GRPolitics
Ekweremadu Fights for His Political Life
Resent travails of Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, writes Damilola Oyedele, threaten to dampen his political stature.
The Deputy President of the Senate, Dr. Ike Ekweremadu, is one who knows his onions. When he speaks, his colleagues at the National Assembly listen, not just because he has depth about the constitution, with his doctorate degree in Law, but also the maturity he brings to bear on his contributions at Senate sessions and other engagements. He has been Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate since 2007 – a feat he managed to retain under an All Progressives Congress (APC)-dominated National Assembly.
Recently, Ekweremadu was appointed a full visiting Professor and Senior Mentoring Scholar of e-Governance and Strategic Government Studies by the Southern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States. According to the appointment letter in February 2018, he is expected to mentor doctoral students, junior lecturers, as well as take a lead in advising the University’s research centre on academic issues related to e-Governance and Strategic Government Studies.
With his intellectual background and legislative industry, Ekweremadu had become an asset not only to the Senate but also to his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the main opposition party in the country. Given his high office, he is the most senior elected official of the PDP, and not a few political analysts have scored him high for the leadership he has offered the party. For a polity that is becoming increasingly characterised by intolerance of opposing views, little wonder political pundits are reading meanings into the recent allegations by the APC-led federal government that he under declared his assets.
Early in May 2017, Ekweremadu, at plenary, raised the alarm about a plot to incriminate him by planting monies and guns in a house linked to him. The plan, he said, was part of a grand plan to arrest him and take him out of circulation on the basis on an investigation. It was, however, alleged to be a plot to remove him from his position of Deputy Senate President and frustrate any future political ambitions he has.
Although officials of the government denied the plot, his official guest house in Maitama, Abuja was raided by officers from the Inspector General of Police Special Squad two weeks after he raised the alarm. The police, however, said it had nothing to do with the raid, wherein the steward who was in the guest house at the time of the search, was arrested and later released.
Recently, Ekweremadu again accused the Special Assistant to the President on Anti-Corruption and Prosecution, Mr. Okoi Obono-Obla, of sponsoring a smear campaign against him ahead of the elections. He alleged that Obono-Obla and one other person, had petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), claiming that he was given some money by the federal government to develop the South-east geo-political zone, but diverted it to purchase 32 properties.
“They sent similar petitions to Mr. President, the Vice President, Senate President, Attorney-General of the Federation, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Code of Conduct Bureau, Director-General of the Department of State Security, Inspector-General of Police, Commissioner of Police (Enugu), among others,” he said in a statement.
A few days after he released the statement, the federal government indicated that it would try Ekweremadu for not disclosing some assets, allegedly totalling 13, in the United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and United States of America, and seek forfeiture of the assets.
But in a swift response, Ekweremadu said there was no asset to forfeit as all his assets had been declared.
THE FIXATION ON OPPOSITION
Not long after the focus on Ekweremadu, the EFCC went after two more prominent members of the leading opposition party, the immediate past President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, and the Minority Leader of the House, Hon. Leo Ogor, threatening to declare them wanted (interestingly for the same ‘offences’ some members of the APC had been fingered, but not haunted). These moves gave credence to the charge by social critics and opposition elements that the Muhammadu Buhari government’s anti-corruption war was a farce.
Perhaps so, for the way the anti-corruption agencies have been going solely after members of the opposition parties or critics of the government appears to have tainted the much touted integrity of the Buhari government. It has become evident that to make an anti-corruption trial disappear, all a politician with the sword of Damocles hanging over his head needs to do, is renounce their membership of the PDP and pledge allegiance to the APC and Buhari.
If that is done, witnesses would suddenly disappear or recant, or even indicate that they are no longer willing to testify. Interestingly, if such a politician can secure a publicised handshake with the president, the case can simply enjoy an indefinite adjournment. Obviously joining the APC adorns a politician with the sainthood toga, and grants immunity from even investigations. If not, why do the several allegations of corruption against serving aides of the president or cabinet members not receive the kind of attention the accusations against PDP members receive?
The APC-led government, understandably, has never hidden its angst that a member of the opposition PDP holds such a high position in the government. But the party should remember the adage, that a lizard can only penetrate an open wall.
GRPolitics
Minister Commends Guards Brigade for Exceptional Service in Securing the Seat of Government
The Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has expressed profound appreciation for the unwavering commitment and exemplary efforts of the Commander, officers, and personnel of the Guards Brigade in safeguarding the Federal Capital Territory and its environs.
In his remarks as the Special Guest of Honour at the 2024 West African Social Activity (WASA 2024) held in Abuja, the Minister stated, “Your loyalty, sacrifice, and dedication in executing your Presidential security duties, coordinating ceremonial parades, and managing operational challenges are commendable. Your proactive approach in addressing security threats has ensured the safety of the Presidency as well as that of citizens, visitors, and diplomats alike. I urge you to continue embodying compassion and empathy in your operations, striving for excellence in all your responsibilities.”
The Minister highlighted that the WASA event serves as a vibrant testament to the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria, as showcased by the personnel and families of the Guards Brigade. “The traditional dances and local delicacies on display tonight not only enhance our appreciation of our diverse cultures but also play a crucial role in preserving our cultural heritage and distinct identity,” he added.
In conclusion, the Minister called upon the Guards Brigade to uphold the trust placed in them by consistently meeting the challenges of their duties and ensuring that the flag of the Nigerian Armed Forces continues to fly high.
Earlier, Major General Adebisi Onosayan, Commander of the Guards Brigade, delivered a welcome address expressing gratitude to the President for his unwavering support of the Brigade’s operations, training, and welfare. “Thank you, Your Excellency. I also wish to extend my sincere appreciation to the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Army Staff for their relentless guidance and support. We pledge our unwavering loyalty and readiness to contribute effectively to the security of lives and property in the Federal Capital Territory and its surroundings,” he emphasized.
General Onosayan further noted that the 2024 WASA highlights the social diversity, cultural identity, values, beliefs, and rich heritage of the Nigerian people, resonating with the ethos of the Nigerian Army. “This event provides an opportunity to showcase various cultural dances, traditional cuisines, languages, attire, and ethnic groups of our great nation in a relaxed atmosphere,” he stated, adding that today’s event marks the Brigade’s Grand Finale.
GRPolitics
Matawalle Commends President Tinubu for Positive Economic Reforms
…Matawalle urges critics to be positive in their narratives
The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his robust economic policies and reforms, which are yielding significant positive results for the nation. According to Matawalle, these initiatives are contributing to a turnaround in the economy that will benefits all Nigerians.
In the light of ongoing criticism, particularly from some quarters in Northern Nigeria, according to a statement by Henshaw Ogubike, director information & PR at the Ministry, Matawalle urged critics to be positive in their narratives and called on citizens to remain steadfast in their support for the President and to reject divisive narratives.
“It is crucial for Nigerians to stand united behind Mr. President, who is diligently working hard to revitalize our economy through a series of effective policies, programs, and reforms,” he stated.
Matawalle specifically highlighted President Tinubu’s tax reforms as a pivotal element in the country’s economic turnaround. He explained that these reforms are designed to create a more equitable tax system, which will enhance revenue generation for the government while easing the financial burden on ordinary citizens and small businesses.
“By broadening the tax base and ensuring that everyone pays their fair share, President Tinubu is laying the groundwork for sustainable economic growth. These reforms will not only increase government revenues but also stimulate investment and job creation across various sectors,” Matawalle elaborated.
He further noted that the tax reforms aim to simplify the tax administration process, making it easier for individuals and businesses to comply. This will foster a more business-friendly environment, encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation, which are essential for driving economic progress.
Matawalle also highlighted several key achievements across various sectors, particularly noting improvements in national security. He emphasized that President Tinubu has made substantial strides in enhancing the capabilities of the Nigerian military through the provision of modern hardware and equipment. Additionally, he assured that military personnel have received timely payment of their allowances and salary increases, which has significantly boosted their morale.
“Under President Tinubu’s leadership, we are witnessing a renewed commitment to the safety and well-being of all Nigerians, and I encourage everyone to recognize the positive changes taking place,” Matawalle concluded.
The Honourable Minister of State Dr. Mohammed Bello Matawalle has disclosed that the Nigerian Armed Forces have achieved a lot in the fight against insurgency, banditry and other groups that are enemies of the Nigerian State since the advent of this administration but a lot of these success stories are not in the public space due to security reasons so as not to expose the gallant men and women of the Armed Forces who are in the forefront of this fight to danger.
According to a statement by Henshaw Ogubike, director, information and Public Relations at the Ministry, Dr. Matawalle disclosed this during the engagement with the Special Assistant to President on Policy and Coordination/Head of Central Result Delivery Coordination Unit (CRDCU) Hadiza Bala Usman with the Ministry of Defence when she presented the 1st – 3rd Quarters 2024 Performance Assessment Report on Implementation of Presidential Priorities and Ministerial Deliverable at the Ship House, Abuja.
The Minister also informed the SA to Mr. President that before now, the Nigerian airwaves was always full of news of oil theft, bunkering, piracy and all forms of kidnapping.
But since they assumed office, the country has recorded low occurrence and reduced reports of those activities just as he assured Nigerians of their resolve to do more to make our society safe for all.
Matawalle assured Hadiza Bala Usman of early submission of achievement data to her office for their reviews.
In a similar development, the SA to President advised the Ministry of Defence to put out more data into the public space to avoid doubts and negative feedbacks on the successes achieved by our Armed Forces in the fight against insecurity.
Adding that, regional tour of the troubled areas could be conducted to carry out on-the-spot interviews and first hand assessment of rescued individuals whose response will serve as raw and real data to the populace and as evidence that government is not resting on its oars.
Speaking further during the review of the Q1 – Q3 Report, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana mni gave a detailed submission on the achievements of the Ministry and promised that the Ministry will do more to surpass previous quarter’s report as he poured encomium on the Chief of Defence Staff and all Service Chiefs for their consistency and tireless efforts in making Nigeria a peaceful and safe place.
Dr. Kana tasked the Directors of the Ministry not to relax in their quest to give their best to the service of our dear country.
Peoples’ Parliament Applauds Otti, Afurobi for Exemplary Leadership
GOCOP mourns with member, Tunde Abatan over wife’s demise
NITDA DG Inaugurates National Technical Working Group on Cloud Infrastructure
LASG Acquires New Outboard Engines For Optimum Boat Performance
Elon Musk builds Hotel in Mars, Sets to launch soon at $5million per night – Photos
