₦airaland Forum

ValarDoharis:
I like China system

ValarDoharis:
Obi never incited the military, you slowpoke

ValarDoharis:
This system of government is not working

SmartPolician:
Military rule isn't outdated. Why the military cannot return to power now is that today's soldiers don't have brave hearts like those who fought in the civil war.

For instance, Babangida trekked from Enugu to Umuahia during the civil war. These are men who were brave and had guts. Today's soldiers are boy scouts who only joined the military because they couldn't get decent jobs.

For you to usurp power, you must strong-willed because if it doesn't go well, you'll be executed. That's why Babangida and his men chased Buhari out of power.

kettykin:
So, does this mean that when civilian dictatorship and shameless abuse of democratic power arise, the military stands idle, powerless to act? What exactly is the purpose of soldiers and police if they can't protect the state from internal threats? Who actually holds Nigeria's democracy accountable? And if democracy mutates into tyranny, what's the plan—watch everything collapse in silence?

owobokiri:
Giving agbadorian mutants a false sense of security as usual, until you're woken up one morning with that notorious line; "fellow Nigerians... I Brigadier Bla Bla Bla Bla of the Nigerian army....". And you guys will start to make a beeline for Seme Border as usual..

Soldiers cannot return to power because military rule is outdated, former Military Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, said yesterday.

He noted that in the last 25 years, democratic rule has survived the onslaught of reactionary forces.

Gen. Abdulsalami said he was proud of laying a solid foundation by handing over power to civilian authorities.

Urging Nigerians and the political parties to nurture the tree of democracy, the former military leader said:

“There is no alternative to civil rule.’’

Gen. Abdulsalami spoke at the launch of a book titled: “100 Years of Political Parties Evolution in Nigeria, 1923 – 2023’’ by the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Abuja.

The former head of state, who was represented by Gen. Abdulrasheed Aliyu, spoke on “100 years of political parties evolution in Nigeria – The imperative of Nigeria’s political stability: issues and solutions.”

Echoing Gen. Abdulsalami, who chaired the event, House of Representatives Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, said strong political parties and opposition were vital for good governance.

Also, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, urged political parties to promote internal democracy.

Gen. Abdulsalami said the fact that democracy has survived in the country for 25 years attested to Nigerians’ resilience and belief in representative governance.

He said: “Despite military interventions, democracy has come to stay in Nigeria.

“There is no substitute to the government of the people, by the people and for the people, which democracy represents as sovereignty resides with the people.

“This year will also make it 26 years of unbroken democracy in Nigeria, the longest period of constitutional governance since 1st October 1960, when the country got Independence from the British colonial masters.

“I am happy that my government, as the then military Head of State, ushered in this era of democracy when I handed over power to the elected President on 29th May 1999.

“My government laid this solid foundation for democratic governance. It also shows that when leaders are patriotic, passionate, resolute and unwavering in building strong democratic structures and institutions, democracy could flourish and yield its dividends to citizens.”

Gen. Abdulsalami added: “We should, therefore, keep watering and nurturing the tree of democracy as there is no alternative to civil rule.
“Our democracy has been tested and shaken by reactionary forces and survived. It is a testament to citizen’s belief and resilience in representative governance.

“It has become expedient to explore political parties’ development priorities to consolidate the nation’s democracy and ensure an environment conducive to successful elections and political stability which is in tandem with the IPAC mandate.

“Since knowledge is power, I have no doubt that we will all be enriched with this book and deliberations on it and chart the way forward in our political process.”

Gen. Abdulsalami called for party supremacy, adherence to party manifestoes and the formation of a party based on ideology.

Speaker Abbas said Nigeria’s return to civil rule in 1999 marked a new beginning for the nation after over 30 years of military rule.

He urged politicians to stop weaponising ethnicity for political and personal gains.
Abbas, represented by House Majority Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, decried the hijack of parties by people with deep pockets.

He believes members should be made to pay dues and to own the party.

Abbas added: “Our parties today, to even give you a membership card, they turn it into trying to get a loan from the Nigerian bank. We need to review it.

“Political parties must serve as platforms for ideation, policy innovation, and citizen engagement, rather than tools for personal aggrandisement or factional dominance.

“The vibrancy of a democracy is measured not just by the strength of its ruling party, but also by the ability of its opposition to provide constructive criticism and alternative pathways for governance.

“Internal democracy within the political parties must play a role in ensuring the emergence of political representations.

“It is by so doing that we will eliminate imposition and godfatherism that have over the years characterised our political management.

“To consolidate our democracy is a duty of all democrats in Nigeria and we must take the bull by the horns. The time is now.”

Former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim said besides the still-born constitutional conferences of 2006 and 2014, no other structured effort has been made in a decade to resolve the ever-lingering instability in the polity.

He said national instability has led to insecurity, economic regression and the heavy burden of maladministration.

Ayim added: “In any heterogenous or plural country of similar complexities as Nigeria, the need for national dialogue and minimum consensus on the terms of the union cannot be ignored or over-emphasised.

“It behoves this generation of leaders and elite to establish that dialogue, and reach that consensus that Nigeria sorely needs to rid herself and her component parts of the mutual suspicions, distrust and antagonisms that have retarded her growth into the stable nation and contending global power she has every potential to be.”

MasterJayJay:
Source- Babablureporters dot mumu

waternogatenemy:
BELIEVE THIS STORY AT YOUR OWN RISK.


CLOWN REPORTERS.

MasterJayJay:
Why was it abandoned? Did the oil dry up?

The Nigerian Navy has foiled an attempt by oil thieves to exploit an abandoned well at Oke-Agor-Isekun, an island near the Ogun and Ondo states boundary.

The commander in charge of the Naval Base in the Epe area of Lagos State, Navy Captain Solomon Ohunenese, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

According to him, the operation was carried out by Naval officers from the base after receiving intelligence about the abandoned oil well.

The statement added that the intelligence revealed that the oil well, long abandoned by authorities, had attracted the attention of oil thieves and other criminal elements.

The statement read in part, “On Saturday, January 11, 2025, Naval Base Epe received credible intelligence from the Ogun State Government regarding an abandoned oil well situated near the boundary between Ogun and Ondo States.

Acting promptly on this report, NB Epe, in collaboration with officials from the Ogun State Government, conducted a joint visit to Oke-Agor-Isekun, the site of the abandoned oil well.

Oke-Agor-Isekun, an island situated approximately 5 kilometres from the Ondo State boundary, has been identified as a hotspot for criminal activities.

“Further intelligence revealed that the oil well, long abandoned by authorities, has attracted the attention of oil thieves and other criminal elements. The consequences of these activities are significant and highly detrimental to the economic prosperity of the country.

The theft of crude oil not only deprives the government of vital revenue that could otherwise be channelled into socio-economic development but also results in environmental degradation due to oil spills caused by unregulated siphoning activities.

These spills pose serious ecological risks, particularly to the surrounding communities and the broader environment at large.”

Acting on the intelligence, Ohunenese noted that its personnel were immediately deployed to the site, while the oil well had been cordoned off to prevent the oil thieves from carrying out their illegal activities.

Roboto11:
Obi would distance himself from this group.

Putindbutt:
This woman, the front package is not bad at all.

Putindbutt:
Peter Obi is biting more than he can chew, is he the chairman of the party, why appoint people without the party. These are the people preaching rule of law.

Preparatory to the 2027 presidential election, the leadership of the Obidient movement worldwide has announced the appointment of regional and diaspora members to its advisory council to oversee the galvanising of membership.

A press statement signed by Dr. Tanko Yunusa, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, indicated that the group has effectively spread its message, engaged voters, and challenged the dominance of Nigeria’s major political parties.

It noted that this new wave of political activism has sparked increased youth participation and reshaped the strategies employed in political campaigns across the nation.

“What started as a grassroots initiative to reform Nigeria’s stagnant political system has evolved into a global socio-ideological phenomenon.

The movement resonates deeply with citizens who are tired of corruption, insecurity, and economic hardship. Today, the Obidient movement stands as one of Africa’s most impactful campaigns, inspiring people worldwide.

“The driving force behind the movement is a collective desire for change, transparency, and accountability.

The movement embodies the aspirations of a generation determined to reclaim Nigeria’s future and build a better nation for all its citizens.

“It represents a unique ideological culture in Nigeria and across sub-Saharan Africa, rooted in the principles of volunteerism and unwavering commitment.

It is driven by citizens who are disillusioned with retrogressive leadership, unfulfilled potential, and outdated stereotypes.”

Furthermore, it stated that the movement transcends political affiliations, socio-cultural backgrounds, ethnic identities, religious beliefs, and racial boundaries, uniting Nigerians and Africans under a shared vision for progress.

The Chairman of the Labour Party in Rivers State, Hilda Dokubo, has publicly rejected her membership of the Obidient Movement Advisory Council.

Speaking via a statement on Wednesday night, the LP chieftain stated that she was not consulted before her name was included in the list of members.

As the state chairman of the Labour Party in Rivers State, Dokubo emphasised her commitment to the party’s leadership under Barrister Julius Abure.

She explained that taking on the burden of becoming a member of the Supporting Advisory Council of the Obidient Movement Advisory Council would be inconsistent with her role in the Labour Party.

Dokubo also expressed concerns about divisive actions within the Labour Party family, emphasising the need for unity and reconciliation.

She echoed the sentiments of the National Chairman of the Labour Party, Barrister Julius Abure, who has been advocating for reconciliation and unity within the party.

She, however, requested to be excused from the Obidient Movement Advisory Council, hoping that good reasons would prevail.

“ My attention has been drawn to a list making the rounds on social media, purportedly by a group, the Obidient Movement Advisory Council, wherein my name was listed as a member of the Supporting Advisory Council.

“I need to state clearly that I was not consulted by the organisers of the group before my name was included in the said list.

“I must also state clearly that I am the state chairman of the Labour Party in Rivers State under the leadership of Barrister Julius Abure.

“I can therefore not take on the burden of becoming a member of the Supporting Advisory Council of the Obidient Movement Advisory Council,” she said.

Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (alias Tompolo) on Wednesday commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for signing into law the Act establishing the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta state.

Tompolo, in a letter of gratitude to Tinubu, titled “Dear President, we can’t thank you enough for this heart-warming gesture,” said the law gave full legal backing to the institution.

He said: “I am writing on behalf of the good people of the Niger Delta, especially, His Majesty Pere Oboro- Gbaraun II, Aketekpe Agadagba, Council of Chiefs and proud citizens of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State, to express our most profound gratitude and reverence, for your historic endorsement of the 2025 ACT, establishing the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State.

“It gave full legal backing to the institution, a validation we can’t find enough words to express appreciation.

“This magnanimous gesture, thus symbolizes your goodwill towards the region and the unwavering commitment to the advancement of learning and development of its people.

“It is an act that came in the nick of time, when all hope was almost exhausted.

“Thank you Mr. President, you touched base with us, with this act of courage.

“The Nigeria Maritime University Okerenkoko, established in 2014, has been existence, but the absence of an enabling Act hindered its full operationalization and potentials.”

The Chairman of TSSNL further said: “For a decade, the institution functioned, but without full legal status. It was on a life support, gasping for desired breath to stay alive.

“Therefore, your unexpected approval and signing of the Bill into law caught us unaware and brought with it a total feeling of euphoria.

“Now, the ACT will provide the necessary legal framework for the university to thrive.

“This milestone ratification will undoubtedly promote education not only amongst indigenes of the Niger Delta, but Nigeria in its entirety, bridging the knowledge gap in the nation’s maritime sector.

“Nothing skips Mr. President’s constantly roving attention. As you are aware, Ghana was the only country in the West African subregion with a Maritime University.

As it is, your visionary stewardship has bridged this gap, and Nigeria is now poised to improve its capacity and manpower in the maritime sector.”

Disclosing the importance of the University, Tompolo said, “the university will not only bring development to the oil and gas communities in the Niger Delta, but also curb the pervading youth restiveness in the region. It will create employment opportunities for our teeming youths, and others across the country.

“The objectives of the university, as outlined in the Act, align with your administration’s commitment to encouraging the advancement of learning, developing and offering academic and professional programmes, and promoting research and innovation.”

Eulogizing the President further, the Chairman said, “Mr. President, your signing of the Bill into law is indeed a testament to your friendship and dedication to the growth and development of the South/South zone .

“Indeed, it authenticates and validates your mantra of RENEWED HOPE, for all Nigerians, no matter where they are domiciled.

“I recalled that when you visited Oporoza, the ancestral headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom, on Friday, November 25th, 2022, you made a pledge to our people to sign the Act establishing the university into law upon your election as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“This is promise made and promise fulfilled. Once again, let me express our sincere appreciation for this landmark achievement.

“Your leadership has rekindled enthusiasm amongst Niger Deltans.

“It’s on this note that I also wish to congratulate and salute all of us in the South/South belt. Mr. President has done this for all of us. Let us continue to sustain the prevailing peace in our region and unite behind Mr. President in order to attract more development strides to our zone.

“Our dear Iyelawei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, we are confident that your government will continue to prioritize the development of the Niger Delta.

“Your Excellency, sir, you have in this regard engraved your name in the hearts of the citizens of the Niger Delta, through this decision. Please accept the assurances of our highest esteem and unwavering support for your administration.”

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has commended President Bola Tinubu, for signing the bill establishing the Nigeria Maritime University (NMU) Okerenkoko, Gbaramatu kingdom, Delta State into law.

The umbrella body of the Ijaw youths worldwide said the entire Ijaw nation is overjoyed by the signing of the bill, adding that the act by President Tinubu, represents a significant milestone for the Ijaw nation, the Niger Delta, and Nigeria as a whole.

IYC, in a statement, reiterated that the momentous signing demonstrates President Tinubu’s commitment to equitable development across all regions of the country.

The body said the Ijaw people are ecstatic as the NMU is poised to become an intellectual asset and authority in the Nigerian and global maritime industry.

“For years, the Ijaw people, especially the hospitable residents of Gbaramatu Kingdom, have eagerly awaited this day. The establishment of the NMU is a realization of a long-held dream, marking a new dawn for the Ijaw nation,” IYC said.

“While commending President Tinubu, we urge him to prioritize the infrastructural development of the institution. The extensive land donated for the school at Okerenkoko, the permanent site, remains largely underdeveloped.

“The IYC also requests President Tinubu to expedite the approval of the floating dock in Gbaramatu. This will facilitate practical learning opportunities for students, complementing the theoretical knowledge provided at the institution.

The floating dock and the school must work in synergy for the benefit of both Nigerian students and the maritime industry.”

In a press statement issued on Tuesday, Chief Ebikeme called the signing a “historic decision” and praised President Tinubu for his dedication to advancing the Niger Delta.

“I, Chief (Barr.) Bosin Ebikeme, Chairman of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority, wish to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the President for his historic decision to sign into law the Bill for the Establishment of the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko,” he said.

“This landmark achievement is a clear reflection of his steadfast commitment to the development of the Niger Delta region and his genuine care for its people.”

The Chairman acknowledged Senator Joel Onowakpo Thomas, who reintroduced the bill in 2023, for paving the way for this success.

He also commended Hon. Julius Pondi, Member Representing Burutu Federal Constituency, for his critical role in securing the bill’s passage through the National Assembly.

Chief Ebikeme expressed gratitude to High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (popularly known as Tompolo) and Mr. Matthew Tonlagha for their over-a-decade-long dedication to the project.

“Your selfless commitment, significant resources, and relentless efforts have been instrumental in ensuring the actualization of this dream,” he noted.

He further praised the contributions of Ijaw national leader Chief Edwin Clark and His Royal Majesty, Oboro-Gbaraun II, Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, for their guidance.

The efforts of Senator James Manager, who initially sponsored the bill during his Senate tenure, were also acknowledged.

The Chairman recognized the steadfast support of other regional leaders, including High Chief Godspower Gbenekama JP, Deacon (Barr.) Kingsley Otuaro, and Chief Barr. Fedude Zimughan, describing their roles as pivotal in achieving this milestone.

“The establishment of the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, is not just a victory for Gbaramatu Kingdom but a significant milestone for the entire Niger Delta region,” Chief Ebikeme remarked.

“It symbolizes hope, growth, and the promise of a brighter future for our youth and communities.”
He concluded the statement by thanking President Tinubu for the “tremendous gift to the people of the Niger Delta” and extended appreciation to all stakeholders whose contributions ensured the realization of the project.

The signing of the bill into law, which took place on Monday, January 27, 2025, marks a major step toward promoting education and economic opportunities in the Niger Delta.

Eshalomi confirmed her appointment on X on Tuesday. She is the second Nigerian to be appointed as the UK trade envoy — Helen Grant is the first. “It is an honour to have been appointed as the United Kingdom’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria,”

she wrote:
“I’m looking forward to building on my close ties with Nigeria to promote a strong and flourishing economic relationship between our two great nations. “I am looking forward to building on the UK’s relationship with Nigeria, to help explore shared growth and opportunities for both countries.

” In a statement on Tuesday announcing the appointment of 32 parliamentarians, Jonathan Reynolds, UK’s business and trade secretary, said trade and investment are key to delivering economic growth.

“I’ve launched a new team of Trade Envoys, who will use their experience, expertise and knowledge to unlock new markets around the world for British businesses, drumming up investment into the UK and ultimately driving economic growth,” Reynolds said.

Eshalomi, the 44-year-old politician, was first elected as a member of parliament (MP) for Vauxhall in 2019, succeeding Kate Hoey. She was re-elected in 2024 for the newly created Vauxhall and Camberwell Green constituency.

A member of the Labour and cooperative parties, she previously represented Lambeth and Southwark as a London Assembly member (AM) from 2016 to 2021.

Prior to her new appointment, she focused on transport, housing, and equality issues as an MP and currently serves as chair of the housing, communities, and local government committee.

Eshalomi holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) honours in Political and International Studies with Law from Middlesex University. She began her working life at 16 years old at Sainsbury’s before moving into public affairs and campaigning.

Eshalomi’s career includes roles as a policy officer in local government and a regional organiser for the Labour Party during the 2005 general election.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, called its first witness to testify in the 16-count money laundering charge it preferred against the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.

The witness, Fabian Nwaora, a real estate businessman, mounted the box to give his evidence-in-chief in the matter after Justice Maryann Anenih overruled an objection the former governor and his co-defendants raised against the commencement of their trial.

The defendants had through their respective lawyers, contended that the EFCC failed to furnish them with some of the proof of evidence that would be relied on in their prosecution.

However, Justice Anenih declined to adjourn the case, noting that there was no formal application from the defendants to support their objection.

Meanwhile, in his testimony, the witness, who is the owner of EFAB property, narrated to the court, how his company, in 2020, sold a property situated at No 1 Ikobosi Street, Maitama Abuja, to one Shehu Bello for the sum of N550 million.

According to the witness, sometime in 2023, Bello returned all the documents relating to the property and informed his company that the property was being investigated by the EFCC.

Nwaora told the court that the EFCC later summoned him, after which he was made to refund the money to an account that was provided by the anti-graft agency.
Justice Anenih subsequently adjourned further hearing on the matter till April 3.

Bello, who piloted the affairs of Kogi state from 2016 to 2024, is facing trial over his alleged complicity in a N110 billion fraud. He is facing trial alongside two officials of the Kogi State Government – Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu.

EFCC alleged that the former governor misused state funds to acquire property including No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama District, Abuja (N950 million), No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II District, Abuja (N100 million), and No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja (N920 million).

Other properties the defendants allegedly acquired with funds stolen from the Kogi state treasury, included Block D Manzini Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N170 million), Hotel Apartment Community: Burj Khalifa, Dubai (Five Million, Six Hundred and Ninety-Eight Thousand, Eight Hundred and Eighty-Eight Dirhams), Block 18, Gwelo Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N60 million), and No. 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N310.4 million).

Likewise, the defendants were accused of transferring $570,330 and $556,265 to TD Bank, USA, and possessing unlawfully obtained property, including N677.8 million from Bespoque Business Solution Limited.

The court, on December 10, 2024, remanded the former governor in Kuje prison, though it granted bail to his co-defendants.
He was later admitted to bail in the sum of N500 million with three sureties in like sum.