Category: Politics

Prominent Nigerians including a former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Attahiru Jega, and a political economist, Professor Pat Utomi, will on November 1 unveil a mega political movement labeled Rescue Nigeria Project.

This was confirmed in a communique, jointly signed by Dr. Usman Bugaje, and former Governor of Kwara, Abdulfatah Ahmed.

The communique was issued on Wednesday in Abuja after its national caucus meeting on Tuesday.

RNP is a political but non-partisan movement, with membership across party lines, designed to pool innovative ideas and alternatives to good governance and leadership selection process on the cardinal principles of inclusiveness, capacity, probity and courage.

However, the communique stated that in continuation of the ongoing consultations by the conveners, RPN national caucus members met, reviewed its activities, and prepare for the national launching of the project in November.

The communique noted that at the meeting, RNP experts proposed solution-based policies on the key national issues which were discussed and critically examined.

The issues include security, economy, human capital development, as well as youth and gender inclusiveness.

Others were good governance, national unity, cohesion; restructuring and nation-building.

“Thereafter, the meeting resolved that the ideas and policies recommended by the various experts should be articulated and validated at the national launching scheduled for November.

“After further exhaustive deliberations on the way forward, the caucus recognized the urgent need for Nigeria to be rescued.

“It, therefore, reiterated the need for the project to be launched as soon as possible in order to engage Nigerians on the core values and cardinal principles of the RNP, that should drive the Nigerian democratic process.

“The meeting agreed that the validated solution-based policies on the key national issues proposed by the experts should form the bedrock for engagement with Nigerians.”

The communiqué said that RNP recognized that most of Nigeria’s problems revolve around poor governance and leadership.

It added that the group resolved to influence and ensure good governance and leadership selection process which recognizes competence and capacity at all levels.

The RNP, according to the communique, noted the enthusiasm shown by the representatives of the youth and women at the meeting who recognised that the project addresses their concerns and are therefore ready to mobilize and support the RNP initiative.

It stated that the meeting also approved that the constitution of its Standing Working Committees be launched between October and November.

It was also agreed that the inauguration of Zonal Chapters and National discourse on specific topical issues be done between January and March 2022.

Also, the meeting approved that the ongoing mobilization, contacts, coalition, and partnerships be continuous.

Others at the meeting include former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke; a former Kwara State Governor, Abdelfattah Ahmed; Senator Lee Maeba and Professor Tunde Adeniran among promoters of the new political movement.

The Ondo State Governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, has berated his counterpart in Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, over the latter’s comment on anti-open grazing law.

El-Rufai had described the anti-open grazing laws being signed by some of the southern governors as unrealistic.

But Akeredolu, in a statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Donald Ojogo, said such a statement should not have come from a leader.

In the statement titled, ‘Anti-open grazing: El-Rufai’s attack on southern governors devious, a hysteric ploy to externalise banditry’, Akeredolu reiterated that the anti-open grazing law, especially in Ondo State, had come to stay, saying, “It shall be zealously guarded and conscionably deployed to protect all residents of Ondo State, notwithstanding their ethnic and religious biases.”

The statement read, “From all indications, Governor Nasir El-Rufai, if he was properly quoted and his views not misrepresented, is struggling hard to export banditry to the South under an expressed opinion that is laced with mischief.

“Perhaps, it is apt to state clearly that the likes of Governor El-Rufai are already in a hysteric ‘mode’ of escalating and indeed, externalising banditry, especially as the military onslaught against criminal elements and other terror variants suffices in the North.

“For emphasis, any such comment like that of the Kaduna Governor, if indeed he made that statement, merely seeks to encourage anarchy under the guise of resentment of a law by affected stakeholders.”

A respected northern elder, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed says the notion that the north is poor is a false narrative According to Baba-Ahmed, contrary to widespread insinuations, northern Nigeria is very rich and can survive on its own The comments of the spokesman of the Northern Elders Forum was in reaction to the ongoing debate concerning the Value Added Tax.

Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, spokesman of the Northern Elders Forum says the north is a rich region and can survive on its resources without support from southern Nigeria. Baba-Ahmed made the statement on Tuesday, September 21 when he featured on a programme aired on Arise TV. Baba-Ahmed is of the opinion that the north can survive on its own.

He was reacting to the recent tussle between southern states and the federal government on the collection of Value Added Tax, VAT.

South-south governor slams critics, faults those attacking him “We are a rich region and we can live on what we have, even if we don’t have the billions that accrue to other states. Our poverty is not a kind of problem that we would break this country over. “We need leaders, the current governors don’t recognise this. Otherwise, they won’t be involved in this argument; allow the court to decide.

“Agriculture is a major asset; we have land, we have water, we have livestock, we have minerals that are literally begging to be picked from the ground but our governors are too focused on the pittance that they are getting. This is wrong.”

The Osun 30th anniversary Banquet and Awards Ceremony is slated to hold at the WOCDIF Event Centre, Osogbo, tomorrow.

Prominent Nigerians, including former and serving governors have confirmed their attendance of the event.

Among the important dignitaries that have confirmed their attendance are Nigeria Governors’ Forum Chairman and Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; Southern Governors’ Forum Chairman and Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu; former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel; former Oyo State Governor, Otunba Christopher Alao Akala; and the Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Alfred Achebe.

The Banquet and Awards Ceremony is the last of the series of activities lined up to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the creation of Osun, where 28 distinguished and prominent citizens of the State are expected to be honoured.

The 30th anniversary celebration kicked off on August 26, with the Governor of the State, Adegboyega Oyetola, featuring on special TV and Radio interview sessions and it was followed by an anniversary colloquium on September 9.

The Colloquium featured high-profile resource persons like Chief Bisi Akande (former Governor, Osun State), Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar (Sultan of Sokoto), Dr. Reuben Abati (former Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Media and Publicity), Dr Yemi Farounbi (former Nigerian Ambassador to the Phillipines), Hajia Zainab Okino, Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, Steve Nwosu and Dr. Segun Aina among others.

In all, 28 distinguished citizens under four broad categories, have been selected by a Jury, on the basis of their service to Osun and contributions to the global and local society and will be honoured tomorrow.

The honourees, under the Osun Lifetime Achievement Award, include Chief Bisi Akande (former Governor, Osun State), Pastor Enoch Adeboye (General Overseer, RCCG worldwide), Sheikh Abdur’rasheed Hadiyatulla (President, Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria), and General Ipoola Alani Akinrinnade, rtd. (former Chief of Army Staff, Nigeria from October 1979 to April 1980, and then Chief of Defence Staff until 1981 during the Nigerian Second Republic).

Others in the lifetime achievement category are Asiwaju Hammed Omidiran, Comrade Hassan Sunmonu, Prince Tunde Ponle, Professor Olu Aina, Chief Akinwande Akinola, Engr. Joanah Olu Maduka and Chief Dr. Benjamin Adigun.

The Osun Distinguished Citizens Award honourees include Pastor Matthew Asimolowo, Alagba Yemi Elebuibon, Brigadier General Leo Segun Ajiborisha (retired), Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, Asiwaju Khamis Olatunde Badmus, Prince Lawal Obelawo, Chief Moses Inaolaji Aboaba, Mr. Adewale Adeyemo, Mr. Kola Adeniji and Mr. Mike Awoyinfa.

The state, under the Legacy Award category, also recognised Dr. (Mrs.) Folorunsho Alakija (Chancellor, Osun State University and dynamic philanthropist), and Madam Susan Wenger (a culture and tourism icon).

The Osun Merit Award honourees include Emeritus Prof. Ademola Oyejide, Chief Nike Okundaye, Professor Oye Gureje, Professor Isaac Adewole, and Mallam Yusuf Ali, SAN.

A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Musa Sarkin Adar, has suggested what would happen to Bola Tinubu, National Leader of the party, if former President Goodluck Jonathan decides to join APC.

Adar, who is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Sokoto State, said Jonathan would give Tinubu a good run for the APC presidential ticket if he joins the party.

The APC chieftain, however, pointed out that Tinubu stood a better chance to clinch the APC ticket because the party has the majority in the Southwest.

Speaking on Arise Television, Adar said the region where APC holds the majority stands a better chance of clinching the presidential ticket.

He said: “The odds first favour the southwest which had populated the APC because five states are under the leadership of the APC. The South-South has Cross River state and the South East has Imo and Ebonyi.

“Any zone wishing to clinch the presidential ticket should go back to the drawing line and restrategize.

“You don’t expect when the majority of you are in the other party and you are thinking of getting the presidential candidacy of the political party simply because you are making agitations.

“My take is that Tinubu still remains the frontline presidential aspirant of the APC from the South generally.

“Then, of course if President Jonathan joins the APC, he is going to give Tinubu a good fight.”

There are speculations that Jonathan may defect to the APC and possibly clinch the party’s presidential ticket.

Reacting, APC had said the former president would be welcomed into its fold if he decides to defect.

Amid these claims, Jonathan has remained silent.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Oyo State chapter, has replied some members of the party who claimed to be aggrieved and who, on Monday, reportedly passed a vote-of-no-confidence on Governor Seyi Makinde and the present administration, on grounds of lack of personal gratification and political benefits.

This desire is against the overall development and growth of Oyo State.

A signed press statement by the ruling party’s State Publicity Secretary, Engr Akeem Olatunji, on Monday, Sept 20, 2021, and made available to newsmen, indicated that Oyo State Chapter of the PDP is grossly disappointed in the anti-party conduct of the so called disgruntled members who claimed to be aggrieved, wondering if they played politics as a private business for personal gains or for public good and the development of Oyo State.

Oyo State PDP learnt that some members of the party who converged at a private venue in Ibadan, on Monday, accused Governor Makinde of reneging on his promises prior to the 2019 governorship election, leading to what could be termed as passage of vote-of-no-confidence on Governor Makinde.

According to Oyo State PDP, the party wondered why the so called members resorted to blackmail, while embarking on a campaign of self aggrandizement.

The question to ask is: Have these so called members explored all available party mechanisms designed for resolution of internal political misgivings and misunderstandings? The answer is no!

The party’s press statement maintained that while the ruling party acknowledged personal aspirations, political interests and other reasons for political participation by individuals, it strongly frowned at any form of anti-party activities by anyone or group of persons within the party.

Oyo State PDP added that politics is local and should be played based on individual popularity and general acceptability at the grassroots, especially at the ward and local government levels, stressing that anyone who is ready to dine with the devil to destroy his or her own house is merely acting out of gross ignorance of history.

The party maintained that the days of playing on parochial sentiments of the people as a result of poverty of the mind and political illiteracy, are long gone, just as it added that even the person in the hinterland at a very remote area with little or no access to internet or telecommunication is now politically conscious to know the sincere politician who truly loves the masses.

“We want to state unequivocally that no man or woman with genuine love for his or her own household would want to destroy the family except such man or woman has started receiving gratification or personal benefits to accomplish such task.

“There is no part of the world where the political landscape is devoid of mixed feelings from time to time due to presumably unachieved expectations for whatever reason, but that is never a licence to embark on a campaign of sheer political blackmail in order to recruit unsuspecting political members into a selfish, perilous and very personal scheme to bring down a God Sent Man simply because of some unfulfilled personal and political gain, to the detriment of the masses.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State, has signed the anti-open grazing bill into law.

Sanwo-Olu signed the bill on Monday after it had been earlier passed by the State House of Assembly.

In May, the governors of the Southern region, in a meeting in Asaba, Delta state capital, resolved to ban open grazing and the movement of cattle by foot.

The decision of the governors generated mixed reactions as some Nigerians commended them for the initiative, while some disagreed, including Abubakar Malami, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).

The Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore also said herders won’t obey the law.

Speaking exclusively with news men National Secretary of group, Saleh Alhassan, described the law as “satanic and empty”.

He had said, “As far as we are concerned, the anti-grazing bill is satanic. We have already initiated legal actions both locally and internationally against Akeredolu and other governors trying to destroy our means of livelihood.

“All the people promoting the law are in connivance with the devil. How do you disturb people from their normal business without providing alternative? It’s an empty law, it’s just a political body they are using to steal money in the name of security votes. Most of the cows you see in Southern Nigeria belong to Yoruba and Igbo merchants, they are the ones that own these cows. This hype about anti-grazing is just political.

“Even in Benue, it has been implemented, what are the consequences? It’s such a devilish law, you see crisis all over, there is no secret grazing since the time of Moses. They should provide the ranches, we are ready to even hire the ranches if available. Cattle rearing is not like okada (commercial motorcycling) business you ban by law. This is a culture of the people, you can’t change it overnight.”

When asked if the association would comply with the law, he said, “How will you obey an empty law? The law is satanic, it’s not implementable, it’s a negative law, so how do you implement that? Do you start arresting people with their cattle? Where are the ranches you have created for them?

“We know that we are serving a living God. We are warning seriously that any tribal security outfit that will listen to their Governor that they want to illegally eject our herders or steal their cows, God will deal with them in numerous ways. We are peace-loving.”

Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife on Sunday kickstarted this year’s Olojo Festival in Ile-Ife with the traditional 7 days seclusion where he’s expected to commune with his ancestors and for the people of Ile-Ife, all descendants of Oduduwa worldwide and Nigeria as a country.

Ooni Ogunwusi while answering questions at his Ile-Oodua palace, Ile-Ife, before heading into seven days seclusion to commune with the gods ahead of Olojo Festival pledged to pray to his ancestors and God to touch the heart of Nigerian politicians and changed them towards loving the people, saying Nigerian politicians are the same irrespective of their parties, challenging them to start serving the people genuinely and stop taking the country for granted.

The Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide who insisted there is no difference among politicians in the country, stated that they have all cross carpeted from one major political party to another to protect their interests.

“We believe in the forces of nature for nature to conspire in our favour but every other thing in our country they are all man made, the likes of security, our politicians will take credit for that, they are the ones that caused it till date. I will go again to seclusion for God to touch their hearts for them to stop playing all of us like ludo.
“They should be more sensitive about people because it is one political movement. They are just crisscrossing from one political party to the other in order to retain their positions. We have one political party in this country, same value, same character, same politician. But I am going to go into seclusion for God to touch their hearts for them to stop playing games with the lives of citizens of this country. It is about time for them to realize that they should serve us genuinely because we can not continue like this.

“This time around is a serious one, it is a request on behalf of the entire people, Oduduwa race and by extension our dear Country Nigeria. I am going for God to touch their heart and really pray to my ancestors. We are just deceiving ourselves that they are different, they are the same. All of them have crossed to the major parties but Nigeria is above them all.

“This time around it is a very sensitive one and a very serious one. First of all to thank God almighty and the spirit of our ancestors that have been guiding us thus far, God has really helped us with the pandemic issue because we won’t be able to handle it, when we compare things we have been doing with other nations. We have every course to be thankful to God.

“They said we are spiritual and it is working for us in this country, we have course to thank God Almighty, that it is not out of hands. We should not rest our hoax, I am going to seclusion which is the 6th during my reign. I inherited the tradition from my ancestors of thousands of years ago”, Ooni said.

To participate in this edition of the Olojo Festival in Ile-Ife, foreigners from America and Brazil have started arriving the country in their hundreds as a number of them were sighted at the Ooni’s Palace to join in the procession accompanying the Ooni to the ILE IMOLE, venue of the 7 days seclusion location along Iremo road of the ancient town which is the cradle and traditional headquarters of the Oduduwa race worldwide.

Erica Pinheiro, a participant from Brazil who spoke to the newsmen said this is her second time to participate in the festival which she called ‘festival of day and God’. She described it as a home coming for all of them who came from Brazil, saying whenever Africa or Nigeria is mentioned in Brazil, the city of Ile-Ife first come to mind.

This is my second in the country to witness this festival that celebrates creation of day and festival Olodumare. Ile-Ife is a household name in Brazil. Every Brazilian wants pilgrimage to Ile-Ife and we will be coming home from Brazil every year. ” Erica Pinheiro said.

Former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, has frowned at the way the Federal Government is taking loans. According to the ex-president, borrowing for recurrent expenditure is ‘foolish’.

Obasanjo said, “If you want to build a commercial house and you go and borrow money, and you have 50 per cent of your own money and you borrow 50 per cent and in five years, you pay the 50 per cent that you borrowed. That is a wise thing to do. But if you have to go and borrow money for you to be able to feed yourself and your family, that is a stupid thing to do.

“So, if we are borrowing for recurrent expenditure, it is the height of foolery. If we are borrowing for development that can pay itself, that is understandable; then how long will it pay itself? But we are borrowing and accumulating debt for the next generation and the next generation after them, it is criminal, to put it mildly. What are we borrowing for?

“When I came into government and was elected President, we were spending $3.5bn to service debt, and even with that, our quantum of debt was not going down.”

The administration of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), has borrowed a total of N21tn within six years.

The administration of the President Muhammadu Buhari has borrowed a total of N21tn within six years.

Data from the Debt Management Office showed that at the end of March 2021, Nigeria’s public debt hit a total of N33.12tn.

Some aggrieved members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State have passed a vote of no confidence on Governor Seyi Makinde.

The members expressed their grievances during a meeting in Ibadan, on Monday.

Present at the meeting were former deputy governor in the state, Chief Azeem Gbolarumi, Bisi Olopoeniyan, former House of Representatives leader, Mulikat Adeola Akande and Adekola Adeoye.

Other aggrieved members are Nureni Akanbi, Engineer Femi Babalola, Elder Mattew Abioye, Princess Aderonke Adedoja, Sarafa Olaoniye, Ahmed Aranse, Ajinawo, Baba Elisa, Chief Odeyemi, Somope, Bola Akinyemi and Micheal Okunlade among others.

The aggrieved members claimed they met on Monday to discuss how to rescue the party ahead of the forthcoming congresses of the party.

PDP party congresses are expected to commence at the end of September.

But a communique issued after a meeting of the group indicated a vote of no confidence on Governor Makinde.

The members alleged that Governor Makinde had hijacked the party structures and that they were working hard to retrieve it from him.

The aggrieved members claimed they had commenced work to return the party to its members.

They said, “The meeting rose with the passing of the vote of no confidence on the leadership of the Oyo State PDP.

‘Members are urged to conduct themselves for the Congress. The venue remains the ward meeting venue in each of the 351 words in the state.

“Nobody should engage in any hooliganism or brigandary. As members of the same party, we must relate as such.

“Members are assured that efforts are to ensure that the party is back to the members of the party”.