Politics
Absence of Sacrifice Hurting our Polity, elections – ENECHIONYIA
Peter Ikenna for GRASSROOTS
Chairman, All Progressives Grand Alliance, Enugu State chapter, Ndubuisi Enechionyia, is the senatorial candidate for Enugu West in next month’s general election. In this interview, he speaks on the chances of his party in the polls, among other issues
As the Chairman of APGA in Enugu State and senatorial candidate for Enugu West, how do you feel about the twin roles?
I feel very privileged. They both fit into my desire to serve and try to improve the lots of our people. Moreover, my experience as chairman is part of what has prepared me for the task of representing my senatorial zone. I live with the communities and I understand and feel their pains.
Moreover, my singular objective is to deliver APGA candidates, who will reverse the deterioration in public service characterised by the last seven and half years of poor governance in the state.
Enugu State has been noted for its religious observation of zoning into political offices. Is that a compliment or apology for mediocrity?
If what you are trying to say is that we have had governors from each of the three senatorial zones; yes, we have. But has it translated to any good? Absolutely no! Governance is about capacity, vision, empathy, leadership, courage etc. It has nothing to do with where a person comes from. It is the absence of vision and leadership that has made it possible for the divide-and-rule leaders to use zoning as a strategy to give power to friends, business associates and family members.
How come your senatorial district does not abide by that power rotation arrangement?
There is no tenure for senators. As long as the people desire and vote for you, there is no legal restriction to your running. The usual clamour for change is because of poor representation, lack of vision and a skewed implementation of intervention and policy decisions. Once we have representatives who see beyond tribe, religion, community, family and friends, and work towards the improvement of the whole constituency, talk about zoning will die a natural death.
Some people say that was possible because PDP is the dominant party in the state.
There is a party in power from years of faulty elections. The voice of the people has never been heard. Parties dominate by good performance, which improves the lives of the governed. The Peoples Democratic Party in Enugu has done exactly the opposite. Primary school teachers and civil servants go on strike, pensions and gratuities are not paid, everywhere is filled with filth, insecurity is worsening, no water, roads are in disrepair, businesses are going under due to stress of over-taxation and broken infrastructure. It has never been this bad.
I expect Enugu to protest with their votes next month. Enough is enough.
The only time your party, APGA, appeared very competitive in election in Enugu was about 20 years ago. Can you rate the party’s chances this time around?
Political parties keep evolving with all the strategic and human challenges of Enugu’s peculiar anti-opposition environment. We are where we are and it is in good place.
We have competed in the last two local council elections. Although results were pre-written and pre-determined by the state government and their electoral agency, everywhere voting took place, the people supported us. We were the only party that conducted competitive free and fair primaries in Enugu, with five candidates, who had excelled in different areas of personal endeavour.
Today, we have a former minister and former director-general of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group, Frank Nweke Jnr, as our governorship candidate. This is a man who has excelled in all the public positions he has held, and who has never been linked with corruption, stealing or abuse of office. He is the only person running on his track record of integrity, courage and accountability in leadership. We also have quality candidates of integrity, like myself, running in other positions. Go round; the message from the people is “enough is enough”.
PDP has wasted 24 years of opportunities. We will return them to sender in the election.
On the street, the only area where people are talking about supporting another party outside APGA is the presidency, where a lot of young people support Peter Obi, who, by the way, is presenting a scorecard of service under APGA.
What specific legislative agenda do you intend to pursue in the Senate?
A major obvious challenge we have is insecurity. Nothing can function in an environment of insecurity. I believe in multi level policing. While the long-term goal would be constitutional changes to enable state and community policing, we need to immediately use legislation to resource, orientate, train, equip and motivate the various policing units at play.
Our people also need to work and earn a decent living. Agriculture is the sector that will create jobs, feed the nation, drive exports and revamp the economy. We must use legislation to direct, support and encourage massive investment in commercial agriculture and the various value chains. Legislation should also direct infrastructure towards enabling and supporting agriculture.
My senatorial zone is a hub that connects all the South East states. It is also a link between the North and South of Nigeria. The right investment and policies can energise my senatorial zone into becoming a transport, warehousing, manufacturing, technology, tourism and agricultural hub. A hub can only work with free and good access. We will pursue the immediate repair and reconstruction of the Ninth Mile/Opi, Enugu/Onitsha and Enugu/PH expressways. This is top priority because the advancement of our senatorial zone depends on it.
We will vigorously pursue an improvement of our laws to enable death penalty for official corruption. It is an antidote for cutting the cost of governance, improving public sector expenditure performance and encouraging citizens to support government initiatives and pay tax. For this to work, rule of law, as well as independence and efficiency of the judiciary must be pursued. We must also pursue policies that will promote community health insurance, as well as improve our educational and youth structure.
Beyond some of these, I will be representing Enugu West. Continuous engagement with my constituents will determine the specific focus of my legislative agenda, lobbying, interventions and oversight interventions
How do you think Nigeria’s electoral system could be made more transparent and less capital-intensive?
To restore confidence in the political class, there people must see good governance to be able. We must ensure that the votes count, so that the people will recognise their power to determine their representatives and their future.
Do you have the financial muscle to compete for votes with the other two big parties, All Progressives Congress and Peoples Democratic Party?
Competing for votes requires the ability to understand the people’s problems and present a plan they would buy into. Those who talk about financial muscle and structure live in the old cocoon of election riggers. Money is important, but people have also realised that the more you spend to get elected, the more difficult it is to manage the scarce resources in their interest. A man, who spends billions on billboards alone, will try and recover that money when he gets elected. Moreover, the people you mentioned in PDP and APC, where did they get the money they spend? A lot of them are wrapped inside various corruption charges and spend stolen money to get elected. That vicious cycle must stop. Enough is enough
How can vote-buying be curbed?
It can be curbed through education and public enlightenment. However, as long as the people do not see good governance and fail to restore trust in the political system, it may be difficult to curb
Are you comfortable with the Electoral Act 2022, particularly its ability to checkmate rigging?
It is what it is, and it is what we will use for the next election. The Independent National Electoral Commission needs everyone’s support to deliver on the mandate. When we resume in the next assembly, we would be looking at how to continuously improve the electoral process, so that it will be free, fair and reliable.
Does INEC’s state of preparedness give you confidence that it would deliver credible and transparent election?
There are good and clear signs of seriousness from INEC. They require our support, sacrifice and commitment. INEC alone cannot deliver credible elections. The security agencies, the government at various levels, the political parties and the politicians must show patriotism and commit to doing what is required to deliver good elections.
Sacrifice is what is missing in our polity. If we desire good elections, we must sacrifice personal interest for national glory.
The founder of Human Capital Africa, Dr Oby Ezekwesili has emphasized need for a fresh constitution that will help address all the imbalances and the inequalities and appealed to the media to be in forefront at the vanguard of the demand
Ezekwesili made the call on Thursday while speaking on the topic “Reworking Nigeria’s Federalism: Perspectives on Restructuring and Fiscal Federalism” at the 7th Penpushing Media anniversary and annual lecture held in Abeokuta.
She pointed out that a new constitution is a matter of life and death, stressing that having it in place defined the current constitution in Nigeria, and that there must be a constitutional conference that will enable citizens to have honest conversation
“The media should take the front seat and be at the vanguard of a demand for new constitution. We must have a constitutional conference that enables the people of this country to have honest conversation around things that will make us make progress and make Nigeria work for all of us’, she stated.
“If there is anything that will come out of this annual lecture it must be that the media should be at the vanguard of a push for a constitutional conference, one that will enable the constituent part of this country, a constituent assembly elected by the people, they go, they sit, they have the discussion on the basis of the issues that makes fiscal federal system of government to work and come out with issues that are eligible for constitution which is put before the people to vote in form of referendum.
‘This is what Kenya did after almost collapsing, and since then, you never hear them talking about break-up, they will talk about the need for good leaders’, the humanitarian and an activist stated.
The former Minister, pointed out that only a new constitution that prioritises devolution of powers, justice, equity, and fairness to all irrespective of tribes and ethnicity will solve the agitation for secession by some part of the country, the problem of insecurity, the challenge of unemployment and poverty, and maladministration.
The advocate for transparency, accountability, good governance berated the National Assembly efforts on the ongoing constitutional amendment, stressing that it is nothing but a charade and a conduit pipe to waste public funds.
Ezekwesili, that accompanied by her husband to the well organized and attended ceremony added that hijack of the nation’s political space and, by extension, that of the continent by a set of criminal enterprise gangs who now sit at the table and slice governance in the direction that best suits them while the larger interest of the people suffers is worrisome.
She added that the National Assembly decided to embark on a venture that will do little or nothing to help address the need to restructure the country along the practice of true federalism, stressing that a fresh constitution that will help address all the imbalances and the inequalities.
‘The ongoing constitutional amendment cannot work, it cannot address our problem, it is a charade and sheer waste of resources. The demand for a new constitution is a matter of life and death’, Ezekwesili said
“For instance, when the engineer tells us that the foundation of a building is structurally defective, is it not to take the whole building down because it will continue to constitute an endangerment to the people’, she noted.
“You won’t say, Oga, can we just do some little adjustment to the building, no, it won’t work, and this is same with nation building. So, this expensive charade that the National Assembly is embarking on and spending money on won’t take us anywhere’, Ekwesili stated.
Penpushing further reports that she explained that there is nothing mysterious about good governance, as it has been done in other parts of the world and could be replicated in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.
“Unfortunately, today’s politics has been hijacked, what we now have is a criminal enterprise gang and this is not only in Nigeria but across the continent. A criminal enterprise gang has taken hold of politics and excluded the society and these people just sit at the table and just slice governance in the direction that suits them but that must not be made to continue’, she said
The human capital development expert said there is a strong connection between the quality of African politics and its economic performance and prosperity, adding that this sad reality may, however, not change for a long time to come if nothing is done to improve the quality of its politics and the political leaders.
The true practice of fiscal federalism will foster greater regional autonomy and collaboration, satisfy the demand for self-determination without breaking up the country, boost productivity and accountability, and improve leadership capabilities, among other things.
The founder of Penpushing Media, Prince Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji earlier in his welcome speech explained that the essence of the annual lecture is aimed at elevating conversation around issues that could further enhance the greatness of the country.
She disclosed that the media outlet, which is the first online newspaper to start operations in Abeokuta, the town where journalism started in Nigeria in 1859 said the organization has continued to grow in leaps and bound.
The founder added that the establishment has been contributing significantly to changing the narrative of the country through qualitative reportage and offering philanthropic gestures that are deliberately designed to uplift humanity.
Kayode-Adedeji explained that Penpushing Media as part of its policy, has trained over mass communication undergraduates from various tertiary institution, to contribute to their growth in the profession
The Founder added that in addition to the developmental growth of the undergraduates the media organization has equally instituted an annual award honour for the best graduating mass communication students in the higher institutions.
In goodwill messages by Funke Fadugba(Chairman Editorial Board Penpushing Media), Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi (Chairperson Planning Committee), Femi Adesina former Presidential spokesman to the late Mohammadu Buhari, Justice Deinde Soremi(retired Justice admitted, Princess (Dr) Ronke Ogunremi, Maureen Chigbo and Chief (Dr) Joju Fadairo admitted the positive relevance of Penpushing Media in the media industry globally
The panelists at the well packaged ceremony include Sir Eddy Aina (former Director National Broadcasting Commission), Hon Adijat Adeleye (Ogun State Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development), and Prof Abgail Ogwezzy-Ndisika(Director Institute of Continuing Education, Mass Communication Department University of Lagos) and Fatai Owoseni(Retired Commissioner of Police)
The members of the planning committee include Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi (Chairperson), Sina Adefolahan(Secretary), Seun Sodiya, Otunba Gbenga Onayiga, Hon Remmy Hazzan, Toyin Ogunbomehin and Dr Adewunmi Alayaki
Meanwhile, the editorial board include Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji (Founder), Funke Fadugba(Chairman), Eddy Aina, Barrister Benjamin Ogunmodede, Yemisi Fadairo and Femi Shodunke
Politics
Gov Mbah Reshuffles Cabinet, Swears-in Head of Service, 6 Commissioners
… Reassigns 3 Commissioners, SANDRA ANI reports
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, on Wednesday, rejigged his cabinet, swearing in a new Head of Service, six new Commissioners, and reassigning three others.
Mbah also assigned portfolios to the new appointees following the administration of Oath of Office on them by a representative of the Ministry of Justice, Chizoba Ogbodo, at the State Executive Council Chamber, Government House, Enugu.
The newly sworn-in appointees are: Dr. Godwin Anigbo, Head of Service; Engr. Benjamin Osita Okoh, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure; Prof. Benedett Ekwutosi Okoli, Commissioner for Human Development and Poverty Eradication; Enyinna Franklin Ogbonna, Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources; and Dr. Samuel Ogbu-Nwobodo, Commissioner for Trade, Investment, and Industry.
Others are Prof. George Ugwu, Commissioner for Health and Engr. Ben Collins Ndu Jr., who was designated as the Commissioner for Water Resources.
Dr. Felix Nnamani was reassigned from the Ministry of Water Resources to the Ministry of Labour and Employment as Commissioner, Dr. Malachy Agbo was reassigned from the Ministry of Human Development and Poverty Eradication to the Ministry of Information, while the former Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Gerald Otiji, is now the Commissioner for Housing.
Speaking on the occasion, Mbah charged the appointees to hit the ground running, stressing that there would be no honeymoon period for them.
He said the administration had in two years steered high expectations among the people of the state as well as Nigerians in general and could not to lower the its performance across sectors.
“You would soon notice that here in Enugu, we have steered such a high expectation among our people. And everyday it feels as though we are presenting a scorecard.
“Therefore, you have to hit the ground running, as there will be no honeymoon period for you, unfortunately.
mongous goals that we have outlined. And your various Ministries will play critical roles in accomplishing those goals.
“We set targets, we set goals, and we have key performance indicators, we have measurable indicators, hence, we have to measure and we have to constantly take analysis of where you are in respect to the set goals and what your results are. Those key performance indicators are key to us and we will measure you based on these outcomes and results,” the governor stated.
He further charged the appointees to work as a team, in line with the established cultures of the administration.
“We also recognise teamwork champions. We do not encourage working in silos. You have to work as a team, we believe that by working as a team, we are able to accomplish our collective goals. You should not see your colleagues as rivals. They should actually complement your efforts instead.
“Our modest accomplishment in the state so far is not done by a single champion. We like to recognise our successes as team efforts,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of other appointees, Dr. Ogbu-Nwobodo thanked the governor for finding them worthy out of the many other highly qualified Enugu citizens and beyond, assuring that they would not let him down.
“Since you chose to entrust us with this sacred duty as you make history on a daily basis. We will keep faith with our Oath of Office. We will be loyal and dedicated in the discharge of our duties. We will strive to contribute to the nationally acknowledged success that your government has become,” he said.
The swearing-in ceremony was witnessed by the Deputy Governor, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Victor Udeh, several commissioners and senior appointees of government as well as the spouses of the appointees.
Politics
Shaping Nigeria’s Tomorrow: President Tinubu’s Innovative Reforms as We Approach the 2027 Election
By: Prof. Ojo Emmanuel Ademola
President Bola Tinubu’s administration has launched significant economic development and sustainability reforms in Nigeria.
With the 2027 election approaching, many question whether his re-election is essential for the nation’s future prosperity.
While there have been advancements in infrastructure, agriculture, financial stability, and energy reforms, challenges like economic hardship, insecurity, and political instability persist.
Our country’s challenges are considerable, yet with Tinubu’s strong leadership, we can overcome them and emerge even stronger.
The upcoming election represents a selection of candidates and a crucial choice between progress and stagnation. Tinubu’s vision and determination have laid the groundwork for a brighter future for Nigeria, making it vital for us to continue advancing under his guidance.
Nigeria’s economic landscape is undergoing significant transformation under President Tinubu’s administration, with projections indicating that the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) could approach a notable trillion-dollar mark. Despite facing substantial economic challenges, including a projected public debt of approximately 79 trillion naira by the end of 2025 and rising debt servicing costs, the reforms initiated by Tinubu are showing positive effects on economic growth and stability.
In particular, external debt service is expected to increase to $5.2 billion in 2025, highlighting the need for sustainable economic policies. Adding $24.14 billion to previous debt estimates underscores the ongoing economic hurdles the country must navigate. Forecasts suggest Nigeria’s GDP will reach $585.9 billion in 2025, based on absolute terms and constant 2015 prices. Meanwhile, other estimates project a GDP of $377.31 billion by the end of 2025, with long-term trends suggesting it will rise to $393.16 billion in 2026 and $410.85 billion in 2027. This data emphasises the challenges and potential for Nigeria’s economy moving forward.
President Tinubu’s commitment to economic development and sustainability reforms is essential for Nigeria’s future. His administration has made significant strides in infrastructure, agriculture, financial stability, and energy sector reforms, laying a strong foundation for growth. As we approach the 2027 election, supporting his vision for a prosperous and stable Nigeria is essential.
President Bola Tinubu has a solid support base, yet the upcoming 2027 election could be competitive due to the current economic challenges and strong opposition. His economic reforms, which address economic hardship, insecurity, and corruption, are vital for Nigeria’s viability.
Amid rising inflation and a cost-of-living crisis, Tinubu’s focus on economic reform is essential for stabilising the economy and easing citizens’ burdens. By targeting inflation’s root causes and strengthening sectors like infrastructure, agriculture, and energy, his administration aims to create a more resilient economy.
In a time of pervasive insecurity and political instability, sustainable economic development is crucial for job creation and poverty reduction. Tinubu’s reforms foster growth, investment, and transparency, addressing immediate challenges and long-term prosperity.
Despite the hurdles leading to the 2027 election, Tinubu appears to be gaining an advantage over his opponents. While economic hardships and opposition coalitions present challenges, his strong backing within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and strategic manoeuvres indicate he may secure a successful path to electoral victory.
Intriguingly, the importance of President Tinubu’s economic reforms cannot be overstated. During this period of significant challenges and uncertainties, his vision for sustainable economic development provides a pathway toward a more prosperous, secure, and stable Nigeria. As the nation reaches a critical juncture, the need for President Tinubu’s economic reforms to ensure Nigeria’s long-term viability and vitality is clear.
President Tinubu’s economic reforms offer hope during these challenging times, promising a brighter future for all Nigerians. In response to widespread protests and calls for an end to bad governance and economic hardship, President Tinubu’s bold initiatives serve as a rallying cry for positive change. The nation must unite behind a vision of prosperity and progress as we embrace a new era of economic stability and growth.
While reactions to the government’s efforts may vary, it’s essential to recognise the potential of President Tinubu’s reforms. His administration aims to create a more prosperous society by tackling economic instability and promoting transparency. This calls for all Nigerians to support this vision and work together for a better future.
In the face of criticism and repression, it is more important than ever to champion the values of freedom, democracy, and human rights. President Tinubu’s economic reforms provide a pathway towards a more just and inclusive society where every voice is heard, every right is protected, and every individual has the opportunity to thrive. This is a moment to seize—a chance to shape the destiny of our nation for generations to come.
As we navigate the complexities and challenges of the present moment, let us not lose sight of President Tinubu’s economic reforms’ promise and potential. Let us channel our energy and passion towards building a better tomorrow—a nation we can all be proud of. The time for robust continuity is now, and together, we can forge a brighter, more prosperous future for Nigeria and all Nigerians.
President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is guiding Nigeria towards a sustainable future through essential economic reforms, laying the groundwork for widespread development and progress for all Nigerians.
1. Infrastructure Development: President Tinubu is boosting economic growth and quality of life through strategic investments in infrastructure like roads, railways, and power generation. These initiatives aim to create a robust framework for a thriving economy and better living standards.
2. Agricultural Initiatives: President Tinubu’s focus on modernising agriculture and boosting food production marks a key move towards self-sufficiency and food security. These initiatives promote a sustainable agricultural sector that supports economic growth by reducing import reliance and empowering local farmers.
3. Financial Reforms: The administration’s focus on stabilising the financial sector and attracting foreign investment is vital for Nigeria’s long-term economic stability. President Tinubu’s efforts are enhancing economic growth, creating jobs, and positioning Nigeria as an attractive destination for global investors.
4. Energy Sector Reforms: President Tinubu’s initiatives to diversify energy sources and improve efficiency in the oil and gas sector are crucial for enhancing energy security and economic stability. Nigeria is fostering a more resilient economy by shifting away from traditional energy sources and adopting sustainable alternatives.
President Tinubu’s bid for re-election in 2027 is at a crucial crossroads, marked by achievements and challenges. His administration’s economic reforms indicate a positive trajectory for Nigeria. Currently, his position seems stronger than that of any individual opponent or all challengers combined.
Nevertheless, significant obstacles, including ongoing economic hardships and fierce opposition, present a daunting landscape. The 2027 election will test how well these reforms can benefit the Nigerian people and how effectively the administration can address pressing issues. With a rapidly evolving political arena, the election will likely be highly competitive, with the potential for transformative change. President Tinubu’s prospects hinge on leveraging his economic agenda and connecting with the populace’s aspirations for a brighter future.
In summary, President Tinubu’s leadership is on a promising path as transformative reforms take effect. These reforms are expected to bring significant benefits, positively impacting the lives of citizens and enhancing voter support ahead of the upcoming election. The focus extends beyond mere political gain; it is about creating a brighter future for Nigeria and its people. This is a crucial opportunity to harness the economic reforms initiated by President Tinubu for a prosperous and thriving nation.
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