Author: oduduwanews

Nigeria, according to Pastor Mathew Ashimolowo, senior pastor of Kingsway International Christian Centre in London, is an oxymoron, a country without direction.

He claims that the country lacks the ability to develop its youth.

The prominent gospel preacher made the claim on Thursday at the Redeem Christian Church of God’s (RCCG) Youth Convention, dubbed “Exceeding Expectations.”

Authorities in the country, according to the man of God, have favored cows and herders above younger Nigerians who need to be pushed towards new technologies.

He believes that being born in Nigeria was an accident, and that the country lacks leaders that care about the people.

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, on Thursday re-emphasised the need for Nigeria to think in the direction of true federalism, saying it is one of the major solutions to the county’s many challenges.

Obasa made the call at the 13th annual Hijrah Lecture 1443 A.H (2021) organised by the House with the theme: “The Role Of The Youths In The Emerging Socio-Economic And Political Realities.”

According to the Speaker, it is very obvious that citizens and leaders in the country intensify efforts to salvage the economy, especially as it relates to the increasing poverty rate, the need to make the country secure and peaceful as well as the dwindling fortunes of the Nigerian currency as against the dollar.

The Speaker, who noted the topic of the event as very important at this time of the country’s journey, further urged the federal government to see the current situation as an opportunity to address the issue of the collection of Value Added Tax (VAT) in favour of the states.

He said if Nigeria was to make progress, the country should follow the steps of the United States of America and China which relies on the provinces.

“The topic of this event is very important. What is the situation of our country? What is the situation with the youth? How do we live our lives? What is the health and educational situation of the country?

“We talk about youth unemployment, but what is the state of education and qualifications?

“The topic is important, especially with the argument that the economy has become seriously challenged.

“The standard of living and the rate of poverty are biting. Months ago, the dollar rate was still welcoming at a little above N300 but today, it is more than N500.

“This current situation of the country is an opportunity for the federal government to address the issue of VAT.

“China today relies on the provinces of the country. USA practises true federalism. If we are practising federalism, we should be consistent. We should operate in a way that Osun State would explore its resources and Zamfara would do same,” Obasa said while expressing hope that Nigerians would be proud of the country which marks its 61st independence anniversary.

He noted that Lagos State House of Assembly has always been youth-friendly in relation to bills passed by the House.

He named some of the bills as the Neighbourhood Safety Corps, the Child Right Bill, the Employment Trust Fund which provides loans to youths ready to make progress and the Sports Commission bill amended by the House.

The Speaker said Hijrah affords Muslims the opportunity to thank Allah and continue to have faith in Him.

Obasa recalled how COVID-19 had affected the world and caused fears and deaths just as he remembered Nigerians who became victims of the pandemic.

In his lecture, Shaykh Muhyideen Ajani Bello, Chief Imam and Missioner, Ansar ud Deen Society of Nigeria, Northern States Council, urged the youth to know that they would one day lead the country just as he slammed leaders for relegating the youth for too long.

He also advocated for women to be given more important roles in governance of the country.

On his part, Dr. Sa’eid Ahmad, Consultant General Surgeon and Imam, also spoke about moral decadence in the society, the rot in the education and other sectors of the economy.

He said the youth must be diligent and hardworking even in the face of the country’s challenges.

Addressing the guests after the lecture, Mr. Tayo Ayinde, Chief of Staff to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the points raised by the lecturers would be considered and their suggestions implemented.

He described the topic of the event as thought-provoking.

President Muhammadu Buhari has claimed that a member of the National Assembly is responsible for the agitation of the breakup of the country.

The president made this known while addressing the country as part of the independence day celeberation.

“The recent arrests of Nnamdi Kanu and Sunday Adeyemo, and the ongoing investigations being conducted have revealed certain high-profile financiers behind these individuals.

“We are vigorously pursuing these financiers including one identified as a serving member of the National Assembly”.

The female aspirant for the post of Federal House Of Representatives under Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) come 2023, who was birthed and brought up in Lagelu Local Government Area has joined the well-meaning Nigerians in celebrating 2021 Independence Day in glorious way with her people.

This was contained in a press statement signed and sent today to Oduduwa News by Ramata Agberemi.

She stated that words cannot adequately express her joy and pride to be privileged to come from Akinyele/Lagelu constituency and, It is a unique privilege to be a Nigerian which she would always remember forever, and it gives her strength and courage as she dedicates her life to the service of Nigeria and Oyo State in particular.

In furtherance, RAD used this year Independence day to charge the good people of Oyo State to fervently pray for the unity of our dear country Nigeria and uphold the good works and wills of our founding fathers.

In her message to her constituents, RAD urged them not to relent in doing their best for the state and pray more for the success of H.E Engr. Sèyì Makinde’s administration and finally soliciting for their supports and prayers towards her ambition come 2023. She was also quoted as saying in prayer to Nigeria.

“And, finally my prayers for my country:
Oh God of creation, direct our noble cause
Guide our leaders right
Help our youth the truth to know
In love and honesty to grow
And living just and true
Great lofty heights attain
To build a nation where peace and justice shall reign
Amen! Amen! Amen!”.

Comrade Lekan Badmu is a Columnist With Oduduwa News And a Public Opinion Analyst.

The fact that Nigeria was left off- hook from the claws of colonial rule in October 1st, 1960 is incontestable. It is interesting to note that no contrary story has ever countered the ember date but what is still shrouded in confusion is the mover of the motion that set the agitation for self rule.

History is important. A nation that does not give priority to history is at the precipice of extinction. However, history cannot be re-written but could be distorted. Thus, the need to unravel the controversy trailing the identity of the parliamentarian that raised motion for independence. This is so important and inevitable in view of the academic relevance of the subject matter.

From the time immemorial, it has been stated that Chief Anthony Eromosele Enahoro moved the motion for Nigeria’s independence in 1953 at the floor of the Federal House of Assembly, Tafawa Balewa Square; popularly known as Race Course in Lagos State. Enahoro was a member of Action Group, AG. A political party under the leadership of late sage, Obafemi Awolowo.

Recently, I stumbled on a contrary account. The music is changing but the lyrics and rhythm are incoherent. The account was given by that vocal lawyer cum politician, Femi Fani-Kayode who claimed that his father; not Enahoro, moved the historic motion for independence. FFK could not be said to be loquacious at this time. Without being prejudicial, his account could not be ignored judging from the raw information at the disposal of FFK in respect of his vantage positions as the son of Chief Remilekun Fani Fakayode.

This issue has become a matter of supreme importance in our quest towards putting the record straight without necessarily misleading the unborn child. It would be foolhardy to beckon on our former colonial masters to write our history. That would amount to an absurdity and abberration.

According to FFK; “On August 2nd 1958 my father successfully moved the motion for Nigeria’s independence from British colonial rule. The truth is that almost 90 per cent of Nigerians have been brought up to believe that the motion for Nigeria’s independence was successfully moved by Chief Enahoro, a man that is undoubtedly one of our most revered nationalists and founding fathers.”

“Though, nothing can be taken away from Enahoro in terms of his monumental contributions in our quest for independence. I would argue that he kicked off the process for that struggle with his gallant efforts in 1953.”

An examination of the above statement shows that FFK was absolutely correct.
Meanwhile, like the police would admonish someone under arrest; ” you had better don’t say anything because whatever you utter would be used against you in the court”; as a lawyer FFK is, the facts he adduced to establish and substantiate his claim are substantial enough to give a fair judgement. FFK has covertly or overtly provided the answer to the lingering question. There is a self-admittance to the obvious fact of who moved the motion in reference to the year. By simple calendar, 1953 preceeds 1958 !

Dissecting the second argument which bothers on the word; “successfully”; this is inconsequential. It is rather a matter of semantics. The 1958 motion was at the instance of 1953 agitation. FFK has given judgement in his own case when he posited above that; ” though, nothing can be taken away from Enahoro in terms of his monumental contributions in our quest for independence. I would argue that he kicked off the process for that struggle with his gallant efforts in 1953.” This is a statement made under no duress.

The truth, without any ambiguity is that, in July 1958, the former deputy premier of western region, Chief Remi Fani Fakayode successfully moved the motion for Nigeria’s independence in the Federal House of Assembly in Lagos. He argued that independence should take place on 2 April 1960.

In 1959, there was a further motion that was moved in the Nigerian Parliament asking for a slight amendment to the Fani-Kayode motion of July, 1958. This new motion, which was moved by Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, asked that the 2nd April, 1960 date for independence, which had already been accepted and approved by Parliament and which had been acquiesced to by the British colonial authorities should be shifted from the 2nd of April of that year to the 1st of October instead.

This motion of amendment was subsequently passed and approved by Parliament and it was acquiesced to by the British. That is how the date for Nigeria’s independence, 1 October 1960, was finally arrived at. Evidently, Enahoro’s motion preceeded the two from Fani and Balewa viz; 1953, 1958 and 1959.

In a plain language, Enahoro was the first to move the motion in 1953 but which was not approved then. Fani re-opened the motion and wanted April 1960. This was approved but Balewa moved for a shift of date from April to October. Logically, the motion could not be ascribed to Senior Fani because his projected date of April was eventually jettisoned. It would have been better if Balewa had laid claim because it was he that suggested October.

Candidly writing however, history has not been fair to Fani power. He has not been sufficiently celebrated in this country like other heroes; even from south-west. A significant percentage of the people are not aware that FFK’s father was Awolowo’s deputy.

The reason for this may not be unconnected with his defection from AG to NCNC. Politics of that era was filled with acrimony. Awo was a deity and woe betides any member who decamped into opposition party. It is also on record that senior Fani was the Deputy National Chairman of NPN. All these are inconsequential to the fanatical fans of the late sage as long as you jumped ship. No matter your good antecedents, you remain a villain in the comity of Awoist as much as as you derailed.

In conclusion, the first two paragraphs of the statement of the motion for independence by Chief Enahoro is hereby reproduced for archive.

“Mr. President, sir, I rise to move the motion standing in my name, “that this House accepts as a primary political objective the attainment of self-government for Nigeria in 1956.

Sir, this motion is an invitation to the Honourable Members of this House to associate the highest legislature of our land with the expressed desire of the peoples of this country, whose views we all represent, for political autonomy in 1956.”

For Comments:
lekanbadmuscolumn@gmail.com

The Alaafin of Oyo has conferred a chieftaincy title, Aare Baasofin of Yorubaland on the Speaker of House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila.

In a communication signed by the Alaafin on September 7, 2021 and official letter presented on Thursday September 30, 2021 to the 4th Citizen of the country by the emissary of the Alaafin led the members of the Oyomesi Council and leadership of the Oyo Development Association led by Bishop. Ayo Ladigbolu ; Alaafin writes:

“Since your victory at the polls and subsequent swearing in as a member of Federal House of Representatives representing the good people of Surulere Federal Constituency of Lagos State in 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019 and eventual emergence as the Rt Hon. Speaker of the 9th National Assembly House of Representatives via an overwhelming 283 votes out of 360 members. “

“I have watched with keen interest your unquantifiable contributions on the floor of the House as a member with the highest number of Bills and Motions, to your rise from a Member to Minority Leader, Leader of the House and eventually the Rt. Hon. Speaker, and your Centrality in the federating unit Nigeria have placed you in the legislative realm just like our forefathers who were actively involved in nation building. “

“….Going by the above, you have demonstrated as a Legislator the uniqueness inherent in the Yoruba race participating effectively in nation building; you have participated in ensuring that the practice of separation power to check abuses of the Executive and ensure smooth running of government. “

“After due consideration and indeed consultation, the Alaafin in Council has identified you with the aforementioned attributes and considered you worthy of being honored. It is on this basis that I have decided on behalf of Yoruba land to pick you as ‘AARE – BAASOFIN OF YORUBA LAND’ “

“This new title bestowed on you is a clear reflection of your outstanding success as an astute legislator accomplished Legal Luminary, successful Representative of Yoruba race and Nigeria in general. With this title, you are placed in the rank of great Empire builders and defender of Yoruba race. The least I can expect from you in your new title is to put all the states attributes of yours for the service of Yoruba land and advancement of balanced system of government. “

The hullabaloo on which zone will likely produce president might have prompted the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to have recently concluded the zoning of National Chairmanship Slot to the North.

This development may pave way for the South to produce the presidential aspirant of the party as the National Chairman is emerged from the northern region of the country.

This decision was announced today by the party’s National Zoning Committee.

The decision was contained in a communique issued on Thursday following the meetings of the committee held in Enugu and Abuja.

“The decision of the PDP Zoning Committee is in line with the Constitution of the party on zoning and rotation of party and national offices in the interest of justice, equity, and fairness,” the statement read.

“Consequently, the current offices being held by officers in the southern zones of the country, namely South West, South East, and South South zones, should swap places with the offices currently in the northern zones of Nigeria, namely North West, North East, and North Central zones.”

The government of Oyo State has asked the Court of Appeal sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, for joinder in the suit instituted by the Rivers State government against the Attorney-General of the Federation in respect to the bid by the state to take over the collection of the Value Added Tax (VAT) from the Federal Government.

The suit, instituted by the Attorney-General of Oyo State, Prof. Oyelowo Oyewo, is seeking an order of the Appellate Court to enable Oyo State to join the suit as an interested party.

In the suit, the government of Oyo State is seeking two orders, viz: an order of the Honourable Court joining the Attorney-General of Oyo State as a respondent on the appeal with suit number FHC/PH/CS/149/2020 and appeal number CA/PH/282/2021, and any other order the Court may deem fit.

According to the Attorney-General of Oyo State, the government of Oyo State was unaware of the suit between the Attorney-General of Rivers State and the Federal Inland Revenue Service at the Federal High Court until the judgement was delivered.

Other grounds upon which the application was based include that the decision of the appellate court will affect the collection of VAT by the government of Oyo State, being one of the States which the judgement of the lower court recognised as entitled to collect VAT within its territorial jurisdiction.

Oyo State government also indicates that the applicant (Attorney-General of the State) “represents the interest of the Oyo State government, whose interest in the collection of Value Added Tax within Oyo State will be impacted one way or another by any judgment delivered by this Honourable Court in this Appeal.”

The grounds claimed by the Oyo State government include that: “The Applicant is a necessary party to this suit being a party who will be bound by the judgment of this Honourable Court in this Appeal.

“The interests of the Applicant and that of the Respondent, in this case, are similar, being States within the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

In a 12-paragraph affidavit in support of the motion, which was filed by the Director of Civil Litigation in the chambers of the Hon. Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ministry of Justice, Oyo State, Olatunji Sunday Thomas, the government of Oyo State said that it is in the interest of justice that the Honourable Court grants the application, adding that the joinder would not prejudice the Appellants/Respondents.

It stated that the state, being one of the 36 states of Nigeria, will be affected by the decision of the Appellate Court, adding that joining the state to the suit already instituted by Rivers State will help to avoid multiplicity of suits by the states against the Federal Government.

In a motion on notice also attached to the proceedings already filed before the court, Oyo State said it relied on eight grounds and declared that the state is a necessary party to be joined since it has sufficient interest in the outcome of the appeal.

The state further argued that after going through its processes, the Appellate Court will find that the application is necessary and that it has sufficient interest in the determination of the appeal as one of the states of the Federation.

It quoted several legal authorities and concluded thus: “We, therefore, urge the honourable court to resolve the sole issue raised in this application in favour of the Applicant and hold that the Applicant is a proper, desirable and necessary party to be joined in this appeal…

“In conclusion, we humbly urge your Lordships to grant this application in the interest of justice and effective determination of the issues before the Court.”