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Opinion

The man Wike: The many misconceptions and how he saved Southeast region from ravaging terrorist infiltration

by Folarin Kehinde December 29, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

The Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Ezemuo Wike means many things to different people. Among Ndigbo, Wike is mostly seen as a villain or someone who denied their son Peter Gregory Obi the opportunity to be elected Nigerian President in 2022. Most Igbos hold the view that Wike is anti-Igbo. But is Wike anti-Igbo? Did he save the southeast region from what could have been a devastating infiltration by a ruthless invading terrorist group, disguised as herdsmen? The answer is capital and loudest YES. Hard to believe, you’d say!

It is hardly known in most quarters that Wike saved Southeast Nigeria from a devastating planned infiltration of that axis by a terrorist group, disguised as herdsmen. The personality of Wike reminds me that villains have their virtues too. He is no saint, but he is definitely not the demon many brand him.

Those who know Wike know he wears the face of a Lion; roars, and acts like one. He is a man who has defeated the pangs of fear. Some would even say Wike has many things in common with Donald Trump – Blunt, assertive, impetuous, stubborn and untamed when he sets out on a mission. He loves those he loves and would do everything to protect them. Wike’s assertiveness has earned him fewer friends and more enemies, perhaps. Within the political space, Wike could be said and rightly too to be the most misconstrued political figure in Nigeria today. Amid threats and opposition, the man Wike talks tough; hardly apologetic. He remains defiant.

As an Igbo man, I can say that Barr. Nyesom Wike deserves his flowers from the Igbos if only they knew the role he played during the infamous tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Former President Muhammadu Buhari hated Wike for a reason. That reason was the fact that Wike was a huge hindrance to a mission that had been planned and sealed for execution. During President Muhammadu Buhari’s era, the invading killer-herdsmen have mapped out their infiltration strategy. The plan was to do whatever that could be done to hasten an unholy occupation of the Southeast and South-South Regions. South West was relatively safer, partly because the stakeholders of the region knew the plan and made adequate conventional and nonconventional arrangements to secure that region.

Furthermore, the emergence of President Muhammadu Buhari was made possible through the efforts of key political figures from South West, particularly President Ahmed Bola Tinubu. That largely guaranteed the Southwest safety.
Benue State was targeted as a feasible route for this infiltration. What did Wike do? Wike hurriedly formed a strong alliance with former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom and the then Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. This alliance was majorly to counter the planned infiltration cum occupation of the target regions (South East and South-South). A move that Samuel Ortom is still bearing the brunt to date.
Unlike Benue and Enugu States, Rivers State enjoyed better revenue inflow. Wike made available all the necessary resources that were needed in that subtle war of infiltration. Wike was the lone oak tree that defied the raging storm at that moment. Wike may be a villain, but his vision, political flexibility and behind-the-scenes activities are great political virtues that cannot be overlooked by any political pundit.

Ndigbo, need I say again, Wike deserves his flowers from us. Villains have their virtues too!

Light Shedrack is an international business ideation specialist and good governance advocate. He can be reached via: lightsheddie26@gmail.com

December 29, 2024 0 comments

Welcome The APC, A Party of Demagogues Only Motivated By Power

by Leading Reporters November 24, 2024

written by Leading Reporters

By: Daniel Noah Osa-Ogbegie

The All Progressives Congress APC have long been noted as a political party whose only motivation is to grab power for the sake of power. They showed it in 2014/2015 when they gave their ticket to a morose Buhari because of his popularity in the core North of Nigeria with a constant twelve million votes in order to grab power.

***Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo kneeling before Philip Shaibu and APC leaders***

In addition to fielding Buhari as their (APC) presidential candidate, they did everything possible to demonize Goodluck Jonathan while presenting Buhari as the Messiah Nigeria had been waiting for to take away their sufferings by ending corruption and instituting a frugal government.

Buhari had no message beyond fighting corruption and enforcing discipline, yet many Nigerians were carried away and thought he was ” an elegant cow coming from Uzebu ” ( please ask a Benin person to interpret this for you).

All the things the APC criticised Jonathan for during that campaign window, they did worse. They changed nothing and added to the woes of Nigerians. For instance, Buhari said he would sell off the planes in the Presidential fleet or convert them to start a national commercial carrier if elected as President. Buhari did not only fail to do this, he acquired more jets. The only attempt at starting a national carrier was the grotesque launching of Nigerian Air artistic design on paper with millions of Dollars.

Buhari’s government was a cesspool of corruption, inefficiency, nepotism and total abdication of governance.

Buhari’s successor, his fellow APC leader and founder, Bola Tinubu, continued from where Buhari stopped and took it further in profligacy, larceny, nepotism and grand insensitivity to the plight of Nigerians. I will dwell on Tinubu another day, but before anyone calls me names, it is trite to offer this reminder that I supported Tinubu because he was the candidate of my then political party and the fact that I thought he would replicate some of his dynamisms as Lagos State Governor as President of Nigeria. My choice at the time was actually Prof. Yomi Osinbajo, until Tinubu emerged as candidate.

The APC have clearly shown that it is a party that over promises and under deliver because of their desperation for power. They showed this with Buhari and Tinubu and are now showing it with Okpebholo in Edo state.

From 2020 till the last Governorship election in Edo state, Edo APC leaders and their social media messengers have been very huge on allowing Edo based Edo people to be the fulcrum of Edo Government and criticised Godwin Obaseki for importing Edo people from outside the state to run his government. With what I have seen of the appointments Monday Okpebholo has made so far, he is proving to be a lot worse than Godwin Obaseki in this area. His government so far is 95% diasporan, if you like, none Edo based.

I deliberately stayed off Monday Okpebholo’s appointments so far so as to wait till most of the appointments are made to give him the benefit of doubts, but I would like to make preliminary observation on his appointments so far, especially the appointment of the Managing Director of Edo Broadcasting Service.

I can not fault Sulaiman Aledeh’s appointment in anyway. He’s a friend ( by friend, I mean he’s not a foe, and I personally know him and he knows me) , a fellow alumnus of Western Boys’ High School, Benin City ( some years my senior) and a fellow Ikpoba Hill boy.

As much as I wish him well, APC social media urchins saying he’s home grown is overreaching. He’s a Lagos boy, a diasporan that Edo APC so much loathed for over five years now.

The way Edo APC disparaged Obaseki, Asue Ighodalo and some other personalities in Obaseki government because they didn’t always live and work in Edo state or that they didn’t school in Edo state or that they didn’t grow up in Edo state, one would think that their appointments would be dominated by Edo based personalities.

Only one Edo based person has been appointed by Okpebholo so far, after almost 15 appointments. His name is Mr. Emmanuel Okoebor, who was as recently as January this year the Regional Manager of UBA, Edo/Delta region. If Mallam Gani Audu can be counted as Edo based, then he would be the other one. If anyone contests this conclusion, feel free to controvert me with facts and I will tell you where they all live and work. The only person I didn’t know until now was the newly appointed SSG.

During this last campaign, I warned Edo people not to listen to the jejune arguments of homeboy and foreign based orchestrated by APC leaders, that they were mere demagogues and filibuster to hoodwink Edo people. Now they have clearly vindicated me so early in their adhoc government.

May Edo win!

News Source: https://www.truthlivenews.com/welcome-the-apc-a-party-of-demagogues-only-motivated-by-power

Daniel A. Noah Osa-Ogbegie, Esq. writes from Etete New Layout, Benin City.

November 24, 2024 0 comments

Headlines Opinion

Census: CSOs Commend Preparedness of National Population Commission(NPC) to conduct credible Census exercise

by Leading Reporters October 7, 2024

written by Leading Reporters

…. appeals for continued advocacy by stakeholders

A joint coalition comprising over (100) Civil Society Organizations across the six geo political zones of the country have commended the leadership of the National Population Commission (NPC) over the Commission’s preparedness to conduct a credible Census exercise at the earliest convenience of Mr President. The coalition under the umbrella of Conference of Harmonized Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria (COHSCN) in a joint communique released to journalists in Abuja on friday noted that Civil Society Organizations across the six geo political zones in the country have carried out a comprehensive assessment of the Commission’s preparedness to conduct a credible Census and indeed, from the interactions, engagements, surveys and evidence before our joint committees as collated from all the six geo political zones in the country, the Alh Nasir Isa Kwarra led management of the Commission is fully charged and ready to deliver a world standard census exercise once Mr President makes the proclamation.

National coordinator of the coalition Dr Richard Oduma specifically appreciated the Commision for digitalizing the entire census project in line with international best practices and to enhance the overall credibility of the census exercise” this feat by the Commission is unprecedented and must be encouraged by all stakeholders so as to give the Commission the necessary morale boost needed to deliver on the mandate.

“Above all, it is important to reiterate that the success of any census exercise largely depends on the continued advocacy and information available to the public hence the need for sustained conversation on this very important exercise.” As patriots we owe the Commission a duty to maintain advocacy in our various spheres of influence no matter the sacrifices. “Because it is in the best interest of the people to be informed of the advantages of the census exercise so as to key into it as expected”

‘Indeed, the significant investment of resources by the federal government and donor agencies to assist the Commission in the , acquisition and development of massive technological infrastructure and hardware in preparation for the census exercise as well as the elaborate recruitment and training of manpower to compliment the highly modernized process is sincerely worth the wait and in the best interest of the country. “Our country for the first time is equipped with the necessary technological tools as well as the manpower needed to conduct a credible Census exercise that would be acceptable to both the local and international community ” This is a feat that is worthy of our collective public commendation. “Our charge to the commision is to remain focused on the objective to deliver the first digital census in our history”

“The Commission has demonstrated unparalleled commitment to the success of the census exercise by the systems and structures put in place ahead of the exercise, for us, this is the major take home and hence our appeal for continued advocacy “

The coalition also noted that the Commission under the current leadership has remained commited and ready to deliver when called upon by the president. ” Regardless of the limited resources available, the Commision has continued to engage and rebrand her personel preparatory to the much awaited exercise ” Overall, from our assessment, the government is going to be the greatest beneficiary as only a credible Census will provide the needed statistics for planing, research and development of the people.

“Furthermore, we commend the frugality and accountability in the management of budgeted resources that has become a culture in the Commission’s policies over the years” The open governance policy of Mr President has resonated strongly with the Commission activities which has given us access to critical information that has boosted our confidence in the Commission ” The Civil Society Organizations have therefore come together to commend the Commission’s leadership and to show solidarity and support to ensure that Nigerians get a credible Census whenever the opportunity presents itself. “

The coalition further expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to the development of the people and the country further emphasizes the need for a credible Census in the shortest possible time ” We hope Mr President is working in this direction, the statement added.

The coalition called on the Commission to join hands with Civil Society Organizations, faith based organizations and students groups to sustain the much needed advocacy ahead of the census exercise. “While the Commission is empowered by law to conduct periodic census, it is clear that the active awareness and participation of the citizenry in the exercise is what will make the objective realistic and we urge all stakeholders to volunteer on the advocacy needed for this noble exercise in the overall interest of development.

The Coalition while leading the charge on collective and sustained advocacy by stakeholders, maintained that the gesture was a vote of confidence on the Commission and her leadership demonstrating the organic endorsement of the census exercise by citizens.

October 7, 2024 0 comments

Opinion

RIVERS CRISIS: A NOTE OF CAUTION

by Folarin Kehinde October 5, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

I am aware that the local government election taking place in Rivers State today, October 5, has been a subject of great interest to political actors.

The political happenings in Rivers State in the past days is a cause for serious concern for everyone, especially lovers of democracy and all actors within the peace and security sector of our nation.

Elections are the cornerstone of democracy because they are the primary source of legitimacy. This process renews the faith of citizens in their country as it affords them the opportunity to have a say on who governs them.

Every election is significant, whether at national or sub-national levels as it counts as a gain and honour to democracy.

It is the responsibility of all stakeholders, especially state institutions, to work towards the promotion of sound democratic culture of which periodic election stands as a noble virtue.

Democracy is our collective asset, its growth and progress is dependent on governments commitment to uphold the rule of law and pursue the interest of peace and justice at all times.

Institutions of the state, especially security agencies must refrain from actions that could lead to breakdown of law and order.

Rivers State represents the gateway to the Niger Delta and threat to peace in the state could have huge security implications in the region.

Let me sound a note of caution to all political actors in this crisis to be circumspect and patriotic in the pursuit of their political ambition and relevance.

I am calling on the National Judicial Commission (NJC) to take action that will curb the proliferation of court orders and judgements, especially those of concurrent jurisdiction giving conflicting orders. This, if not checked, will ridicule the institution of the judiciary and derail our democracy.

The political situation in Rivers State, mirrors our past, the crisis of the Old Western Region. I, therefore, warn that Rivers should not be used as crystal that will form the block that will collapse our democracy.

State institutions especially the police and the judiciary and all other stakeholders must always work for public interest and promote common good such as peace, justice and equality.

October 5, 2024 0 comments

Opinion

Nigerian Police and the Judges: A context to prioritize welfarism

by Folarin Kehinde October 1, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

Over the years the Nigerian Police has been the vanguard of protection of lives and properties, duties which they have been doing despite many daunting challenges facing them, though many will neglect their role in the country due to ‘bribe mantra’ which is being associated with their profession, nonetheless a country without the police is living in the shadow of itself.

From the indepth investigation of crimes and arrest of hardened criminals to solving civil matters which some would say does not matter, and standing day and night under the sun and rain at designated check points, and to many who lost their lives in the line of duty, all in a bid to have a safer country, there is no gainsaying that the police deserve better treatment.

Unlike the military, judges and other law enforcement agents that have quarters and lodges well furnished and equipped, the tale of some police barracks is an eyesore, a testament was recently seen on the social media where their barracks were tagged showing the dilapidated structure and the bad state of their facility.

Coincidentally, one of such is the Falomo Ikoyi Barracks, Lagos which has been a sorry sight came under criticism and unfounded report of sale, and demolition. Meanwhile, the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, dismissed the claim of sale but disclosed that the barracks will be redeveloped into a more befitting and modern barracks, with complementary facilities and modern infrastructure.

The PRO noted that the redevelopment of the barracks (including Falomo barracks) is set to be speedily completed after which the occupants will be duly offered fresh accommodation in the redeveloped sites but what is more worrisome is the paltry amount of N2 million that is given to the occupants of Falomo Barracks Blocks A and B as temporary relocation allowance.

The payment which has been made to 347 families after a validation process to facilitate their temporary relocation is not limited to Falomo barracks alone but such will be duplicated in other barracks.

“Similar redevelopment projects will be implemented across all police barracks nationwide over time. This is a strategic effort to improve the living conditions of our officers and their families, which is a key focus of the current police administration.” Adejobi said.

An X user, chude recently posted the demolition of Falomo Police Barracks https://x.com/chude__/status/1840386820107850065?s=48&t=rzMb5VUzn2LYbvfqGl-1fQ but what comes to mind is are the judges better of in terms of maintaining law and order who often times enjoy benefits from government and notable individuals?

Recently, President Bola Tinubu approved a 300% salary increase for the judges a move making the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) to earn #64 million annually including other benefits, barely a week ago, the president also directed the FCT minister to build forty judges quarters in Abuja among many other benefits.

From all indication however, the police need better lives to cater for their families and also for some of them who left wives and children at the mercy of the government, without mining words a nation cannot stand without an improved police system else the continued ‘means’ to survive will continue unabated.

October 1, 2024 0 comments

Opinion

Three-Dimensional Challenges Before Edo Voters

by Folarin Kehinde September 18, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

By Ozioma Ubabukoh

About this time four years ago, Edo State was preparing to enter the governorship election, just as it is today. Coming barely a year after the 2019 general election, which magically brought back the then President Muhammadu Buhari for a second term in office, the Edo electorate mobilised against any form of imposition that could ensue from the notorious inconclusive verdict of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

As a result of that political consciousness, the people did not leave room for any doubt as to where their allegiance lies. It was on that premise that ‘4plus4 Ogbane’ became the rallying cry for all Edo adults of voting age. The people did not want a disruption of the quiet developmental revolution going on in their state under the watch of Governor Godwin Obaseki.

They resolved that the investment banker, who deployed his expertise, pro bono, in setting up the scheme for good governance in the state, under a preceding administration, should retain the mantle.

So, having seen what the governor was doing by way of adroit laying of sound socio-economic foundation for the state, the electorate across the three senatorial districts insisted that ‘GO’ must have the full complement of two terms of four years apiece.

With that popular resolve, the ‘4plus4 Ogbane’ maxim was born. Of course, that central theme, which united the people of the Heartbeat of the Nation, has gone a long way to show their ability to defeat outside influence and deliver the mandate to whom it fits. Ever since, Nigerians have come to appreciate that Edo people are not only politically aware, but are also very particular about excellence, even as they preserve and project their common interest.

Like the 2020 governorship poll, the people of Edo are once more faced with the challenge of making a valid choice in the face of existential and circumstantial threats.

As far as governorship elections in Nigeria go, the first challenge voters confront as they express their freedom of choice is the menacing ‘federal might’. Next to that is the power of incumbency. Fortunately, come September 21, 2024, the contest in Edo would be devoid of any incumbent.

But given the circumstances through which the All Progressives Congress, the ruling party at the centre, lost the state to the incumbent Peoples Democratic Party, no sane analyst should be under any illusion that the APC is prepared to do all in its power to reclaim the state.

In the apparent desperation to add Edo to the number of states in its kitty, the APC would, no doubt, try its best to set up the governorship poll as a referendum on Obaseki’s record of performance in the last eight years. Although he seems to be in the class of former Enugu State governor, Sullivan Chime, who believed that it was possible for one to literally wink in the dark towards a lovely lady, any objective evaluation of his years in office would show that the governor has excelled in laying good foundation for seamless progress.

Before attempting an x-ray of the scale and scope of governance in Edo in the last eight years under Obaseki, it would be necessary to revisit the political conversations that helped him clinch a second-term mandate.

After resisting the self-serving godfather schemes of his predecessor and former national chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole, the governor decided to ditch the party for the PDP. As a beautiful bride with an alluring track record of excellent performance in office, the PDP was excited to welcome him.

However, the PDP attempted to attach a condition to allowing him contest the 2020 governorship on its platform: he must drop his then deputy, Philip Shaibu, for a fresh running mate. As a man of honour and integrity, Obaseki rebuffed that ungodly offer, preferring to quit the race to sacrificing his deputy.

Events of the past six months could have made the governor regret that principled stance, in the light of his former deputy’s decision to rise as a counterforce. Nonetheless, Obaseki showed that he is truly a man of his word.

One other area Obaseki demonstrated the virtues of honesty and integrity was his inflexible determination to fulfil his promise to the people of Edo Central Senatorial District, that one of them would succeed him in office.

Despite all odds, especially internal conspiracies and external manipulations, Obaseki made good his promise to the traditional rulers and elders of Esan clan in Edo Central by queuing behind Asue Ighodalo, another seasoned investment banker and corporate lawyer, who aspires to govern the state.

As the Edo governorship contest gathers steam, the outgoing governor has, no doubt, earned his stripes as a trustworthy and visionary leader.

Obaseki demonstrated his servant-leadership qualities and power of focus three years ago when he raised the alarm about Nigeria’s declining economy and its sloppy management under the Buhari administration.

Deploying the eagle eyes of a risk manager and investment banker, Obaseki disclosed that the Buhari administration was engaging in promiscuous and wanton printing of the naira to compound the woes of the country’s currency in the international exchange market. That singular financial intelligence distinguished the outgoing Edo governor as an excellent economic manager.

In the common Edo dictum of ‘follow who know road’, Obaseki has left nobody in doubt that he knows his onions as far as governance is concerned. Former United States President Bill Clinton must have had Obaseki’s reasoning in mind when he spoke about presidential democracy, stressing that it is economy stupid!

Faced with three major contending pathways, the PDP, the APC or the Labour Party, Edo voters should, therefore, either follow a tried and tested road or navigate uncharted pavements.

Of the three frontline contestants, only PDP’s Ighodalo seems the most likely to build on the solid socio-economic foundation GO laid.

The APC struggled and sweated to pick its flagbearer, Senator Monday Okpebholo, from the same Edo Central zone that is yet to throw up a governor of the state. However, the divisions and backstabbing with the stakeholders in the state raise the possibility that governance in the hands of the APC would suffer from elite conspiracies and upheavals.

Then, for the third-row candidate, Olumide Akpata of the LP, it is left to be seen how Edo people would accommodate another four years of governorship from Edo South Senatorial District that produced Obaseki.

Having demonstrated their religious observance of equity and fairness through the 4plus4 singsong of 2020, it would be seen, come September 21, whether Edo voters would recognise and honour the promise-keeper that declared 2024 as the turn of Edo Central.

Nigerians are watching and the people of Edo cannot afford to drop the ball. They have done it before and it is left to be seen, not whether but, how they could do it again.

September 18, 2024 0 comments

Opinion

DOGARA’S OPPORTUNISTIC DIATRIBE AND HYPOCRISY

by Folarin Kehinde August 12, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

Those familiar with Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara’s penchant for exploiting other people’s misfortune for personal benefit will easily see through his latest diatribe against the Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, CON.

In a publication titled, “On Governor Bala Mohammed’s Latest Tirade and Truculent Buffoonery”, the former Speaker of the 8th House of Representatives threw all decorum to the winds by hurling unprovoked expletives at the Governor whose only crime was to have stated that the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu were inflicting untold hardship on the people of Nigeria.

As usual, the opportunistic political turncoat left the substance of the current national discourse in an ignoble and unpretentious effort to ingratiate himself with a president who, but for providence, would have been a victim of Dogara’s legendary betrayal.

All along, Dogara had been looking for an opportunity to retrace his step after abandoning Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the candidate of his party in the 2023 presidential elections, for another candidate on the pretext that he was averse to a joint Muslim ticket. Unfortunately for the political conman called Dogara, it was common knowledge that his real reason was the loss of the vice presidential slot, which he had severally bragged was already in his kitty. So, what has changed? Or is he now at home with the ticket? Maybe after finding himself adrift due to his inconsistency and treachery.

He must be taking the President for a ride. Or how else does one describe a character who plainly accuses the President of masterminding a miscarriage of justice through a subversion of the electoral process. Hear him: “… When Governor Bala Mohammed was in court after rigging himself into office and desperately needed BAT to save him, he was busy singing his praises to the highest heavens and telling the world how amazing PBAT was, not even minding the fact that he is the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum. Just months after PBAT saved him, he has turned around to describe the President as…”

Really? What is Dogara telling the public? To the best of our knowledge, the President is neither a judge nor an advocate. What we know and for which we will always commend the President is that there is indeed no evidence that he interfered with the judicial process either for his party or anyone else. For Dogara to now suggest that the President helped Governor Bala Mohammed to protect the landslide victory given to him by the Bauchi electorate is the height of political rascality, juvenile recklessness and unbridled indiscretion. His statement is a slur on the judiciary and the mindless vituperation of a self-seeking scoundrel who has little or no regard for the judiciary.

But we can understand Dogara’s predicament, indeed desperation. Now a political orphan due to his inconsistency and betrayal of the ladder through which he secured uncommon political ascendancy, he sees his only way back as heaping hubris on a man whose political ascendancy was preceded by an illustrious career in the Federal Civil service where not only, did he acquire broad inter-ministerial exposure but indeed rose to
the directorate cadre.

We had thought that as a lawyer, Dogara would be less unintelligent as he has publicly displayed. While we understand the unwritten dictum that a lawyer could resort to insulting the opposition when confronted with an untenable situation, never did we realise that Dogara would be blinded to facts that are in the public domain, particularly the utterances and actions of two presidents produced by his party, sorry one of his parties, the All Progressive Congress (APC). Dogara’s claim of non performance against Governor Bala Mohammed is laughable as it crumbles in the face of practical evidence of the Governor’s performance. The award of Best Governor of the Year 2022, in the provision of rural infrastructure presented to him by former President Muhammadu Buhari and the award of Governor of the Year 2024 in urban renewal presented to him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ridicule the laughable claim by this jester with an over-bloated political relevance but who has been consigned to where he rightly belongs.

To further buttress the falsity of Dogara’s allegation, here is an excerpt on Bala Mohammed from the speech of former President Muhammadu Buhari at the commissioning of the Bauchi Regional Water Scheme in May 2022: “I am happy that the Bauchi state Government has executed the project creditably. I am not surprised by this accomplishment because the state government personally pursued the project with vigour and determination through the allocation of resources and intervention to eliminate bottlenecks and challenges including even the COVID-19 which affected the project extension as well as paying attention to details. This is what leaders from the country should emulate from the Governor of Bauchi State”.

The Governor of Bauchi State in May 2022 was Senator Bala Mohammed of the PDP. That was the person President Buhari of the APC had charged other leaders in the country to emulate. Does Dogara not understand simple English? To the extent of suggesting that the president had advocated emulating a failure? Or has his unprovoked and maniacal obsession with Bala Mohammed’s rising political profile pushed him to the point of infantile dementia?

Since Dogara is not aware of the achievements of Bala Mohammed, a track record that earned him the two awards and for which a former president had recommended him to other leaders as a role model, we would want to take him on a brisk tour of the constituency he has since abandoned, chasing the restoration that has so far eluded him, may be until his new job as President Tinubu’s Man Friday. Who knows, he could be angling to take over the job of either Information and National Orientation Minister Muhammed Idris or Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga! Country hard jare!

Whether it is in social services or infrastructure or people empowerment, the Bala Mohammed Administration has acquitted itself creditably, delivering milestone after milestone democracy dividends, to the admiration of the Bauchi electorate. Granted that the out-of-school children crisis is more pronounced in the north, under Bala Mohammed, the problem has been reduced from the 1.3 million at the inception of his administration to about 700, 000 presently.
Before Dogara pulls a wool over the eyes of the unsuspecting public, the Bala Mohammed Administration has recorded other milestones in the education sector. These include the construction and renovation of many primary schools leading to the provision of over 5000 new classrooms, and general improvement in the learning environment. The net impact has been improved performance in external examinations. In the health sector, the performance of the administration has been no less impressive. With a functional primary healthcare centre in each of the 323 wards of the state, upgraded general hospitals and provision of long sought after facilities such as the recently commissioned diagnostic and dialysis equipment in the Specialist Hospital Bauchi, affordable and critical healthcare are being brought closer to the people. Because Dogara has long been far removed from Bauchi, and in his jaundiced predilection this renegade son of the state cannot appreciate the unprecedented infrastructural development that has taken place. What a pity.

If Dogara is running away from the several abandoned 419 constituency projects, he should be told that Governor Bala Mohammed is ready to remedy the situation. Or could it be that he is haunted by his reputation for budget padding or the possession of the biggest warehouse of motorcycles in Jos Plateau State (not in Bauchi) that was looted by unknown persons during the EndSARs protest or his malicious opposition to his benevolent uncle, Professor Sulaiman Bogoro, which led to his removal in TETFUND or his usual blood thirsty record in all the deadly violence in Bogoro?

To imagine that this political fraud has the impudence to rear his ugly head again is not only irritating but a grotesque insult on the people of his constituency who have since regained confidence in civil authority, thanks to the even handedness of the Bala Mohammed Administration. Among the several initiatives of the Bala Mohammed Administration in Dogara’s Tafawa Balewa/Bogoro/Dass Constituency are:

Roads

1- Design and construction of the 2.6 km Bununu Township Road awarded in 2020 (completed)

2- Design and construction of the 11.5 km Bogoro-Lusa-Malar Road awarded in 2020 (completed)

3- Design and construction of the Boi-Tapshin Road awarded in 2020 (completed)

4- Design and construction of the 2 span Bridge/2km Zakkam Bridge and Road to Zakkam Community awarded in 2022 (completed)

5- Design and construction of the 29km Boi-Sara-Marti-Lere Road/Spur Road to Dutsen Lawal awarded in 2024 (ongoing)

6- Design and construction of the 1.6km Spur road to Dunga Community awarded in 2022 (completed)

7- The 12.5 km abandoned Dass-Wandi-Bassam-Lamdi-Durr Road rewarded in 2024 (ongoing)

8- The 3.2 km Dass Township Road awarded in 2024 (ongoing)

9- Design and construction of the 6Km Dott-Bajar Road awarded in 2024 (ongoing)

Health:

Achievement of HE Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed in Primary Healthcare and General Hospitals in Bogoro, Dass and Tafawa Balewa LGAs.

Tafawa Balewa LGA

1- Renovation, upgrading and equipping of Lere PHCC,

2- Renovation, upgrading and equipping of Tapshin PHCC,

3- Renovation, upgrading and equipping of Zwall PHCC,

4- Renovation, upgrading and equipping of Tafawa Balewa PHCC,

5- Renovation, upgrading and equipping of Katsinawa PHCC,

6-Renovation, upgrading and equipping of Bununu PHCC,

7-Renovation, upgrading and equipping of Dajin PHCC,

8-Procurement and distribution of medical equipment across 16 PHCs of Tafawa Balewa LGA

9- Procurement and distribution of drugs and medical consumables with establishment of drug revolving fund across 16 PHCs of Tafawa Balewa LGA

Dass LGA

1- Renovation, upgrading and equipping of Bagel PHCC

2- Renovation, upgrading and equipping of Gultukurwa PHC

3- Procurement and distribution of drugs and medical consumables with establishment of drug revolving fund across 13 PHCs of Dass LGA

4- Procurement and distribution of medical equipment across 13 PHCs of Dass LGA

5- Procurement and distribution of ultrasound scanning machine across the 13 PHCCs of Dass LGA

6- Renovation of Hospital Complex and Staff quarters at General Hospital Dass

Bogoro LGA

1- Renovation, upgrading and equipping of Lusa PHCC,

2- Renovation, upgrading and equipping of Gobbiya PHCC,

3- Renovation, upgrading and equipping of Kurum PHCC,

4- Renovation, upgrading and equipping of Boi PHCC,

5- Renovation, upgrading and equipping of Gamba PHCC,

6- Renovation, upgrading and equipping of Bugum PHCC,

7- Procurement and distribution of drugs and medical consumables with establishment of drug revolving fund across 13 PHCs of Bogoro LGA

8- Procurement and distribution of medical equipment across 13 PHCs of Bogoro LGA

In the area of people empowerment, many youths and women have received training as well as empowerment equipment from the Kaura Economic Empowerment Programme (KEEP). In education the people of Dogara’s constituency have benefitted through the construction and renovation of many primary schools and the provision of classroom desks and chairs. This is in addition to the provision of books and other educational materials in the three local governments of his constituency. Similarly, reminiscent of the situation in other parts of the state, the state government has prioritized the provision of adequate security operations in the constituency, in collaboration with the security agencies.

Given that we do not share Dogara’s poverty of the mind, we shall resist the temptation to be drawn into our party member, His Excellency Nyesom Wike’s performance except to remind Dogara that the starting point of any such comparison is to look at the track record of the immediate APC administration vis-a-vis what this PDP loanee to the APC-controlled Federal Government is doing.

Finally, because Dogara is so consumed with himself that he lacks the presence of mind to appreciate historical currents, he probably forgot that the Buhari APC-led Federal Government had, after unwarranted vilification and persecution, publicly acknowledged that the Land Swap Programme of the Bala Mohammed FCT-Administration was a laudable initiative. We leave Dogara with this parting Bala Mohammed’s successor in the office of minister of FCT, Mallam Muhammadu Bello. His words: “The Land Swap Programme is expected to save the FCT Administration nearly N1 trillion which the Administration would have required to procure comprehensive district infrastructure in the 13 districts earmarked under the programme.

“Developing the city using the annual budgetary allocation is simply not possible because of the way the city has grown astronomically in terms of physical expansion and a rising population.

“Its primary objective in its simplest form includes the encouragement of home ownership and the reduction of housing deficit in the FCT”.

When it comes to vision and foresight, some people have it. But certainly not self-conceited impostors like Yakubu Dogara. That is why the former Speaker, will never understand the rationale for the flyovers in Bauchi or the remodelled Government House Complex that includes the ultra modern international conference centre, ICC , with its huge potential for transforming Bauchi State from a small traditional city to a robust melting pot of civilisations, businesses, intellectual intercourse and financial deals.

It is the prevalence of opportunistic characters like Dogara, masquerading, as opinion leaders and advisers, in the corridors of power, that the country has sunk into the morass that led to the present quagmire and not a statesman, patriot and quintessential administrator like Bala Mohammed whose transformational administration is placing Bauchi State on the path of sustainable development.

Signed
Mukhtar Gidado
Special Adviser Media & Publicity
to the Governor
11th August, 2024.

August 12, 2024 0 comments

Opinion

Rein Blackmailing Philip Agbese, ETI Charges Speaker Abbas

by Leading Reporters July 27, 2024

written by Leading Reporters

The Energy Transparency Initiative (ETI) expresses our profound concern and dismay over the recent statements made by Honorable Phillips Agbese, Deputy Spokesman of the Federal House of Representatives. In his recent media appearance, in Abuja, Honorable Agbese raised serious allegations that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) are involved in a deliberate attempt to undermine the Dangote refinery, portraying this as an affront to the House of Representatives. Such remarks are not only misleading but also demonstrate a concerning departure from his responsibilities as a federal lawmaker. While we are not willing to be mouthpiece of both regulatory authorities, being accused by Mr Agbese, we cannot but remind Nigerians, that as an organization with over a decade of involvement in series of advocacy on Transparency and accountability in the sector, we have full knowledge of issues, that are responsible for the recent dispute between Dangote Refinery and the regulatory authorities. Moreover, as a CSO, we are very familiar with Agbese who used the civil society to butter his bread against its ethics, an action he has carried into politics.

It is troubling that Agbese has chosen to abandon his duty as a representative of the people and instead assumed the role of an advocate for the Dangote Refinery. His position should obligate him to act impartially, especially in matters involving multiple stakeholders. By aligning himself so closely with a single business interest, he undermines the very essence of his role as an unbiased arbitrator within any relevant committee. In the House of Reps, his voice has never been heard, no bills sponsored, no motions moved apart from seconding one as dictated by his belly and has also not carried out empowerment to his Constituency. He has suddenly found his voice when private refinery dollars echoed his name.

Agbese’s actions reveal a troubling pattern of prioritizing the interests of a single entity over the broader collective welfare of Nigerians. The Dangote refinery, while a significant player in the industry, represents individual business interests that do not necessarily align with the national interest. The apparent bias demonstrated by Agbese risks neglecting the broader implications of the refinery’s operations on the general populace and undermines the regulatory framework designed to ensure fair play and transparency.

It is imperative to remind the baby lawmaker that his call for the dismissal of the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL and the Authority Chief Executive of NMDPRA is not only misplaced but lacks merit. We had expected all parties involved in this NNPCL and Dangote feud to maintain their silence but shocked to realise that Agbese who’s a member of the committee set up by the House of Reps to investigate surrounding allegations chose to take a side and has made statement that are uncalled for. He should asked to be school on how both the NNPCL and NMDPRA works and not dabble into affairs that are beyond his literacy level.

The era where Agbese blackmails public institutions will not fly with government agencies as they won’t succumb to such. The agencies targeted for blackmail and pecuniary gains by Agbese and his team has outlived governments and individuals and will so continue, no matter the corporate or legislative blackmail.

The oil and gas sector business is too sophisticated a knowledge for little minds like Agbese to understand and meddle into. While it is understandable that he has pocketed few dollars from his sponsors, we urge him to immediately resign his position as the Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives and send his CV to Dangote for employment to work under Chijiena. He can also chose to apply for employment in NNPCL if he choses to defend them, especially now that the recruitment exercise is ongoing. The only pain and regret in all of this is that the lovable people of
Ado/Ogbadibo/Okpokwu Federal Constituency made the biggest mistake of their life in electing a proper blackmailer as the representative. This is a grave error that they have to correct in 2027 by ensuring that their votes are not wasted on him. Benue indigenes are too sound to have a lawmaker turned to an errand boy by a corporate institution.

It is not even too late for Agbese go back to the good people of his Federal Constituency that he represents to tell them that he has taken over the role of the Dangote refinery spokesman so that they can send a credible hand to the House of Representatives.

We call on the leadership of the House of Representatives to address this matter with the seriousness it deserves. It is crucial that members of the House focus on their legislative duties and refrain from interfering in regulatory issues they do not fully understand. This will ensure that the integrity of the legislative process is maintained and that public trust is upheld.

The Energy Transparency Initiative urges the House leadership to rein in Honorable Agbese and his associates. Their current approach not only jeopardizes the effective functioning of regulatory bodies but also risks undermining the efforts to achieve transparency and accountability in the oil and gas sector. Agbese’s hands have been so corrupted with oil dollars and can no longer be allowed to speak for the hallowed chambers. He should step aside!

We further implore all stakeholders to remain vigilant and uphold the principles of fairness and transparency. The progress of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector depends on the collective efforts of all parties involved, and it is imperative that individual agendas do not derail this important endeavor.

The Energy Transparency Initiative shall remain committed to advocating for due process, transparency, and security in the oil and gas sector. We will continue to monitor developments and ensure that all actions and policies are aligned with the national interest, free from undue influence or partisan agendas.

Signed:

Ganzallo Gbenga
Convener

Chinelo Ochiaga
Program Officer

July 27, 2024 0 comments

Opinion

NCC: A Digital Enabler of the Renewed Hope Agenda

by Folarin Kehinde May 30, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

In Nigeria, a young tech-savvy and upwardly mobile population is teeming, and exploring derivable benefits of digital technologies. They are propelled by rapidly expanding internet access and steady broadband penetration, currently about 43 per cent. Our digital economy is poised for significant growth, positively impacting various sectors and benefiting the nation through enhanced connectivity and digital skills.

Digital transformation is happening globally at a record pace. During the Covid-19 pandemic, for example, remote work and virtual collaboration tools took centre stage; platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet became—and still are—essential for meetings, conferences and team collaboration. E-commerce and online retail have transformed how consumers seamlessly order and receive goods and services.

Even traditionally brick-and-mortar businesses are changing the ways they engage with their customers through introduction of digital solutions to improve the customer experience. It is a no-brainer that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are revolutionising our lives for the better, whether in education, healthcare delivery, living, public services, energy management, and much more.

Suffice to say, that underpinning this global digital transformation is the indispensable role of telecommunications infrastructure. Universal, affordable, reliable and fast telecom services are becoming social rights, as mobile networks and data-centres form the backbone for digital transformation by enabling the storage and processing of large amounts of data as well as the integration of digital technologies into numerous use cases.

For President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Renewed Hope Agenda draws us all to a more promising outlook. Inherent in his agenda is the pledge to embolden and support the youth and women by harnessing emerging sectors such as the digital economy. In delivering this vision, the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani unveiled a blueprint appropriately titled – “Accelerating our Collective Prosperity through Technical Efficiency” with the goal of supporting Nigeria’s economic growth by enhancing productivity, facilitated by digital innovation.

Acknowledging the criticality of resilient telecommunications infrastructure to a robust digital economy, Dr. Tijani’s Strategic Agenda 2023 — 2027 sets targets to achieve a 50 per cent improvement in Quality of Service (QoS) by the end of 2024; to boost Nigeria’s broadband penetration rate to 70 per cent by the end of 2025; to deliver data download speed of 25Mbps in urban areas and 10Mbps in rural areas by the end of 2025; to provide coverage for, at least, 80 per cent of the country’s population, especially the underserved and unserved populations by the end of 2026; to reduce the gap of unconnected Nigerians in rural areas from 61 per cent to less than 20 per cent by 2027; and to secure between 300 per cent to 500 per cent increase in broadband investment by the end of 2027.

Drawing from the Strategic Agenda of the Ministry, Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission, (NCC) has emplaced three Strategic Focus Areas for the Commission: The Consumers, the Industry and Licensees; and the Government.

Dr. Maida’s approach to delivering on President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda comes from the recognition that each of these stakeholders has a unique perspective and different, occasionally-paradoxical expectations of the Commission. His goal is to forge a path that carefully balances each stakeholder’s needs while meeting their expectations.

Consider the Consumers—who are central to Dr. Maida’s focus—for example. His approach focuses on ensuring that they receive an enhanced Quality of Experience, beyond the narrow and very technically-evaluated Quality of Service. Quality of experience takes into account all touch points along the consumers journey in using telecom services from selection, through on boarding, usage, support and even off-boarding.

This means that, consumers are empowered to make the right network selection, enjoy a seamless onboarding into the network of their choice, enjoy quality service at fair costs, receive responsive customer service and enjoy protected off-boarding where they chose to leave the network.

To address consumer complaints on data depletion, the Commission has directed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to conduct an independent audit of their billing systems and is concluding a consultation process to simplify tariff plans. These initiatives would provide enhanced transparency to the consumer.

The Commission, under Dr. Maida, rather than taking a national outlook on data collection for Quality-of-Service delivery, has adopted an approach where more granular data is collected from operators and analysed to determine quality of service at very small, local levels, to allow the deployment of optimised solutions or regulatory actions where needed.

On the side of the Industry and Licensees of the Commission, Dr. Maida’s focus is aimed at forging a resilient industry and enhancing the delivery of regulatory services. Since he came on board, the Commission has shown commitment to tackling industry debt issues more seriously. It has also embarked on critical advocacy initiatives to address long-term challenges in the sector, including advocacy for designating telecom infrastructure as Critical National Infrastructure, as well as successfully persuading over six states to waive Right of Way (RoW) fees, even as he initiates discussions with more states.

The Commission, under Dr. Maida’s leadership, is equally engaging with the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms towards addressing multiple taxation issues in the telecoms sector.

In order to ensure that the industry is in line with current realities, the Commission is also undertaking a review of its extant Regulatory Instruments and Licensing Frameworks. For instance, Quality of Service Regulations have been reviewed to incorporate Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for 5G and other participants that are critical to the Quality of Service.

By achieving expected QoS KPIs, high-speed internet connectivity, and forging a resilient and innovative telecommunications industry, the Commission is actively supporting the Ministry’s vision of boosting economic growth and productivity through technological innovation, delivering on the promise of Renewed Hope for all Nigerians.

May 30, 2024 0 comments

Opinion

Call for State of Emergency in Rivers State: A Plea for Restoration and Unity

by Folarin Kehinde May 28, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

Written By Wabiye Dikio Idoniboyeobu (ANIPR)

As a citizen of Rivers State who left in 2015, I have watched from afar with growing concern as my beloved home has descended into a state of disarray and division. It is with a heavy heart and a deep sense of urgency that I call upon the President of Nigeria to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State. This drastic measure is necessary to address the severe and persistent issues that have plagued the state since 2015, and to pave the way for a brighter and more unified future.

Since 2015, Rivers State has been fractured into two highly toxic factions. This division has not only polarized the citizenry but has also severely hampered governance and equitable development. The once vibrant and progressive state is now mired in a climate of animosity and dysfunction, where unconstitutional actions have often dictated governance. This is a stark departure from the principles of democracy and the rule of law, which should be the bedrock of our society.

The suspension of four lawmakers loyal to the Governor during plenary, the subsequent demolition of the Assembly, and the defection of other assembly members loyal to the Minister of the FCT have set the state on a roller coaster of confusion. There is a clear breakdown in legislative order. These actions seem to have rendered the state without a functioning assembly, plunging it further into a state of anarchy. Without a legislative body to provide checks and balances, the state is effectively without the necessary framework to ensure accountable governance.

The current trajectory of Rivers State is alarming. The state’s descent into lawlessness and instability not only threatens the well-being of its citizens but also undermines the potential for any meaningful development. The toxic political climate has created an environment where progress is stifled, and the needs of the people are overshadowed by the relentless power struggles.

Despite this bleak picture, there is a silent majority in Rivers State that remains apolitical and committed to the state’s progress. These individuals, who strive for development and prosperity, are stymied by the pervasive toxicity that has gripped the state. Their voices are drowned out by the cacophony of political infighting, leaving them powerless to effect the change that Rivers State so desperately needs.

In light of these circumstances, I implore the President to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State. This intervention is critical to restore order, ensure the rule of law, and create an environment conducive to development and unity. A state of emergency would provide the framework to reset the state’s governance, allowing for the establishment of a functioning assembly and the implementation of constitutional actions.

The people of Rivers State deserve a government that works for them, not against them. They deserve a state where development is spread equitably, and where governance is guided by the principles of democracy and the rule of law. By declaring a state of emergency, the President can help to restore sanity, promote development, and ultimately, heal the divisions that have torn Rivers State apart.

It is time for bold and decisive action. The future of Rivers State hangs in the balance, and only through a concerted effort to address these deep-rooted issues can we hope to reclaim the state’s lost glory. Let us come together to support this call for a state of emergency, for the sake of our beloved Rivers State and its people.

May 28, 2024 0 comments

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