₦airaland Forum

•to provide shuttle buses, others for public, civil servants

The Edo State Government has rolled out modalities for the implementation of the thrice-a-week office work directive by the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, as part of efforts to ameliorate the sufferings of the people in the wake of the rise in prices of goods and services and overall cost of living occasioned by the fuel subsidy removal by the Federal Government.

In a meeting with Permanent Secretaries as well as heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), the Edo State Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa Esq., said the reduced office workdays will not affect the productivity and efficiency of the Service.

He said, “This reduction of work days in Edo State will in no way affect our performance and productivity negatively.

“According to the directive of the Governor, workers in Edo State will work three days a week, and offices will not be shut in the two days of the five working days as we would have officers on ground to continue government activities. People should continue to visit government offices as the offices are open for business.

“The template of COVID-19 will be reactivated as offices were not shut, as arrangements are in place for officers to come to work, ensuring government activities continue provided nobody is forced to work more than three days a week.”

Okungbowa further stated, “For people who want to work for more than three days in a week, they should be allowed to do so as the conducive environment, uninterrupted internet service attracts workers to continue to come to work, and such people will be commended.

“Head of agencies, MDAs, PSs of various ministries should develop the work templates and ensure that what they do works for them and ensure government services are not interrupted.”

On other steps by the government to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal on the people, the Head of Service said, “There will be shuttle buses running between Government House, State Secretariat, and JOOPSA to ease the hike in transportation fare caused by subsidy removal on petrol. The shuttle bus will leave every hour of the workday to help reduce the stress of workers in the State.

“The government has identified eight routes in the City and is putting mechanisms in place to get this working. Mr. Governor has promised to provide buses for all these routes but we will start with four. The buses will pick up workers from these routes to the Secretariat and to other places they work.

“The governor is very much interested in the welfare of Edo workers and the State is the first State to implement the 13th month salary and that will be paid to Edo workers by December. The government also increased the minimum wage in the state by 33.3 percent above what is payable by other State Governments and even the Federal Government.”

He added, “By the 26th of every month, salaries are paid and the government has been consistent with the payment, and also pensions are adequately paid to the retirees and also have begun to pay gratuity.”

The HOS said, “For those on essential duties like doctors, nurses, hospital workers; those in the environment in charge of cleaning as well as pressmen and journalists who will always be on their duty post, they will be considered as the issue will be discussed with the governor and reported back.”

On her part, the Edo SUBEB Chairman, Mrs. Ozavize Salami said the three-day work week will commence in the basic and junior secondary schools in Edo State on June 13, adding, “Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays have been chosen to be the days for our children to go to school while the school will be closed for the other two days.

“Our plan for this period focuses on maximizing e-learning, ensuring the children cover the curriculum they ought to cover. They will stay for six weeks before vacation. For administrative reasons, we have chosen the first three days of the week as students will come to school for the first three days of the week.

She added, “We have increased the learning hours for basic school across the State by one hour and two hours for junior secondary schools to achieve the school curriculum and integrated the timetable for Thursdays and Fridays into Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.”

Gov Otti Sacks Revenue Enforcers in Abia

The Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has approved the termination of all appointments for any type of revenue enforcement in the State, with immediate effect.

This was contained in a statement on Tuesday signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Kazie Uko, and made available to METROWATCH, in Umuahia.

He said the development was part of the measures by the state government to sanitise activities around the transport sector and markets in Abia.

Uko directed affected persons to return all government property in their possession to the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Internally Generated Revenue and Digital Transformation, immediately.

“The Special Adviser on Internally Generated Revenue will advice further on the government’s plan in this regard,” the statement added.

The Edo State government has warned that independent petrol marketers, otherwise known as filling stations, who hoard the product in the state, risk losing their lands where such stations are sited.

Government was reacting to the sudden artificial scarcity and price hike of fuel in the state that greeted the removal of subsidy on petrol by the new Nigerian leader, President Bola Tinubu.

Tinubu had in his inaugural speech on Monday, May 29, announced the removal of fuel subsidy from July 1, 2023, noting that his government will not provide funds to subsidise the product.

He said he is taking this decision because the 2023 budget has not provided for the payment of fuel subsidy from the second half of the year.

In the 2023 Appropriation Bill signed by his predecessor and immediate-past President Muhammadu Buhari, the provision was only for January 1 to June 30.

In response, long queues re-emerged at petrol stations in Benin as operators responded to the development with a sharp hike in pump price, just as consumers crowded to the petrol stations.

Checks by METROWATCH late Monday showed that some petrol stations responded to the development by increasing their prices to about N350 from the initial N205 per litre.

Further checks by our correspondent showed that most petrol stations who were selling fuel before the announcement, simply hoarded the product by shutting their stations in anticipation of price increment.

Reacting to the developments on Tuesday in a statement issued by Osaigbovo Iyoha, Chief of Staff to the Governor, the State government ordered all petrol stations to immediately resume sales of fuel to Edo people or risk immediate closure, and possible revocation of their property.

The statement read, “The attention of Edo State Government has been drawn to the unscrupulous attempt by petrol dealers in the state to hoard fuel and create artificial scarcity and price hike.

“As a responsible government that cares for her citizens, we shall resist this economic sabotage by every legal means possible.

“To this end, all petrol stations are ordered to immediately resume sales of products to Edo people or risk immediate closure, and possible revocation of their property to enable others who want to do legitimate and respectful business in Edo State come and invest.

“We cannot continue to allow extortion of our people in whatever guise.

“A word is enough for the wise.”

Not many Nigerians are aware that, by law, the Senate President (the number 3 citizen) automatically becomes Acting President (Ag. number 1 citizen) of Nigeria from 12 midnight of May 28th to 10:00am thereabout of May 29th when a new President and his deputy subscribe to the Oath of Office.

Consequently, as Muhammadu Buhari exits office as President, Senate President Ahmad Lawan will assume the role of (Acting) President immediately the outgoing Nigerian leader’s tenure expires 12 midnight today by effluxion of time, until the President-elect Bola Tinubu is sworn in as President.

Chapter 6. Part 1. Section 146, of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, which deals with the “discharge Of Functions Of President” as amended, indicates in sub section 2, that; “Where any vacancy occurs in the circumstances mentioned in subsection (1) of this section during a period when the office of Vice-President is also vacant, the President of the Senate shall hold the office of President for a period of not more than three months, during which there shall be an election of a new President, who shall hold office for the unexpired term of office of the last holder of the office.”

The situation is not new. In 2019, the then Senate President Bukola Saraki, acted as President of Nigeria from 12 midnight of May 28th to 10:30am on May 29th, when President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo took their oath of office for the second term.

Osinbajo, himself, a Constitutional Lawyer and teacher, had while speaking at the post-inauguration dinner, said Buhari’s first tenure which expired at 12 midnight of May 28th, had created a vacuum.

According to him, “Something interesting happened earlier today. I am a lawyer and a law teacher and I like to test and interrogate legal scenarios.

“At one minute past midnight today. The four-year term of Mr. President and I ended by effluxion of time. So, from one minute past 12 of last night, May 29 to about 10:30 am when we were sworn in for a second term there was no President or Vice President.”

But Osinbajo stated that “Interestingly nothing went wrong, all was okay. When such a situation arises it is the Senate President who acts as President.

“So, when I arrived at Eagle Square this morning some may have noticed that the Senate President and I were enjoying a joke. He said to me jokingly “you better be careful you know I am the acting President now.” So, we thank Mr Senate President for not doing anything funny.”

Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, has announced that another chieftaincy title awaits him after he leaves government on Monday, May 29, 2023.

Adesina made the announcement in a statement on his verified Facebook page, on Saturday morning, sighted by METROWATCH.

He said, “I received a delegation at State House on Friday, May 12,2023. It was comprised of Igwe Dr C. C Okoli, Eze Ndigbo Suleja Emirate Council, who is also Deputy President, Association of Ndi-Eze Igbo, Nigeria and Diaspora, Rev Austin Epunam of Sweet Home Africa, and Prince Ugochukwu Ifeanyi, of Thanos Charity Foundation.

“What was the purpose of the visit? To thank President Muhammadu Buhari for his work in terms of infrastructure in the S’East, and to also appreciate me for using my position as Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity to bring the country together.

“And then the clincher! A chieftaincy title awaits me after we leave government on May 29, 2023.

“Holy Moses! I’m already Nwanne di Namba of Nmaku Kingdom (2018), in Enugu State, Ugo Mba of Isieketa Kingdom (2019), in Isiala Ngwa area of Abia State, and another one is loading now.

“Ndigbo kwenu. E kenem m gi.”

Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has warned his party, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), that it was unconstitutional to micro-zone the leadership positions of the National Assembly to individuals.

This was as the former Abia governor declared that the Senators-elect were going to challenge the decision of the ruling party to zone the leadership hierarchy of the impending 10th Assembly to individuals, insisting that it was ’undemocratic.’

While maintaining that all the 109 Senators-elect have what it takes to be Senate president, the APC Senator called on the leadership of his party to ”go back to the drawing board, and rezone, not by name, but by zones.”

Kalu said: “What you have done (zoning formula) does not look very nice. It is undemocratic; it is unconstitutional to put people’s names. We are going to challenge it.

“We are going to say no. I am a party man and we have never disobeyed this party, but this is the first time we are going to say no on the floor of the Senate. The party should go back to the drawing board and rezone, not by name, but by zones.

“It will not be right for our party, being a very big party, to be doing something that is unconstitutional. I believe all the 109 senators elected to have what it takes to be Senate president. There is nobody that has been elected that cannot be senate president.”

METROWATCH reports that the APC National Working Committee (NWC), last week, micro-zoned Senate Presidency to Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom), while announcing zoning arrangement for the leadership positions in the impending 10th National Assembly.

The party also micro-zoned Deputy Senate Presidency to Barau Jubrin (Kano); while for the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen (Kaduna) got Speaker, with Benjamin Kalu (Abia) taking the deputy slot.

The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has tackled its State Chairman, Dr Tony Aziegbemi over the forthcoming September 2 Local Government Council elections in the state, noting that the party will not scam its members.

The PDP faction loyal to the National Vice Chairman (South) of the party, Chief Dan Orbih was reacting to a release by the Governor Godwin Obaseki led faction of the PDP regarding the conduct of the party on activities leading to the forthcoming council poll.

In the release by factional State Organising Secretary, Tony Anenih Jr, announcing the sales of Nomination and Expression of Interest Forms, the PDP faction had published an account in the name of ‘Edo Grassroots Empowerment Initiative’ for payment of the prescribed fee for the forms.

Reacting, the Orbih-led faction tackled the State Chairman for allegedly overseeing the use of an unknown personal account for sales of forms for the council poll, instead of the regular bank account operated in the name of the party at the state level, saying it amounts to “fraud.”

A statement on Wednesday by the factional State Publicity Secretary, Ogie Vasco, also knocked Aziegbemi and the State Organising Secretary over a purported meeting of the party leaders where it was allegedly agreed upon that only aspirants who won their polling units in the last elections would be allowed to contest the local council positions.

METROWATCH recalls that the State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, on Tuesday, met with Aziegbemi, Anenih and other members of the State Executive Committee, to strategize ahead of the forthcoming local government elections in the state.

A Nigerian journalist, Mr Ifeanyi Okali Fakzy, and his wife have welcomed their first child, a baby girl, after eleven-years of childlessness.

The Abia-based journalist and publisher of 'Abia Breaking News (ABN TV)', took to Facebook on Wednesday to share the good news with his friends and followers.

Fakzy, who revealed that himself and his wife have suffered tantrums and mockery in the past agonising eleven years, expressed great joy over the child’s arrival.

He wrote, “I am glad that after 11 years, God has graciously blessed my family in a special way. We have just welcomed a baby girl and our very first child since our marriage in 2012.

“My wife and I can now be called ‘parents’, having suffered tantrums and mockery in the past agonising one decade and more. God still answers prayers. May His name be praised.”

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has blamed the ordeal of former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu in the United Kingdom (UK) on Nigeria's decaying health system and the country's political leaders.

A court in the UK had last week Friday sentenced Ekweremadu to nine years and eight months in prison for an organ trafficking plot. The court also sentenced his wife, Beatrice, to four years six months while the medical doctor who acted as a ‘middleman’ in the plot, Dr Obinna Obeta, was handed a 10 years jail term and his medical license was also suspended.

Prior to the sentence, Ekweremadu, Beatrice, and Obeta were convicted of conspiracy to arrange the travel of a young Nigerian man identified as David Nwamini to Britain in order to exploit him for his kidney.

The kidney organ was intended for Ekweremadu’s sick daughter, Sonia.

Speaking when he received members of the Committee of Medical Directors (CMDs) in Nigeria, led by Prof. Emmanuel Bassey, Chief Medical Director of Uyo University Teaching Hospitals (UUTH), who were on a courtesy visit at the Government House in Benin City, Obaseki expressed sadness over Ekweremadu's sentencing.

He said it is worrying that Nigerian politicians have failed to provide a quality healthcare system for its people, adding, "If we don't strengthen our healthcare system, we are all at risk. We need to collaborate to build a resilient healthcare system for the benefit of our people.”

“Those who have the privilege of working at the federal level should help us pull the system to the level it should be,” the Governor charged.

According to him, “UBTH has been producing doctors for over 50 years and during COVID-19 when we needed doctors, we found about 5, 000 of them. If we have the core building blocks, which are the doctors, nothing should hold us back.

“We have been producing doctors and exporting them abroad in the last decades. What went wrong? We would not have succeeded in our medical profession if we left it worse than we met it.”

...gets ‘one of the best-performing govs’ in Nigeria recognition from CMDs

Earlier, the Edo governor got the commendation of the Chief Medical Directors for his sustained investment in health and other sectors of the state’s economy, acknowledging Obaseki as one of the best-performing governors in the country.

Acknowledging the governor’s strides across all sectors of the State, Prof. Bassey, who led the team commended Obaseki’s sustained investment and commitment to repositioning the healthcare sector, especially in strengthening the primary healthcare system in the State.

The Chief Medical Director noted, “We are not a political committee but a policy and advocacy group. We meet to deliberate and advocate for effective and sustainable policies, especially on tertiary healthcare of the country. We thank you for the support given to the Edo State healthcare system.

“We want to thank you for your strides in the healthcare delivery system. We thank you for strengthening the primary healthcare system in the State as without that foundation we cannot get tertiary healthcare as most of the challenges we face would have been solved in the primary healthcare centres.”

He said, “You are very strong in healthcare financing and we thank you for the Edo State Health Insurance Scheme. We thank you for the support for the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) especially during the COVID-19 era as 60 percent of COVID-19 testing was done in UBTH.”

Prof Bassey added, “We really want to thank you. We have not much to say but the truth is that you are one of the best-performing governors in this whole country, politics aside. We wish you the best in your future endeavors.”

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Monday, approved the payment of 13th-month salary to Edo civil and public servants this year, urging the collaboration of the workers to ensure the sustainability of ongoing reforms by his administration to guarantee improved livelihood for the people and economic prosperity for the State.

Obaseki disclosed this while interacting with civil and public servants between levels 8 and 17 at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, Benin City, the Edo State capital.

The governor, who commended Edo workers for their support of his administration over the last six years, assured the development of the Benin Port and other projects aimed at placing the State on the path of sustainable economic growth and development.

He said, “You have asked for a 13th-month salary to be paid to you in December. We will do it but between now and December, how will you pay the state government back?”

Obaseki noted, “I am here today to say thank you for your support. When I look back, I know I have people. You have supported me for the past six and a half years.

“I thank you for coming out to vote during the last election to sustain our developmental strides in Edo State. Our focus should be on how to sustain our developmental strides in the state.

“All that I have done in the last six and half years is to put you where you really should belong because you are the heart and the engine of Edo State.”

The governor added, “Our focus is on how to ensure the sustainability of the reforms we have embarked on and you need to play an active part in this journey. We want Edo to be a model for the nation and give the nation hope.

“I appreciate the efforts you have put in to ensure the state develops. You must participate in the reforms and must be trained and retrained. We should ensure that the next leader of the State will not take us back.”

Reassuring on the development of the Benin River Port project, Governor Obaseki said, “The state government, the federal government, Nigeria Port Authority, and the Ministry of Transportation are considering all the applications, and very soon, we will zero in on one partner, and start the development of the port.

“It’s my hope that within the next nine to twelve months, work will have started in terms of building the port on the Benin River and that will be a game changer. We already have partners who are setting up an LNG plant near the River Port in anticipation of the port.”

The Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Environment and Sustainability, Edionwe Joel, thanked the governor for his developmental strides and commitment to the welfare of workers in Edo, assuring the support of the civil and public servants in the state

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has hailed the exploits of Super Eagles and Napoli striker of Edo origin, Victor Osimhen, for breaking several records in the Italian Serie A and winning the Italian League.

In a statement, the governor described Osimhen as an exceptional player, who has continued to make Edo and Nigeria proud with his exploits in the Italian League.

According to him, “I celebrate our star of the moment, Victor Osimhen, for his exceptional performance in the Italian Serie A, which culminated in Napoli winning the league this season.

“Osimhen was not only outstanding but showed class and exceptional brilliance throughout the season, breaking the record for the most goals scored by an African player in the Serie A.

“It is also a delight to see Osimhen lead Napoli to a Serie A win after 33 years, a trophy that had proved elusive over the years. I commend Osimhen for his excellent display and exemplary talent. He has shown uncommon determination, courage, and perseverance in the course of the league, displaying the indefatigable Edo spirit to global acclaim.”

Obaseki added, “He remains a notable ambassador of Edo State and we celebrate his exploits. At a time when we are repositioning sports development in the state, we are excited that Osimhen will serve as a role model to our young boys and girls.

“We congratulate him on the Serie A win and the new record as African highest goal scorer in the Serie A and wish him more resounding success in the future.”

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) Students’ Union Government (SUG) has lamented that “most students” of the institution either “eat” or use the tuition fees given to them by their parents to place bets on sporting platforms, instead of paying their school charges.

The Mr Nmoye Israel led ‘Leora’ SUG executives raised the alarm in a memo issued Sunday night, and made available to METROWATCH, while lamenting that only about 30 per cent of the students have paid their charges for the current academic session.

The Union was reacting to the infamous ‘No School Fees, No Exam’ policy of the University Management which placed a ban on students owing school charges for the session from sitting for the forthcoming semester examinations which commences on Monday 8th May.

The Union leaders lamented that the “lackadaisical attitudes”(sic) of students towards paying their school fees has led to huge debt burden on the University, thereby, making it difficult for Management to run the system smoothly.

While vowing to always protect the students’ interest, the UNIBEN SUG in the memo jointly signed by the President, Nmoye Israel and Secretary-Genaeral, Apeji Rita, maintained that the “lackadaisical attitude” of students towards paying school fees was becoming alarming.

“The University is not a charity organisation and must be funded. We always demand from the Management to meet our needs but how do you expect the management to fund this need?”, Mr Israel and Miss Rita queried.

“We always demand light, water, security, nice environment, exam materials and all from management. The money to keep our demands running is very huge and cannot be achieved in a school that school fees are not being paid. If we must demand much from management, we must play our part as well must all come in equity,” the memo added.

The UNIBEN SUG, however, said the Union was not unaware that there were some indigent students amongst them, noting that the Union leaders were already in talks with Management on a scholarship/donation platform for such category of students.

While expressing confidence for a “grace extension” from management for the affected students, having appealed to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Lilian Salami, the SUG, however, said at the end of such ‘grace period’, the Union would be left with no other choice but to ‘turn its back’ on students who fail to pay charges owed.

Management announces one-week ‘grace period’

Meanwhile, management of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) has given one-week of grace to students, yet to pay their school charges to do so, as examinations commence Monday in line with the Institution's academic calendar.

A statement issued on Sunday night by the University's spokesperson, Mrs Benedicta Ehanire, made available to METROWATCH, said the grace period was approved by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Lilian Salami, following appeals by the SUG and other stakeholders.

“Enforcement of the 'no payment of school charges, no examinations' will, therefore, not be carried out in the first week,” the UNIBEN spokesperson, Mrs Ehanire noted.

Management, therefore, urged all students who are still owing to take advantage of the week of grace to pay up as the ‘no school fee, no exam’ rule will be strictly applied afterwards.

Fierce battle has continued for the principal offices of the 10th National Assembly as about 37 senators-elect of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have vehemently rejected the advanced choice of Senators Godswill Akpabio and Jubrin Barau for Senate President and Deputy Senate President respectively.

The choice of the pair, according to Vanguard report, was communicated to the senators-elect by the president-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at a meeting of the leadership of the APC on Friday night in Abuja.

The meeting also had the leadership of the National Assembly in attendance.

Akpabio, who is the immediate past Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, hails from Akwa Ibom North West senatorial district while Barau represents Kano North.

According to reports, the president-elect also told the gathering that his choice for speakership of the House of Representatives was Hon. Tajudeen Abbas who represents Zaria federal constituency of Kaduna State.

A source, who was privy to the meeting and preferred not to be mentioned, told Sunday Vanguard that many of the senators-elect at the occasion, numbering about 37, said no to the choice of Akpabio, citing national unity and cohesion as their reason.

In the alternative, the senators reportedly pointed to the direction of the Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, and a former governor of Zamfara State, Senator Abdulaziz Yari for Senate President and Deputy Senate President respectively.

While Kalu represents Abia North Senatorial District, Yari was recently voted to represent Zamfara West.

The source added that the APC senators, who visibly showed their disapproval of the preferred choices, demanded the neutrality of the president-elect in the elections of the presiding and principal officers of the 10th National Assembly.

Akpabio’s choice, it was learnt, came after Tinubu had given Akpabio the condition that he must have about 60 senators-elect backing his bid a development which had made the camp of the president-elect to ask for the list of his backers.

In essence, for any senator to emerge Senate President, he needs to have 60 votes on the floor of the Senate in June when the election of the presiding and principal officers holds.

Recall that that APC has 59 senators-elect while opposition parties put together have 50 senators-elect, making it a total of 109 after the February 25 general elections.

The breakdown of the opposition parties standing are as follows: PDP 36; LP 8; NNPP 2; YPP 1; APGA 1 and SDP 2.

“About 37 APC senators-elect have rejected the choice of Akpabio as the Senate President. He was introduced alongside Senator Barau as Deputy Senate President”, one source told Sunday Vanguard.

“But the senators-elect cited national unity and said they would rather vote for Orji Kalu and Yari as Senate President and Deputy.Senate President.

“They also appealed to the president-elect who also chose Tajudeen Abbas for Speaker not to interfere in the elections of the presiding officers of bath chambres of the National Assembly. This is the situation now.”

On the choice of Abbas, the gathering, according to the source, expressed concern that Abbas may not be accepted by the generality of the House members, saying it would be difficult to market him.

The source said that the Reps-elect present at the occasion were rooting for the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, Hon. Muktar Aliyu Betara, from Borno State to be Speaker.

Abbas is said to have the support of the outgoing Speaker of the House, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, although he has since denied it, saying he was waiting for the party’s zoning formula before throwing his weight behind the growing list of contestants for speakership of the incoming Assembly.

Despite the reported endorsement of Senator Godswill Akpabio, former Akwa-Ibom governor, for Senate President by President-elect Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator-elect Abdul’Aziz Yari, ex-Zamfara governor, is reported to be forging ahead with his aspiration of becoming the next Senate President, a move that stakeholders and observers say could lead to another political upset and a repeat of the events of June 9, 2015 which produced former Kwara State Governor, Senator Bukola Saraki as Senate President and Hon Yakubu Dogara as Speaker of the House of Representatives for the 9th National Assembly, against the choice of the then Senate Leader, Ahmad Lawan from Yobe State, and Lagos lawmaker, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila as Senate President and Reps’ Speaker respectively.

In 2015, after toppling the then President Goodluck Jonathan’s ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from power at the central level with Muhammadu Buhari’s emergence and inauguration as President, and equally emerging the biggest political party at the National Assembly (NASS) with the highest number of lawmakers-elect, the APC became “relaxed” when it came to deciding who would lead the federal legislature. Although President Buhari and top APC leaders did not hide their preference for Lawan and Gbajabiamila as Senate President and Reps’ Speaker respectively. But Buhari was not particularly concerned with what happens during the NASS contest, as the president had probably thought his preferred candidates would just stroll into the roles of the nation’s number three and four coveted offices. After all, as the majority party in NASS, the APC ordinarily should rule the legislative chamber. They had the number — simple as ABC! Buhari and the APC were definitely not prepared for the stunning bloodless ‘coup’ which Saraki and Dogara had plotted.

Saraki would not back down; he defied his party (when the APC formally endorsed Lawan as its preferred candidate for the Senate Presidency and directed all its members-elect in the Senate to support his candidature) by courting opposition PDP members of the Senate who now joined his chariot. Against the wishes of his party, Saraki was in the morning of 9th June, 2015 elected as President of the Senate after garnering the block support of the PDP and some APC senators who broke rank with their party. In a similar development, PDP members of the House of Reps threw their block votes behind Dogara, electing him as Speaker over the APC-endorsed Gbajabiamila. Saraki’s takeover of the leadership of the 8th Senate against the wishes of his party was not lacking in “treachery”. It was also replete with the element of surprise, which in military terms would qualify for a “blitzkrieg”. The completely stunned APC in a statement issued after the Kwara-born politician’s emergence as the country’s number three citizen dubbed it the highest “level of treachery, disloyalty and insincerity within any party.”

Reports said that President Buhari had called for a meeting with all APC members in the Senate on that fateful morning to smooth out the contours ahead of inauguration, but Saraki and his “gang” who boycotted the meeting, had other plans, unknowingly to the President and the party. Precisely, Saraki and his loyalists were at the national assembly complex. And minutes before 10am, when the inauguration was expected to start, they were seated in the red chamber. But Lawan and his “gang” were absent. They had gone for the meeting at the International Conference Centre (ICC). The inauguration commenced even after news had rippled that it would not take place. Saraki was nominated, there was no challenger. He afterwards assumed the position of Senate President unopposed. It was in the closing of the event that some of Lawan’s supporters thronged in, in bewilderment and confusion. But the “did” had been done.

Meanwhile, President Buhari had in his immediate reaction to the emergence of the two National Assembly leaders noted that while he would have wished that those chosen by the party were the ones elected, he did not have any preferred candidates for the Senate and the House of Reps’ leadership. The President who noted that a constitutional process has ‘somewhat occurred’ with the emergence of Saraki and Dogara added that he was willing to work with whoever the lawmakers chose as their leaders. This was a departure from the old order where the executive influenced the emergence of the leaders of the legislature.

Fast-forward to 2023 with a President-elect (Bola Tinubu) from the South and a Vice President-elect (Kashim Shettima) from the North — both of same faith — Tinubu and top party leaders have reportedly endorsed the Senator representing Akwa-Ibom North-West, Godswill Akpabio for Senate President. But, what should have been a “done deal” or “consensus” with the withdrawal of the hitherto frontrunners in the race including Senators Ali Ndume (Borno), Dave Umahi (Ebonyi) and Barau Jibrin (Kano) backing Akpabio, is becoming a tough nut to crack with Abdul’Aziz Yari refusing to step down. Yari, a ranking Senator and former Zamfara Governor, has insisted to run the whole race. He said Akpabio’s reported endorsement by the President-elect would not stop him from the contest. “What is going to happen that day, it is going to happen based on the instructions of the Constitution and not for anyone. The election of the President of National Assembly is the Senate’s business and not based on anyone’s instruction”, the Zamfara-West Senator reportedly told journalists.

In “endorsing” Akpabio, Tinubu reportedly backed the Southern Senator out of concern for the religious and regional balancing of the personalities in the next government. Tinubu, his deputy, Shettima are Muslims. Besides, it was expected that the President-elect, who has been a governor, senator, and king-maker, will be very much interested in who becomes the Senate President to avoid a repeat of what happened in 2015. The case of Saraki in the 8th Senate will still be fresh in his (Tinubu’s) mind. In 2015, the failure of President Buhari to take a stand timely on who to choose led to the emergence of Saraki and the frosty relationship between the Executive and Legislature. Tinubu, who is believed to be a good strategist, is probably trying not make such mistakes. However, with Yari who is believed to have gotten the endorsement of influential Senators-elect from the North, according to reports, vowing to take the battle to the Senate floor, the development could prove dicey for the authority of the incoming president.
The APC currently controls the impending 10th Senate with 59 seats, PDP, 36; Labour Party, 8; New Nigeria Peoples Party, 2; All Progressives Grand Alliance, 1; Social Democratic Party, 2; and Young Peoples Party, 1.

Does Yari have the “political will” and “force” to stage a ‘Saraki 2.0’, or he is just another Ndume or Goje in the making?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ogochukwu is a Developmental Activist, Socio-political Analyst, Media and Brand Influencer, Communications Expert and Journalist with METROWATCH

He can be reached via ogochukwuisioma@gmail.com

Compass of Nigerian Women Political Leadership – Mrs Rosemary Umameh, By Dr Loretta Oduware Ogboro-Okor

It is on the shoulders of women like hers that those of us coming behind must stand and learn. We must learn that capable, competent women with impeccable character and a track record for excellence have a role to play in the future of our Nation with the caveat that we must first have the self-esteem to take our rightful seat at the table. Because of women like Mama Rosemary Alami Umameh , women like me must chose to reflect on the words from a wise progressive man (Romanus Woghiren) recently that “fortune shines on the brave and the bold”.

Published 3 hours ago on May 6, 2023By Loretta Oduware Ogboro-Okor
Nigeria’s demographics show that about half of our population is made up of women. Readily googled data has also revealed that we have 109 Senators in Nigeria out of which only 7 are women. It is no different from the House of Representatives where only 22 out of 360 members are women. The world over, women constitute a powerful force in the electorate. They are the ones that take the messages of political parties and run with it. Whereas in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and other policies, countries in the West and even some in Africa like Rwanda are reaping the fruit of optimal women engagement in politics, Nigeria is nowhere to be reckoned with on this front. Why are Nigerian women only good enough to feature in jingles and at campaign rallies? What stops our women from taking their own seats at the table of “true leadership by the electorate”. The answer that comes into my mind in response to this rhetorical question is simply – nothing.

I know that most readers would be quick to point out the challenges women face in politics. First is the pseudo-gospel that women do not like to see women progress or vote for themselves. Well, the question is, whose gospel is that? It is from us women or from confounding factors that seek to divide us. Besides, today’s sisterhood is waxing beyond nay-gospels. From this, we move on to the fact that wives of men running for offices are put out to pacify the teaming women folks and tell them how their needs will be taken care of by their husbands. Next in the long list of challenges is the trend that most political meetings are intentionally held at night to exclude the women. In answer to these, we must begin to understand that leadership skills and leadership positions are not “sexually transmitted” so, we must not hope to bring value to the lives of Nigerians via the bed-route. Furthermore, many of us are the last to go to sleep in our houses because we are tending to the needs of everyone before we go to bed. Some of us are in professions where we do night shifts. Examples abound with the nurses, doctors, midwives, laboratory scientists, pilots, engineers, the policewomen to mention but a few. Consider instances where many surgeries are being performed by female surgeons on night shifts across hospitals in Nigeria. So, it is not that women cannot hold meetings, do high performance tasks in the night or reason with their faculties at night. Rather, it is the socio-cultural stigma and stereotypes that a woman is out at night (holding political meetings) when she should be at home with her husband and children. By the way, who says such political meetings happens only at night?

Therefore, enter on to the scene, progressive and supportive husbands of Nigeria who will attend these kinds of meetings with their wives and watch the myth die out! I can foresee the meetings being moved to saner times of the day, the moment these kinds of progressive Nigerian men, start to support their women staunchly in politics – by the way they abound in Nigeria. Other analysts will be quick to say how women neither have the financial muscle to incentivise the electorate nor the thugs-war-chest to intimidate people and rig the electoral process. It is to this that I will point out how a new Nigeria is upon us. The February 25th, 2023, elections in Nigeria and events that led up to is as well as events now evolving post that election, is evidence that Nigerians are now awoke and ready to take the evolution of true democracy in the country into our hands. It clearly signalled the rise of a neo-order, who believe that their vote must count. Similarly, the continued resistance to the government “select” by Nigerians should not be dismissed with a wave of the hands. Even the thugs are now realising that the episodic and cyclical use of their bad side (surely, they cannot be all bad) by the old order politicians is not the long-term solution to achieving the Nigeria of their dreams. They too now understand that they can be better educated, and lead descent lives like the children of the old-order politicians if they elect a government that has true value for human lives.

However, we look at it, all these challenges which by the way, I have proffered solutions to and some of which the natural evolution of Nigerian minds is solving, do not stop our women from taking their own seats at the table of “true leadership by the electorate.” Not at all. Mama Rosemary Alami Umameh JP is a living example that it is only us as women, who are actually stopping ourselves from taking our own seats at the table. When I first met her son, Reverend Father Michael Umameh many years ago, his articulation of Nigeria’s political issues laced with practical solutions led me to ask, “who is your mum and what does she do?” Little wonder I came to find out that she is a well-known name in Kogi politics. Without fear, this amazon took her seat and still sits at the table many men fear to tread. Supported by her husband, Chief Innocent Adaji Umameh, a rare breed, Mama Umameh blazed and continues to blaze women political leadership in Nigeria. It is on the shoulders of women like hers that those of us coming behind must stand and learn. We must learn that capable, competent women with impeccable character and a track record for excellence have a role to play in the future of our Nation with the caveat that we must first have the self-esteem to take our rightful seat at the table. Because of women like Mama Rosemary Alami Umameh , women like me must chose to reflect on the words from a wise progressive man (Romanus Woghiren) recently that “fortune shines on the brave and the bold”. So, as we congratulate Mama Rosemary Alami Umameh and Chief Innocent Adaji Umameh on their Golden Wedding Anniversary this May 2023, I choose to see them as the inspiration for a stronger women political leadership in Nigeria supported by progressive minded men. Because of this golden relationship they share, the rest of us will be brave and God will ensure that fortune shines on us as He continues to give them length of days to see us shine!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr Loretta Oduware Ogboro-Okor is author of the book My Father’s Daughter

A former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has faulted the promise by the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu that he would make corruption unattractive, especially in the Judiciary.

Frank, who described such statement as a lie, said that the former Lagos state governor do not possess the capacity and ability to fight corruption in the Judiciary.

Tinubu, had while speaking in Port Harcourt, during the inauguration of a Magistrate Courts Complex built by the Governor Nyesom Wike administration, reportedly promised to make corruption unattractive.

Frank in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, said Tinubu’s track record on corruption fight was abysmal.

According to him, it is insulting to the sensibility of majority of Nigerians, that Tinubu who has been linked to several corrupt practices, including the famous bullion van episode, will suddenly become the anti-corruption czar.

He said, “A man who’s unable to answer questions on the activities of the Alpha Beta company and several other properties linked to him, obviously do not posses the prerequisites to fight corruption.

“It is however ironic that Tinubu, whose political career is peppered with allegations of corruption, would try to position himself as a champion of anti-corruption, only aimed at fooling the gullible.

“Of utmost importance is the caliber of persons currently hobnobbing around the President-elect for one favour or another. These individuals who are busy outwitting one another, all in a bid to grab juicy government portfolios with statutory immunity, may all have a case or more to answer with the anti-graft agencies. These characters who are currently vying for leadership positions in all arms of government, including the Executive, Legislature, and the Judiciary will most likely be cleared for public service, thereby joepadizing the fight against corruption ab initio.”

The Bayelsa born political activist believed that the incoming administration, if confirmed by the judiciary, will habour many politicians of questionable characters giving them a safe haven to operate.

“A closer look at these individuals reveals that they are made of high net worth personalities who may have previously been convicted of crimes, or currently facing investigations or prosecution by the EFCC and other sister anti graft agencies.

“The jostle for the position of the Senate President by one of the leading contenders is a clear testimony to the fact. It is therefore pertinent to ascertain whether Tinubu’s potential administration will be comprised by these glaring associations.

“Consequently, the statement credited to the former Lagos state governor in Port Harcourt is laughable, given that the facts prove otherwise as clearly evident by the current realities.

“It’s worthy to note that Tinubu, whose ruling party campaigned on an anti-corruption mantra will suddenly drive an anti-corruption fight when even the incumbent President, who has no known history of corruption is unable to tackle the menace, rather the corruption index has risen exponentially under this administration.”

Frank, who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and Middle East, further added that it will be difficult to take Tinubu’s words on fighting corruption seriously.

He said, “Evidence of corruption linked to his interests continues to surface, as even the recently concluded general elections were grossly compromised. Tinubu should note that he’s yet to be sworn in and should focus his attention on the pending cases challenging the legitimacy of his victory at the polls rather than making any such promises on an illegality pending before the tribunal.

“Lastly as a nation seeking a change, we must demand accountability from our leaders, regardless of their party affiliation. We cannot afford to remain silent whilst corruption continues to plague our democracy. Those who seek to lead us, must henceforth show by their actions that they are committed to a corrupt-free Nigeria.”

DR LORETTA ODUWARE OGBORO-OKOR FOR THE 2023 OUTSTANDING HEALTH EXPERT OF THE YEAR AWARD, UK.

Edo-born and United Kingdom trained Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Dr Loretta Oduware Ogboro-Okor, is billed to receive the prestigious Recognition Awards, 2023 as Health Expert of the Year on Saturday, 20th of May in London, United Kingdom, in recognition of her numerous achievements and contributions to the health sector and medical field.

Born into the family of Prince Richard Osariogiuwa-Ogboro and Mrs Rose Aghaku-Ogboro, Dr Loretta is a true daughter of Edo, with a blended heritage that cuts across four Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the State including Esan Central, Esan South-East, Uhunmwode and Oredo LGAs.

She attended Lydia Primary School, Benin City and gained admission on national merit to the Federal Government Girls’ College, Benin City where she became Head Girl and passed her West African Examination Council Examination (WAEC), all in grade As.

Dr Loretta studied Medicine at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) College of Medical Science and graduated in 2003 with MBBS; leaving her usual mark of excellence as the Vice-President of the UNIBEN Medical Students’ Association. She is currently the President of the University of Benin Alumni Association, United Kingdom (UBAAUK) branch.

She has a Masters (MSc) degree in Public Health Research and another MSc in Clinical Education from the University of Edinburgh and Sheffield Hallam both in the United Kingdom, and currently doing her PhD in Law and Criminology at Sheffield Hallam University. Dr Loretta is a member of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, UK; and currently a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist with the Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, as well as an Obstetrics Skills and Drill Lead with the Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospital Foundation Trust, and has worked in the National Health Service, for over 15 years.

Dr. Loretta is also an Author, Motivational Speaker, Global Goodwill Ambassador, Women and Youth Advocate, Educationist, Social Entrepreneur, ardent Blogger, and Advocate of Good Governance. She is the Lead of Edo Focus Group, and co-founded the Ashanti Graham Health Education Initiative Foundation, a charity with the vision, 21st Century Health Care for Africa.

A recipient of a plethora of awards both within and outside Nigeria, Dr Loretta is happily married to Nigeria’s leading Neurosurgeon, Dr Douglas Okor and blessed with two lovely children.

Many congratulations Dr Loretta — a true Ambassador of Edo State, Woman of Substance and Capacity, Global Achiever, Progressive, Audacious Amazon and Philanthropist — as you receive this distinguished award of Outstanding Health Expert of the Year in London, United Kingdom.
You are primed for the global stage.

Indeed, Dr Loretta is coming…

(Adapted from a piece by Tony Osakpamwan Agbons)

Management of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) has announced virtual matriculation ceremony for newly admitted students of the institution for the 2021/2022 academic session.

METROWATCH reports that the virtual matriculation ceremony will take place on Friday, 5th May, 2023 at the Akin Deko main auditorium, Ugbowo campus, by 3:00pm.

A statement issued by the University's Registrar, Mr. Ademola Bobola, recently, in Benin City, said the Institution's Vice Chancellor, Prof. Lilian Salami gave the approval, in accordance with the amended academic calendar.

He said: “The ceremony is a hybrid activity in which only limited number of matriculating students and parents will be physically allowed into the auditorium while others are to follow online elsewhere outside the venue.

“Details of the link will be provided by the Director, ICT/CRPU; and made available ahead of time,” Mr. Bobola added.

According to the Registrar, Deans of Faculties are to select only 20 students to represent each Faculty with only one of them made to sign the Matriculation Register in the course of the event.

Similarly, the Vice Chancellor has approved that a compressed Orientation Programme be conducted for the Matriculating students under the auspices of the Dean, Students’ Affairs.

METROWATCH learned that the compressed Orientation exercise would take place on the same Matriculation day, Friday, 5th May, 2023, between the hours of 12noon and 1:30pm.

The virtual matriculation ceremony is coming weeks after a student of the institution was murdered in cold blood Inside one of the hostels on campus by suspected cultists. UNIBEN may have opt for the virtual matric for security reasons.