualifications is one which speaks realiability and competence, and we are rest assured that given his wealth of exposure, his emergence in the green chamber will go a long way to compliment the administration of the Tinubu led presidency upon inauguration.

"Hon. Tajudeen is a dependable ally who can be always trusted to give Asiwaju the much needed legislative backing which in the long run will be of great benefits to Nigerians across the 36 states of the federation and this is why we are pushing for his emergence", the group stated.

The Coalition for Transparency in Nigeria (CTN) has knocked the People Advocacy for Transparency and Accountability (PATAI) and Al-Mushaid Initiative for Transparency and Accountability (AITA) for raising false alarm on corrupt practices within the leadership of the North East Development Commission (NEDC).

Recall that PATAI and AITA last week accused the leadership of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) of mismanaging N146.19 billion, and threatened to report the commission to the anti-graft agency if it did not respond to the allegations by Wednesday, March 15, 2023.

But the Coalition for Transparency in Nigeria (CTN) at a press conference held in Abuja on Sunday, March 12, 2023, dismissed the allegations of the CSOs as "false and baseless".

CTN Executive Director, Dr. Cecilia Ikechukwu who addressed the news conference said the anti-corruption coalition decided on conducting routine due diligence before commending the two organizations for uncovering the allegations.

She explained that the things that the coalition found out about "the entire matter" are, however, "saddening."

The Executive Director lamented that it was now clear that "hustlers are hijacking the noble resolve of citizens to hold the government accountable."

The coalition said, "The first absurdity we noticed is that the two groups gave the NEDC leadership until March 15, 2023 to answer to their funny posers failing which they will report to the EFCC. The anti-graft agencies and other law enforcement agencies conduct media scanning and the press briefing held by PATAI and AITA was already enough ground for the EFCC to step in. The fact that it has not stepped in meant that these two so-called “transparency NGOs” are merely engaged in the use of fictitious petitions, campaigns of calumny, and blackmail to intimidate the leadership of NEDC.

"A second absurdity is that the groups accused the NEDC leadership of mismanaging the sum of N146.19 billion being budgetary provisions made for it. It is absurd that they are not able to articulately pin down the amount within the context of budgetary and implementation processes. Was the amount a fraction of a larger budget? What is the timespan the money was meant to cover, one year, two years, or three years? Is the N146.19 billion budget for an entire year? How did the NEDC meet its overhead, recurrent, and personnel costs if the entire N146.19 billion was misappropriated as being claimed?

"Thirdly, it is odd that in spite of all the facts they claimed to possess, both groups opted for media mudslinging and name-calling when they could have simply tendered their petition to the EFCC. Or the Independent Corrupt Practices or Related Offences Commission (ICPC). They can only resort to this route because their allegations of corruption in the agency are non-existing, they are phantom lies in the imagination of these questionable elements."

The coalition said the fact of the matter was that "in August 2020, the Senate Committee on Special Duties after a three-day oversight function to appraise the performance of the NEDC commended the Commission for its “outstanding performance” in the area of humanitarian intervention. The Chairman of Senate Committee on Special Duties, Senator Yusuf Yusuf, who led the delegation on the oversight visit gave the commendation. Please, note that the Senate has a Committee on Public Accounts, which would have flagged if anything was amiss in the finances of NEDC.

"In June 2022, a Coalition of Gombe Youths and Elders Progressive Forum (CGYEPF) commended NEDC for its laudable intervention initiatives in the North-East sub-region. This Coalition praised the Commission for its various projects in the region. They made their position known in a statement entitled “Gombe Elders and Youths are Happy with NEDC successes in the region,” signed by the coalition’s National Chairman, Alhaji Salihu Magaji. These are citizens that benefitted from the projects it implemented so we wonder where PATAI and AITA are sourcing their own facts from.

"Another fact ignored by the activists-for-hire is that there is a Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), which must vet the award of contracts of all Federal Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). To the extent that our emergency “transparency NGOs” could not fault the NEDC leadership for bypassing the contract processes, they ought to have approached institutions that understand the processes to educate them.

"Furthermore, the Is shy four years old. The implication of this is that there is no project or contract awarded that is more than four years old. We are also aware that because of the paucity of funds, government projects are implemented in phases spanning upward of three years with budgetary provisions made for such projects in installments. Sometimes there are years when there would be no budgetary provisions for an ongoing project which would then be temporarily suspended and then resumed in subsequent years when funds are provided. The list of so-called “abandoned projects of NEDC” drawn up by PATAI and AITA, therefore, reeks of ignorance and is totally laughable," it added.

CTN maintained that "NEDC stands out as one of the most transparent agencies in the country and we are tempted to rate it as the most transparent in the country until such a time that someone can bring up empirical evidence to prove that another agency has surpassed that record."

While condemning the coordinators of the two organizations for being "insensitive to the dangers of plying their blackmail in a Commission that is strategic to long-term peace in the terrorism-impacted North-East geo-political zone", the coalition called on the intelligence community and law enforcement agencies to grill the "operators of PATAI and AITA to prove that they are not on errands for Boko Haram/ISWAP."

This, it said was necessary to ensure that things do not fester badly before destructive platforms like the duo are called to order.

The coalition urged the leadership of NEDC to "disregard the criminal ultimatum handed in by PATAI and AITA to focus on their mandate of returning the northeast to the commercial powerhouse it was before terrorism disrupted lives there."

The anti-corruption group further urged the NEDC leadership to report the two organizations to law enforcement agencies to "investigate their possible link to terrorism because we fear that it is a matter of time before they begin to physically NEDC projects."

While advising the public to disregard the two organizations, the coalition called on PATAI and AITA to retrace their steps and stop their resort to blackmail.

10th NASS: Give us Betara as Speaker, Tinubu Support Groups beg APC

The Network of Tinubu Support Groups in Nigeria has urged the All Progressives Congress to back the member representing Biu/Bayo/Shani Federal Constituency, Hon Muktar Aliyu Betara, for the position of Speaker in the 10th National Assembly.

The group, which made this known at a press conference in Abuja, said Betara is the most competent returning lawmaker with an unblemished track record of excellence, integrity, and diligence.

In his address, Dr. Moses
Ikani, the group's president described the renowned accountant as a resourceful parliamentarian who is familiar with the challenges inherent in the leadership of the legislature.

Ikani noted that Betara has excelled in all tasks in the National Assembly since 2007 unrivaled in experience, capacity, and performance - with a well-crafted agenda to address the plethora of challenges restraining the House of Representatives.

"Gentlemen, as things stand now, Nigeria needs a crop of new leaders, especially at the legislative arm of government which section 80-84 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 vest the power and control of public funds as representatives of the people," Ikani said.

"The legislature is a key democratic institution for political representation. So, to fix Nigeria, we will have to tweak some of its working parts by separating the gold diggers and power thirsty from those who truly want to serve at this level of leadership, and to accomplish this is to do away with mediocrity and clannish interest.
"Every true Nation must have a sense of purpose that subsumes all sub-national interest. We are yet to identify or define what our national raison deter is. Until it is more beneficial to be Nigeria than to be Ibo, Hausa, Efik, Yoruba, etc we will continue to suffer nepotism and misallocation of national resources.

"However, amid this seeming hopelessness in our polity, we found a highly resourceful parliamentarian in the Green Chamber of the National Assembly who is familiar with the challenges inherent in leadership at the Nigerian legislative arm of government. He is Rt. Hon Muktar Aliyu Betara, member representing Biu/Bayo/Shwa and Kwaya Kusar Federal constituency in Borno State.

"By our assessment, he did quite well, extremely well, taking into account the challenges-- the enormity of challenges faced by the 9th National Assembly shortly after the inauguration in 2019 when he was unanimously elected as Chairman, of the House standing committee on appropriation.

"RT. Hon Muktar Batera is one individual whose capacity to complement the actions and policies of the executive as speaker of the House of Representatives would expeditiously guarantee the much-needed turnaround of Nigeria. A detribalised and cosmopolitan persona, Rt Hon Muktar Batera is experienced as a team player whose contribution to nation-building has been applauded within and outside this country.

"Batera is a performer with well-crafted agenda to address the plethora of challenges restraining the House of Representatives from performing optimally as a major institution of Democratic governance. He has been rated as one of the most successful members of the 9th Assembly in terms of parliamentary activities, and this success story resonated with his immediate federal constituency where his effective representation at the Green Chamber of the National Assembly is felt directly. He has proven that his foray into politics is solely service to humanity hence his towering popularity amongst members of the National Assembly.

"Batera is indeed a servant leader in every ramification. To this end, Gentlemen of the press, we present a true and dependable Nigerian in the person of Rt Hon Muktar Aliyu Batera to you as the most astute and capable parliamentarian in the 10th National Assembly (green Chamber) to assume the position of Speaker for the House and all Nigerians."

Winner of the February 25, 2023 House of Representatives election in Ekiti North Federal Constituency (II), Akinlayo Davidson Kolawole, has refuted the rumors that he was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He stated this while reacting to the publication by some online Newspapers, that he was picked by the operatives of the anti-graft agency shortly after being presented with his certificate of return by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a statement issued by him on Friday, Hon. Kolawole stated that he was never arrested and that members of the public should disregard the rumors as they have no iota of truth.

"I am startled that some mischievous elements would go as far as peddling rumors about me, I was never arrested by any one or any agency.

"If I was arrested, I won't be here making these statements. These are handiwork of political jobbers who seek nothing but confusion and personality destruction.

"I urge our people to disregard these news as they are nothing but mere propaganda which will not succeed".

End.

Thank you.

Femi Adeniyi writes from Ikeja

An independent survey conducted among Lagos residents, on their likely choice in the forthcoming Governorship election in the State, have shown, that majority of Lagosians, are determined to set aside sentiments about ethnicity and other political biases, to reelect Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for a second term in Office, based on.what they described , as his proven ability and experience in handling governance in Lagos State.

Majority of the respondents, are of the opinion, that the two other major candidates for the position, from the opposition political parties, appear to be running purely on rhetorics rather than capacity or proven ability. A Respondent, in Lagos Island area, said though She is not a member of the All Progressives Congress APC, and neither a fan of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, but she will not throw out the baby with the birth water.

Another respondent, a trader in the Ladipo market on the Mainland said he cannot toy with his investments in Lagos, by sacrificing experience for tribal sentiment. He claimed He voted for the Labour Party Presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi in the last election because he is his kinsman, and that for the Governorship election, he will be voting Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu since Mr Peter Obi is not on the ballot on Saturday March 11.

Most of the respondents admitted that Governor Sanwo-Olu has done very well as governor of Lagos, perhaps surpassing all his predecessor. A large majority of the respondents expressed great fears about the danger inherent in election of inexperienced politicians to run the affairs of a Mega city with a huge and delicate economy like Lagos.

The decision of the Sanwo-Olu administration, to sustain the culture of Infrastructural revolution in the State, is also referenced by respondents as one, which makes him preferred to the other candidates. Mentions were made of the recently completed Lekki Deep Sea port, Imota Rice mill, being the largest of such in sub-saharan Africa. The completion of nearly all uncompleted projects of the previous administration, among many other landmark achievements. The commitment of the administration to ensuring that Lagos remains secured, especially with the improved funding of the security institutions in the State, also earn Mr Sanwo-Olu, some ratings above his opponents in the coming election.

Senate Presidency: Why Sen Barau Jibrin is the best man for the job- Policy Advocacy Group


With the conclusion of the Presidential and National Assembly elections and the declaration of winners, a Civil Society Organisation, Policy Advocacy and Integrity Network Nigeria has thrown its weight behind the candidacy of Senator Barau Jibrin, the Senator representing Kano North Senatorial District and Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriations.
A statement signed by the Executive Director of the organisation, Engr Joe Folu Mesele described Sen Jibrin as the best man for the job.
"In the search for the President of the Senate, certain qualities are prerequisites for consideration;
Antecedence, legislative experience, private sector background and public service history.
This is the reason the Policy Advocacy and Integrity Network Nigeria is keenly interested in who occupies the exalted seat".
"Of all the Senators from the Northern and Southern Geopolitical zones eligible for consideration, one Distinguished Senator stands out which makes him the most ideal for the plum seat. That person is Senator Jibrin Barau; who represents Kano-North Senatorial District at the National Assembly".
"As an organisation, we have studied the political terrain and came to the conclusion that the leadership of the 10th Senate must be someone whose main qualification is experience of the workings of the National Assembly. And a careful scrutiny of all the aspirants for the position reveals that Senator Jibrin is poles ahead of others in terms of capacity and experience".
" Now if we look at the zoning principle of the All Progressives Congress(APC), we'll find out that the North East, the North Central, the South East have had a taste of the Senate Presidency, leaving the North West and the South South as the zones yet to occupy the seat. And of all the candidates from the two zones, none could match the legislative experience and capacity of Senator Jibrin".

Aged 63 years,
Jibrin holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Masters Certificate in Financial Management and Pricing, Masters Certificate in Management and Masters of Business Administration (MBA). He also holds a Certificate in Financial Management for Business Decisions from the prestigious Cornell University, United State of America.
After his initial higher studies, Senator Jibrin worked briefly in the Accounting Department of the Kano State Foundation, before he resigned in 1992 to begin his private flourishing business with vast interests in manufacturing, insurance and the construction sectors of the Nigerian economy. His success in the private sector prepared him adequately to begin a process of championing the cause of his people through the instrumentality of politics.

Barau contested in the elections of 1999 for the House of Representatives to represent Tarauni Federal Constituency of Kano State which he won.
After he completed his term at the House of Representatives, Barau returned back to private practice.
On his return to electoral contest in 2015, Senator Barau contested and won election to the Senate of Federal Republic of Nigeria, representing Kano North Senatorial District on the platform of the All Progressives Congress.
At the Senate, Barau was appointed the Vice - Chairman Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) and subsequently became the Chairman of the same Committee.

He was re-assigned to the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETfund as the Chairman in 2016.
Barau is member of the Committee on Niger Delta, Industries, Land Transportation and Appropriations.
He is also the Secretary of Northern Senators Forum.
Senator Jibrin Barau is a ranking Senator after being an Ex-Reps and has been in the Senate since 2015. His re-election in the just concluded Election makes him a third-term Senator.
The 10th National Assembly needs an experienced and knowledgeable President of Senate with the clout and reach across the country and political divides for optimal performance.
"Senator Jibrin Barau is all the qualities stated above personified. "He is a loyal party man whose education, legislative experience, competence, capacity, corporate and public service records are unmatched by his peers.
"For the 10th National Assembly especially as regards the President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau is most definitely the best man for the position.
"As a group determined to ensure good governance in Nigeria, we hereby unequivocally enjoin all the stakeholders to support and adopt Sen Barau Jibrin as the next President of the Senate", the group declared.

The Governorship Aspirant of the Labour Party (LP) in Bayelsa State, Engr. Udengs Eradiri, has called on party members to sustain the "Obedient" movement in the forthcoming state's House of Assembly elections.

Eradiri urged them to vote for all the LP legislative candidates to prepare the ground for the November 2023 governorship election in the state.

While congratulating the Obedient movement for their exploits in the just concluded Presidential and National Assembly elections, Eradiri advised LP members not to allow the systemic disappoinment dampen their zeal for a better country.

He said to pave the way for Peter Obi's emergence as President, LP governorship and legislative candidates must win in their various states on Saturday.

He said the case of Bayelsa was significant following an urgent need to uproot all vestiges of the old order, which had kept the oil-rich state in comatose.

Eradiri said: "All of us in the Obedient Movement fought a good fight. We had huge exploits but the electoral system disappointed us. All hope is not lost.

"We need to keep calm, maintain the peace and allow the LP at the national level handle all issues emanating from the presidential election.

"But the job is not done yet. I am calling on all the Obedient to come out en masse in Bayelsa State and vote for LP House of Assembly candidates on Saturday to prepare the ground for the November governorship election in the state.

"Bayelsa is one state that requires the Obedient movement. We need work hard to uproot the corrupt old order and install an accountable and transparent youth-oriented and development-driven government that we change the face of Bayelsa forever".

NYCN SUE FOR PEACE AND CONGRATULATES PRESIDENT-ELECT BOLA AHMED TINUBU

The Leadership of the National Youth Council of Nigeria has congratulated the good people of Nigeria for the successful conclusion of the 2023 presidential election. In a Statement issued by the Vice President North Central of the Apex Youth Body, Amb. Akoshile Mukhtar; the organization stated that as for us, the youth of Nigeria, it was a peaceful exercise in line with our months of campaigns and engagements calling for the youths not to be allowed to be used for violence as they deserves some accolades.
It must be pointed out that there is no election without winners and losers and some misgivings will always be generated from winning and losing. We however call on all and sundry, especially the political actors to refrain from making inflammatory statements to further heat up the polity and disrupt the peace we enjoy as a people, but rather follow the legally provided processes for seeking redress where their grievances are genuine and backed with evidence.
We Congratulate the president-elect Senator Bola Tinubu on his emergence and urge him to reach out and heal all wounds like the father he has always been. We call on all Nigerians and lovers of Nigeria to gear up for the task ahead, of building a new Nigeria as no individual or group can claim monopoly of having the capacity to develop Nigeria. This is a task for all.
We urge INEC to take genuine criticism on board to improve future elections, while congratulating them on the improvements seen in this election cycle. No doubt the people of Nigeria have spoken and the youth align with their stance in the interest of the continued corporate existence of Nigeria. We shall resist any person or group of persons who avail themselves for enemies of the state to push their agenda.
Amb Akoshile Mukhtar recalled that the NYCN in collaboration with the Abuja Residents Youth Association recently presented a peace declaration letter to the FCTA at a Peace walk promising that the Youths will not allow themselves to be used as electorate violence and still stand to defend that all the time.

NPF, OTHER SECURITY AGENCIES COMMENDED FOR COMMITMENT TO MORE SECURED ELECTORAL PROCESS IN NIGERIA

As Uhuru Kenyatta, Ernest Koroma, Members of AUC Observer Mission visits IGP

The Nigeria Police Force has been commended, alongside other security agencies deployed for election security management in the 2023 General Elections, for its commitment to ensuring that the electioneering process in the country is more secured. This commendation is coming on the heels of the African Union Commission (AUC) Election Observer Mission and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission visit to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc(+), NPM, NEAPS, fdc, CFR, at the Louis Edet House, Force Headquarters, Abuja on Tuesday 28th February 2023.

The AUC Election Observer Mission (EOM) and the ECOWAS Commission led by His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta, former President of Kenya, and the former President of Sierra Leone, His Excellency Ernest Bai Koroma, comprised Omar Alieu Touray, President of the Economic Community of West African States ECOWAS Commission; Ambassador Baba Kamara, Deputy Head of the EOM; Damtien L. Tchintchibidja, Vice President ECOWAS Commission; Dr. Abdel-Fatau Musah, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, ECOWAS Commission

The Mission noted that despite pockets of incidences recorded at some of the locations for the Presidential and National Assembly Elections, the election security management emplaced by the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies deployed effectively ensured a de-escalation of the immediate security challenges.

The Inspector-General of Police appreciated the Mission for its visit and commendation assuring that the NPF will always put its best foot forward to ensure that more effort is deployed for better and standardized election security management. He also urged stakeholders to follow through with the process even as they comply with the provisions of extant laws in all conduct during and after the 2023 general elections.

By: Dumebi Kachikwu

My Dear Nigerians,

When I embarked on this journey a year ago, I started with what I called My Opening Argument and promised to end my campaign with My Closing Argument. I believed then that my final argument would be a pitch on why you should vote for me but alas as we prepare to vote in the next 48hrs, I am forced to accept the sad reality that there is no pathway towards victory for Ahmed and I.

I will therefore make a different argument today and it is the case for a Nigeria that works for everyone. Before I do this, I would like to thank Ahmed for not only agreeing to run with me but for his dedication and total loyalty. I went looking for a VP and found a brother. I want to thank our wives, Ikeme and Maryam, who have been tolerant, supportive and patient.

They endured a lot of sleepless nights hearing us strategize on how to stop Ralph Nwosu and his gang from selling us out. Ahmed and I would like to thank our mummy, Senator Mrs. Patricia Akwashiki, the State Chairmen of our party, candidates and party members who stood by the constitution of our party and refused to sell out. Doing the right thing is never easy. They all did what was right even in the face of being expelled from the party or losing their tickets.

There are those who sold out and it speaks to their character. Whenever you see any candidate running on the platform of one party and promoting the candidate of another party, then you know someone who lacks character. They seek shortcuts. They want to get into office at any and all costs, but they have failed the first test of leadership, which is loyalty. We must never support or vote such candidates into office. Don’t let them deceive you. If they can betray their parties, they will betray the public trust.

I want to especially thank our team led by my Chief of Staff, Amina, for all their hard work and dedication. A special shout out to our supporters all over the country and across the world. Thank you for all your love and support through this turbulent journey. Last but never the least, we say thank you to our mothers. There is nothing like a mother’s love and prayers. Their prayers brought us this far.

Outside of the Nigerian Civil War, the last eight years under the APC Government has been the toughest period ever for Nigerians since Independence. As President Buhari prepares to handover, he is unleashing more pain and misery on Nigerians with the misguided recolouring of the Naira.

He and his advisers believe that this would limit the undue advantage that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has with a huge war chest to buy over voters. What they have inadvertently done is make it easier for the APC candidate as millions of voters will be unable to exercise their democratic franchise because of cash constraints. Most of those affected by this will be the Labour Party supporters.

The odds therefore favour the APC Government to continue in power. How you might ask? It is very simple. The APC structure that brought in Buhari eight years ago still brought him back four years ago even though most Nigerians were united in saying he wouldn’t come back.

Today the PDP, which is the main opposition party has been successfully divided into three; PDP, Labour Party and G5. APC supporters across the country remain intact and are fully committed to ensuring their candidate wins the Presidential elections.

The candidates of the two leading parties followed by the Labour Party candidate all have one thing in common and that is their previous stints in public service. The APC and PDP candidates have been accused of using that opportunity to create access, opportunities and wealth for family, friends and supporters while the Labour candidate is said to have only catered to his family.
This sad reality has therefore reduced their campaigns to my thief is better than your thief or which thief is a lesser thief. The three candidates deliberately avoided debates and instead promoted emotive issues on the campaign trail while taking advantage of poor Nigerians by paying them to attend their rallies.

Nigerians are therefore short-changed in not hearing any real arguments or proposals on how we can finally create a nation of committed component parts all subscribing to a new charter, vision and constitution. We had no critical conversation on how to create millions of new jobs, secure our nation, balance our budget and tackle the twin menace of recession and inflation wrecking our economy.
They failed to provide specifics on how to create world class infrastructure, urbanise our cities, stem the rural-urban migration and reverse the brain drain occasioned by the loss of our middle class who are leaving our country in their thousands.

They were silent on all critical issues and instead pandered to ethnic and religious sentiments. The Labour Candidate took campaigns to a new low with his church visitations. Have you ever imagined what would happen to our country if Atiku Abubakar and Bola Tinubu made similar visitations to mosques.

Our country is fragile, and we must never allow religion play a role in politics. We can’t complain about President Buhari and seek to continue on the path of religion and ethnicity with the ‘it is my turn campaigns’.

Whereas I subscribe to the argument that the Ibos have not had a fair shake in the Nigerian nation, most of the blame for this must go to our leaders who mostly subscribe to self and family as against building their states or region. They failed to capitalise on the entrepreneurial spirit of the Ibo man to create an industrial powerhouse in the South East that would provide millions of jobs and shared prosperity for our people.

Today the economy of the Southeast is in ruins, our people live in fear and our leaders have relocated to Abuja and Lagos.

When leaders are afraid to defy evil what do we expect to happen to our communities? We all saw what happened in Northeast Nigeria because their leaders failed to stand up to Boko Haram and we now see the same thing in Southeastern Nigeria.

This attitude of it is their problem has almost destroyed us. We all have to come together to save Nigeria. Nigerians can’t continue to look for a mythic hero or saviour when they are unprepared for individual change.

Today our youths are poor, angry, bitter, frustrated and therefore subject to all forms of manipulation and abuse by desperate politicians. We can’t continue to do this to our people. We fail to plan for them but plan to use them.
We threaten their future with inexplicable debts. We polarise and divide them with tongue, tribe and religion.

I commend Peter Obi, the Labour Candidate for embracing the youths. This relationship should go beyond the elections into real mentoring for millions of our youths who have lost their way. They mustn’t be discarded when elections are won and lost. They must also not be used as a mob to terrorise opponents.

My dear Nigerians, I sympathise with you and feel your pain. Words can’t express my hurt at what your life has become in the last few weeks. Most of you are confused as some leaders say you must endure this suffering because it helps their chances.

It is a tragedy, but we must not give up hope. Even though we are faced with more of the same as our realistic options at this point, we must hold them accountable. We must subscribe to higher ideals. We must learn patriotism and love of nation.

We must never again allow proponents of tribe and religion sway us or polarise us. We must reject their wars and embrace peace.

As we now consider the three flawed candidates before us, we must also remember that we are also flawed. We must look beyond their flaws to their capabilities. We must consider their relationships and associations. We must look at those they are likely to work with and those with them now.

Beyond this we must accept the reality that except Northern Nigeria miraculously comes together in the next 24hrs to throw their support for the PDP candidate, the race looks likely to favour the APC candidate.

Except the PDP and Labour can reach an agreement in the next 24hrs on how to collaborate to win the elections, any vote for Peter Obi is a vote for Bola Tinubu. PDP and Labour need each other. It is that simple. As true democrats, the leadership of both PDP and Labour must find a way to work with the other smaller parties towards building a formidable coalition that ensures the contest is even.

Any attempt to go this alone guarantees another four years for the APC. I commend and congratulate my friends and fellow Presidential Candidates, Prince Adewole of the SDP, Sowore of the AAC and Prince Malik Ado-Ibrahim of the YPP for their spirited efforts in ensuring Nigerians are liberated.

My Dear Nigerians, as you vote, please vote Nigeria before religion and tribe. Vote Nigeria above pecuniary gain. Vote Nigeria above all other considerations because Nigeria remains the only nation we have.

Whichever way the pendulum swings, I assure Nigerians that Ahmed and I remain committed to nation building. We will devote our time and resources towards deepening our democratic culture and practices. Our voices will not relent nor weaken in speaking and advocating for the Nigerian masses. We love you all.

Till we meet again, I wish you all well. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. God bless you all.

Dumebi Kachikwu
African Democratic Congress Presidential Candidate
February 23, 2023

By: Prince Christoper Omoaghe


“I am calling on all Nigerian youth especially those in my home state, Edo to vote for Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT) for President come Saturday, February 25, 2023.”


Our great nation needs a leader like Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a man of wisdom who brings with him the energy and passion, to light the spark of progress, He is the torchbearer of change and hope, leading Nigeria to a brighter future.
Tinubu is like a strong lighthouse in a stormy sea, leading us away from the treacherous waters to safety.



He is the bridge between the future and the past, opening up the path for the Nigerian youth to last.


Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the key to unlocking the potential of our nation, bringing forth a new dawn of transformation owing to his very distinct / unprecedented quality as a “team Player”,with an overwhelming passion for top notch talents.

He was the governor of Lagos state for 8 years and has since then been a key influencer in Nigeria's politics. He is seen as a unifying force and a strong advocate for the advancement of democracy and good governance.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a strong proponent of economic reforms and has proposed a number of economic policies that would help to spur economic development and create jobs. His proposed policies could help to reduce the high levels of unemployment and poverty in Nigeria.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu has a vision for a better Nigeria and has the experience and knowledge to bring about real change in the country. He has a proven track record of delivering positive results and has a strong network of supporters and allies both in Nigeria and abroad.

Bola Tinubu is a leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and has been a key player in the party's success since its formation in 2013. He has been a vocal advocate for the APC's policies and has helped to build the party's support base.

Bola Tinubu is seen as an honest and trustworthy politician who is committed to his principles and values. He is a man of integrity and has a reputation for being an effective and strong leader.

Prince Christoper Omoaghe is a member of the Creative Arts Directorate of the All Progressive Congress Presidential Campaign Council (APCPCC) and Special Adviser to the Minister of State for Labor & Employment.

Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has been projected to win the coming Presidential election in Nigeria. This is according to the report of a four weeks opinion poll, conducted by a group of DATA Analysts and Public Relations experts, coordinated by, FREDDAN Continental. has made the result of an opinion poll it conducted on the 2023 Presidential Election public.

The poll which lasted four (4) weeks from January 7 to February 11 2023, pointed to the candidate of the APC , Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, as a potential winner. Tinubu , according to the poll, rated higher than other candidates from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and New Nigeria Peoples' Party (NNPP),

The group, in conducting the poll, deployed a group of seasoned Data Anaylsts, who utilized online and phone surveys to collect data about voters preferences. The Online survey was conducted via a secure web platform that prevented multiple voting while phone survey was conducted by trained staff who are proficient in the three major Nigerian languages - Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa - and could therefore engage fully with respondents in their preferred languages.

The FREDDAN Election Net Favourability administered over 370,000 Questionnaires over the four (4) weeks duration and received a total of 287,033 responses across the 36 States of the Federation and the FCT.

A National summary of the poll showed that the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is favourite to win the 2023 Presidential election, having been preferred by 106,764 respondents to the opinion poll, representing 37.2% of total population of respondents. The Regional voting preference survey also showed that the candidate of the APC enjoys majority support in 19 States out of 36.

The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, came second in the poll with 92,127 respondents preferring him over the other candidates. This forms 32.1% of the total responses received. The regional voting preference showed that he enjoys majority support in 8 out of 36 States of the Federation.

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, came a surprising third as just 88,109 respondents preferred him, forming 30.7% of total respondents. The regional voting preference showed that he enjoys majority support in 10 of the 36 States of the Federation.

Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) came a distant fourth, polling 693, translating to just 0.23% of total respondents.

According to the outcome of the poll, Tinubu of the APC is expected to win majority votes in the North-West, North-Central and South-West regions. The Candidate of the PDP, Abubakar, is expected to win majority votes in the FCT and the South-South region. Obi of the Labour Party is expected to win majority votes in the South-East region, while the North-East region is expected to be divided between the candidates of the APC and the PDP.

This poll predicts victory for the candidate of the APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in the February 25 Presidential election and the Regional voting preference suggests that a clear winner may emerge on the first ballot as against some other predictions that there may be a rerun.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Monday, dissociated itself from the purported endorsement of other political parties and their candidates for 2023 by a faction of the party.

The ADC in a statement in Abuja, described the alleged endorsements as fraudulent, void and of no effect, since they were being carried by a faction of the party not known to law for pecuniary gains.

It blamed a faction of the Party, led by its immediate past National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu for the anti-party activity.

According to the party, Nwosu’s faction has allegedly divided itself into three groups which are now illegally engaged in endorsing parties like the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) for 2023 general elections all in a bid to make quick money.

The party warned those involved in the act to desist or face the full wrath of the law.

It insisted that its Presidential Candidate for 2023, Dumebi Kachikwu, had “long warned about criminals in ADC who sell the party to the bigger parties.

“They have divided themselves into three groups and collected money from APC, PDP and Labour. One party, three endorsements within the space of four days. Shameful.”

The party under the interim leadership of Senator Patricia Akwashiki, said that those who did the endorsements were “impostors”and “impersonators” who were no longer members of the party and therefore has nothing to do with the authentic ADC recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The ADC added: “We are appalled that renegades who are no longer known to the ADC can constitute themselves into a criminal gang to perpetuate illegalities all in the name of making quick money.

“This condemnable action will not stop our party or its presidential candidate from running the race to the very end.

“We are determined to ensure that the bright chances of all ADC candidates in the forthcoming general elections are not sold or
mortgaged as was the practice in the past.

“The arm of the law will soon catch up with all those responsible for these criminal and shameful activities.”

Signed
Senator Mrs. Patricia Akwashiki
Board of Trustees Chairman

The attention of the National Assembly management,has been drawn to an unverified video trending on social media tweeted from the twitter handle account of one @Chukwuebuka, alleging the siege of the National Assembly complex by officer's of the Department of State Security (DSS).

2. The reposted unverified video clips was a reported incident that took place in 2018 at the main entrance gate leading into the National Assembly complex, which is presently under reconstruction near it's completion for Commissioning.

3. It is therefore intriguing to understand what motive this mischief marker set out to achieve with the repost, gauging the political mood of the country and the fourth coming general elections.

4. Accordingly, the members of the National Assembly, Staff and the general public are to discoutenance the said unverified malicious, mischievous and misleading reposted video as fake news in it's entirety. as the National Assembly members currently on recess and staff are not under any siege by the DSS.

5. The new Clerk of the National Assembly, Alh. Sani magaji Tambuwal and his Management team are fully incharge, focused and determined to achieve their set goals inline with their core mandates to motivate the workforce to provide the expected support services to the National Assembly leadership/ members, federal Government and the general public.

6. The management equally wish to extend it's exteemed appreciation's and gratitudes to the National Assembly leadership /Members, Top Government officials, Security Agencies and the general public, who through phone calls shown concerns and solidarity. It is expected that, the relevant security agencies should further Investigate the user of twitter handle account to forstall future abuse and spreading of misinformation into the media space capable of creating panic, mischief and anxiety leading to break down of law and order as this repost, may have be intended.

7. Above press release, is to clear the doubt,s, concerns and anxiety in the public domain that, "National Assembly, the symbol of our hard earned Democracy, is not under siege by the DSS or any security Agencies of Government".


SIGNED.

*Agada Rawlings Emmanuel.
Director, Information
National Assembly.
15.02.23

NG-CARES, a World Bank-assisted poverty alleviation program, led by Professor Okunmadewa, paid a courtesy call to the honorable minister of the state budget and national planning, prince Clem Ikanade Agba on Friday



The team came to appreciate the minister for his support as Chairman of the NG-CARES National  Steering Committee, and that of the Ministry and to also brief him on the submission of the Report from the Independent Verification Agents (IVAs).


The report which will enable the 36 States and FCT Governments to get refunds of their expenditures on the poor and vulnerable and in stimulating the economy due to the COVID-19 impact, put about ₦79 billion in the first tranche of such payments and refunds from the $750 million support from the World Bank based on Performance for Result (PforR).

New Naira: Obey Supreme Court injunction or risk going to jail - Group warns Emefiele

...lauds 3 Nothern Govs for instituting suit



The National Democratic Front, NDF, has expressed satisfaction with the Supreme Court’s interim injunction restraining the Federal Government from suspending the acceptance of the old Naira notes on Friday, February 10, 2023 deadline as earlier announced by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN.

A seven-man panel of the apex court led by Justice John Okoro, in a unanimous ruling on Wenesday, granted an interim injunction restraining the FG, CBN, commercial banks etc from implementing the February 10, deadline for the old 200, 500 and 1000 Naira notes to stop being a legal tender.

The ruling followed a motion ex-parte filed on February 3rd, by three northern states — Kaduna, Kogi, and Zamfara — through their counsel, AbdulHakeem Mustapha (SAN), praying the Supreme Court to halt the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) naira redesign policy.

Reacting in a statement by its President, Dr. Abdulkadir Suleiman in Abuja on Wednesday, National Democratic Front commended the Supreme Court for the ruling and hailed Governors Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), and Bello Matawalle (Zamfara) for instituting the suit.

"NDF commends the governors of Kaduna, Kogi, and Zamfara states who approached to the Supreme Court for its intervention without which Nigerians would have been punished for being alive. We align with their assertion that the implementation of the redesigned currency notes is negatively affecting the populace.

"We further commend the Supreme Court for saving the nation from the impending calamity that would have ruined the country had the court not granted this last-minute reprieve. Prior to the granting of the injunction many Nigerians have been sent back to the Stone Age as people were forced into engaging in trade by barter with all its uncertainties and inconveniences in addition to people being forced to trek long distances owing to the impractical options that the shabbily introduced new naira notes left them with," the statement read.

The group warned the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, and "his lackeys" in the commercial banks not to contemplate exploiting technicalities to sidestep or disobey the order of the Supreme Court or risk being jailed for six months.

It urges Emefiele to note that "the paymasters that are pushing him to destroy the country with his half-baked and poorly thought-out policies are not higher than the apex court of the land and he will only end badly if he chooses to obey his handlers instead of the Supreme Court."

NDF maintained that Emefiele owes Nigerians explanations as to how his fanatical implementation of the shambolic currency swap is not a deliberate action to punish the citizens over his rejected bid at running for the presidency of the country.

"Emefiele’s aspiration to become president without first resigning his position is for which he should be properly investigated and punished if found culpable of abuse of office, which makes it bizarre that he is now punishing citizens for his misadventure.

"We are also concerned that the CBN Governor has largely failed to address the assertion that the Chief Executive Officers of the commercial banks were willfully sabotaging the distribution of the new notes, an assertion made by no less a person than President Muhammadu Buhari. It is shocking that there have been no consequences in the aftermath of that discovery while citizens continue to take the punishment for Emefiele’s lapses. While it is well known that the CBN Governor has outsourced his statutory responsibilities to his friends in the commercial bank under the guise of the Bankers Committee, the reasonable thing to do at this point is for Emefiele to salvage what he can of the situation and his battered image," it added.

The group tasked Emefiele to personally conduct online research and see the timeframe that responsible countries adopt for changing their currencies.

NDF noted that the only nations that have swapped currencies at the speed the CBN governor is attempting are nations that were tittering on the verge of actual collapse and Nigeria does not meet that designation.

It urged Emefiele to use use the Supreme Court injunction as a face-saving opportunity and adopt a more realistic transition to the new notes.

The Coalition for Change and Integrity (CCI) has called for the arrest and imprisonment of Abdulrasheed Bawa, the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for disobeying court orders.

The group said the EFCC boss trampled on the rights of citizens and disrespected the courts that made orders to correct the injurious behaviour of the anti-graft agency.

Recall that the Kogi State High Court presided by Justice R.O Ayoola had directed the Inspector-General of Police to effect Bawa’s arrest and remand him in Kuje prison for the next 14 days until he purges himself of the contempt.

The EFCC chairman disobeyed a court ruling delivered on November 30, 2022, wherein Bawa was directed to produce the applicant in the case, Ali Bello.

Ali Bello had dragged Bawa to court for arresting and detaining him illegally, following an application by his counsel, S. A. Abass.

"In these instances, Bawa trampled on the rights of citizens and disrespected the courts that made orders to correct the injurious behaviour of the anti-graft agency," the Coalition said.

"There are so many other instances of contempt of court against Mr. Bawa, some of which the judges ignored on account of the notoriety that he has built for himself as someone who cannot be bothered to respect the Nigerian judiciary.

"It is therefore an established pattern for Mr. Bawa to flout court orders, which can only come from a mindset of having concluded that there would be no consequences for flouting the orders of the courts. This has manifested in the EFCC, under Bawa, arrogating to itself the powers of the executive, legislature, and judiciary, which is a danger to our democracy.

"We noted that in November 2022, the Inspector General of Police delayed carrying out the sentence of the court to allow room for it to be overturned. Our guess is that the IG did this in the notion of ‘esprit de corps’ in which he accorded Mr. Bawa a comradeship that he does not deserve. Treating Mr. Bawa’s behaviour as something that should be swept under the carpet on account of the brotherhood of law enforcement agencies would only damage the reputation that the IGP has been rebuilding for the Nigeria Police Force.

"Another chance has been presented to IGP Usman Alkali Baba to prove that he is a thoroughbred officer of the law, one that does not have the tradition of disobeying court orders. Failure to carry out the order of the court to arrest and take Mr. Bawa to Kuje custodial centre will in itself amount to contempt of court, which would haunt IGP Baba in his career and after he exits service.

"We expect that the IGP will in the coming hours fully carry out the court order so that Mr. Bawa will serve his 14 days sentence in Kuje as ordered. We call on the Inspector General of Police to immediately take the EFCC Chairman to prison as no lawful order of court should be disobeyed by constituted authority like the Police.

"This has become necessary in the face of consistent disobedience to court orders by the current EFCC chairman with the latest being this recent case where the court in Kogi state has ordered that he should be put in prison.

"It is our firm belief that the Nigeria we want will not be achieved through a violent revolution but by people like the IGP doing what the law prescribes for the benefit of society. Mr. Bawa should not be treated as being too highly placed to serve the sentence that has been imposed on him by a competent court of law. The people he successfully prosecutes served the sentences the courts handed to them so Mr. Bawa must stop placing himself above the law.

"Our expectation is that things would not come to a point where the courts would commit the IGP himself to prison for not carrying out lawful orders that he is being paid with taxpayers’ money to perform. If things ever come to the point where Mr. Baba is held in contempt for not arresting the EFCC chairman, he can rest assured that we shall mobilize to occupy the Police Force Headquarters from where citizens shall escort him to prison. He should act now."

The Coalition, therefore, urged President Buhari to prevail on Mr. Bawa, as his appointee, to turn himself over to the police so that he can be properly taken to Kuje custodial centre.

"When Mr. President does this he would have left behind a legacy that will ensure that Nigerians are fairly treated irrespective of their station in life," the statement added.

"Our final charge is to the EFCC chairman, he must hand himself over to the judiciary before things get to the point where the courts will recuse themselves from any case involving the EFCC, which will effectively sound the death knell for that agency since an inability to prosecute suspect would amount to a natural end to EFCC’s existence. We also do not want to be pushed to the point where citizens’ action is convened to protect the courts from the impunity that Mr. Bawa has come to represent."