₦airaland Forum

The Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dumebi Kachikwu, on Monday, faulted the Naira redesign policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) approved by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Kachikwu who made this assertion in Abuja while answering questions from reporters, said the policy will further worsen the economy through closure of small scale industries and render millions of workers jobless.

He lamented that the redesign of the Naira coupled with insecurity and skyrocketing inflation has continued to throw millions of Nigerians into the poverty bracket.

Kachikwu said: “It has been an eventful past one week. The security advisory by some of the western nations and the departure of embassy officials and their families has led to panic amongst Nigerians.

“Even though President Buhari has sought to assure Nigerians that all is well, one begins to wonder what is really going on.
 
“The President failed to respond to rumours that some convicted terrorists were released to secure the freedom of the remaining Kaduna train captives.

“Some now accuse his government of undermining the efforts of our men and women in the field by the indiscriminate release of those who have sworn to destroy our way of life. Only the President can confirm if this is true or not.
 
“Nigerians now live in fear of the unknown as they wonder if they could be in the right place at the wrong time.

“Our highways have gotten worse as bandits now take on and kill convoys with several policemen.

“If those with a retinue of police aides are being attacked and, in some cases killed, then who is safe in Buhari’s Nigeria?
 
“As if this is not bad enough, the President continues to destroy the Nigerian economy with wrong and ill-timed policies that mostly benefits a few.

“Millions are daily thrown into the poverty bracket. Our middleclass has been wiped out as the dollar today exchanges for N800 and above.

“Diesel which powers most businesses and industries retails for around N900. A bag of local rice sells for N50,000 in some parts of Nigeria.

“A bag of Dangote cement retails for N4100. Mind you cement is the building block for the construction industry and that same construction industry is a key driver of any economy.
 
“One begins to wonder if this government is deliberately trying to set a record of creating the greatest number of poor people in the shortest period possible.

“How do you explain timing of the redesign of the naira? The sensible thing to do is weigh the pros and cons before taking such a decision which has further weakened the naira.

“How many Nigerians actually store money in their homes as is being speculated? Do we further destroy the naira because of a few Nigerians?

“Why can’t our security agencies up their game, identify those who have been speculated to store billions in their homes and then use legal means to recover the money.

“By the way who says all money stored at home is ill-gotten wealth? There are those who simply don’t trust banks or don’t want to incur the extortionist bank charges imposed by some banks.
 
“Our economy is in tatters while the managers of our economy fight over who informed who or who got Presidential approval.

“As the naira continues to plunge, more businesses will collapse this week. Thousands will be thrown into the employment market daily.

“This is our reality. We can’t continue to keep quiet while our President continues to pauperise us.”

The ADC Presidential candidate called on President Buhari to convene an emergency economic summit to find solutions to the present economic challenges.

He added: “We all need to get involved in this conversation. It is meaningless to keep on talking about the 2023 general elections when our present realities suggest that we might not have a nation by that time.

“We can’t continue acting like we don’t know tens of millions of Nigerians are unemployed and impoverished.
 
“Their plight gets worse as our economy gets worse. When is breaking point? The President can’t keep on saying he is fighting inflation yet in an import dependent economy small businesses are paying up to N5 million to clear a 20ft container and up to N9million for a 40ft container.

“Who is advising our President? Inflation begins from your ports. This government is killing small businesses.

“If the President is serious about strengthening the naira, he should find out how many new export oriented businesses Nigerian banks funded in the last one year.

“He should find out how many new businesses Nigerian banks funded in the last 10 months. We can’t keep on deceiving ourselves.”

... advocates increased funding for NCPC

The Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET) says the trip by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, some state governors and deputies as well as traditional rulers to Rome for prayers is timely and necessary.

The Centre, which made this known today during a press conference in Abuja, also said the move could ultimately make the difference in the fight against insecurity as well as the forthcoming general elections.

Speaking to the media and other guests, CESJET's Executive Secretary, Ikpa Isaac, said by this singular act, the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC) has demonstrated special concern for the country.

Ikpa said the Centre is particularly pleased with the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Rev Yakubu Pam for this bold initiative to pray for the nation.

"The Center for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET) is however worried that some people, out of mischief, are creating confusion around this issue that Nigerians should be cheering. We have since reviewed the outcry and discovered that it is the doing of the opposition that is bent on politicising every single aspect of national life even when there is no basis for it", he added.

"As a background, we want Nigerians to note that the country critically needs prayers in view of the reality of our existence. In terms of the security challenges Nigeria faces, all the interventions known to mankind have been applied to address the problem but these have not completely solved the issue. This should tell us that the God factor must be brought in for us to get permanent solutions that will restore peace to the land.

"As for the forthcoming 2023 General Elections, we are all aware that the enemies of Nigeria, within and without, are beating drums of war in anticipation that the polls will become the trigger for a meltdown and eventual disintegration of Nigeria. This is enough reason to approach God in prayers to turn the tide in favour of the country. It is important to pray for the General Elections to become a turning point that would usher the country into greatness.

"Anyone that concludes that prayers in the Holy Land are not needed to seek God’s intervention for these pressing national matters is definitely against the interest of Nigeria and should be feared as an enemy. Only people that want these serious issues from getting the God touch would condemn the steps taken by the Executive Secretary of NCPC in galvanizing leaders to embark on special prayers for the country".

According to the Centre, the efforts of the NCPC may "have helped the country to overcome bloodshed by evil men, external conspiracies targeted at destabilizing the country and other vices".

Ikpa added " NCPC has equally enthroned the highest level of transparency in the face of dwindling revenue across the country, managing its meagre allocation to carry out the much it has achieved. In this wise, we call on the Presidency to accelerate funding for the agency so that it can onboard more well-meaning faithful on its prayer train".

CESJET, therefore, charged Pam to "lead the NCPC to do more in the area of peace-building and national cohesion while remaining undeterred by those that have decided to deliberately mix up the issue so that they can create crises that provide blood for them to suck."

The Centre, however, urged the Federal Government to revisit the allocation for the commission, noting that it needs improved funding to achieve more.

Following the recent rampaging flooding across the country, the Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-economic Rights (CALSER) says the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has lived up to expectations.

The Centre, which made this known at a world press conference in Abuja today, said its Human Rights and Disaster Management team carried out an extensive analysis of responses and interventions to the natural disaster in the country.

In its assessment report, the Executive Director of the disaster management team, Dr. Mrs Cecilia Ikechukwu, said NEMA has risen to the occasion with critical relief for Nigerians in distress.

The Centre said the interventionist agency donated over 400 trailer loads of relief materials to the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory to cushion the effect of the flooding.

“The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) swung into action to alleviate the suffering of victims of the flood. They distributed relief materials worth millions of naira to support persons affected across the different states. The items included the president’s special intervention involving the release of assorted grains from silos,” she said.

“NEMA distributed relief materials, an equivalent of 400 trailer loads of grains to all states of the Federation and the FCT. This is a statement of fact and has been verified by our independent assessors.

“In Ondo state for example 2,100 bags of 50kg maize; 1,774 bags of 50kg sorghum; 3,948 bags of 25kg garri; 1,000 bags of 10kg rice; 1,000 bags of 10kg beans; 1,000 bags of 10kg maize; 75 bags of 20kg salt; 75 kegs of vegetable oil (20ltrs); 150 cartons of seasoning cubes and 75 cartons of tin tomato.

“The non-food items comprised 7,350 pieces of nylon mats; 1,000 pieces of treated mosquito nets; 600 cartons of bath soap; 2,500 pieces of guinea brocade (5 yards); 1,000 pieces of children’s clothing; 1,000 pieces of women’s wear and 1,000 pieces of men’s wear.

“This gesture was also extended to other states affected, especially in Kogi, Anambra, Benue, Delta Bayelsa, and the Rivers States. Internally Displaced Camps were put in place to settle victims who have become homeless. Items were also delivered to the various state governments to assist the most vulnerable groups. The grains were distributed directly to the deserving persons in collaboration with the state government, senators from the various states and the ministers representing the affected states. The aim is to ensure that the relief materials reach affected individuals.

“NEMA played a central role in having the government release grains from its silos. Its assessment reports were forwarded to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, after which President Muhammadu Buhari approved the release of 12,000 metric tons of assorted grains from the National Strategic Reserve Stock for distribution to all states affected and the FCT.”

CALSER also acknowledged the assistance of International groups such as the US Agency for International Development (USAID) which provided $1 million in immediate humanitarian assistance to support the people affected by the unprecedented flooding.

The Centre, therefore, appealed to the State Emergency Management Agencies to “imbibe the spirit of transparency and accountability in the discharge of their duties towards ensuring that citizens affected by this are properly taken care of.”

To avert a future reoccurrence, CALSER, however, advised both the state and federal governments to:

“Build canals and dams to help in controlling the water levels. Especially in Adamawa and Benue, to contain the water released from Ladgo Dam in Cameroon.

“Dredging of the major rivers to allow for easy passage of water. Improved drainage of waterways to avoid obstructions.”

Development economist/Country Director of Policy House International and former chief of staff Edo state, Taiwo Akerele has listed the gains of Nigeria and the Nigerian government at the recently concluded UNGA and the IMF/World bank annual meetings 2022.

Mr Akerele who participated in his capacity as a development and basic education reforms advocate hinted that Nigeria’s participation in the 2022 outings was not in vain. Mr President Mohammadu Buhari’s speech at the General Assembly was well received. Mr President, for instance, touched on his achievements, especially in the area of combating Boko Haram in the northeast, his efforts at reviving the economy his commitment to ensuring a smooth transition. It was an emotional outing as this was the last attendance in his capacity as President.


Civil Society Organizations were particularly delighted that Mr President touched on the new electoral law that reduces the incidences of rigging and ballot snatching, his speech also touched on electronic transmission of results and the transparent elections in Anambra, Ekiti, and Ondo states state as examples of how the country has transformed in election management.


At the launching of the Integrated Financing Framework (IFF) for the SDGs at the UN Plaza, it was gratifying to both the development partners, the private sector, and Civil Society Organizations that Nigeria has gone a mile ahead of other countries in the search for alternative financing for the SDGs. You will agree with me that any country that is desirous of meetings its SDGs and objectives must look beyond the normal annual appropriation for such. Nigeria was well applauded for taking a bold step in this direction. This event was well attended as Mr President was supported by the Hon Minster of State for Budget and Planning Prince Clem Agba, the SSA on the SDGs, and the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa, while my humble self-stood as an observer from the development sector.

At the annual meetings of the World Bank and the IMF held in Washington DC, the Nigerian delegation was sighted in several meetings arguing in support of more Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), IMF quota reforms, climate change support initiatives, support for education financing and extension of education-related projects such as the highly impactful Better Education Service Delivery Project (BESDA), etc. it is gratifying to note that the presence of top officials from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) led by the hard-working former IMF alternate director for Nigeria and Deputy Governor of the CBN, Dr Kingsley Obiora, CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele, Finance Minister  Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed and  Presidential Adviser Prof Doyin Salami was very enriching.

At the Civil Society Policy Forum (CSPF) of the World Bank where I participated as a panellist on SDRs reviews and education reforms, it was noted by the IMF and the world bank that Nigeria is one of the few countries in the world that is presently implementing the Gender-based budgeting system that prioritizes social inclusion, girl child education, and gender equality, this model was recommended by top world bank officials for other developing countries. We intend to follow up with the Federal government on ways to sustain and domestic this initiative at both the state and local government levels.

It is however interesting to note that development partners expressed concern about the worsening out-of-school children crisis in Nigeria, the continued closure of schools in some northern states, and the abduction of children. The Nigerian delegation was very confident that the recent actions of the military have helped secure the release of most kidnapped victims. Nigerian Civil Society Organizations that participated in the two significant events pledged to continue to serve as third-party monitors to the multiple pro-citizens and pro-poor policies of the Nigerian government towards ensuring result-based implementation strategies.

Despite Nigeria’s huge and productive presence and the seemingly positive result, it must be stated that the Nigeran government has a lot of work to do especially around inflation control, climate change/flood management, sustainable basic education funding, and wrapping up its security architecture.

By Okanga Agila

These are interesting times. The Kogi State government had questioned the legality of the 100% takeover of Obajana Cement Company by Dangote Industries Limited. After carefully analyzing the issues at hand, I think that the Kogi State government has a strong case in faulting the alleged takeover of the cement factory by Dangote Industries Limited.

Let us start with the origin of what is today known as Dangote Cement Plc. The Cement factory idea was started in 1992 by the Kogi State Government under the late Prince Abubakar Audu.

Ten years later, in 2002, the Kogi State government and Dangote Industries entered a partnership to actualize the Obajana Cement Factory in its desire to attract investors to the state.

Dangote Industries Limited agreed to be a part of the project in equity in the company and provide funding for the construction of the cement factory.

Here are the issues at play; three certificates of occupancy for Obajana Cement Company Plc, which the Kogi State Government solely owned at the time, were used to obtain a loan of N63bn by Dangote Industries Limited.

There is also no evidence of consideration paid by Dangote Industries Limited to the Kogi State Government from the alleged transfer of Obajana Cement Company.

How does this sound? Not right in all ramifications. Here is another one: the Kogi State government shall endeavour to grant the company tax waivers for seven years. Also, both parties shall be responsible for project funding in equal proportion of equity ( Dangote 90% and Kogi State 10%).

This is my take on the issues of why I think Dangote Industries must have played a clever one. It obtained a loan of 63 billion using the three certificates of occupancy owned by the Kogi State government to get funding for the project. Please note that at the time that was done, ownership still resided with the government of Kogi State.

And that begets the question of what was Dangote Industries Limited's equity in the project aside from obtaining a facility for the project with collateral that belongs to the Kogi State government and not Dangote Industries Limited. Let us pause and reflect on what would have happened if the loan had failed. Who would have been liable? Dangote Industry Limited or Kogi State government? So by my reckoning, the Kogi State government bore the bulk of the risk and was entitled to a substantial part of the profit. But this hasn't been the case, as there is no evidence of any payment consideration to the Kogi State government since the inception of the cement factory.

That aside, the acquisition of the Obajana Cement Company by Dangote Industries Limited was without the resolution of the House of Assembly, which effectively rendered the process null and void. The sale of government property must be backed by law. This is sacrosanct.

The Kogi State government is not mandated by law to grant waivers. Therefore the tax holiday granted by the then Kogi state government was defective as only the Federal Government can grant such waivers.
There are many infractions in acquiring Obajana Cement Company from Dangote Industries Limited.

The technical committee set up by the state government highlighted this much in evaluating the legality of Dangote Cement's acquisition.

The technical committee reported, "There is no evidence of consideration paid by Dangote Industries Limited to the Kogi state government from the alleged transfer of Obajana Cement Company Plc, and no dividend was paid to the state from the profits realized from the inception of Dangote Cement Company Plc to date."

The committee also said the right over the mineral sites belongs to the state government and that there is "no evidence" the state relinquished it to the company.

"Certificate of Occupancy No. KG. 12357, issued in consequence of the improper merger; which issuance date reads 25th November 2016 but was doctored to read 25th November 2015. The statutory right of occupancy issued pursuant to the improper merger dated 8th February 2016 but doctored to read 8th February 2015."

I think the story is getting more apparent on the grave exploitation suffered by the Kogi State government and why the recent position of the Kogi state government in this regard is appropriate.

Let us assume that Dangote Industries acquired Obajana Cement Company legally; the rights over the mineral sites still rest with the Kogi state government. This is a valid position, hence the liability of Dangote Cement Plc to the Kogi State government.

There are indeed infractions in the alleged acquisition of Obajana Cement Company. This is the position of the Kogi State government, and Dangote Cement Plc must stop playing the tortoise game. It had exploited the Kogi state government for several years. In a way, the action of Dangote Cement Plc can be termed criminal.

I stand with Governor Yahaya Bello on this. I think these are the sort of leaders we need in the country. Leaders with the courage to confront those principalities that have exploited the country extensively with any form of remorse. Dangote Cement Plc should dialogue with the Kogi State government towards an amicable resolution of the conflict. Resorting to grandstanding and spreading half-truths won't solve the problem.

I believe at the end of the day; both parties would reach an amicable resolution with lessons learnt by other states in the country.

This is not the time to be clever by half. This is the time to admit, make necessary restitution, and restructure the operational ownership of the Obajana/Dangote Cement Plc. My two cents.

By Silas Momoh

At all levels of the Nigerian federation, the Constitution thrust the management of security of lives and property on the president, governors and local council leaders.

Specifically, Article II of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria vested the executive power of the state in the governor and charges them with the execution of state law. In view of the foregoing, the primary responsibility of any governmemt is first the security of lives and property.

The current administration in Kogi State, under the leadership of Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, inherited a state that is divided into religious, tribal, and class lines, which culminated in a lot of security concerns. He inherited a state where division, oppression, deprivation and injustice were the order of the day.

In terms of geography, Kogi is not only the hinge that holds the southern and northern parts of Nigeria together, Lokoja, the state capital, occupies an enviable place in the historical trajectory of Nigeria, having served as the first administrative capital of Nigeria.

Still standing on Mount Party, 1500 feet above the sea level, is the First Governor General Lord Lugard's Guest House, where the British Journalist with Times of London, Flora Shaw, suggested in a newspaper article, that the place around the River Niger be named Nigeria.

Also, not only is the state a melting pot of the Nigeria nation, it is bordered by nine states of Nigeria. The states of Edo, Nasarawa, Niger, Ondo, Ekiti, Benue , Kwara, Enugu and the Federal Capital Territory borders Kogi. This scenario and it's delicate ethnic balance make Kogi vulnerable to all manner of crimes and criminality.

True to expectations, Kogi became the epicenter of security concerns. In fact, pre 2015, all the three senatorial districts became a hot bed for kidnapping, political thuggery, armed robbery, youth cultism, herders-farmers clash, ethnic clashes, Boko Haram terrorism etc. Criminals had field day because of its accessibility through multiple points.

At the time, Kogi was daily in the news for every wrong reason. The government at the time was overwhelmed and helpless as security agencies could practically do nothing to remedy it. Kogi was a lucid example of a near-failed territory. Not to mince words, Okene, one of the major towns in the state used to be the operational base of ISWAP and other criminal elements.

Then comes Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, a youngman considered by the political establishment as an underdog, lacking experience, guts and clout. Frankly speaking, many political leaders underrated him. Some even derided him to his face. As at the time he was sworn-in be on 27 January, 2016, some pundits and political bookmakers gave him six months to wear out.

Bello first took his battles to two purveyors of conflicts: the traditional Institutions and politicians. He sounded a clear note of warning to the traditional rulers, mandating them to do everything to secure their domain, while vowing not to spare them, if they are found culpable of fomenting troubles.

He also read a riot act to politicians in the State, that irrespective of their political persuasions, the heavy and long arms of the law will not spare anyone, found to be involved in act that could cause crisis in the State. This strategy worked like magic. Since then, many local council leaders, traditional rulers have paid prices for security breaches in their domains.

Less than three months after he took office, the tides began to turn.Those who had earlier underated him began to feel the heat. Those who think that they owned the State and that without them, nothing can work became jittery. Even criminal gangs, who were celebrating because a supposed inexperienced governor had emerged began to adjust.

Two things worked effectively for Governor Bello: the purity of his motives was not in doubt and courage to dare the powers behind the criminal enterprise in the State. He drew the red line for those who cared to take him serious. He began tightening the noose around kidnappers. His team went all out for their establishments. Their hideouts were invaded. Any house, suspected to belong to a kidnapper or kidnapping gang, were pulled down under his supervision.

One of the problems with fighting criminals in Kogi State before Bello, was the lack of courage to met out punishment to apprehended culprits. Bello's style has no regard for sacred cows. Soon, the young men, who had settled in the believe that crimes pays faster than hard work, realised that they are out of jobs. They were put to flight. They dispersed in all directions to the bordering States. Suddenly, huge relief began to permeate the land.

Okene that was the den of ISWAP, soon came under Bello's artillery. That's where he hailed from but the heavy hand with which he descended on criminal hideout there, sent a clear message to the undesirable elements that the honeymoon was over. Having successfully set example with his own people, it wasn't difficult for other area to 'get sense.'

Apart from motivation for security agencies in the frontline, with logistic and other supports, the Kogi Government in partnership with the Nigeria Police Force also established two Mobile Police Squadron Bases along Obajana-Kabba road and in Okene. He also facilitated the location of a Naval Base in Lokoja, established to ensure adequate security of the waterways in the confluence state.
He personally commissioned the Nigeria Navy Ship Lugard and Navy Barracks.

In recognition of Governor Bello’s astounding performance in the security sector, he has been honoured with several prestigious awards from around Nigeria and beyond, amongst which is: President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday, 21 October, 2022, at the presidential villa, Abuja, honoured him with a distinguished Nigeria Excellence Award in Public Service.

One of Nigeria's leading newspapers, Blueprint, honoured Bello at it's 2021 Annual Public Lectures and Impact Series/Awards, the award was in recognition of his “outstanding leadership qualities and decisive handling of the security situation in the state.”

Also, the Nigerian Police honoured Bello for his unparalleled achievements in securing Kogi, the only State in Nigeria, that borders about 10 States.

He also won the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) ‘Torch bearer of Security’ award.

Similarly, the Association of Nigerians in Diaspora, bestowed its “Icon on Security” award on Governor Yahaya Bello in 2021.

Given the prevailing peace in Kogi state today, at a time other parts of Nigeria is in security turmoil, we can only but say thank you to Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, for that will serve as spring under his feets to do more.

Momoh is a security expert based in Idah.

The Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group (NDMG) has congratulated Governor Yahaya Bello on his distinguished award for security management conferred on him by President Buhari.

In a statement signed by the President, NDMG - UK chapter, Joyce Ogwu, the Nigerians said the award is well deserved.

Nigeria Excellence Award in Public Service was set up to recognise distinguished public service to Nigeria, either contributions to individuals, state or local community, or the public through excellence in leadership, service, or humanitarianism.

To be eligible, the recipient must be a living Public Official or a private citizen excelling consistently in a given sphere of influence, in good character standing, and must also be at the forefront of service and innovation.

Governor Bello was among an exclusive class of distinguished Nigerians selected and rewarded for excellence.

And Joyce commended the Federal Government for singling Governor Bello for recognition, considering his giant strides in the security of lives and property.

According to her, the Kogi governor has done incredibly well, noting that his onslaught against crimes and criminality has made the state one of the industrial hubs of Northern Nigeria.

"Our dear nation has battled insecurity in recent times. Back home, we are always briefed on consistent attacks, killings and other crimes on daily basis. The Federal Capital Territory is not sparred.

" But in Kogi, the story is different. Aside from the recent flooding ravaging the nation, all that has come out of the state is good news. It is either the governor is commissioning one project or he is kick-starting another. There's not even any bit of crime.

"We must commend President Buhari for this initiative to reward excellence. At least, now, the nation has recognised the efforts and contributions of the governor like many of us have been shouting about".

Besides security, the diaspora group also hailed Governor Bello for his giant strides in infrastructure and unemployment.

Joyce added, " We are also aware that Governor Bello has made a significant impact in healthcare infrastructure, road construction and rehabilitation including the first flyover bridge in the state, education, sports, agriculture, civil service reform, youths and women empowerment among others.

"We want to assure him of the support of Nigerians in diaspora. We are solidly behind him and we are praying for him. It has never been this good in Kogi".

The group, however, advised other governors to follow Bello's example in leadership and governance.

Joyce said Nigeria will not remain the same with men like Bello at the saddle.

They, however, urged Bello not to rest on his oars until the last second of his administration, calling on him to continue to provide good governance for the people of the Confluence State.

By Okanga Agila

It has been established throughout history that the central reason for man's creation is service to God and humanity. Those who understand these two fold divine injunctions are daily seeking the benevolence of almighty creator to empower them to be a channel of happiness and fulfilment for mankind.

The foregoing aptly captures the life of former minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Kauran Bauchi and the Bauchi State governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed.

In his journey through life, the enigmatic politician has demonstrated what's possible, where a leader's preoccupation is not his personal interests but that of the people. As a pathfinder, Governor Mohammed has continued to beat path for others to follow.
Apart from providence, Governor Bala Mohammed's phenomenal rise cannot be by accident. Excellence, it is said, destroys prejudice. When a man knows his onions and does everything with midas touch, it won't be difficult to attract the favour of kings.
As a former British Prime Minister, David Cameron once said, "almost everybody can say yes. The hallmark of a good leader is the ability to say " no", when he should". Governor epitomises this qualities. He never hesitate to say " no", where he should. This has helped him a great deal, to deliver quality services to humanity, wherever he finds himself.

Little wonder he earned public trust for himself, which has catapulted into his resounding victory in the 2019 Bauchi State governorship election. In Nigeria's political templates, it is an uphill task to defeat an incumbent governor in an election. Senator Mohammed achieved it like a walk in the park with two hands in the pocket.

Like a time-tested saying goes: "the reward for good work, is more work". The 2023 governorship election provides an ample opportunity for the people of Bauchi to reward Governor Mohammed's astounding performance with the renewal of his mandate for another four years. Bauchi has never had it so good.

For the parliamentarian, politician, philanthropist and development guru called Bala Mohammed, delivering on a mandate comes natural to him. He doesn't struggle to get things done in the right way because he posses the capacity, courage and supporting energy to deliver. That's why the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, did not remain the same following his departure. I mean, check it now. The Land Swap deal he initiated as minister of FCT, has remained a model for other countries to copy. In fact, he was rated as the best cabinet minister in Africa. His performance was exceptional . Full of energy and always on the run "walking the talk."

As a senator of the federal republic of Nigeria between 2007 and 2010, Bala Mohammed represented his people with guts and astuteness. Like always, he shown like a million stars that have no hiding place. It wasn't a surprise that shortly after leaving the hallow chamber of the National Assembly, he was appointed minister.

In April 2010, when Bala was appointed to supervise the FCTA as the minister, he met a ministry that was in a bad shape. But with sincerity and purity of purpose, Bala was able to make lasting impacts that's impossible to erase through time and eternity. Before his appointment, one of the difficulties that confronted the FCT was vicious challenge of land grabbing. Upon assumption of office, he immediately set up a committee headed Senator Seidu Dasandau. That was how sanity was restored back to land administration in the territory.

Senator Mohammed supervised the development of Katampe District, which was executed through PPP and estimated at over N61, 194, 747, 645.00, with Kagini 1 District costing N52, 609, 879, 284.47, while Maitama Extension District is gulping N137, 454, 626,929.00.

Too many projects stands to Bala's credit. Like the reconstruction and expansion of the 10-lane multiple carriage super highways: the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua (Airport Road) Expressway, and the Outer Northern (Murtala Muhammed) Expressway otherwise known as the Zuba/Kubwa/City Centre highway, as well as the dualization of the Nyanya-Abuja Expressway.

Others are: Resurfacing/Reconstruction of aging Roads in Garki 1 and Wuse 1 Districts; expansion of Kuje-Gwagwalada; Gitata bypass; Karshi – Apo bypass; Sunrise – Guzape bypass; Gwagwalada-Dobi connection and the Bwari Township roads projects; the Gurara-Lower Usman Dam road that connects the FCT with Kaduna State at Jere; completion of work on Tanks 1 and 6 with 40, 000 cubic centimeters storage capacity; attraction of foreign and local investment, totalling over $20 billion.

In his resolve to make Abuja Foreign Direct investment destination, a 37-storey World Trade Centre estimated at $1.2bn (approximately N180 Billion) is being built at the former Bakassi Market, under a Public-Private-Partnership arrangement with the Churchgate Group.

There was also a PPP initiative between FCTA and COHART Group worth $150million to develop Abuja Film Village International (AFVI); a PPP initiative for Katampe District infrastructure with capital inflow of over N61billion and the Land Swap Project ($4.5bn), which had the richest man and woman in Africa, Aliko Dangote and Folorunsho Alakija respectively participating.

The beauty of the complex network of roads in the FCT was enhanced with the vast array of major interchanges otherwise known as ‘’overhead bridges.” These interchanges ease the flow of traffic. Completion and commissioning of major interchanges at AYA, Asokoro, Banex Junction, Jahi/Mabushi Link and Gwarimpa 11 Kado/Life Camp Junction were implemented by the Bala administration thereby significantly freeing traffic flow in the city and its environs

Governor Bala Mohammed moved his magic wand to his home state, when he was elected governor of Bauchi State in 2019. Within three years, out of patriotism for progress, Ƙauran Bauchi completed 6.5 Kilometer Tafawa Balewa, Shira, Jama’are road; 11.6 Kilometer Boi-Tapshin road; 11.2 Kilometer Bogoro-Lusar-Malar road; 2.65 Bununu township roads; 2.5 Kilometer Sade township road; 25.5 Kilometer Udubo-Gamawa road and Warji-Gwaram road.

Other road projects include the 3 Kilometer Disina road and Disina township road; Azare township road; the 5 Kilometer Alkaleri-Gwaram-Gokaru road and Burga-Duguri road. These are not all! There are recently awarded ones, currently under construction and some of which have reached an appreciable stage.

Additionally, Senator Bala, through Kaura Economic Empowerment Project (KEEP), procured hundreds of transportation vehicles and thousands of Keke Napep. This has greatly impacted positively on the economy and transportation industry in the state. Through KEEP, empowerment packages amounting to hundreds of millions of naira are distributed to business owners and many small-scale businesses have grown and blossomed.

Governor Bala also earlier in his first year, flagged off the disbursement of five Hundred Thousand Naira to each of the 1,320 schools in five Local Government Areas of the state, who are the beneficiaries of the Schools Improvement Project grants, a World Bank project. He also provided 6.7 hectares of land for the construction of Northeast UBEC Model School in Bauchi so as to fast track the execution of the project. And with the commitment of the governor towards overcoming the challenges facing the sector, Bauchi State Government secured the award of three million US Dollars for the implementation of Better Education Service Delivery for All, a federal government project

In order to provide condusive environment for teaching and learning, Senator Bala hit the ground running by embarking upon renovation of Primary, Junior and Senior Secondary Schools that were in dilapidated condition. Some of the renovated Schools within Bauchi metropolis include Baba Sidi Primary School, Dutsen Tanshi Primary School, GDSS Zannuwa, Dawaki Primary School, GDSS Kofar Wambai, Government Comprehensive Day Secondary School, GJSS Model Fadamar Mada among others across the State.

In Dass Local Government, Kagadama (A); Bagel Primary School; Baden (B) Primary School; Bagel (B), Galadima; Darussalam (B) and Kagadama (B) Primary School are among the schools renovated. Additionally, to ensure that women are not educationally lagged behind, women education centers in Kirfi, Katagum, Jama’are, Ningi, Dass and Misau local government areas, were renovated.

Similarly, renovation and construction of blocks of classrooms has taken place in various Primary Schools in Tafawa Balewa, Bogoro, Darazo, Gamawa, Tatagum, Ganjuwa, Misau, Dambam, Alkaleri, Toro, Kirfi, Warji, Shira, Zaki, Giade, Ningi and other local government areas across the state.

It is only natural that the people of Bauchi renews his mandate with ease because he made a promise and has delivered.


Okanga wrote this piece from Agila.

2023 Election: My Job will be to invest in Nigerian Youth if elected into office -  Dumebi Kachikwu



.......Says Nigeria can never be great until it invests in its youth. 


The Africa Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, says his job will be to invest in  Nigerian youth if elected into office in February 2023.


Speaking in Lokoja, Kogi state on Thursday afternoon during an interactive town-hall engagement to officially flag off his campaign,  Kachikwu said that he is committed to investing in human capital, which he said will help develop the nation.


I am running for President of Nigeria because I am tired of seeing Nigeria not just stagnate but deteriorate as a nation. Our economy is in shambles, our people are becoming more frustrated with each passing day. 


The current administration has been unsuccessful in connecting with the youth, who represent the hope for a better future. 



Nigeria can never be great until it invests in its youth. The youths are our future and without them, this country will not be great. 


 I want to encourage every young person out there to ensure they collect their PVCs and vote for the African Democratic Congress come February 2023 and to stop complaining about being cheated or fooled by people with false promises.


The Youth in Nigeria constitute about 60 per cent of the population, which is a tremendous asset. If sufficiently empowered to meet the global challenges of today and tomorrow, there is no doubt that a great tomorrow will be theirs and Nigeria's. 


Though this may sound like a cliché, it is nevertheless true that no country can achieve greatness if it fails to invest in its people.

By Helen Uloko

An Indian adage says that the tree that bears good fruit will be stoned. It is only when someone sees the value of the fruit and longs to taste its sweetness, will they take the effort to throw a stone.

This is the testimony of the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. MK Fadah, whose excellence has attracted stones from ignorant and shortsighted few.

People ordinarily know the value of good fruit. However, unknowingly or unconsciously, they hurl stones and after a while, they take shade, standing under the same tree, waiting for the fruit to fall into their mouth.

Fadah has enjoyed a distinguished military career. Yet he is still on an adventure to learn more. His adversaries can only toss fibs.

A native of Bade Local Government area of Yobe State, he attended the Kaduna State Polytechnic where he obtained Higher National Diploma (HND) before obtaining a Post-Graduate Diploma in Management at the Lagos State University.

He holds a Master's Degree in Peace and Strategic Studies from the University of Ilorin, Kwara State and he is currently working on a PhD Security and Strategic Studies at the Nigerian Defence Academy.

Fadah was commissioned into the Nigerian Army in 1993 and to date, he has excelled in no less than 10 courses ranging from, young officers to executive levels.

Some of the courses are Young Officers’ Course - Intelligence, Tactical Intelligence Course - Sat and Civilian, Executive Management Course, Police Administration and Security Management, Comprehensive Protection of Civilian Leadership Course (Nigerian Army Peace Keeping Centre) among others.

Following his appointment as DG in May 2022,
Fadah reiterated that he would work hard to maintain the dream of the founding fathers of the scheme, which he said was targeted at uniting the country.

His landmark achievements in the first 100 days in office included the inauguration of the staff hostel in Kefi, Nasarawa State, the inauguration of the NYSC TV and Radio mast, almost completed ICT centre amongst others.

As DG, Fadah has stood his ground on improved staff welfare, NYSC mandate, and promotion of entrepreneurship among corps members while admonishing anti-drug abuse campaigns.

Fadah, since he assumed office, has been very focused on preparing the next generation of leaders and sharpening them to change the economic situation of the country.

He admonished the 2022 Batch B Stream 2 corps members to be good ambassadors of their families, institutions of graduation and the scheme wherever they found themselves as they.

He puts corps members on high alert to enable them to grasp the best of orientation camps, commending members where they have done well while sanctioning defaulters.

He has, however, been accused of corruption, forgery, incompetence, nepotism, marginalisation and being a stooge of the Senate President, Sen. Ahmed Lawan who is also from Yobe, to manipulate the 2023 elections in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC)

The debate on whether the scheme has achieved its aims and objectives and should be scrapped or restructured to meet current demands has also continued under the leadership of Fadah.

One of the proponents of the view that the NYSC be discarded is the Nigeria Rebirth Movement; it also holds a negative view of Fadah’s leadership.

In a statement signed by its President, Musbau Temitope, the supposed pro-Nigerian group said it came to this conclusion after an analysis of the activity of the scheme.

However, the Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights (CALSER), an Civil Society Organisation (CSO) in a statement cleared Fadah of any wrongdoing.

The organisation said it came to this decision after an independent assessment of the operations of the scheme under the leadership of Fadah.

CALSER argued that Fadah’s records, qualifications and scorecard are available for verification saying that those behind the accusations were doing so out of “sheer ignorance.”

The one-year mandatory NYSC programme which was established in 1973, three years after the Nigerian civil war to among other objectives, foster national unity and integration could be said to be a success.

Some perceive the NYSC as a good stopgap for millions of young people in Nigeria and should focus more on entrepreneurship, community development, and skills development.

Other Nigerians are of the view that the NYSC is needed now more than ever before as many young people have never known anywhere other than their hometowns and University community, a rare opportunity the scheme gives.

For others, the NYSC is a soft landing between leaving the university and entering the real world. It provides a unique opportunity of finding life-changing jobs, future partners and destiny helpers among others.

The major argument against the scheme, however, is the insecurity that has pervaded the nation as many are concerned about the safety of corps members in strange lands and the alleged corruption in the system.

On whatever side of the divide one stands, it is crystal clear that should the alleged corruption security concerns be addressed, the NYSC remains an all-important programme for developing countries like Nigeria with such diversity and distrust among geographical zones.

The healing of wounds from the civil war is not over, political tension between regions still exist, nation-building remains a collective mandate and just like soccer, the NYSC provides a fair platform where young Nigerians put aside their difference and relate like patriotic nations.

Uloko is a public affairs analyst writing from Obi, Nasarawa State.

...says MK Fadah blazing new trails in skills acquisition

A new report has exonerated the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General MK Fadah, of alleged certificate forgery.

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights (CALSER), which made this known in a statement, said it came to this conclusion after an independent assessment of the operations of the Scheme.

According to CALSER, the NYSC DG has verifiable academic records, noting that those behind the claims are only out to dent the hard-earned reputation of the respected soldier.

The centre also said the NYSC DG is competent and educationally qualified and committed to improving the Scheme.

"For clarity's sake, let us take a look at the educational background of the NYSC DG. Brigadier General Fada attended the Kaduna Polytechnic from where he obtained an HND certificate," the statement said.

"He proceeded to Lagos State University from where he obtained a Post-Graduate Diploma in Management. He equally obtained a Master's Degree in Peace and Strategic Studies from the University of Ilorin. Due to his unquenching love for knowledge, he enrolled and is pursuing a PhD in Security and Strategic Studies at the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna".

Describing Fadah as a trailblazer, the centre said he has repositioned the Scheme in numerous ways, particularly in skills acquisition.

"Upon assuming office, the NYSC experienced a wave of the feelings of excellent leadership provided by Brigadier General Fadah. He has taken bold steps in repositioning the NYSC and has emphasized that the basis upon which the scheme was established must continue to be upheld," the statement said.

"Brigadier General Fadah works closely with the NYSC State Directors and foresees the day-to-day running of the scheme in a transparent, accountable and genuine leadership. Influenced by the working spirit of the DG, the management of NYSC is also in top gear in driving the scheme to greater glory".

The centre noted that the welfare of staff and corps members has significantly improved, adding that those calling for the scrapping of the scheme are ignorant.

"It is sheer ignorance for a person or group of people to call for the scrapping of the NYSC. With no apology, anyone calling for the scrapping of the scheme is an enemy of the state. The reason for this submission is that Nigeria should be clamouring for the strengthening of the scheme to improve on the basis upon which it was founded.

"The issue of national integration is one aspect that must not be neglected and the NYSC as the institution saddled with the responsibility of ensuring this development should receive every necessary support rather than condemnation".

The centre, therefore, called on Nigerians to give the NYSC the necessary support it requires to function effectively, adding that the funding of the scheme should never be compromised.

It also said "scrapping the NYSC is not a factor to be considered at all" due to its contribution to strengthening national integration, peace and unity cannot be overemphasized.

Among other things, the centre, however, advised that the Scheme's entrepreneurial programme should be made flexible and easily accessible for corps members.

Obajana: Concerned Nigerians write EFCC, wants Dangote, Kogi ex-Governors investigated



Kogi State chapter of Concerned Nigerian Citizens (CNC), has called for the investigation of Alhaji Aliko Dangote, some past Governors and other stakeholders of Kogi State, for what it described as "questionable takeover of Obajana Cement Company PLC" by Dangote Industries Limited/Dangote Groups and economic sabotage of Kogi people and Nigerians.

This was contained in a petition dated 12th October, 2022 and addressed to the Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa. The letter was signed by the State Cordinator, Ojonugwa O. Samuel and Secretary, Usman Audu.

The anti-graft agency has also acknowledged the receipt of the petition, in a letter dated 12th October, 2022 and signed on its official letter head paper by the receiving officer.

"We crave your Commission’s intervention to investigate the issues around the illegal takeover of Obajana Cement Company by Dangote Group especially against the criminal acts exposed by the report of the Specialized Technical Committee on the Evaluation of the Legality of the Alleged Acquisition of Obajana Cement Company Plc by Dangote Cement Company Limited", the group told EFCC Chairman.

The petitioners stressed further that, in the findings of the technical committee, "the purported agreements transferring Obajana Cement Company plc from the Kogi State Government to Dangote Industries Limited were found to be invalid and null and void because of absence of consideration for the Kogi State Government. This suggests that there have been forgeries committed to steal the company from the state government.

"In the number of years that Dangote Industries Limited illegally operated Obajana Cement Company plc, it never remitted dividends to the Kogi State Government, which suggests that revenue belonging to the people of Kogi State was stolen from 2003 till date.

"The curious and illegal assumption of tax holiday from the Kogi State Government when this was beyond the remit of the state as it is a matter for the Federal Government. We are afraid that Dangote Industries Limited has shortchanged the Federal Government of vital revenue under the pretext that it got tax waiver/holiday when in reality this was never the case. This is a loss of revenue for Nigerians.

"Dangote Industries Limited, after having used the three Certificates of Occupancy (Cs of O) issued to it to raise an N63 billion loan, attempted to obtain a single C of O that would have covered the ones it had assigned to its creditors. This is a flagrant attempt to defraud the state government and the entities it obtained the loan from. Meanwhile due process was not followed in Dangote Industries Limited’s merging of the three Cs of O."

The group alluded that, Dangote Industries Limited committed these acts in collusion with certain former state officials, including former governors of Kogi State who must now be held to account. Though no name of past Governors was mentioned in the petition.

According to the petition, "after the Kogi State Government took steps to remedy the defects that led to the illegal acquisition of Obajana Cement Company Plc, Dangote Industries have gone on the offensive to intimidate state officials from recovering the company for the people of Kogi state. An audio recording of a meeting of officials of Dangote Industries Limited exposed how they have forged documents to defend their tenuous claim to Obajana Cement Company plc.

"Their plot also includes taking steps to sabotage the Nigerian economy in their bid to shut down Kogi state by obstructing traffic flow in strategic areas. Implementing this dangerous plot would bring hardship to the people of Kogi state but will hurt the Nigerian economy worse than it would inflict pain on the state.

"These officials have also reportedly offered bribes to certain key persons to sway decisions on the cement plant in favour of Dangote Industries Limited. This is amounts to inducement of public office holders, which has no place in our democracy".

The group therefore, urged the EFCC to "investigate Dangote Industries Limited, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, past and present senior officials of Dangote Industries Limited with links to the questionable deal, former Kogi State officials and former governors with links to the transactions".

In view of the potential revenue loss for the Federal Government, the petitioners also urged the EFCC to extend the investigation to all states where the Dangote Group has operations, "as we have cause to suspect that this company has used other state governments to grant itself federal tax waivers, thereby leading to revenue loss".

The Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dumebi Kachikwu, has advised members of the public to discountenance any statements emanating from the discredited former chairman of the ADC, Ralph Nwosu and his team.

Kachikwu said this in reaction to an illegal convention conducted by the former chairman which purportedly granted him a fresh tenure of office after holding same position for seventeen years.

He wondered how someone who only recently claimed he was granted a one year extension by a special convention at the end of August could now conduct another special convention in October for the same purpose. According to Kachikwu it is clear Nwosu enjoys conducting conventions having done so for the last seventeen years.

He further stated that the Senator Patricia Akwashiki led ADC would soon hold a convention to usher in a new set of executives who would lead the party to victory in the forthcoming 2023 general elections.

END

The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission, Rev Yakubu Pam and the Inspector-General of Police, Alkali Usman, have been shortlisted for awards of excellence.

United Kingdom-based media group, TheNigerian News, made the disclosure on Tuesday in a statement.

While Pam was nominated as 'Champion of Peace', the IGP will be recognised as 'Champion of Security'.

According to a statement signed by Toby Prince, the management said the pair were the overwhelming choice of its online voters based on its core values of integrity, patriotism and excellence.

Toby described Pam as a unifier, nationalist and ambassador of peaceful co-existence across the country.

"A detribalized Nigerian, our committee has been impressed by how he committed resources and time to preach unity, peace and tolerance," he said.

"He is a bridge between the rich and the poor, Christian and Muslim as well as the north and southern Nigeria. As the NCPC boss and leader of the Christian community, his emphasis has been on one indivisible nation, insisting on love over hate, peace over war and unity over division".

On the choice of the IGP, he added " it is no secret that the security situation in the country has been significantly stabilized despite the occasional isolated cases of crimes and threats to public safety, peace and security in some parts.

"This has been achieved by the IGP's strategic operations and collaboration with the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security and intelligence agencies in the country to spur a common front aimed at reducing crime and criminality nationwide.

"The public image of the Force has also improved. A thoroughbred police officer, he mended the fences between the police and members of the public who no longer regarded the police as their friends."

Pam and IGP Alkali will be conferred with their awards at an event to mark the company's sixth anniversary in Abuja.

Toby noted that the ceremony will be held on October 13th at the International Conference Centre Abuja.

Other distinguished Nigerians billed to receive awards are Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, Mr Inuwa Abdullahi, the Director General/Chief Executive Officer (DG/CEO) of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Prof Abdullahi Mustapha, the Director General of the National Biotechnology Development Agency, Prof Saad A. Ahmed, the Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre Abuja, Mr Oluwaseun Adebola Olatunji, the founder and CEO of Brookfield Group among others.

A lecture with the title "Identifying Genuine Spirit of Excellence and Patriotism Towards A Greater Nigeria" will be delivered by Chief Innocent Audu Ogbeh, the former Minister of Agriculture, who is the guest speaker.

Anti-corruption activists protest in Abuja, back Kogi govt's take-over of Obajana cement

A group of anti-corruption activists, on Tuesday, held a mass rally against what it described as fraudulent take-over of Obajana Cement by Dangote Group.

The activists, under the aegis of Mass Action Against Corruption, accused the company of economic exploitation and terrorism against innocent Nigerians in Kogi.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Cecilia Ikechukwu, said "Alhaji Aliko Dangote fraudulently acquired Obajana Cement Company without any evidence of payment for the said 90% of shares from the state government".

"The recent revelation that all of these contractual obligations were not met by Dangote Industries Limited, yet claimed full ownership of the Obajana Cement Company, can be described as the greatest fraud of the century," Ikechukwu added.

"The Technical Committee setup by the state government to unravel the ownership of the Obajana Cement Company highlighted this much. And the findings were mind-boggling. It must be noted that the mining certificate for Obajana Cement Company belongs to the Kogi State government. There is no evidence that the Kogi State government transferred ownership of the mining sites to Dangote Industries.

"There is also no evidence that for the alleged 90% transfer of shares of Obajana Cement to Dangote Industries, there was any form of payment to the state government for the alleged acquisition.

"The only known contribution of Dangote Industries to the Obajana Cement was sourcing funding for the project using documents belonging to the Kogi State government. It is, therefore, our considered opinion that it was indeed a case of fraudulent acquisition, and it must be reversed immediately.

"We salute the courage of the Kogi State House of Assembly for instituting this probe, which from all intent and purposes, was done in good faith in reclaiming the commonwealth of the Kogi people from the exploitative Alhaji Aliko Dangote and his partners in crime".

The group, therefore, called on the Federal Government to stand with the "state in this clear case of fraudulent acquisition of a state government property and the attendant exploitation over several years".

Ikechukwu added, "We believe that Alhaji Aliko Dangote should be able to provide evidence that he paid monies to the Kogi State government for Obajana Cement. And if he can't provide such proof, Obajana Cement's ownership must revert automatically to the state government".

The activists, however, advised Dangote to desist from any form of tyranny against the government and people of Kogi state, adding that his antics of promoting violence across the state have been noted and documented for onward transmission to the relevant security agencies in the country.

Ikechukwu said, "We are in total agreement with the Kogi State government for payment of all outstanding liabilities and compensation to Kogi State and the full ownership of Obajana Cement. All well-meaning Nigerians must resist the economic exploitation of Alhaji Aliko Dangote.
The commonwealth of the people of Kogi State must be returned to the state, and Alhaji Aliko Dangote must be prosecuted for economic and financial crimes in the fraudulent acquisition of Obajana Cement.

"We call on President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure justice is served in this fraud and horrendous exploitation case. We also call on the National Assembly to support the Kogi State House of Assembly in ensuring that the wrong committed by Alhaji Aliko Dangote in Kogi State is reversed with immediate effect.

''We salute the courage displayed by the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello. He is the epitome of passion and commitment to service. His bravery and dedication to the cause of the state are commendable.".

By Alfred Adasu

Dangote Cement Plc is in the news and for the wrong reason. The alleged acquisition of Obajana Cement Company in Kogi State. I was fortunate to stumble upon the report by the technical committee set up by the Kogi State government over the 100% ownership of the cement factory by Dangote Industries Limited.

There were indeed infractions by Dangote Industries, and the manner it had carried on since the beginning of the conflict has been most worrisome. They have resorted to spreading falsehood and threatening blackmail. I was a bit worried and curious. I was worried that the conflict was getting violent and curious as to why Dangote Cement Plc would attempt to cow the Kogi State government into submission regarding its ownership of Obajana Cement Company.

I am aware that several invitations extended to the management of Dangote Cement Plc by the Kogi State House of Assembly to appear before it was ignored. If the acquisition of Obajana Cement Company were legal, I do not see any reason why Dangote Cement Plc would elect to play the cat-and-mouse game.

Indeed something is fishy with the deal hence the attempt at distorting the facts by Dangote Cement. It is impunity of the highest order for a company to enter into a partnership with a state government and use the documents of the state to source funding for the project. After the take-off of the business, he changed names and claimed 100% ownership.

Dangote Cement went further also to claim ownership of the mining sites in the state. I am at a loss with this position. This is a criminal offence, in my considered opinion. And I expect the relevant security agencies to prosecute Alhaji Aliko Dangote for economic crimes. I won't be shocked if that is how he succeeded in building his business empire.

I am also shocked by the findings in the report that Dangote Cement had not paid a penny to the Kogi State government since the inception of the cement factory. I wonder how this eluded the previous administration. Maybe, they were in connivance with Alhaji Aliko Dangote to impoverish the people of Kogi state.

I also align with the position of the Kogi State House of Assembly that the purported sale of Obajana Cement Company by the state government was not ratified by the State House of Assembly, which is statutory and a requirement for the sale of government property.

The sale remains nullity as it does not exist in the eyes of the law. This is supposedly why Dangote Cement had resorted to crude means, including instigating violence in the state to cover its tracks. This is such an incomprehensible move only made by people who are experts in exploitation. I dare say Alhaji Aliko Dangote falls under such a category. Those who know his business strategy readily say he is the king of cutting corners. He cuts deals, not minding whose ox is gored. He hoodwinks governments into dancing to his whims and caprices regarding policies that would guarantee him monopoly in businesses he is involved in.

Under Governor Yahaya Bello, Kogi State would be a hard nut to crack. Either he does the right thing or continues to live in self-denial. Kogi state has a solid case. I think he is lucky the state is willing to come to the table to resolve issues, and it is expected that he should grab the opportunity with both hands; instead of attempting to fight dirty in case, it is deficient.

He might have made concessions to previous governors of the state in the events leading to the contractual agreement, but they are not in the state's interest, which is a point I think should be highlighted. If that is not the case, how can you explain a situation where the state government would grant tax holidays outside its constitutional mandate? This emphasizes that lots of underground dealings might have happened without the approval of the State House of Assembly.

This is where I salute the resoluteness of the Kogi State House of Assembly in instituting the probe into the ownership of the Obajana Cement Company. And Dangote Cement has been eloping from one end to another with fairytales that defeat common sense and insults the sensibilities of the people of Kogi state.

Alhaji Aliko Dangote must come out clean in the case. He must state things the way they are and admit that it is indebted to the Kogi State government and cannot claim 100% ownership of Obajana Cement. I believe that a clear conscience fears no accusation. Therefore, the onus lies on Dangote Cement to counter the position of the Kogi State government by appearing before the State House of Assembly to answer questions that are of utmost importance regarding the alleged acquisition of a state government property.

This case isn't as complicated as Dangote Cement would want members of the unsuspecting general public to believe. It is about admittance to a wrong and coming to the table to right the wrong. There is no proof of payments made for acquiring Obajana Cement by Dangote Industries. There is also no proof that Dangote Cement has paid any dividend to the Kogi State government from inception till date. This is food for thought.

Adasu is a public affairs analyst based in Abuja.

Obajana Cement: Group chides Dangote Company over plot to destabilize peace in Kogi


The Coalition for Truth and Justice (CTJ) has accused the management of Dangote Cement of a plot to disrupt the peace and security in Kogi State over the government's insistence to recover its shares in the company.

The group said rather than address the issues raised by the state government, the company has resorted to name-calling and underarm tactics ultimately causing turmoil and threat to the security.

The Coalition for Truth and Justice made this known in a statement today by its Secretary-General, Comrade Musa Attah.

Speaking at a press conference, Attah said: "The absurd has been playing out since the Kogi State Government recently sealed the cement company in Obajana, Kogi state. The company was originally Obajana Cement Company Plc but then renamed Dangote Cement Company Plc, and its ownership is at the centre of the ongoing contention between the state and Dangote Industries.

"Let us state from the onset that we are shocked that rather than addressing the weighty issues contained in the documents that the Kogi State Government has released to the public, Dangote Industries rather resorted to name-calling and underarm tactics. The worrisome component of this underarm tactics is that Dangote Industries is yet to satisfactorily refute the claims by the Kogi state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, that the company held a clandestine meeting at which it plotted to sabotage the state using federal might.

"The dangerous plot includes actions to disrupt the peace and destabilize Kogi State over the insistence of the state to recover its shares in the company. These planned activities by the Dangote Group of Company will have far reaching effects. Considering that the plan of using Dangote trucks to block the flow of traffic for instance would hamper recovery from the fuel shortages caused by the disruptions from the flooding of road that had prevented haulage of petrol.

"Dangote Industries has been peddling stories that suggest that its operation in Obajana was the product of a mob action sanctioned by the Kogi State Government. But we have discovered that there were fora, including a public hearing and a judicial commission of inquiry into the conduct of public officers in Kogi state between May 29, 2003, and January 27 2016. Liman Salihu Esq. was counsel for Dangote Cement plc/Obajana Cement Company at the inquiry. The report of that inquiry, which found evidence of shady dealings, recommended the constitution of a specialized technical committee to evaluate the entire transaction on Obajana Cement Company Limited.

"The resulting Specialized Technical Committee on the Evaluation of the Legality of the Alleged Acquisition of Obajana Cement Company Plc by Dangote Cement Company Limited concluded that the transfer of Obajana Cement Company Plc to Dangote Industries Limited was invalid, null, and void. That Committee’s report went on to ask the Kogi State Government to take steps to recover Obajana Cement Company Plc now changed to Dangote Cement Company Plc situated in Obajana Kogi state. It further recommended that the state government should recover all accrued dividends with interest while canceling existing Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) issued to Dangote Industries.

"We noted the several criminal behaviour of Dangote Industries, which is not surprising knowing that this is the modus operandi of this criminal enterprise in all the sectors in which it plays and across all the jurisdiction where it operates. This unwholesome behaviour includes securing tax holiday from a past administration in Kogi state when in reality a state government cannot grant such waiver as this the prerogative of the Federal Government. Dangote Industries obtained loans to the tune of N63 billion using the C of O of Obajana Cement Company, then tried to obtain a fresh C of O (one that would merge three existing C of O that it has already used as collaterals). To put this in perspective, a fresh C of O would have left the lending banks holding on to worthless papers while the Kogi state government would have lost all claims to the stolen cement company.

"So desperate is Dangote Industries that even its application for the new C of O was adjudged to have not followed due process especially when it is also glaring that state government retains the right to mineral sites that it is mining raw materials for cement manufacturing from".

The group, therefore, advised the company to "halt further attacks on the people and government of Kogi", adding that if the company thinks that it has a claim to Obajana Cement Company plc, in spite of the documents released by the state government, it should go to court.

"We warn that on no account should Dangote trucks obstruct traffic flow in any part of Kogi state. Even if any of its truck suffers a malfunction it must tow it to a conducive location within 30 minutes in order not to cause a gridlock. In addition to resolving the ownership issue and reclaiming unpaid dividends owed the people, we urge the Kogi State government to use the window of the ongoing crisis to identify and address other issues for which Dangote Industries must be held to regulatory account. This includes matters like damage to the environment and taking responsibility for the health damage its operations might have caused residents of communities that are contiguous to its operations.

"We advise other states where Dangote Industries operate to urgently review transactions entered into with the company by their past administration so that they can remedy any identified lapses since the company has proven to be addicted to policy manipulation and government capture.

"We urge the Federal Government to take steps to restore citizens’ confidence and prove that Dangote Industries does not own Nigeria as the company’s officials were captured on tape as saying at the meeting where they plotted to sabotage Kogi state and by extension the whole of Nigeria.

"We urge the people of Kogi State to unite along party, ethnic and sectarian lines to support their government in addressing the excesses of a monster that has too often made their state a killing field in its pursuit of profit".

The CGGT, however, vowed to continue to monitor the development in Kogi state and will respond as necessary.

It warned that should "Dangote Industry continue its acts of aggression against the people and government of Kogi sate, we shall start campaign for Nigerians to boycott the company’s products and also target organizations that use its products as raw materials".

*Group condemns Kogi govt over invasion of Dangote cement factory with thugs*

The Nigeria Good Governance Action Group (NGGAG) has condemned the "unwarranted" invasion of the Dangote Cement factory in Kogi State.

In a statement signed by its national coordinator, Comrade Arome Ainoko, the group, however, advised the government to "concentrate on making lives of the people better and not create more hardship by disrupting the activities of the company".

"The Nigeria Good Governance Action Group views with utter consternation the recent invasion of the Dangote Cement Company in Obajana, Kogi State. It has been uncovered that by that unprovoked mayhem visited on the company by the Kogi State Government and House of Assembly at prompting of Governor Yahaya Bello, there are some sinister motives up their sleeves," Ainoko said.

"This act is an armature, macabre, abysmally incomprehensible and unthinkable in a 21st-century democratic order. This crude and archaic act can scare potential investors from coming to the State.

"More worrisome is the report that about Twenty-Six (26) persons were shot during the invasion of the company's premises at Obajana, by Vigilantes hired by the state government.

"This act is heart-wrenching and irresponsible and must be condemned by all well-meaning Nigerians and Kogites in particular. During the crude invasion in a Gestapo style, the smooth operations of the company were interrupted. It is unthinkable that at this moment of extreme economic hardship, the State Assembly would allow itself to be used by Governor Bello to aggravate the hardship Kogites are currently facing, due to the failure of his government.

"With these reckless actions of the State government, thousands of workers and their families have been thrown into disarray. Thousands of others, who provide value-chain services, are also rendered jobless.

"The probe over the acquisition of the Cement Company by Dangote is not just laughable but a deliberate ploy by the Kogi State government to throw the state into chaos especially the youthful population of the state that has been gainfully employed by the company".

The group, therefore, called on the state government to "immediately reopen the sealed factory and desist from further harassing the staff of the company".

ADC Former Chairman in Trouble as Police Writes INEC over forgery and fraud allegation.


Former chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Ralph Nwosu may soon be in serious trouble with the police going by a document sighted by one of our sources. The police have written the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over forgery, fraud, and diversion of party funds.

Ralph, who was the former chairman of the ADC for over 17 years, is accused of forging documents and diverting party funds.

Our source further indicates that Chief Ralph Nwosu would have used his position as chairman of ADC during his tenure to have diverted large amounts of money belonging to ADC for personal use the source revealed.

ADC dismisses purported expulsion of key leaders by its ex-National Chairman, Nwosu

The interim national leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), on Saturday, dismissed the purported expulsion of some of its key national leaders by the immediate past National Chairman of the party, Ralphs Okey Nwosu.

The interim National Chairman of the Party, Senator Patricia Akwashiki, in a statement described the action of the erstwhile chairman, Nwosu, as the antics of a sinking man clutching at straws.

Akwashiki called on members of the party and indeed Nigerians to ignore the diversionary, divisive and destabilization activities of Nwosu who is presently lamenting over spilt milk like a whipped child.

She insisted that the ADC would not be distracted by the actions of Nwosu and his hirelings now masquerading as genuine officers of the party.

Akwashiki said: “Nwosu is the former chairman whose tenure has elapsed who now seeks to pull the party down because he failed in his bid to extend his tenure after 17 years as party chairman.

“All expulsions and suspensions from Nwosu and his cabal are merely diversionary and a face saving measure as he faces investigation for fraud, forgery and impersonation by the Nigeria Police.

“The general public is therefore advised to ignore any statements emanating from Nwosu or any member of the former National Working Committee.

“Chief Ralph Nwosu has approached the courts to challenge his removal, so, he is advised to wait for the court ruling and stop making a fool of himself.

“The party reiterates that ADC is not for sale and won’t enter into any alliance, so buyer beware!”

Akwashiki added: “Anything that has a beginning must have an end. Nwosu had been chairman of our great party for 17 years and we thank him for the services he has rendered.

“Now he is no more due to the need to reorganize the party and put her on a sound footing to win elections.

“To continue to arrogate power and cloth himself with borrowed robes amount to impersonation which can only emanate from grand delusion.

“The ADC has moved on. Nwosu had better wake up to reality. The constitution of the party is supreme and there is no provision therein for a life national chairman.”

END

Signed


Senator Patricia Akwashiki
Interim National Chairman of ADC

Coalition passes vote of confidence on Yahaya Bello, dismisses PDP's terrorism tag on Bello's administration

The National Democratic Coalition (NDC) has passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of Governor Yahaya Bello in Kogi State.

Describing the terrorism claims of the People's Democratic Party as puerile propaganda attempt, the group said the governor has made concerted efforts to secure the lives and properties of indigenes and residents.

The National Democratic Coalition made this known on Monday at a press conference in Abuja.

In his address, national president, Dr. Sam Ogaba, said the allusion that Governor Bello was planning to unleash violence in the state in the buildup to the general elections is a figment of the imagination of the state chapter of the PDP, and by extension the PDP.

He said the statement credited to Alhaji Bello was blown out of proportion and a ploy to cover for the nefarious activities of the party in the state which necessitated the stern warning.

"It must be stated unequivocally that Governor Yahaya Bello has remained one of the bastions of our democracy. He has exhibited this much through his laudable contributions to enhancing democratic ideals in the country
over the years," Ogaba said.

"In its desperation to cause disaffection amongst Nigerians before the elections, it is our opinion that the PDP has elected to cry foul where none exists. The PDP must come to terms with the reality that Governor Yahaya Bello has distinguished himself as a true patriot. As such, he cannot be viewed as going against the tenets of democracy.

"However, it must be stated that as the Chief Security Officer of Kogi State, he is constitutionally mandated to ensure the safety of lives and properties of the citizens of the state, an act that he has demonstrated with unalloyed finesse to the commendation of all and sundry".

Ogaba, therefore, advised the PDP to desist "from such an ignoble campaign to draw Governor Yahaya Bello into its quagmire as the elections approach".

He added, "To think that the PDP could throw caution in the winds in its statement is an indication that all is not well within the ranks of the party, that we are tempted to believe that disparaging men and women of goodwill in the country is a strategy adopted to bounce back to public reckoning.

"Consequently, the National Democratic Coalition wishes to use this medium to advise the PDP to desist from the puerile propaganda attempt against Governor Yahaya Bello. This is in light of the fact that the allegation was in poor taste and lacked merit.

"The PDP must also come to terms with putting its house in order first before casting a stone on others. Needless to say, the PDP has been enmeshed in a crisis of confidence due to a lack of direction of objectives".

The National Democratic Coalition, however, urged the "general public to be cautious of statements from the PDP, as it has been established that the PDP is all out for a propaganda campaign aimed at heating the polity and causing untold embarrassment to perceived stumbling blocks to their quest for power again".

Ogaba further described Bello as a bastion of democracy in Nigeria, adding that his disposition to national issues has been exemplary.

Gov Fayemi, others proffer solutions to address Nigeria's poor education standards

.....appalling state of Nigeria’s education sector is unacceptable.

To tackle the challenge of out-of-school children, experts and stakeholders in the nation’s education sector have called for the reworking of the funding model of the education sector in the country.

The call was made at a national dialogue on education organized by Policy House and TIFA-CDI, to mark this year’s ‘World Literacy Day’, annually celebrated on September 8.

The stakeholders said the appalling state of Nigeria’s education sector is unacceptable.

Declaring the event open, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Governor of Ekiti State, and Director General of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, maintained that despite various federal and state governments expending huge amounts of funds on education, children in schools are not learning anything.

“This certainly is nothing but a waste of investment,” he said.

Fayemi, who was represented by Dr. Bolaji Abdulla, a former Minister of Youth and Sport, however, emphasized the need for the decentralization of education funding, to tackle issues such as the recurring industrial actions of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU.

On his part, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of TiFA-CDI. Abdulkareem Tsafe noted that poor investment in the nation’s education sector has forced many professionals to dump teaching and other careers in the education sector.

He how, ever, said their organization will strongly advocate for a responsible and sustainable budgeting system in Nigeria, with a special focus on basic education and special emphasis on the educationally disadvantaged, among others.

Convener of the dialogue, Mr. Taiwo Akerele, in his welcome address, urged governments to unbundle the whole appropriation architecture, particularly for the education sector, given prevailing security challenges.

Other speakers at the event, in their goodwill remarks, tasked the government and relevant stakeholders in the nation’s education sector to evolve pro programs that will assiduously tackle illiteracy and the menace of out-of-school children, with checkmating insecurity.

By Philip Agbese


I think we have a way of mixing up issues in the country. This has been a common attribute. I wasn't surprised when reactions poured in concerning the contract awarded to a firm to secure critical oil infrastructures in the country.

The fact that the government thought of ways to reduce oil theft should be commended, even on the heels that the country loses hundreds of billions of dollars yearly to oil theft. Instead, the rumour mills went agog for the wrong reasons, giving it a religious and ethnic colouration.

Let me start with these scary facts: Nigeria loses about $1.9 billion monthly to the activities of oil vandals, with its attendant effect on environmental degradation. Of the 141 million barrels produced in the first quarter of 2022, only about 132 million barrels of oil were received at export terminals. Crude oil theft has increased to a daily average of 108,000 barrels in the first quarter of 2022 from 103,000 barrels in 2021.

The theft resulted in the declaration of force majeure at Bonny Oil & Gas Terminal, a pipeline transporting crude from the Niger Delta to export vessels, creating a hostile environment and disincentive to investors.

If these facts do not call for concern, I wonder what else would do. Hence it could suffice to say that the government's contract to secure critical oil infrastructures is a step in the right direction. But those benefitting from the theft are neck-deep in spreading falsehood about the government's intention.

Their spin doctors have raised the propaganda to a very high level. But they forgot that the contract was not awarded to an individual but to a firm that has demonstrated capacity in times past. Obviously, the focus is Mr Government Ekpemupolo, better known as Tompolo. And I dare say, and so what?

Is Tompolo not a Nigerian? Does his company have the capacity to deliver? Was the process that led to the award of the contract transparent? Did the government act in the right direction? If the answers to the above questions are yes, then there is no justification for the reactions that greeted the contract.

I believe there are terms of reference for the execution of the contract and not a bazaar or jamboree, as some would want unsuspecting members of the general public to believe. Let's not forget that the bulk of these critical oil assets is in the Niger Delta region, and the possible solution should be inwards and to someone that understands the dynamics of the Niger Delta region.

The award of the contract, in my opinion, is a masterstroke. It goes a long way in expressing the government's seriousness in addressing the threat posed by oil theft to our economy. We need to reflect on some of our actions as Nigerians. Everything should not be about politics. This stance has led us nowhere and would not now. It is about practical and indigenous solutions to our challenges.

It is also about ensuring that government oil earnings improve. One of the ways to go about that is ensuring that our oil infrastructures are secured. The production capacity of our country can increase, and the country would be better for it. In tackling this kind of security challenge that oil installations face anywhere in the world, the paramount consideration is usually what and how it can be done and not who is doing it.

Some might what to argue about the role of the Nigerian Navy, and the question I would like to ask is why the problem has persisted despite the presence of the Navy. There are apparent lapses because of the terrain and other complexities, which is the gap the private contractors would fill. Let me also state that the Navy has not been completely taken out of the equation, but rather the coming onboard of private contractors is to assist and complement because the overarching objective is to secure the country's oil assets.

And I beg to ask, what is the role of religion or ethnicity in protecting oil infrastructures? Sometimes I feel we are not serious in this country. I also wonder if we think through some of our public outbursts. Why would any individual or group think a contract of such magnitude and complexity would be awarded without due process and terms of reference?

This is indeed a sad tale. It goes a long way in stating that those vested interests that have milked the country dry through oil theft are angry and would go any length to jeopardize the government's efforts in this regard. But I think they failed and woefully. The truth remains that we cannot afford oil theft of such magnitude at this critical point of our existence, with various sectors of the economy demanding attention.

The era of monies meant for the country being diverted to private pockets must stop. And these thieves can go to hell for all we care. What matters to us is the country's interest, which has happened. I must commend the leadership of the NNPC for taking the bull by the horns. I, therefore, beg to disagree with anyone insinuating that the contract should be cancelled simply because Tompolo is from a particular part of the country. That would be a joke of the century, potentially making Nigeria a laughing stock.

I think we should concentrate our energies on measuring results rather than calling for the cancellation of the contract. This is rational. But as they say, common sense is not common. I think the NNPC has acted in good faith, and it behoves well-meaning Nigerians to ensure that the effort at securing the country's critical oil assets succeeds. My one cent.

Agbese is a human rights activist based in Abuja.

PURPORTED SUSPENSION OF ADC STATE CHAIRMEN: MEMBERS OF THE EXPIRED NWC ERRED ON EVERY KNOWN LAW OF THE PARTY AND NIGERIA


....... The tenure of the NWC expired in August 2022

The growth and survival of democracy as a system of government representing the aspirations of the people is a function of the existence of a variety of vibrant political parties for the citizens to choose from during periodic elections.


The case in Nigeria has been that the so-called bigger parties use the smaller ones to legitimize their anti-people stranglehold on the levers of power through financial inducement and planting of crises in the newer political parties.

While the Nigerian ruling class has continually pushed the argument that the internal affairs of political parties are their business to cover up their less than noble objectives for being in politics, it is clear that political parties are public institutions governed by laws of the land, from their registration through to conduct.

It is as custodians of public interest, and conviction that our democracy is best served by broadening the political space and allowing for diverse voices to be heard that we make this intervention in the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

We are concerned that a section of the former NWC whose tenure expired in August with sinister motives, will now purportedly suspend some state chairmen of the ADC, over vague references to ‘anti-party activities’ by the chairmen.

We are equally disheartened that the conduct of these characters further fuels the dangerous narrative that the supposed alternative political platforms are no different from the frontrunners in the political space; a claim that is dangerously false and factually lacking in substance.

It is worrying that the leadership of the party, which had not made any measurable impact during its time at the helm of the party, was so desperate to hold onto the reins that they would go to such disgraceful lengths to spit their nose to spite their face.

By the constitution of the party, the national chairman and NWC members are to hold office for not more than 2terms of four years each, whereas the former chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu, had been in office for 17years until the end of August 2022 when his most recent tenure expired.

It is no surprise, given his antecedents as a political mercenary, that Chief Nwosu chose to turn against the only brightest spot in the party, its presidential candidate, who has done so much to remake the party in the consciousness of the people as a serious contender for the 2023 elections and beyond at all levels of government.

Chief Ralph Nwosu and his co-travelers will incur the wrath of Nigerians if they do not desist from their antics of trying to keep the ADC a small fish in the political ocean of Nigeria at a time Nigerians are warming up to the idea of associating with the party.


Chief Nwosu and his NWC members whose tenure has expired will be well advised to retrace their steps and give the ADC room to breathe, in a clear departure from the wasted 17 years of the locusts that were his leadership of the party.

The laws are very clear and the laws, including a party constitution he was part of enacting, state that his tenure is over and his exco stands dissolved.

We urge his excellency the presidential candidate Mr. Kachikwu, and other candidates under the platform of the ADC to continue their reorientation work as the people have confidence in their manifesto and ideas around governance, having tried the current ruling class time and again, and being disappointed.

In a bid to address the growing challenge of out-of-school children, the European Union, World Bank and the Federal Government have agreed to participate at a one day national dialogue to review the budgeting trajectory for education In Nigeria

The event is being organised by Policy House and TiFA CDI in celebration of the 2022 International Literacy Day.

In a statement ahead of the event scheduled for September 8, Mr Akerele, the Executive Director of TiFA CDI said the Board of Trustees in their quarterly meeting having looked at the worsening situation of the education sector especially in the area of infrastructure, teacher training, school feeding and others such as technology decided to convey a session for major stakeholders such as the government, CSOs, development partners and other to sit down and review the issues in the sector.

According to the executive Director, his organisation is in touch with UBEC, NGF, EU and the World bank on how to tackle these issues, saying that with consistent engagement there will be solutions soonest.

In his words, "But first we must debate the issues and then chat about the next steps."

Although the government has argued in some quarters that there is improvement in the budgetary performance of the sector, and in fact also argued that recent data shows that the number of out of school children have reduced, Mr Akerele said
independent data has not supported this assertion.

According to him, UNICEF in their 2020 report, stated that one out of every five kids that is not in school in the world is a Nigerian child.

He, however said, it also shows that government is sensitive to the issues and this is commendable and must be encouraged.

He said there was need to interrogate how we got to the situation and what is the way forward especially as the country inch closer to the 2023 transition era.

The statement reads in part, "We are lucky to have assembled an array of great minds from the academia, CSOs, minister for planning, the world bank and the EU who have always stood by Nigeria in its trying times to come together under one umbrella including the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) to look at this issue very critically.


"One of the major issues for consideration during the session is why has education budget not performed beyond 35% over the years? What is happening to curriculum? What is the synergy between the states and the Nigerian government as it relates to the running of primary education? How is the counterpart funding arrangement been managed and how does the state inability to release its counterpart affect utilization of availed funds?"

He noted that the irony of it all is that the resources for basic education is available but there are key issues in accessing the funds by the state governments, adding that they also have challenges in utilization, deployment and impact evaluation.

He said further that the present weak infrastructure across the country in relation to primary education is a complete embarrassment to Nigeria.

"From our analysis, and research, we understand that 30% of Nigerian citizens cannot read and write at all, that is about 65m people. That is a country on its own, that alone is a drag on human development index.

"Those who cant read and write cannot choose their leaders wisely and cannot be part of the development process such as the economy and production. Don’t get me wrong, education is not all about being in the four walls of a western styled school.

"We have also looked at the annual budgeting system for the country, the budgeting system is more in favour of recurrent expenditures and running of government business than the core issues of education. For instance the UNESCO recommends 26% for education, most African countries don’t even do up to 10% that is too much for them, but even the 5% on the average they do, it does not perform beyond 35% over the years, so you can see that the crisis in the sector is not out of place its rooted deeply in the budgeting system that clearly prioritizes other sectors.

"We have always argued and insisted that only a declaration of a state of emergency in the sector can save or rescue the sector from a complete collapse, under this state of declaration, Mr President or the Governor of a state will have the full powers to jail any parent or guardian who refuses to send his or her child to primary school, under the law as well, the government will commit to fulfilling its own commitment to funding education especially quality teacher recruitment, continuous infrastructure renewal and investment in modern technologies etc. Our focus is even just basic education because for us that is the foundation. We are hesitant in delving into other levels of education such as secondary or tertiary.

Following the sack of former Chairman Ralph Nwosu, the national executive committee of the party has appointed Senator Naomi Akwachika as Chairman of a 7-man committee set up to organize convention and elect a new National Working Committee (NWC).

The decision was arrived at on Monday, September 5th, 2022 during an emergency NEC meeting held in Abuja.

More Details later.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has successfully concluded its national convention for 2022, where executives were elected to steer the affairs of the 40year old association for the next year. The convention had in attendance representatives of all tertiary institutions in Nigeria, including universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and monotechnics, that comprise NANS, which is the umbrella body of all Nigerian students at home and in the diaspora.


The 2022 congress elected Comrade Adediwura Adeshina Ismail, of the FCT College Of Education, Zuba, as Senate President, being the first student in the FCT to hold such an exalted position in the Nigerian student movement. The legislative arm of the student movement comprises the Presidents of the Student Union Government of all tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

Speaking after being declared the winner by the chairman of the election committee, the Senate President-elect, Comrade Adeshina, told journalists that “the election is a clear and unequivocal reflection of the will and aspirations of Nigerian students, who desire to see am upliftment in their welfare”. Comrade Adeshina further enjoined his fellow “students across Nigeria and in diaspora, to continue to be exemplary as they have been in the buildup to this convention and during the convention itself”.

While noting that “the education system is undergoing serious challenges like the rest of Nigeria and the whole world”, he assured that “the new NANS will continue to work with constructive minded stakeholders and honest actors in the system to ensure that all enemies of the nation are defeated and the students are given priority in all things pertaining to education”.

The executives will be sworn in, in the coming days to commence implementation of their programmes, beginning with comrade Adeshina described as “the immediate restoration of full academic activities in all tertiary institutions in Nigeria”.

…..Fingers INEC officials of complicity in tenure as elongation


The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dumebi Kachikw, has accused the immediate past Ralph Nwosu-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the party of trying to sell off the mandates of its election candidates to another political party despite the expiration of its tenure.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Saturday that was called to debunk his purported suspension from the party by the ex-national leadership, he insisted that the NWC stood dissolved because its tenure had ended with Nwosu serving for 17 unbroken years against the provision of the party’s constitution.

Flanked by Hon. Kingsley Temitope Ogga, Chairman of Chairmen Forum and Kogi State chapter chairman;


Kennedy Odion, Edo State chairman, and Manzo Ibrahim, ex-National Vice Chairman North East, the presidential flag bearer said the party was surprised at a statement made by Nwosu suggesting that he had been suspended.

He disclosed that Nwosu had pleaded initially for his tenure to be extended by one year, saying that when the party turned it down, he requested six months extension, which was also rejected by the ADC.

According to him, the former party boss attempted to hold an illegal Congress to extend his tenure with the connivance of some officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) but was stopped by the police.

Dumebi further said that the ADC had what he called a dubious record of trading its mandate in the 17 years that Nwosu had been at the helms, which he vowed would not be repeated under his watch.

He said Nwosu had also attempted to substitute his running mate without his knowledge and as well foist a Director General of the presidential campaign on the flag bearer.

Dumebi explained: “To give a background to what has been happening, the tenure of the immediate past NWC expired or elapsed on the 28 of last month (August). Prior to this, the former chairman sought an extension of elongation of his tenure. He had reached me directly and indirectly pleading for us to extend his tenure.

“For those of you who might not know, Chief Ralph Nwosu is the longest serving national chairman of a political party in the history of Nigeria and has held sway as the chairman of the ADC for the past 17 years.


“You must understand that this is contrary to the constitution of the ADC which stipulates that a chairman can only hold office for a maximum of two terms of four years each.

“For some reasons and for reasons best known to INEC, we don’t know how Nwosu was able to hold on to that position for the last 17 years.”

While noting that he had promised to uphold the constitution of the party as its presidential candidate, Dumebi stated: “My party, the ADC has been known in the past to have a dubious distinction as the party that traded the mandate of its candidates.

“In recent memory, we can remember the late (Dr Obadaiah) Mailafia, who was the last presidential candidate of the party and what happened to him when on Election Day, the party chose to support another party having traded his mandate.

“We saw that happen in so many elections where the party always traded its candidates and I have made it clear to them that under my watch as the presidential candidate of this party, my mandate is not negotiable and the mandate of any candidate in the party will not be negotiated.”

A statement issued on Friday by the

Deputy National Chairman (Politics) in the immediate past NWC, Dr Bamidele Ajadi, had announced the suspension of Dumebi accusing him of making a false, misguided and defamatory video.

By Anthony Kolawole

I have read with interest the recent accusations and counter-accusations between the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) and the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, on claims on the Paris Club refund. This has indeed generated heated exchanges that are somewhat a show of shame, in my estimated opinion.

I have long held the opinion that state governors have constituted themselves into principalities in the country. I dare say they are powerful and primarily responsible for some of the socio-economic challenges in the country. You could say they are a bunch of insincere folks who are only interested in anything that protects their insatiable interest, not minding whose ox is gored.

It must be noted that the issue of the Paris Club Refund has been a recurring decimal since the administration of former president Olusegun Obasanjo. Yes, consultants were engaged, and fees were agreed upon. It was beneficial to both parties as at then, and we were spared the agony of the media parade by the Nigeria Governors Forum.

What has changed? Elections are around the corner, and state governors are scooping monies from every avenue to plunge into political campaigns. This time around, the claims made by the consultants could not stand because it would affect their earnings. I wonder how any right-thinking person would claim that the consultants were due to be paid $418 million.

This time, the Attorney General of the Federation has been dragged into the issue as taking sides with the consultants for insisting that the terms and agreement reached must be obeyed. Recall that when the Paris Club refund was paid to the states, the governors initially made part payment to the consultants but later decided to stop payment while asking for an out-of-court settlement.

This development resulted in an appeal in the form of a request to the president to facilitate payment to the consultants. This request was consequently transmitted to the Office of the AGF for legal advice. According to the Attorney General of the Federation, after subjecting the request to necessary checks, it was discovered that there was no element of fraud involved. He stated that the indemnity of the governors was also sought and received, culminating in the decision to make the payment.

What I find curious in the ensuing melee and the claims made by the Nigerian Governors Forum is that the governors’ forum, comprising all the governors, sat, commonly agreed on the engagement of consultants to provide certain services for them relating to the recovery of the Paris Club. So, it was the governors’ forum under the federal government in the first place that engaged the consultants.
When eventually, successes were recorded associated with the refund, the governors collectively and individually presented a request to the federal government for the fund. And among the components of the claim presented for the federal government's consideration was a component related to the payment of these consultants that now constitute the subject of contention. So it implies that the governors in their own right recognized the consultants, recognized their claim and presented such claim to the federal government.

Now, this is the interesting part. When the claims were eventually processed and paid to the governors' forum, they, indeed, on their own, without the federal government's intervention, took steps to make part payments to the consultants, acknowledging their liability over same.

When they decided to stop the payment, the consultants instituted an action in court against the governors' forum. And what happened in court? They submitted to consent judgment. They asked and urged the court to allow them to settle out of court. This much was corroborated by the Federation's Attorney General when he recently stated that the court granted the governors an opportunity to settle out of court. They committed to terms of settlement in writing; they signed the terms of the settlement, agreeing and conceding that such payments be made to the consultants.

Hear him: "The president passed all the governors' requests to the Office of the Attorney General for consideration. I suggested to the president the face value of the judgement and the undertones associated with the consultancy services; in my opinion, the same treatment we meted to P&ID, let us subject this claim, the consent judgement, to an investigation by the agencies of the government.”

"Mr President approved; I directed the EFCC and DSS to look into these claims and report back to the office of the Attorney General. And these agencies reported and concluded that there was no problem, undertone associated with it and that the government may continue to sanction the payment.”

With the above, any discerning mind would conclude that the governors are trying to be clever by half unless the Governor's Forum acted without the consensus of the governors of the 36 states of the federation. And if that was the case, whose fault is it?

I think this is just a face-saving measure by the governors to cover their lack of defence in the whole matter. Therefore they are looking for a scapegoat in the Attorney General of the Federation.

Let’s call a spade a spade. Over the years, the Attorney General of the Federation has displayed an unalloyed commitment to discharging his duties. Little wonder the feats the Federal Ministry of Justice recorded in securing over 1,000 convictions on terrorism. Convictions have also been secured in 45 cases by the Complex Casework Group (CCG), maritime unit, and the special task force on electricity offences and across the 13 zonal offices of the ministry. The Justice Ministry had supported the federal government in various infrastructure-funding agreements, adding that the country currently grapples with a N329 billion funding gap, amongst a host of others.

He who comes to equity must come with clean hands. The Nigeria Governors Forum must spare us their tirade and own up to their failures regarding the Paris Club Refund. The Federation's Attorney General is the country's Chief Law Officer, and all and sundry must respect any matter that requires his legal advice.

I suggest that the Governors Forum seek an alternative strategy in vilifying the Attorney General of the Federation. This is dead on arrival.


Kolawole PhD wrote this piece from Nasarawa .

Kachikwu calls Tinubu great grandfather, Atiku - grandfather and Peter Obi - father.

In his opening remarks at the ongoing NBA conference, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Dumebi Kachikwu, referred to the trio of Ahmed Bola Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi as great grandfather, grand father and father.

He further said that if the panel session on Democratic Transitions in 21st Century Nigeria went on for another 5hrs the other candidates would not be able to proffer any solutions to the issues plaguing the nation saying they can’t give what they don’t have.

He bemoaned the fact that schools in Abuja had been shut down over security issues even though the Nigerian President lives in Abuja.

He wondered what part of Nigeria could then be considered safe.