GRPolitics
NIM Aims at ‘Grassroots’ Soul : Is Platform A Macron Movement Nigerian Style?


By Peter Ikenna
The ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) and the supposed ‘mega’ opposition- the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) should be concerned or rattled.
Those they ought to be lobbying to join their parties are already on a journey; and have formed a new political movement- National Intervention Movement (NIM).
Owing to the caliber of membership NIM could be the force Nigeria and Nigerians have been waiting for to address the anomalies, injustices, corruption, and other vices that have earned the country bad reputation among other nations.
Thus, the message went viral on social media as NIM, over the weekend, released the Provisional Tasks Team and Steering Committees Membership List, cutting across the six get-political zones in Nigeria.
NIM’s style seems to have been influenced by Emmanuel Macron’s movement prior to French elections last year.
The iconoclastic, then French economy minister Emmanuel Macron, poised to shake up the political landscape before the presidential race, launched a political movement.
This sparked speculation about his own ambitions to run for power.
Today, Macron, a charismatic and straight talking former investment banker, has had a meteoric rise to become one of France’s most popular Presidents.
Two years before he launched the platform, Macron was ‘unknown’, belonging to no political party and never having run for elected office; he never delayed in sending a rocket through traditional French politics.
As the Guardian UK puts it, “While serving in a Socialist government, he has systematically attacked the taboo subjects of the left – from the 35-hour week to Sunday working, and the vast public service – and decried what he calls the terrible limitations of a ‘sclerotic’ France, paralysed by economic immobilism and the dire discrimination against the country’s multi-ethnic youth on housing estates”.
He started by hosting a “citizens’ rally” in his home town of Amiens, in northern France, where, Macron announced he was founding his own political movement, called En Marche!, or Forward!, which was neither “of the right nor the left”.
The platform was open to anyone from any political party, the movement is rounding up support from MPs and funding. Its aim is to come up with new ideas to solve the “blockages” holding France back.
“I’m in a leftwing government, unashamedly,” Macron said. “But I also want to work with people from the right, who commit to the same valuesThis ambition, it’s radical, it’s a bit crazy, but there is such an energy in this country.”
No doubt, Nigeria urgently needs ‘Macron’ to redeem her from socio-economic, political and other quagmires that have befallen the land.
This is why I feel NIM is on a right course and pray fervently that the foundation does not receive attacks from the political hawks.
What NIM Means
This platform is a ‘third force’ political reality to provide a credible alternative platform for ideal and acceptable political leadership and governance in Nigeria.
It is a purely owned political platform by the mass movement of the people of Nigeria. It does not have founding fathers owners and money bags investors. Every member Nigerian will contribute his token and widows might to fund and grow it and also fundamentally run it for the purpose of access to equal and unbiased opportunities to contest or run for elective offices in Nigeria under ideal democratic rules, tenets and ideals.
According to Olukayode Salako, Head of New Media and Networking, NIM National Secretariat, Abuja, “It is not a political party per se, but a mass movement of ideologically compatible and patriotic Nigerians to move a against the frustrating governing order statuscuo and operate as one force majoure entity under a political mission and agenda to always ensure the entrenchement of a new and ideal leadership order in Nigeria”.
Salako said that NIM will work with other splinter political, civil society and professional groups of interest in Nigeria to negotiate for power and elective offices for its members; support them to contest and help to install acceptable governments in every part of Nigeria.
NIM is already becoming a house hold name; it is growing as expanding fast across the six go political zones in Nigeria and will surely and strategically contribute prominently to the emergence of the new political order in the 2019 elections.
It is obvious Nigerians are earnestly asking for the emergence of the third political order in the present Nigeria.
This is one some concern, prominent and patriotic Nigerians are already building for you.
A. STEERING TEAM
1. Olisa Agbakoba
2. Rabiu Ishyaku Rabiu
3. Pat Utomi
4. AbdulJhalil Tafawa Balewa
5. Donald Duke
6. Ghada Abubakar
7. Kemi Jorge-Oyewusi
8. Aisha Aliyu
9. Frank Nweke Jnr
10. Jibrin Ibrahim
11. Isa Aremu
12. Emeka Okengwu
13. Olubunmi Usim Wilson
14. Hauwa Shekarawu
15. Eugene Enahoro
16. Khairat Animashaun-Ajiboye
17. Mary Manzo
18. Oby Ezekwesili
19. Bisola Clark
20. Ikpe Obong – Labour
21. Peter Balogun – Labour
23. TUC
24. PLWDs
25. Wale Ajani – Youths
26.Naseer Kura
27. Charity Shekari
28. Olawale Okunniyi – DG
B. FINANCE TEAM
1. Donald Duke
2. Rabiu Ishyaku Rabiu
3. Olisa Agbakoba
4. Pat Utomi
5. AbdulJhalil Tafawa Balewa
6. Kemi Jorge-Oyewusi
7. Abisola Clark
8. Akin Osuntokun
9. Adenike Sobajo
10. SECRETARIAT
C. IDEOLOGY COMMISSION
1. Jibrin Ibrahim
2. Pat Utomi
3. Eugene Enahoro
4. Kemi Jorge-Adewusi
5. Sam Amadi
6. Bolanle Onagoruwa
7. Isa Aremu
8. Opeyemi Agbaje
9. Femi Aborishade
10. Odia Ofeimun
11. Natasha Akpoti
D. POLITICAL COMMISSION
1. Olisa Agbakoba
2. Issa Aremu
3. Emeka Okengwu
4. Shittu Kabir
5. Alistar Soyode
6. Akin Osuntokun
7. Dare Falade
8. Adijat Oladapo
9. Kassim Afegbua
10. Folashade Grace Brent
11. Ogbeni Lanre Banjo
12. SECRETARIAT
E. CONTACTS & MOBILISATION TEAM
1. Shehu Gabam
2. Debe Odumegwu Ojukwu
3. Kemi Jorge-Oyewusi
4. Olubunmi Usim-Wilson
5. Rachel Oniga
6. Naseer Kura
7. Aisha Aliyu
8. Tony Uranta
9. Wale Ajani
10. Adenike Sobajo
11. Adijat Oladapo
12. Chigozie Ubani
13. Shettima Yerima
14. Seidu Ahmed TAL
15. Foluke Daramola
16. Bunmi Oriniowo
17. Mojisola Olusoga
18. SECRETARIAT
F. STUDENTS & YOUTHS’ CELLS TEAM
1. Mary Manzo
2. Khairat Animashaun-Ajiboye
3. Abbah Ejembi
4. Ismail Olawale
5. Wale Ajani
6. Steve Aluko
7. Japhet Odesanya
8. Rachel Oniga
9. Gbenga Ademujimi
10. SECRETARIAT
G. REPORTS HARMONISATION
1. Olawale Okunniyi
2. Emeka Okengwu
3. Naseer Kura
4. Promise Adewusi
5. Bolanle Onagoruwa
6. Prof Anthony Kila
7. Inn. C.
8. Fatima Bako
H. STRATEGY & MARKETING TEAM
1. Tony Uranta
2. Inn. C.
3. Victor Enahoro
4. Opeyemi Agbaje
5. John Ekwuyasi
6. Rachel Oniga
7. Dare Falade
8. Saidu Ahmed TAL
9. Kola Onadipe
10. Anthony Kila
11. Ejembi Abbah
12. Emeka Okengwu
13. Bunmi Oriniowo
14. SECRETARIAT
I. LEGAL TEAM
1. Olisa Agbakoba
2. Femi Falana
3. Mike Ozekhome
4. Femi Aborishade
5. Ayo Obe
6. Supo Sasore
7. Osagie Obayuana
8. Jiti Ogunye
9. Ebun Adegboruwa
10. Supo Ojo
12. Esther Uzoma
13. Malachy Ugwumadu
14. Ubani Oyenkashi
15. Mohammed Fawehinmi
16. Joe Nwokedi
17. Natasha Akpoti
18. Yomi Dada
SECRETARIAT
J. DIASPORA COMMISSION
1. Baba Adam
2. Bola Abimbola
3. Moshood Aderibigbe
4. Taiwo Akinola
5. Lanre Ijaola
6. Alistar Soyode
7. Muyiwa Okunniyi
THE NATIONAL SECRETARIAT
Olawale Okunniyi, DG
Naseer Kura – (DDG) – Publicity
Promise Adewusi – Administration
Ronnie Dikko – Documentation
Chris Azor – Research
Abba Ejembi – Strategy
Khairat Animashaun-Ajiboye – Contacts
Kayode Salako – Social Media & Networking action.
Nigerians, this is your NIM!
GRPolitics
Tinubu Hails Winners of By-Elections in 12 States


President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulates all the winners of Saturday, August 16, by-elections in 16 constituencies across 12 states.
The President commends the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the hitch-free elections, mostly devoid of violence.
Following the results declared by INEC, the All Progressives Congress (APC) won in 12 constituencies, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) won in two, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won in one, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) won in one.
President Tinubu congratulates the new APC National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, for the emphatic first victory recorded under his leadership.
He also congratulates the APC governors and other leaders on the success of the by-elections.
“Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda has shown leadership capacity and demonstrated what is achievable when popular candidates are fielded and with unity of purpose among party leaders,” the President remarks.
“To all APC faithful and the electorate, thank you for the confidence reposed in our party. Be assured that our Renewed Hope slogan is not a mere slogan. Our destination is a better, more secure and prosperous Nigeria. We shall take you there, by the Grace of God,” he said.
President Tinubu commends all the political parties and candidates who participated in the election and enjoins them to continue to be guided by the spirit of sportsmanship, fair contest and magnanimity, which are enablers of enduring democracy.


The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has restated the Federal Government’s firm commitment to the rapid socio-economic development of Ebonyi State and the entire South-East geo-political zone.
Speaking in Abakaliki on Friday night at a Citizens’ Engagement Forum organised by his Ministry, the Minister said: “The commitment of Mr. President to the socio-economic development of Ebonyi State and the entire South-East is unwavering. He is right on track to transform and move the region forward, as promised when he came here to campaign in November 2022.”
The Minister explained that the Citizens’ Engagement Forum is not a mere talk shop but a direct platform to present government’s scorecard, give account of stewardship, and take feedback from Nigerians.
“This is consistent with the mission of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation to reenact trust in public communication by deepening the social contract between government and citizens, and restoring public confidence in governance.”
Highlighting major achievements of the Tinubu administration, Idris noted that subsidy removal and other bold reforms have doubled allocations to states and local governments, fueling an “unprecedented explosion of infrastructure projects across most states of the country.”
The Minister said “the Port Harcourt-Aba railway project has been completed, delivered, and is in operation,” while the Federal Executive Council has approved “the allocation of $3 billion for the completion of the 2,044km Eastern Rail Line, projected to unlock N50 billion for the region in annual trade.”
In addition, “$508 million has been earmarked for the upgrade and modernization of Eastern Port infrastructure,” while “118.85km of the Ebonyi section of the Calabar-Abuja Super Highway has been inaugurated.”
On healthcare, the Minister disclosed that “the Federal Government, in April 2025, flagged off the Cancer Centre of Excellence at the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu,” adding that a “world-class Oncology Centre at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Nsukka” has also been commissioned.
To support small businesses, Idris stated: “The Federal Government, through the Bank of Industry, injected about N200 billion into nano, micro, and small businesses, benefitting over 900,000 business owners.”
He further announced that the newly established South-East Development Commission has “hit the ground running in its pursuit to build a $200 billion economy for the region by 2035,” while the South-East Investment Corporation, with a capital base of N150 billion, will drive industrialization and inclusive growth.
On security, the Minister assured citizens that the Federal Government is winning the war against insurgents and secessionist elements. “We have recorded great success in making the South East safe and rendering the sit-at-home orders by secessionists ineffective,” he stressed.
Idris commended Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State for his development strides, especially in forging synergy with the Federal Government to deliver impactful projects for the people of the state.
“His success across all sectors of the state is a testament to what is possible when state and federal governments work in synergy to deliver dividends of democracy to the people.”
The Minister reiterated President Tinubu’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy, bridging the infrastructure gap, promoting food security, improving the living conditions of the masses and bequeathing a prosperous nation to future generations. “Indeed, we are not resting on our oars,” he affirmed.
GRPolitics
2027: Again, Enugu North Endorses Gov Mbah over Massive Projects, UNN VC
SANDRA ANI reports that Governor Mbah told the people “…You ain’t seen nothing yet”


…Says Enugu-Nsukka rail line in the pipeline
Stakeholders and groups across the six Local Government Areas of Enugu North Senatorial District, also known as Nsukka Zone, have endorsed Dr. Peter Mbah of Enugu State for a second term in office yet again.
The stakeholders, comprising traditional, political, and community leaders, professionals and various groups, said the governor had shown sincerity and determination in addressing the major challenges facing Nsukka Zone through visible projects, while also facilitating the appointment of a son of the zone as the Vice Chancellorship of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, for the first time since the founding of the institution in 1960.
This was as Mbah revealed that he was already in the process of feasibility study for a rail line that would reduce trip from Enugu to Nsukka to 15 minutes, saying he was just starting.
The people of Nsukka zone bared their minds during Governor Mbah’s working visit to Nsukka at the weekend, which featured the foundation laying for a 5,000-shop capacity Nsukka International Market, meeting with traditional rulers of the zone at Edem Ani, and a well-attended meeting with stakeholders of the zone.
Speaking, the Chairman, Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Samuel Asadu, said the zone had presented three major requests before Mbah ahead of the 2023 election, namely; the dualisation of the 44km Abakpa Nike-Opi-Nsukka Road, appointment of an Nsukka Zone indigene as Vice Chancellor of UNN, and support the creation of Adada State.
“Today, the governor is already dualising the Enugu-Opi-Nsukka Road. Just last week, he, through his good relationships with President Bola Tinubu, ensured the emergence of Professor Simon Ortuanya as the Vice Chancellor of UNN. While the creation of Adada State is not for him to decide, he has given us all the support to push for it.
“It means that he has met almost all our demands in just two years. So, tell me why we will follow another person other than him?”, he said.


In his remarks, the Chairman of Nsukka LGA, Engr. Jude Asogwa, said Mbah was unstoppable, as far as Enugu north was concerned, saying he had surpassed their expectations.
“Our people said that I should inform you that you are unstoppable. We thank you for the 20 Smart Green Schools in Nsukka, 20 Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres, and the Modern Transport Terminal in Nsukka, just to name a few, all in just two years.
“So, we want to tell you that we are committed to your cause. In fact, it is as though Enugu just started two years ago. We don’t engage in frivolities and we are on ground for you,” Asogwa stated.
In his opening remark at the townhall meeting, which held at the UBA Hall, UNN, Member representing Nsukka/Igboeze South Federal Constituency, Hon. Chidi Obetta, said Mbah had shown that leadership was no rocket science, noting that the essence of the townhall meeting was for the governor to get undiluted feedback from the people.
“The Enugu North zone is saying thank you because I know a lot of projects across various sectors you have told me in our private discussions that you were planning to bring to Nsukka” he said.
Mbah, while responding to their requests which were mostly in appreciation for the projects done and request for more roads, assured the zone that he would get even more aggressive with roads construction in 2025 by which time he would have been done with the 260 Smart Green Schools and the 260 type-2 Primary Healthcare Centers.
“I know you are all excited about the Abakpa-Opi-Nsukka Road. But you ain’t seen nothing yet. We are also going to do a rail line from Enugu to Nsukka. We don’t think that travelling from Enugu to Nsukka should take you more than 15 minutes. We are still doing the feasibility studies. But this is something we will do,” he said.
Other eminent personalities of Enugu North at the events, which featured a question and answer session with the governor, include the Deputy Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Ezenta Ezeani; Member representing Igboeze North/Udenu Federal Constituency, Hon. Dennis Agbo; Labour Party candidate in the 2023 governorship election, who has also returned to the Peoples Democratic Party, Hon. Chijioke Edeoga; and Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Enyinna Franklin Ogbonna.
Also present were members of Enugu State House of Assembly representing the zone, the six Council Chairmen of the zone, among others.
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