GRPolitics
South, Middle Belt leaders meet Saraki, others
South and the Middle Belt have appealed to the National Assembly to save Nigeria, which the leaders said was on the edge of a precipice.
While calling on the legislature to drop partisan politics in handling the affairs of the country, the leaders asked that a national emergency be immediately declared.
The elder statesmen made their positions on various issues affecting the country known when they met with the leadership of the Senate in Abuja on Thursday.
The leaders were drawn from the South-West, South-South, South-East and North-Central.
They include the leader of the Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo; a former Federal Commissioner of Information and Chairman, Pan-Niger Delta Elders Forum, Chief Edwin Clark; President General, Ohanaeze Ndi’gbo, Chief John Nwodo; a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and ex-Minister of Finance, Chief Olu Falae; and the first Military Governor of Plateau State, Air Commodore Dan Suleiman (retd.).
Others are a former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah; a former Governor of the old Anambra State, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife; and Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Mr. Yinka Odumakin.
Also part of the delegation are Air Vice Marshal Irangate Idongesit; Senator Stella Omu; Prof. Banjo Akintoye; Prof. Chigozie Ogbu; Prof. Ihechukwuma Maduke; Senator Basset Henshaw; Mr. Alfred Mulade; His Highness, Anaba Saraigbe; and Lady Maryam Yunusa.
To receive the delegation were the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki; Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu; Majority Leader, Ahmad Lawan; Deputy Majority Leader, Bala Ibn Na’Allah; Deputy Minority Leader, Emmanuel Bwacha; Minority Whip, Phillip Aduda; Deputy Chief Whip, Francis Alimikhena; Deputy Minority Whip, Biodun Olujimi; and Adamu Aliero.
Clark, in his opening comment, noted that four of the six geopolitical zones in the country were represented at the meeting.
“More than a half of Nigeria is here to see you,” he said, adding that Nwodo would present their case.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Nwodo said the elders were at the National Assembly to urge it to intervene in the challenges facing the country.
“Mr. President (Saraki), we have come to beg you. We know that sometimes history places one in a particular juncture to change the order of things. We see you and your colleagues at a particularly unique juncture. You can prevent further bloodshed in this country. You can prevent further drift into ethnic crises. We want you to revisit devolution of power.
“If we have this restructuring and we limit people to mindings domestic affairs and we encourage competition between the various areas of the country, production will increase, standards will increase, security will increase, mutual respect for each other will increase and friendliness will be encouraged. We want to restructure Nigeria. The alternative will be worse than the situation we have today,” he said.
The Igbo leader called on the legislature to initiate the process of restructuring the governance architecture of the country.
Nwodo said, “We are visiting the National Assembly because of its unique position in our Constitution. The democratic system we run in our country rests on three arms and of these three arms, the other two function in accordance with the laws made by this arm. This arm characterises democracy.
“We believe that by visiting you today, we are coming to speak to the conscience of our country. We ask that this discussion today be as frank as possible.
“In situations like this, unless the National Assembly rises like the conscience, the commitment and the patriotism to unveil the façade of partisan politics, partisan advantages and face the real issues of the nation, we stand on the edge of a precipice.
“We have come to you at a time when our economic stability is in a serious danger. Today, international debt is extremely high; it is one of the highest as adjudged by the IMF for countries.
“Our domestic debt is high and growing by the day. Our subsidy indebtedness is something that has defied solution and transparency in disclosure. Our youth despair is gargantuan.
“The federating units in this country, in the unitary system that we have called a federal government, are surviving with great difficulty. The Federal Government has given bailouts just to sustain recurrent expenditure of our state governments. Many of the important units of growth in our country, namely industrial concerns – either not producing at all or producing short of installed capacity – and job creation are low. Despondency stares at us in the face.”
Nwodo lamented the spate of insecurity in the country, particularly the continuous killing of Nigerians.
He said in part, “Look at our security, when we had the regional police this didn’t exist. Every state had domestic security. At no time except during the Nigerian Civil War have people been killed in the way they are being killed today in Nigeria.
“In one year we have recorded more than 1,000 killings. What is surprising is that these killings are not matched with equal reaction by the security forces in our country.
“If it is possible for us to have a situation in which people carry AK-47 freely in Nigeria and murder people every day, and this is happening as if nobody cares; and some people told us that they (killers) came from Libya. When did Gaddafi die? How many years ago?
“If the essence of choosing 17 heads of security arms in this country is to ensure that they come from the same area as the President in order to ensure loyalty, what have they done to guarantee our security? If they must all come from northern Nigeria, please bring those who can do the job. We can no longer tolerate this insecurity.”
The Ohanaeze leader pointed out that there is “an all-time lack of confidence in the institutions of government,” especially those responsible for law and order.
“Our courts speak from the two sides of the mouth. Today in Nigeria, our courts make proclamations that, whether you committed a crime or not, you may not be arrested or even be prosecuted. It is unprecedented in any democracy.
“We have come as elders; we have come as fathers; we have come as heads of different socio-cultural organisations of this country who look up to us for leadership to speak in moments of this nature. We have looked at the problem of our country and we think that it is soluble but we also think that there is lack of will.
“We have come to ginger you to develop that will and seek the consensus of the leadership of the National Assembly and of the political class, who have the necessary legislative empowerment by our Constitution, to make decisions that can reverse our situation. If not in office, you constitute the political class of our country. At times like this, partisanship is criminal.
“We believe that many of the problems we have in our country emanate from the Constitution of our country. We know that the National Assembly has had debates on devolution of powers. And we know that you did promise the nation that you would revisit this issue.
“We have come to ask you to bring up the revisit. We consider it urgent and inevitable because we believe that all the problems that we have today in Nigeria emanate from the fact that our Constitution is not right for a country constituted by people of diverse cultures, religions and political persuasion.”
Nwodo noted that many other countries with similar characteristics have become greater, with some taking “the seedling” of their greatness from Nigeria.
“But we have been kept down by the kind of constitution that we run,” he added.
The Igbo leader recalled the invasion of the chamber and mace snatching by suspected thugs.
He also made reference to the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, who twice ignored summons by the Senate.
He said, “We have watched the helplessness of the National Assembly where members of the executive even refuse your invitation to come and make explanations before you, contrary to the provisions of the Constitution.
“We have found the helplessness of the Senate, when you can be invaded in spite of the security adornment in this place, controlled by the executive. And the seat of the Senate President was almost invaded but for the personal security of the aides. This is because our system makes the tail wag the dog rather than the dog wags the tail.
“We have come to tell you that in our view, it is because we have this over-concentration of power in the Federal Government contrary to the agreement that our forefathers went into for the union called Nigeria; that governance has failed in our country; that the economic development has failed.”
Nwodo warned that a major economic crisis lies ahead of Nigeria as the major consumers of crude oil are diversifying to other sources of energy. He also noted that the country’s oil deposit was drying up.
He stressed that proceeds from oil sales are shared monthly by the federal, states and local governments with little effort to diversify the economy. He stated that agriculture remains the best alternative for the country
Nwodo noted that the regional government structure abandoned by the country promoted growth.
He added, “In the past, the regions had active competition and it promoted growth. When we were sent to university, if you wanted to read Architecture you would go to Ahmadu Bello University. If you wanted to read Medicine, you would go to the University of Ibadan. If you wanted to read Humanities and Engineering, you would go to (University of Nigeria) Nsukka.
“Under the regime of pre- and immediate post-independence; in three spectacular years, things happened in Nigeria of outstanding proportion. We were the pride of Africa. Suddenly, it became retrogression. Oil is a declining commodity in the international market. China and others have put a time limit – between 2020 and 2024 – to stop production of machines dependent on fossil oil. The immediate consequence of this is that there is going to be a fundamental and phenomenal decline in the world demand for oil.
“Year 2020 is only two years from now. What is the sense of urgency around our country on how to cope with this? We are only interested in power, the sheer ego that ‘I hold power and I can do what I like,’ not in what our children will be tomorrow. There ought to be a time of national emergency now. What must we do to overcome this calamity?”
Saraki, in his remarks, said the National Assembly was ready to play its role to ensure that the country continued on the path of democracy and growth.
On the call to revisit clauses that were rejected during the ongoing constitution review process, Saraki said the National Assembly was ready to reconsider the clauses and that it would do so after the passage of the 2018 budget.
According to him, report on the bill seeking devolution of powers had been laid.
He also noted that although the Buhari-led administration had made some progress on the economy, the effort could be frustrated by the spate of insecurity in the country which he said would prevent foreign direct investment.
The Senate President said, “We are determined, because there is no alternative than for us to see this issue and address them frontally from a legislative point of view.
“You have raised issues on security, economy. I will like to say they are not all gloomy days. The area of concern to all of us is the issue of security. We must all fight insecurity. We will not give up. We will continue to make necessary sacrifice to fight insecurity.”
However, further investigations revealed that the South and Midle Belt delegates specifically requested that the restructuring of Nigeria must be achieved before the 2019 elections.
One of the visitors, who spoke with one of our correspondents on condition of anonymity, said apart from the dateline, the leaders also made their position known on the controversial elections sequence.
The source said, “On the issue of restructuring, we reminded the National Assembly members about the issue of power devolution, an important aspect of restructuring, and we told them to do something about it before the 2019 elections.
“We were unanimous in urging the National Assembly leadership to pursue the issue of elections sequence to its logical conclusion, particularly to the Supreme Court and ensure that they get justice for Nigerians.”
The source noted that they did not take the position because they were against Buhari’s emergence as President again in 2019, explaining that it was aimed at strengthening the nation’s democracy.
He said, “Nigeria’s President is one of the most powerful in the world; putting his election first will automatically determine the results of other elections.
“Nobody starts to build a house from the top. Let all elections start from the bottom to the top. The presidential election must come last. That is our position.”
He said that on the deplorable state of insecurity in the country, the delegates supported the lawmakers’ invitation to the President.
“We supported the invitation extended to President Muhammadu Buhari by the National Assembly to the nation why his government has failed to secure the lives of its citizens.”
Source: Punch
GRPolitics
2027: Nsukka Leaders Endorse Gov Mbah Over Massive Projects in the Zone
…say senatorial district highest beneficiary of Mbah’s projects, reports Ikenna Oluka
Leaders of Enugu North Senatorial District, otherwise known as Nsukka Zone, have endorsed the Enugu State governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, to continue in office beyond 2027, saying the governor has transformed the zone in less than two years of his administration.
The Nsukka leaders who convened at the Adada House, Nsukka, on Thursday, under the aegis of Enugu State Coalition for Progress, Enugu North Senatorial Zone Branch, comprised a cross section of socio-cultural groups, the academia, representatives of Traditional Rulers, captains of industry, businessmen and women, politicians, market men and women, farmers association, labour leaders, among other leaders drawn from the 6 council areas of the zone, expressed their unwavering support for the Mbah administration.
In an interactive session by a panel of discussants from the groups which was followed by a communique issued at the end of the discussion and signed by no fewer than 700 signatories including the former deputy governor, Chief Okechukwu Itanyi, Senator Chuka Utazi of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the deputy speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ezeani Ezenta, Dr. Dan Shere, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, Gen. Godwin Ugwuoke (rtd), Dr. Mike Ajogwu SAN, Chief Maxwell Ukuta, Prof Osita Ogbu, and Igwe Dr H.N Ukuta, they cited the litany of monumental infrastructural developments of the governor across the state, particularly in Nsukka Zone, as the reasons behind their endorsement.
In a resolution and vote of gratitude, the coalition commended the governor’s outstanding leadership and stellar performance since assuming office in May 2023, saying the only candidate the zone would support in 2027 is Governor Mbah.
They insisted that supporting Mbah to do 8 years in office was in the best interest of Nsukka people as his re-election would enable him finish the landmark projects initiated by his administration in the zone which were already opening Nsukka for economic development.
The coalition further praised the governor for providing peace and security in Enugu State, making it an attractive destination for investment, business, and tourism in Nigeria.
“In particular, we note with satisfaction, that the setting up of the Enugu State Command and Control Center by His Excellency at the Government House for tracking criminal activities across the state has become a model for other states of the federation. We applaud His Excellency’s holistic development agenda for Enugu State anchored on his disruptive innovation philosophy as a catalyst for positive change,” the communique read in part.
While underscoring that the senatorial district has 102 electoral wards constituting 39.2 percent of the 260 electoral wards in the state, the elated Nsukka leaders said with 102 Smart Green Schools and 102 Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres across the six councils, the zone has become the highest beneficiary of Mbah’s stellar performance.
On the ongoing dualization of Enugu-Ugwogo Nike-Opi-Nsukka Road, the coalition described it as a critical infrastructure aimed at enhancing connectivity and boosting economic activities, adding that the reconstruction of the 44.8 km Ama Ngwo-Eke-Oghe-Iwollo-Umulokpa road and the new 40 km Owo-Ama Nkanu-Ubahu-Mbu-Neke dual carriageway would open up a new traffic and economic corridor to the senatorial zone.
It also noted that Mbah’s administration has transformed Enugu State from a civil service state to a fast-emerging industrial hub, with an unimaginable annual internally generated revenue of over N600 billion by the end of 2025. “The governor’s commitment to progress is evident in the rapid pace of development and transformation across various sectors, including roads, bridges, healthcare, security, tourism, entertainment, industries, and educational institutions.”
Throwing their weight behind the governor, Chief Ukuta said the people of the zone would not only queue behind him in the next polls, they also owed the governor apology for the herd mentality that almost led to the voting of wrong candidates.
Expressing confidence in the governor’s leadership ability, Senator Utazi said as an APC card-carrying member, he was at the meeting to particularly appreciate the good work of the governor, stressing that he deserved the unwavering support of the entire zone.
“I am a card-carrying member of APC starting from my ward in Nkpologu all the way to Abuja. I want to say that this gathering is not for PDP. It’s a gathering for every well-meaning Nsukka indigene who is appreciative of the good job the governor of Enugu State is doing in Enugu State and especially in Enugu North senatorial district. In fact, when I came back to Enugu, starting from the airport, I saw nylon roads, the type only seen in Abuja. When I visited the governor recently to discuss the police station I built there as a senator, the governor was immediately working to operationalize it, and is additionally working on the road from 9th Mile to Umulokpa. He also told me severally the things he was doing in Nsukka zone and all of them are what people can see on ground. Let’s support him to continue with his job. I want to say frankly that Nsukka people are happy with him,” the senator added.
Adding his voice, Dr. Ajogwu said the coalition had already spoken the minds of Nsukka people which was to support the governor for another term.
On his part, Hon. Ezeani, who led lawmakers from the zone, said the governor would continue to enjoy cordial relationship with the House of Assembly to ensure the continuation of the good governance in the state.
He described the Mbah administration as business unusual where new projects were springing up daily with many already completed across the state, adding that they had already declared unalloyed support and endorsement for his candidacy beyond 2027.
Lending his voice, Dr Shere lauded the governor for the transport infrastructure project which has the Nsukka Central Terminal Station, the Holy Ghost utra-modern terminal stations, Abakpa and Gariki stations in addition with the recently delivered CNG buses ordered by state government.
“You don’t need to be told that in Nsukka, we are all adopting governor Peter Mbah to complete the job he has started here. Nsukka is now looking beautiful because of what he’s contributing to our economy, infrastructure, education and transport sectors. Look at the Enugu Air, it’s a game changing moment for the state. The investment prospects will impact all the nooks and crannies of the state. Again, the International Conference Centre, the ongoing 5 star hotel, the Hotel Presidential and the 300-bed international hospital in the state will make Enugu the hub of medical tourism where robotic surgery will be conducted and thousands of jobs created,” he said.
Moving a motion for endorsement of the governor for 2027, Chief Itanyi insisted that the ongoing 43.7 km dualisation of the Penoks-Ugwogo Nike-Opi-Nsukka road was the single most costly project in the state. The motion was unanimously affirmed by voice votes by the members coalition who filled the hall.
GRPolitics
Breaking: ‘Welcome home,’ Gov Mbah Receives Edeoga Back to PDP
…‘You’re Enugu people’s choice,’ Edeoga tells governor
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, on Wednesday, welcomed the gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 governorship election, Hon. Chijioke Edeoga, back into the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, fold, commending the ex-opposition flagbearer for demonstrating that politics is not a do-or-die affair.
Mbah said that Edeoga’s return to the PDP was in line with the party’s principle of reconciliation and making the people, not personal ambition, the focus of governance, urging him and his supporters to feel very much at home.
This was even as the former gubernatorial candidate endorsed Mbah as the popular choice of the people of Enugu State, stressing that he had fully aligned with that choice.
Receiving Edoega in his office, in the company of party leaders led by the state party chairman, Dr. Martin Chukwunweike, Mbah said, “Welcome back home. The symbolism of your action is a mark of the enduring bond that runs in our party. I am indeed very delighted to have you back to rejoin your family.
“What we are witnessing today is a result of fence-mending consistent with the philosophy of our party – the imperatives of reconciliation.
“It is also a demonstration on your part that politics is not a do-or-die affair; that what we are currently doing in Enugu State appeals to you and you believe that it is working for the interest of the people and you have taken that decision to say, ‘Look, let us join hands together and serve our people.’
“I commend you greatly for making such a courageous bold step. The lesson for us is quite profound, as it shows that the common denominator even when we express our aspirations on different political platforms, is all about the people and making them the centerpiece of our ambitions.
“So, we will embrace you with our arms wide open. You are going to be treated as a member of PDP, which we know you are indeed. We look forward to working with you in the service of our people.”
Edeoga, on his part, commended Governor Mbah for making his return possible, describing it as a paradigm shift from politics of animosity and winner takes all to politics of empathy and people-centred development.
“I thank Your Excellency for overseeing the process that has culminated in my return to the PDP and my visit to your office. It is easy to downplay what has happened. But something like this has not happened in the annals of politics in Enugu State. I commend your wisdom, I commend your empathy, I commend your mental sagacity.
“What has happened here today will effect a paradigm shift in the way politics is played in Enugu State. It will no longer be winner takes all or politics being seen as a hostile or brutal activity. It has restored politics as just a contest of ideas and visions. These contesting visions were thrown open to the public and the people of Enugu State have made their choice, which I completely align myself with.
“Politics should be played without bitterness; it should be played without animosity and as much humanely as possible. Once the victor has emerged, the next thing is governance. The governance is ongoing and it is going very well. When it is time for politics, people are free to pursue their dreams. For now, it is time for governance.
“Anyone, who feels annoyed or deeply angered that Edeoga has taken this step of faith, I believe with time, they will align with the superior wisdom of those who are their leaders. Leadership comes with responsibilities and one of these responsibilities is to take a step of faith.
“Again, thank you for making my return to the PDP possible. I recommit myself to the ideals of PDP. As much as possible, I will work to ensure that PDP becomes victorious going forward,” he said.
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.
2027: Nsukka Leaders Endorse Gov Mbah Over Massive Projects in the Zone
MTN Nigeria Excites Fans with The Manchester Derby
Identity Management Day: Sophos Warns Against Data Breaches Linked to Identity Theft
LASG Acquires New Outboard Engines For Optimum Boat Performance
Elon Musk builds Hotel in Mars, Sets to launch soon at $5million per night – Photos
We Do Not Accept Refugee Application Directly From People – Canadian Govt.
-
Education5 days agoSouth East Educators Conference (SEEC) 2025 Set to Transform the Future of Education in Nigeria
-
GRTech3 days ago
Identity Management Day: Sophos Warns Against Data Breaches Linked to Identity Theft
-
Sports2 days ago
MTN Nigeria Excites Fans with The Manchester Derby
-
GRPolitics2 days ago
2027: Nsukka Leaders Endorse Gov Mbah Over Massive Projects in the Zone
