…As Groups Express Hope for Ododo’s Victory in the Elections
As the race for the 2023 gubernatorial elections in Kogi State intensifies, the ruling All Progressives Congress Party continues to gain momentum, attracting more opposition party members to join their ranks.
On Saturday, Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello received Hon A.K. Salihu, a former two-term House of Representatives member, Hon Udu Malik, the former caretaker chairman of Okehi local government council, and other former PDP members from the Okehi local government area of Kogi State.
The delegation also included Hon Haruna Yusuf, who served as the Aide De-camp to former Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole, and had also contested for the House of Representatives election under the PDP, as well as Hon Austin Ochu, the former PDP spokesman for Kogi Central Senatorial District.
Governor Bello commended them for joining the APC and expressed confidence that their support would be icing on the cake for the APC’s victory in the November elections. He assured them of equal opportunities within the party, emphasizing that the November 11 governorship election would be about the state’s future.
Bello urged the group to campaign across the three senatorial districts to ensure a strong victory for the APC’s flag bearer, Ododo Ahmed Usman.
During their visit, the group praised Governor Yahaya Bello for his developmental efforts, particularly in securing the lives and livelihoods of the people in the state.
Hon A.K. Salihu, speaking on behalf of the group, highlighted the administration’s dedication to tackling insecurity and providing critical infrastructure. They stated that their decision to align with the APC was a testament to its people-oriented policies and the internal democracy that exists in the party.
The group assured Governor Yahaya Bello of their full support for Ododo Ahmed Usman and their commitment to securing victory for the APC in the next election.
Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello welcomed a courtesy visit from Okun United 4 Ododo, a political group composed of former PDP members, at Government House, Lokoja.
During the meeting, Governor Bello expressed his appreciation for the group’s dedicated efforts in mobilizing voters to support the APC gubernatorial candidate, Hon Ododo Ahmed Usman, in the upcoming November 11 election.
Highlighting the election’s significance in shaping the state’s future, Governor Bello urged the group to campaign vigorously across the region to secure a resounding victory. He praised the unity demonstrated by the people of Okun land during this crucial time in the state’s political history.
Commander Jerry Omodara, the State’s Security Adviser, spoke on behalf of the group, acknowledging the APC’s strength as a political party in Kogi State. The group has actively canvassed support for Hon Ododo Ahmed Usman and aims to unite all Okun people to deliver a bloc vote for the APC.
Philip Orebiyi expressed gratitude for Governor Bello’s efforts in fulfilling Okun people’s aspirations, citing the establishment of Kogi State University in Kabba as a source of pride. The Okun community is supporting Governor Bello’s administration to ensure victory for Hon Ododo, rather than supporting those opposing him.
Deputy Governor Chief Edward Onoja thanked the Okun United 4 Ododo group on behalf of the State Government and urged them to continue their pursuit of the state’s overall success.
Other members present during the visit included Hon Alfred Bello, Hon Samson Obademi, Niyi Olayemi, Barr James Fagbola, and Hon Eric Fiki.
The leadership of the organised labour have allegedly stormed out of the meeting of the Presidential Steering Committee on subsidy palliatives that was scheduled to take place at the presidential villa, Abuja.
Recall that the Steering Committee meeting had met with the government delegation on Wednesday where the two parties agreed to reconvene on Friday to get a brief from the three subcommittees set up to look into various demands.
The Steering Committee was set up by the government to come up with palliatives that would cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal on the workers.
According to Vanguard, the President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, had led his delegation to the Chief of Staff’s office, the venue of the meeting at about 5 pm on Friday but were soon on their way out of the villa.
But the meeting could not proceed because according to some members of the Steering Committee, there was no quorum.
Organised labour accused the federal government of using the meetings as a pretext to deceive Nigerians.
A source at the meeting confirmed that three subcommittees, the Mass Transit, the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Cash transfer subcommittees, were supposed to be present to brief the Steering Committee on the measures put in place to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal on the workers, but labour claimed that government officials, who are members the subcommittees were nowhere to be found.
A visibly infuriated member of the Steering Committee said, “They are not prepared for the meeting. That’s the truth,” maintaining that the government representatives had insisted that the meeting should proceed even though no quorum was formed.
“They are using cover to deceive Nigerians. There are supposed to be three subcommittees, the mass transit subcommittee, the CNG, and the cash transfer, to brief us, the steering committee but the government was not prepared for the meeting.
“In their introductory remarks they made excuses and they wanted the meeting to continue, the meeting did not form a quorum. We are a people that operate on the basis of process. So, if there’s no quorum in a meeting what do you do? You will adjourn for lack of quorum.
“There was nobody to meet with. The Chief of Staff was not there, they are taking us like small children.”
It was, however, gathered that the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila had earlier waited for the labour delegation with other members of the team at his Conference Hall.
He later stepped out to attend to other official matters within the Villa while other members of the government team were waiting for the organised labour to arrive
It was gathered that the organised labour delegation from the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, was delayed at the State House entrance gate otherwise known as Mopol gate for clearance.
Vanguard reports that the names of the labour delegation were not sent to the gate for clearance which led to their delay for the meeting.
Shehu Sani, former Kaduna state senator, has described the ministerial nomination of the immediate past governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, by President Bola Tinubu, as a tragedy.
The president on Thursday finally submitted the list of his 28 ministerial nominees to the Senate for screening and confirmation.
Speaking on the development in an interview on Arise TV, Sani said it is saddening that El-Rufai is given another opportunity to serve the country, considering all he has done and said during his administration in Kaduna state.
According to the Senator, Tinubu rewarded those who betrayed their party and principal, but it was not the best time to please and appease former governors.
He noted that the list falls short of Nigerians’ expectations considering the time taken to reales the list, stressing that the ministerial list was a big disappointment.
Shehu Sani added that President Tinubu must prioritize pleasing Nigerians because the eight years of the past administration were a complete waste.
In his words, “With the nomination I have seen with the one which represents Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai is a tragedy that such a man is given an opportunity to serve this country again with all that he has done and said in office, and I don’t think that if President Tinubu means well.
“This is not the best time to please and appease former governors. It is the best time to appease Nigerians and to bring in competent hands that will deliver. As far as I am concerned, that list, to some extent, is a big disappointment, and it has not been able to meet the expectations of the people considering the time taken for those names to come out.
“I think the best thing for the president to do at this time is to know that the eight years of the last administration was a complete waste, and this is an opportunity for him to prove that he has the vision, the competence, and the capacity to lead this country to a higher level than the way he met it. But with the kind of people he has now brought in close to him, I think there is going to be a problem.
“From what I know, there are people who were brought in because they betrayed their party, and principal, and this is the time to composite them, and that should not be with a serious national position as this.”
The embattled leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has declared an end to all forms of sit-st-home exercise in a handwritten letter.
The IPOB leader, in a handwritten letter, which his special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, read at a world press conference held in Enugu State on Friday, said all agitation protesting for his release should henceforth be stopped.
Kanu, in the written declaration dated July 24, 2023, was a sequel to the refusal of Simon Ekpa, a self-acclaimed disciple, to announce the cancellation and further declaration through his media platforms
The IPOB leader warned Ekpa to “desist from calling for any Sit-at-Home henceforth” and “to make a public announcement to the effect that he (Mazi Simon Ekpa) is in receipt of a direct order from him (Mazi Nnamdi Kanu) to cancel any pending Sit-at-Home in place at the moment.”
The complete statement reads: “This Public Announcement bears (as shall be reproduced below) the unedited, verbatim Instructions containing a Direct Order personally issued by MAZI NNAMDI KANU in his own handwriting on 24th July 2023 through me to MAZI SIMON EKPA, instructing him to ‘desist from calling for any Sit-at-Home henceforth’ and ‘to make a public announcement to the effect that he (Mazi Simon Ekpa) is in receipt of a direct order from him (Mazi Nnamdi Kanu) to cancel any pending Sit-at-Home in place at the moment’; and also that he (Mazi Nnamdi Kanu) has, by the same order, ‘authorized me to issue a press statement if he (Mazi Simon Ekpa) fails to make this announcement on his platform.’
“For avoidance of doubt, this Direct Order was personally handed to me by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu when I visited him on the said 24th July 2023, at the headquarters of the Department of State Security (DSS), Abuja. Later that day, I tried to contact Mazi Simon Ekpa via his WhatsApp number but could not reach him until 1:44AMthe following day (25th July 2023), whereupon I snapped the Direct Order as written and sent to him. He thereafter acknowledged receipt, and we spoke briefly on it and exchanged a couple text messages thereof.
“Since that early 25th July 2023 (when I conveyed the Order to Mazi EKPA and he duly acknowledged it, he has not implemented the Order or otherwise made such announcement on his media platform. Nonetheless, I made a conscious decision to give him the benefit of the doubt and thereby accord him more time to do the needful.
“Then, late yesterday, further written Instructions were issued by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to me, referring to the extant Direct Order to Mazi Ekpa and, in addition, instructing me that given that Mazi Ekpa has not carried out the Order, I must, as of today, being 28th July 2023, proceed to make the Order public through a Public Announcement/ Press Statement. In the said further Instructions, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu added more pertinent details and instructed that I must equally make them public.
“Accordingly, and as of Counsel, bound by duty and the solemn oath of my noble profession to faithfully and zealously implement my Client’s clear Instructions without any fear or favor, I now, therefore, reproduce verbatim the contents of said Direct Order to Mazi Simon Ekpa (at the first Paragraph) and the related further Instructions (from the second Paragraph to the end), as follows:
“Simon, this is a direct order from me. I hereby instruct you to desist from calling for any Sit-at-Home henceforth. Equally, refrain from antagonizing Governors or persons in political positions because you are not in a position to know what they are doing on my behalf. I am ordering you to make a public announcement to the effect that you are in receipt of a direct order from me to cancel any pending Sit-at-Home in place at the moment. I embarked on this movement to liberate our people, not to enslave them. I despise and will despise any person or entity that wishes to inflict unnecessary hardship on our people. I have authorized Aloy to issue a press statement if you fail to make this announcement on your platform.
“Anybody still engaging in Sit-at-Home is not my disciple. Haters of Biafra and mindless murderers in uniform are hiding under the cover of combating enforcers of Sit-at-Home to unleash mayhem against the same people we swore to defend.
“I have sent countless messages to those purportedly enforcing Sit-at-Home that they are not doing so in my name. I am not begging anybody to release me, just that Nigeria should have the decency to obey its own laws.
“The main issue which our people should address their minds to is the unconscionable delays in hearing the government appeal at the Supreme Court, which is a situation not amenable to any Sit-at-Home.
Therefore Sit-at-Home is a waste of time, resources, and energy.
“Those who may not understand the genesis of the Sit-at-Home should refer to my younger brother’s press statement on the eve of the commencement of the original order issued by the IPOB family. My brother made it clear to the DOS that I was against the order for people to stay at home under whatever guise. This caused a rift between my siblings and DOS till date.
“Aloy should use the above contributions to form the main body of the press statement. I want our people to know how this whole sit-at-home brouhaha started. Had DOS obeyed my direct instructions to cancel the first Monday sit-at-home, opportunistic scavengers would not have jumped on the bandwagon to wreak havoc on our people.
“You (Aloy) must release the press statement tomorrow with the screenshot of the handwritten note I gave to you unfailingly.
“In conclusion, I hereby affirm upon my honor as of Counsel that the above words (in quotation) and the attached handwritten note are the words of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and his handwriting.”
A political economist, Pat Utomi has slammed the Nigerian senate president, Godswill Akpabio, for making a mockery of the plight of suffering Nigerians.
reports that Utomi, via his Twitter handle on Thursday, berated senators for using the slogan ‘Let the poor breathe’ pioneered by President Bola Tinubu.
In the viral video online, a senator, who spoke during the plenary, said, “The speech of Mr president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that says let the poor breath, my president, distinguished colleagues, let the poor breathe that is my additional prayer”
The senate president, Godswill Akpabio responded, “Your prayer is that let the poor breath, and Senator Mustapha has seconded that the poor should breathe, those in support that the poor should breathe say hi” In response, the Nigerian senators echoed hiiii.
Reacting to the mockery by the Nigerian Senate, Utomi noted that the senators, including its president, Godswill Akpabio, abused the public trust by mocking the poor.
He further added that if Nigeria was a decent society, most of them in the senate would have resigned for mocking the poor in the way they did.
He said: “I am traumatized by this mocking of the poor by our Senate. In a decent society, we should have had resignations by now. To mock the poor is to mock God. I know where Godswill Akpabio was before Obong Victor Attah gave a hand. Better an honest poor than a rich thief politician.
“I wonder what it will take to make people realize that values shape human progress. Sustainable progress is not possible where culture is in collapse and institutions are dysfunctional. Sadly, this seems extant reality in Nigeria. Citizens need to be awakened to where we are.
“To abuse public trust and mock the victims as is becoming a habit of the criminal network of our politicians is to forget how transient power is. All will do well to remember the Judgment of Conscience, the judgment of history, and the Judgement of God. He reigns”.
Countries should not be allowed to burn after the general election, there should be inclusion and collaboration between winners and losers of the election, Liberia’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Mawine Diggs on Thursday admonished West African Citizens through members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament.
Presenting a paper titled: “Mechanism for Collaboration between political majorities and opposition as a crisis prevention mechanism” at a delocalized joint committee meeting of the ECOWAS Parliament in Monrovia, Diggs said “The majority as the winner and the minority as the loser has a duty to keep the country safe, peaceful, stable and prosperous through inclusion and collaboration.”
She noted that: “As always in a democracy, there will be a political majority elected by the people through the ballot box and a minority who does not get elected,” but said collaboration between political majorities and opposition is sure means of crisis prevention.
She added: “As we say in Liberia, after all the political processes, the country “will not burn”. So it is with all countries in the ECOWAS community. After elections, our countries must not and should not burn.”
She admitted that in a democratic system of government, the majority wins but has a responsibility to protect the minority, insisting that: “This responsibility of protection encapsulates the respect for the rights of all, irrespective of the gender, ethnic or political affiliation of the individual.
“The governing majority is required to build strong and vibrant institutions including an independent judiciary and a free press.
“The governing majority is charged to ensure that the fundamental rights, including healthcare and education, are available and affordable for all.”
On the part of the minority, Diggs said: Whilst the governing majority has a duty to govern, the minority has a charge to subscribe to the rule of law.
“The right to protest and hold government accountable or ”hold their feet to the fire” which is fundamental, must be exercised in a peaceful manner consistent with the constitution.
“Besides criticism, the minority is required to provide alternatives on what the governing majority could do in the best interest of the citizens.”
She explained that: “The first step to govern is the creation of the space and atmosphere for governance, and this is attainable only by collaboration,” insisting that: “Both the majority and minority must collaborate at all times regardless of the disagreements and divergence of views.
“Both sides must respect democratic principles and values. Whilst the majority focuses more on the delivery of its programs, it must also create an enabling environment for everyone to co-exist. The threat of conflict is greatly minimized by a healthy collaboration between both the government, opposition, and those of no position.”
Diggs noted that: “In parliament it is often said that, “the minority has its say but the majority have the will.,” stressing that: “This assertion finds its true meaning in the responsibility the majority has to all. To demonstrate will means, to do the right thing, and create the space required for all to participate as they so wish.
“For the minority, having a say is meant to insist on holding the government accountable and serviceable while also respecting the rule of law.
“The majority and minority must collaborate and build synergies on their commonalities in areas of gender parity, a free press, an independent judiciary, and an open budget which puts the people first and above all, upholds the constitution.”
Former Justice Minister of the Republic of Liberia, Cllr. Benedict Sannoh has emphasized the crucial role of upholding the citizens’ mandate by the Supreme Courts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to prevent post-election crises.
During the Delocalized meeting of the ECOWAS Parliament’s Joint Committees on Political Affairs, Peace, Security, and the African Peer Review Mechanism, Judicial Affairs and Human Rights, Social Affairs, Gender, and Women Empowerment in Monrovia, Liberia, Sannoh delivered a paper titled “Role of Judiciary in the Prevention and Management of Electoral Crisis.”
Cllr. Benedict Sannoh presenting a paper at the Delocalized meeting of the ECOWAS Parliament’s Joint Committees on Political Affairs, Peace, Security, and the African Peer Review Mechanism, Judicial Affairs and Human Rights, Social Affairs, Gender, and Women Empowerment in Monrovia, Liberia.
Sannoh highlighted that the manner in which elections are adjudicated by the Judiciary sets the foundation for either peace or crises. He stressed the importance of an independent judiciary and urged political parties to actively engage with and support the judiciary’s work.
“The judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, must ensure the upholding of the constitutional mandate. Their role in adjudicating cases should enhance and protect the will of the people as expressed through their votes in elections, in line with the constitution. The Supreme Courts should prioritize adherence to fundamental rights enshrined in the constitution, ensuring due process is followed before any deprivation of liberty or rights,” Sannoh stated.
He also encouraged political parties to be proactive in monitoring actions taken by the elections commission, legislature, or executive branch and to seek judicial resolution when necessary, including through referendums or addressing voter roll issues.
Responding to questions from Members of Parliament, Sannoh emphasized the need for proper implementation of Member States’ constitutions, which should reflect the will and expectations of the citizens, addressing all their concerns.
During discussions, some ECOWAS Members of Parliament expressed concerns about executive influence over the judiciary. They recommended exploring changes in the constitution, such as allowing citizens to vote for judges instead of the executive appointing them. This, they believe, would enhance the independence and impartiality of the judiciary, ensuring justice is not compromised.
Hon. Ladi Ayamba, Member of Parliament from Ghana said that the decisions of some courts in West Africa have at several times been influenced by the executive, which makes justice denied in most cases.
Hon. Ladi Ayamba, Member of Parliament from Ghana
“When Judges are appointed by the executive, they can get them to say anything in their favor. “I think this is something that we must look at changing in our various country’s constitutions. “For me, I would recommend that judges should be voted for by the people,” Ayamba said.
In conclusion, Sannoh’s paper underscored the vital role of the judiciary in ensuring fair and transparent elections, safeguarding the citizens’ mandate, and preventing potential post-election crises in West Africa.
Jelani Aliyu, MFR, the Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council, has been bestowed with the prestigious Diaspora Merit Award for his remarkable contributions to the fields of Engineering and the Automobile Sector. Recognized as an exemplary role model for Nigerians in the Diaspora, Aliyu’s accomplishments have been hailed for their significance and magnitude.
An internationally acclaimed Automotive Designer, Jelani Aliyu studied at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Michigan, and gained valuable experience while working with General Motors in the United States and Germany. His design genius gave rise to several successful vehicles, such as the Pontiac G6, Chevrolet Silverado, and the world-renowned Chevrolet Volt Electric Car. The latter, a cutting-edge Renewable Energy vehicle, has revolutionized the global Automotive Industry.
Currently serving as the Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council, Aliyu spearheads the advancement of E-mobility in Nigeria, facilitating the production of Electric Vehicles and the establishment of solar-powered EV Charging Stations.
His visionary leadership has also led to the creation of 21 state-of-the-art Automotive Training Centres across the country, empowering young Nigerians and facilitating the transfer of automotive technology.
The Diaspora Merit Award, presented by the Nigerian Diaspora Commission under the esteemed leadership of the Chairman and CEO, Honourable Dr. Abike Dabiri Erewa, is a testament to the importance of acknowledging and celebrating outstanding Nigerians in the Diaspora who have excelled in their respective fields and contributed significantly to the overall development of Nigeria.
Jelani Aliyu’s exceptional accomplishments have left a positive impact on Nigeria and its citizens, making the nation a better place. The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Diaspora Commission, proudly recognizes these remarkable achievements, honoring individuals who have brought pride and distinction to their homeland.
The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has empowered exporters in the value chain of honey production to leverage the European Union and emerging markets.
Speaking at a diagnostic study on honey and its by-products in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer, NEPC, Dr. Ezra Yakusak, represented by the Director, Product Development Department, NEPC, Mrs. Obidike Evelyn, said Nigeria has the competitive and comparative advantage to thrive in the global market for honey production, stressing that the event is an integrated approach by the Council to equip exporters in the value chain of honey production.
“This is a diagnostic study on honey and honey products with a specific emphasis on exporting Nigerian honey to the European Union and other emerging markets. We have featured in today’s event, stakeholders in the value chain of bee production. We have the beekeepers, we have the processors, the packagers and marketers. So, it is all through the chain; it is an integrated approach because if you just go for the marketers and without knowing where the honey is coming from, you might get your fingers burnt,” he warned.
According to him, the most important aspect of exporting is traceability, quality, standard, packaging, handling and labelling, pointing out that information dissemination is key across the value chain.
“This is what the Council is emphasising now. The whole world is talking about quality, traceability, standard and sustainability. This is why NEPC is on top of this. We are working in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, which is the competent authority. We are just facilitating.
These beekeepers are registered with NEPC because we need to know where they are getting their products, the products they have and how it is labelled, processed and packaged.
“We are very important as a stakeholder and this is why we are providing these rudiments to help Nigeria to secure the third world country listing which is required for export of honey and honey products to the EU and other emerging markets,” he averred.
Also speaking, the Director General of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Sola Obadimu, lauded the Council’s effort to enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian products in its bid to address the high level of rejection faced by Nigerian products at the global scene.
He expressed optimism that the forum is a step in the right direction to tackling the issues involving challenges in the export market.
“NACCIMA being the umbrella body of the Organised Private Sector (OPS), we will support the council to achieve its mandate,” he assured.
On her part, a Member of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and Chairman, Export Group, LCCI, Mrs. Bosun, Solarin, said certification remains an issue for export in Nigeria, saying that importing countries will continue rejecting Nigeria’s products if they are not sure about traceability.
She urged stakeholders in the bee production value chain to adhere strictly to global best practices.
“If most agencies of government can do half of what the Council is doing for entrepreneurs, entrepreneurship development challenges would be addressed headlong.
“Until we all come together to hold our destiny in our hands rather than stand-alone. We need to collaborate to make entrepreneurship development thrive in the country,” she advised.
“According to her, “NEPC has done so much and we hope they keep doing better and also hope the federal government can keep supporting them so that they can support us.”
