₦airaland Forum

The Imo House of Assembly candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 election, Engr Onyiriuka Stanley Chike and over 1,000 of his supporters have dumped the party in Ohaji Egbema Local Government Area.

The politician has pitched his tent with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring support for the governorship flagbearer, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, ahead of the November 11 polls.

Onyiriuka, popularly known as “Chyko”, who has a large following among the electorate in his constituency, gave his opponents a hot chase in the March general election.

In a statement on Tuesday, the politician explained that he and his followers left the SDP to join hands with Imo people to rescue the state from “insecurity, bad governance, greed and harsh policies”.

Onyiriuka said what’s needed is the exit of the All Progressives Congress (APC) government and the enthronement of people-oriented administration, which he believes Anyanwu would offer.

He enjoined anyone working against the liberation of Imo to have a change of heart, insisting the gubernatorial poll “would serve as a restoration season to stop killing of innocent youths and burning of houses for no reason.”

Onyiriuka, who described the APC administration as “very insensitive”, swore to continue to mobilise well-meaning Nigerians in the three zones against the ruling party.

The Board of Zenith Bank Plc has announced the re-appointment of Dame (Dr) Adaora Umeoji, OON as the Deputy Managing Director (DMD) of the bank.

POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the re-engagement is effective August 2, 2023.

The announcement was made in a notice filed with the Nigerian Exchange today. The notice said that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had given its “no objection” to the re-engagement.

The notice read: “Zenith Bank Plc “The Bank” hereby informs its shareholders, NGX and the investing public that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has given its ‘No Objection’ to the re-engagement of Dame (Dr) Adaora Umeoji as Deputy Managing Director (DMD) of the bank. The re-engagement is effective August 2, 2023.”

Popular Musician, Kelly Handsome has declared that the Governor of Imo state, Hope Uzodinma does not deserve a second term.

Handsome, in a recent post on his social media page, claimed that he was invited to a political meeting with APC chieftains in the United States by the candidate of the Labour Party, Chief Athan Achonu, to brainstorm on strategies to help Uzodinma win the upcoming November 11th Elections in Imo.

According to him, Trouble reportedly broke out when he vehemently opposed working for the Governor due to the heightened Insecurity in the state.

In his words: "I don’t like rubbish. Senator Atan invited me to join the APC forum that was set up to canvass for another 4 years of failure to do the needful. I’m trying to set the records straight about his statement on the insecurity issues in Imo State, he indirectly admitted that the government of IMO state was responsible for the insecurity in Imo State that took lives of our loved ones over there and has kept the whole state in fear and unrest. He said I stood up to tell him a that that was not ok."

"Denying the situation on ground while trying to make us believe that the news we hear o we here in the diaspora is made up to create a false representation of the real situation on Ground, is not ok. We have people living there as we speak so we get reports directly from them and we know it is not ok. Nobody should collaborate with anyone to destroy his own people, that is not ok. It would have been better to come clean saying, we have failed you so, what do we do to make things better starting from this moment? Not trying to fool us into thinking that we are delusional."

"No, we are well informed. Can you beat a child and tell a child not to cry? No! And they called the security to walk me out. No issues but I have spoken the mind of the Imo people. You can verify. So I ask you, is it ok?"

The musician further added that the party chieftains invited Police to escort him out of the Venue.

"Trying to practice the suppression of the freedom of speech in a country where there is respect for human rights is a dumb move. They called the police to escort me out and I left, honorably. No disrespect intended, just the truth. Everybody knows the truth. #imostate

"You came to know our mind and we have told you our mind and you have asked us out and we’re out. That’s suspicious. Where’s the money? Nowhere. So, stop speaking English.

https://politicsnigeria.com/imo-cant-vote-for-hope-uzodinma-kelly-handsome-clashes-with-apc-chieftains-in-us-video/


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynkl-CkJV_Y


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGcFC25UeYc

Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Gubernatorial Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo state, has declared that his party will occupy Douglas House by November.

Anyanwu, who is also the Party’s National secretary made this statement during a reconciliatory meeting with all the 305 Ward Chairmen, 27 LGA Chairmen, 27 LGA Women Leaders, and 3 Zone Women Leaders of the Party at his campaign office in Owerri on Thursday.

Speaking at the meeting, he said: “Those who have left the party are free to go. Those of you who have decided to remain in the party, when we win, you will not cry. You will be happy at the end of the day.

“I want to thank the reconciliatory committee for the work they have done so far. We are going to take Douglas House. Every support group will work hand in hand with the Party and there won’t be any segregation or discrimination.”

Ranking Party chieftains present at the meeting include Deputy Governorship Candidate, Dr. Jones Onyereri, Evang. Mike Ikoku, Chief Mike Ahumibe, Hon. Henry Onwukwe, Chief Bonny Ebili amongst several others.

A Popular On-Air-Personality, Chinonso Ubah, popularly known as "Nonso Nkwa" has accused the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma of being behind several killings in the state.

Nkwa, in a now-viral video, alleged that Uzodinma hired mercenaries from an ex-Militant leader, Asari Dokubo, who he claims are responsible for the killings and havoc in the state.

Speaking in Igbo, Nkwa said: "The Ebubeagu boys in Imo State are Asari Dokubo's Boys. The People of Imo don't know, Asari and this Ebubeagu boys move around the state but when he comes in no one will know."

"Asari Dokubo recruited the Ebubeagu boys Hope Uzodinma is using to work. Uzodinma and Dokubo have an agreement."

"Every Ebubeagu member in Imo state is his(Asari) boy. If Asari does not like the Igbos, his boys too will not like the Igbos, look at what is happening in Agwa, Orlu, Ohaji Egbema and Izombe. It's the Ebubeagu boys that are causing this Havoc and they hate Igbos."

"They are using this opportunity now that they have an agreement with Imo state government to burn the houses and wasting lives of Imo People."

"The government of Hope Uzodinma is using Ebubeagu, which is made up of Asari Dokubo's boys who hate Igbos to protect Imo People? If your governor can go to an Enemy of Ndi Igbo to seek his help for security should tell you where we are now...".

Recently, about five major newspapers called out the DSS for bashing of sorts. [/b]The papers, which used their platforms to express varied views about the modus operandi of the Service include [b]Vanguard, Daily Trust, The Sun, Tribune, and Punch. While Vanguard’s piece on 2nd June 2023 was Dousing the DSS/EFCC Feud, Daily Trust, on 6th June 2023, published an editorial titled The DSS Must Conduct Its Duties as a Secret Service. The Sun, on 7th June, published The Needless DSS/EFCC Fracas while Tribune on 8th June 2023 wrote on The EFCC/DSS Confrontation. Similarly, on 14th June 2023, Punch featured DSS, Others Need Radical Reforms. It did not seem that the editorials which sought the reforms of the DSS or to criticise it for its public statements or actions on various subject matters of national security concern were, by any means, an accident or a coincidence. It looked every inch planted or organised. It is a hatchet job or so it seemed. The judgement that the Service is excessively public or ubiquitous missed the point. The papers manifested predictable bias and patterns.

Relatedly, some respected legal personalities namely, Olisa Agbakoba SAN, Mike Ozekhome SAN and Femi Falana SAN opined that the Service operates outside its mandate especially with regards to the investigation of Godwin Emefiele. The fact that this matter has become sub-judice constrains the Service from making further statements about it. The celebration of the news of a court order to allow his Lawyers and family access to him is quite unnecessary. He was never denied access. Ever since he was taken into custody, his family has continually accessed him. Same with medical officials. The impression that the Service is going to act on the prompting of the Court is not correct. This is by the way.

Back to the subject under discourse. While it may be fair to admit that the news media and aforementioned personalities are entitled to their opinions, measured ignorance predominantly played out in their arguments. First, they failed to recognise that security threats are evolving and so do the approaches to managing them. Instructively, the security landscape in Nigeria, like many other countries, has become increasingly complex and dynamic. The periodic issuance of press statements to educate or carry citizens and residents along has undoubtedly become part of strategies to manage national security challenges. Extensive research would have revealed to the critics that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other world intelligence Services deploy similar tactics including occasional statements and advisories. The CIA includes demographic information on its website to provide the public with valuable insights and data about various populations so to enhance understanding of different regions and communities. Does it mean CIA is operating outside its mandate? Or will that be accepted because it’s CIA, a foreign body?

The need for the agencies to be responsive, transparent and apprise taxpayers has become the global norm in national security and intelligence management. It is called security/intelligence accountability. The tenets of security and intelligence governance expect that agencies remain transparent, accountable and compliant to democracy. World over, Intelligence Services operate in ways and means not too discernable to the uninitiate. But the institutionalisation of democracy as preferred political culture has nonetheless forced such agencies to communicate often with the Public. You can see why the public statements can never be out of place. Without public consciousness and support, countering threats may remain a herculean task for security agencies. Democratic subordination and legislative oversight are basic principles which make it an obligation for these agencies to operate openly even when some of their activities are secret. Ask the USA, UK, France, Canada and other advanced democracies. This level of openness does not vitiate the expected secrecy or in any way compromise their operations.

Regarding the matter concerning the DSS and EFCC, both agencies have refuted claims of a rivalry. It is important to note that comparing the 30th May, 2023 incident at 15 Awolowo Road, Lagos to the barricade of National Assembly in 2018 is inaccurate and unjust due to the substantial differences in the nature and context of the two events. While it is essential to emphasize inter-agency relations and cooperation, it would be unfair to generalise and imply that the Service is in rivalry and power struggle with the Commission. Each agency operates within its distinct mandate and context.

Meanwhile, the editorials accurately alluded to the constitutionality of the DSS as an intelligence organisation in detecting, preventing and neutralising threats against Nigeria. They commended the Service for its commitment to the security of the country as well as the many feats it had accomplished in the course of discharging its duties. Thank you indeed. It has to be understood that the Service is not only an intelligence organisation. It is also a law enforcement agency. It is a security and policy advisory organ. Its establishment law expects it to prevent. To prevent unarguably means to enforce. Should the Service seek media endorsement or permission before deploying operatives and equipment to conduct its job? Should it rather play to the gallery? Characteristic of intelligence operating systems, DSS’ activities may never be completely explained or understood particularly to those who do not need to know.

Even though some of its high officials and operations are known and their veils of secrecy uncovered, there are thousand undercover personnel and actions that have no business going public. It is expected to remain so. With its broad mandate and legal authority to investigate crimes of national security significance, the DSS is well within its rights to initiate an inquiry into any relevant matter. The DSS is primarily charged to detect and prevent crimes and threats against the internal security of Nigeria. More profoundly, it is to undertake such other responsibility as maybe assigned to it by the President and Commander-in-Chief. Appreciating this role of the DSS is instructive for some sections of the media, lawyers and other interested parties. The Service operates on the basis of rule of law. Its operations are rule governed. As required, it obtains arrest and detention warrants when and if needed. For the fact that such instruments are not advertised does not suggest otherwise. Critics should get conversant with the law and rules of engagement and desist from misinforming, misleading or inciting the public. Those seeking to weaken the Service through premeditated reforms may be on a wild goose chase. Consistent attack on it based on ignorance, unrealised interests and emotional assessments and judgements does the country no good. The DSS has stood so firmly for Nigeria. It will continue to.

Considering the warped mentality that has triggered these writeups, it will, no doubt, be unsurprising to witness an upsurge in malicious articles, criticisms and baseless attacks in the public space following the investigations of Messrs Godwin Emefiele and Abdulrasheed Bawa among other flimsy matters. Certain groups and people are bound to come up with frivolous allegations against the Service and its leadership. These entities may also exploit unpatriotic members of the Service to spread falsehoods, propaganda and hate in order to project the Organisation in a bad light. Given their reach and war chest to mobilise forces against Government and its key officials, the adversaries may intend to cause distractions to the on-going investigations as directed by the C-in-C. However, the Service will not depose its professionalism for cheap backlash nor discharge its duty with prejudice or fear.

For those who canvass the opinion that the DSS has no business in investigating the matters referred to it are obviously not taking seriously the omnibus powers of the President, as enshrined in the enabling Acts of the SSS and the NSA. As argued by a onetime Director of the DSS, Fubara Duke, “When a law confers on the President power to delegate ANY assignments he deems fit for a particular Agency to perform, I wonder how it falls outside the purview of (ANY) the stipulations of the President’s powers and by extension why the DSS is being faulted for carrying out the President’s directive”. Continuing, he added: “I have heard arguments of cases being thrown out by the courts over questionable prosecutorial powers of the DSS regarding some categories of cases including criminal cases. Without prejudice to the wisdom of the court on such judgements, they should not override the lawful investigative authority of the DSS. Should there be need for prosecution in due course, these determinations would be appropriately evaluated and where/if necessary, appropriate prosecutorial agencies which may include the Attorney General’s Office or other sister agencies may be deployed to prosecute. It is not the first time this has happened”.

Let it be clear, however, that the DSS will remain unshaken and professional in carrying out its duties. It recommits to diligently operate, as always, within the confines of the law and to uphold the fundamental rights of all Nigerians. The media must, as the fifth estate of the realm, remain balanced, accurate, impartial and accountable. To sustain a deliberate misguidance of the public with any form of misconceptions is detrimental to nationhood. Therefore, to deepen the expected contributions, seeking veracity is not only ethical but obligatory. That should not be asking for too much.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) heartily celebrates the National Secretary and Candidate of our great Party in the November 11, 2023 Imo State Governorship election, our own dear Distinguished Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu as he marks his birthday today.

Senator Anyanwu is a very humble, honest, compassionate and remarkably resourceful leader; an excellent administrator, forthright politician and courageous statesman who continues to demonstrate an exceptional commitment towards the unity, stability and progress of our great Party and Nigeria.

Sam-Daddy is a beloved of his people; grassroot mobilizer and leading light who embodies the hope, aspiration and determination of the people of Imo State to make their land safe again and liberate the citizens from the stranglehold of oppressive forces.

Our Party is especially proud of Senator Anyanwu’s longstanding achievements and democratic credentials as a two-term Local Government Chairman, two-term member of the Imo State House of Assembly, Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, PDP National Secretary and Candidate of our Party for the November 11, 2023 Imo State Governorship election; legacies with which he has distinguished himself as a leader with unparalleled love for and commitment to the wellbeing, happiness and prosperity of the people.

The PDP notes that Senator Anyanwu’s proven commitment and record of achievements inform the desire of the overwhelming majority of the people of Imo State across board to elect him as the next Governor of the State so that he will bring his wealth of experience, capacity, humility, competence and proficiency to bear on the affairs of the State.

The PDP family felicitates with Senator Anyanwu on this special day and prays to God to grant him many more years in good health, wisdom and success in the November 11, 2023 election to the Glory of His Name, in line with the yearnings and aspiration of the people of Imo State.

Signed:

Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has so far demonstrated unwavering determination to drive tangible progress and establish fruitful alliances across party lines in just nine days since assuming office. A self-proclaimed talent hunter who is generally regarded as a results-oriented action man, a master negotiator, and a strategist, he already displays an uncanny ability to pursue results in the general interest of all Nigerians regardless of party affiliations.

From his deft handling of the fallout of the fuel subsidy removal to dousing the labour union situation and, more recently, his impassioned charge to state governors across party lines, could these early days signpost the direction of the Tinubu Administration – one that will be marked by pragmatic, hands-on leadership, as well as direct consultations with varied interest and political groups? More importantly, do the quality of his first set of state house appointments point toward the future of his government? Some believe this is the kind of leadership Nigeria has needed all along.

With these first state house appointments of Prince Adedamilotun Aderemi as his Personal Assistant, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila as his Chief of Staff, and Victor Adeleke as his State Chief of Protocol, the Tinubu administration seems to have set the stage for a transformative era through the appointment of exceptional individuals who embody brilliance, experience, and a deep sense of patriotism into his statehouse team with his first appointees displaying a blend of youth, political dexterity, and diplomatic experience respectively.

Here are the profiles of President Tinubu’s first political State House appointees:

Personal Assistant – Prince Adedamilotun Aderemi, Young Commercial Lawyer, Crown prince of Ile-Ife

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR recently appointed 37 year old Prince Adedamilotun Aderemi as the Personal Assistant to the President. Prior to his appointment Damilotun was Personal Assistant to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for 5 years.

Prince Aderemi is a lawyer par excellence, an active distinction student who achieved first class academic results in Sciences and in the Arts; Bsc Chemistry, Imperial College London and LL.B Hons Upper Second Class, University of Buckingham. He earned an LLM in International and Commercial Law, specialising in International Law with distinction) from University of Buckingham and was called to the Nigerian Bar in August 2014.

In practice, Prince Aderemi co-authored a number of practice guides, including  “A practical guide on the impact of New Anti-Money Laundering Regulations.” He advised on a number of unprecedented matters including;  a Federal Government $300 million (USD ) diaspora bond, the first US SEC registered bond issued by Nigeria and the most subscribed ( $500million (USD)) Eurobond Issuance in sub-Saharan Africa.

A crown prince of Ife, Damilotun is the grandson of Ooni Adesoji Aderemi, King of the ancient city of Ile-Ife Kingdom from 1930- 1980. He is also the great-grandson of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the great sage.

He is described by many as a level-headed strategist, with a passionate and patriotic heart for all things Nigerian, for which he constantly seeks new ways to make Nigeria better.

Chief of Staff – Rt. Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, Distinguished Lawyer, Former Speaker of the House of Representatives

Femi Gbajabiamila’s appointment as Chief of Staff further reiterates President’s Tinubu’s seriousness about selecting accomplished, long serving technocrats with track records to key positions.

Elected Speaker of the House of Representatives in June 2019, Gbajabiamila is recognised as one of Nigeria’s most accomplished law makers. A distinguished lawyer, he graduated at the top of his class at the University of Lagos and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1984. He proceeded to the USA, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude from John Marshall and earned for himself a Juris Doctor degree. He then went on to write and pass the Georgia Bar exams, after which he set up another thriving law office where he practised until his return to Nigeria.

With encouragement and support from President Tinubu, then governor of Lagos, Gbajabiamila delved into partisan politics in 2003 on the platform of the then Alliance for Democracy and thereafter was elected for six consecutive terms to represent the people of Surulere 1 Federal Constituency of Lagos in the National Assembly. He served as the Minority Whip of the house, and by the end of his second term in office, Gbajabiamila had sponsored the highest number of Bills in the National Assembly.

State Chief of Protocol – Victor Adeleke, Career Diplomat, Former Permanent Representative to the African Union and UNECA

President Bola Tinubu State Chief of Protocol (SCOP) appointee, Victor Adeleke is a long serving ( 30 years) diplomat par excellence. Prior to his appointment Adeleke was Ambassador Extraordinary, Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Ethiopia, with concurrent accreditation to Djibouti and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa in Ethiopia.

Legally trained, Adeleke graduated from the Obafemi Awolowo University, lle-Ife, was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1991, before he proceeded to join the Foreign Service in 1993 where he trained in International Law and Diplomacy at the Foreign Service Academy. He was later deployed as Personal Assistant to the Minister of Foreign Affairs in 1997 before being posted to the Embassy of Nigeria in Beijing, China(1998-2000), where he acted as key representative of NIgeria on political and economic matters. He moved on to the Head Chancery administration in Brasilia, Brazil in 2001 acting as a key political liaison between both countries. Adeleke’s talent was noted in service, Notably, in 2010 President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (2010) requested that he be deployed as Assistant Director of Protocol at State house, Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Adeleke served exceptionally well, noted for his cool-headedness, excellent management style and well roundedness he was deployed to Warsaw, Poland in 2010 to assist with developing Nigeria’s relationship with the country. Thereafter in 2017, he proceeded to head the Economic, Trade and Industry section of the Nigeria High Commision in London, whilst concurrently Deputising the Head of Mission at the Nigerian embassy in Ireland.

IFC today made its largest-ever investment in northern Nigeria, providing a financing package alongside African and European partners to BUA Cement Plc to help the company part-finance and develop two new, energy-efficient cement production lines that will create up to 12,000 direct and indirect jobs.

IFC’s $500 million financing package includes a $160.5 million loan from IFC’s own account, a $94.5 million loan through the Managed Co-Lending Portfolio Program (MCPP), and $245 million in parallel loans from syndication partners; the African Development Bank (AfDB) – $100 million, the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) – $100 million, and the German Investment Corporation, Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft (DEG) – $45 million.

The financing, announced during the Africa CEO Forum in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, will allow BUA, Nigeria’s second largest cement producer, to develop new production lines in northern Nigeria’s Sokoto State. The plants will run partly on alternative fuels derived from waste and solar power. Each will produce about three million tons of cement annually when complete, serving markets in Nigeria, Niger, and Burkina Faso.

Investing in northern Nigeria is integral to IFC’s strategy to promote sustainable development in underserved regions. This includes areas with limited opportunities and a need for increased private sector engagement. The new plants will provide local developers with a reliable and affordable source of cement, and bolster the construction of essential infrastructure, fostering economic growth and prosperity for the region.

The project is expected to create about 1,000 direct jobs and 10,800 indirect jobs. Direct jobs include those in manufacturing, engineering, and advanced automation systems. Indirect jobs include those in the cleaning, maintenance, mining, and transportation sectors.

"BUA is delighted to partner with IFC and other esteemed institutions in securing this $500 million facility to develop energy-efficient cement production capacity and strengthen our equipment and logistics capabilities in northern Nigeria. In line with our commitment to sustainability and ESG principles, this investment will create jobs and contribute to economic and infrastructural development within Nigeria and the greater Sahel region. We are particularly pleased to have successfully gone through the rigorous process with IFC, AfDB, AFC, and DEG, which validates our responsible business practices. By focusing on greener fuels and enhancing our equipment and logistics platform, BUA Cement is building a foundation for sustainable infrastructure growth and a more inclusive society," said Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman and Founder of BUA Group.

“We are pleased to join with our partners to support BUA with an investment that will boost industrialization, create jobs and deliver economic growth in northern Nigeria, a region with significant economic potential,” said Makhtar Diop, IFC’s Managing Director.

The financing package announced by IFC and its partners will also allow BUA to replace some of its diesel trucks with vehicles that are run partly on natural gas, over time producing fewer emissions. As part of the project, IFC will also advise BUA on developing a gender inclusive workplace strategy that creates more opportunities for women across its operations.

[b]“Following an initial $200 million investment in BUA Group in 2021, we are proud to play another key role in this landmark manufacturing project set to transform the construction sector in northern Nigeria and the entire country. By investing in this project, we are sustainably building Nigeria’s local manufacturing capacity, [/b]empowering local communities and creating employment opportunities. AFC is committed to working with our partners to accelerate development impact through infrastructure solutions that support value addition, industrialization, and job creation throughout Africa," said Samaila Zubairu, CEO & President of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).

“The African Development Bank is pleased to be partnering with IFC and BUA on this expansion project as it is aligned with our priority strategies of industrializing Africa and improving the quality of lives of Africans through the increase in cement production which will lead to the development of additional affordable housing and critical infrastructure in Nigeria and neighboring West African countries, while supporting the use of cleaner energy at BUA’s Sokoto facility” said Solomon Quaynor, Vice President - Private Sector, Infrastructure and Industrialization of African Development Bank (AfDB).

“DEG’s mission is to be a reliable partner to private sector enterprises as drivers of development and creators of qualified jobs. We are pleased to contribute to this transaction together with our development finance partner institutions. Together we support BUA in its transformation towards a more sustainable production by implementing innovative technology. The significant reduction of CO2 emissions and the creation of decent jobs in a region with many vulnerable households are key factors for DEG's financing,” said Gunnar Stork, Senior Director at DEG.

The investment in BUA is part of IFC’s strategy to promote diversified, inclusive growth and job creation in Nigeria, where IFC supports the manufacturing agribusiness, healthcare, infrastructure, technology, and financial services sectors. IFC has an active investment portfolio of $2.3 billion in Nigeria.

Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Imo State, Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu, has accused the state governor, Hope Uzodinma, of destroying the state with his ‘greed’ and ‘desperation’.

He stated this on Saturday at the first session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Mbaise at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Owutu Parish, Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area of the state.

According to him, Uzodinma’s level of greed, wickedness, and desperation to retain power at all costs has created an unsecured society leading to unwarranted killings of Imo youths, appealing to the clergy to caution those behind the dastardly act.

He lamented that members of Uzodinma’s administration were busy accumulating wealth and recruiting thugs ahead of the November governorship polls.

The PDP Governorship standard bearer further charged all religious leaders to rise up against thuggery, violence and election malpractices in the state, pointing out that in the cause of subverting and scuttling people’s mandates, Imo people became vulnerable to insecurity.

He said; “No viable leader or administration can ever achieve its policies if such government does not anchor its vision on morality”.

Anyanwu added that if present-day politicians could remember that genuine power only comes from God, the level of desperation to foist themselves on the masses will reduce to its barest minimum.

Also in attendance at the event were the Deputy Governorship Candidate, Rt Hon Dr Jones Onyereri, Evang Myke Ikoku, Hon Ngozi Ogbu, Hon Mike Ahumibe (PDP Organizing Secretary, South East), Chief Law Biaduo (PDP Organizing Secretary, Imo State), and Hon Collins Opurozor (PDP Publicity Secretary, Imo State.

A former Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Imo State capital, Mr Onwuasoanya FCC Jones has raised the alarm that Governor Hope Uzodimma has activated plans to compromise the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machine for the November 11 Governorship Election in the state.

Jones, a public affairs analyst raised the alarm in reaction to "Imo Social Security Number," a programme Governor Uzodimma's government planned during which it would collect citizens' data for election manipulation.

The Imo State Government Special Announcement leaflet which SaharaReporters obtained on Tuesday, stipulated that the requirement for enrollment in the programme is having a valid voters card.

According to the statement, the programme which would issue a unique Imo State Social Benefit Number (IMSSBN) to each enrolled individual, will start today, May 16, 2023 at all polling units in the state.

It stated "the 3R/Shared Prosperity Government in Imo State envisioned and concluded plans to roll out a Social Welfare Benefit Programme that is targeted at enrolling every Adult Imo State indigene on our enterprise database platform."

The state government gave the benefits of the programme to include "IMSSBN Health Insurance, Skill Acquisition, Citizen's Help Desk/Citizen's Infopedia, Economic Empowerment, and Employment Opportunity Advisory Business Support Programmes/Grants."

Reacting to development, Jones described the Imo Social Security Number as a fraudulent way of stealing citizens' details for election manipulation. He accused Uzodimma regime and APC of desperately trying to steal data of impoverished and dehumanised youths of Imo State.

He stated, "The plan which he has shielded under a deceitful Social Welfare Scheme is strictly aimed at collating sensitive data of would-be applicants, including; BVN, NIN, VIN numbers and important voting details of the applicants will enable the APC and their agents manipulate the biomodial accreditation system.

"The program which is set to be launched today targets the most financially vulnerable of the society, especially; retirees, unemployed graduates, artisans, etc, who would be enticed with false promises of some social security benefits, upon enrolling on the programme.

"For the avoidance of doubts, citizens do not need any special number to benefit from social welfare programs from any responsible government. The National Identity Number which every Nigerian is eligible to be enrolled into has all the features to qualify as a social security number for all Nigerian citizens as it contains all relevant information covering every citizen, including your financial standing and employment history.

"The idea of asking people to enroll for a different programme before they can be captured for social welfare packages is fraudulent and those behind such must be taken for who they are."

He added, "Analysts believe that the APC had successfully test-run a pilot programme for the compromise of the BVAS accreditation method during the supplementary election and used same to successfully subvert the will of the people, and are now using the same method to ensure that the upcoming governorship elections in Imo, Bayelsa and Kogi are compromised.

"Beyond merely stealing people's voters details and using same to manipulate the upcoming election, there is fear that these details may fall into the hands of internet fraudsters and hackers who may use them to perpetrate all kinds of illegal activities, including stealing victims' life savings and other criminal activities."

Calling on Imo residents to be wary of the dangers inherent in the programme, Jones noted "It is therefore important to warn that you stay away or risk trading off both your rights to vote and even your legal identity, probably, forever."

Effective regulation is crucial for any modern society, as it establishes standards, guidelines, and rules that ensure fairness, safety, and order. The role of regulation should be to balance the interests of various stakeholders, such as consumers, investors, businesses, and society as a whole. Regulations should be evidence-based, transparent, proportionate, targeted, and responsive to changing circumstances, avoiding unnecessary burdens and unintended consequences.

For example, the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is an instance of well-crafted regulation that strikes a balance between protecting consumer privacy and enabling businesses to operate effectively. GDPR sets clear guidelines for data protection and privacy while ensuring that businesses can still use consumer data for legitimate purposes.

However, ambiguous or non-stakeholder inclusive regulation can hinder innovation and economic growth. In Nigeria, a rapidly growing economy, entrepreneurs and small businesses play a vital role in driving economic expansion and creating jobs. Excessive regulation can make it challenging for them to operate, stifling innovation and limiting growth potential. For instance, burdensome licensing requirements and bureaucratic obstacles can deter new businesses from entering the market, leading to reduced competition and fewer consumer opportunities.

A classic example of over-regulation is the repealed "cabotage law" in Nigeria, which mandated that only Nigerian-flagged vessels could engage in coastal trade within the country. This law led to a lack of competition, resulting in higher costs and inefficiencies within the shipping industry.

These concerns have been raised by businesses in Nigeria in response to the new laws and guidelines introduced by the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON). Stakeholders have described the new laws as restrictive, archaic, and detrimental to the creative industry. For example, ARCON's mandate for using only Nigerian models in advertisements shown within the country could limit the global appeal of Nigerian brands and hinder their ability to compete on the international stage. Nigerian brands operate in several countries, if regulators of other markets tow the same line as ARCON, it would greatly affect our indigenous brands’ opportunities in other parts of the world.

Additionally, ARCON now requires skit makers to obtain approval for all advertising material before publication or face penalties. This regulation resembles the previously repealed Nigerian film censorship law, which demanded that every film be approved by the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) before release. This law created delays and discouraged filmmakers from producing content in Nigeria.

Responsible online advertising should be an inclusive project involving government, online platforms, advertisers, agencies, and various online communities. One example of a successful multi-stakeholder approach to regulation is the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), which manages the global domain name system through collaboration with governments, businesses, and civil society organizations. No county in the world, including China has successfully monitored its online or social media space with regulations only.

ARCON's Standard of Practice, published in October 2021 grants itself the power to decide commissions, pitch fees, and payment terms for private organizations within the advertising industry, as well as their clients. It also claims the authority to establish a tribunal to pass judgment on defaulters. These provisions appear to overstep the constitutional freedom of legal business entities to enter into contractual agreements and suggest a dictatorial approach that undermines the nation's constitution.

ARCON positions the need to eradicate Capital flight as its basis for the very prohibitory laws, however ARCON has not been able to substantiate its claims, as it  does not have the actual figure of advertising spend in Nigeria.  ARCON cannot even ascertain the contribution of every naira spent in advertising to the Nation’s GDP.

If ARCON can provide data on how advertising spend contributes to the Nigerian GDP, this will be a good place to start in the development of the advertising Industry. Advertisers which are  SMEs, local conglomerates, and multinational organizations, significantly contribute to Nigeria's economy and deserve an enabling environment that allows them to operate without undue intimidation and unnecessary restrictions.

ARCON should prioritize creating an environment that fosters creativity and innovation, supported by education, technology, and fair regulations, rather than implementing regressive and unproductive systems.For example, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) in the United Kingdom is an independent regulator that promotes responsible advertising through collaboration with advertisers, agencies, and media owners. It provides clear guidance and resources to help businesses comply with advertising standards while ensuring that creativity and innovation can flourish. ARCON should consider adopting a similar approach to facilitate growth and development within Nigeria's advertising ndustry.

To foster a thriving advertising ecosystem in Nigeria, ARCON should consider the following recommendations:

Consultation and collaboration: Engage in regular dialogue with stakeholders, including advertisers, agencies, online platforms, and consumer advocates, to ensure that regulatory measures are practical, effective, and considerate of industry dynamics. A collaborative approach to regulation, similar to ICAN's multi-stakeholder model, can lead to better outcomes for all parties involved.

Transparency and accountability: ARCON should ensure that its decision-making process is transparent and based on evidence, with clear communication of regulatory changes and their rationale. This approach will help build trust between ARCON and the advertising industry while promoting a sense of shared responsibility for upholding advertising standards.

Flexibility and adaptability: Regulations should be responsive to the rapidly evolving advertising landscape, particularly in the digital space. ARCON should monitor global best practices and emerging trends to ensure that its guidelines remain relevant and supportive of innovation.

Education and capacity building: ARCON should provide resources and training programs to help advertisers, agencies, and other stakeholders understand and comply with advertising regulations. By helping industry players develop the necessary skills and knowledge, ARCON can promote a culture of responsible advertising and self-regulation.

Streamlined approval processes: To avoid bureaucratic bottlenecks and support the timely release of advertising content, ARCON should implement efficient and user-friendly approval processes for advertising material. This could include online submission systems, clear turnaround times, and dedicated support for small businesses and content creators.

Encourage diversity and inclusivity: ARCON should revise its regulations to allow for the use of both local and international models in advertisements, promoting diversity and inclusivity. This approach will not only improve Nigeria's global image but also allow advertisers to resonate with a broader range of audiences, supporting their businesses' growth and competitiveness.

Balancing regulation and freedom of contract: While it is essential to ensure fairness, equity, and order in the advertising industry, ARCON should respect the constitutional freedom for legal business entities to enter into contractual agreements. Regulators can provide guidelines and best practices for commercial considerations, but they should not interfere with the negotiation process or impose arbitrary restrictions.

Foster self-regulation: ARCON should promote a culture of self-regulation within the advertising industry by encouraging the development of voluntary codes of conduct and industry-led initiatives. This approach can complement formal regulation and empower industry players to take responsibility for upholding advertising standards and protecting consumers' interests.

Benchmarking and international cooperation: ARCON should actively participate in international forums and collaborate with other advertising regulators to learn from best practices and ensure that Nigeria's regulatory framework aligns with global standards. This engagement will help ARCON to stay abreast of emerging trends and challenges in the advertising industry and inform its regulatory approach.

Measuring impact and effectiveness: Finally, ARCON should regularly assess the impact and effectiveness of its regulations, seeking feedback from stakeholders and adjusting its approach as needed. This ongoing evaluation process will help ensure that regulatory measures remain fit for purpose, fostering a dynamic and responsive advertising industry in Nigeria.

By implementing these recommendations, ARCON can create a balanced regulatory environment that promotes responsible advertising while respecting the needs of businesses and other stakeholders. This approach will help to cultivate a thriving advertising ecosystem in Nigeria, driving innovation, economic growth, and job creation, and fostering a diverse and inclusive creative industry that reflects the country's rich cultural heritage and its commitment to the common good.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Imo, Samuel Anyanwu, has vowed to scuttle Governor Hope Uzodinma’s re-election bid.

Anyanwu, incumbent PDP National Secretary, was formerly a local government chairman, House of Assembly member and Imo East Senator.

On Wednesday, his campaign’s Director of New Media, Dumebi Ifeanyichukwu, said the governor and the All Progressives Congress (APC) were nervous.


Ifeanyichukwu noted that Anyanwu would not join words with his opponents “who are afraid of their impending loss in November”.

“It is in the nature of losers to be jittery because the people of Imo have seen the light”, the spokesperson said in a statement.

Fifty-seven-year-old Anyanwu also decried the rising level of poverty, unemployment and insecurity “thriving” under the current administration.

“Hope Uzodinma and his government have impoverished the people and put them in perpetual poverty. Young people, talented and educated, have no job.

“Imo State is one of the most dreaded places in the country because of the heightened insecurity. This is the legacy of Uzodinma.”

The flagbearer said it is shameful that the same government, which should be seeking forgiveness from the people, wants power again.

Anyanwu warned the APC and its supporters to drop any plan “to rig and sponsor violence in November like they did across the country during the general elections”.

“Affliction shall never rise again. Our people will vote out APC and secure their votes from these election robbers”, the politician noted.

The PDP added that the mandate Uzodinma holds was given to him by the Supreme Court in 2019, recalling he had the least votes among the top contenders.

In February, ex-Cross River Governor, Donald Duke said the United States imposed a visa ban on the judges who made the candidate “who came fourth the winner of an election”.

In the midst of dwindling revenues and skyrocketing subsidy costs, Nigeria has taken a bold step by removing fuel subsidies, igniting controversy and unrest among its population. Despite the opposition's claims that subsidy removal will disproportionately affect the poor, the government's redirection of funds towards crucial sectors such as health and education paints a promising picture for Nigeria's future. The recent World Bank loan of almost a billion dollars for palliative measures may provide temporary relief, but it is not seen a sustainable solution.

However, the fate of the much-anticipated Dangote Refinery, meant to reduce Nigeria's reliance on imported petroleum products, remains uncertain as unforeseen technical difficulties delay its completion.

The Dangote Refinery, announced in 2013 with an initial $3.3bn loan deal with local and foreign banks to fund the construction, was expected to transform Nigeria's reliance on imported petroleum products and boost the country's economy. With an initial completion date of 2018, the refinery was planned to produce enough refined petroleum to meet domestic needs and provide a surplus for export. However, the project has been plagued by continuous delays, attributed to factors such as lack of technical expertise, financial constraints, and poor project scoping.

Reports suggest that the Dangote Group is lobbying for an additional $3 billion cash injection, which could add to Nigeria's debt burden and divert funds from more immediate solutions to the subsidy removal. Adding to the concerns surrounding the Dangote Refinery is the agreement between the Nigerian government and the Dangote Group. The Nigerian government in 2021 agreed to provide $2.7billion in cash-and-crude to the Dangote Group to fund the construction of the refinery in return for 20% equity. On December 1, 2021, the Federal Government through NNPC made a payment of $1.038billion in two tranches of $519.5million each to Lekki Refinery Funding Limited account with the beneficiary bank, representing the first cash portion of the deal, with the balance to be paid by the government upon completion of the project. This money was a loan from one of the international finance institutions to NNPC.

With the company missing out on interest payments due January 2023 of 750million dollars which is still yet to be paid despite being structured by the banks almost three times, the project is faced with a big dilemma – and with it, Nigeria’s hopes for the refinery.

As it stands, there is evidence to suggest that the Company has exceeded its single obligor limit with local Nigerian banks and no international bank is willing to extend funds to it. In addition, the company will need at least 3 billion dollars in addition to its annual interest payments of about 700million dollars to complete the project by 2025. Whilst there are already talks for a backdoor arrangement being proposed with the CBN to enable a commercial bank circumvent its single obligor limit to the company in order for it to raise further cash for it to pay its interest obligation of 750million dollars which have fallen due, such a move has been viewed cautiously by supporters and critics of the project alike.

These reports also suggest that the company unsuccessfully approached the outgoing president Muhammadu Buhari administration to release the remainder cash sum of 1.7billion dollars which was to have been paid upon completion of the project. According to these reports, President Buhari backtracked after further due diligence was done on the project which revealed that the project would not be completed before 2025 unlike the December 2022 date the company had promised at the time of signing the agreement.

As a result, intense pressure is now being mounted on the incoming government of Bola Tinubu to pay the remainder sum of $1.7billion dollars upon taking office as well as approve a new cash injection of 3billion dollars and crude for additional 20% equity in the project so the company can raise sufficient cash in the short term to pay outstanding interest costs and complete the project. This is premised on the fact that the new government has declared it wants to plug revenue gaps by removing the subsidy but the company has now given them the impression that the project will be completed by mid-2024 – which is far from the case. The incoming government must therefore be wary of yet another such lofty promise by the project owners as sources close to the Chinese company brought in to salvage the refinery project say a 2024 date is not feasible.

Should the incoming government go this route, it does nothing to solve the problems with the completion of the refinery, adds further unnecessary debt burden to the country and its citizens, and takes away money from critical and immediate solutions to the subsidy removal. Nigeria is already over-leveraged to the Dangote refinery project.

Many commentators believe that rather than relying on the uncertain completion of the Dangote Refinery, the Nigerian government should focus on the ongoing refurbishing exercise of its existing refineries. This strategy would not only provide a more reliable short-term palliative solution but also pave the way for a smoother transition from imported petroleum products. They should also encourage the modular refineries to ramp up production.

In addition, the Nigerian government should explore alternative strategies, such as investing in renewable energy sources, to reduce the nation's reliance on imported petroleum products. This approach would provide long-term benefits to Nigeria's economy and environment, while also fostering self-sufficiency in fuel production.

The removal of fuel subsidies offers Nigeria a unique opportunity to reassess its priorities and invest in a more sustainable future. By rejecting the new investment proposal for the Dangote refinery which has become an albatross whilst focusing on feasible alternative strategies, Nigeria can emerge stronger and more resilient in the face of global challenges. Can the incoming government afford to mortgage Nigeria’s scarce resources on a false hope? With billions of dollars and the country's economy at stake, Nigeria cannot afford to pin all its hopes on the Dangote Refinery and even if the new government were to invest further in the project, there must be proper due diligence done before any investment is considered.

An elder statesman, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has said it is Owerri zone’s turn to produce the next governor of Imo State.

He said this barely 24 hours after some Imo elders purportedly endorsed Governor Hope Uzodimma for a second term.

While faulting the decision, Iwuanyanwu insisted that the Imo Charter of Equity favours the Owerri zone in 2023.

Iwuanyanwu, while answering questions on Channel Television on Wednesday night, described those claiming to have endorsed an Orlu person for a second term as “ignorant of the principles of the controversial Imo Charter of Equity”.

Tracing the history of the Charter, Iwuanyanwu said that the late Samuel Onunaka Mbakwe from Okigwe zone governed the old Imo state for over five years, a few years before Ikedi Ohakim from the same zone ruled for another four years thereby giving the zone nine years and some months in the state’s leadership.

He said, “Achike Udenwa, an Orlu man was elected governor of the state in line with the charter of Equity in 1999 to 2007, Rochas Okorocha, another Orlu man got elected into office as governor in 2011 and stayed till 2019 before the present Governor Hope Uzodinma also an Orlu son took over and he is completing his first four years in office.”

The elder statesman expressed annoyance that Orlu zone alone has governed the state for 20 years put together while the Owerri zone’s chances to retain power through the nine and seven months of Senator Evans Enwerem and Hon Emeka Ihedioha respectively were truncated.

“Those suggesting an Orlu person continue after 20 years in office do not have the interest of the state at heart,” he said.

He urged the entire Imo people to unanimously vote for an Owerri man to justify the potency of the Imo Charter of Equity.

Iwuanyanwu further advised Uzodimma to step aside after completing his tenure, adding that the massive support garnered from Owerri zone should encourage him not to stretch his ambition beyond 2023.

The 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Imo State, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, on Thursday, described the governor Hope Uzodimma’s ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, as an inhuman party, that would be sent packing ahead of the November Imo governorship election in the state.

Anyanwu made this statement to newsmen in Owerri while reacting to a purported story circulating on social media that he (Anyanwu ) was sponsored to contest the 2023 governorship election.

He accused the APC, of being behind what Anyanwu tagged as blackmail because he (Anyanwu) fought against the APC, plotting to plant stooges in the PDP.

According to Anyanwu, “The attention of the PDP Governorship candidate in Imo State, Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu has been drawn to a misleading and mischievous story on social media and in some quarters that he is being sponsored in the November 11, 2023 election. Following this fake news, our phones were inundated with calls from well-meaning Nigerians, who in their curiosity sought to ascertain the veracity or authenticity of the story.

“For the avoidance of doubt, this story is not only false, baseless, and misleading, but a brazen concoction garnished by individuals already afraid of PDP and its Governorship candidate to deceive the general public. What the peddlers of this falsehood forgot is that, in 2019, Senator Anyanwu’s Range or the Governorship election when the person purportedly sponsoring him today was also in the race.

“The questions are; who sponsored Senator Anyanwu in the 2019 Governorship poll if, in their mischievous imagination, he can be sponsored today? Whose interest was the PDP Guber candidate protecting as far back as 2019 when some of those championing the fake news struggling to be relevant??

“We wish to put the records straight that it is only a failure, a none intensity push-over that can be sponsored as a Governorship candidate to destabilize the position of Ndi-Imo and not Senator Anyanwu who represents the minds of every average Imo person. The truth of the matter is that the PDP Governorship candidate, Senator Anyanwu is fully out to send the inhuman APC government packing and ensure that our state is secured in its entirety.”

“To show his capacity and preparedness to achieve this, Senator Anyanwu presented an abridged version of his manifesto to the public a few minutes after his emergence as Imo PDP Governorship standard bearer; a feat he and PDP can undertake when others are still hoping to steal from people’s strategic initiatives.

“We are aware the that APC government is still enjoying the wanton killings of innocent Nigerians, incessant kidnapping, and total shutdown of all businesses in the country. We are also aware that the reason why these mischief makers resorted to blackmails to because the National Secretary of PDP resisted them from planting stooges as PDP Governorship aspirants to the party’s primary election,” Senator Anyanwu said.

The National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, has rejected the results of the just concluded Imo State House of Assembly election held last Saturday.

Anyanwu disclosed this while speaking with Journalists in Abuja on Monday, adding that the election was marred with violence and complete voter disenfranchisement.

The PUNCH reports that the All Progressives Congress won 25 out of 27 State Assembly seats.

The Independent National Electoral Commission disclosed this in a statement signed by the Imo Head of Voter Education, Mrs Emmanuella Opara, and made available to newsmen on Monday in Owerri.

However, Opara said the poll was declared inconclusive in Ahaizu Mbaise state constituency while the result of the election in Isu Local Government Area was pending.

“Imo is not a Banana Republic where the rights of Imo People will be thrown to the gutters and their votes will not count. We will not allow this impunity and rascality to stand,”.

“The exercise was marred with violence and complete voter disenfranchisement,” he said.

Anyanwu said he has met with several senior lawyers over the election, promising to explore all legal means available to the National Secretariat to recover the stolen mandate of his party.

“This matter will be taken to court and a strong legal team is being constituted to remedy this daylight robbery.”

“All PDP candidates in Imo are hereby directed to submit all requisite documents/Petitions to FID ASIKA ILOBI and Co. Chambers in Owerri within 72 hours,” he added.

Briefing journalists separately, the PDP candidates in Nwangele and Aboh Mbaise state constituencies, Solomon Ucheka and Princewill Amuchie, alleged that the All Progressives Congress candidates suppressed and intimidated the voters.

Ucheka said that in Nwangele Local Government Area, the APC candidate, Amara Iwuanyanwu, compromised the process.

The PDP candidate said that he won the lawful votes cast but the APC candidate in company of security agents allegedly snatched ballot boxes and rewrote results.

The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, is considering disengaging Mike Ozekhome, Senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN) as the head of his legal team, POLITICS NIGERIA has exclusively gathered.

Kanu, who is currently in detention, engaged the services of Ozekhome in January 2022 in order to fight his multiple legal battles.

The senior lawyer took over from Ifeanyi Ejiofor who was previously leading Kanu's team of lawyers. Ozekhome also confirmed this during a court sitting on January 18, 2022.

However, one year after, Kanu is about to let go of the lawyer for 'ineffective representation', sources have told this newspaper.

It was gathered that in a recent meeting with one of the IPOB leader's lawyers, Kanu was informed that the Federal Government has filed additional grounds of appeal against his case at the supreme court.

The lawyer stated that the government's process is simply to delay the case. He also averred that it is too late for the government to apply for the amendment of their brief, adding that the appeal by the government did not raise any new ground.

In a response to the government's move, Kanu expressed worry about Ozekhome's alleged aloofness to the new grounds of appeal filed by the government.

"He expressed concern that Ozekhome seems not to be serious with the case and remarked that he was not effective in handling the case," a source who does not want his name in print said.

Kanu, POLITICS NIGERIA gathered, wondered how Ozekhome could be quiet when he has a client who is in detention without charge.

"He demanded that Ozekhome should bring back his case file and vowed to change him. Ejiofor promised that Ozekhome would come on the 9th of March so that Kanu could personally pass the information to him."

"Kanu lamented that the Federal government wants to amend its grounds of appeal, and that he is not happy with his legal team at the Supreme Court because he is being held without charge. He complained that the team wrote a letter to the court and failed to mention that he is in detention without trial," another source familiar with the outcome of the meeting stated.

Kanu warns family members against media activities

However, while Kanu is trying to conclude the process of disengaging Ozekhome, he has issued a new directive to guide his family members and supporters’ activities in the media. This development is coming as his siblings are mired in a serious battle over control over the group's finances.

"Kanu instructed his lawyers to do a memorandum to Chika Edoziem, Chinasa Nworu, Nnenna as well as his family members, Conveying his new instruction that no one should carry out media attacks on anybody under any circumstance," a source mentioned.

This he noted, is because the quarrels are diverting attention from his court case.

POLITICS NIGERIA also learnt that Kanu threatened to publicly disown anyone who broadcasts or writes anything against his family members.

The embattled IPOB leader also mentioned that he is not happy with Edoziem because of his writings about the group's finances on Social media and added that he should leave Nnenna alone.

He warned strongly that his siblings must not say anything to the media or say anything publicly.

The crisis rocking the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has taken a more dramatic dimension as close relations of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, are at loggerheads over foreign bank accounts operated by the group, POLITICS NIGERIA can report authoritatively.

This newspaper, in the previous weeks, reported the multiple divisive crises that struck the group following the arrest and continued detention of Kanu. One of the problems facing the group is the issuing of unauthorised statements by members of Kanu's family, which caused a sharp divide among IPOB members globally.

But more recently, the group is mired in deep problems over access to funds and change of signatories to its foreign bank accounts operated in different countries.

Central in this furore are members of Kanu's family who are beginning to fight each other over the control of the accounts. This, if not resolved, may plunge the already divided group into complete chaos, sources, including a top-ranking IPOB chief, familiar with the inner workings of the group revealed to our correspondent.

Since the group runs on donations from its supporters in diaspora, it is believed that this crisis can put it in a financial situation that may halt operations of all IPOB branches.

Worries from detention

Kanu, since his arrest and repatriation back to Nigeria in 2021, has only had access to the group's funds through his proxies and Directorate of States (DOS). The DOS is saddled with responsibility of catering for IPOB interests in various countries spread across Europe, Africa, Asia and other continents.

However, in recent times most of the foreign accounts have been frozen due to one issue or the other. Since Kanu is facing treasonable felony charges and still in detention, all of these concerns could not be properly treated.

Instead, the IPOB leader gives instructions from detention through his lawyers and other senior members of the group.

German Account Saga

During a recent meeting with Kanu, one of the group's members complained that they are having issues with the new IPOB bank account in Germany. According to our source, a German Court restricted access to the account due to disagreement in replacing the signatory to the account.

The member explained that when they wanted to replace Collins Chinedu, a former national coordinator of IPOB in Germany, with Abraham Ogbonnaya.

A move that was fiercely resisted as the the IPOB directorate of States(DOS) led by Chika Edoziem, who quickly wrote a public disclaimer describing Ogbonnaya as a criminal.

In fact, in the heat of the crisis in Germany, Kanu's younger brother, Kingsley Kanu, was accused of imposing Ogbonnaya as the new National Coordinator for Germany with the sole intent to cause division within the existing structure. Edoziem, in a letter to the bank insisted that Chinedu, being the one whose name is in their constitution in Germany, should be the one to operate the bank account.

Meanwhile, as a way of resolving the conflict, Kanu's lawyer, Ejimakor then sought his(Kanu's) approval for funds to be paid into the national account.

He disclosed that Washington would raise $5000, Baltimore $10,000, New Jersey $20,000 and New York $20,000.

Our source stated: "Kanu expressed displeasure over the inability to access bank accounts in Germany and Italy."

"Ejimakor explained that the issues were caused by ongoing battle over change of Signatories to the accounts."

"He told Kanu that the account in Germany was blocked based on a memo from Kingsley seeking to change the signatories to the account and that Kingsley claimed that he (Nnamdi) authorised the memo, Kanu denied giving such authorisation."

Nnenna Kanu and Emmanuel Kanu

While the control of funds in the Italian and German branches of the IPOB is still subject of controversy, two members of Kanu's family are fighting over the money in the United States.

Nnenna Kanu and Emmanuel Kanu, two siblings of the IPOB leader, want the control of IPOB's bank account in the US. Recently, Nnenna did a live broadcast where she publicly insulted Emmanuel and accused him of interfering with her duties.

In a rebuttal, Emmanuel claimed that he is acting on the orders of their elder brother(Nnamdi).

Sources told POLITICS NIGERIA that Nnamdi Kanu, on getting whiff of the development, was miffed that his younger sister, Nnenna, has been flouting his directives regarding IPOB bank accounts in the US.

He also admitted detailing Emmanuel to ensure Nnenna complies with his directives which may have led to the disagreement.

IPOB DOS bars payments to German Account

In a brash response to the power tussle over account control, the IPOB directorate of State (DOS) in a recent press statement, called on all its members to desist from paying donations/funds into the group's German account.

The statement signed by Edoziem in February read in part;

"All IPOB family members worldwide are therefore directed to stop making payments into the IPOB account in Germany because any payment made will be returned to the payee and this will direct unnecessary attention to the family."

"Furthermore, please note that until the Directorate ascertain what actually happened to that account and why it was closed, all IPOB family units around the world are hereby directed to desist from sending their monthly dues or any funds".

A massive operation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to deter vote trading and other financial malfeasance ahead of tomorrow's presidential and national assembly elections may have begun paying dividends with the interception in Lagos of the sum of N32, 400,000 (Thirty-two Million, Four Hundred Thousand Naira) allegedly suspected to be used for vote buying in Lagos. The recovery was made by operatives of the Lagos Zonal Command of the Commission.

The suspect involved has been taken into custody for further questioning

The Chairman of the Commission, Abdulrasheed Bawa has implored all personnel of the Commission deployed for election monitoring duties to show courage and not give room for unscrupulous persons to undermine the integrity of the elections through financial inducement.

Tactical team of operatives are currently on ground in all the states of the federation and the FCT. Telephone hotlines have already been circulated through social media for members of the public to share information regarding financial malpractices with agents of the Commission. Details of the number are available on EFCC social media platforms.

Members of the public are encouraged to report anyone trying to buy or sell votes by making use of the EFCC financial crimes reporting App, Eagle Eye, which is available for download on the Google Play or Apple store. They can also reach the Commission through our social media handle, @officialefcc or by email, info@efcc.gov.ng.

Nigeria faces strong economic headwinds in the wake of the coronavirus and the war in Ukraine. To compound difficulties, the Central Bank of Nigeria has dismally implemented a demonetisation policy, causing an acute cash crisis just weeks before our elections. Ordinary Nigerians are struggling to buy food and other basics.

The central bank’s governor must immediately restore liquidity in our real economy to alleviate widespread hardship. Moving forward, my country needs sound implementation of prudent economic policies. Only realism and competence will now suffice.

The ideas that form my economic programme have sound empirical foundations. Some are painfully obvious. For instance, without adding value to Nigeria’s resources before they leave our shores, we export our prosperity—our long-standing overreliance on crude oil is emblematic. We need to produce more things at home—food, manufactured goods and refined products—to provide a base for jobs and growth.

Too often politicians make promises to capture more of the value chain domestically. They then fail to keep them. Only by creating an environment in which private enterprise can succeed will it become reality. This requires consistent policies that reassure the business community; competent government that delivers infrastructure and the public services enabling companies to lower costs; and a monetary framework and regulatory environment that incentivises investment and employment.

For this vital task, I have a track record my competitors cannot match. During my tenure as governor of Lagos between 1999 and 2007, the state went from being a difficult, often dangerous place to a development success story. We quadrupled state tax revenues, putting those funds directly to work through investing in public services and infrastructure. A legacy of technocratic governance was instituted by enlisting talent from the private sector. Insecurity and crime were tackled through better funding the police force. Investment and the business sector thrived. Today, Lagos would rank among Africa’s ten largest economies and does not rely on oil revenues to fund its budget.

But we cannot simply replicate Lagos’s transformation nationwide. Nigeria is complex and variegated. Recognising the strengths of each section of the country and providing the bases on which they can all thrive is the path to economic growth. I know what can be achieved when the federal government allows adequate space for regional differences so I want to devolve more powers to the states. They should have greater authority to provide services and infrastructure projects, as well as more control over law enforcement.

Overreliance on oil has distorted Nigeria’s development. A country of over 200m people cannot hinge its development on a single commodity. We must focus on industrialisation and technological innovation, especially since Nigeria is already the top African destination for startup funding.

Low-interest loans must be channelled—through a mix of governmental institutions and private banks—towards manufacturers and small- and medium-sized ventures. Tax credits and youth employment incentives will ensure the country’s productive capacity is better utilised.

To bolster food security and dampen imported inflation, credit to farmers will be expanded through government-sponsored programs.

Commodity boards will be established that guarantee minimum prices for strategic crops to increase certainty and production. At the same time, illegal foreign dumping will be fought so domestic production can compete on an even playing field. Over the next four years the share of Nigeria’s land under cultivation should rise from 44% to 65% through the creation of agricultural hubs. These include a land-clearing programme in partnership with international agri-businesses, development agencies and financial institutions focusing on Nigeria’s 12 river basins.

Monetary policies that deter investment will be rationalised. For example, the multiple exchange-rate regime—where an official rate in effect available only to importers, exporters, and investors operates alongside a significantly higher parallel rate—must end to better align with market realities.

The squeeze on foreign reserves caused by importing fuel will be eased by increased refinery capacity due later this year, not least by the Dangote refinery located within the Lekki Free Trade Zone (created in Lagos in 2006). Under my presidency, similar zones will be established across the country to give impetus to manufacturing and industrialisation tailored to regional competitive advantages.


We will end the harmful fuel subsidy, estimated to have cost $7.5bn in the first half of 2023. The funds will be more productively used in joint investments with the private sector to create jobs in infrastructure, health care, education and agriculture.

Nigeria has one of the world’s lowest tax-to-gdp ratios. We need not increase rates, but improve compliance by overhauling the system and deploying information technology to boost efficiency. Tied with effective delivery of public services and infrastructure, a virtuous cycle of buy-in from businesses and citizens will strengthen the social contract and place federal revenues on a more sustainable footing.

Economic activity will be bolstered by connecting the nation through road, rail, bridges and ports—financed by the rechannelled fuel-subsidy funds, public-private partnerships and manageable public debt. This will help close the infrastructure gap that stymies growth. Moreover, we shall build infrastructure that will endure through climate change and extreme weather.

Success in government means active stewardship of a flourishing business environment. Private enterprise shall provide the needed jobs and economic growth in Nigeria. I will deliver the platform on which the private sector and average Nigerian can succeed.
_______________
Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is the candidate for All Progressives Congress running to be Nigeria’s president. The election will take place on February 25th.

The Department of State Services, DSS, has invited a spokesperson of the Bola Tinubu/ Shettima Campaign Council, Femi Fani-Kayode over claims that the Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar met with some Service Chiefs and was planning a 'Coup'.

Confirming his invitation on Social media on Monday morning, FFK wrote; "3 days ago, on the day that I tweeted about newspaper reports alleging that Atiku was secretly meeting with Army Generals,I got a text message from someone who claimed to be DSS asking me to report to them on a matter of national security.

"I dismissed the invitation because it was vague and I was not sure whether it really came from the DSS. In any case I had no intention of going anywhere unless I was formally invited. To my surprise I received a formal letter from them to report to their office without fail 2 days later, which was yesterday evening. I put a call through to them & was advised to take the matter very seriously & report to them on the stipulated day and time otherwise the worse may happen."

"I found it interesting that a call came from one of Atiku's dogs dogs for me to be arrested by the security agencies yesterday and had it not been for the fact that the DSS had actually sent a text to me two days earlier I may have thought that they were acting on the instructions of what can only be described as a hopeless and desperate presidential candidate, opposition party and PCC who are clutching at straws, drowning fast, seeking to silence those that give them sleepless nights, shivering in despair and staring defeat in the face in the upcoming presidential election."

"Clearly the DSS were not influenced by Atiku and were simply doing their job by inviting me on a matter that needs explanation and clarification and for a thorough interrogation. And of course being a responsible and law abiding citizen I will present myself before them accordingly Unlike cowards like Emefiele, Atiku and their strange bedfellows I do not fear my own shadow and neither do I shiver and shake when I am invited by the security agencies. I always honor their invitations when properly invited because that is the right and proper thing to do."

"This is all the more so when it touches and concerns matters of national security which I take very seriously & when it involves agencies like the DSS who are professional and thorough in their methods and approach. I have nothing to hide and consequently I will present myself before the DSS this morning as I have been asked to do."

"I maintain my utter contempt for Atiku & the vermin that are around him & no matter what happens to me today or at any other time, know that as long as there is life in me I will oppose the darkness & evilhat they represent. I am used to arrest, interrogation, detention, prosecution and so much more and have suffered these indignities on many occassions over the last 15 years."

"I have no fear: nothing moves me and only death can silence me. The most important thing now is not what happens to me but rather achieving the noble quest to ensure the election of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as our next President. That is the mission that we must focus on because that is the only way to save our country. I hope that I will be at liberty & free to continue to play my role in that quest but if I am not and I am detained indefinitely or till the election is over so be it. In such circumstances be rest assured that I will be praying fervently for Asiwaju's victory from the inside."

The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, ordered his brother, Prince Emmanuel, to stop making public statements on behalf of himself or the family.

Emmanuel, in January, urged the public to disregard a voice note that had gone viral, alleging that the IPOB Leader was poisoned in detention.

He claimed that he met with the IPOB Leader at the Abuja headquarters of the Department of State Services, DSS, where he is currently detained.

Reliable sources told POLITICS NIGERIA that the statement issued by Prince Emmanuel has degenerated into controversies among top members of the group.

Many believed Emmanuel's statement downplayed the health challenges of the leader and the concerns for his safety.

They noted that the leader of the group was miffed by the statement released by his brother and has ordered that he should stop making public statements.

POLITICS NIGERIA also obtained a series of correspondences between the IPOB leader and members of the group.

A member of the group who pleaded anonymity confirmed this saying: "It is true that Emmanuel has been ordered to stop making statements. This came from Mazi himself. We are working on settling the issue,".

As of the time of filing this report, the outlawed group's lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, and spokesperson, Emma Powerful, could not be reached for comments.

Inside IPOB's multiple crises

This comes at a time the IPOB is facing crises in different countries including Germany and South Africa, which has led to the expulsion and suspension of members.

Another Kanu's sibling, Kingsley Ezebuiro, who is also known as 'Kanunta', was suspended from the IPOB branch in Germany late January.

Kingsley's suspension was announced in a statement signed by the National Coordinator of the group in Germany, Collins Chinedu.

“The lPOB leadership in Germany unanimously suspends him (Kingsley) indefinitely from the family of IPOB in Germany led by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu with effect from today, the 21st of January 2023,” the statement read.

Kingsley was also accused of engaging in activities that bring disrepute to the IPOB globally.

The group said Kingsley is just an ordinary member of IPOB in Landsberg am Lech, Germany, but has been using his affiliation to the detained IPOB leader, Mr Kanu to gain “unmerited super advantage” and has been placing himself above every IPOB rule.

But Kingsley, in a series of tweets, has debunked news of his suspension, stating that it was masterminded by Chinedu, who he claimed has been expelled.

"I am born for a day like this, Kanunta Kanu is very much around”bThis is to inform the general public that Mr Collins Chinedu, was officially expelled from #IpobfamilyGermany by #MaziNnamdiKanu on 28:11:2022 through @AloyEjimakor . And his successor is Mazi OGBONNA ABRAHAM," he wrote on Twitter.

In another codified tweet, the IPOB leader's brother challenged Chinedu for not wanting to relinquish his position.

“After all, I am not being paid for serving IPOB - yes you are right. But why do you put up a fight when you’re asked to leave your position?" Kingsley asked.

Like Germany, Like South Africa

Also in January, the South African branch of the group suspended some members for anti-IPOB activities.

This, POLITICS NIGERIA gathered, led to the creation of a parallel organisation within the South African branch.

The suspended members have registered another IPOB branch in Western Cape under which they operate.

But the South African national coordinator, Ogechukwu Isu, has countered the creation of the parallel group.

He reiterated that all communication and requests for marches or any public gathering will only be made through the official Head Office in South Africa based in Johannesburg, Braamfontein.

"It has come to our attention that certain members in various provinces who have been suspended for not abiding by the constitution and code of conduct of the organisation (POB), are going around masquerading and presenting themselves and holding, marches, protests or events in the name of IPOB This is most regrettable and unfortunate because unsuspecting people have been caught unawares and misled by these acts of the imposters concerned.

There is only one IPOB registered with the CIPC with the registration numbers 2019/593089/08 or further with registration number 2022/618519/08, which is the NPC registration and Welfare registration but to all intents and purposes referring to the same organisation," he stated.

A Family Business?

Furthermore, It was gathered that Kanu, who is very unhappy with the crisis in the group, also instructed his brother, Emmanuel to confirm the status of some foreign bank accounts owned by the group from Kingsley adding that they should also give feedback on the amount of funds held in them.

This newspaper gathered that the crisis in Germany which led to Kingsley's suspension was also partly caused by the discovery of over 700,000 Euros stockpiled in one of the organisation's account managed by him.

Every discerning and knowledgeable mind that read the piece "The Real Lawal Musa Daura: A response to Salihu Usman" written by one inconspicuous Hamisu Aliyu laughed. That good-for-nothing stunt designed to make Daura look good before the public is quite antithetical to his entire obnoxious and irritable personality. Aliyu does not deserve a response. But since he threw caution to the dogs and decided to jump into the ring, then he needs to be served with debilitating knocks. He wasted the readers' precious time trying to clean up a man known to everyone that has come across him as an arrogant proud bully.

Does Aliyu's Daura fear Allah? Does he have conscience? Does he still remember the popular saying of the late sage, Uthman DanFodio that the "conscience is an open wound and only the truth can heal it"? Well, Daura has never been associated with good conscience and the truth. For him, all is fair that serves his purpose. He is Mr know-all, even when it is against Islamic belief to want to know all or present yourself as all-knowing. You cannot claim to know everything. No one does except Daura, Aliyu's master.

One is surprised that Aliyu came out to defend Daura, a highly morally bankrupt person. He is indefensible and unmarketable. It is either that Aliyu is a cash and carry PR merchant or he is shameless like his principal. It is more unfortunate that Aliyu did not address the issues I had raised in my earlier writing, LAWAL DAURA AND HIS MANY CONTROVERSIES. Instead, he decided to play to the gallery as well as stand logic and common sense on their heads.

In saying that Daura is not a superhuman with powers to decide for government or change things at the DSS, he tried in vain to present him as the nicest person in town. I have not met any DSS personnel, retired or serving, that had said any single good thing about Daura. All they remember him for is how he bullied everyone. How he would keep his senior directors standing and not allowing them a seat. How he was queried in Sokoto State as the overseeing Director for embezzling Local Government funds meant for his staff. How, when he was eventually appointed the DGSS, he mercilessly descended on Col Kayode Are who, as DG, had queried him for embezzlement and official misconduct. He threw Are out of his accommodation. There was no respect for his office as former DG and predecessor. Yet no one has gone for Daura’s head despite all he did and still doing. Justice delayed they say is never justice denied. Someday, he would stand in judgement either before God or Man.

How do you talk about Daura and not remember that as DG of SSS, he coveted the agency's prime properties. He allocated some to himself and cronies. Who owns 50 Lake Chad Crescent, Maitama, Abuja? Hasn't he refused to let go of the place? Aliyu may not have heard that as at the day Daura was sacked, over 350 files were found stuck away under his table. They were files for urgent office matters, staff welfare including requests for leave, accommodation, courses and sundry matters. But they were abandoned. He ignored the files. It took the dedication and sacrifice of Mr Seiyefa who took over from him to salvage the situation. What is Hamisu Aliyu talking about? Why support evil?

Aliyu wrote that Daura "does not assert any influence on government actions and policies" and has "kept within his limits" since he was relieved of his post. Really? Will Daura swear that he and some of his shadow and ineffectual groups didn't make an attempt to skew the APC presidential primary election? Will Daura swear he never made desperate but futile efforts to always meet the President even without initial clearance and authorisation? Will he swear that he never set up parallel intelligence processing office with which he tried to use to hoodwink vulnerable politicians? Daura, where is thy shame? Hankali fa!

Aliyu said Daura is modest and not extravagant. Oh my! Laughter wan kill me. Daura, modest? In what? Daura, not extravagant? Waoo! He was even described as an astuteman, consumate, patriotic, loyal and willing to serve in any capacity he is called upon. No wonder he has been scavenging for positions; NSA, Minister of Defence or a recall to the DG post. Daura is not what he has been described. Everyone knows he is arrogant, self-serving, disloyal and morally bankrupt and that he is a serial betrayer. His records are there. Fact is that Daura is too self opinionated. He cannot see himself but from others. No one can blame him. He is a man that is constantly on an egotrip. Endlessly so.

[b]This is the only rationale for Aliyu to have written that the present DSS leadership is incompetent, administratively inadequate; has inferiority complex and feels jittery and inadequate. How? Nonsense. Absolute bunkum. Daura and his ilk are maniacs. He is rather the one with apparent disorders particularly that of infantile disorder. How do you explain or describe his primitive acquisition tendencies or superiority complex? Shameful. He is sure the incompetent one going by his antecedents and stay in the helm of affairs as DG. What did he accomplish? Harassment of staff? Embarrassment to the Organisation? Compromise of Service operations? What the present leadership achieved in 6 months surpassed his 3 years stay. It is empirical and verifiable. Doesn't he ask his numerous spies for a feedback? About the success stories? The joy and excitement of the personnel? The freedom that pervades the work environment? Has he seen the compendium of achievements and impactful projects recently published to celebrate the leadership? I stumbled on it. I have engaged many retirees and their expressions, based on the attention they have constantly received from the Service, are touching. This is opposite of Daura’s reign of terror, abuse, intimidation, aggression, aggradisement and harassment. Daura ran the DSS on gossip. He was sure promoted above his competence. So, he can assume anything today. We know him better.[/b]

One can understand Daura’s perchance for a feeling of superiority. He is short and very temperamental. It is characteristic of men his size. They are always trying to make a point. They easily feel threatened. To Daura, everyone is an enemy to be crushed. This is his approach. Maybe, Aliyu hasn't heard also that Daura went into fights with his officers and aides. Those he couldn't cow, he dismissed. Can Aliyu go and find out who Abba Kaka and Abdulhawab Raimi were? They were former DSS staff who Daura appointed as his personal aides. They are alive and can be approached by Aliyu to confirm to him their experience in the hands of Daura. Abbakakar was smart to have outplayed him; a reason he hasn't forgiven him.

[b]Daura claims to be intelligent and smart. Yes, he is negatively smart and intelligent. He knows how to arrogate powers. He is manipulative and knows how to undermine others or use his position to extort. He is smart and yet was swindled by persons who posed as property sellers but were foreign intelligence agents. The story of the controversial botched property purchase in Turkey is still fresh. Daura is intelligent and yet made 3rd class from the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. Those he is daily castigating did better. Those are all rounders who went round critical departments in the same Agency his circulation was so limited till providence smiled on him with the DG post that did not last. He claims to be a Goliath. But those he intends to suppress or thinks he can suppress are the Davids. He claims to be fat. But he should know, like Julius Caesar notes, that thin men are dangerous. As a fat man, it is obvious that Daura is tempted by the minor perquisites of power which thin men are not.
[/b]
Hamisu Aliyu expressed satisfaction that among conjectures why Daura was removed from Office, "none touched on his integrity, capacity and professionalism". This is story for the monkeys. Aliyu is very ignorant. With all that have been said, will Aliyu still maintain that Daura is a man of intergrity and professionalism? Does he in good conscience deserve to be rated so? Where lies the capacity? Daura’s leadership qualities are questionable. He is narcissistic, dictatorial and power drunk. I still wonder how Daura is or should be seen as a man of integrity as Aliyu wants us to believe. Integrity, transparency, accountability and due process are not words with which Daura can be described or associated. Probably for whatever unknown reason(s), a man like Daura should be somewhere, but definitely not among lawful people, cooling off.

I pity Hamisu Aliyu for taking up the job of a publicist or image maker for Daura who is a bad, if not rotten product to sell. It is regrettable that Aliyu believes I am parroting and lack capacity to process and thus unintelligent. It is an overkill or outright waste of time to expend energy to say that Aliyu and his master are the unintelligent. And how they are so, have been graphically illustrated. Need I to say more? No! Needless. Daura should bury his face in shame. Sane people are trying to fix the destruction he caused at the great Organisation he was called to handle. Funny enough, he wants to be called upon again to come and wreak havoc on an unlucky agency and its personnel. He is a scanvenger. No one wishes that. Not in the annals of history should that be recorded again. Daura knows he is far spent. He may think otherwise. However and whatever he feels, LET HIM GO TELL THAT TO THE LEBANESE, THE SARAKIS, ARES AND THE EMEFIELES.

A former director of civil society organisations in the All Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential Campaign Council, Na’ajatu Mohammed has said that the ‘Muslim-Muslim’ Ticket will not help Tinubu win bloc Northern votes in the 2023 General Elections.

In a recent interview with Punch, Mohammed reveals that Tinubu does not understand Northern Nigeria. In her words;


“I tried to help these people, including Tinubu, because they don’t understand the North. The North is not like the South. If you remember, before 2015, Buhari had only one state in the whole of the 19 northern states. Buhari did not win even his own state, even though he got his 15 million votes. Even though PDP was in power, he was still getting his 15 million votes.”

“In the North, the peasants hold the ace, they control the votes. In the South, the governors are in charge. They determine who gets the votes. The whole of the South-West did not give Buhari the differential votes that Zamfara State alone gave him.”

“In 2015, we were able to dislodge a sitting president. We mobilised and succeeded. We guarded the votes and sacrificed our lives, but Tinubu thinks this silly Muslim-Muslim ticket will help him. He thinks that when you say “Muslim” in the North, everybody in the North jumps. It is not like that.”

“All they are depending on is that you pay the elites and the governors to give Tinubu his 25 per cent. His calculation is that he will get bloc votes because he believes that all the Yorubas on earth are his slaves. He believes they must obey him no matter what.”, she said.

Many TV stations on 7th August 2018 had a disturbing news on their scroll bars: the acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, had terminated the appointment of the Director General of the Department of State Services. Tongues wagged but what started as fake news got confirmed. Daura had been sacked. Not just that. He was arrested by the police and detained for further investigation.

At the instance of Osinbajo, Daura was invited to explain the circumstances surrounding the siege on the National Assembly by hooded men, alleged to be DSS operatives who under Daura's command stormed the place to disrupt congressional duties when Bukola Saraki was the Senate President. It was widely reported that Daura looked down on Osinbajo and told him off insisting he acted within his powers and could only make explanations to or take instructions from the President and Commander-in-Chief who appointed him. Daura did not see Osinbajo as that Commander that should be respected even though President Buhari had transfered power to him before proceeding to a 10day leave. Daura did not recognise Osinbajo as the President, acting or not.

That was vantage arrogant Daura. He has no respect for anyone. Humility is a scarce commodity in his world. As DG of DSS, stories abound of how he was arriving late to Service Chiefs' meetings and in some occasions demanded salute from uniformed officers. He shouted everyone down. He bullied everyone. And some of the chiefs became subservient to him. He flaunted Katsina origins and acclaimed closeness to the President. He divided the Presidency and tried to cow everyone including Abba Kyari, then Chief of Staff. The man resisted him. He took sides with Mamman Daura. He was at loggerheads with NSA Babagana Monguno.

Upon the removal of Daura as DG, he thought it was a matter of time before he would be returned to status quo. He boasted to his fellow ignorant cheerleaders that President Buhari would reverse his sack. Days went into months and no such action took place. Hopeful as he was, he told his unsuspecting supporters that he would be made NSA. That did not happen. The 2019 general elections were fast approaching. Daura decided to adopt fear scare as a strategy to persuade some persons in the Villa believe that without him in a lead role for the elections especially that of the Presidency, Buhari would lose. There was a desperation to find him such role. He wanted a return to the DSS; or appointed as NSA or Minister of Defence. He didn't mind the damage to the image of the man he claimed he loved. He did not care about the public outcry against his return in any form. All he wanted was a position.

When it was obvious to him and his pushers that none of such positions would come his way, he created a self-serving office: an active Office of Former DG of SSS with full convoy and other paraphernalia. He held courts. All roads led to him. Politicians were falling over themselves to get his attention. Rumours went about town of his activities and supposed influence. He would go to see the President without prior notice till such unscheduled visits boomeranged in Katsina when the President expressed his displeasure. He was cut to size and he stopped.

The 2019 election came and passed. Buhari won and obviously without Daura. APC won Kano, Kogi, Kwara and places Daura had created impression the party won't win if he was not in a position of authority. Till date, it is believed that Daura has several spies planted in and around key government offices and officials. Reason is just to know what's cooking so he can use the information for his manipulative interests. It is also discussed in circles that the man had several things up his sleeves. He planned that the President perpetuated himself in power. He felt he had the magic wand to achieve that. He planned to install a president from among his circle if the first option was unachievable. Out of office, it became a tall order to accomplish any of those.

Then he started to operate as a security consultant. Consultant to who? Vulnerable and unsuspecting politicians who do not know how government works.He fleeced most. They parted with their hard earned savings. Just to satisfy the greed of a man. During the APC convention and party primaries, Daura played an ignoble role. He stuck with a group that wanted a particular person to win. They did all they could but Tinubu pulled the rug off their feet. Funny! The Consultant failed.

In the current Emefiele issue, Daura has assumed another role of a consultant. He is chief advisor to the CBN Governor. This time, he is not alone. They are three. Lawal Musa Daura. Boss Mustapha, the SGF. Abubakar Malami, the AGF. The trio are Emefiele's shadow advisers and hard-line supporters. They are the power behind him. The reason is not far fetched. Malami would have been Emefiele's deputy in the Governor's ill-fated presidential aspiration. The plan was botched. The so called Kazaure Committee was killed by the SGF who has today abandoned his office for globetrotting and trading in gold. Mustapha is hardly around. He is either in London, other parts of the world or a certain country in West Africa from where his gold trade thrives. In all, one thing binds Emefiele and his masters: unquenchable quest and access to the foreign exchange. With Emefiele in the CBN saddle, the access is unstoppable. It is a goldmine for anyone that supports Emefiele. Emefiele is not an ordinary Nigerian. He holds key to the national vault. He can give any amount in settlement. Daura likes money and can do anything for it. It is not surprising that he is at the forefront of Emefiele protection ring. So much money must have exchanged hands.

The quartet of Daura, Mustapha, Malami and Emefiele should know that Nigeria is bigger than them. Their interest should not surpass national interest. If Daura could be sacked and questioned; an SGF, Babachir Lawal sacked for a replacement with Mustapha; Governor Lamido removed for Emefiele, why on earth shouldn't Emefiele be touched, at least questioned by appropriate authorities. The State is far beyond any single individual. Well, at the fullness of time, water will find its natural line. Till then, let those with false sense of power hold to it.

Daura is Mr Controversy. He likes to swim in troubled waters or even against the tide. He likes it when he is at the centre of everything. He likes to call the shots. He likes being the boss. He likes it when people see him and run. He likes to be feared. You are a weakling when you're not like him. In the DSS where he held sway for slightly above three years, it was a reign of terror. As a dictator, he clamped on the rights of personnel. Files for leave, assistance and other urgent administrative and welfare matters stayed endlessly on his table. He never respected retired and serving senior directors many of whom he chased out of their official quarters and reallocated to his retinue of concubines, children and wives. He forcefully retired a good number on false and flimsy charges simply because he wanted to be seen as tough and hard.

Very canterkerous. Highly bullish, Daura was never teamspirited. Has anyone wondered why, according to sources, he never worked at the Headquarters of the DSS prior to his appointment as DG which he eventually got on tribal basis; Katsina-Mamman Daura connection. Gossip even had it that he did not pass some of his promotion exams notably that of his Grade 13 to 14. No one would have considered Daura a DG due to his antecedents. His antidemocratic, antihuman rights, suppressive and oppressive records are public and legendary.

Daura never loved President Buhari, Nigeria and the SSS. He loves himself, pocket and family. He is only interested in things that advance the aforementioned. He even had strong political interest; a reason one of his wives contested a House of Reps seat but lost. Daura can destroy the system just that he achieves his goals. He should be called to order. His tendency to wreak havoc on the system should not be continually ignored. There are many former Directors General of the DSS. They have carried themselves in very commendable pro- establishment manners. Daura shouldn't be an exception. The earlier he reins in himself or he is made to do so, the better. Otherwise, we would wake up one day and hear that Daura has foisted a person or regime on us. Afterall, he is not a lover of democracy and can do anything to frustrate it. God forbid! His quest for power is insatiable. This is what drives his controversies. Enough of that.

The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) – the brainchild of Industrialist, philanthropist, and founder of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, and the BUA Foundation have awarded development grants worth N1.5 billion to Yewa Land in Ogun State comprising Ilaro, Igbogila, Ibeshe, Egua, and Igan-Alade communities for key community, social, and infrastructural development projects. This was announced at the grant presentation and mutual accountability framework signing ceremonies held today in Ilaro, Ibese, and Igbogila. The grants will be channeled towards interventions in the areas of health, education, or social development initiatives that are identified for implementation.

Presenting the grants award letter to Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland in Ogun State, Ubon Udoh, Managing Director, ASR Africa assured of more partnership with the people of Yewaland and reiterated that the vision of Abdul Samad Rabiu, Founder of ASR Africa and Chairman of BUA, is to provide concrete solutions for sustainable development in Nigeria, and Africa. According to Ubon, “What ASR Africa and BUA Foundation are doing here today, is planting a seed of sustainable problem-solving across Africa in line with the vision of Abdul Samad Rabiu, our founder - and Chairman of BUA.

“The first grant of N1 billion goes to all communities in Yewaland for developmental purposes to uplift the quality of life of the Yewa people, while ASR Africa and BUA Foundation are also giving additional specific grants of N250million each to Igbogila and Ibese Communities for already identified infrastructure projects to enhance community development through their traditional institutions. We have done our basic needs assessment in collaboration with the communities on their needs, and we are pleased to say we look forward to the commencement of the identified projects and a more robust partnership with Yewaland, as we have done in other parts of the country.

In his response, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland commended Abdul Samad Rabiu for his philanthropic gestures across the country and noted that indeed he is a true Nigerian. The monarch added that with the grants, Yewaland and Yewa people will witness rapid social and infrastructural development. “We are one of the largest sub-ethnic groups in Yoruba Land and these grants will go a long way in bringing sustainable development in line with the United Nations SDGs, to our people”, he added.

The Paramount Ruler of Ibese community, HRM Oba Rotimi Mulero, The Oboro of Ibese, also thanked the donors for their timely intervention in developing Ibese community. “May the Almighty bless Abdul Samad Rabiu, ASR Africa, and BUA Foundation for partnering with us to fast-track development in our community because we are still largely behind on the development curve. This partnership with ASR Africa and BUA Foundation will go a long way in ensuring even greater development for our people.”