₦airaland Forum

The Coalition for Truth and Justice (CTJ) has applauded President Bola Tinubu for immediately turning around the insecurity challenge in the country.

The Coalition said the impact of the President has been immediate, evident in improved security of lives and properties.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday in Abuja, Dr. Uzah Thomas, the convener of the Coalition, said President Tinubu has taken drastic steps to restore peace in the nation.

He said: "President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s actions in the past few weeks are indicative of a passion for service as it is on record that he has held several meetings with service chiefs, including an official visit to the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Centre for Counter Insurgency Operations. We find these steps reassuring bearing in mind where we are coming from as a nation.

"It is also on record that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mandated all security agencies in the country to work in harmony by sharing intelligence through inter-agency collaborations toward achieving the overarching objective of peace and security of lives and properties. The lack of collaboration has been a major reason that allowed terrorists and criminal elements to have free runs in the land in the past.

"It is also on record that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has had cause to intervene in issues that would have been embarrassing to the country where he ordered the Department of State Security Service to vacate the office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Lagos State recently.

"The Coalition for Truth and Justice indeed identifies with the proactive ways President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has led the country. He has displayed statesmanship and a commitment to the ideals of our founding fathers in bequeathing to Nigerians the country of our dreams where peace and justice shall reign supreme.

"As stakeholders in the Nigerian Project, it is our firm conviction that the steps taken so far by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are indicative of his readiness to address the challenges bedeviling the country, not just in the security sector but all sectors of the economy. He has literally hit the ground running, and it is expected that in the weeks and months ahead, Nigerians will come to terms with his passion and commitment to setting the country on a sound footing. "

Uzah, therefore, warned non-state actors who are hell-bent on destabilizing the country to rethink.

He added that President Tinubu is passionate about Nigeria, and this much he has exhibited in his actions and firmness since he was sworn in as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Coalition for Truth and Justice, however, called on all well-meaning Nigerians to rally support for this administration.

The Department of Security Services (DSS) has reportedly arrested the Clerk to the National Assembly, Sani Tambawal, and other parliamentary staff over an alleged plot to impose leadership on both chambers.

Tambawal alongside his colleagues were said to have been picked up by the secret police on Monday night in an attempt to coerce them into manipulating the standing rules of the NASS to favour some candidates.

The 10th National Assembly will officially be inaugurated on Tuesday, June 13 and the high point of the event will see the emergence of a new set of leaders.

Tambawal, in a statement last week, said the event will commence by 10 am.

However, some desperate aspirants, believed to have the blessings of the ruling party, made attempts to force the NASS clerk to adjust the time to 8 am.

Having failed to convince other lawmakers-elect to back their candidacy, these individuals are said to have resorted to bullying with Tambawal the latest target.

The objective, it was gathered, is to catch the favourites unaware to emerge victorious through the back door two hours before the stipulated time.

Details later...

The Nigerian Armed Forces and Police have been commended for ensuring a peaceful, seamless, and successful transition of power on May 29.

The Coalition of Civil Society Groups on Sustenance of Democracy and Peace in Africa gave the commendation at a press conference on Thursday in Abuja.

In his address, the Executive Director, Dr. Ifure Ataifure, said the Armed Forces and Police ensured that the enemies of Nigeria's democracy were neutralized.

"The role of the Nigerian Police in the conduct of the 2023 General Elections in Nigeria must be emphasized," Ataifure said.

"From our findings, the Nigerian Police ensured that election materials and electoral officials were provided adequate security during and after the elections. This resulted in minimal cases of electoral violence across the country.

"The Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria were exceptional and largely instrumental in the relative peace experienced across the country.

"The Armed Forces provided much-needed support to the Nigerian Police and other security agencies.

"The Armed Forces also ensured the success of the transition process from one democratically elected government to another.

"It was observed that groups and individuals that planned to disrupt the process were adequately addressed. This is indicative of the role of the Armed Forces in the preservation of democracy in Nigeria.

"The Coalition of Civil Society Groups on the Sustenance of Democracy and Peace in Nigeria is using this medium to commend the security agencies for their invaluable contributions to the success of the 2023 General Elections in Nigeria and the smooth transition of power from one democratically elected government to another.

"The Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria ensured that threats to democracy in Nigeria were neutralized.

"In our opinion, this indicates that the Armed Forces of Nigeria has remained the bastion of democracy in the country. "

.....Says fifth columnists have failed
 
A group, the Massive Movement for Douye Diri and Senator Ehwrujakpo has said Governor Douye Diri and his predecessor, Senator Seriake Dickson are both committed to the development of Bayelsa State and are also on the same page regarding how to achieve a better Bayelsa.
This is just as the group said those who think that they can sow the seed of discord between the two men have failed woefully, and described such people as fifth columnists with an agenda that was brought in dead.
The group, in a statement signed by the Chairman, Mr. Benjamin Foko and Secretary, Solomon Bodei, also said Governor Diri has always and would always accord due respect to Senator Dickson and other former leaders of the state.
"Our attention has been drawn to the recent barrage of attacks by some persons whose primary objective is fanning the embers of discord by whatever means to rock the very cordial relationship that exists between the immediate past governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency Senator Henry Seriake Dickson and his successor, HE Senator Douye Diri.
"To them, every opportunity that presents itself is an opportunity to latch on. We have read a few of them and in our opinion are without substance but the saying that silence is concurrence has made it necessary for us to place on record a few of the issues randomly raised and circulated by these fifth columnists.
"Governor Diri has in every forum he finds himself, gone off script to pour encomiums on Senator Dickson. As a people we have equally followed suit by according maximum regards to HE Dickson. No human being is perfect and therefore capitalizing on trivialities to deliberately distort facts to create artificial rift between Diri and Dickson will take the state no where as Dickson himself has time without numerous acknowledged," the group said.
On the claim that Diri is arrogating some projects initiated by Dickson to himself after completing such, the group said it showed the level of ignorance about governance and the ridiculous desperation on the part of those at the forefront of this campaign of calumny.  The Group said Governor Douye should rather be given a pat on the back as he is only proving the fact that “Government is a continuum by completing or remodelling as the case may be, those impactful projects started by his predecessor. That is why the litany of abandoned projects that litters other states that constitute eyesore is a thing of the past in Bayelsa State. The Diri administration has not only worked on projects it inherited, but has also initiated several people-oriented projects. “Of what benefit will it be to the state if Diri abandons projects commenced by his predecessors to initiate his own without completing and inaugurating them for use by Bayesians, the Group asked. In all of the projects he has completed and put to use Governor Diri has not failed to acknowledge the achievements of his predecessors, particularly that of Senator Henry Seriake Dickson.
 Contrary to the mischievous narrative being churned out by these self-serving individuals, governor Douye Diri has put to use the starch production factory constructed during Governor Dickson’s administration. Even the dual carriage road commenced by Sylva of which about 50 metres was sandfilled after collecting a whooping N9B was abandoned been executed up 75 percent to the Tombia-Amassoma road without attacking the Sylva. so why should Diri be antagonistic to one of his greatest   benefactors.
By his up bringing as the son of a teacher and himself a teacher, senator Diri cherishes the core values of giving respect his benefactors, followers and elders irrespective of their political lineage. In other words he accords respect to whom it may due the group posted. "We want to place it on record that we know where these shenanigans are coming from. It is certainly coming from those who know that a combination of Dickson and Diri in the forthcoming coming governorship election will finally drive the nail in the political coffins of their paymasters".
The group urged all Bayesians to be wary of political scavengers, whose only means of livelihood is revelling in the spread of rumour to score cheap political points. It urged Bayesians to keep faith with governor Douye Diri whom it described as peace and unity personified.

...say ex-Gov fit to be Senate President

The Concerned Northern Christian Forum of Nigeria (CNCFN) has endorsed Abdulaziz Yari for the position of Senate President in the 10th National Assembly.

The Christian group made this known at a press conference on Thursday in Abuja.

In a statement signed by its convener Adams King and six others, the forum said its position is hinged on the Senator's track record in leadership and contribution to sustaining peace and tranquillity in Northern Nigeria and, by extension, the country at large.

Describing the former Zamfara State Governor as a nationalist, the statement noted that as a former governor and ex-chairman of the Governors Forum, he displayed administrative competence and commitment to the country's socioeconomic development.

"It must be stated that given the particularities of time, the need to have leaders with experience and the capacity to hit the ground running should be emphasized. This much has been the trademark of Senator Yari, hence our endorsement of his aspiration, which represents the country's best interest in this critical time of our existence," the statement said.

"The Northern Christian Forum of Nigeria sees in Senator Yari a nationalist who has always put the country's interest at heart in all his endeavors. This has undoubtedly earned him tremendous respect across the country and an attribute he will put to good use if elected as Senate President.

"We must admit that what the country needs at this point is leaders with capacity regardless of ethnic and religious affiliations. Nigeria needs leaders that understand the dynamic nature of the country, which can only be brought about through hands-on experience in governance.

"Senator Yari's credentials speak volumes of a man on a mission to contribute to sustainable growth and development. He has demonstrated competence and capacity and has built bridges across the divide.

"The Northern Christian Forum of Nigeria understands that the position of Senate President is for individuals that have distinguished themselves in leadership over time. This much can be said of Senator Yari as Governor of Zamfara State and the Governors Forum.

"His tenure as Chairman of the Governors Forum witnessed invaluable contributions to the national discourse. He was able to bring about unity of purpose and a sense of direction that was instrumental in solving some of the issues that were contentious in governance in the country.

"His tenure as Zamfara state governor also witnessed giant strides in policy formulation and implementation that set the state on the right footing in its quest for sustainable growth and development.

"Senator Abdulaziz Yari is one of the few Nigerian leaders preaching religious and ethnic tolerance. He is a firm believer in One Nigeria. This much has defined his approach to issues that have assisted in bringing about peace and tranquillity across the country. "

The Christian group, therefore, called on all well-meaning Nigerians to support the aspiration of Senator Abdulaziz Yari, which it says represents hope for the country.

"We also call on the leadership of the APC and all Senators to extend their support to Senator Abdulaziz Yari with the overarching objective of availing Nigeria his leadership acumen and strength of character in the leadership of the Senate," the statement added.

"The urgency of now requires that round pegs are placed in round holes. That task is onerous, and Senator Abdulaziz Yari fits the bill as the Senate President. This is not the time to experiment with leadership at all levels.

Speakership: Pick Wase As Consensus Candidate, Northern Youths Beg Group of 6 Aspirants

A think-tank of intellectuals from the 19 Northern states has urged a group of six aspirants for Speaker in the 10th National Assembly to adopt Idris Wase as their consensus candidate for the position.

The Northern Patriotic and Democratic Coalition said the aspirants must unite behind the Deputy Speaker to stop the imposition of Tajudeen Abbas on Nigerians by Femi Gbajabiamila.

Recall that the All Progressives Congress had purportedly endorsed Abbas and Ben Kalu for Speaker and Deputy Speaker respectively.

The choice of Abbas has been welcomed with widespread outrage, with many critics claiming he is being foisted on the party and House of Representatives by Gbajabiamila.

Consequently, in protest, six other aspirants formed an alliance known as the Coalition of Progressive Speakership Aspirants (COPSA).

They comprise Wase, Muktar Betara, Sada Soli, Aminu Sani Jaji, Yusuf Gagdi, and Miriam Unuoha.

In a statement through its Publicity Director, Dr. Mrs. Regina Audu, on the state of the nation and the way forward for the National Assembly leadership tussle, the group urged the aspirants to shelve their ambitions in support of Wase.

Audu said to stop the "imminent Abbas calamity" from befalling the nation, a robust coalition comprising of men and women of goodwill, strong in character and purpose must speak with one voice.

While admitting that each member of the coalition is very much qualified and deserving of the position, she said Wase has an edge as the current deputy Speaker.

Audu noted that Wase is the perfect blend of experience, competence, and capacity - key traits Abbas lacks.

She added that with the Plateau lawmaker as Speaker, the North Central's agitation and perceived neglect would have been effectively addressed.

" Wase epitomizes character, competence, and capacity. A five-timer, he is the most experienced of all the aspirants and would represent the interest of the majority of the members and not that of Gbaja," Audu said.

"Wase hasn't been a mere spectator all these years. In his four terms, he held the chairmanship of key committees and sponsored at least a dozen bills.

"As Chair of the Federal Character Commission, for instance, the current deputy speaker paid no attention to “connections” by ensuring that Nigerians from different ethnic and religious backgrounds get employed in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of the federal government, strictly based on merit. This endeared Wase to many children of less-privileged Nigerians.

"As the Chair of the House Committee of the Whole, he was key to the passage of critical bills such as the PIB, and the amendments to the new Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), which has already been noted to be easing doing business in Nigeria.

"As the chairman of the Ad hoc Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, Wase achieved uncommon milestones. President Muhammadu Buhari has just assented to some of the bills passed in the amendment of the constitution. Some of these assented bills will promote true federalism, devolution of powers from the center to the states, as well as strengthen government institutions.

"At the continental level, Wase is currently the first deputy speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament. This is no mean feat. As the first deputy speaker of that parliament, he has been a champion of Nigeria’s national interests within the broader interests of the West African sub-region.

"Wase's achievements have endeared him to colleagues who respect him. The first-timers look up to him. In Wase, you have a complete package and with the backing of these five powerful aspirants, we are sure he will defeat Gbaja and the enemies of Nigeria.

"It is on this note that we wish to appeal to the Coalition of Progressive Speakership Aspirants to support one of their own. While each member has the right to contest for the coveted seat, it is best to unite for a common cause with Wase as a figurehead.

"Our nation is at a critical period and only men and women of goodwill can save it from collapse. Gbaja and Abbas don't mean well for Nigeria. Thankfully, there are still patriotic Nigerians who can neutralize their gimmicks."

The clamour for the implementation of the Act creating the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Civil Service Commission has assumed a frightening dimension but what is clear, though oversighted by most of  the agitatiors is that,  it is not everything that is expedient that may be truly beneficiall.




Many welcomed the signing into law by the President Muhammadu Buhari who assented to the Act passed by the parliament in 2018 because it was well intentione,  but its implementation met its cull de sac when put vis-a-vis with the provisions in the 1999 Constitution as regard the creation of the Federal Civil Service Commission.



The fact is that the Federal Capital Territory Administration came into existence on the 31st December, 2004 by the proclamation of the Federal Capital Territory (Establishment of Functionaries and Departments) and Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory Dissolution Order No.1, 2004 otherwise known as “Order 1, 2004″.




The Order 1, 2004  also dissolved the erstwhile Ministry of the Federal Capital Administration, abolished the postion of the Permanent Secretary and created Mandate Ssecretariats which are to function as Ministries in states and some Agencies.





The Order 1, 2004 had been operational in the administration of the FCT with some modifications anticipated in Section 14 which provides inter Alia that “the Minister may, with the approval of the President, modifies or amends this order as he may deem necessary in furtherance of the efficient execution of the intention expressed in the preamble hereto.





In the course of time and based on necessity, the Office of the Permanent Secretary was restored since 2005  in appreciation of the fact that the administration of the FCT as provided in the Section 302 is a Ministerial System where the President in exercise of the provision and powers conferred upon him by the section 147 of this Constitution, appoints for the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja a Minister who shall exercise such powers and perform such functions as may be delegated to him by the President from time to time.

Functional requirements also at that time necessitated structural reviews to some of the provisions of the order 1, 2004 due to the challenges of the absence of other enabling laws or necessary administrative reviews.





For instance, the positions of the Secretary and Legal Adviser provided for Mandate Secretariats was never implemented while the post for Head of Finance and Administration has been upgraded to a Director on GL.17 and currently serves as administrative heads in the Mandate Secretariats and the sub-accounting officers. This was not envisaged in the Order 1, 2004 which designated the Mandate Secretaries as Accounting Officers.





In the same vein, the Mandate Secretariats have since been increased to eight.

It is important to note that the Order 1, 2004 from its inception appeared to oversight the career progression of the civil servant, hence no provision was made for advancement beyond the GL17.




In fact, the implementation of the Order 1, 2004 would ensure that the administrative positions in the Mandate Secretariats might not progress up to GL.17, since the position of the Secretary and Legal Adviser was provided.




It is true today that this career gap has become a point of grave concern to the FCT Civil Servants and stakeholders.

As part of the frameworks initiated to safeguard the career management in the FCT Civil Service Commission, the Act of which was passed into law and accented to in 2018 is yet to be implemented.




Unknown to advocates of its implementation the Civil Service Commission is a constitutional body which implementation in the FCT system, if deemed appropriate ought not to require the passage of an act of parliament.




The act as passed by the National Assembly however overstretched responsibilities of the FCT Civil Service Commission at section 7C to include:

A. “Advise the Minister on policies relating to the Civil Service of the FCT;

B. The administrative functions of Departments in the Civil Service of the FCT;

C. The conditions of service of employees generally including the ranks and grades of officers and employees;

D. The scales or salaries, emoluments, benefits, and allowances of the various classes or officers and employees;

E. The employment, appointment, promotions, transfers, discharge .and other career issues of the civil service in the FCT;

F. Strict adherence to the principles enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria;

G. Application of labour laws and relations in the Civil Service of the FCT;

H. Ensuring that disciplinary measures are adhered to in the Civil Service of the FCT;

I. Information management and technology in the Civil Service of the FCT, and

J. Any other issue which in it’s opinion will facilitate the administrative performance of the Civil Service of the FCT.

It should be noted that some of the above listed functions go beyond the approved; Appointment, Promotion, and Discipline (APD) functions provisioned in the Third Schedule, Part 1, Section 1 for the Federal Civil Service Commission and Part 2, Section A for the State Civil Service Commission in the 1999 Constitution as Amended as follows:

(a) appoints persons to offices in the state, and

(b) dismiss and exercise disciplinary control over persons holding such offices.

(c) And Sub-Section1(2) provides that the Commission shall not exercise any of it’s powers under sub-paragraph(1) of this paragraph in respect of such offices of heads of divisions of Ministries or of departments of the Government of the state as may from time to time be designated by an order made by the Governor except after consultation with the Head of the Civil Service of the state.

The Part 1 Section1(3) of the 1999 Constitution as Amended inter alia provides that “if any other law is inconsistent with the provisions of this Constitution, the Constitution shall prevail and that other law shall, to the extent of the inconsistency, be void”.




Regrettably, many of the agitators for the implementations of the Act appeared ignorant of the provisions of the documents which for all intent and purposes cannot address the career concerns of the staff of FCTA.



This position is clear because in attempting to implement the Act, the following measures must be taken into consideration to avoid a Constitutional crisis which will render it a nullity;

(A) The Constitution did not expressly declare the FCT as a State but rather “as if it were one of the States of the Federation” etc.

(B) It must also be realized that the FCT is a component of the Federal Government administration and ought not to have a separate Civil Service, the same way it does not have a separate Bureau of Public Procurement or Executive Council.  Furthermore, while  the laws of the State are called Bills  that of the FCT are Acts,  etc.. It therefore appears that the intentions of the crafters of our Constitution is that there should be only a Federal Civil Service for the entire Federal Service which includes the FCT.


Therefore, an FCT Civil Service Commission cannot perform the functions listed in number B- D and F, because the performance of the responsibilities do not fall within the constitutional responsibilities of a Civil Service Commission. In fact, matters on salaries and emoluments referred to in D is clearly the mandate of the NSIWC and cannot be undertaken by a Civil Service Commission.  The performance of the responsibility at H shall be limited to what is required to perform its responsibilities of the APD and not for the entire FCT system.  Finally, in consideration of the inconsistencies of powers provided in the Act with the constitutional provisions for a Civil Service Commission, the exercise of these powers will amount to a nullity.



The way forward, is simple, because from the foregoing, which is self-explanatory, both the Order 1,2004 and the FCT Civil Service Commission Act 2018 have not addressed the career issues of the Civil Servants in FCTA and thus excessive energies been expended on agitation for the implementation of the FCT Civil Service Commission Act appears to be overkill. It is therefore expected that provisions of the FCT Civil Service Commission Act which runs contrary to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution should be expunged because of their inconsistencies.


Again, it is also important to note that the creation of cadres is the prerogative of the National Council on Establishment for which the Civil service Commission is not a member. The Civil Service Commission have no such powers to create vacancies because only to recruit, appoint and promote  when vacancies are duly declared by appropriate authorities.


As the Way Forward, rather than resort to agitation, the core stakeholders must engage on a review of  FCT administrative structure with the view to address the quagmires put in place by successive  administrations,  albeit unintentionally,  by removing the clog placed in the career progression of the staff of the FCT and restore  to them,  the rights accorded them by the Federal Civil Service, which rightly they are part of.


Therefore, the implementation of the Way Forward enumerated above will go a long way in addressing the career matters of civil servants in the FCTA and promote efficiency in the FCT Civil Service for the good of all stakeholders.

TINUBU SUPPORT GROUP (TSG) invites all support groups, Nigerians and all knowledge seeking individuals to an OPEN DISCOURSE ON RENEWED HOPE AGENDA OF INCOMING GOVERNMENT.

Tagged: AGENDA FOR NIGERIA - MAIDEN EDITION

This maiden edition will afford support groups’ representatives to speak on a topic “Actualization And Sustainability of Renewed Hope Expectations and Desirability”

Date: Monday May 1st, 2023

Venue: ASIWAJU/SHETTIMA INAUGURATION (HANGOUT) Unity Fountain, Abuja.

Time: 2:00PM

Interested Support Group should Contact SOLOMON on: 0816 128 3935

Note: we are to dissect the sectoral agenda in the Renewed Hope Document from now till may 29th during our discourse.

In Defence of Asiwaju Mandate and James Faleke’s Post-Election Intervention Initiative:

It was Martin Luther King Jr. who famously and succinctly declared that "we must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."

It is therefore in tandem with the above declaration of Dr. King that I want to most sincerely commend the dogged and laudable intervention of Hon. James Faleke, the outstanding lawmaker representing the good people of Ikeja federal constituency of Lagos state and the Secretary of the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Council, for his firm, unwavering support and his initiative to mobilize Nigerians and lovers of democracy to defend the popular mandate given to the His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, President-Elect and His Vice respectively.

Clearly, there are attempts by those who lost the election and their retinue of haters of Nigeria to derail our democracy and truncate the transition process. However, the prompt initiative and strategic mobilization of Nigerians to defend the Jagaban mandate thwarted the satanic plans of truncating the transition process which will usher in a Better Nigeria on May 29th, 2023.

The daily sit-out at the Unity Fountain since 34 days ago, and the total takeover of the Unity Fountain from those hell-bent to destabilize the peace and progress of our dear nation by The Tinubu Support Groups led by the visionary and ebullient Secretary of the Directorate of Support Groups Coordination of the Presidential Campaign Council Tosin Adeyanju and A. A Maigogo Director Community Support Directorate of the dissolved PCC is laudable and highly commendable.

No doubt, it is not a crime to protest when the need arises but the fact that all aggrieved political parties have approached the court for redress of the matter to protest and calling for the military takeover and interim government is hypocrisy of the highest order. There is no alternative to democracy and ours has come to stay. It is on this basis that I salute the courage and the intervention of the "Best Executive Governor" Kogi State is yet to have, Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, for his intervention in ensuring that the Asiwaju and Shettima Mandate is defended and protected.

I do not doubt that history will be kind to Hon. Faleke, the Tinubu Support Groups, the security agencies and Nigerians at large for their daily resolution in sitting out from morning till night to protect and defend the mandate of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu/Kashim Shettima mandate till inauguration on May 29th.

The initiative started 34 days ago and features a dancing competition, musical display, and quiz competition on the personality of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. Other side attractions include drama, and cultural dancers representing about 10 different languages such as Kanuri, Tiv, Sua, Igbo, Yoruba, Nupe, Hausa, etc. as well as medical outreach for everyone at the Unity Fountain.

More importantly, there is an ongoing plan to commence an open discussion from the 1st of May, 2023 with the topic: "Actualization and Sustainability of the Renewed Hope: Expectations and Desirability" with different participants expected to be assessed by panellists. In addition, a skill acquisition and empowerment program has been lined up from the 5th of May to the 28th of May through the Pre-Presidential Inauguration Hangout training and empowerment programs such as Baking & Catering, Videography, Basic Vehicle Diagnosis/ Sewing and Phone Repairing. Other Skills Include Hair Styling, Barbing, Nail Fixing and Polishing, General Makeup and Body Therapy, Throw Pillows and General Inter Decoration, Shoe Making/Repairing, Vulcanizing, Tying And Dying, and Corporate Humidity/Multi Print.

The registration fee for the above-mentioned skills is free and open to anyone willing to learn any of the skills. No wonder, the president-elect has referred to Hon. James Faleke as "Omo dada", meaning "good child".

The people's total commitment is a pointer that we cannot afford to lose at this ample opportunity of infinite hope, especially in this era of renewed hope for a better Nigeria that the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu represents.

It is noteworthy to commend the solidarity and show of love of some dignitaries and notable Nigerians, captains of Industry and Political leaders like Hon Kuye, Hon Kolade Alabi, Alhaji Abdulfatah A. Murkta, Chairman IPMAN, Mohammed Mubarak, Sen. Timothy Adudu, Dr. Hawal Hayatu DH NAMMBO and Chief Felix Idiga National Chair GOGAN, Mrs Ajayi Temitope (Mama Diaspora), Hon. Mary Ikoku, Chief Ayiri Emami, Sen. Diket Plang, Hon. Amobi Akintola, Members of House of Representatives, and Mr. Adamu Garba (former presidential candidate). Others are Alhaji Dokubo Asari, Hajia Bago, Ahmad Garba, Dr. Charles Silvester, Dr Nasiru Argungu, Saheed Balogun, Zack Orji, Benedict Johnson, Sheyi Tinubu, Dayo Israel, Sen. Asuquo Epkeyong (Cross River Central), Hajia Hadiza Mamman-Vasa and a host of others who visited the Fountain to show their solidarity with the noble cause.

Long Live The Tinubu/Shettima Mandate!

Long Live The APC & Tinubu Support Groups!!

Long Live The Federal Republic Of Nigeria!!!

Seyi Babaeko was a member of the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) and Kogi West Coordinator of Asiwaju's Farmers Forum. He writes from FCT Abuja. Sent from my iPhone

About 1,000 pro-democracy groups in Nigeria have thrown their weight behind Hon Muktar Aliyu Betara for the position of Speaker in the 10th National Assembly.

As a sign of their support for the Borno lawmaker, the groups led by the Parliament Watch Advocates (PWA) said they will hold a rally on Tuesday, May 2 in Abuja.

According to a statement signed by PWA's president, Ms Uju Nwachukwu, the peaceful walk will comprise key stakeholders, students, party faithful, the media, and well-meaning Nigerians.

Nwachukwu said the objective is to create more awareness of the importance of a Betara Speakership for the progress, stability, and development of the country.

The Parliament Watch Advocates president described the lawmaker representing Bayo/Shani and Kwaya Kusar Federal Constituency as an astute politician with the requisite qualities to be Speaker.

She said as a parliamentarian since 2007, Betara is highly experienced and prepared for the top job.

According to Nwachukwu, Betara's strengths are competency, capacity, excellence, and integrity, adding that he has never failed in any assignment.

The statement further hailed the Borno lawmaker as the "most widely accepted returning member with a nationalistic posture who is popular for his selflessness".

Nwachukwu said Betara is an uncommon achiever, bridge-builder, unifying factor, team player, detribalised leader of uncommon virtues and role model.

She added that he commands the respect of his peers and enjoys a harmonious relationship with the President and Vice president-elect, setting the path for a rancor-free administration.

"His track record of being a legislator per excellence puts him in good stead as the Federal House of Representatives Speaker," the statement added.

“As a group, we are convinced beyond reasonable doubt that the Hon Betara indeed possesses the right temperament, experience, and composure to lead the Federal House of Representatives in a manner that would complement the efforts of the executive arm of government towards delivering the dividends of democracy to Nigerians."

The Parliament Watch Advocates, therefore, called on other civil society organisations, patriots, and lovers of good governance to participate in the rally.

Nwachukwu said as the engine room of past leaders of the House of Representatives, Betara will hit the ground running immediately.

She added that as a Democrat and loyal party man, the House appropriation committee chairman had on a number of times shelved his ambition for others.

The statement, however, said it is the time for him to bring his extraordinary experience, exposure and leadership acumen to the fore, adding that his fresh ideas are what the country needs.

Nwachukwu assured that Betara will be the best Speaker in the history of Nigeria if given the opportunity.

A group of over 500 independent observers has rated the direct primary elections conducted by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State to be free, fair, and credible.

The Coalition of Independent Election Observers which made this known in a report described the exercise as a reference point in the conduct of primaries in the country.

Recall that a former Auditor General for Local Governments in the state, Ahmed Usman Ododo, defeated six other aspirants to emerge as the party's flagbearer for the November 11th elections.

In its report made public at a press conference on Monday in Abuja, the independent observers commended the APC for a seamless and rancour-free exercise.

It said the ruling party has demonstrated incredible unity under Governor Yahaya Bello and has set the bar so high - such that other political parties may never attain.

While admitting a few logistics-related issues along the way, the group noted that its team of observers deployed across the state inferred that no party member was disenfranchised.

The observers also debunked the claim that Governor Bello foisted his kinsman on the electorates as baseless, especially in a direct primary.

"The APC Gubernatorial primaries in Kogi State can be described as a seamless and rancor-free exercise that produced a former Auditor General for Local Governments in Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, the winner," the report signed by Hon. Peter Obut,
Coordinating Director of Mission, said in part.

"Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo won the election convincingly and across the board with a margin indicative of his acceptance and popularity in the state. The process that produced the winner was also devoid of manipulation of favouritism, which was in tandem with the promise of Governor Yahaya Bello to allow for a level playing field for all the aspirants.

"It was also observed that the APC in Kogi state is formidable and a united party with stakeholders working assiduously in the interest of the party and the state. The insinuation that the party was left fragmented after the withdrawal of some aspirants on the eve of the election could not be substantiated as no evidence suggested such.

"The conduct of the primaries across the state was orderly and without any hitches. There are no recorded cases of intimidation or suppression by the APC-controlled state government. It was also observed that the leadership of Governor Yahaya Bello had placed the APC in good stead across the three senatorial zones in the state.

"The Coalition of Independent Election Observers places on record the efforts at ensuring a level playing field for all the aspirants in the Kogi APC gubernatorial primaries was indeed commendable. The Governor of Kogi state, throughout the conduct of the primaries, ensured that all eligible voters exercised their rights to vote without fear or favour.

"The direct mode of primaries comes highly recommended due to the Kogi state example that ensured a free, fair, and transparent process. It was also responsible for the peaceful outcome of the primaries that produced Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo as the winner.

"The Coalition of Independent Election Observers in Kogi concludes that the Kogi State APC Gubernatorial Primaries serve as a reference point in the conduct of primaries in the country. The direct mode of primaries embraced ensured that all the aspirants' aspirations were tested and endorsed by their immediate constituents.

"It is safe to say that the process that produced Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo was transparent and credible. The Coalition of Independent Election Observers highly recommends the Kogi State example in conducting gubernatorial primaries nationwide."

By Law Mefor

The race for the leadership of the 10th National Assembly has reached its defining moments. Zones and other political interests in the country have been making their cases. However, concerned Nigerians need to weigh in and point to the greater need for experience and competence as very crucial factors that need to be balanced out with other political considerations.

No matter what anybody would say about the leadership of the 9th National Assembly led by Senator Ahmed Lawan as Senate President and Femi Gbajabiamila as Speaker, experience, and competence are key to the outstanding achievements of the 9th National Assembly. Senator Lawan and Speaker Gbajabiamila are very experienced and competent lawmakers. Lawan has been in the NASS since 1999, starting from the House of Reps and crossing over to the Senate in 2007, while Gbaja (as he is fondly called) was returning to the House for the 3rd time when he emerged as Speaker.

By the time both men emerged as Senate President and Speaker, they had seen it all and witnessed the pitfalls and banana peels that bugged down the effort of their predecessors and made the legislature-executive relations so frosty and cantankerous. This impeded progress and the making of good laws for the development of the country and the delivery of democracy dividends. For example, the Senate produced 5 Senate presidents between 1999 and 2007 alone. The House of Reps also witnessed a spate of impeachments or threats of it. The 9th Senate and House of Reps in contrast witnessed great stability and cordial relationships with the executive arm, which paved the way for passing and signing into law by the President many critical legislations.

Two key of such legislations that have defied all efforts of the previous National Assemblies are tackled and put behind by the 9th Senate. These historic legislations are the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and the Devolution of Powers Acts 2022.

All the pushes for devolution of powers and restoration of federalism failed in the previous National Assemblies. But out of the 34 Bills passed in this regard, the President has signed some key devolution of powers clauses from Exclusive List to Concurrent List. Among them were Railway, Electricity, State Assemblies, and State Judiciary financial autonomy. In other words, the devolution of powers and restoration of Nigeria to federalism yielded the first fruits in the 9th National Assembly under Senator Lawan and Gbaja and their deputies. Indeed experience and competence count.

The Legislature is the main key organ of government in a presidential democracy. And if the incoming 10th National Assembly will succeed, three factors must be brought into the equation and given greater premiums in recruiting the leaders of the Legislature – experience, competence, and integrity. One legislator who embodies them all is Rt. Hon. Muktar Aliyu Betara.

Muktar Aliyu Betara a member of the House of Representatives since 2007, representing the Biu/Bayo/Shani and Kwaya Kusar Federal Constituency of Borno State in the North-eastern region of Nigeria, is one of the few lawmakers in the National Assembly with concrete experience and core competency. He is currently the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations in the current 9th Assembly, which held its first session on 11 June 2019, where he has comprehensively demonstrated the said attributes.

House Committee on Appropriation is one of the few committees in the House that is so critical to the fulfilment of the statutory responsibilities the legislature and their leaders are headhunted by the leadership of the legislative arm to guarantee success. Appropriation is one of them, three to four cardinal statutory responsibilities of the legislative arm of government. The others are Representation, Lawmaking and Oversight.

Betara, an indigene of Wuyo in Biu township, Borno State, began his education at Biu Central Primary School in 1973 and obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1978. He proceeded to Biu Central Junior Day Secondary School, and then to Government Technical Secondary School Benishek, Borno State, where his leadership skills saw him becoming head prefect, and would eventually obtain his West Africa School Certificate in 1983. He advanced his education at Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri where he obtained his Ordinary National Diploma (OND) in Business Administration in 1986.

Hon. Muktar Betara launched his professional career working as an Accountant with the Presidency in the Directorate for Food, Roads and Rural Infrastructure (DFFRI) programme from 1986 to 1990. He returned to Ramat Polytechnic for his Higher National Diploma in 1990 and obtained an HND in Accounting and Business Administration in 1992. Betara observed his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme at Delta State Government House, Asaba. Upon completion of his service year, he joined the defunct Nigerian Telecommunication Limited (NITEL) in 1993 rising through the ranks to the role of Manager before his voluntary retirement in 2006 to venture into politics.

Muktar Betara was not intent on politics initially. He entered the race for the House of Representatives on the platform of the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) and got elected as the member representing the interests of Biu, Kwaya Kusar, Bayo, and Shani Federal Constituency at the House of Assembly in 2007. Since then, he has been re-elected three times, emerging as one of the few members to have served in the sixth, seventh, eighth, and, ninth assemblies in Nigeria, with the current and immediate past tenures secured on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Between 2007 and 2011, Betara acted as Chairman of the Sub-committee on NDIC, Banking, and Currency. He also served as a member of the House Committee on Interior and was subsequently appointed as Chairman of the Sub-committee on Customs, Immigration, and Prisons Pension Office (CIPPO). At the seventh assembly (2011 to 2015), he was appointed as Chairman of the House Committee on the Army, directly making recommendations to empower and sustain the activities of the army against the rising insurgency in the Northern region of Nigeria.

From 2015 to 2019, Betara served as Chairman of the House Committee on Defence. He is the current Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, presiding over all other committees regarding the appropriation process in the House of Representatives. Under his leadership, the committee has succeeded in having the June-to-June budget cycle changed to a preferable January-to-December one for more effective budget implementation. As a result, the Appropriation Act, 2022, and the Finance Act, 2021 have been passed and enacted respectively for the third consecutive year without fail, enabling all stakeholders to prepare adequately for any fiscal changes.

Hon. Betara has been lauded for his critical decision-making and crisis management skills in the House. His legislative interests include Youth and Women Empowerment, Developmental Governance, Health, Education, Social, and National Security, as well as providing equal opportunities. He is believed to be responsible for the construction of 20 healthcare centers, 10 ambulances, a mini-stadium, and the installation of more than 600 solar-powered street lights in his constituency.

Hon. Muktar Betara is believed to have deployed his resources to fund transplant surgeries, empower individuals for business and support local families in his constituency. Hon. Betara has received numerous awards among them the Democracy Hero’s Award for Best Performing Rep Member of the Year, 2020 and; the Award of Excellence by the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), North-East Zone, 2013.

Hon Muktar Aliyu Betara is a devout Muslim and is married to Hauwa Betara with whom he has 4 children. He is also a member of the Nigeria Institute of Management.

The Ranking Rules of both the Senate and House of Reps favour returning members, who by right, are the only ones qualified to be addressed as ‘Right Honourable’ to assume leadership roles in both chambers. But beyond returning as an old member of the House, which may account for just one factor i.e. experience, competence, and integrity are equally fundamental and the combination of the three is where Rt. Hon Muktar Aliyu Betara towers above all.

· Dr. Law Mefor is a senior fellow of The Abuja School of Social and Political Thought; Tel.: +234- 905 642 4375; e-mail: drlawmefor@gmail.com; follow me on Twitter:@Drlawsonmefor.

*Exclusive: Corruption, Nepotism Hit NYSC As New DG Focuses on Muslims for contracts, promotion of staff."*

Barely three months after the assumption of office, the National Youth Service Corp director general, Brig General Y.D Ahmed, has been enmeshed in what could be described as the promotion of nepotism and acts of corruption to the detriment of fulfilling the strategic mandate of the organization.

According to impeccable sources, the NYSC DG, since the assumption of office, made it clear that he was in the interest of his ethnicity and religion. As such, he has carried on in the same manner, leaving the organization worse than he met it.

A staff who pleaded anonymity for fear of victimization stated that the NYSC DG, since assumption of office, has discriminated against Christian staffers and contractors in the organization.

" One of the first things the DG did was to audit the agency's nominal role to establish the religious strength of both faiths. Afterwards, an audit was also carried out on the organization's contractors. You won't believe that the DG ordered that contracts awarded should be suspended, while those awarded to Muslims are cleared to continue."

The source further added that the NYSC DG is in the habit of talking down to Christian staffers of the organizations.

"The new DG is a religious bigot. I wondered how he rose to the rank of Brigadier General in the Nigerian Army with such nepotic tendencies. He is divisive and religiously intolerant.”

" There was a case of a contractor who was due for payment, but the payment was delayed and slated for review, whereas the contractor had used his money to make the supplies. The implication is that it would take several months before the review would be completed, whereas there are some contractors whose job orders were issued not long after the DG resumed office, and they have been paid."

Another source who pleaded not to be mentioned stated that the NYSC DG had reduced the operations of the NYSC to an ethnic and religious affair. He added that staff promotion is now hinged on religious considerations rather than merit.

“It is amazing that our DG has shown his true colours in less than three months. There is so much apprehension in the organization as it stands, as nobody is sure of the next move by the DG. Those that are due for promotion are in a state of a dilemma with the attitude of the DG regarding ethnicity and religion."
"It's common to hear some of our colleagues bragging that it is their turn to take over the organization. The irony is that even northern Christians are not spared in the malaise. Even though their case is better than some of us, especially those of us from the southern part of the country, the DG's hatred is palpable for reasons best known to him."

" Most of us have resigned to faith. I am a deputy director, but the chances of making a director under the present DG are slim. But we pray to God for a miracle. Only God can rescue us because even the presidency encourages such despicable attitudes through their body language.”

In a similar vein, a contractor who didn't want his mentioned stated that his offence is that he is not a Muslim.

"I have resigned to fate. The NYSC has refused to approve my payment despite fulfilling all the conditions. I hear my file is before the DG, and he is reviewing it. This was sometime in January. I learned that the former DG approved my payment before he handed over, but the new DG has refused to release the file to the accounts department.”

“It is amusing that we have such happening in the country in this age and time, and one of the objectives of the NYSC is national integration. Discriminating along religious and ethnic lines is not a good sign concerning the objective of the NYSC. One can only imagine what corps members would have gone through in recent times."

It was also gathered that the new NYSC DG, since the assumption of office, has created a special unit that attends to his financial deals. However, this could not be verified as those spoken to were unwilling to confirm or deny the allegation.

Efforts to get the reaction of the NYSC proved abortive as calls made to the known phone number of the NYSC Director of Press and Public Relations were unanswered and unreturned till the time of going to press.

We have read an online publication that was focused on campaign of calumny against the person of Senator Tayo Alasoadura who is an APC chieftain and the immediate past Minister of State for Niger Delta.

Ordinarily, this type of publication authored by faceless and obviously disgruntled individuals ought to have been ignored; but for the realization that a lie that is allowed to flow and fly unrestricted by account of proper event perspective, may be taken to be the truth by unsuspecting members of the public.

To start with, a 20-paragraph publication that has no name, address, signature or even designation of the author, can only at best be a concocted tissue of lies. At least, fairness demands that anyone that is bold enough to push out a 20-paragraph unconscionable and outright falsehoods should equally be courageous still to at least attach a name, even if it is a pseudo name.

In best global journalistic practice, one of the easiest indicators of a crudely fake, unsubstantiated and downrightly falsified publication is a deliberate ploy to lean towards anonymity. The 20-paragraphs tissue of lies against Senator Tayo Alasoadura is also against the Law of Natural Justice which stipulates that he that accuses also has the onus to prove same allegation. Sadly, the faceless persons that have wrongly accused Senator Alasoadura of anti-party activities are not even known let alone make any effort to prove their undeniably false claims.

Notwithstanding the fact that authors of this ill-intended and ill-motivated allegations against Senator Alasoadura are unknown, we have on our own thought it necessary to put lies to the fabricated raised in the publication in question.

The publication claimed that Chief Alasoadura held series of nocturnal meetings for the purpose of working against the interest of the political party that made him a minister and a senator. Nothing else can be farther from the truth. These are merely wild and ungodly allegation. Anyway, we challenge the faceless authors of this publication to provide video or audio evidence of their claim. After all, whoever that alleges must prove same same.

It can only amounts to turning down logic on its head if a man who created and lavishly funded mobilization group for his political party, APC to still be accused of working against candidates of the same party. This is simply illogical and such wild allegation must be discountenanced and condemned by all discerning members of the All Progressive Congress.

It is on record that the same man being accused of anti-party activities gave financial and moral support to all the National Assembly candidates of APC in the just concluded general elections. The same Senator Tayo Alasoadura
had earlier given N10million for the renovation of APC party secretariat in Akure.

Chief Alasoadura demonstrated the spirit of a true party man during the
second term election of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu. The man being falsely accused of anti-party activities gave and did everything within his powers for the re-election of Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu even in a contest that involved a fellow Akure man.

Despite being a candidate himself in the 2019 elections, Senator Alasoadura was about the only person that gave financial support to all candidates of the APC during the election. Any individual that tilts with anti-party tendencies would not have ever done this. Truth is, between then and now, Chief Alasoadura is still as resolutely committed to the APC as ever.

No one can deny the fact that Senator Alasoadura deployed resources, mobilized and also worked tirelessly for the victory of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as well as other candidates of his party in the just concluded general elections. Notwithstanding the ongoing maligning of Chief Alasoadura, he is still very much committed to ensuring victory for all Akure North candidates of the APC in the House of Assembly election scheduled for March 11 ,2023.

Contrary to false claim in the publication, achievements of Senator Tayo Alasoadura as Minister of State for Niger Delta are undeniably evident across and even beyond Ondo Central Senatorial District. No one can in good conscience claim not to enjoy the illuminating service of the solar street lights installed all over the state by Chief Alasoadura.

In addition, road projects that were facilitated in Ondo State by Chief Alasoadura are there for all to see. Contrary to the claim of failed water projects facilitated by Senator Alasoadura, those enjoying these water till today are very much appreciative of this thoughtful project by the former Minister of State for Niger Delta.

However, it particularly saddens that the obviously uninformed and paid authors of the publication in question claimed that Chief Alasoadura failed to embark on any meaningful empowerment project while in office as a minister. This is totally far from the truth as record and evidence loudly point to the contrary.

We can gladly assert that Senator Alasoadura actually trained several thousands of Ondo State youths and also backed up the trainings with financial empowerment. Without being immodest we can boldly state that Chief Alasoadura influenced the disbursement of N500,000 each as grant to more than 3000 persons across Ondo State while in office as Minister of State for Niger Delta.

We will not hesitate to provide evidence of all our claims provided those behind the vicious campaign of calumny and blackmail against Senator Tayo Alasoadura will be courageous enough to unmask and reveal their true identities to the public.

Most importantly, senator Alasoadura is known over decades as man who has dedicated himself to communal growth and party development. The blatantly false claim against the innocent man is wicked, unnecessary and it smacked-off venomous hatred for Chief Alasoadura.

It should be well acknowledged that Senator Tayo Alasoadura is a senior citizen and an elder statesman for that matter. For this reason, the man deserves to get accorded his due respect. The man is also at liberty to keep a low profile for now having given his all to the service of Nigeria, Ondo State, Akure North Local Government and the All Progressive Congress. The decision of low profile made by the senior citizen is not out of place and should not be misconstrued to mean something else. Chief Alasoadura should at least be allowed to savour the bliss of his low profile decision.


Ayodele Ademola writes from Akure

Edo APC PCC DDG, Congratulates President-elect, Senator-elect, and Representative-elect 



The Deputy Director General Edo All Progressive Congress Presidential Campaign Council, Prince Emmanuel Odigie has congratulated the President-elect, Senator-elect, and Representative-elect on their victory at the polls.


Odigie said we are confident that they will use their office to bring positive change to the people of Edo State, and we look forward to seeing the results of their hard work.


We are proud of your success and wish you a successful term in office and look forward to the positive changes they will bring.


Once again, congratulations and we wish you all the best!


Edo APC PCC Deputy Director General

Election Observers, Center For Policy Advocacy and Leadership development (CPALD) and ten other election observer monitors on Monday, commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting what it termed as a much-improved Presidential and National Assemby election in Nigeria.

Haven monitored the Presidential and National Assembly’s election that held in Nigeria last Saturday across the country, CPALD in his interim assessment of the process thus far urged INEC to ensure that the progress made with improvements in its conduct of the election are deepened and sustained.

The CSO's, further commended the professionalism and conduct of the security agencies deployed for election duty.

In a statement by it’s Director of Media and Publicity, Arowolo Solomon, read: “The 2023 Presidential and National Assembly’s Election appears to have been a marked improvement on recent previous elections.

“INEC’s processes appeared to operate smoothly. The logistics issues of distribution of materials, deployment of staff and challenges in the Voters’ Register were significantly reduced. In addition, security personnel acted professionally.

He encouraged Nigerians to participate in the remaining polls, stressing that it is the only opportunity they have to elect credible leaders for the next four years.

He described the voting process as ‘good and well arranged, adding that the deployment of technology has made the elections different from previous ones and no incedent of vote buying anywhere thus far.

Lastly, we appeal to politicians to stop provocative statement and wait for declaration of result by INEC.

SOLOMON AROWOLO
Director Media, CPALD
27th February 2023

The Asiwaju Group (TAG) has slammed purveyors of a viral video alleging that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s statement recently at the Chatham House, London is responsible for the chaos that rocked some polling units in a some of states during the Saturday Presidential and National Assembly elections.

The group described those behind it as “headless Obidient group who are largely on social media, permeating the cyberspace with name-calling of the leading contender and the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

Tinubu in the popular Chatham House stated that “political office is not served à la carte, young progressives must prepare to dissipate their energy to take charge.”

The Convener, The Asiwaju Group (TAG), Dr. Mustapha Abdullåhi who also doubles as the Deputy Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, United Kingdom while reacting, called on Nigerians to discountenance the report, describing it as “the rant of a drowning mob who had latched on to their phantom popularity and acceptance to win the election.


“I attended the event in London where Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our candidate met with Nigerians in the Diaspora in an interactive session to intimate diaspora Nigerians of his action plan for the country, her people and those domiciled outside the country. Asiwaju did not at any point ask APC members to snatch ballot boxes. What he said was an agnus dei, an allegory for young members of the Progressives to play participatory politics so that their interest is not subverted.

“Asiwaju encouraged the youths to participate fully in politics as no one would give them power on a platter of gold without active participation. He told them to stand up for what rightfully belongs to them as party faithful and youngsters, take over leadership positions as the older generation would not willingly relinquish power to them,” the APC stalwart submitted.

As the call for the removal of the Chairman of the EFCC gets intensified owing to his penchant for the disobedience to law and to the judgments of the courts, young Nigerians again today trooped to the street as protest on the removal of the Chairman enters its 6th day. The young Nigerians bearing different banners and placards insist that if our democratic tenet as a nation will be sustained, anti democratic persons can not be holding sway on our anti corruption agencies.

As a group, we are not unaware of the desperate tactics of the EFCC Chairman and the sponsored campaign of calumny against our group and leaders. Fact remains that the war against corruption cannot be fought with impunity, therefore, a morally bankrupt character like Abdulrasheed Bawa cannot continue to abuse the integrity of our courts and remain as the head of the the EFCC

Group Pettion EFCC Chairman for  Disobeying Court Orders 

   ......Calls for his sack

It is with the deepest concern and a feeling of national embarrassment that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, under the leadership of Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa EFCC has chosen to become an institution known for brazenly disobeying orders of courts in such a manner that does not only undermine the institutions of our democracy, but also indicate a contradictions to the anti-corruption agenda of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.


Aside from the EFCC’s penchant for disobedience of lawful court orders, it has gotten to the embarrassing height that the chairman of the Commission, Mr Bawa, has been convicted to prison terms on about three different occasions within space of one month for clear breach of the extant orders of the Court.


You cannot but agree with us sir, that under a democracy like ours,  any form of disobedience to lawful orders of the court is not only an act of monumental corruption, but it also indicates a dangerous signal to the institutions of our democracy and the memories of those who sacrificed their lives for the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria.


This culture of impunity as consistently exhibited by the EFCC Chairman continues to ridicule Nigeria in the comity of nations and sabotage efforts at attracting foreign direct investment. Investors only go to jurisdictions where the rule of law and respect for human rights are guaranteed while shunning countries where ‘rule of men’ predominate.


It is even more worrisome that this blatant disobedience of valid court orders by the Bawa-led EFCC is coming on the heels of efforts  by stakeholders to galvanise more support for the war against corruption in  the country.


We note that by the continued disobedience of the orders of the Court, Mr. AbdulRasheed Bawa and the EFCC have displayed utter contempt for our courts and the country’s judicial system. It is ironic that these are the same courts the EFCC routinely runs to for orders which they zealously implement in the discharge of their mandate under the EFCC Act. It is not for EFCC and its leadership to pick and choose which court orders to obey or disregard. That is an invitation to anarchy. What is more, he who comes to equity must come with clean hands.


It is further recalled that the courts have severally cited the EFCC and its chairman for contempt, even as stiff damages have been awarded against the commission, thereby dissipating scarce public resources.


We hereby demand that the National Assembly, prevail on Mr Bawa to step down, in order to ensure that EFCC does not derail our democracy.


EFCC’s Gestapo-style regime of disobeying court orders must stop. Nigeria is not a banana republic. Attempts by institutions of state to ridicule the country and make it seem like a lawless fiefdom must be resisted by all. The EFCC seems to be allowing itself to be used as an instrument of political witchunt as it targets some individuals more than many others.  Some of our organizations have submitted several petitions to the Commission which it has refused to act on even when you sit with them to reason on the merits of those petitions. Once there is a political interest the whole processes of investigation and litigation become politicized. For the EFCC to recover its past glory,  it must retrace its steps with the President overhauling its leadership by firing Mr. Bawa and his leadership team. 


It is a known fact, that the EFCC cannot continue to dehumanise Nigerians on the pages of newspapers, based on unverified political investigations and without proving their case beyond reasonable doubt in a competent court. 


The fixation of the EFCC boss on certain individuals and institutions when grievous petitions capable of bringing the economy down are left unattended, gives the anti-corruption war, under the leadership of Mr. Bawa, a dangerously political colouration. 


Finally, we believe in the commitment of your leadership, to the defence of our democracy, as we look forward, to your postive actions.

THE running battle between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,  EFCC,  and Kogi State seems relentless.  


Recently,  a learned silk, Chief Olisa Agbakoba, opined that the EFCC is becoming overbearing over the states and acting outside of its constitutional mandate by victimizing State governors and especially condemned EFCC'S fixation on the Kogi State Governor,  Yahaya Bello,  whose travails started from 2021 immediately he declared his intention to run for the presidential ticket of his Party. Ever since then,  the EFCC has been vehement in beaming its searchlight on Kogi State. 


A cross section of Kogi State observers believe that the latest onslaughts of the EFCC against Governor Yahaya Bello is not unconnected with the succession battles as to who succeeds him after the expiration of his tenure. Some schools of thought believe that the Governor is being blackmailed by some political forces using the EFCC to distract him from picking or influencing who succeeds him. 


The recent visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to the state where he commissioned landmark legacy projects gave Nigerians the opportunity to witness the incredible but silent developments taking place in Kogi State as against the negative propaganda against the Kogi State Governor. 


For instance,  Chief Ola Olanipekun, SAN , is of the opinion that rather than being an instrument of political witchunt, the EFCC chairman should be committed to jail as recently ordered by an Abuja Federal High Court. 


"One thing we must get right is that you can't get into public office and treat the rest of us with contempt..." Olanipekun, SAN said on Arise TV on Tuesday February 9th during a live interview. 


The SAN went ahead to say "Yes we have corruption problems, but you cannot running riot all over the place "  while condemning the Commission's modus operandi of acting with impunity. 


The Governor's nephew,  one Alli Bello,  is the latest victim of what many consider EFCC's game of vendetta against Governor Yahaya Bello as he was recently remanded in prison at the instance of the EFCC. 


A human rights activist, Comrade Peter Bamidele, the General Secretary of the Coalition Against Corruption and Bad Governance, CACOBAG, declared that "Rather than blackmailing Yahaya Bello and giving him media trial everyday, the EFCC chairman should go and serve his jail term for contempt. He is a convict already. Those two respected SANs, Agbakoba and Olanipekun, can't both be wrong on the wrongful and illegal operations of the EFCC bordering impunity and political blackmailing. 


But when it comes to the issue of rights and justice,  we treat everyone equally.  Impunity cannot be encouraged in a democracy.  Rule of law is Supreme"



https://thenationonlineng.net/olanipekun-seeks-enforcement-of-court-order-on-efcc-chair/


https://www.instagram.com/reel/CoXqWEmpr0R/?igshid=NDk5N2NlZjQ=


 https://punchng.com/contempt-obey-court-order-olanipekun-tells-efcc-chair/?amp 


https://leadership.ng/contempt-efcc-boss-must-first-go-to-prison-before-any-other-action-olanipekun/


https://tribuneonlineng.com/kogi-agbakoba-tackles-efcc-over-n20bn-bailout/


Comrade Peter Bamidele,  General Secretary,  CACOBAG