₦airaland Forum

By Yemi Itodo

The House of Representatives has condoled the government and people of Sokoto state over the demise of Member representing Sabon Birni/Isa Federal Constituency, Alhaji Abdulkadir Jelani Danbuga.

Danbuga's death occurred early hours of Wednesday upon admission at an hospital, after a brief illness.

The House consequently adjourned Wednesday's plenary in his honour.

Leading a high powered delegation on a condolence visit to Sokoto on Thursday, the Deputy Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, said the entire House was shocked and pained over the loss of the Member whom he described as "dedicated and committed Legislator".

The Deputy Speaker said the deceased had a short but memorable stay in the House.

He assured that the House would not abandon his family as everything possible would be done to assist them wherever the need arises.

Kalu used the opportunity to acknowledge the effort of the current administration in the state for executing viable projects within one hundred days in office.

According to him, "executing over one hundred viable projects within one hundred days in office, despite the financial crises inherited, is worthy of commendations".

This, he said, could only be achieved through focused and determined leadership, while urging the government to sustain the tempo for the progress of the state.

Responding, the state Deputy Governor, Alhaji Idris Mohammed Gobir, thanked the delegation for the condolence visit.

Alhaji Gobir described the deceased as a person who has the interest of his people at heart.

The Deputy governor said the late Legislator has lived a life worthy of emulations.

The Deputy Governor appreciated the recognition of the current administration's effort towards providing dividend of democracy as attested by the Deputy Speaker, Kalu.

He pledged that the Governor Ahmed Aliyu administration would never relent in its efforts to moving the state forward.

By Yemi Itodo


Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has hailed China's diplomatic and trade relationships with Nigeria, saying that the cultural exchanges between them have fostered a deep understanding and appreciation of each other's heritage.

He said that the ties between both countries has fast tracked the industrial development of Nigeria with projects such as the Abuja-Kaduna Railway and the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project standing as a testament to the enduring collaboration.

Kalu made the submissions while delivering his goodwill message at the China's 74th National Day celebrations in Abuja on Thursday.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary ( CPS), Mr. Levinus Nwabughiogu stated that the Deputy Speaker who further remarked that Chinese products have become a staple in Nigerian households also stressed that Nigeria's agricultural exports to China has continued to grow.

Kalu added that the symbiotic relationship has created jobs, boosted local industries, and increased the welfare of the people, adding that currently, Nigeria is China's second largest trading partner in Africa.

He said: "The decades-long relationship between our two great nations, Nigeria and China has been mutually beneficial, particularly in recent times.

"The rich tapestry of our partnership has woven threads of cooperation in various sectors, from infrastructure development to trade, technology exchange, and cultural engagement. China's significant investments in Nigeria have contributed immensely to the growth and development of our nation, fostering economic prosperity and stability.

"China has been a steadfast partner in Nigeria's infrastructural development,
with projects such as the Abuja-Kaduna Railway and the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project standing as a testament to our enduring collaboration. These initiatives have not only improved connectivity within Nigeria but have also laid the foundation for sustainable economic growth.

"In the realm of commerce, our bilateral trade has flourished, opening up
new opportunities for both nations."

The Deputy Speaker also urged the government of the People's Republic of China to join Nigeria in her efforts to identify and resolve the tendencies that encourage xenophobic attacks at the world stage.

"I look forward to both countries taking increasing steps to engender
people to people diplomacy in order to troubleshoot matters that encourage
xenophobic tendencies".

The chairman of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) for Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi States, Lady Ada Chukwudozie has commended the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Soludo for his visionary leadership, efforts and performance towards repositioning and making Anambra a smart, mega and prosperous State.

The MAN boss spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony of Kojo Motor Auto Assembly and Natural Gas facility in Umunya, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State on Saturday.

She lauded Prof. Soludo's grand agenda of developing Anambra State and putting her on the global map as one of the most industrialized and technologically advanced State in Nigeria where people will desire to live, do business with ease and prosper.

"Our Governor's vision is clear and well-articulated. He is getting his strategy right as we can all see with what is happening today. All his actions and engagements so far are geared towards making Anambra State an industrial and technology hub with beehive of activities in every sector of our economy which ultimately will boost the GDP of the State. Gov. Soludo is a square peg in a square hole, a man who practices what he preaches. From his clothes, to his shoes, to his cars, our Governor patronizes and promotes indigenous production and local manufacturing which is what 'MAN' represents. Indeed, Ndi Anambra are lucky to have his quality of person as our Governor this time" Lady Chukwudozie said.

She called on all Ndi Anambra to support Governor Soludo, whom she described as a go-getter and an exemplary leader who walk his talk.

Lady Ada Chukwudozie also commended the Chairman of Kojo Motors, Chief Ikenna Oguegbu for the thoughtful decision of bringing his investment home to Anambra State.

She said the investment will create wealth and employment for the state.

She thanked the traditional ruler of Umunya, Igwe Chris Onyekwuluje, his cabinet and the entire community for welcoming and supporting the investment in their community.

By Our Correspondent

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu says he has been vindicated on the validation of his name by the ruling of the National Assembly Elections Petitions Tribunal sitting in Umuahia, the Abia State capital which also upheld his election.

Kalu's remarks is contained in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS) Mr. Levinus Nwabughiogu on Tuesday in Abuja.

Kalu, upon the receipt of the exciting news in Abuja expressed immense gratitude to the judiciary for recognizing that he followed due process and other extant laws to validate his name.

While also thanking the people of Bende federal constituency on whose mandate he stands, the deputy speaker reiterates that his confidence in the judiciary to do justice to issues at all times was unwavering.

"I have never doubted the ability of the judiciary at any level to do justice to issues. My confidence in them has always been unwavering. It has, once again, vindicated me on this matter and also upheld my mandate as the elected representative of the people, in this case, Bende federal constituency of Abia State. I am grateful", Kalu said.

Recall that the candidate of the Labour Party in the February 25, 2023 national assembly elections, Frank Chinasa had petitioned the tribunal, seeking the nullification of Kalu's election on the account of alleged inconsistency in his name change.

Recall also that shortly after Kalu's first term election in 2019, one Okay Ezeala also approached the court seeking the nullification of the election on the same ground.

But Justice O A. Chijioke of an Umuahia High Court while delivering his judgement on the matter on August 25, 2021 ruled in favour of Kalu and subsequently awarded a cost to the petitioner for wasting the time of the court in a frivolous suit.

Ridiculously, Labour Party's Chinasa also dusted the same matter that had been laid to rest, fronting before the tribunal after this year's general elections.

In a remarkable, unanimous judgment by the three man panel read by the Chairman, Justice Samson Paul Gang on Tuesday, August 22, 2023 in Umuahia, the tribunal dismissed the petition and denied all the prayers of the petitioner for lacking in merit.

The panel held that Kalu's certificates were never forged and that the names in the certificates were all his.

The tribunal also held that Kalu had since harmonized his names through a Deed Pool published in a federal gazette, backed with a newspaper publication of change of name, insisting that the petitioner could not establish any case of certificate forgery against him.

It also confirmed that the harmonization of deputy speaker's name followed the laid down rules.

The tribunal further held that since the election results were never contested, Kalu therefore remains the winner of the National Assembly elections for Bende federal constituency in the House of Representatives.

It will also be recalled that last week, the candidate of the Action Alliance (AA) in the election, Ifeanyi Igbokwe dissociated himself from the suit against Kalu.

Revealing that he had since accepted the outcome of the election, Igbokwe said he never authorized any individual or group of individuals or parties to file any suit on his behalf, insisting that he was impersonated.

The deputy speaker who expressed his happiness over the development from the tribunal also extends his appreciation to his constituents in Bende, others teeming supporters across the country, his legal team and indeed, all those who stood by him throughout the period of this exasperating legal voyage.

He promised not to take the people's mandate and the demands of his current office for granted.

The deputy speaker however calls his political detractors to shun frivolities, accept his rights under the extant laws, embrace the Will of God and the verdict of the tribunal as well as that of Ndi Bende and join him in the tasks of enacting good legislations for the good of the country.

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

It is a feeling of déjà vu, coming rather from a place of fluffy political calculations than a plausible, defensible legal poise with some precision and exactitude. Call it a hogwash or a display of some irascible thoughts, you won't be mistaken. But whichever way, it is intrinsically fueled up by ego. And by every conceivable stance, such sentiments are just some pious claptrap.

Yes, it is a familiar terrain. Everyone knew about the matter when it first came up. That was just after the 2019 general elections. And at the end, it wasn't worth the time, money and energy dissipated in the legal fireworks. Yet, in 2023, the travesties are here again. This time, they took another route, a more dramatic dimension, manifesting through some political lackeys. So vile in hate and aggressions, they decided to dust the well rested issue and subsumed it in a petition brought before the National Assembly Elections Petitions Tribunal sitting in Umuahia, the Abia State capital.

Now, rather than contesting his victory at the polls, they took a dive into infamy, ignominy and ingloriousness where they may eventually earn themselves the sobriquet of middle-some interlopers.

Of course, they know that contesting the election of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu who represents Bende federal constituency of Abia State will be a futile exercise. They know he beat them in the elections fair and square. And so, they chose the unsavory path of challenging the process of his name change, a matter which had long been laid to rest by an Umuahia High Court in 2021.

Incidentally, the candidate of the Action Alliance (AA), Ifeanyi Igbokwe was innocuously drafted into the legal charade but recently, he came to terms with the reality and the truth and swiftly dissociated himself from the matter, saying he was impersonated. Washing off his hand, Igbokwe said he never authorized or filed any suit against Kalu at the tribunal.

For him, the emergence of Kalu as the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives was one development of gaiety for Ndigbo of the south east and so, his election should not in any be challenged whether directly or indirectly by any sane person.

For most if not all the south easterners, Kalu's position as the number 6 citizen in the political hierarchy of Nigeria is exciting and has conspicuously signposted the political renaissance of Ndigbo from oblivion.

Read Igbokwe: "I was at home drinking my tea and watching the news until someone called me to inform me that I had a case in court against the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon Benjamin Kalu. So, I was surprised that people were calling me from my own place and constituency telling me about the court case. I accepted the results from the elections, accepted defeat, an said to God be the glory.

“Now, I am shocked that someone is even representing me. This is my poster and this is my voter’s card, this is my party card so how come somebody is representing me and I didn’t know anything about it?

“Even my lawyer is surprised also. When we heard it, we were like ah! ah! see Rt. Hon Ben that we are all rejoicing for his new position and I am telling people that he is my brother from Bende. So why will I start fighting my own brother?

“We have gone to court, sworn every affidavit and we are writing to DSS and the IG of Police because I want to know the person impersonating me. I want to clear my name first. I want to tell people of Abia state and Bende that I accept defeat and I want to tell Deputy Speaker that I am not fighting him. I don’t know the person impersonating me but I will fish him out and come back to inform you people”.

But while Igbokwe now smiles with his brother, one Frank Chinasa of the Labour Party (LP) who contested the election with Kalu wouldn't budge on the matter. He appears to be the arrow head of the mischievousness. But obviously, his ignorance on the process of matters of name change in Nigeria speaks volumes.

For purposes of recapitulation, the court in 2021 agreed that there is only one and same Benjamin Okezie Kalu. In 2019, when one Okay Ezeala brought the matter to the court, it failed to yield to moral, legal and philosophical reasoning. Instead, a fine was awarded against him for filing a frivolous matter as he could not prove his case at the end of the legal voyage.

On 25th of August 2021, Justice O. A Chijioke of Umuahia High Court read his judgement in favour of Kalu, declaring that the laws with regards to the processes involved in the change of name were fully followed considering the verifiable documentary evidence before him.

He said: "Having held that documents were not certified, they are mere photocopies of public documents which are not admissible in evidence. The end result is that there is no document in support of the case of the claimant. Infact no evidence at all.

"Assuming the documents were certified, the claimant would not have done better. This is because the documents were just dumped in court. The claimant's counsel did not link his argument with any of the document or demonstrate the relevance of the various document. The court is not an investigator who will peruse more than 20 pages of documents and arrange them in the order they should be and draw conclusions. For example, in what page of the document is the elementary six Certificate of the 1st defendant? What page is his NYSC Certificate? Claimant's counsel failed to demonstrate this. Therefore, the claimant has no case. There is no iota of evidence to support the allegation of forgery.

"Counsel for the claimant had submitted that the 1st defendant submitted three Certificates bearing different names from that of the claimant. Assuming that the claimant had presented relevant evidence before the court, the documents presented by the 1st defendant for his change of names have resolved the issue. The st defendant has shown by the documents presented by him that all the Certificates and documents he submitted to INEC relate to him and alone. The claimant did not produce any other person who claims to be the owner of the certificates. It is he who alleges that proves. The claimant therefore failed woefully to prove his case.

"This case is calculated to irritate and distract the 1st defendant. The claimant did not bring this suit for any manifest benefit that will accrue to him. He brought it to seek benefit for the person he said had higher number of votes at the election won by the 1st defendant. It was on that premise that Chima Anyaso who contested the election brought an application to be joined to the suit as a co-defendant and which application was rejected by this court. Chima Anyaso, from the counter-affidavit filed in opposition to his application for joinder, challenged the election of the 1st defendant at the Election Petition Tribunal and Election Petition Appeal Tribunal and lost. It was the senior counsel for the claimant who appeared for the said Chima Aayaso in the application for joinder and when that application failed he became the lead counsel for the claimant. Could it be that we are seeing the hand of Esau and hearing the voice of Jacob in this case? Whatever it is, initiating a suit in the High Court to seek the disqualification of an elected official after he had gone through the rigours of litigation at the relevant Tribunals after his election is an abuse.

"From all I have stated above, I hereby dismiss this suit. Counsel for the 1st defendant asks for N2,000,000.00 costs. Counsel for the 3rd defendant asks for N5O0,000.00 as costs. Counsel for the clamant prays the court to be lenient in awarding costs.

"I award costs assessed at 100,000 against the claimant in favour of the Ist defendant. I also award costs at N50,000 against the claimant in favour of the 3rd defendant."

Now, for those whose ink flows from the point of crass idiocy, inducements and mischief, sarcastically seeking to know what name the deputy speaker bears, here comes the answer: It is Benjamin Okezie Kalu. He has since become the toast of Ndigbo in general.

It is rather unfortunate that it's only in the south eastern region of Ndigbo that some men thought to have courted some integrity at their old age would be recruited to unabashedly promote journalistic mercantilism even when the truth starred them in the face. They ought to know better and write better without traces of innuendos and infantile dispositions that apparently portray them as minions and co-travellers, or even pun in the hands of their paymasters. Obviously, they must have been affronted by Kalu's growing political antecedents.

But then, here comes an information for them. Sooner than later, their evil plots and machinations will hit the rocks as the deputy speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu will smile home to victory, once again, at the tribunal.

Nwabughiogu is the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the deputy speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu

By Our Correspondent

The Nigerian Senate, on Tuesday, acknowledged the laudable achievements of the Executive Director (Business Development) of Nigerian Export and Import Bank (NEXIM), Hon. Stella Okotete, in growing the non oil exports and business fortunes of the Bank.

The commendation came after the Senator representing Delta Central, Senator Ede Dafinone moved a motion at the ongoing ministerial screening exercise, urging his colleagues to allow Ms. Okotete take a bow and leave.

Hon. Okotete, former National Women Leader of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) and currently serving as ED Business Development at NEXIM Bank, was President Bola Tinubu's ministerial nominee from Delta State.

Senator Dafinone, while moving the motion, said he had had opportunity of working with Ms. Okotete during his one year stay as Non-Executive Director with NEXIM, adding that the nominee was the engine room of the international reputable bank.

"What the nominee did not mention was that, her position as the Executive Director of Business Development Unit, means she was at the engine room of the bank. The Business Development Unit, is the operational department of the NEXIM Bank. So, she was in charge of the operations of the Bank and in that capacity, she was able to grow the balance sheet of the Bank and she has done exceptionally well.

"I want to add also, that as a young woman, she has also favoured the youth and women in her policies at the bank, aside the policies she had done at home, encouraging young people in various departments and empowerment programs.

"She has also been instrumental in growing non oil exports and as at today, the non oil exports are the key focus of this administration, as we protect the need to grow our economy in the background of dwindling oil reserves and in move globally away from foisting fuel, to a more sustainable forms of energy.

"My Colleagues said she has distinguished herself already, what I need to add is that, I speak for my 2 Colleagues from Delta State who are both fully in support of the nominee, and to ask Distinguished Members, if the nominee from Delta State, could please be recognized for her good work in NEXIM Bank, with the background that, she has served one complete term at NEXIM Bank and that the term has been renewed about a year ago, which shows she has distinguished herself at the Bank. With that Mr. President, I urge that Distinguished Members, do ask the nominee from Delta State to please take a bow", Senator Dafinone told his Colleagues.

President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who presided over the ministerial screening, also attested to the role of Ms. Okotete in women and youth development as the Women Leader of the ruling party, APC.

He said, "honestly, when she mentioned that she was a women leader of the greatest party in Africa, I just remembered that we are all from political parties and in normal circumstances, the party is supreme".

Akpabio also went further to poll the question for the nominee to take a bow and the response was in affirmative with overwhelming and resounding AYES.

Earlier, while giving a short profile of herself, the nominee, who was born in 1984, took the Senate through the journey of her career and achievements recorded, especially in women and youth development, as well as her exploits at the NEXIM Bank.

Her words:

"The immediate past President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammad Buhari, in 2017, found me worthy and appointed me, in line with the Act of Export and Import Bank, sections 11, 8 and 14 , as Executive Director of Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM Bank), in charge of Business Development.

"The functions of the ED Business Development of the Bank, which I still hold till date, is to drive the business directorate of the Bank, to create quality risk assets and to also provide funding for exporters in the non-oil sector.

"When we resumed in 2017, we met a balance sheet size of N67bn. We had grown it to N256bn by 2022, when our tenure got renewed. We also met a bank that was already recording loses, year-in, year-out for 3 years. As at 2016, the bank had recorded over N6bn losses. Today, the Nigerian Export and Import Bank is standing shoulder-to-shoulder with other global export banks and profitably as one of the leading export credit institutions in Africa.

"I was also the women representative, popularly known as the Women leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Caretaker Committee in 2020.

"As Women Leader of the ruling All Progressive Congress at that time, I was able to bring to bear, quality representation to our women and we established new policy that helped shaped visibility for our women across board.

"One of it is the Progressive Women Academy, which was approved by the Apple Store and Google Store. It is an online academy where women can learn various self skills to make themselves not just visible in the business space but also in politics. I also understood, being a very young politician, that there was need to build bridges across the older women in politics and the younger ones, and I established the Progressive Young Women's Forum, which was also a platform to groom future female Leaders and mentor them.

"I'm proud to say today that I have women who were part of my mentes, serving as Commissioners, elected as House of Assembly Members and also as Councilors and some of them are Special Advisers and Special Assistants currently at various state levels.

"I also created the lobby group of the APC Women and we were able to garvanise stakeholders to accept the responsibility to push for more visibility for our women. Based on that, when we did the review of the APC constitution, we were able to accomodate another seat for a woman in the NWC. Today, that's the only party in Africa that gives 2 seats - Women Leader and Deputy Women Leader seats in the NWC.

"By the grace of God, I was also able to influence such platforms for women across the party structures at the state, local government and senatorial districts".

By Yemi Itodo

Immediate past Governor of Benue State, Dr. Samuel Ortom, has charged his successor, Fr. Hyacinth Alia, to brazen up to the task of governance before him and stop the blame game and needless media wars on his person.

Ortom was responding to series of media attacks on his person and his past administration, from the office of Governor Alia and some leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the last being a comment recently credited to Senator Emmanuel Udende (Benue North East).

In a statement released on Tuesday by the Media Aide to the former Governor, Terver Akase, Ortom advised Alia and his team to fulfill the promises made to the people during the campaigns, saying, he had played his own part and had since left the stage.

The statement reads:

"The attention of the immediate past Governor of Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom has been drawn to a statement credited to the Senator representing Benue North East Senatorial District, Emmanuel Udende who attributed the continued security challenges in the state to the enforcement of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law by the previous administration.

"In the same vein, the state Governor, Hyacinth Alia, through his media aide, for the umpteenth time, launched unprovoked attacks on Chief Ortom, describing the former Governor in several deprecatory terms.

"His Excellency Samuel Ortom will not board the train of insults with Governor Alia’s aides or partake in a media war with the present administration.

"We advise the government of the state and the Senator representing Benue North East that they were voted to serve the people. If there is any action the Ortom administration took which they consider not good enough, they now have the mandate of the people to do better. Consistently blaming the former Governor will neither solve the problem nor bring development to the state.

"Chief Ortom played his part as Governor of Benue State and has left the stage. Governor Alia and his team should focus on fulfilling their promises to the people".

By Yemi Itodo

At the weekend, Thousands of worshippers converged on the London Excel Arena, United Kingdom, to attend the Streams of Joy International Church, New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declarations Conference.

The historic event which was hosted by the General Overseer of the church, Pastor Jerry Eze took place on June 17th and 18th.

Pastor Jerry packed out the Excel Arena with over 70,000 persons in attendance for the two days. Foreign media reports have it that the arena is one of the largest event spaces in the UK with a capacity of 68,750 visitors.

As seen on videos the arena was filled to the brim with worshipers. Pastor Eze has continued to break boundaries with the gospel of Christ, as this event is being regarded as one the largest gathering of people in recent times for the gospel in the UK.

At the prayer conference, numerous testimonies were shared and several gospel artists also led the worship session.

"A woman had testified of being healed of 20-year arthritis, while another who had been in a wheelchair for the past three years testified of being able to walk unaided. Another participant testified of being healed of a 13-year mobility impairment and was seen walking without her crutches. A man testified of a dumb tongue loosened, another testified to being healed of multiple sclerosis, while another woman testified of being healed of 40-years hearing impairment."

NSPPD prayers has continued to grow in popularity and in the number of ardent followers online and offline. Recall that, in July 2022, NSPPD prayers emerged as the number one online prayer platform and number one ‘Daily Most Super Chatted Gospel Channel’ in the world with a record 313,768,909 or 889,627 chats per day, according to data compiled by Playboard.

Reacting to the impact of the UK conference on the church's official Instagram handle, Pastor Eze wrote, " "NSPPD UNITED KINGDOM PRAYER Conference! was nothing but a testament of God's Glory, fire and Power.... "WHAT OUR GOD CANNOT DO DOES NOT EXIST"!

The historic event has been the talk of the town for days, with several participants testifying the goodness of God. Indeed, "What God Cannot Do, Doesn't Exist"!

By Yemi Itodo

A groundswell of testimonies has been recorded at the New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declaration, NSPPD, United Kingdom conference convened by the founder of Streams of Joy International Church, Pastor Jerry Eze.

The two-day conference which was held at the iconic Excel Arena in London, United Kingdom, had over 70, 000 attendees.

Thousands of worshipers both on the ground and online testified of receiving miracles and divine healings as Pastor Eze ministers.

At the event, numerous testimonies were shared including that of a dumb speaking, and people who came with clutches in their hundreds but left the program without it.

There were also testimonies of divine connections, miracle jobs, and marital settlements.

Award-winning Nigerian gospel artiste, Nathaniel Bassey, led the worship session, alongside others.

A popular data compilation website, Playboard.co, reported that Pastor Eze's NSPPD UK conference was the “most super chatted gospel channel” as of Tuesday, June 20, 2023.

According to the data compilation website, Eze’s ministry as of 06/20/2023, had 878,307 views daily and 231,432,855 total views.

A coalition of 593 registered sociocultural and economically inclined northern groups, has expressed satisfaction over the decision of President Bola Tinubu to allow a level playing field at the elections of Presiding Officers of the 10th National Assembly.

The 10th National Assembly shall be inaugurated tomorrow, Tuesday, 13th June, 2023, following the proclamation by President Tinubu.

President of the Senate and the Deputy shall be elected for the 10th Nigerian Senate tomorrow, while Speaker and Deputy shall be elected for the 10th House.

President Tinubu and his ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) had endorsed Senators Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom North West) and Jibrin Barau (Kano North) as President and Deputy President of the 10th Senate, respectively; while Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas (Kaduna) and Hon. Benjamin Kalu (Abia) were adopted Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 10th House, respectively.

But in a twist of fate, President Tinubu, during a meeting with traditional rulers in State House on Friday, said he was ready to work with whoever emerges from the elections of Presiding Officers in National Assembly tomorrow.

While hailing the President's decision at a press briefing in Abuja to mark the nation's democracy day celebration on Monday, the coalition, under the aegis of Northern Consensus Movement (NCM), said Tinubu's neutrality in the affairs of the 10th National Assembly would further strengthen Nigeria's democracy, adding that, it was the best democracy gift given to mark June 12.

The coalition, however, reminded the President and the APC, of the contribution of the North West region of the country to the victory of the party in the last general elections, saying it would do the party good if someone from the region emerges the Presiding Officer of the Senate.

"For the benefit of the doubt, and in due acknowledgement of the contribution of the APC victory of over 8.5m votes, the entire North got over 5.7m votes, while the Northwest alone provided over 2.7m votes to consolidate the Party’s victory.

"South South scored the fifth highest number of votes after the North west.
We desire to place on record, that the distinguished Senator Abdulazeez Abubakar Yari, who is contesting and a front runner, is eminently qualified to vie for the exalted office of the Senate President, and have contributed meaningfully to the growth and development of the region, in his individual capacity. We also believe that, as a ranking member of the Senate, he has the requisite wealth of experience to bring to bear as part of the sterling qualities that should define the character of the Senate President", says Comrade Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu, President of the Coalition.

The Coalition, while throwing its weight behind open contest, also called on well meaning Nigerians to continue resisting any form of imposition of candidates in the future electoral cycles.

"We therefore owe it a sense of duty to demand and insist that, the contenders to the seat of the Senate President must subject themselves to a level playing democratic process of equal opportunities.

"Importantly, the Northern Consensus Movement is calling on all concerned persons to prevail on the Distinguished Senator Abdulazeez Abubakar Yari, to remain steadfast in his quest for the Presidency of the 10th Senate.

"Beyond equally being a ranking Senator, Distinguished Senator Abdulazeez Abubakar Yari, is better and more prepared for the office and stands taller in the race than his contender, coming with a history of democratic experience.

"We call on all genuine democrats from the Northern Zone, including well meaning Nigerians, to aggregate a common ground to dislodge any tendency of imposing any vested interest in the 10th Senate or beyond ", Comrade Aliyu added.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reassured elected members of the incoming 10th National Assembly that his administration remains firm on the choices of candidates for presiding officers' position made by the leadership of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC).

The President stated this on Wednesday night when he met with Senators-elect and Members-elect of the APC at the Presidential Villa, with APC governors and other leaders of the party in attendance.

Details emerging from the meeting which was scheduled for 7:30pm on Wednesday revealed that Tinubu spoke firmly on the need to work for the victory of the APC's candidates for the 10th National Assembly leadership.

A source privy to the meeting confirmed to this newspaper that "the President appealed/begged them to work for Akpabio, Abbas, Barau and Kalu respectively."

"He said the success of his administration largely depends on whether or not he gets it right with the leadership of the National Assembly.

The President is further quoted as urging them to see reasons with him, saying "the candidates were chosen for the stability of the nation."

Those in attendance among the speakership aspirants were: the outgone chairman of the 9th House Appropriation Committee, Hon Muktar Betara Aliyu from Borno, outgone chairman of Navy Committee, Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi from Plateau, outgone chairperson of the People With Disability Committee, Hon. Miriam, Onuoha from Imo, as well as Chairman Committee on Water Resources, Hon. Sada Soli from Katsina.

"However, the outgone Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Idris Wase from Plateau, and Aminu Sani Jaji from Zamfara were conspicuously absent, despite getting invitation for the meeting," the source said.

Recall that Wase had said during the House valedictory session on Wednesday that he would go ahead to contest for the Speaker's seat because it has been prophesied that he would become Speaker.

Wase stated this after the House Leader, Alhassan Ado Doguwa (APC,Kano) pleaded with other aspirants to stepdown for the All Progressives Congress (APC) concensus candidate, Tajuddeen Abbas.

However, Wase who spoke immediately after Doguwa said, as a democrat who believes in contest, he was determined to continue with the race until the end.

He added that, his contest is in the pursuit of a prophecy by the former governor of old Plateau State, late Solomon Lar who predicted his coming to the House of Representatives and becoming the Deputy Speaker and possibility of his Speakership.

"Of course, I want to appreciate my political leaders, among whom I would say is Solomon Lar, who, when I was contesting in 2007, I went to him and he prophesied the number of times I will come to this Assembly and I will tell this crowd and to the world, that he said, I will come to the Assembly in the number of times and prophesied even the number of leadership that I will attain and the Deputy Speakership and he prophesied next when I return, and I believe I will be Speaker and I believe I, In sha Allah, I will be the Speaker of the Green Chambers," Wase insisted.

From the look of things, there is likelihood that only Wase would go to the floor to contest, while others may step down after the President's appeal.

Benue indigenes have come out openly to condemn the establishment of a security outfit believed to be pro Fulani on Saturday in Benue State by a self confessed Boko Haram Commander, Alhaji Aliyu Teshaku.

The people found it unpalatable, that the State Government could be involved in commissioning such a security outfit, at a time Benue was fighting to resist Fulani occupation and defend their ancestral homes.

The security organisation known as Al-Tershak Global Security Ltd was established by Alhaji Tershaku, who had in the past been arrested over alleged links with Boko Haram.

An online newspaper, National Record reported that the commissioning of the security organisation was performed by the Benue State Deputy Governor, Sam Ode who was represented by his Chief Protocol Officer, Gabriel Igoche.

What was curious during the inauguration of the security outfit and which has sparked concerns among people in the state was the huge number of Fulani personnel with many of them appointed as heads of key units within the organization.

The online newspaper reported, “National Record observed during the inauguration that the membership of the security outfit was dominated by the Fulani based on the names the Director called out and looking at the number of the officers who were physically present.”

This newspaper decided to sample the reactions of residents of Makurdi following the launch of the new security organization. What was more disturbing to those who spoke with us was the fact that the organization is dominated by men of Fulani extraction considering the sour relationship between them and indigenous people of the state in recent years.

Terdue Asongu, a resident of North Bank, Makurdi who was the first to react, described the development as suspicious and cautioned the Benue State Government to retract its steps and stop the Al-Tershak Global Security Ltd from commencing operations. He feared that the presence of men who have questionable backgrounds in the state in charge of security would spell doom for innocent people.

“When I read the news that a security outfit controlled by Fulani men had been approved by the Benue State Government, a cold shiver ran through my spine. Even when Fulanis were not in control of security in the state, our people saw hell. What will happen now that they have formally been asked to take charge of our security?”, Asongu queried.

Another respondent James Gbagir who works at the Tipper Park in Wurukum said “Someone should tell Governor Rev Fr Alia that we will not accept this new security formation. He should not make us regret voting for him. We ignored rumours that Fulani people were sponsoring his election and voted for him. Is he now telling us that we were wrong?”, Gbagir wondered.

A public affairs analyst, elder Peter Shange who has constantly written against attempts by Fulani to occupy Benue lands advised the present government of the state to follow the example of Governor Ortom and come clean on the rumours that it is in cahoots with those who have vowed to displace indigenous people of the state from their ancestral lands and take over.

Shange reminded the Alia government that the state already has a lawfully recognized security outfit known as Community Volunteer Guards who were drawn from each community of the state by the people through traditional rulers. He condemned the launch of an alternative outfit which origin and ownership are suspicious.

“Let me advise Governor Hyacinth Alia to listen to good counsel and resist the pressure from those who might have funded his election, if the story is anything to go by. Allowing Aliyu Tershaku to float a Fulani controlled security organization in the state at this time is as good as sitting on a time bomb. Those guys will wake up one day and ask him (Governor) to vacate the Government House and give them the keys. No one goes to bed with a known enemy”, he stated.

Other respondents who pleaded anonymity alleged that the new government in Benue State has brought Aliyu Tershaku with his security organization to fight their political opponents.

It will be recalled that Tershaku was arrested in 2018 by the Nigerian Army in connection with the killings in Benue State. He had stayed away from the state until last year when he returned and contested for the Makurdi/Guma House of Representatives seat in the 2023 election. Even at that, he was not seen campaigning anywhere until he surfaced at the polling unit on the day of the election. He did not get single vote in the election.

Tershaku, though a Tiv man who went wild and became a Boko Haram kingpin is believed to be a Fulani agent who has been sent on a mission by his sponsors to capture Benue State for them.

His return to the state and endorsement by the Alia administration is surely not going down well with the people of the state.

Top Speakership aspirant for the 10th House of Representatives, Hon. Muktar Betara Aliyu, has congratulated the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, as the new Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Senator George Akume as Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

Betara, who is the Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation, in a congratulatory mesasge he personally signed, described the Speaker as a true democrat whose service to humanity will continue to foster a good working relationship with the executive and the legislature.

He noted that President Tinubu could not have a made a better choice for a Chief of Staff than Gbajabiamila owing to his wealth of legislative experience, administrative acumen and loyalty.

While felicitating with the speaker, he prayed Allah to continue to grant him wisdom and protection to contribute his quota to the development of the country.

"My earnest desire is to work with the Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila to bring about the desired Renewed Hope Nigerians yearn for.

"I am indeed glad that my president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR as a true democrat will also work with the legislature to provide dividends of democracy to the populace. For me, the choice of Rt Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila will work in harmony with the legislature and the country at large irrespective of tribe and religion to bring about the dividends of democracy in our country."

Betara also commended the appointment of the new Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, describing him as a reliable compatriot who will serve his father land in honesty.

Betara also felicitated with the former Deputy Governor of Jigawa state, Ibrahim Hadejia, as the Deputy Chief of Staff.

He prayed Almighty Allah's divine wisdom, protection and good health for him to contribute his quota to national development.

By Francis Ottah- Agbo

At the 60th birthday celebration of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, commended the leadership qualities of the Speaker and thanked him for his support over the years.

The President-elect, who had then just won the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential ticket, added that the support given him by Gbajabiamila and his Deputy, Hon Idris Wase, helped him to win the APC presidential ticket.

The relationship between the President-elect and the Speaker goes a long way as the Asiwaju also acknowledged that right from when he was governor of Lagos State, he has been consulting Gbajabiamila on all critical decisions, one of which he said was the payment of WASCE/SSCE fees for Lagosians who were in their final year in secondary schools.

This level of trust and friendship that exists between the two men, coupled with the competence of Gbajabiamila and his over 20 years of legislating for good governance, puts the latter in a good position to serve a central role in the Tinubu administration.

Gbajabiamila is intelligent, smart and connected to the people and institutions of government, and has what it takes to be the Chief of Staff to Tinubu, the sixth Executive President of Nigeria.

First elected to the House of Representatives in 2003 to represent Surulere 1 Federal Constituency, the Speaker, who hit the ground running as a Federal legislator, was able to make an impression on his constituents who kept voting and returning him to the House.

This is because he listens and attends to them in every area of need and has been able to attract projects to the constituency like no other has done.

Not surprisingly, he won election to represent his people for the sixth time in the 10th Assembly and can any time readily repeat the feats that have seen him coming back to the Green Chamber.

But as Tinubu is looking for someone with experience and leadership acumen to give technical support to his administration, attention has shifted to the Speaker to serve as his Chief of Staff because it is given that he has the capacity to coordinate effectively for the President.

With excellent human relations skills, Gbajabiamila has been able to preside over the House effectively, making it to function smoothly without rancour while performing its functions effectively as a legislature.

His ability to reach out to each member in the 360-member strong parliament has confirmed his talent as an efficient manager of human resource, which will be needed to coordinate affairs for the Presidency.

With contacts in all parts of the country and good knowledge of how things work in each arm of government, there is arguably no better person to serve in the capacity of Chief of Staff than Gbajabiamila.

With his background as a lawyer, and experience as a Federal legislator and one who rose through the ranks from being a member to be the minority leader, majority leader and later Speaker, he has seen it all in terms of experience, tact, courage, diplomacy, partnership, patriotism and wisdom.

Before he became Speaker, he had convinced both his colleagues and constituents that he stands for the unity and progress of Nigeria.

Many recall how as a legislator of the progressive hue, he was able to stay true to the cause in entrenching democracy when he fought against the third term agenda of the Olusegun Obasanjo era.

He is sociable, accessible, approachable, and ready to attend to people, and is one of those who gave their all to the APC at a time nobody gave the party a chance to make a headway.

Since Gbajabiamila became Speaker, the quality of bills and motions passed has been enhanced and is tailored towards serving the citizenry.

It was due to his leadership of the House that the Reps intervened and called in the Executive arm of government to rise up to the occasion about the security situation in the country in view of the threats it was posing to citizens.

During the COVID-19 lockdown, the House again, through his leadership, worked out many palliatives, including financial packages that alleviated the suffering of the masses.

The House again waded in strongly when citizens were experiencing hardship due to the redesign of the naira and caused the CBN Governor to appear before it.

The Speaker also intervened in the ASUU strike and it was his intervention that made the lecturers to soft-pedal and return to the classrooms.

He was also in Ghana and South Africa when Nigerians and other foreign nationals were threatened.

With such excellent records, brilliance, proven integrity, reach and commitment to duty, it will be a privilege having such a hard working and committed individual on board.

The next administration requires people with deep experience and vast knowledge of governance to work as the expectations of people of the administration are high. And Gbajabiamila snugly fits that bill.

What is more is the fact that he commands the respect of the legislators as Speaker, has earned the respect of the judiciary as a lawyer of international repute, and has deep understanding of the executive with his interactions with heads of government, ministries and agencies.

With people like Gbajabiamila around the President, the administration's commitment to a smooth take-off would be enhanced and its stability guaranteed.

Hon. Agbo is the Chairman of the Narcotic Drugs Committee and Spokesman of the Minority Caucus of the 9th House of Representatives

Immediate past Governor of Benue State, Dr. Samuel Ortom has reacted to the media report that some detachments of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) officials may have laid siege on him for arrest.

Some sections of the online media had it Monday morning that officials of the EFCC arrived Makurdi, the Benue State capital Sunday night, allegedly working on the invitation of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, with intention to arrest Ortom.

"The plan is to use EFCC to arrest Governor Ortom as soon as he loses immunity today (29th May, 2023) and take him to Abuja where he will be later transferred to Lagos and tortured severely", the media had revealed.

The report also went further to reveal that, "a team of EFCC officials was covertly deployed from Abuja to Benue State, yesterday, the 28th of May, without the knowledge of the commission's Makurdi office who they feared might leak the plot to Governor Ortom.

"The team was reportedly given the express mandate to invade Ortom’s house and ransack the residence to pick him up".

Reacting to the report, Mr. Terver Akase, Media Aide to Ortom, said there was no cause for worry as his Principal had nothing to hide.

"We read some online reports which stated that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has deployed a team of its officers to Benue State to arrest and detain the immediate past Governor of the State, Samuel Ortom over unfounded allegations.

"While we doubt the authenticity of the reports, it is pertinent to state categorically that His Excellency Samuel Ortom has nothing to hide and will be available if and whenever the EFCC invites him.

"Governor Ortom has repeatedly said that he ran a transparent administration and is willing to honour the invitation of any anti-corruption agency that wants to get clarifications on operations of his administration", Akase said.

Dr. Samuel Ortom, on Sunday, 28th May, 2023 presented his handover notes to the new Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Allia in Old Banquet Hall, Makurdi, having served as Governor for eight years.

The new Governor is currently being inaugurated at the IBB Square, Makurdi.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership in Benue State, has concluded plans to commence the persecution of the outgoing Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom by using the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to harass and intimidate the fearless Governor, this newspaper authoritatively gathered.

Reliable sources within the APC fold revealed that the leader of the party in the state, Senator George Akume is on the wheel of plot against Ortom and has vowed to deal ruthlessly with him.

"The plan is to use EFCC to arrest Governor Ortom as soon as he loses immunity today (29th May, 2023) and take him to Abuja where he will be later transferred to Lagos and tortured severely", the source told our Correspondent.

The second part of the plan, according to same source who pleaded anonymity, is "to commence a media trial of Ortom by using columnists and reports to convict him on the pages of newspapers and in the electronic media without any court verdict".

Our Correspondent also confirmed that, a team of EFCC officials was covertly deployed from Abuja to Benue State, yesterday, the 28th of May, without the knowledge of the commission's Makurdi office who they feared might leak the plot to Governor Ortom.

The team was reportedly given the express mandate to invade Ortom’s house and ransack the residence to pick him up.

The source also confirmed that, the EFCC has already framed phony charges that they will level against Governor Ortom if he is arrested. Akume is said to have used several surrogates to write petitions against Ortom to EFCC accusing him of misappropriation of public funds.

The Minister is believed to still be feeling the pain of humiliation that Governor Ortom gave him in 2019 when he lost his Senate bid and has vowed never to forgive the Governor.

Benue State Chairman of APC, Comrade Austin Agada could not be reached as his cell phone rang severally without response.

Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to Governor Ortom on Media and Publicity, Mr. Terver Akase, told our Correspondent that his Principal would not be afraid of any invitation from the anti graft agency.

Akase said, "If the report is true, then I will say that EFCC does not need to use covert operations to harass Governor Ortom, because the Governor has already said openly that he is ready to honour any invitation from the commission. He has nothing to hide”.

This is not the first time that EFCC is harassing Governor Samuel Ortom. Five years ago, the commission repeatedly probed the Governor and invited his key appointees for interrogation but came out with nothing meaningful or tangible to tell Nigerians.

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday attributed the successes recorded by his administration to the harmonious relationship between the Executive and the Legislature, as well as refused to meddle with the affairs of the Legislature and promoted instead, a culture of mutual respect and collaboration between the two arms.

Buhari who disclosed this during the official commissioning of the permanent site of National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), expressed optimism that the magnificent complex has the potential to significantly boost the capacity of the legislature in Nigeria and Africa at large.

He said: "As you are all aware, I have traversed all parts of Nigeria in the last few days commissioning several critical national infrastructures that my administration has completed over the last eight years. Our successes as a government are primarily due to the harmonious relationship between the Executive and the Legislature.

"The legislature is the cornerstone of any democracy and is vital to ensuring that the wishes and aspirations of all Nigerians are considered during the lawmaking process. It also performs critical functions of overseeing the Executive and ensuring that government spending aligns with legislative intent.

"As you are aware, from the moment of my election in 2015 and subsequently, I supported the idea of an independent National Assembly, one that is able to decide its Leadership and develop its agenda in line with the manifesto of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

"I refrained from meddling in the affairs of the legislature and promoted instead a culture of mutual respect and collaboration between the two arms.
The numerous positive outcomes for our country Nigeria underscore the importance of a harmonious Executive-Legislature relationship.

"Working with the National Assembly, we have passed an unprecedented number of Bills into law, provided funding for key infrastructure, implemented several governmental reforms, and addressed some of the long-standing challenges that have hampered economic growth and development.

"Our achievements in reforming the oil and gas sector, strengthening the electoral framework, diversifying our economy, improving transparency and accountability, tackling insecurity and entrenching good governance are easily verifiable. As such, this 9th Assembly will be remembered as one of the most productive in terms of outputs and outcomes. Again, I thank the Leadership of the National Assembly for giving me the support required to deliver on my promises to Nigerians.

"Nigeria is immensely endowed in many ways. However, our single greatest asset is the people of this country. Our teeming youth population provides the labour force, we need to industrialise and develop our economy. This underscores the need for a more sustained investment in human capacity development.

"Accordingly, my administration prioritised social investment programmes and a range of other initiatives to reduce poverty, upgrade the standard of living and improve the economy.

"Human capital is the essential lifeblood of a state and its public institutions, including the legislature. The National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly stand to perform their constitutionally assigned mandate better when provided with all the required resources.

"In 2018, I signed the NILDS Amendment Bill into law, thus expanding the mandate of the Institute to provide capacity not only to legislators but also to other political actors. This edifice would enable the Institute to better meet its expanded functions.

"It is my expectation that NILDS will utilise this site to provide targeted capacity building to legislators, political parties and civil society to enable them better respond to changing circumstances," he noted.

In his remarks, Senate President, Senator Ahmad Lawan averted that Buhari's administration over the past eight years pursued what has been described as the most ambitious infrastructure programme since independence in 1960.

"We in the Ninth National Assembly have supported the President in ensuring the timely delivery of these critical infrastructures. Notably, in the last three years, the Senate and the House dedicated a substantial part of the national budget towards funding infrastructure development across all six geo-political zones.

"As a result of this collaboration between the legislature and the executive, hundreds of roads, bridges and rail lines across Nigeria have been constructed or rehabilitated. In addition, we have also passed several legislations to provide an overarching framework for sustainable economic growth and development. Significantly also, the investment in infrastructure development extends to all six geo-political zones of the country.

"Indeed, history will remember President Buhari’s tenacity and unwavering commitment to charting a new course for Nigeria."

While acknowledging that the time for the 9th Assembly to wind down draws to a close, Senator Lawan assured that the Assembly will "leave behind an enduring legacy for the succeeding Assemblies.

"I challenge the incoming Leadership and Members of the Tenth National Assembly to carry on with the same vigour and dedication as we did and build on our achievements. I call on the Director-General, Management and staff of the Institute to utilise this edifice to advance democracy in Nigeria and beyond."

On his part, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila urged President Buhari to grant assent to both the Federal Audit Bill and National Assembly Budget and Research Office (NABROl Bill which seeks to enhance the oversight function of Committees as critical legislative priorities as well as improve transparency and accountability in government processes.

While noting that the ability of the legislature to function effectively and hold the executive to account depends on its internal human and financial capacity, lamented that: "Over the years, the relatively weaker institutional capacity of the legislature has hampered its effectiveness both at the national but most notably at the state level."

He however expressed delight that the Institute which is modelled on the Congressional Research Service (CRS) of the United States to fill this gap, has achieved a lot since its establishment.

Also speaking, NILDS Director General, Professor Olanrewaju Sulaiman observed that: "Despite these challenges, the Institute has established itself as Africa’s premier legislative capacity-building institution, as attested by its highly valued services and outputs. In the past decade, NILDS has considerably closed the capacity challenges that have limited the effectiveness of the legislature in Nigeria. Moreover, through its various programmes and interventions, the lawmaking and oversight functions of the legislature have also been significantly strengthened.

"This expansive structure, state-of-the-art equipment, and facilities are game changers for NILDS. It will enable the Institute to undertake its programmes and activities without the constraint of space. Also, the absorptive capacity of the institute will be significantly enhanced.

"In the coming years, we shall continue to lead in capacity-strengthening, teaching and research, providing support services to the legislature and other democratic institutions, generating innovations and promoting democratic ethos."

He also eulogized the roles played by successive leadership of National Assembly, especially, Senator David Mark who laid the foundation for this project, as well as Professor Ladi Hamalai who worked tirelessly towards actualising this permanent site.

By Sampson Ikemitang

On the 24th December, 2019, news hit the airwaves about the appointment of Engr. Magashi Umar Bashir by President Muhammadu Buhari as the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC). Indeed, his choice for the job by Mr. President has without doubt elicited cheers and accolades from across ethno-religious divides.

This is based on the juxtaposition that he has extensive experience in public service, having worked in government for several years.

In fact, many have since described the appointment as well-deserved given the appointee’s pedigree in water resources engineering. Interestingly, this viewpoint has been accentuated by his intellectual prowess, nimbleness and sagacity exhibited at different fora –locally and internationally on water resources related discourse.

The admirers are therefore, optimistic that Engr. Magashi will certainly bring his decades-long expertise in water resources development and management to bear, with a view to attaining accelerated national development for the country.

As a highlight, some of the roles which Engr. Magashi is expected to undertake at the Water Resources Commission include: Definition of standards for operation, execution and performance; Regulation of water resources development as well as its planning and management in line with international best practise, amongst others. A feat he has achieved and even surpassed the expectations of many.

To profile his background, Magashi Umar Bashir was born on February 14, 1963 in Gwale, Kano State. He attended Gwale Primary School between 1970 -1977 where he obtained First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC). He proceeded to the Federal Government College, Odogbolu, Ogun State between 1977-1982 and got the West African Examination Certificate (WAEC). In 1982-1984, he enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences, Kano for IJMB. Subsequently, he gained admission into the Technical University Kosice, Slovak Republic (former Czechoslovakia), graduating with bachelor’s & masters degree in Exploration Geology in 1992. Thereafter, he served the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with Sylvens Quarries Nigeria Ltd (a blasting company) in Ondo State, South West Nigeria in 1993.

He started his civil service career with the Kano State Ministry of Water Resources as a Geologist 1, on grade level 09 in 1994 and earned promotions to the rank of Principal Geologist, grade level 12 by 1999. He later moved into the Federal Civil Service in the year 2000 as a Principal Hydrogeologist on grade level 12 with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and rose to the position of a Director in 2016.

While in service, Engr. Magashi had distinguished himself and displayed some measures of dexterity in the discharge of his duties, as he served the nation in different capacities.

For instance, in 1997, he piloted the geophysical surveys for the drilling of Hand pump boreholes in the then guinea worm infested areas of Kano State. In 2005, he conducted geophysical survey for the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) in different military formations.

Also, he had conducted several other privately drilled boreholes such as the Mamba point Hotel Borehole which is known for its uniqueness ever since it was constructed. Again, in that same year in Niger State, he conducted geophysical surveys for the drilling of motorised boreholes for the purpose of supplying the town and its adjoining villages, including the compilation of the whole report on the project.

In the same vein, in 2006 -2009, he worked as a counterpart staff on the European Union/World Bank Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Reform Programme (WSSSRP). A Programme which was co-funded by the Nigerian Government, UNICEF and European Union was aimed at reforming the water sector in Nigeria. This was in effort to achieve effective implementation of the Integrated Water Resources Management in Nigeria.

In achieving its complete mapping, two pilot River Basins (RBDAs) Hadejia-Jama and Cross River Basins were singled out as case study. This was realised seamlessly with the active participation of Engr. Magashi.

It is instructive to note that the veteran water resources engineer has an insatiable appetite for knowledge. That explains why he has not spared any opportunity to learn something new even with his tight schedule. All this is in a bid to deliver quality service to the people whenever the need for him to serve comes knocking. In this connection, Engr. Magashi has several published and unpublished works to his credit.

Prominent among them are: Delta Sediments of the KL’COV Layers in the South Eastern Slovakian Depression and their Oil Prospectiveness –A Dissertation submitted to his alma mater which after defence was graded as EXCELLENT in 1992; Flooding, Causes and Effects published in the NIHSA HYDROVIEWS –A Scientific Bulletin Vol.2 No.1 2013; Water Management for Cropland, Livestock, Rangeland and Bushfires in Nigeria under the Monitoring for Environment and Security in Africa –MESA Bulletin Vol.1 2016.

Others are: Macro and Microscopic Analysis of a Gypsum Sample, Damaturu, Yobe State 1994; and had conducted over 35, 000 Geophysical Surveys in the Basement Complex, the Sedimentary and the Chad Basin 2000 -2013.

As the helmsman of the Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission, (NIWRMC), Engr. Magashi has introduced laudable initiatives and recorded tremendous success stories. Perhaps, it’s appropriate to highlight some of these mind-blowing achievements.

After several unsuccessful attempts by his predecessors to regularise project staff of the Commission into the mainstream civil service, Engr. Magashi ultimately secured a waiver from the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation with subsequent approval by the Federal Civil Service Commission and have since fully integrated these 40 staff into the service.

In effort to reposition the Commission and propel it towards achieving its mandate of regulating, protecting, conserving and controlling equitable water resources for socio-economic development, the National Water Source Protection Policy Framework has been developed, validated and finalized by the stakeholders. Also, the development of Technical Assessment for Environment and Safety performance of Dams in Nigeria have been developed.

The Commission has also created the Databank and GIS Laboratory in its headquarters. The essence is to enable it monitor effectively and efficiently the quality and safety of water resource.

Other achievements include, establishment of a legal framework for sustainable revenue recovery process; Review of Water Use Licence terms and conditions in line with international best practice; Collaboration with State Water regulators for sustainable and equitable water resources management; Expanded protocol on enforcement against water use charges defaulters; commencement of water use charges recovery process which is done in collaboration with recovery law firms and collaborative measures with the Office of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation in the retrieval of the Commission’s complete mandate –collection of water use charges from the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).

More so, the Commission under Engr. Magashi’s supervision is working on the following policies: - Water metering equipment, flood insurance, people living on the floodplains and wetlands in Nigeria.

In recognition for hard-work, selflessness and dedication to duties, Engr. Magashi had during his service years received series of commendation letters and Award from both the Government and interest groups. He received letter of commendation from the Honourable Minister of Water Resources for selfless dedication to the organisation of the International Conference on Lake Chad; Leadership Award in recognition of immense support in the hosting of the 12th National Conference of the Nigerian Association of Hydrological Sciences by the Association of Hydrological Services –Rivers/Bayelsa State Chapter; Award of Excellence for contribution, selflessness and dedication by the Urban Development Group and Award of the Thomas Sankara Leadership Prize by the Youth Partnership for African Development.

He is a fellow of several Professional Associations, namely, Nigeria Association of Hydrogeologists (FNAH), Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (FNMGS), Member International Water Association (MIWA), Nigerian Association of Hydrological Sciences (FNAHS), Nigerian Institute of Water Engineers (FNIWE) and a registered practitioner of the Council for Nigeria Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (COMEG).


(Mr. Ikemitang, a Writer and Public Affairs Analyst, is based in Abuja).

G7 aspirants for the Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives has met with "Greater Majority ", with a resolved to present a consensus candidate for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

The G7 aspirants met at a parly with the "Greater Majority " in Abuja on Saturday at Transcorp Hilton.

The G7 reiterated their commitment to work with the minority caucus in a bid to present a common front for the 10th National Assembly Speaker.

The G7 are made up of Rep. Ahmed Wase, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Reps, Rep. Aliyu Betara, Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation, Rep Yusuf Gagdi, Chairman, House Committee on Navy.

Others include: Rep. Sada Soli (APC-Katsina), Sani Jaji (APC-Zamfara), Miriam Onuhoa (APC-Imo) and Rep Ado Doguwa.

Sada Soli commended the caucus, while assuring them of their unalloyed support with a promised to present a consensus candidate to the Greater Majority.

Responding on behalf of the greater majority, Rep. Fred Agbedi, commended the G7 in seeing the Greater majority as partners in progress.l for the progressive growth of the 10the House of Reps

He hailed the lawmakers for maintaining sacredness of the hollowed chamber, while assuring the G7 that the caucus had not endorsed any candidate.

He promised that the greater minority would work with all members-elect of the minority to ensure that the 10th House had a speaker for all

The G7 however found the endorsement of Abbas and Kalu as an affront on their aspirations, claiming they were not consulted and such endorsement would be resisted.

The total number of minority in the House from the PDP, NNPP, ADC, YPP and LP is 182, while the APC has 178 members-elect, while the focus of the greater minority is to preserve the independence of the legislature.

By Yemi Itodo

A youth group in the All Progressives Congress, APC, APC Youth Alliance For Progress, APC-YAP, has called on the party and the president-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to heed the progressive and patriotic advice of some leaders of the party to jettison the present zoning arrangement.

The APC-YAP in a statement on Sunday in Abuja stressed that ignoring the well-meaning advice of prominent stakeholders like the governor of Ondo state, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, was recipe for a fractured National Assembly, especially the House of Reps.

Governor Akeredolu had in a statement titled, “Proposed APC Zoning Formula for NASS Leadership Positions is a Skewed Arrangement that Reinforces Injustice And Enhances Inequity,” noted with great concern that the purported zoning arrangement released by the party “represents early signs of steps aimed at attempts to cabin the hard-earned presidency for our leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, by a few individuals with eyes on ASO ROCK POWER BUTTONS.”

The youth group statement signed by Isa Pai and Wahab Adeyemi noted that it “stands logic on the head for the party to reward indolence and perpetrate injustice at a time for inclusion and national healing. It is urgent for the party to discard the notion of handpicking officers for the 10th House of Reps. Nigerians are already wary of the party and not attempt should be made to reinforce the idea that the party does not care about party development and democracy.”

Referencing the Ondo governor, the APC-YAP wondered why the party that allowed an open field in the presidential primaries will now micro zone offices for the National Assembly as if it was a department of the party.

Akeredolu had stated, “It is an insidious permutation that North-east will be deprived in the face of the unsavoury generosity dispensed through two slots to a particular geo-political zone. It is self-repudiating for one to argue, therefore, that the Speaker of the House of Representatives cannot also emerge from the North-east.”

By Yemi Itodo


Mr Muktar Betara Aliyu, the leading aspirant for the seat of the Speakership of the House of Representatives says his group hold the ace to who emerges the next Speaker of the lower legislative chamber.

Speaking during the unveiling ceremony of the Speakership bid by a member of the coalition, Mr Ahmed Wase, he expressed optimism that their group would arrive at a consensus on who is best suited to preside over the proceedings of the House.

Betara, a fifth termed Member who chairs the House committee on Appropriation describes Wase as a brother and a comrade who is equally qualified to preside over the House.

Reiterating his opposition to the move to impose a Speaker on the House of Representatives, he noted: "For us, we formed this group because we are opposed to the zoning arrangement of the party, We are not fighting and we would not fight. We are in support of a consensus candidate.

"We can picked the candidate from among ourselves but if we all sit down and decided on it. I assure all of you it is only one person that God would choose to be Speaker. I assure we are not going to have any issue. We are going to agree to support one of us as speaker."

For Sada Soli, there is need for fairness, inclusivity and respect for diversity in arriving at the choice of the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

The Katsina born lawmaker called on members elect to strive to protect the sanctity and freedom of the institution of the legislature.

"Anything short of that, the consequences would be dire. We must drop all personal interest geared towards producing a Speaker who would not take directive for some personal aggrandisement, a speaker who would tell you as it is. Lawmaking is a very serious business. It is beyond personal interests."

Gagdi who spoke in the same vein warned against a rubberstammp Assembly that would take directive from forces outside the hallowed chamber of the National Assembly.

"We are determine to protect democracy. The House of Representatives is the House of the Nigerian people. By the time we are working, no leadership of party would be there. Only we and we would be doing the serious business of lawmaking."

Mrs Miriam Onuoha, one of the members of the coalition reiterated her opposition to injustice in the polity while calling of inclusivity of women and other vulnerable groups that form over half the population of the country.

"I stand with the coalition, indivisibility of Nigeria. Legislature is independent. Member elect would rise up to the challenge to ensure the independence of the legislature," she added.

Wase said it behoves on the leadership of the party to cede the seat to him having served the interest of the APC, the parliament and the nation over the years.

A document from the Nigeria Immigration Service has confirmed that the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig Gen MK Fadah, faked his age.

Although his date of birth remains something of a mystery, it is being alleged that Fadah claims to have been born in 1970.

However, his travelling papers released by the NIS said otherwise as they showed that the NYSC DG was born 10 years earlier.

According to his passport, Fadah was born on 10 October 1960 and will clock 62 next month.

What this means is that the NYSC DG has stayed beyond the 60 years mandatory retirement age permitted by the public service rules and other extant laws on conditions of service in the Nigerian Armed Forces.

The papers added that the Brigadier-General‘s birthplace is his hometown of Gushua in Yobe State.

There are also concerns that Fadah may have falsified his academic qualifications to get undue advantage to be enlisted into the armed forces.

According to the NYSC, “He attended the Kaduna Polytechnic from where he obtained an HND before proceeding to bag a Post-Graduate Diploma in Management from the Lagos State University.

“He also holds a Master Degree in Peace and Strategic Study of the University of Ilorin. Driven by his insatiable thirst for knowledge, he enrolled for, and is currently working for a PhD Security and Strategic Studies at the Nigerian Defence Academy”.

However, there are reports that the NYSC DG may have forged some documents to reach his current position in the Nigerian Army.

To make matters worse, unlike his predecessors, no information on his date of birth or evidence of education is posted on the NYSC website.

Fadah, who was appointed as the 19th NYSC DG in May, once worked as Direct Regular Commission at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji.

In December 2015, he was promoted to the rank of a Colonel and in November 2020, he was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General.

Fadah was the Commandant of the Command Secondary School, Kaduna before he was appointed by President Buhari as the DG NYSC.

But his four months in office have been marred by controversies ranging from alleged corruption, incompetence and age falsification.

A civil society group, Anti-corruption Vanguard, had written to President Muhammadu Buhari in August demanding for Fadah’s sack.

In its letter to the President, the group listed alleged age/academic records falsification, illegal recruitment of 700 workers with priority on northern Muslims, financial misappropriation, non-participation in one year mandatory NYSC scheme, nepotism and gross abuse of office as the “sins” of Fadah.

The group said it “ resolved to investigate the controversies over the birth and academic records of the director general as a check on NYSC portal suggest the deliberate omission of key info on Brig Gen M.K Fadah bio. No date of birth, no primary/secondary school attended”.

It added that the “DG is shady on whether or not he participated in the one year of mandatory service to the nation before joining the military; the same NYSC he heads today”.

A top source in the NYSC said Fadah didn't merit the appointment in the first place as he lacks the requisite academic qualifications and experience.

The insider noted that the NYSC DG enjoys the backing of a senior government official who fast-tracked his promotion and facilitated his appointment.

"We are not surprised by the whole age and academic controversies. You can't give what you don't have," the NYSC staff said.

"The new DG operates with impunity and utter disregard for authorities and protocols. He won't last."

By Ejiofor Alike


With the successful conduct of the presidential primary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that produced former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s flagbearer for the 2023 presidential election, political horse-trading has begun among the southern politicians, especially from the South-south and South-east geopolitical zones over who will be his running mate.

Atiku was elected penultimate Saturday at a special convention of the PDP, after beating the Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Nyesom Wike; former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, among others to emerge the party’s standard bearer.

While some South-south governors seem to have positioned themselves for the position, new political considerations however, seem to favour the South-east zone for the simple reason that the zone has not had the opportunity of occupying the number one plum position since 1999.

Currently, there are three governors from the South-south that are potential candidates for the position of Atiku’s running mate. They are: Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State, Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State and Godwin Obaseki of Edo State.

Okowa is a calm politician, and an Ika from Owa-Alero, who was re-elected as the governor of Delta State on May 29, 2019.

A medical doctor by training, he has been Secretary to the Ika Local Government and then Chairman of the Ika North-East Local Government Council and has consistently remained in the PDP since 1998.

Okowa was also a former commissioner in Delta State at different times. He was elected PDP’s Delta North Senator in 2011 and clinched the governorship position in 2015. By May 2023, Okowa would have completed his two constitutionally guaranteed terms.

On his part, Emmanuel took office since May 29, 2015. Before becoming governor, he was appointed in 2013 as Secretary to the State Government of Akwa Ibom and in 2015, he was elected governor of the state, succeeding his benefactor, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

He was re-elected in 2019, after defeating 44 other candidates at the poll. Emmanuel, who bagged a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Lagos in 1988, was Executive Director in Zenith Bank Plc before working for the government.

Also being mentioned is Obaseki who is currently the Governor of Edo State. He was in the financial sector as an executive board member of several private companies, including Afrinvest before former Governor Adams Oshiomhole in March 2009 tapped him on the shoulder to join him to run Edo State. He served as the Chairman of the Edo State Economic and Strategy Team. He later succeeded Oshiomhole in 2016 and was re-elected for second term in 2020.

Whether for political expediency, balancing or giving a sense of belonging, Atiku and the leadership of PDP’s searchlight on the South-east geopolitical zone to shop for a running mate is not out of place. Indeed, many feel that it will be desirable to correct real or imaginary marginalisation of the zone.

It is just a convention and political arithmetic that the plum position of the President of Nigeria rotates between the North and the South. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (South-west) had it from 1999 to 2007 for the South. He handed over President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua (North-west) in 2007 but by a twist of fate, Yar’Adua died midway and by the provision of the Nigerian constitution, the Vice President Goodluck Jonathan (South-south) assumed the mantle of leadership till 2015.

Due to the deep fracture in the hitherto behemoth, the PDP, the party lost the presidency to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015 with President Muhammad Buhari (North-west) as president. Buhari will complete his eight-year tenure in 2023. Therefore, South-east is the only geo-political zone in the South that has not produced the president.

In the build-up to the primaries of the two major political parties, the clamour for a president of South-east extraction had resonated so well with many people and groups across the country. Chief Ayo Adebanjo of the Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Chief Edwin Clark of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and Dr. Pogu Bitrus of Middle Belt Forum (MBF), had argued eloquently and persuasively that it was the turn of the South-east zone to produce Nigerian president in 2023.

The leaders of the socio-cultural groups argued that on the basis of equity, justice and fairness, the political parties in the country should pick their presidential candidates from the zone as a way of giving the people of the zone a sense of belonging.

The socio-cultural organisations reasoned that if the political class and the retired military Generals could concede the presidency to the South-west zone in 1999, the same approach could be adopted and micro-zone the presidency to the South-east zone in 2023.

Afenifere leader, Chief Adebanjo, was emphatic that the group was in support of the South-east producing the next president. In the same vein, the elder statesman and PANDEF leader, Chief Clark, said: “We stand for power shift to Southern Nigeria. Igbo people deserve the presidency of Nigeria.”

For Bitrus of the MBC, “It is the turn of the South-east to produce the president. Nigeria cannot be a stable and prosperous country if some of its constituent parts behave as if they were the natural masters of everyone and that everyone else exists at their pleasure and to serve them.”

Other groups and notable individuals have made similar appeals to the two major political parties in the country – the APC and the PDP – to zone the presidency to the South-east.

Many feel that since it is becoming obvious that the zone may not get the presidential, the vice presidential tickets should not elude them for equity and justice. This is why they are calling on Atiku and PDP to look in the direction of the South-east where the names of former President of the Senate and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Anyim Pius Anyim, and short-lived Imo State Governor, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha and former Governor of Enugu State and current Senator representing Enugu East, Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani are being touted as potential favourite for the plum job.

Anyim and Ihedioha have cognate experiences in the legislature. They were both presiding officers in the National Assembly. While Anyim was Senate President 2000 to 2003, Ihedioha was Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives between 2011 and 2015. On the other hand, Nnamani was a two-term governor of Enugu State and third-term senator.

A respectable blend between the old and the new generations of politicians, Anyim attended Imo State University, where he studied law and graduated in 1987. And since joining politics in 1998, he has progressed enviably as one of the leading lights from the South-east geopolitical zone.

With a good grasp of the nation’s complexities and her fault lines, Anyim has proven to also know what the issues are with profound solutions often suggested on the way forward. Thus, as a force from the Igbo-speaking nation, he qualifies as a worthy complement to the PDP presidential ticket.

Ihedioha is a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives from where he contested the governorship election and lost to Rochas Okorocha in 2015. When he tried again in 2019 and succeeded, it was snatched from him controversially by the Supreme Court on January 20, 2020 and given to Governor Hope Uzodimma.

Another name that has continued to come up prominently is that of Senator Chimaroke Nnamani. The former Enugu State governor has twin advantages over the rest of the potential candidates. Nnamani has both executive and legislative experiences. He was a forefront Governor of Enugu State for eight years and a ranking senator.

Many believe that if merit, competence and capacity are the yardstick, Atiku should settle for Nnamani and search no more.

They believe that Nnamani unarguably possesses the requisite knowledge, ability and statesmanship to be Nigeria’s Vice President. As a great mobiliser, he has demonstrated this through his Ebeano political family since 1999 that leadership is not complex if right steps are taken and putting the interest of the people first.

His Ebeano political family has become a dynasty in Enugu State and has continued to produce successive governors. It has also produced Senate President, Ken Nnamani, Senators, Deputy Senate President, in the person of Ike Ekweremadu, senators, ministers, House of Representatives members, ambassadors, INEC national commissioners, Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, state House of Assembly members, local government chairmen and councilors in Enugu State. His Ebeano network is synonymous with grassroots politics in Enugu State. Many analysts believe that such a man is an ideas man and an asset to the PDP going forward.

An American-trained specialist in obstetrician and gynecologist with sub speciality in foetal and maternal medicine (medicine of the unborn babies) of international repute, Nnamani is also a professor of medicine. He currently teaches and supervises medical students at Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) pro bono.

As governor of Enugu State, Nnamani demonstrated capacity and provided responsible leadership. It is to his credit that he built and moved the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) to its permanent site, built the ESUT Teaching Hospital at the old site of Parklane Hospital, Enugu, three district hospitals in Udi, Enugu Ezike and Agbani, as well as 24 cottage hospitals. He also built the Enugu Campus of the Nigerian Law School.

(Alike is a political editor of ThisDay Newspaper).

By Esther Daniels

Ahead of the 2023 general elections, Benue State Governor, Dr. Samuel Ortom, has warned that any attempt by anyone or group to rig elections in the state will be met with stiff resistance.

The Governor who stated this at the expanded caucus of the People's Democratic Party, PDP, in the state which held at the Benue People's House, Makurdi, Tuesday, May 3rd, 2022 also reiterated his commitment to free, fair and credible primary elections.

He said the recently held council elections in the state where the PDP won all the 23 chairmanship slots and 276 councillors in the state was a testimony of the people's appreciation of the PDP administration in the state.

On the forthcoming PDP primaries, Governor Ortom said, "We will not tolerate anyone who will want to disrupt the primary elections. I am going to be personally involved. My cabinet members will be involved in the process too."

He warned that "any member of my cabinet that will go there (primaries) and do any form of shortchanging, will be sacked the same day".

Ortom used the occasion to congratulate the winners for various positions at the just concluded local government elections in the State, stressing that "I participated. I voted. It was very smooth, free and fair," he added.

On his part, the State Chairman of PDP, Sir John Ngbede, said the PDP Ward Congress of Saturday, 30th April, 2022 was hugely successful, except for a pocket of complaints from a few LGAs which he said would be addressed by the appeal committee.

Ngbede warned against use of thugs to cause mayhem in the forthcoming party primaries, saying anyone caught with such act would be handed over to the security agencies for prosecution, "no matter the status of the individual".

By Yemi Itodo

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, has stated that, if elected, he would run an all-inclusive government and not a regional one, unlike the Muhammad Buhari and All Progressive Congress (APC) led presidency and Federal Government.

Mohammed, a former Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), is a top contender for President of Nigeria, under the major opposition, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Addressing his former colleagues, the PDP Ministers in Abuja Tuesday night, Gov. Mohammed accused the APC government of polarising the country along regional and tribal lines, describing the Buhari's presidency as a "regional" and nepotistic government.

He said, "the nation is in pieces. Nigeria is no longer there under APC. The country is too divided. Why is the country so divided. We must reduce the acrimony. APC has destroyed everything. It is all nepotism".

The former lawmaker stressed further: "We are detribalized as democrats. We cannot be a regionalized government”, while urging his former colleagues to assist form a government that would work for all Nigerians, regardless of their region, religion and status.

He vowed to checkmate the current borrowing profile of the APC administration, adding that the Buhari's government is afraid of accountability, "promoting name-calling in the name of investigation that is selfish and unproductive".

“You will help make Nigeria great again by collaborating together in this effort. We shall not take APC for granted. They are planning all sorts of intimidations but we are steadfast", Mohammed told the PDP Ministers Forum, while pledging his loyalty to the party, saying, he would not abandon it.

On building the nation through human capital development, Mohammed said, "there are people with good ideas to help administer and govern this nation. We no longer rely on our human capital. In my administration as the President of Nigeria, we will run a knowledge driven administration".

Chairman of the Forum, Hon. Tanimu Turaki (SAN) in his reaction, described Mohammed as “one of the forces to lead the restoration of PDP and a pace setter”.

He referred to Gov. Mohammed as a successful politician, whose history of performance has been outstanding.

On her part, former Minister of State for FCT, Mrs. Olajumoke Akinjide, echoed the same sentiment on need to run an all-inclusive government in Nigeria, describing Mohammed as a "loyal friend and good human being".

By Esther Daniels


It has been confirmed that only Benue and 3 other states have remitted their workers pension contributions fully as at December 2021, in line with the mandate of the Contributory Pension Scheme, CPS.

The states are Benue, Lagos, Kaduna and Edo states.

This is contained in the 2021 fourth quarter report, Q4’21, released by the National Pension Commission, PenCom, five other states of Osun, Delta, Ekiti, Ondo, Anambra and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which are also remitting both employer and employee contributions have backlogs in remittances.

Analysis of the report shows that 25 states had enacted pension laws on the CPS, while seven states were at the bill processing stage.

Vanguard newspaper reported that out of the five states operating other pension schemes, four states adopted the Contributory Defined Benefits Scheme (CDBS), while one state operates the Defined Benefits Scheme (DBS).

PenCom noted that as part of its mandate, it carried out sensitization workshops, capacity-building programs, and stakeholder engagement meetings during the quarter under review.

It added that it held a meeting with four pioneer Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) managing majority of the RSAs of employees of Kaduna State to review the solutions proposed by the PFAs and Kaduna State to address the accrued rights liabilities owed to the retired and disengaged employees of the state.

By Yemi Itodo


An agriculture entrepreneur and grassroots mobilizer, Hon (Amb.) Peace Patrick-Nnaji, has called on women across the country, to support their fellow women in political participation and only men who would support their growth.

According to her, it would be more rewarding for women to support their own in any election, as against male candidates who would receive massive support from women and would at the end, refuse to support policies or legislations that enhance their growth in the society.

Hon. Patrick-Nnaji stated this on Wednesday in Abuja, while interacting with Journalists, shortly after confirming she had earlier picked nomination forms from the People's Democratic Party (PDP) Secretariat, Enugu, to run for an election.

She is eyeing the seat for Member, Enugu State House of Assembly, representing Enugu East Urban consistency, under the umbrella party.

Reacting to the refusal of National Assembly to pass some clauses of the Bill to amend the 1999 constitution of Nigeria, that would give women affirmative action and encourage their participation in active politics; the young and elegant women advocate said it was very unfortunate that women were being treated like second class citizens or nobody in their own country, where they constitute larger population.

"In every census, women are the largest in population in Nigeria. Women constitute over 60% of voting population in every election in this country. We are the ones voting for them. They get to power with our votes and turn their back at us.

"During elections, you will see men going to their farms or staying back at home playing draft. Women would defy rains and the scorching of the sun, to queue till night and cast their votes. But what do we get in return? They get to that office and start making obnoxious policies that will hamper the growth of women in the society.

"Look at what happened at the National Assembly last month. I learnt women blocked the gates and major entrance for weeks. What they should have done was not physical protest. Women should protest via balloting, by making sure they sponsor and support their fellow women to be in places of authority", Hon. Patrick-Nnaji, who is also the Woman Leader in charge of all the Southern States of PDP Youth Alliance, stressed.

She vowed to continue to advance the course of women in all segments of the society, while pledging total support for women and youth of her constituency, when she is eventually voted.

The Nigerian Senate is investigating how OML 46 was illegally awarded to Halkin Exploration and Production Company Limited, by the defunct Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), in contravention of Presidential directive.

The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, while interfacing with the groups involved at a public hearing on Tuesday, 22nd March, 2022, was informed that, after the revocation of the oil field, the presidency intervened, considered the numerous petitions from the various marginal owners and directed that the fields be rewarded on discretionary basis with preference to the previous owners, including the Atala Oil Field.

The public hearing followed a petition brought before the Senate dated the 5th October 2021, by Sir Daniel Chukwudozie, on behalf of Hardy Oil Nigeria Limited (HONL), against the DPR, for alleged breach of trust, corruption and illegal revocation of OML 46 and re-awarding same to Halkin Exploration and Production Company Limited, in breach of due process.

During the public hearing which was the third in the series, the representative of Hardy Oil, Barr. Ike Onwuchuluba, adopted its presentation dated 24th September 2021, in addition to the annexed documents which the company submitted to the Committee.

He submitted the subject matter of the petition bothered on the OML46 - Atala Marginal Oil Field and the improper way and manner the field that was formerly managed by the trio of Bayelsa Oil Company Limited (BOCL), Hardy Oil Nigeria Limited and Century Exploration and Production (CEPL) was revoked and handed over to a company in very shady and fraudulent circumstances, ipso facto, that Halkin Exploration and Production Limited invested $60,000,000 in the Atala Marginal Field and executed a Farm-In Agreement with BOCL.

Debunking the allegation that there was an investment of $60million and acquisition of 41 percent shares of BOCL by Halkin Exploration and Production Company Limited, Hardy Oil Nigeria Limited said: "The allocation of the field to Halkin Exploration and Production Company Limited was done and secured under fraudulent mis-representation made by Halkin.

Barr Onwuchuluba also told the Senate that the award, which was predicated on two reasons by the defunct DPR was false, adding that, Halkin Exploration and Production Company Limited was an unknown entity to the former Atala Marginal Field owners.

"They did not invest any $60m in the field, did not execute any Farm-in Agreement with BOCL and that Halkin Exploration and Production Company Limited secured OML 46 under false pretense/misrepresentation", he added.

He also informed the Committee that the man who presented himself as the Managing Director (MD) of Halkin Exploration and Production Company Limited was the immediate past MD of Bayelsa Oil Company Limited as at the time the field was given to Halkin and stands conflicted by holding such dual positions.

"Which means that he was on one leg the MD of BOCL and on another leg the MD of Hakin. So it is not impossible that he may have used his position as the MD of BOCL to alter documents to the benefit of Halkin. And that the failure of DPR to verfy the claims of Halkin from the Atala JV Partners was in breach of the principle of fair hearing", he submitted.

While emphasizing that the re-awarding of OML46 was under false pretense and to an unknown entity, Ike Onwuchuluba called the attention of the Senate to the fact that, the Atala Marginal Field was developed between 2014 to 2018 by the trio of BOCL, Hardy Oil Nigeria Limited and Century Exploration and Production Ltd whereas Halkin Exploration and Production Company Limited which claimed to have invested $60m in the Atala Marginal Oil Field, was incorporated sometime on the 29th September 2019, long after the field has been developed by the parties.

He further reminded the Committee that, as the original owner of the Oil field, the trio of BOCL, Hardy Oil Nigeria Limited and Century Exploration and Production Ltd have been producing and paying royalties to the account of the federal government of Nigeria and that as at the time the field was purportedly revoked, the JV-partners have an outstanding 20,700 barrels of crude on the site.

He therefore requested that the Senate should look into the matter and urge Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to immediately reinstate Atala Marginal Oil Field OML 46 to the joint venture that owns the Oil field.

In its submissions in support, the Managing Director of Bayelsa Oil Company Limited, Mr. Bello Akpoku stated that:-

"We have availed the Committee with the Memo written to the Honorable Minister of Petroleum Resources, whereby the defunct Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) stated that the field was allocated to Halkin Exploration and Production Company Limited for two principal reasons namely; that Halkin Exploration and Production Company Limited claimed to have invested $60m to the Atala Marginal Oil Field and second was the alleged acquisition of 41% share of Bayelsa Oil Company Limited shares in the Atala Marginal Oil Field".

He maintained that "BOCL owned 51% in the Atala Marginal Field and Halkin Exploration and Production Company Limited claim to have acquired 41% of the 51% share thereby making it the largest partner owner of the field is false".

When he was called to react to the allegations made against him and his company, the MD of Halkin Exploration and Production Company Limited, Mr. Charles Dorgu, who could not put up a defence, claimed to be sick and urged the Committee to give him two weeks extension to come up with his defence to the weighty allegations.

The visibly infuriated Senate Committee, on its part, called on the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to interface with the groups involved and look into the matter critically and report back to them in two weeks.

The lawmakers also frowned at the refusal of Mr. Dorgu to honour their invitations for two consecutive times previously and how he made some fruitless efforts to stop the Committee from hearing the petition by resorting to litigation against the National Assembly.

The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Ayo Akinyelure, thereafter directed the MD of Halkin to provide documented evidences of how the shares were acquired and evidence of the $60million investment, if actually such were made in its submissions to NUPRC.

By Yemi Itodo


Managing Director (MD), Jos Electricity Distribution (JEDC) Plc, Alhaji MammanLafia Umar, has called on customers of the company to take advantage of the Meters Access Providers (MAP) programme of the company to be metered.

The MD made the call yesterday at the customer's consultative forum, Otukpo, Benue State.

Alhaji Umar, who was represented by the Otukpo Regional Manager, Mr Joseph Kwaghgba, urged customers to embrace the policy to be metered saying that the company desired to meter all her customers.

"You will recall that under the phase zero of the National mass metering programs, over 99,739 customers were metered. At the moment, what we have is MAP and we intend to meter over 25,000 customers in the next 60 days", he disclosed.

The MD, while explaining the benefits of MAP to customers, also revealed that they would have their premises metered within 10 days after payment confirmation.

He said Estimated bills would be eliminated just as it would lead to better energy management by customers.

He explained further that metered Customers would only pay for what they consumed adding that Customers would be metered at no cost because the meter cost will be refunded through energy credits amongst other things.

In his presentation, the Head, Metering, Engineer Felix Adamu Shalzin, who extolled the importance of prepaid meters rolled out the MAP Metering Process.

According to him the first thing a customer should do was to "Visit our Customer Care Office to obtain the Application form free of charge or go to our website to fill the form and submit"

He said after submission there would be Site verification by the company's meter technical team for pre-installation survey to ascertain phase-type.

Engr Adamu further explained that the company's team would generate RRR showing meter amount to the customer via SMS/email for payment at any bank of customer's choice.

Thereafter, he explained that the customer " is expected to Get payment receipt from the bank and After payment confirmation, the premises will be metered in 10 days".

In his presentation, the Head of Security of the company, Musa Abdullahi discussed the negative effects of vandalism on the community and the company called for community policing to stem the menace of vandals.

On his part, the Regional network Engineer, Yohanna Gyang who decried molestation of the company's staff by some customers called for a change of attitude.

Also Speaking, the Task Force regional Manager, Gboko, Olaniyi called on customers to always pay for their consumed energy saying, "energy is not free. I am sure you are all aware that electricity subsidy has been removed by the federal government".

"It is the money you are paying that is being used in servicing the value chain. Refusal to pay will affect the entire chain. The money does not belong to JED Plc alone", he divulged.

In his contributions, the Head, Customer Care and Relationship Management, Mr Lucky Akpobi called on customers to always document their complaints saying, " your complaints would be attended to expeditiously".

By Yemi Itodo


No fewer than 200 Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), on Wednesday, converge on Abuja, the nation's capital, to review the progress made on the Bill for an Act to establish the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Trust Fund.

The Bill, which was subject to public hearing by the House of Representatives Committee on Youth and Sports, on Thursday, 24th February, 2022; is being sponsored by Rep. Mayowa Akinfolarin (APC, Ondo).

During the public hearing at the National Assembly, the Bill received a total of 450 memoranda, with the whole memos submitted and presented in support of the establishment of NYSC Trust Fund.

At a public symposium organized by Nigeria First, in Abuja on Wednesday, leadership of various NGOs across the country, appraised the submissions, presentations, debates and the consensus that was reached at the public hearing on the Bill.

The symposium was also used to commend Members of the House of Representatives, the NYSC and other stakeholders for the overwhelming support during the public and the progress made so far by the Lawmakers.

Participants also called on President Muhammad Buhari, to consider speedy assent to the Bill when passed, while urging the lawmakers to give their overwhelming votes during the third reading and final passage.

The NGOs also reiterated confidence in the track record of the NYSC over the years to effectively manage the Trust Fund without political interference.

Giving his keynote address, A University Don, Dr Okpe Okpe, said the urgent assent to the Bill would serve as a panacea for insecurity and national disintegration, adding that it will assist in curbing incessant cases of ritualism in the country.

Okpe said the fund when in place will address financial constraints in training, orientation camp development, provision of sundry welfare and also mitigate the problem of employment in the country through the provision of capital to the corps members to establish their businesses.

“Let me sieze this opportunity to commend the current director-general of the NYSC Maj. Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim for initiating the idea of the Trust Fund, the fund will provide a sustainable source of funds for the NYSC, skill acquisition training and provision of start-up capital to corps members, train and retrain the personnel of the NYSC, develop camps and the NYSC formations and provide facilities therein.

“NYSC Trust Fund when passed into law will also improve the general welfare of not only corps members but the general youth and unemployed Nigerians by extension, which will help in promoting national unity, integration, self-reliance and accelerated development of the national economy", Okpe said.

Nigeria First Convener, Richard Augustine, in his welcome address, said the nation needs to build an economic model where business ideas will not be killed but nurtured into business empires; where men and women of skills shall realise their dreams and potentials.

He stressed that the youth have to be encouraged to strive collectively to end poverty, hunger and deprivation in the land using instruments such as the planned Youth Fund.

“NYSC Trust Fund, on its final stage of becoming an Act, it is actually meant to address inclusive growth in Nigeria and this fact was well canvassed during the public hearing on the Bill held on Thursday, February 24, 2022”, he added.

To achieve desired place in men's heart, Nigerian women have been enjoined to always lobby the male folks by pampering them.

This was amongst other top discussions at a special day organized by Junior Chamber International (JCI), Abuja Unity, in partnership with Nigerian Women Development Centre, on Wednesday, to commemorate the 2022 International Women's Day (IWD).

Hammering on the theme of the event, "Achieving Gender Equality in Politics Through Active and Sustainable Framework", the guest speaker, Senator Grace Folashade Bent, a former lawmaker from Adamawa State, said women could achieve gender equality in politics through lobbying.

She admonished women to treat their spouses with regard in other to get them to support their aspirations.

"The man is the head, woman is the neck. And the neck controls the head but if you turn the neck by force, it becomes a problem. This is why you need to treat your husband with respect. Men are like babies. Pamper them and they will support your aspirations.

"One of the advantage that women have over men, is that they are more emotional. As a woman you can even lobby by crying. You can lobby with everything. But, never use your body to lobby, because it will eventually lead to your downfall", she said.

On her part, former House of Representatives member from Benue State and one of the guest speakers at the event, Hon. Mrs. Ada-Mark Ogbole, bemoaned the negative stereotyping of women in the society which constitutes barriers for women involvement in politics.

Speaking from her experience, she said: "30 years ago, I was elected as a House of Representatives Member from Benue State. I was 26 years old. Just a few days ago, I turned 56. So, I'm going to be speaking to you about my experience more than just an academic exercise.

"I discovered that 30 years ago, the barriers that I had to go through to get elected are still barriers that women are facing today."

In similar vein, veteran broadcaster, Eugenia Abuh, who was also a guest speaker at the event, lamented the marginalization of women in the society.

She said it was sad that the issue of gender equality was yet to be achieved despite years of advocacy.

"It is sad that we are still talking about the same thing (marginalization of women). I've been active in women and development, women and communication for several years, and we still hear it. In Saudi Arabia, women only just started being able to drive without a male companion," she lamented.

Earlier in her remarks, the President of JCI Abuja Unity, JCIN Amb. Salamatu Yar'adua, said it was a shame that women were only just beginning to rise in political participation.

She admonished women to support their fellow women, and men to support women for the betterment of the society

"It is a shame that we are only getting to this junction now. But at least we are getting there through collective, daily efforts. As well journey further into exploring better ways to include women in decision making, we hope that women will continue to support women, and men will continue to support women for a future where political, social capabilities will not be determined by gender only, but by merit and purposes," she added.