Category: Politics

Onyeka Young Nwafor, a governorship aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State, said if he becomes governor, he may have to use force to solve the state’s insecurity issues.

Nwafor believes insecurity persists in the state because Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s administration is not effectively tackling the problem.

Speaking on Arise TV on Thursday, January 23, 2025, the governorship aspirant said he supports the call for Nnamdi Kanu’s release if it would bring peace to the southeast region.

Explaining how he would address the weekly sit-at-home problem in Anambra, his government would dialogue with those enforcing it.

He added that if dialogue fails, he would use force by getting security forces to go after them and arrest those behind it.

“The issue of sit-at-home is southeast, and I believe that once there’s a political will to it. First and foremost, I am not against the release of Nnamdi Kanu; if his release is what would bring peace, I would support it because businesses are going down at the moment. My government would talk to the people enforcing sit-at-home; they are not spirits but human beings.

“When asked if he knows them, he said We would ask questions when the time comes: Who are the people doing this? Arrests would be made. We will find out who they are because you cannot just say you’ll use force. You might need to apply some levels of discussion…if the discussion does not materialize, I will apply force,” he said.

Nwafor also promised to involve all stakeholders, including traditional rulers, in discussions to end sit-at-home and insecurity in the state.

January 25, 2025
PDP’s NWC hails Fubara’s doggedness, declare him leader of party in Rivers

The National Working Committee of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, has hailed the doggedness of the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, in the face of the political crisis in the state, declaring him leader of the past in the state.

The NWC also commended Fubara for committing to restoring stability in the ruling party in Rivers State against forces of destabilisation.

The NWC had visited Gov. Fubara, Deputy Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, as part of the consultative meetings NWC is holding with party leaders and governors elected on the party’s platform to exchange ideas and explore ways to reposition the party.

Speaking after a closed-door meeting of the governor and the PDP National Working Committee in Government House, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday night, Ahmed Yayari Mohammed, National Treasurer of the PDP, affirmed the party’s satisfaction with Gov. Fubara as leader of Rivers PDP.

Mohammed Yayari said, “There was a court ruling that dissolved the purported party congresses held in the state (Rivers), and other leaders were appointed to pioneer affairs of the party.

“We came to appreciate the doggedness of the governor in ensuring that the PDP is becoming more stabilised and focused in Rivers State.”

Mohammed disclosed that before the visit, they had earlier visited the Governor of Bauchi State, Sen Bala Mohammed; the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde; and Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri.

He said the reason for the visits was to assure Nigerians that the PDP is coming together and is set on ensuring that in 2027, the PDP takes over governance in Nigeria, not only at the federal level but also capturing more states.

The National Treasurer further explained that another aspect of the visit is to inform Nigerians about the recent Court of Appeal ruling that reinstated Sir Ude Okoye as the National Secretary of the party, adding that they were also visiting these governors to assure them that the majority of the members of the NWC support Okoye as the National Secretary of the party.

He said, “We will continue to work with him and also request the support and backing of the governors. As you are aware, up to this moment, no court has set aside the ruling of the Court of Appeal.

“This case does not have any stay of execution or similar orders, so members of the NWC are in agreement to work alongside the current National Secretary of the party to ensure that the PDP becomes more transformed and prepared across the board. Come May 2027, PDP will bounce back.”

January 24, 2025
Nigerian newspapers review: Politicians disagree on why opposition is crumbling

In today’s Nigerian newspapers review programme, Today in the News, Vanguard leads with the continuation of its look into the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections, documenting the disagreement among politicians on the reasons for the fall of the opposition.

Another headline has the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) blaming the Federal Ministry of Power and the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) for persistent grid collapse.

In another report, the Federal Government alerts Nigerians on the outbreak of Anthrax in Zamfara.

Moving to other Nigerian newspapers, The Guardian leads with a story about more than 7 million customers on estimated electricity billing despite N1.5 trillion intervention and free supply.

The Punch’s top story is on Amotekun’s mobilisation of 2,000 personnel to comb forests in the South West following reports of the influx of bandits in the region.

Finally, The Nation leads with a report on Ogoni leaders and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s visit to President Bola Tinubu.

January 24, 2025
Edo election tribunal: PDP witnesses allege irregularities in three LGs

Witnesses of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), on Tuesday, gave testimonies on how irregularities allegedly marred the Sept. 21, 2024, Edo governorship election in three Local Governments (LGs) of the state.

The PDP and its candidate in the election, Dr Asue Ighodalo, are challenging the declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of Gov. Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner.

Being led in evidence by Abiodun Owonikoko, PDP counsel in the petition, one of the witnesses, Kennedy Osifo, tendered agents’ copies of the election results for 76 polling units.

The polling units are in Ward II of Ikpoba Okha local government area, where he alleged four electoral irregularities.

According to him, the irregularities were observed when the agents’ copies were examined alongside the certified true copies of the results of BVAS accreditation report obtained from the INEC’s IREV portal.

He said that the discrepancies had been highlighted in his witness statement on oath, which he urged the tribunal to adopt in evidence in the case.

Osifo, who said that he was the PDP local government collation officer in the poll, alleged that the INEC relied on incorrect scores to announce the election’s final result.

When cross-examined, Osifo said that his testimonies were based strictly on the two documents and not on contacts with the agents.

On his part, Adebayo Ogedegbe alleged cases of irregularities in 45 units across Akoko-Edo LG of the state.

Ogedegbe, the party collation officer for the local government, testified that INEC computed incorrect scores that negated the records in the certified true copies in 41 of these units.

The witness alleged overvoting in the four other units, seeking to tender the agents’ copies of the results of these units in evidence to corroborate his claims.

For Owan West LG, Lucky Aroye tendered agents’ copies of results in nine units where he also alleged overvoting.

Aroye said that there were no prior recordings of sensitive materials in seven units of the LG, urging INEC to adopt his statement on oath as evidence in the case.

When asked if the witness was able to visit all the units in the local government as the collation officer, he said there was no way he could have done that, considering the number.

Meanwhile, messers Kalu Agabi, Onyechi Ikpeazu, and Ukala, all Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), counsels to INEC, Okpebholo, and the APC, objected to the admissibility of the tendered documents.

The lawyers, however, reserved their grounds to the final written addresses.

Justice Wilfred Kpochi, the chairman of the tribunal, in his ruling, said that the documents were provisionally admitted in evidence.

Kpochi adjourned the sitting until Wednesday for continuation of hearing. (NAN)

January 24, 2025
INEC calls for cost-effective alternative means to by-election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called for the amendment of the law for a more cost-effective alternative methods of filling vacancies at the national and state assemblies.

The INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu made the call during the commission’s consultative meeting with political parties on Wednesday in Abuja.

He urged stakeholders to prevail on the national assembly to amend the law for a more cost-effective alternative means as it was being practiced in many jurisdictions around the world.

Yakubu said that INEC had been appealing to stakeholders, including political parties, to join the advocacy and for the national assembly to amend the law accordingly.

He said that over the last one and a half years since the inauguration of the current national and state assemblies in June 2023, vacancies had occurred in 23 constituencies.

According to him, this is as a result of death of serving members or voluntary resignation for executive positions at federal, state, local governments.

He said some also resigned due to their appointment as ministers, commissioners, chairman of a local government or as a board member or chairman.

“While the commission has conducted nine by-elections early last year, 14 more vacancies have occurred since then.

“They are unpredictable, unbudgeted for and difficult to plan in advance. Worse still, some by-elections lead to another.

“There are situations where a by-election in one senatorial district was won by a serving member of the house of representatives from the same district, thereby creating another vacancy.

“In turn, a member of the state assembly won the by-election to the house of representatives and this led to another vacancy in the state assembly.

“Consequently, one by-election led to three by-elections.

“Not only are these by-elections costly, they also divert the commission’s attention from its other extensive electoral responsibilities,’’ he said.

January 23, 2025
N21.83tn Budget: Buhari Tasks MDAs, GOEs on Revenue Collection Targets

President Muhammadu Buhari has tasked Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as well as Government Owned Enterprises (GOEs) to intensify their revenue mobilisation efforts and ensure that all taxable organisations and individuals pay taxes in order to achieve revenue targets for the 2023 budget.

The President made the charge after signing into law, the 2023 Appropriation Bill; the last budget of his administration totalling N21.83 trillion, which is an increase of N1.32 trillion over the initial Executive Proposal for a total expenditure of N20.51 trillion.

According to him, to achieve the laudable objectives of the 2023 Budget, relevant Agencies must sustain current efforts towards the realisation of crude oil production and export targets.

Buhari directed the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning to work towards the early release of the 2023 capital votes to enable MDAs commence the implementation of their capital projects in good time to support efforts to deliver key projects and public services as well as improve the living conditions of Nigerians.

”To augment available fiscal resources, MDAs are to accelerate the implementation of Public Private Partnership initiatives, especially those designed to fast-track the pace of our infrastructural development”, he said.

The President further explained that the 2022 Supplementary Appropriation Act would enable the administration to respond to the havoc caused by the recent nationwide floods in the infrastructure and agriculture sectors.

He added that the Minister of Finance will subsequently provide more details of the approved budget and the supporting 2022 Finance Act.

”We have examined the changes made by the National Assembly to the 2023 Executive Budget proposal. The amended fiscal framework for 2023 as approved by the National Assembly shows additional revenues of N765.79 billion and an unfunded deficit of N553.46 billion.

”It is clear that the National Assembly and the executive need to capture some of the proposed additional revenue sources in the fiscal framework. This must be rectified.

“I have also noted that the National Assembly introduced new projects into the 2023 budget proposal for which it has appropriated N770.72 billion. The National Assembly also increased the provisions made by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) by N58.55 billion”.

Detailing his decision to sign the 2023 Appropriation Bill into law as passed by the National Assembly, Buhari claimed it was to enable its implementation to commence without delay, considering the imminent transition process to another democratically elected government.

The President, however, directed the Minister of Finance to engage with the Legislature to revisit some of the changes made to the Executive budget proposal, expressing the hope that the National Assembly will cooperate with the Executive arm of Government in this regard.

He also urged the National Assembly to reconsider its position on his proposal to securitise the Federal Government’s outstanding Ways and Means of balance at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

”As I stated, the balance has accumulated over several years and represents funding provided by the CBN as lender of last resort to the government to enable it to meet obligations to lenders, as well as cover budgetary shortfalls in projected revenues and/or borrowings,” he said.

”I have no intention to fetter the right of the National Assembly to interrogate the composition of this balance, which can still be done even after granting the requested approval.”

”Failure to grant the securitization approval will however cost the government about N1.8 trillion in additional interest in 2023 given the differential between the applicable interest rates which is currently MPR plus 3% and the negotiated interest rate of 9% and a 40year repayment period on the securitised debt of the Ways and Means”, he said.

Reiterating that the 2023 Budget was developed to promote fiscal sustainability, and macroeconomic stability and ensure a smooth transition to the incoming Administration, the President said that it was also designed to promote social inclusion and strengthen the resilience of the economy.

“As this Administration draws to a close, we will accelerate the implementation of critical measures aimed at further improving the Nigerian business environment, enhancing the welfare of our people and ensuring sustainable economic growth over the medium- to long-term”, he said.

Buhari also revealed that adequate provisions have been made in the Budget for the successful conduct of the forthcoming general elections and the transition programme.

Ismail Aniemu, Publisher of JournalNG and ghost writer, is a maritime journalist of over two decades’ of practice with multidisciplinary background. He holds a masters degree in Transport Management from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology(LAUTECH) with bias for logistics. He is also an alumnus of the Times Journalism Institute where he obtained a post graduate diploma in Journalism.

December 3, 2024
I Can Bet With Anything, Obi Will Not Win, Says Keyamo

Minister of State for Labour, Festus Keyamo has challenged anyone to bet on the chances of Labour Party’s Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi winning the 2023 election.

Speaking on a Channels Television live interview from the United States, Keyamo admitted that Obi’s candidature is widely embraced by some high profile endorsements but it won’t earn him victory.

Keyamo said recent endorsements by former president Olusegun Obasanjo, Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State and Elder Stateman, Chief Edwin Clark cannot give Obi victory.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria said these endorsements only spell doom for the opposition Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) and expands chances of All Progressives Congress Bola Tinubu to win.

While faulting Obasanjo’s endorsements, Keyamo recalled that the former president’s campaign against Muhammadu Buhari in the 2019 polls didn’t stop Buhari from winning

According to him, all the components that made up the PDP are presently disintegrating due to political differences and that Obi further divided the opposition party

Joshua Okoria is a Lagos based multi-skilled journalist covering the maritime industry. His ICT and graphic design skills makes him a resourceful person in any modern newsroom. He read mass communication at the Olabisi Onabanjo University and has sharpened his knowledge in media practice from several other short courses.

December 3, 2024
I’ll Make Nigerian Ports Work Efficiently if Elected President – Peter Obi

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the forthcoming general elections, Peter Obi has said that he would dismantle the confusion in the country’s ports administration and make it work if elected into office next month.

According to him, the reason for the inefficiency in Nigerian ports is because some people are benefiting from the current system, promising to change it in order to boost the economy

The former Anambra State Governor made this known while responding to a question on how he would improve Nigeria’s port infrastructure and service during an appearance alongside his running mate, Dr. Yusuf Baba-Ahmed on Channels TV’s ‘The People’s Townhall’ on Sunday monitored by our correspondent.

Obi, who cited Singapore as one of the many countries earning very well from their thriving maritime sector, accused the country’s current leaders of not wanting to open up the economy in order to enable them continue stealing.

In his words: “20 years ago, the biggest port in terms of operations and the busiest was Singapore. In 20 years Singapore has moved from number one to about number four or five today because Port of Shanghai and others have come up. Even Rotterdam that used to be the biggest have all gone. These things change as quickly as possible.

“The reason we still have inefficiency is because people live on that inefficiency. We are going to remove them, Ports Authority is something I have followed. Are you aware that Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is the only port authority that I know in the world that has an office outside its country of operations? They have an office in London! They even have guest house in London! Can you believe it, for running a port in Nigeria?

“We are going to dismantle this confusion and get the country to work. It’s simple; I keep saying it is not rocket science, it’s been done. People have to do the right thing, port is not difficult. Nigeria is lucky that we have ports all over the place; all the oceans you see are ports. What is happening to Ibom? Look at the Port Harcourt Ocean Terminal that was started by Shagari, till today it is still not functioning as it should; same as Warri. There are so many places.

“Everywhere in Nigeria is port and you just have to open it up, but people deliberately don’t want it to because if it opens up, they won’t have the confusion, and that is what is happening everywhere in Nigeria. They don’t want to open up the economy, where people’s talent and hard work will match up with opportunities because they will not have anything to steal”.

On how he plans to turn things around, the presidential hopeful said that he would bring in the private sector to build ports and manage it in collaboration with the government, noting that it is what is happening everywhere in the world.

Obi who has criticised the fuel subsidy regime on several occasions, reiterated that it is an organised crime that his administration will do away with when he becomes the number citizen of Nigeria.

He wrote on his verified Twitter handle shortly after the TV appearance: “Fuel subsidy is an organised crime and I will remove it immediately, if I am elected President. Which reasonable country will spend more on subsidy than Education, Health etc”

Ismail Aniemu, Publisher of JournalNG and ghost writer, is a maritime journalist of over two decades’ of practice with multidisciplinary background. He holds a masters degree in Transport Management from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology(LAUTECH) with bias for logistics. He is also an alumnus of the Times Journalism Institute where he obtained a post graduate diploma in Journalism

December 3, 2024
Adeleke: I Benefitted From Buhari Signing Electoral Act

While noting that Buhari was looking healthy and nice, Adeleke, who was elected under the platform of the

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said the President’s signing of the Electoral Act paved the way for free and fair elections and the international community is applauding Nigeria, that Nigeria is set for democracy.

It would be recalled that during the election in July 2022, Governor Adeleke unseated the incumbent governor, Gboyega Oyetola of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The governor told journalists, “Since my election, I feel like I should come and say hello to Mr. President and thank him for signing that Electoral Act.

“So that is why I’m here today; to see him, thank him, and wish him well in his remaining time in office.”

Joshua Okoria is a Lagos based multi-skilled journalist covering the maritime industry. His ICT and graphic design skills make him a resourceful person in any modern newsroom. He read mass communication at Olabisi Onabanjo University and has sharpened his knowledge in media practice from several other short courses.

December 3, 2024
Peter Obi: I’m Committed to a United, Secure and Progressive Nigeria

The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi has restated his commitment to a united, secure, and working Nigeria if allowed to pilot the affairs of the country in 2023.

Obi, during a live broadcast to commemorate Nigeria’s 53-year re-unification after the civil war said that he remains resolute that a new Nigeria that everyone will be proud of and patriotically committed to is possible, and is a task that must be achieved.

According to him, anyone who still harbors an agenda different from the realization of a wholesome and unifying people-oriented development vision is doing a terrible disservice to this generation and Nigerians yet unborn, adding that he cannot think of any valid reason, except for the deficit of sound socio-economic and political policies and programs that will unite and propel Nigeria forward.

In his words: “15th January, a very special and unique day in 2023 as it was 53 years ago! 40 days from today, Nigerians will be voting in an election that many regard as the most crucial and existential decision we have to make as a nation, and particularly for our children and youths, given the sad state of our dear nation, Nigeria: alarming insecurity, unemployment, poverty, inflation, debt, hunger, disunity, hopelessness and many other indices of a failing state.

“It was also on 15th January, 53 years ago, a very special red-letter day for Nigeria that the booming of guns and other paraphernalia of battle were formally silenced in the thirty-month civil war in which millions of lives were regrettably lost and an unquantifiable number of properties destroyed!

“It was stated: ‘To keep Nigerian one is a task that must be done’ and ‘No victor, no vanquished’. It is this task of keeping Nigeria one in the spirit of no Victor, no Vanquished that has provided the platform for the commitment of both mental and physical energy to the arduous but noble task of building one strong, united ad indivisible Nigeria.

“As such, the overriding task we should all be committed to, as stated above, is Securing and Uniting Nigeria for Sustainable and Inclusive Development, particularly for our children and youths. While we regret the immense losses from the war, pray for the repose of souls of the departed, and thank God that it ended, we all must join hands with utmost sincerity and commitment to prevent any serious violence in Nigeria, let alone another civil war! Never again!

“This task of Securing and Uniting Nigeria should be our only option and we all can agree that the leaders and people of different sections of Nigeria have done admirably well, particularly in the years immediately after the war. Within less than ten years after the end of that civil war, a committed personality from the defunct Biafra, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, was the Number Two Man to a most patriotic, humble servant-leader, Alhaji Shehu Shangri, who was Number One.

“May their Souls continue to rest in peace! Our dear Shehu Shagari and Alex Ekwueme -both of blessed memories – became a strong and veritable expression of the unity and togetherness that engendered a vibrant post-war Nigeria. This democratic leap with its unifying symbolism was glorious for Nigeria, and I deeply cherish such path of brotherhood and onenesses established by Shagari/Ekwueme and truly believe that it is this path of inclusiveness and togetherness as one Nigeria we should follow today.

“From what I know of the South-East, the Igbo Nation, led by Ohaneze, has at every opportunity been unequivocal about its commitment to the unity, oneness, integrity, and progress of Nigeria, based on equity, justice, and an inclusive society. And I, Peter Obi, a proud Nigerian of Igbo extraction, I am most truthfully and wholly committed to that stand of One United, Secure and Progressive Nigeria!”

The two-time former Governor of Anambra State pointed out that there are youths all over Nigeria who are frustrated because of injustice, poverty, lack of opportunities, unemployment, and apparent exclusion, stating that such youths could seize upon and use anything issue or tool to express their frustration and anger.

Obi, who highlighted that some of those agitating are doing so partly due to the failure of leaders in creating an inclusive and progressive Nigeria, pledged to make sure that the civil war and the circumstances that led to it do not re-occur; and to ensure the building of an all-inclusive and progressive society where no individual or group will be estranged, marginalised, or excluded.

According to him, a working Nigeria with equity, justice and fairness will also definitely and effectively checkmate such extreme groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP.

“I personally believe that the best strategy for dealing with these situations manifesting in the guise of unclear nationalism, bigoted patriotism and religious bigotry is a carrot and stick approach. Nation building and an Ordered Society are now imperative.

“We must wean those that can be weaned through the creation of a society where equity and justice will prevail, a society where the basic freedoms and necessities of life, such as health, jobs, skills, and empowerment are provided. There must be a national programme for those who will accept the carrot approach. For those unwilling to yield to the carrot approach, the stick option will be fully justified and applied. We must put order in our society and where necessary, justice will be tempered with mercy.

“I believe that various agitation groups will stop their agitations when they see a patriotic leadership imbued with fairness, equity, justice, and a determination for a very inclusive and progressive society. Every rational human being can change when he sees a good reason to do so. Such incentives require the right approach, effort, and time.

“It is also unfair to use the misconduct or position of one person or few persons in an ethnic group to stigmatize the entire group. It is a wrong approach and should not be so! I have repeatedly said that I will sit down and discuss with all agitators, believing that we must continue to talk and negotiate with all to achieve positive results. Let us accept that the war has truly ended. To try to continue to ‘fight the civil war’ today, after fifty-three years, would be a great disservice to Nigeria and Nigerians, particularly our heroes who diligently Laboured to secure and unite us. Let our rallying anthem remain: ‘Though tribes and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand’

“Today, 133 million Nigerians live in multi-dimensional poverty, 20 million children are out of school, we have near 40% unemployment, with about 60%unemployed youths who do not know where the next meal will come from; our young people in their productive years are doing nothing, our primary healthcare system has collapsed, we have overtaken India in infant mortality despite their being seven times our population. Our youths’ drug abuse prevalence is the highest in the world. We are now globally treated like second class citizens; with Nigerians being refused entry into countries we were far better than a few years ago.

“These are things that should concern us today; these are things I want us to come together as a family and as a great nation to commence reversing, irrespective of our tribe and religion. That is the Nigeria for which I wish to be the Team Leader, where everybody will be included, no matter where he or she comes from or what his or her beliefs are”.

Obi explained that there are critical junctures and times in which every nation must seize the moment to define or redefine its history, noting that for Nigeria, that moment is now.

“A new Nigeria is possible; a nation bound in freedom, peace, unity, justice and prosperity is realizable! Let us all join hands in love and brotherhood to build, with God of our creation guiding our noble cause!”, he added.

Ismail Aniemu, Publisher of JournalNG and ghost writer, is a maritime journalist of over two decades’ of practice with multidisciplinary background. He holds a masters degree in Transport Management from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology(LAUTECH) with bias for logistics. He is also an alumnus of the Times Journalism Institute where he obtained a post graduate diploma in Journalism

December 3, 2024