₦airaland Forum

…Drum support for his re-election



Operators of tricycles (Keke) and taxis in Enugu State have hailed Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for his administration’s people-oriented programmes and friendly policies that have made it possible for them to operate favourably in the state.



The transport operators said that the governor has through his magnanimity and commitment to the wellbeing of the masses, taken measures that have ameliorated the sufferings they encounter in the running of their businesses in the state.



In a separate reaction, the state Chairman of the Association of Tricycle (KEKE) Riders Transport Union, Comrade Benjamin Ikah thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for heeding their request for the introduction of Rider’s Permit.



Comrade Ikah said that the governor came to their rescue when it mattered most, stressing that the Rider’s Permit, which they unanimously requested for, was “far much cheaper and favorable to us and has ameliorated our sufferings”.



He explained that prior to the introduction of the permit, which is at the cost of N6,000 for a three-year duration, the Keke and Okada operators in the state spent “N18,000 and N22,000 to obtain Driver’s License”, expressing delight that the governor in his magnanimity and kind-heartedness acceded to their appeal timely.

“After an extensive deliberation and negotiation with the state government, we the Keke and Okada riders unanimously agreed to be paying N6,000 for Rider's Permit, which is renewable after three years, courtesy of the magnanimity of our kind-hearted Governor”, he stated.



Similarly, members of the Coal City Cab/Taxi Operators Union, during their solidarity visit to the Government House, Enugu, unanimously endorsed Gov. Ugwuanyi for a second term in office and praised his “fatherly counsel” and administration’s giant development strides in the state.

Presenting their address, the Chairman of the Union, Comrade Ajogwu Samuel Chinedu, who described the governor as “a man of integrity, high profile discipline and a God-fearing leader” with a large heart and accommodating spirit, equally commended his administration’s friendly policies and efforts in uniting the body.

He added that the governor has performed creditably in the area of infrastructural development, education, health, security, and prompt payment of workers’ salaries including the 13th month salary “which has never happened in the history of Enugu State”.

The union also applauded the governor for the N10 million grant to over 450 autonomous communities in the state to execute pressing projects of their choice, stressing that it is the first of its kind in the history of the state.

“Your Excellency, what you have done within three years of your governance is innumerable and based on that, we the Coal City Cab/Taxi Operators Union unanimously decided to celebrate your life touching governance and to endorse you for a second term in office.

“We are very grateful to the Almighty God for the privilege to be with our own dear Governor who has been going about doing good to all manner of individuals and groups in Enugu State”, they said.

http://thepunditng.com/keke-taxi-operators-hail-ugwuanyis-friendly-policies/

Nigeria has never been a homogenous entity, not even when we started off as an independent nation almost 60 years ago. Back then, we were made up of 3 regions and each one had their areas of focus, largely driven by views of their leaders. The West was big on Education and had socialist leanings. The East was big on Trade and you could say decidedly more free market leaning. The North was big on religion, Islam to be precise and not as open to western norms. The North had Statist leanings, given its predominantly feudal culture.

Given the country had been colonized by the British, who obviously favored the North for their ability to keep the rank and file under check far better than their Southern counterparts, there had to be some middle ground. That’s how Nigeria started out with a mixed economy, with government involved in certain activities but leaving enough room for private enterprise. Each region retained their focus at the start and all went well until 6 years in, the rest is history

Now, this wasn’t meant to be a historical piece. The opening was just meant to give some context to the journey we have undergone. Between 1966 and 1999 Nigeria was ruled by the Military, with only a brief 4 year period of civilian rule between 1979 and 1983. The Military governments, led mostly by leaders of northern extraction, largely had statist views and ran the economy along those lines, mostly for enrichment of self and cronies. They compounded this by breaking the country into states which were mostly being fed by the central purse (with Lagos the exception to some degree). By the time civilian rule returned in 1999, Nigeria was heavily indebted and had an inefficient economy with moribund state enterprises such as NITEL and NEPA. Something had to give.

The Obasanjo administration decided to go full on Liberalization of certain sectors of the economy(Telecoms, Oil and Gas, Power), with Privatization of certain State Owned Enterprises (SOEs). The idea was based on taking the country back to a mixed economy with more private than government participation. To enable that, the Banking Sector was restructured through a major recapitalization drive. Efforts were made to deepen the debt and equity markets to encourage foreign investment. The focus was on addressing poverty, but through the expansion of the economy so that more opportunities would be created. It led to a resurgence of the middle class which coincided with economic boom engendered by rise in oil prices.

After the Obasanjo administration came the Yar’Adua government, which stalled some of the progress made while grappling with the onset of the Global Financial Crisis. President Yar’Adua clearly had Socialist leanings and was a populist, given to making people friendly gestures such as reducing fuel prices as soon as he came into office……unheard of. He put plans in motion for a minimum wage review and also set up the Amnesty program that brought peace to the Niger Delta. He however canceled sale of the refineries (for good reason) and held up the power sector reforms. These would stall the progress made toward moving Nigeria further away from the big government of the past. As fate would have it, President Yar’Adua passed away in 2010 and his Vice President, Goodluck Jonathan took over.

Under President Jonathan, it was all about the economy. The focus was on baking a bigger pie which would in turn lead to a massive creation of jobs and more opportunities for everyone. There was a big focus on private sector led development and a push to channel government spending toward creating an enabling environment by focusing on infrastructure development — power and rail transportation. Economic policies were private sector focused and government interventions were targeted and effective e.g. the e-Wallet program for farmers that worked to great effect under the leadership of Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, the erstwhile Minister for Agriculture now President of the Africa Development Bank (AFDB). Another such intervention was the YouWin program that gave grants to more than 1,100 entrepreneurs that were selected through a rigorous Business Plan competition. The program was largely successful as demonstrated by a World Bank review published in 2015. It was clear that Nigeria was on the path to being a free market economy, only slowed down by the inability to remove fuel subsidies and fully deregulate the oil and gas sector as well as the significant investment required in power sector, that was making progress not as quick as needed.

In May 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari came into office. There were concerns that his statist leanings (evident from his first stint as Military Ruler in the mid 1980s) would derail the progress made by the previous administration. In no time, this would prove to be the case with big government coming to play and economic decisions leading to negative consequences. The Naira lost significant value, there was high inflation and the nation fell into a recession that lasted 5 quarters. Between Q4 2015 and Q3 2017, the number of unemployed persons had increased by almost 10 million people (more than the population of Togo). Meanwhile, the national debt has ballooned significantly, growing by almost 100% within the first 3 years of this administration. Things have become so dire that Nigeria recently became the poverty capital of the world,

It is against this backdrop that one considers the proliferation of social welfare programs being undertaken by the Buhari administration, spearheaded by his Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo. The VP is from the western part of Nigeria, with links to the family of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, leader of the Western Region at independence and inspiration behind the region’s focus on Education and social-welfarism. Osinbajo is driving so many social welfare programs that its hard to keep up. Some are as follows:



N-Power — a youth training scheme to help make them employable. While on the scheme they get paid a monthly stipend of N30,000, program lasts for 2 years with no guarantee of employment thereafter. So far 200,000 have been enrolled and will graduate to make way for another 300,000.

National Home Grown School feeding Program — a program designed to provide one balanced nutritious meal per day to public primary school children in classes 1 to 3. About 8.6m children are currently being fed across 24 states.

The National Cash Transfer Program — monthly cash transfers of N5,000 to poor and vulnerable households. Slightly less than 300,000 beneficiaries are on the scheme across 20 states.
Government Enterprise and Empowerment Program “Market Moni” — this provides access to finance for small business owners at the bottom of the pyramid. A key feature is that they must be members of cooperative or trade association. The loans are interest and collateral free.

In the last 3 years, Nigeria has gone from one of the stars of the Emerging Markets fraternity, Africa’s top investment destination, to an economy that is stagnant and struggling to find its feet…..and the government’s response has been to turn the country into a welfare state…..into a nation of people that live on handouts. Rather than change policies that are destroying businesses, policies that are hampering growth and creation of jobs, the Buhari government is doubling down on creating a nation wholly dependent on the state. For good measure, Vice President Osinbajo recently announced a new loan program called “Trader Moni”, that will ensure those that can’t access the “Market Moni” program, can have access to micro finance under similar terms. The entry point will be N10,000 and if repaid in 6 months, beneficiary can move to a higher amount and so on. These loans are meant for traders and artisans to start or expand their business. The plan is to have 2 million beneficiaries before end of 2018.

N10,000 business loans for to 2 million people at the bottom of the pyramid. Its an incredible undertaking, especially as they intend to do this in 5 months. With elections just around the corner, it is hard to look at this with anything but cynicism…..on my twitter timeline I called it “next level vote buying”, cue the recriminations from the administration’s ardent supporters. This administration is failing Nigerians through its decimation of the economy but more troubling, through the entrenchment of a handout culture. Nigerians are hardworking and enterprising people who know how to get by, provided government provides infrastructure and gets out of the way. It is unconscionable that a government that can’t fix the roads in Apapa, that make getting in and out of the ports problematic, thereby making it difficult for ordinary blue collar workers to make a living, is then turning around to offer handouts disguised as loans.

With 87m people in extreme poverty, Nigeria does not have the resources to sustain these social investment programs. While it is important to have programs for the very poor and vulnerable which focus on education and healthcare, it is much more important to ensure they can find a way to pull themselves up. No N10,000 loan will accomplish this as amount is too small to create something meaningful and the people are too poor with so much deprivation, that the money will probably end up funding consumption. A report from the World Economic Forum corroborates this. What people need are jobs that guarantee regular income and allows them to build up a saving culture that will pull them out of poverty. Nigeria cannot afford to embed a culture of dependence that gets passed on to future generations. With a projected population of over 400 million people by 2050, that would be a very scary proposition.

As elections beckon, Nigerians will need to decide the country they want for themselves and their children. It is quite easy to fall into the trap of enjoying the handouts today, in return for an uncertain future. However, it is better to learn to fish than to be given a fish all the time. Nigerians will do well to reject this unprofitable state of affairs and look to a new leadership capable of baking a bigger pie, to ensure there are enough pieces that each person can make theirs.

https://medium.com/@phoenix_agenda/the-cattle-rearer-chronicles-the-remaking-of-nigeria-as-a-welfare-state-3f6b4d798f39

***Read Chairman of Enugu State Tricycle (Keke) Riders Transport Union's response to Bede Chukwuekezie's false accusation against Enugu Governor...


"The recent allegation by one Bede Chukwuekezie and his cohorts that the Enugu State Governor wants to use Keke Riders in the state to raise money for his re-election campaign, following the introduction of reduced and harmonized fee of N6000 is false, baseless and mischievous.

This is yet another wicked and desperate act of the originator of this smear campaign and tissues of lies in a failed attempt to achieve a selfish political end.

As the Chairman of Association of Tricycle (Keke) Riders Transport Union, Enugu State, I wish to put the records straight as follows:

That it was we, the Keke riders in Enugu State, in conjunction with the Okada riders that wrote an official letter to His Excellency, the Governor appealing to him to consider the RIDER'S PERMIT in place of the outrageous N18,000 and N22, 000 we pay respectively to obtain Driver's License from the Federal Road Safety Commission, in order to ameliorate our sufferings.

After an extensive deliberation and negotiation with the state government, we the Keke and Okada riders unanimously agreed to be paying N6,000 for Rider's Permit, which is renewable after three years, courtesy of the magnanimity of our kind-hearted Governor, Gburugburu.

We unanimously agreed to pay direct to the coffers of the state's treasury every three years as Rider's Permit.

Consequently, we sincerely wish to use this medium to once again thank our PEOPLES' GOVERNOR for coming to our rescue when it mattered most, through the introduction of the RIDER'S PERMIT, which is far much cheaper and favorable to us.

No operator who has a National Driver's License is requested to obtain a Rider's Permit till it expires.

Importantly, let it be on record that Keke riders in Enugu State are not up to 200,000 as was mischievously alleged by the detractors, Bede Chukwuekezie, but only about 40,000 in number.

We therefore, advise the likes of Bede and his cohorts, who for their selfish political interest are bent on fabricating false information against the Governor and his people-oriented administration, not to use our association to play politics again, because we are at home and happy with the decision on Rider's Permit as well as the programmes and policies of the state government. They should not cry more than the bereaved.

Enugu State is truly in the hands of God.

Signed:

Comrade Benjamin Ikah,
Chairman, Association of Tricycle (KEKE) Riders Transport Union, Enugu State".

http://thepunditng.com/enugu-state-tricycle-riders-transport-union-responds-to-accusation-against-enugu-governor-on-registration-dues/

More

Orji Kalu lauds Ugwuanyi’s respect for Buhari, other leaders

…Says gov is a very close friend

Former Governor of Abia State and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu has commended Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for the respect he has continued to accord President Muhammadu Buhari and other leaders in the country irrespective of political affiliations.

Addressing newsmen after paying a visit to Gov. Ugwuanyi at the Government House, Enugu, Dr. Kalu expressed delight at the friendship the governor has maintained with political leaders across the board, stressing that such uncommon leadership style has brought peace and development to Enugu State.

The APC chieftain said that Gov. Ugwuanyi is “a very close friend of mine and we are family” irrespective of the fact that they are in different political parties, saying: “I am in very good terms with the governor of Enugu State, even before he became a governor”.

Dr. Kalu disclosed that President Buhari also takes Gov. Ugwuanyi as a family, declaring that “we cannot quarrel with anybody who is not quarreling with us”.

According to him, “I look at him (Ugwuanyi) as a family member. So I don’t expect him to be in the same political party with me. He is of PDP and I am of APC but we maintain the friendship. It is across the board”.

The former governor explained that he was at the Enugu Government House to see the governor on a routine visit, stating that “on many occasions I pass through here and I also tell the President and Commander-in-Chief that I am going to him”.

He stressed: “There is no way I can come to Enugu without passing through here, more over he (Ugwuanyi) is a very close friend of mine”.

His words: “This is like a home to all Igbos. This is the headquarters of Igbo land. And I am in very good terms with the governor, not just because he is a governor. You know MV Neya and MV Sophia Maria; when he was Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Marine Transport, he commissioned them in Malaysia.

“So people should stop playing little politics of tribe. We also go to the same church. He is a catholic and I am a catholic. I wish him well; I hope he is also wishing President Buhari well”. #amokelouis

http://thepunditng.com/orji-kalu-lauds-ugwuanyis-respect-for-buhari-other-leaders/

More

…Expresses confidence in the committee's ability to deliver


Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State on Thursday inaugurated the recently constituted “South East Govs Forum -Consultative Committee on Health (SEGF-CCH)”, saddled with the responsibilities of facilitating, among others, the productive and effective coordination of all health-related programmes in the zone for the wellbeing of the people.

It would be recalled that the South East Governor’s Forum during its economic summit last year, identified six thematic areas of priority for rapid development of the region, of which health was inclusive.

Inaugurating the committee, chaired by a renowned gynecologist and Dean, Faculty of Clinical Medicine, ESUT Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu, Prof. Frank Ezugwu, Gov. Ugwuanyi, who was represented by his deputy, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, expressed confident that the committee members would discharge their responsibilities effectively, successfully and satisfactorily.

Other terms of reference of the committee, according to the governor include, to “create a multi-sectoral platform that will harness and mobilize abundant private resources to complement government budgetary
allocations and channel same towards public health improvements to
optimize health care delivery and overall well-being of the citizenry; serve as a medium for grassroots/community-level mobilization and information dissemination on guidelines for achieving improved health outcomes and social well being”.



The terms also include, “to mobilize and strengthen traditional, religious and community-based institutions for health improvement through the promotion of a sustained positive health-seeking behaviour of residents of the entire zone”.



Gov. Ugwuanyi, who noted that the task before the committee was “enormous and challenging”, however, stated that the members “are profoundly and properly equipped in terms of knowledge, experience, acumen and diligence”.

In his welcome address, the Director General of the South East Governors’ Forum, Prof. Simon Ortuanya described the committee’s inauguration as a dream come true, disclosing that the forum’s primary focus was “to foster regional integration, accelerate economic development of the region within the context of a united Nigeria and also seek partnership with international donor agencies”.

Prof. Ortuanya explained that the forum is working assiduously with strategic partners, such as the DFID, PERL-ARC, South East Knowledge Hubs, the Bureau for Public Service Reforms, the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), among others, towards the actualization of her thematic objectives in the health sector.

The Director-General maintained that the committee will provide a veritable platform for the five states to achieve their health care needs, stressing that “we have kept faith with our mandate”.

He therefore, commended the DFID, World Bank UNSAID, UNICEF and other donor agencies for their support and expressed optimism about
the committee’s ability to deliver on its assignment.

Responding on behalf of other members of the committee, the Chairman, Prof. Ezugwu, commended the South East Governors for giving health care delivery in the zone the attention it deserves.

He assured the governors of the members’ commitment towards enhancing
the health needs of the people, stressing that with the caliber and
integrity of the committee members they will realize the noble objectives.


“I carefully studied the terms of reference and identified healthcare
agenda of the South East Governors to be in tandem with the World
Health Organization not only in the social, physical and economic health of the people but also in all areas of health care delivery,” he said.

Other members of the committee include, Dr. Fintan Ekochin; Dr. Mrs. Angela Uwakwem; Dr. Joe Akabuike; Dr. John Ahukanna; Dr. Dan Umezuike; Most Rev. Dr. CVC Onaga; Prof. Mrs. Adaobi Obasi; Mr. Ogbonna Ogwo; HRM Igwe Alex Onyido; Dr. Sunday Nwangele and
Sir Chinedu Enemuoh, who serves as the secretary.

http://thepunditng.com/ugwuanyi-inaugurates-south-east-govs-committee-on-health/

The Grand Dubar in Ilorin Has been known to atract crowds and this year's event was nothing short of it. This is a short video of the Waziri of Ilorin Dr Bukola Saraki and other dignitaries awaiting the arrival of Emir of ilorin at the 2018 Grand Durbar.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cz3YSlQ9yVg


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WSa91V3YL4


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaYSw6dq_rM

COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF A ONE DAY ROUND TABLE ON THE 2019 ELECTIONS BUDGET EMPASSE ORGANISED BY THE INDEPENDENT SERVICE DELIVERY MONITORING GROUP (ISDMG) ON MONDAY 20TH AUGUST , 2018 AT THE ISDMG OFFICE , ABUJA.
INTRODUCTION
On August 20, 2018, Stakeholders drawn from different interests who cover the Civil Society, the political class, the media and citizens among others converged on the invitation of the Independent Service Delivery Monitoring Group at a Roundtable to review the implications of 2019 elections Budget impasse between the National Assembly and the Executive as the general elections draw near and to enable INEC adequately prepare for the 2019 General Elections in Nigeria.

After robust discussions based on the following allegations;

1. That the budget proposal from Presidency is not same as the INEC proposal.
2. That Police feeding/Per diem was inserted into the budget when they have their own budget and costs.
3. That 700 million naira was budgeted for foreign observers
4 That situation room, outreach activities will cost 587 million naira.
5. That Logistics will cost: 7.4b among others
6. Generally, the allegations of deliberate padding of the INEC budget, inflated rates and that the budget was submitted late by the President in a bid to avoid election.

Stakeholders made observations, identified challenges, and reached resolutions and recommendations as follows:
OBSERVATIONS
• That the Executive delayed the budget that was submitted to it since January, 2018 by INEC.
• That the logjam regarding the INEC Budget is unacceptable and unnecessary as the Executive ought to have submitted the budget to the National Assembly long before now.
• That this is the first time that INEC is bringing its budget to the National Assembly and open for public scrutiny.
• That this is in line with the on-going reforms along the electoral value chain as championed by Professor Mahmood Yakubu?s led team
• That the exchange rate differentials between 2015 and 2019 necessitates the increase in the volume of the current budget.
• That the number of voters and political parties that will participate in the 2019 elections has increased as evidenced by the on-going CVR and the registration of new parties (as at today, there are 91 political parties in Nigeria).
That the concerns on the budget amount and line items are unfounded; such as

That the concerns on the budget amount and line items are unfounded; such as
The 6B provision for feeding of policemen during the election period;
This allegation is false as there is no such provision in the budget at all. What the budget item has is 4.6b (exactly ?4, 689,996,100.00) for feeding allowance paid to security and election personnel at N1, 000 per head for two days ( 2x 1000=2000) and is fully explained and justified in line 26 of the budget proposal.
We note that ?1,000 is a token allowance per official for 2 elections (Presidential and NASS on February 16 and Gubernatorial and State Assembly and FCT Area Councils on 2nd March)
It covers the 180,000 polling units and voting points, 8809 ward collation centers, and 1558 constituency collation centers involving over a million personnel for two elections including provisions for possible run-off elections.
That Ad hoc staff alone is about 1.3m, and does not include INEC main staff, police, DSS, Civil Defence, Soldiers among others. This is not the first time it is done and is without prejudice to the duty tour allowance for all security personnel handled through their various agencies. Nigerians have forgotten that the immediate former Chairman of INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega, had to defend a similar provision before the 2015 General Elections

That 700m is provided to cover the cost for foreign observers. ;
This again is false as there is no fee for foreign observers but a provision for their accreditation, briefing and procurement of kits, ID Cards, jackets, folders, stickers for their vehicles and copies of INEC regulations, guidelines and manuals.
This is the standard practice worldwide. Importantly, INEC is not paying for their hotels, transport, and security guides etc
It should be on record that thousands of observers will converge on Nigeria during this period some of whom are long-term observers who will come earlier and stay long after the election,
That Nigerian business (hoteliers, transporters, internet service providers, language translators etc) will benefit from their patronage.
That the kits, publications and identity cards will be produced in Nigeria and Nigerian businesses will benefit from it.

That there is a discrepancy between what INEC submitted and what the president transmitted to the NASS;
We note that there is no discrepancy between the budget INEC submitted and what the President proposed in the budget.
INEC submitted a budget of ?189.2 billion and defended it before the executive, the president satisfied with this proposal sent same to the leadership of the NASS for appropriation.

The president in his submission, proposed the mode of disbursement of the amount i.e. ?143.5 billion in 2018 supplementary budget and ?45.7 billion in the 2019 budget. The sum total is ?189.2 billion. There is no discrepancy whatsoever.

That aside logistics for the elections, clear provisions were made for the following;
Situation Rooms will be activated nationwide in all the States and FCT for state collation and declaration of results and the National Collation Centre located at the ICC in Abuja. Provision has to be made for national and international media and observers, internet connectivity, screens, meeting and briefing rooms etc. Again, this is standard practice nationwide.
Nigerians and commentators should not forget so easily, that after the September, 2016 Edo Governorship election, many observers and the media complained of the small size of the declaration centre in the INEC office in Benin City and even insinuated that it was done deliberately to deny access to some people? Learning from that, INEC provide better facilities in Ondo, Anambra and Ekiti elections?
A similar provision was made in the 2007, 2011 and 2015 General Elections. Nigerians may not be aware of these details because this is the first time ever that the details of election budget is submitted to NASS, defended by INEC and open to scrutiny by citizens.

It is important at this point to note that the provision for logistics took into account the sheer size of the country and the sensitivity of conducting elections in almost 120,000 polling units, involving 1,558 constituencies located in various terrains requiring a combination of land and water transportation for delivery of personnel and materials.

That the possibility of some elections being repeated cannot be ruled out given the disruptive behavior of our politicians as evidenced by the just concluded bye elections in Kogi and Rivers states. We condemn the actions of the Police and other security agencies that were used by unscrupulous politicians to disrupt the elections thereby putting the lives of INEC staff and citizens in danger. This is bizarre, shameful, embarrassing, disgraceful and condemnable. We however, commend INEC for taking quick measures to suspend the election so as to protect the integrity of the election.

CHALLENGES
One of the greatest challenges facing INEC is unnecessary politicking by National Assembly members on matters concerning appropriation for INEC and also bottlenecks and delays by the executive.
Why is the Executive presenting the INEC budget to the National Assembly at this late hour?
Inaccurate, Sensational reportage and deliberate promotion of falsehood by a section of the media has helped in no small way to aggravate this logjam.

The use of thugs and irresponsible police and other security personnel to harass citizens, INEC officials and disruption of elections portrays Nigeria in bad light before the international community.

RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLU SIONS
The Round Table having discussed, observed and identified the above challenges, we recommend the following;
A. that the National Assembly as a matter of National and public interest passes the INEC budget in order not to jeopardise preparations for the 2019 elections. All forms of intrigues and politics associated with the budget should cease immediately for national interest and good.
B. We commend the openness of the budget process and urge INEC to continue with this practice.
C. We recommend that INEC continues to be proactive by submitting their budget proposal in good time in a transparent and open manner.
D. That suspension of elections where there are infringements and security breaches as was done in the Rivers state constituency bye-election to protect lives and property and the integrity of the electoral process and elections should now be the norm.
E. All perpetrators of election violence must be severely punished according to the law to serve as deterrent to others.
F. We recommend an urgent need to review the appropriation process especially when it involves the needs of INEC knowing the importance and role the Commission plays in the stabilisation of our democracy.
G. We note the hard fact that the INEC budget is not like contracts that can be hidden from public purview as activities of INEC are open and easily verifiable by citizens, stakeholders and in fact, any interested party. We recommend, therefore that this should be encouraged and ask that Nigerians should support INEC as it strives within the ambits of integrity to conduct credible, free and fair elections in Nigeria.

The allegations of budget padding draws from mischief or an inadequate appreciation of the issues involved, therefore ,we recommend that all parties should strive to verify issues and INEC should operate an open door policy for these clarification.

We recommend also that stakeholders should utilize the quarterly stakeholders dialogue by the INEC Chairman to seek for information and clarify issues.

Signed:
1. Dr Chima Amadi ISDMG
2. Faith Nwadishi Centre for Transparency Advocacy
3. Abdul Mahmud Public Interest Lawyers League
4. Comrade Sheriff Mulade Center for Peace and Environmental Justice
5. Okechukwu Nwanguma NOPRIN
6. Ezenwa Nwagwu Partners for Electoral Reforms
7. MacDonald Ekemezie KIF
8. Joseph Olarinde Yoruba Revolutionary Assembly
9. Olufemi Lawson Centre for Public Accountability
10. Babatunde Oluajo Centre for Transparency Advocacy
11. Comrade Anthony Osagbemi Citizens Centre Democratic Governance
12. Darlington Edem Network for Good Governance
13. Nkasi Ikonne Gender Connect

http://thepunditng.com/groups-back-inec-on-budget-decry-electoral-violence/

…Hails Gov on peace, good governance

The immediate past governor of Awka Ibom State and the Senator representing Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Godswill Akpabio has expressed delight with the relationship between Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and his predecessor Sullivan Chime.

Sen. Akpabio, who spoke during the funeral ceremony of his grand mother-in-law, Madam Mercy Uduoku Neife Igwenagu in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, which was attended by Gov. Ugwuanyi and ex-Governor Chime, among other dignitaries, told Chime that “it is not easy to see to a successor giving you this respect; keeping up with your projects; maintaining the projects; improving on them and ensuring the peace of the state”.

The Senator commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for his uncommon leadership style anchored on peace and good governance and encouraged the immediate past governor of Enugu State to “support Gov. Ugwuanyi for the good works he is doing in this state”.

Sen. Akpabio noted that he was impressed with the giant development strides of Gov. Ugwuanyi, the state’s peaceful atmosphere and the warm hospitality he observed when he visited Enugu with Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State for the burial of the late former Vice President, Chief Alex Ekwueme, stressing that all these were achieved when “there was recession”.

“The joy you (Ugwuanyi) also gave me was when I left Enugu Government House in the night, I saw street lights everywhere. I said, I thought in many states that they said that there is recession and I entered those states and there were no street lights again. But you have not only been able to maintain what you met on ground, you have improved on them, you are still improving on them”, Sen. Apkabio pointed out.

Speaking on Gov. Ugwunayi’s humble disposition and penchant for peace, the Senator stated that the governor’s humility is “disarming”, saying: “Because you have shown humility to God; that God will give you your heart's desires”.

His words: “We want prosperity and peace. It is in the heart of the individual. It is the love you have in heart for your people that gives prosperity and peace. Our prayer is that God will give you (Ugwuanyi) more resources as you continue to add to the development of Enugu State. And as you continue to add to the beauty of Enugu City, may God bless you for your good works in Jesus Name.

“I am very proud you have been not just an in-law but a great son of Enugu State. Enugu remains the capital of South-South and South-East, and I am sure you know that this whole city will continue to see progress and that can only come with peace and love among all of us. You have shown love from the successor to the predecessor and then to all of us”.

Another highlight of the event was the performance of a highly cherished traditional dance in the Igbo land, Igede, by Gov. Ugwuanyi, Chime and Akpabio.

http://thepunditng.com/sen-akpabio-happy-with-gov-ugwuanyi-chime-rapport-in-enugu/

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State (right) welcoming the new General Officer Commanding (GOC), 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Boman Kabuk, when he paid a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House, Enugu, on Friday. #amokelouis

…As govt. takes possession of Hotel Presidential

…Approves immediate renovation of the Hotel’s recreation section

The administration of Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, in keeping with its vision to protect legacy projects of past administrations, has directed the state’s Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to “immediately” initiate and commence the evaluation of outstanding builders works and other contractual requirements for the completion of the Enugu International Conference Centre.

Briefing newsmen after the meeting of the State Executive Council, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Greg Nnaji, who described the centre as “a legacy project”, disclosed that Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration is desirous to put in place mechanism to complete the edifice in view of its inherent socio-economic benefits to the people of the state.

Also at the briefing, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Rita Mbah, informed newsmen that the state government has taken full possession of the Hotel Presidential, Enugu, and consequently “approved the immediate renovation of the recreation section” of the hotel, following the recent striking out of the court case against the government by an interested party.

Hon. Mbah explained that the renovation exercise will be carried out “in the premier garden, the swimming pool arena, wedding arena and the four tennis courts, among others, stressing that the present administration “is really poised to make sure that the hotel is brought back to a functional state”.

The Culture and Tourism Commissioner also disclosed that the council approved the sum of N77 million for the upgrade and rehabilitation of water supply in Nike Lake Resort Hotel, Enugu, pointing out that the decision was in addition to other interventions earlier made by the government to improve the standard of the three star hotel, such as “the procurement and installation of 500KVA and 650KVA generators”.

On road infrastructure, the Works Commissioner stated that the council awarded contract for the construction of Enugu Eke-Ogui-Oma Eke road near Amah Brewery in Udi Local Government Area to Willangy Nig. Ltd at the cost of N202 million.

He added that the council approved the designing and scoping of selected rural roads and 25 river crossings (bridges and culverts) across the state under the phase two of Rural Access Mobility Project (RAMP II).

Equally approved, according to Engr. Nnaji, was the sum of N250 million for the immediate repairs of identified emerging potholes on urban and intercity roads in the state, such as the Ugwuogo-Opi-Nsukka road and Ugwuogo-Ikem road, covering close to 40,000 square meters, which translates to 4.5 kilometers.

He further explained that “what we have done is to commence the first phase to ensure that these projects are rehabilitated simultaneously now the rains are reducing”, revealing that the state government agency in charge of road maintenance, NCFC, will work with the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to deliver on the project.

The Works Commissioner also stated that the council after the evaluation of the status report on the ongoing rehabilitation works at the Governor’s Lodge in Nsukka, approved a variation cost of N45 million for enhancement of works, and the sum of N62.2 million for further upgrade of the facilities to include external works and beautification, such as landscaping, multi-culture, procurement of generator, water boreholes, among others.

The Commissioner for Information, Hon. Ogbuagu Anikwe, who was also at the briefing, further revealed that the state government through the observation of due process, in line with its commitment to fiscal discipline, accountability and transparency, has saved the sum of N1.82 billion from expenditures, which he said were now being used for the provision of other development needs of the people of the state.

Hon. Anikwe said that the council approved in principle to establish three model driving schools in the three senatorial zones of the state for proper training of vehicle drivers. He added that the EXCO’s decision was sequel to a memo to the governor by the state Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), which revealed that the majority of crashes in the state were traceable to poor driving habits.

http://thepunditng.com/ugwuanyi-moves-to-complete-enugu-intl-conference-centre/

Globacom Nigeria has introduced what it called Glo Oga Sim. It is a new data bonus that offers subscribers double data bonus over the standard data package on their subscriptions. For example, if you subscribe for 7.2 GB at the rate of N2500, you’ll get extra 7.2GB oga sim data bonus and that is 14.4 GB in total.

For regular N1000 monthly data subscription, you will get 3.5 GB, as against the normal 1.6GB and 2GB of data for existing, new and renewal customers.

The Glo Oga SIM is applicable to all other data plans.





How To Get Glo Oga SIM Offer?

Ensure your Glo sim is 4G(absolutely necessary) enabled or go to the nearest Glo outlet to upgrade your 3G SIM to 4G.

Then renew the plan before your current plans expire.

And for your information, Glo subscribers can confirm that 4G SIM is faster in their location compare to some other places.



Is It Possible For Glo 4G SIM To Work 3G Only Enabled Device?

Yes, it works just like your regular SIM card. So enjoy your newly found love.



Dial *777# to Enjoy it

Other great features include

If your data plan expired over 90 days ago, you are in luck. #GloOgaSim will give you 125% bonus. 

 The #GloOgaSIM is the same price as your regular LTE Sim and its just 150 Naira. it can’t get better than this. #GloOgaSIM

if you buy a new sim from today it is the #GloOgaSim. This sim allows new customers to enjoy 125% data bonus on all plans. 

Enjoy 125% data bonus on all plans? If yes then dail *777# 



#GloOgaSIM is a promo that offers new customers 125% data bonus on all plans. Yes 125%.

All new customers irrespective of your SIM type and device can enjoy the #GloOgaSIM promo.

Do you know that new Glo customers can enjoy 3.6gb for 1,000 naira on the #GloOgaSIM promo. Yes you heard right. This promo runs for 4 months. So hurry

On #GloOgaSIM 100 naira data plan-180mb, 200 naira data plan is 472mb, and 500 data plan is 1.8gb on #GloOgaSIM.

If you Auto renew a new plan on the #GloOgaSIM, you get the extra bonus for the plan bought.

http://thepunditng.com/glo-introduces-oga-sim-double-data-offer-offers-you-125-bonus-data/

CC: Lalasticlala
Dominique
Mynd44

More

.

The Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Idris has released a report from findings on the disgraceful event that occurred at the National Assembly facilities on Tuesday the 7th of August where operatives of the Department of State Security Services barricaded the entrance of the complex barring lawmakers from entering.

In what has been described as a legislative coup by political analysts, the barricade was another failed ploy to change the National Assembly leadership. The Director of the DSS Lawal Daura was subsequently sacked later that day by acting President Yemi Osinbajo and an investigation was launched to uncover the motives and the actors behind the disgraceful attack on the democratic institution.

The IGP’s report confirms the wide suspicion that the Former DSS Director was playing a role orchestrated by “...highly placed politicians to achieve selfish political goals hence his unilateral and unlawful decision to invade the National Assembly Complex...

The report further claims that the sacked DG of DSS was still undergoing interrogation under house arrest in a private property at Garki, Abuja.

In the last few months, Senate President Bukola Saraki has shown class and a level headedness that is unusual of the regular Nigerian Politician.

Some of it is shown in the video below.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMWRYveBo2U

http://thepunditng.com/understanding-bukola-saraki/

More

New Face of Udi District Hospital...

Update on the ongoing completion work on the multi-purpose Udi District Hospital building complex in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State by Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi's administration as part of its concerted efforts to improve the quality of healthcare delivery in the state.

The project, which commenced early this year is nearing completion, thanks to the people's governor, who has given priority attention to qualitative and affordable healthcare delivery both in the urban and rural areas.

Enugu State is truly in the hands of God. #amokelouis

Poly Clinic, Asata, Enugu also witnessing the Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi administration's transformational agenda in the health sector for efficient, qualitative and affordable healthcare delivery in Enugu State. #amokelouis

http://thepunditng.com/face-of-udi-district-enugu/

Honourable Boma Goodhead from Rivers State, confronts the masked men blocking the National Assembly.

SA, to Saraki on Intl relations , Bankole Omisore inside the NASS Complex

Here is a video of Senator @benmurraybruce speaking on the #LegislativeCoup going on under the watch of @MBuhari and @ProfOsinbajo Senator Ben Bruce was also prevented from entering into the National Assembly


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

http://thepunditng.com/video-of-ben-bruce-addressing-the-press-this-morning-over-nass-blockade/

Hmmmm

NassFLASH : Dss agents take over National Assembly entrance, prevent Senators, Staff and other aides from entering in other to aid APC Senators to impeach @bukolasaraki and Ike Ekweremadu


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8xRvm4GwkI



Here is a video of Senator Rafiu Ibrahim being prevented from entering the National Assembly this morning by DSS agents who said they are acting based on instruction of acting President Osinbajo


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ui9ufyMN--c


http://thepunditng.com/security-agents-block-nass-entrance-prevent-senators-staff-from-entering/




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8pdIjCXZi8


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBFGtJRMvk4


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

BREAKING: About 30 senators are currently meeting with DG SS now at DSS headquarters Abuja

The plot is to impeach the Senate President @bukolasaraki and the Deputy Senate President Sen. Ike Ekweremadu tomorrow.

Ahmed LAWAN to emerge as SP and Hope UZODIMA as DSP.

http://thepunditng.com/30-senators-set-to-impeach-saraki-ekweremadu-today/

More

…As outgoing GOC hails gov’s commitment to peace, security

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State on Monday presented six Toyota Hilux patrol vehicles to the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army to enhance its security operations in the state.

This came as the outgoing General Officer Commanding (GOC) the Division, Major Gen. Adamu Abubakar applauded Gov. Ugwuanyi for his untiring efforts towards the sustenance of peace and security in the state, through the provision of logistics support. He disclosed that “the governor provided all that we required to do our work”.

Presenting the vehicles’ keys to the GOC, amid excitement, Gov. Ugwuanyi stated that the state government in response to the request from the Division, made funds available for the purchase of the vehicles.

The governor added that it was also “in line with our avowed commitment and continued investment in security and allied matters for the benefit of our people”.

According to him, “as a government, we have at various times, provided vehicles and other essential equipment to different security agencies in the state as part of our broad efforts to entrench peace and security everywhere in Enugu State”. He noted that the event was “just another in a series of such initiatives”.

Appreciating Gov. Ugwuanyi’s gesture, Major Gen. Abubakar said: “As I am leaving Enugu tomorrow morning, I will always remember you Sir, and will always appreciate you. My mouth will not stop praying for you because of the water you provided for us in the Barracks, among other vital support. We remain very grateful to you, Your Excellency.

“I want to thank you also for these vehicles in particular because the ones they are using are aged and the cost of repairing them is always high”.

Gov. Ugwuanyi equally thanked the GOC, the Brigade Commander, the officers and men of the Division as well as all other security agencies for their commitment and continuing sacrifices towards the security of the state.

He therefore, reassured the people of his administration’s resolve to always ensure that Enugu sustains her enviable status as one of the safest, most secure and most peaceful states in the country.

http://thepunditng.com/ugwuanyi-donates-security-vehicles-to-nigerian-army/

It is no longer news that Nigeria’s Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio is set to decamp to the APC; what started has a rumour after his notable absence from the PDP NEC meeting has gathered so much momentum as the former Governor yesterday paid a visit to President Buhari in London.

The defection which seems very likely as Senator Akpabio has failed to release a statement against the rumors, comes as a shock to even the most assuming political analysts and journalists especially at a time when the main opposition party, the PDP has put its house in order and is set to welcome even more decampees from the disintegrating APC.

THE FACTS.

A closer look at the Akwa Ibom politician reveals a weak grasp in his home state of Akwa Ibom where he has been continuously hounded and blackmailed by President Buhari led APC administration over several allegations of corruption.

In 2015, The EFCC ran investigations on Akpabio which led to his subsequent arrest over a misappropriation of N101.8 billion state funds which plunged Akwa Ibom state into debt. The former Governor was not charged to court and resumed his duties in the floor of the senate.

In another report, the former Governor was probed again for gifting an unnamed commercial bank the sum of N1.4billion. Another case that was recorded but not taken to court.

The APC led Federal Government hounding of Senator Akpabio was so severe that the Akwa Ibom Government House was invaded by DSS agents in a plot to steal state secrets in an attempt to acquire more evidence against former Governor Akpabio.

In 2016, Senator Akpabio was arrested for a 3rd time by the EFCC when the Anti-graft commission alleged the illegal withdrawal of N18bn to the acquisition of a multi billion naira mansion at Plot 5, Okogosi Spring Close, off Katsina-Ala Crescent, Maitama-Abuja, a multi-billion naira mansionette at Plot 28 Colorado Close, Maitama, Abuja and another multi-billion naira mansion at 22 Probyn Road, Ikoyi, Lagos. For the 3rd time Senator Akpabio was released and no legal charges were filed.

JOINING THE APC

Since 2015, the once vibrant politician lost his voice and failed woefully to provide proper leadership as minority leader in the senate due to the subsequent media backlash against his person and the corruption allegations being thrown around his name.

While other Senators like Bukola Saraki faced all allegations and politically motivated persecution head on, Akpabio may have opted to quietly plead and “settle” with his blackmailers at the expense of the senate, his party, his political career and now ultimately, the people of Akwa Ibom State.

The Anti Corruption War

A move largely perceived as desperate, Akpabio’s defection to APC puts the final coffin to President Buhari’s anti corruption war. It further confirms the long assumed ideology that the APC is a party of protected corruption, where the members and high rollers of corruption in Nigeria are immune from persecution. Senator Akpabio’s rich history of corruption and corrupt allegations is set to be magically swept under the rug.

The same Government that hounded Akpabio, arrested him several times and invaded his former office with DSS agents to get evidence against him have thrown their arms wide open to receive him in their fold. Whether Akpabio was threatened to join the APC or not, it will go down in history that he was a subdued man.

Buhari’s infamous integrity has failed the litmus test with Akpabio. The Nigerian President who prides himself as incorruptible has thrown caution to the wind and made Senator Akpabio, one of the most corrupt persons in Nigeria according to President Buhari’s EFCC to be the Apple of the APC’s eye.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Senator Godswill Akpabio’s corruption allegations have long been in the wind perhaps as hard evidence which has been used recently to blackmail the former Governor. Perhaps enough evidence to get a conviction at the court which would see Akpabio off to prison. However; with the new turn of events, Akpabio who has been alleged to have his eyes on the prized seat of Senate President, may begin to enjoy the peace of mind that comes as he is no longer a perceived threat to the President Buhari administration, perhaps at the expense of his own political goodwill.

http://thepunditng.com/akpabios-defection-the-hypocrisy-of-president-buharis-anti-corruption-war/

More…..

More

... Reiterates support for Ugwuanyi's re-election

... Extols gov's leadership virtues

The Spiritual Director of Adoration Ministry Enugu Nigeria (AMEN), Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka on Sunday declared that there is no vacancy in the Enugu State Government House in 2019, stressing that Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has done excellently well in office and deserves a second term.

Fr. Mbaka poured encomiums on Gov. Ugwuanyi, describing him as "a good, kindhearted, humble, peace-loving and God-fearing leader", who has judiciously managed the lean resources of the state for the benefit of the people.

The Catholic priest also described Ugwuanyi as "the best Governor so far in Enugu State", adding that he is "an epitome of peace; a sanctuary of conflict resolution and model for rural and urban development".

The cleric, who spoke at the Adoration Arena in Enugu during the Thanksgiving Mass for the governor’s recent victory at the Supreme Court, thanked God for giving the people of the state such an outstanding leader, saying this is the first time since he became a priest, that the state is experiencing peace.

He maintained that Gov. Ugwuanyi is prayer answered, appreciating the people of the state for their unflinching support and prayers for the governor, especially while the protracted legal battle lasted, emphasizing that "it is a Mass of Thanksgiving to God".

Mbaka further stated that Ugwuanyi was "the only governor that pays workers' salaries before the 25th of every month", disclosing that when most states could not pay salaries as a result of the recent federal allocation sharing deadlock, the governor paid, accordingly.

Commending Gov. Ugwuanyi for the security in Enugu State, Fr. Mbaka stated the feat was achieved because of "the reign of peace" in the state and the governor's faithful role as "a good shepherd".

While applauding the governor "for managing the public wealth judiciously and Godly" for the equitable development of the entire state, the outspoken priest prayed against any plot over the governor's re-election in 2019, saying: "I pray to God that this good man with intimidating humility will continue to govern Enugu State till 2023.

"Our governor, God has opened doors for you, no man can close it. Those who are following him should continue to follow him, he is a good man. We have one candidate for the governorship seat in 2019 in Enugu State in the name of Gburugburu (Ugwuanyi). We are begging him to come and complete the good works he has started in Enugu State. Enugu State is behind him. The church, students, teachers, traditional rulers, Adoration Ministry, many others are also behind him.

"I therefore, advise those who want to contest against him to please consider other elective positions", he said, while commending the governor for constructing "for the first time" the road that leads to the Church in Emene, Enugu.

Responding, Gov. Ugwuanyi, who expressed gratitude to the Ministry for its support and unceasing prayers for the success of his administration, noted that it was as a result of God's mercies and special grace that the victory at the Supreme Court was achieved.

Gov. Ugwuanyi recalled that the Adoration Ministry was his first port of call in search of God's grace "when this journey to usher in people-oriented governance in our dear state" began.

According to him, "today, I return to this place, once again to thank our dear able God, who in his Mercies has given us victory at the Supreme Court".

While committing the forthcoming elections of 2019 into God's hands, trusting that the good Lord will surely grant him victory again, as "He did for us in 2015", Gov. Ugwuanyi reassured the people of Enugu State that he will continue to walk in His Light and manage the affairs of the state with the fear of God.

He therefore, called on those who contested the election with him to join hands in moving the state forward.

http://thepunditng.com/no-vacancy-in-enugu-government-house-fr-mbaka-declares/

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State (right) with the Spiritual Director of Adoration Ministry Enugu Nigeria (AMEN), Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka (left) and the bouquet bearer, Miss Chinazor Nwakwor, during the Thanksgiving Mass for the governor's recent electoral victory at the Supreme Court, held at the Adoration Arena, Emene, Enugu, yesterday.

Nigeria’s foremost civil rights activist, writer and public affairs analyst Segun Awonsaya also known as Segalink today released a statement blasting Nigeria’s President Buhari for destroying democracy in Nigeria and gave 25 Reasons why Nigerians should be worries about President Buhari’s disdain for democracy.

Mr Segun Awonsaya in a statement sent to journalists expressed his sadness for the current condition of Nigeria’s democratic institutions. Mr Awonsaya said that Nigeria’s democracy had never been this abused since the emergence of the 4th Republic in 1999. He stated that the Buhari led APC Presidency has been the most oppressive, repressive and dictatorial government since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.

Mr lamented that the Executive’s disrespect for the parliament and judiciary which are equal arms of Government has set a very dangerous precedent for the future as he and many Nigerians have continuously witnessed the harassment of judges and the political witch-hunting of the National Assembly leaders as they emerged against the wishes of the Presidency, something that had never happened in Nigeria’s democratic history.

Mr Awonsaya described President Buhari’s Nigeria a mockery of democracy, a nation disconnected from the foundations of the rule of law, equality, and federalism on which the nation’s constitution was drafted in 1999.

In the statement, the Segun Awonsaya described President Buhari’s led Nigeria as a model of "How Democracies Die", something to be taught in history books.

The President’s constant attacks on the National Assembly and it’s leadership is Mr Awonsaya’s focal point and he lists them below-

25 Reasons Why Nigerians should be worried about President Buhari’s disdain for Democracy:


1. The President clearly breached Section 80 of the Constitution, which stipulates that all government spending must be appropriated by the legislature, when he gave anticipatory approval for the  withdrawal of $496m from the Excess Crude Account to purchase Tucano Jets that wont be supplied till the year 2020. The Presidency failed to address this breach when accused and claimed that due process would have slowed down the acquisition of the jets, surprisingly, the jets would not be delivered until 2020.

2. The President failed to fully investigate and prosecute the invasion of the National Assembly by thugs led and sponsored by a Senator Senator Omo Agege who is supposedly loyal to the ruling party, which led to the theft of the Senate’s mace and the injury of seven National Assembly workers who were brutalized by the thugs.

3. The Presidency authorized the siege on the houses of the Senate President and the Deputy Senate President, while coordinating a legislative coup with a minority group of Senators, to avoid the defection of members from the APC. By this singular act, the Presidency exposed themselves to Nigerians the length of desperation it would go to keep power.

4. The President withheld his assent to the Electoral Amendment Bill — for selfish reasons — despite the fact that this amendment would have greatly improved our electoral processes through the use of technology in the collation and transmission of results. Instead, the Presidency backed a petition led by INEC against election reordering.

5. As the Minister of Petroleum, the President has breached Section 80 of the Constitution by overseeing the unauthorized expenditure of over N216billion by the NNPC for illegal subsidies, under the guise of 2017 “operational costs.’

6. The President has disregarded the principle of separation of powers, with his insistence on keeping Ibrahim Magu as the Acting EFCC Chairman, despite the fact that he failed confirmation twice, based on two reports presented by the Directorate of State Security (DSS), an agency of the Executive, that said he was unfit for public office.

7. The President has presided over a government that is known for its systematic harassment and humiliation of perceived political opponents and people with contrary opinions including the Legislature and Judiciary by the police and other security agencies.

8. The President has failed to hold accountable or sanction the actions of his appointees that choose to continuously endanger and ridicule the nation, despite a Joint National Assembly resolution that called his attention to the fact.

9. The President has failed to get Heads of Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) to defend their budgetary proposals on time, thereby frustrating efforts of the National Assembly to pass the budgets on time.

10. The President has demonstrated a failure to show sincerity in the fight against corruption. He has been selective by not prosecuting his appointees that have pending cases, despite a Joint National Assembly resolution that called his attention to the fact.

11. The President has failed to take immediate and consistent steps to contain the growing level of unemployment and poverty in Nigeria especially now that oil prices are high — despite a Joint National Assembly resolution that called his attention to the fact.

12. The President has failed to sanction the heads of law enforcement agencies, who appear helpless over the killing of innocent Nigerians but indulge in consistent framing up of perceived political opponents of the President and outright disregard for constitutional authority, both executive and legislative.

13. The President has a preference for circumventing the law. First, he demanded to have emergency powers in his first few months in office. Later, he signed and authorized Order 006 to give him powers outside the provisions of the EFCC Act and ICPC Act — as well as the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and the Criminal Code.

14. The President has consistently failed to adhere to Resolutions of the National Assembly and court orders on the unconstitutional incarceration of citizens of the Federal Republic, like Ibrahim El-Zakzaky and Sambo Dasuki.

15. The President’s appointment of the Service Chiefs is in violation of the Federal Character Principle that is enshrined in the Constitution that the members of the National Assembly swore to uphold and the Federal Character Commission Act passed by the National Assembly and signed into law —  which seeks to ensure that appointments to public service institutions fairly reflect the linguistic, ethnic, religious, and geographic diversity of the country.

16. The President’s failed attempts to harass and intimidate the leadership of the Senate, by bringing up bogus charges against them in the Code of Conduct Tribunal; falsely accusing them of forging the Senate rules without any evidence; and attempting to implicate the Senate President, through the Police, in a serious robbery incident, thereby politicizing the criminal investigation.

18.  The President has failed to investigate the coordinated affront on parliaments across the nation and has demonstrated complicity, with the use of the Security agencies under his control, to prevent lawmakers from participating in their legislative duties — thereby leading to bogus impeachment of presiding officers.

18. The President has presided over the unnecessary and constant defamation and disrespect of the National Assembly by his appointees, thereby deliberately destroying our nation’s democratic institutions.

19. The President has presided over the drastic reduction of the security details of the Senate President, the Speaker, the Deputy Senate President, Deputy Speaker and selected Senators all in an effort to coerce these presiding officers to do his bidding.

20. The President has been complicit in the outright failure of security agencies to provide security to some serving legislators who have dissenting views. This has led to a situation whereby certain legislators cannot visit their constituencies due to threats of violence. 

21. During the 2018 budget signing, the oblivious President threw the National Assembly under the bus by highlighting some expenditures that were amended. This is despite the fact that the National Assembly and its committees on appropriation, worked closely with his Ministers of Finance and Budget & National Planning before authorizing these expenditures.

22.  Nigeria has a potential to raise up to or more than N15trillion in independent revenue through its various revenue generating agencies. Despite this fact, in 2017, the Senate discovered that the President was presiding over the intentional breach of Section 21 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act by not ordering 38 MDAs of the Federal Government to submit their budgets to the National Assembly through their supervising Minister.

23.  Despite the social and security challenges in the country, the President has failed to assent to the following critical Acts passed by both chambers of the National Assembly: the Corporate Manslaughter Bill, the Dangerous Drugs Bill,  the National Child Protection and Enforcement Agency Bill and the Police Procurement Fund Bill, which was aimed at making the Nigerian Police better equipped to address present day challenges as well as other constitutional amendment bill.

24. The President has consistently incited members of the public against the National Assembly through his public statements. There are several examples. One of them was the speech he made during the signing of the 2018 budget. The other was during his last visit to Bauchi State where he made derisive remarks over the call for more engagement with lawmakers in order to reduce areas of disagreement between the two arms of government.

25. The President publicly commended — thereby endorsing — the action of an APC Governor who maliciously demolished the house of a Senator from his state just to settle political scores and demonstrate his ability to deal with political opponents.

Mr Awonsaya finishes by stating that -

It is clearly evident that Nigeria’s President has no regard for the rule of law, one of the fragile tenets of Nigeria’s democracy. This president must not be allowed to continue to degrade our democratic institutions because of his ambitions.


http://thepunditng.com/25-reasons-why-nigerians-should-be-worried-about-president-buhari-s-disdain-for-democracy-by-segalink/

Yesterday, reports came that Senator Akpabio was decamping and leaving the PDP For the APC.



He took time to visit the President, Muhammad Buhari this morning

http://thepunditng.com/pictures-of-minority-leader-senator-akpabio-in-london-this-morning/