Category: Politics

2027: Finding alternative political party, our main hurdle — Anti-Tinubu coalition

ABUJA: Ahead of the 2027 general election, the new broad-based coalition of opposition leaders say they are on the verge of reaching a final consensus on its structure and modus operandi, noting that its main hurdle had been finding an alternative political party.

The coalition noted that while the issue of zoning is being raised by some individuals, the matter had not been formally discussed at its meetings.

It added that at this stage of negotiations, the main focus was around getting leaders to agree to work together, as “there is strong recognition that prospective members should set aside personal ambitions to contest the 2027 elections.”

The coalition disclosed this in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja and signed by Salihu Lukman, a former National Vice Chairman, Northwest, of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

Last Thursday, some opposition leaders had at a news conference in Abuja, opposed the presidential declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

They also said the group would work as a coalition to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.

Those in the forefront of the coalition are former vice president and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar; former Anambra State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate of Labour Party LP, Mr Peter Obi, former Governor of Kaduna state, Malam Nasir el-Rufai and Tinubu’s estranged ally and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF, Babachir Lawal.

They are joined in the coalition by some aggrieved elements of the APC including a former Governor of Nasarawa State and former National Chairman of the APC, Senator Abdullahi Adamu; former Rivers state Governor and ex-Transport minister, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and; former Ekiti state Governor and ex-Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi.

Lukman noted that while responding to a question during the press conference, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had confirmed that the formation of a coalition ahead of 2027 general election was going on.
According to Lukman, this has generated wide interests and national debates with varied interpretations.
He said in order to set the records straight, it was important to state that negotiations were ongoing, adding that nothing had been finalized.

“Once concluded, formal announcements will be made with all the details regarding composition of membership, programme of action towards 2027, framework for contesting the 2027 elections, etc,” he stated.
According to him, consultations are in advanced stages, basically reaching out to prospective members of the coalition, mapping out issues for agreements among members.

He said: “At this stage of negotiations, the main focus is around getting leaders to agree to work together and substantially there is strong recognition that prospective members should set aside personal ambitions to contest the 2027 elections.

“The second issue being negotiated is the political party that will be the platform for the 2027 electoral contest. These two issues are carefully being negotiated. While acknowledging that with respect to the requirement for members to set aside personal ambitions, there are strong interests being expressed around issues of zoning by individual leaders, these issues are yet to be formally discussed at any consultation meeting.

“The speculation, therefore, by some media analysts about disagreements stalemating the coalition negotiation is not true. The consensus among leaders is that the final decision about processes of candidates’ selection can only be handled and determined when there is agreement regarding the political party on whose platform the coalition will field candidates.

“The question of negotiating the political party is the most difficult challenge. This is an area that many members of the coalitions have been engaging in different ways for more than a year now. Perhaps, it is important to highlight that there are many groups, including some members of the coalition, who have filed applications to register political parties.

“For reasons best known to INEC, these applications are being frustrated. The only conclusion that can be reached in the circumstance is that INEC has decided that it will not register new parties.

“To make matters worse, many of the existing registered parties who did not meet the electoral threshold of winning any seat in the last general elections face the threat of deregistration. Given this unpleasant reality, members of the coalition opened negotiations with some of the existing parties that have met the electoral threshold.

‘’Interestingly, somehow, some of the prospective parties being negotiated are being remotely pushed into crises mode in the same way PDP, Labour Party and NNPP have been entangled with existential problems. It is almost a clear case of destroying the legal basis for any party to qualify to field candidates for 2027 other than the ruling APC,” he added.

Allegation’s untrue – INEC

However, INEC yesterday disclaimed the allegations, saying associations which meet the requirements for registration as political parties would be duly registered.

Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi, said the commission had had to even notify political associations when they file incomplete documents for registration as parties.

Reacting to the allegation, Oyekanmi said: “It is not true, the commission will not frustrate any association seeking registration as a political party. We operate a transparent process. There are conditions to be fulfilled and there is an application procedure to be followed, as contained in the Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties (2022).

“There are documents to be submitted and verified, and there are different stages of an application. An applicant needs to be in compliance with all the requirements and must also submit genuine documents.
“If there are issues during the application process, the commission will immediately inform the applicant to rectify such areas.’’

March 25, 2025
Democracy not working in Nigeria — Obasanjo, Obi, Tambuwal, Kukah

ABUJA—Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, and Aminu Tambuwal, the former governor of Sokoto State, yesterday expressed concerns that democracy was not working in Nigeria.

The leaders, who spoke at the 60th birthday celebration of former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria, Emeka Ihedioha, at the Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja Intercontinental Hotel, yesterday, stressed the need for urgent reforms to address the country’s challenges.

Speaking at the event also attended by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Emeka Anyaoku and immediate past governor of katsina State, Aminu Masari, Obasanjo noted that democracy, as currently practised in Nigeria and much of Africa, has failed to meet the need of the people.

According to him, western model of democracy does not align with African values and needs, and “democracy in Africa has failed because it is not African.”

Obasanjo, who called for a redefinition of democracy to better reflect the continent’s cultural realities and serve the people more effectively, said: “Is democracy failing in Africa? Are we talking of democracy or western liberal democracy?

“We should remember that in Africa, we had a form of government which attended to the needs of the people. That is democracy.

“Abraham Lincoln describes it as a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. But what do we have today? The Greek democracy affects everyone but democracy has now become representative democracy and it hasn’t taken care of everyone.

“Democracy in Africa has failed because it’s not African, it didn’t have our culture and way of life. You will say, go to court when you know that you can’t get justice. Democracy is dying in Africa and to save it, it should be made in the context of Africa.”

On his part, Obi also noted that the democracy practiced in the country is not working as it should.
Recalling his experience, where he had to fight for his mandate after being impeached as governor of Anambra State, Obi maintained that he did not resort to bribery.

He said: “Democracy is not working in Nigeria. Everything has been knocked down. I didn’t pay a dime to retrieve my mandate. When I was impeached, Obasanjo called to ask about my welfare. Nigeria should imbibe the Indonesian democracy, proportional representation.’’

Speaking further, Obi said Nigeria’s democracy, which had been progressing since 1999, is now being “knocked down” by the current administration.

“Some people came and knocked everything down. That is the situation we are in now. Everything has been knocked down. Nothing works.

“I became a governor through the court when President Obasanjo and Atiku were in government.
“I did not pay the court one naira. I was sitting in my office, and the court declared me the winner. It can’t happen in Nigeria today.

“When I was being impeached, the president sent people to come and intervene on my behalf. Ken Nnamani came, begging the House (House of Assembly) not to impeach me.

“Today, the president is impeaching a person. They were in PDP; I was in APGA. The president was calling and saying, ‘Peter, are you okay? Even when I was impeached, President Obasanjo called and said, ‘Are you okay? Are you safe?

“When the court eventually declared me (the winner) under Andy Uba (as governor), President Yar’Adua called my phone in London and said, ‘come back. I said, President, I can’t come back.

“When I came back, the military people came and received me at the airport. I couldn’t believe it. And took me straight to him. Now, the president would ask me not to come back. Democracy is collapsing.”

Delivering the keynote address, titled “Is Democracy Failing in Africa?’’ Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, faulted the weaponization of religion in Nigeria, which he described as one of the major hindrances to the country’s democratic development.

Kukah also described the relationship between Obasanjo and Atiku as being like a Catholic marriage, where they quarrel frequently but never broke up.

The cleric, who, however, called for a more honest and inclusive approach to addressing the country’s challenges, said further: “Democracy is working for different people as you can see in their outlook. There is the belief that citizens are free to rebel. There has been debate whether the Nigerian constitution is perfect or not.

“No constitution will be better than the Bible and Koran. Yet, we are still living in sin. The problem is that in Nigeria, the issue of Christian and Muslim prayer is not the best. The weaponisation of religion is a big problem in Nigeria.

“Democracy is work in progress. God doesn’t discriminate between Christian or Muslim prayers. There is no discrimination. We are children of one God. If we are not treating each other rightly, one of them must be a bastard.

“Democracy and its principles are endless contests. There are certain things God has given us which people can’t control.

“We, as Africans, inherited a system that’s not ours, but we can’t say it’s not relevant to us. There are differences between democracy in Asia and that of Africa. Singapore, for example. What do we make of the tenets of democracy in Africa?

“I feel sorry for the judges. At the last election, even small me, I had people calling me, complaining, talk to this, talk to that. Pressure on judges to deliver justice. I agree that there’s an urgent need to clean up the mess.

“Democracy is about everything, it’s about justice. How do we know if democracy is working in Nigeria? Do we measure democracy based on the things we wish ourselves?”

In his remarks, former governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, said democracy in Nigeria is still work in progress but noted that its success depends on the commitment of political leaders to abide by the rules.
Weighing on the emergency rule declared in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, Tambuwal recalled that there was cooperation of the National Assembly during a state of emergency under Obasanjo’s administration, saying democracy could work when political actors act responsibly.

“Democracy will work if the actors play by the rules. It’s work in progress. Under Obasanjo, a state of emergency was declared. The NASS worked together to ensure that 2/3 majority passed the emergency. “Each member had to vote. In this same NASS, we have the same constitution. What happened in the last one? We need to chase out the bad operators of democracy”, he stated.

Speaking at the event, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said Ihedioha has remained loyal, even when they found themselves on different political platforms.

“Emeka and I have kept this relationship and till today I have found him extremely loyal, dedicated and focused, even though sometimes we found ourselves on different political divides but we kept our relationship and I think that testifies with the kind of person Emeka is,” he said.

On his part, former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, traced the origin of democracy and what he and his team at the commonwealth did to promote its cause across the globe.

Anyaoku said: “As Commonwealth Secretary-General, I helped members to transit to multi-party democracy. Also the collapse of apartheid administration in South Africa. Review of 1999 constitution
“We need a new constitution to address many challenges. True federalism is the answer to the management of national issues.

“The recent coup in Mali, Niger tend to take us back. The nature of our politics and the conduct of our politicians is another problem of our democracy.

“They have become instruments of capturing political power. It’s only true, stable democratic governance that can rid our country of the crises which impede development.

“I believe Nigeria can change this Eurocentric narrative. We in Africa and Nigeria have a responsibility to get a stable democracy and change the Eurocentric narrative.”

While expressing gratitude to all who attended the event, the celebrant, Emeka Ihedioha, said: “My father told me the most expensive habit is having friends. I have lived my life pursuing the cause for democracy. We should all rise to defend democracy.

“I urge all men to always speak truth to power and protect democracy. There’s life after money. I will remain who I am. For me and democracy, it is till God do us apart.”

March 25, 2025
Uzodimma presents staff of office to 66 Imo traditional rulers

Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo, on Saturday, presented certificates and staff of office to 66 new traditional rulers in the state.

In a speech at the event held at the Government House, Owerri, Uzodimma charged them to serve and treat their subjects in a manner that pleases God.

He urged them not to see their subjects as slaves but demonstrate the importance of honesty, peace and justice in leadership.

He also warned them against ruling their communities from diaspora, vowing to withdraw the staff of office of anyone that defaulted.

The governor also urged them to see themselves as part of government and ambassadors at the community level.

“You are recognised to support local government chairmen and counsellors to ensure that law and order are maintained in our communities,” he said.

He emphasised their role in maintaining security in their domains, saying that any traditional ruler that joined in causing insecurity would be dethroned.

“If I see that you are not able to manage security in your community, we will change you.

“Raise vigilance groups and work with the youth to defend your communities,” he said.

The governor charged them to work with his administration, and not to allow anybody to use them to fight or undermine the government.

According to him, anybody who wants to fight government should come direct.

While pledging support of his administration to the various communities, Uzodimma congratulated them and prayed God to grant them wisdom to lead their people.

Responding on behalf of the new royal fathers, the Traditional Ruler of Umuezeala/Umueme Community in Oru East Local Government Area, Prof. Peter Nnabuo, assured the governor that they would ensure that peace and tranquility returned to their communities.

In an interview with newsmen, the Traditional Ruler of Ihite-afoukwu Ancient Kingdom, Ahiazu Mbaise LGA, Eze Okwudili Nwandu, expressed delight over his appointment.

He commended the governor for finding him worthy to serve his people and pledged to ensure that they benefitted from the dividend of traditional rulership under his watch.

Also, the Traditional Ruler of Amato Autonomous community, Obowo, Eze Michael Obioma, thanked the governor for making the dream of his community a reality.

Obioma also pledged to focus on ensuring that there is peace as well as security of lives and property in his community.

March 22, 2025
Rivers Crisis: No country can succeed under dictatorial regime – Jonathan

ABUJA – Former President Goodluck Jonathan has warned that no country can succeed when government officials abuse power and act as in a dictatorship.

He argued that the crisis in Rivers State reflects wider governance challenges in Nigeria, where key figures in the executive, legislature and judiciary are failing to uphold justice and the rule of law.

Jonathan delivered his remarks on Saturday at the Annual Colloquium of the Haske Satumari Foundation in Abuja, an event aimed at amplifying marginalised voices and promoting equitable governance.

He stressed that government decisions have lasting effects and that poor conduct in all branches is undermining democratic institutions.

The former president expressed concern that compromised institutions deter investment and impede economic growth, as investors are wary of environments where judicial rulings may be influenced.

He emphasised that sustainable social change requires continuous effort and commitment to good governance, warning that failure to ensure justice and fairness endangers the nation’s stability and future prosperity.

The former Nigerian leader said, “We’re talking about building a society where no one is oppressed, as reflected in the top paragraph of our national anthem. As a former president, and also from the Niger Delta, when the issue of suspending the governor came out, I think people called on me, ‘President Jonathan you should say something.’

“What is happening in Nigeria today regarding the situation in river states is like an Indian proverb that said that if somebody is sleeping, really sleeping, you can easily wake up that person. But if that person is pretending to sleep, you find it difficult to wake up that person. The key actors in Nigeria, from executives to the legislature, and the judiciary, they know the correct thing to do, but they are refusing to do it. They are pretending to sleep.

“Waking such a person is extremely difficult, but the person knows the right thing. The clear abuse of offices, clear abuse of power, clear abuse of privileges, cutting across from the three arms of government, from the executive to the parliament to the judiciary. And I always plead with our people that whatever we do affects everybody.

“No businessman can bring his money to invest in a country where the judiciary is compromised, where a government functionary can dictate to judges what judgment they will give. No man brings his money to invest in that economy because we are taking a big risk. So whatever we do affects everybody.

“And if we want to build a nation where our children and our grandchildren, no matter how painful it is, we must strive to do what is right. It may cost us, but we must endeavour and pay the price to insist on doing what is right. Whether you are holding an executive office as a president, a minister, governor, or special advisor, executive, whether you are holding an office in the parliament, senate, or rep, whether you are a judicial officer in high courts or appellate courts, we must strive to do what is right.

“If we want to build a nation that our children will be proud of. As we engage in these discussions, let us remember that promoting social change is not a one-time event, but a continuous process. It requires a sustained commitment, collective action, and unwavering dedication to the values that promote good governance.”

Speaking at the colloquium, Kudla Satumari, the foundation’s founder, explained that the event was intended to highlight systemic inequalities and the need for inclusive governance.

“Our agitation is equity is not to give to people to feel that they are entitled but we want people that deserve to be heard and included in the processes so that we have a fair equitable and justice in the society,” he added.

Other speakers at the colloquium emphasized that when public officials do not consistently uphold democratic principles, the nation’s institutions and future prosperity are at risk.

March 22, 2025
Unical confers doctoral degree on Wike, Akpabio’s wife

ABUJA- UNIVERSITY of Calabar (Unical) has conferred on the wife of the President of the Senate, Ekaette Akpabio, with an honorary doctorate degree statement in Education Management.

The conferment yesterday was part of the activities to celebrate the university’s golden anniversary.

In a statement yesterday by the Special Assistant on Media/Communication to the President of the Senate, Anietie Ekong, the ceremony held at the main campus of the institution in Calabar, Cross River State also saw the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, awarded the honorary doctorate degree in Law.

Other awardees included Major General Moses Bisong Obi (retd) (Doctor of Peace and Conflict Studies) and Supreme Court Justice, Emmanuel Akomaye Obi (Doctor of Law).

In her acceptance speech after the conferment by the 15th Emir of Kano and Chancellor of the University, Aminu Ado Bayero, Mrs Akpabio thanked the Governing Council and Management of the University for finding her worthy of the honour.

Mrs Akpabio said, “I am happy to be honoured with this award from the prestigious University of Calabar that I have heard so much about from my dear husband, an alumnus of this great institution.

“I was wondering when I will join him as a great Malabress and that day has come and I am grateful to the University for this honour.”

Mrs Akpabio promised to work with other awardees especially the Minister of the FCT to provide infrastructural assistance to the university.

In a citation, the University extolled Mrs Akpabio for her philanthropic and humanitarian efforts towards uplifting the lives of women and the vulnerable of society through her non-governmental organisation, the Family Life Enhancement Initiative.

She was also recognised as a champion of women’s rights and as one who used her position as the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State to fight for the inclusion of more women in governance.

ABUJA- UNIVERSITY of Calabar (Unical) has conferred on the wife of the President of the Senate, Ekaette Akpabio, with an honorary doctorate degree statement in Education Management.

The conferment yesterday was part of the activities to celebrate the university’s golden anniversary.

In a statement yesterday by the Special Assistant on Media/Communication to the President of the Senate, Anietie Ekong, the ceremony held at the main campus of the institution in Calabar, Cross River State also saw the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, awarded the honorary doctorate degree in Law.

Other awardees included Major General Moses Bisong Obi (retd) (Doctor of Peace and Conflict Studies) and Supreme Court Justice, Emmanuel Akomaye Obi (Doctor of Law).

In her acceptance speech after the conferment by the 15th Emir of Kano and Chancellor of the University, Aminu Ado Bayero, Mrs Akpabio thanked the Governing Council and Management of the University for finding her worthy of the honour.

Mrs Akpabio said, “I am happy to be honoured with this award from the prestigious University of Calabar that I have heard so much about from my dear husband, an alumnus of this great institution.

“I was wondering when I will join him as a great Malabress and that day has come and I am grateful to the University for this honour.”

Mrs Akpabio promised to work with other awardees especially the Minister of the FCT to provide infrastructural assistance to the university.

In a citation, the University extolled Mrs Akpabio for her philanthropic and humanitarian efforts towards uplifting the lives of women and the vulnerable of society through her non-governmental organisation, the Family Life Enhancement Initiative.

She was also recognised as a champion of women’s rights and as one who used her position as the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State to fight for the inclusion of more women in governance.

March 22, 2025
Why I’ll not comment on emergency declaration in Rivers – Jonathan

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, on Saturday, shied away from commenting on the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers and the suspension of the governor, his deputy and members of the state House of Assembly.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Bola Tinubu had, in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, declared the state of emergency, citing the escalating political crisis in the state as reason for the action.

NAN also reports that the suspension of the governor, his deputy and members of the house of assembly was for an initial period of six months.

Jonathan, while speaking at a colloquim organised by Haske Satumari Foundation in Abuja on Saturday, said that a lot of people had reached out to him for his comment on the political situation in Rivers.

“As a leader from the Niger Delta, people had been reaching out to me for my comment on the political situation in Rivers State,” he said.

The former president, however, said that it was not the norm for former presidents to comment on policies and actions of their successors, to avoid heating up the polity.

Jonatha, who refused to make any specific comment on the development, however, went proverbial.

“The situation in Rivers State is like an Indian proverb which says that if somebody is really sleeping, you can easily wake up him, but if the person is pretending to sleep, it will be difficult to wake such a person up,” he said.

The former president, who was the chairman of the occasion, urged the country’s leadership avoid taking actions that can negatively impact the image of Nigeria.

NAN reports that the colloquium was on promoting social change and empowerment through diversity, equity and inclusion.

Jonathan particularly called on the leadership of the executive, the legislature and the judiciary to always do the right thing while in office.

He also advised them against compromising their offices and positions.

“Whatever happens in a country, the decisions taken by the executive arm of government, the parliament and the judiciary affect everybody.

“Whatever we do affects everybody, and if we must build a nation for our children and grandchildren, no matter how painful it is, we must try to do what is right,” he said.

Jonathan stated that assessment of Nigeria by the international community and how much investment it would be able to attract would depend on the positive actions of its leaders toward advancing democracy and good governance.

According to him, building the society where no one is oppressed is the hallmark of good leadership, leveraging the transformative power of diversity, equity and inclusion for social change.

“I believe that it is the hallmark of good leadership and governance to be able to leverage the transformative power of diversity, equity and inclusion for social change.

“As a leader, I have seen how these values can bring people together, foster a sense of belonging and unlock the full potential of individuals and communities.

“I have also seen how the absence of these values can lead to division, inequality and social unrest.

“It is, therefore, our responsibility as leaders and change-makers to promote a culture of diversity and inclusion; one that values and respects the dignity and worth of every human being and protects the interests of all,” he said.

The former president further stated that any society with these attributes would be deemed to be innovative, resilient and harmonious.

“I know this because I saw how policies that promoted gender equality, youth empowerment and regional balance during my time as president helped bridge divides and foster national unity,” he said.

March 22, 2025
Reps’ endorsement of Rivers state of emergency: No bribe taken – Galambi

SOKOTO – Yusuf Galambi, the lawmaker representing Gwaram Federal Constituency of Jigawa State in the House of Representatives, has dismissed allegations that members of the National Assembly received bribes to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

Addressing the controversy surrounding the decision, Galambi insisted that lawmakers were neither induced nor coerced but acted in the best interest of democracy and the people of Rivers State.

“I was surprised by the false claims circulating in the media that we were bribed or pressured into supporting the president’s action. The majority of our members endorsed the decision to protect democracy and even to safeguard Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who is facing political challenges that could lead to his impeachment,” he stated.

He emphasized that the National Assembly’s decision was driven by patriotism, political stability, and the need to uphold democratic institutions.

Galambi also urged Nigerians to appreciate the legislature’s role in advising the president to form a reconciliation team to address the crisis before the emergency rule expires.

“Contrary to the emotional reactions from opposition groups and civil society organizations, we considered this matter from a patriotic and peace-driven perspective, aiming to safeguard democracy and all stakeholders involved,” he added.

Calling for national unity, Galambi stressed that power is divinely given and should be respected rather than politicized. He urged Nigerians to support peace efforts and allow the president to resolve the crisis through dialogue and reconciliation.

“Democracy must be protected. I advise well-meaning Nigerians to give peace a chance and trust in the president’s efforts to find lasting solutions to the crisis,” he concluded.

March 22, 2025
Wike working for Nigerians, not APC – PDP chieftain

National Vice-Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Dan Orbih, says the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, is working for Nigerians and not for All Progressives Congress (APC).

Orbih in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Abuja on Saturday said having sought permission through the relevant organs of the party, PDP permitted Wike to serve in the President Bola Tinubu administration.

He said that in view of this, there should not be any issue with Wike working with the APC-led Federal Government.

“And I can tell you there is no record that the current acting national chairman and the members of the national working committee, or any of the organ wrote him in reply to his letter that he should not participate in this government.

“He wrote to the South-South Zonal executive. We had a meeting in Port Harcourt and unanimously we said it was a call to national service, and we gave him our nod.

“He wrote to the state chapter of his party and the response was positive; that he should take the appointment as a national call for service.

“He wrote to his ward and Local Government chapters of the party. There is no organ of the party that came out to say no, don’t accept this appointment.

“He wrote to the Governors Forum and I can tell you, that at the end of the first meeting held by the forum, a delegation of that body went to congratulate him in Abuja,” he said.

He noted that political parties must be careful how they treat their members.

“Now I have told you that his participation in this government is not an issue, except for those who are mischievous.

“When he was given an invitation to serve in this government, he wrote to every critical organ of the party, informing them that Mr President has invited him to be part of his government.

“I am also aware, that not too long ago, the members of the Board of Trustees met him in his official residence, and throughout that meeting, none of them raised this issue.”

“So, Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, is not working for APC; he is working for the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

The PDP National Vice-Chairman also said that his relationship with the FCT minister and his friends in other political parties could not be defined by his politics.

“Let me make it abundantly clear here that my membership of PDP cannot determine those who are my friends and those who should be my enemies.

“If at my age, I now belong to a political party and the party tells me, this man cannot be your friend, then it is wrong.

“I have friends across board. I have friends in Labour Party, APC, and in many other parties, but that doesn’t affect my membership and commitment to the PDP.

“I want to say it very clearly, PDP cannot determine my friendship with Nyesom Wike, a very dependable, hard-working friend of mine, he added.

March 22, 2025
Fed account receives N2.3trn as FAAC shares N1.7trn to FG, states, LG

The Federation Account received a gross revenue of N2.344 trillion in the month of February 2025, out of which the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) shared the sum of N1. .678 trillion to the federal, states and local government councils for their expenditures in the month of March.

Total deduction for cost of collection was N89.092 billion while total transfers, interventions, refunds and savings stood at N577.097 billion.
A statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations of the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, Bawa Mokwa, in Abuja, on Saturday revealed that the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, personally chaired the FAAC meeting, which was attended by the Accountant General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi.

The total distributable revenue of N1.678 trillion comprised distributable statutory revenue of N827.633 billion, distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue of N 609.430 billion, Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) revenue of N35.171 billion, Solid Minerals revenue of N28.218 billion and Augmentation of N178 billion.

Details of the revenue showed that the N1.653 trillion shared by FAAC this month was lower than the sum of N1.848 trillion shared to the three tiers of government last month by N194.664 billion.
The sum of N654.456 billion was available from the Value Added Tax (VAT) which was lower than the N771.886 billion available in the previous month by N117.430 billion.
Out of the total distributable revenue of N1.678 trillion, the Federal Government received the sum of N569.656 billion; the State Governments received N562.195 billion; while the LGs received N410.559 billion.
A separate sum of N136.042 billion (13% of mineral revenue) was shared to the oil-producing states as derivation revenue.
On the N827.633 billion distributable statutory revenue, the Federal Government received N366.262 billion and the State Governments received N185.773 billion.
The Local Government Councils received N143.223 billion and the sum of N132.374 billion (13% of mineral revenue) was shared with the benefiting States as derivation revenue.
Out of the N609.430 billion distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue, the Federal Government received N91.415 billion, the State Governments received N304.715 billion and the Local Government Councils received N213.301 billion.
The sum of N5.276 billion was received by the Federal Government from the N35.171 billion Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL). The State Governments received N17.585 billion, while Local Government Councils received N12.310 billion.
From the N28.218 billion Solid Minerals revenue, the Federal Government received N12.933 billion and the State Governments received N6.560 billion.
The Local Government Councils received N5.057 billion and a total sum of N3.668 billion (13% of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting States as derivation revenue.
The Augmentation of N178 billion was shared as follows: Federal Government received N93.770 billion, the State Governments received N47.562 billion and the Local Government Councils received N36.668 billion.

The statement said the analysis of revenue in the months under review indicated that Oil and Gas Royalty and Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL), increased significantly, while Value Added Tax (VAT), Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), Companies Income Tax (CIT), Excise Duty, Import Duty and CET Levies headed the opposite direction.

March 22, 2025
Reps deny collecting $5,000 to endorse Rivers emergency declaration

The House of Representatives has denied allegations that each member was induced with $5,000 to ratify President Bola Tinubu’s request on the State of Emergency declaration in Rivers State.

Deputy spokesman of the House, Hon. Philip Agbese (Benue, APC) while responding to the issue in an interview with journalists in Abuja on Saturday, described the allegation as false, malicious and emanating from “the pit of hell.”

According to Agbese, Thursday’s resolution of the House on the State of Emergency declaration in Rivers was done out of patriotism and in the interest of restoring lasting peace to River State.

He said, “The allegation that members of the House of Representatives were induced with $5,000 to pass a resolution, is unfair to the Parliament. Very, very unfair to the Parliament. What we did on Thursday was to align ourselves with what I call the wisdom of King Solomon.

“All insinuations that any individual was given money to give to members is nothing but lies from the pit of hell. The opposition should see the good things that we are doing day and night for the country.

“At no point did members of the House engage in any financial inducement in relation to the state of emergency declaration. The decision was taken after extensive deliberations on the security and political situation in Rivers State, in line with our constitutional responsibilities to safeguard national stability. Any suggestion that lawmakers were bribed is pure fiction, designed to serve the interests of those who seek to distort facts and create unnecessary tension in the country.

“The House of Representatives remains an independent institution guided by democratic principles, the rule of law, and the collective will of the Nigerian people. Our duty is to make decisions that align with the national interest, not to succumb to baseless distractions aimed at eroding public trust. The allegations of bribery are a desperate attempt to discredit the House and must be dismissed as the political comedy that it is.

“What the President did was like what King Solomon did when the two women who were fighting over the propriety of a child came to him. These people in Rivers, are all interested in the progress and development of Rivers State. They love the state, and they are working hard for it. But one way or the other, disagreements arose among the parties which escalated, and Mr. President, in his wisdom, decided to impose a state of emergency for a period of time so as to allow the two parties to come together, in order to further deepen our democracy.”

He said as members of Parliament interested in the peace and well-being of the people of Rivers State, they approved the State of Emergency declaration in Rivers out of patriotism and not for any pecuniary consideration as being alleged.

“We have seen some of the developments in River State. The government is not doing badly. But what we are saying is that we don’t want the breakdown of institutions as far as River State is concerned,” said Agbese.

“We deployed our wisdom as a Parliament, not to pander to sentiments or views expressed by groups outside. Yes, we are a people’s Parliament. We listen to the voices of Nigerians. Of course, some people say the state of emergency by Mr. President is wrong. Some also believe that it was done in the right manner to ensure that there is peace in that state.

“As a Parliament, our interest is to form a bridge, to ensure that our democracy continues to work. As a Parliament, our interest is to protect our democracy and democratic institutions. We resolved as a Parliament to make certain amendments to the proclamations made by Mr. President.

He said the Parliament in its wisdom made some key adjustments to Mr President’s emergency proclamation before ratifying it.

“One is that, the Parliament remains the law-making body as far as the country is concerned. We resolved that the National Assembly would take over the legislative duties of the Rivers Assembly within the time that the state of emergency is enforced.

“Secondly, we resolved as a Parliament that it must not necessarily be for six months for the parties to come together and resolve. Even if it is within two weeks, that these parties can resolve their differences and show that they are on the same page, Mr. President, in his wisdom, should also reduce the period from 180 days.”

Agbese said he believes that Tinubu as a true democrat will not work against democratic institutions in the country.

“We know Mr. President very well. He is a democrat. He has fought for the institutions of our democracy as far as Nigeria is concerned. And he is one man who would always want to protect this democracy. He is a President that we know as a Parliament,” he said.

“We have been relating with him as the President of the country for the past almost two years now. We have been relating with him as our President. We have seen his concerns. The 10th House of Representatives has seen the genuine concerns and we believe and trust that if these issues are resolved in less than six months, Mr. President is going to put an end to the state of emergency in that state.”

Agbese said the House, in its wisdom, equally resolved that a tri-partite committee comprising eminent Nigerians, members of the Parliament and members of the Executive Council, on the other hand, be constituted to ensure that the warring groups in Rivers State are brought to a roundtable and an amicable resolution is reached.

Agbese, while disabusing the minds of Nigerians over the allegations of inducements of members, blamed “fifth columnists” and oppositions, whom he said, are out to tarnish the image of the parliament.

The Benue lawmaker urged Nigerians to continue to extend the kind of support they have always extended to them, assuring that they will always work in the people’s interest as ‘Peoples’ House’.

He expressed optimism that at the end of the State of Emergency, both the Rivers State Government and the Rivers Assembly will bounce back stronger for the overall good and progress of the state.

On the controversy over quorum, Agbese said the House satisfied the requirement of quorum with 243 members in attendance during the exercise.

March 22, 2025