Dons EzeFLASHBACK: HOW TINUBU CRITICISED JONATHAN OVER PETROL SUBSIDY REMOVAL
FLASHBACK: HOW TINUBU CRITICISED JONATHAN OVER PETROL SUBSIDY REMOVAL During his inaugural address at Eagle Square, Abuja, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu exclaimed “Subsidy is gone”, resulting in an instant increase in fuel price from N198 per litre to N540. According to the president, fuel subsidy had become a clog in the wheel of progress and needed to give way for the country to survive. Tinubu, who said subsidy was fueling corruption, vowed to pump the money saved from it into others aspects of the economy. “You have paid attention to the subsidy removal. Why should we in good heart and sense, feed smugglers and be Father Christmas to neighbouring countries, even though they say not every day is Christmas? The elephant that was going to bring Nigeria to its knees is the subsidy. “A country that cannot pay salaries and we say we have potential to encourage ourselves. I think we did the right thing,” Tinubu had told some monarchs who visited him at Aso Rock a month after subsidy removal. Interestingly, Tinubu, as the national leader of the opposition Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), condemned the removal of petrol subsidy by the administration of Goodluck Jonathan in January 2012. He called it “Jonathan tax” and accused the then president of breaching his social contract with the people. In a piece titled, ‘Removal of oil subsidy: President Jonathan breaks social contract with the people’, he noted that with the subsidy removal, the people would become “enslaved to greater misery.” The piece read partly: “By taking this step, the government has tossed the people into the depths of the midnight sea. Government demands the people swim to safety under their own power, claiming the attendant hardship will build character and add efficiency to the national economy. “It is easy to make these claims when one is dry and on shore. Government would have us believe that every hardship it manufactures for the people to endure is a good thing. This is a lie. The hardships they thrust upon the poor often bear no other purpose than to keep them poor. This is such a time. “I am not calling President Jonathan an evil man. I do not believe he is perverse. However, the economic ideas controlling him are so misguided that they have a perverse impact. Because he is slave to wrong-headed economics, the people will become enslaved to greater misery. This crisis will bear his name and will be his legacy. “The people now pay a steep tax for voting him into office. The removal of the subsidy is the ‘Jonathan tax.’ This situation shows that ideas count more than personalities. People may occupy office but how that person performs depends on the ideas that occupy his mind.”
INSIDE STORY OF ONGOING CRISIS IN PDP
INSIDE STORY OF ONGOING CRISIS IN PDP The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nigeria’s leading opposition party, is arguably going through its most challenging moments ever.It is currently enmeshed in very critical internal crisis which may determine whether it sinks or swims ahead of the 2027 general elections.The latest crisis has exposed how polarized the leadership of the party has become in recent time and this development has also exposed how forces outside the party’s national secretariat are controlling the party.The National Working Committee (NWC) suspected to be controlled by external forces on Friday showed it’s true colour when factions in the body clashed and issued retaliatory suspensions against each other.While the faction aligned with the National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, suspended the Acting National Chairman, Amb Umar Damagum, and National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, the faction aligned with the National Chairman, in a statement by the National Director of Publicity, Chinwe Nnorom, suspended Ologunagba and the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN.Ologunagba statement read: “The National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP has extensively considered the series of complaints raised against the Acting National Chairman, Amb. Illiya Damagum and National Secretary, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu particularly with regard to the letter addressed by them to the Court of Appeal in Appeal No: CA/PH/307/2024 against the party’s position in the case involving the 27 former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who vacated their seats upon decamping from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC).“The NWC condemned this anti-party activity of the Acting National Chairman and the National Secretary which is in gross violation of the provisions of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017) and their Oath of Office.“Consequently, the NWC, pursuant to Sections 57, 58 and 59 of the PDP Constitution, has suspended Amb. Illiya Damagum and Sen. Samuel Anyanwu as Acting National Chairman and National Secretary of the Party respectively and referred them to the National Disciplinary Committee for further action.“In the meantime, the two officials are suspended from all meetings, activities and programs of the NWC pending the conclusion of an investigation by the National Disciplinary Committee.”The statement by Chinwe Nnorom, suspending Ologunagba and Ajibade read: “The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) arising from its 593rd Meeting today, Thurday, October 10, 2024, has directed the National Publicity Secretary (NPS), Hon Debo Ologunagba and National Legal Adviser (NLA), Kamaldeen Adeyemi Ajibade, SAN, to step aside..“As a result, the NWC constituted a committee to be chaired by the Deputy National Chairman (South) H.E. Amb. Taofeek Arapaja, to investigate the issues raised against the officers in compliance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Party.“Following the NWC’s Decision, it directed their respective deputies (DNPS and DNLA) to assume office in acting capacity with effect from Friday, October 11, 2014, pending the conclusion of investigation by the Committee. The officers are:“Ibrahim Abdullahi Manga, Acting National Publicity Secretary and . Okechukwu Osuoha, Acting National Legal Adviser“The NWC enjoins all leaders, critical stakeholders, teeming members and supporters of our great Party to remain focused and committed as it pilots the day-to-day affairs of the PDP for its greater good.”Before the crisis escalated to the level of suspension, some political analysts had noted that the forces undermining the nation’s biggest opposition party are internal but fueled by external forces, this is even as some party members pointed out that the architect of PDP crisis are members with selfish interests. BLAMING ATIKU’S DISAPPEARING ACTA key member of the party blamed the former Vice President and presidential candidate of the party in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, for the crisis rocking the party.The key member also exonerated the former governor of Rivers State and Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom…
HOUSE OF REPS PASSES BILL TO ESTABLISH BOLA AHMED TINUBU UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIAN LANGUAGES
HOUSE OF REPS PASSES BILL TO ESTABLISH BOLA AHMED TINUBU UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIAN LANGUAGES The House of Representatives has passed a bill to establish the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal University of Nigerian Languages. The bill, sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, and eight others, is aimed at establishing a university for the promotion of the learning of Nigerian languages. Section II part I of the bill, provides that the university when established shall, “Encourage the advancement of learning and to hold out to all persons without distinction of race, creed, sex or political conviction, the opportunity of acquiring a higher education in Nigerian languages and cultures.” It also aims to “Develop and offer academic and professional programmes leading to the award of diplomas, first degrees, postgraduate research and higher degrees with emphasis on planning, adaptive, developmental and productive skills in the field of Nigerian languages and cultures. This is aimed at, “Producing socially mature persons with capacity to communicate, understand and use Nigerian languages for national development.” The federal institution, when established would also “Act as agents and catalysts, through postgraduate training, research and innovation for the effective and economic utilization, exploitation and conservation of Nigeria’s natural, economic and human resources. “Establish appropriate relationships with other national institutions involved in training, research and development of Nigerian languages and cultures. “Provide and promote sound basic training as a foundation for the development of Nigerian languages as well promote and emphasise teaching and research activities around Nigerian languages, including outreach programmes, in-service training, continuing education, and adaptive research,” among others. The mandate of the university as spelt out in Section 1(2) includes “To teach and train high calibre Nigerian languages professionals. “Conduct research and participate in outreach and community services and facilitate the acquisition of knowledge and skills in different Nigerian languages.” The President who is the visitor to the university, in Section 14 (2), is required to “As often as the circumstances may require, not being less than once every five years, conduct a visitation of the university or direct that such a visitation be conducted by such person or persons as the visitor may deem fit and in respect of any of the affairs of the university.” Sub-section 3 provides that “It shall be the duty of the bodies and persons comprising the university to make available to the visitor and to any other person conducting a visitation in pursuance of this section, such facilities and assistance as he or they may reasonably require for the purposes of a visitation.” The Visitor (President) is also vested with the powers to remove from office council members apart from the pro-chancellor and the vice-chancellor of the university. Section 15 (1) reads, “If it appears to the council that a member of the council (other than the pro-chancellor or the vice-chancellor) should be removed from office on the ground of misconduct or inability to perform the functions of his office or employment, the council shall make a recommendation to that effect through the Minister to the President after making such enquiry, if any, as may be considered appropriate. “If the President approves the recommendation, he may direct the removal of the person in question from office.” The bill is expected to be listed for a second reading in the weeks ahead in preparation for a public hearing to garner stakeholders’ input.
RIVERS CRISIS: I DO NOT SEE THE POSSIBILITY OF APPEAL COURT JUDGEMENT BEING UPTURNED – SAN
RIVERS CRISIS: I DO NOT SEE THE POSSIBLITY OF APPEAL COURT DECISION BEING UPTURNED – SAN A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN Kunle Adegoke, has alleged that it is unlikely for the Supreme Court to overturn the appeal court’s decision, given the fundamental issues considered by the Appeal Court panel. He stated that the appellants’ role in the high court proceedings was taken into account, and that if the Governor Fubara faction had claimed not to have been served with the processes, the outcome might have been different. He further suggested that it would be prudent to acknowledge the court of appeal’s pronouncement. He stated that the parties involved should converge and accept the decision, allowing the House of Assembly to continue its operations while the court determines the validity of the decamped members’ membership. He said in an interview with Arise TV, ‘This issue is simply a matter of ego and political interest. The individuals involved are dictating everything that is happening, and that is why it would be better at this stage to let us take it that the court of appeal has pronounced. Why would it not be possible for parties to come together and say, ‘At this stage, let us follow the decision of the court of appeal’? Let us allow the House of Assembly, as it was initially composed, to continue its operations while the issue of whether those who have decamped are still valid members of the House of Assembly is determined by the court. I mean, this is yet to be determined by the court before which the matter is pending. But I do not see the possibility of the appeal court decision being upturned by the Supreme Court, especially considering the fundamental issues considered by the sound panel that delivered that decision. They took into consideration what role the appellants played at the level of the high court when the matter came up. Assuming the appellants could claim that they were not served with the processes that originated the case, it would have been a different thing.”
FOR AND AGAINST REGIONAL GOVT
FOR AND AGAINST REGIONAL GOVTEven before a memo to that effect is presented to either the Senate or the House of Representatives ad hoc committees on the review of the 1999 Constitution, the proposal for Nigeria to return to regional government has gained ground, overshadowing other items before the committees.The 10th National Assembly is currently in the processes of reviewing the 1999 Constitution.The Senate committee alone has received 37 fresh constitution alteration bills, in addition to the 16 inherited from the 9th Senate, bringing the number to 53.During a recent retreat by members of the Senate ad hoc committee in Kano, the issue of regionalism came up and not only generated a heated debate but also elicited reactions across the country.Adebayo Knocks Tinubu over fuel hikeWhy we took initiative for Gowon’s 90th birthday –Jerry GanaIt was learnt that the matter came up when a document sent to the Presidency and copied to the leadership of both chambers of the National Assembly became public knowledge.The memo titled: “Path and Processes Towards Restructuring Nigeria,” written by Akin Fapohunda, a retired director in the federal service is advocating for a return to regionalism as a way of fostering development in the country.Fapohunda, when contacted by our correspondent, confirmed that he had sent a document with that title to the Presidency and copied same to the leadership of the National Assembly.The feelings that the proposal may return to the National Assembly as an executive bill piqued the interest of stakeholders in the former regions based on their understanding and perceptions about how their areas would fare under such an arrangement.Prior to the nation’s independence in 1960, the nation was divided into three regions: North, West and East, and in1963, an additional region, Midwest was created, making the number four in the First Republic.The regions were, however, collapsed in 1966 by the regime of General Aguiyi Ironsi with the promulgation of Decree No. 34.That the issue of returning the country to the old structure is resurfacing 58 years after indicates there are many who prefer the regional system.Proponents of regionalism point at how the defunct regions harnessed the natural resources in their respective domains to build robust economies that served them well and even enabled them to contribute to the centre in a pre-oil-dependent economy.The current structure, those in support of regionalism have argued, does not bring out the potentials of the governance units, which basically fold their arms waiting for federation allocations derived from oil sales.Secretary of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Alhaji Murtala Aliyu traced the agitation for regionalism to the colonial era when minority ethnic groups began to demand for recognition, resulting in the establishment of the Willink Commission to address their concerns.He said the Willink Commission highlighted this issue, and when the civil war started, 12 states were created based on the sentiments to address the demands of minorities.Fapohunda, whose memo generated the recent controversy, told Weekend Trust that he penned the document based on the significance of the demand on the need for sociopolitical fairness.He said: “On a political basis, Nigeria is not one. We have been deceiving ourselves. The only way to address such imbalances is for the country to return to regions.“If we say we have 600 tribes in Nigeria, let’s know these 600. Why are we sitting on them? Why are we saying only Wa Zo Bia? You cannot have justice when you sit on some other people. So, there is the need for us to regionalise so that there would be an expression of self-determination”, he said, adding that the current structure of Nigeria could not be sustained.Secretary of the Igbo Elders Consultative Forum and the Ohanaeze Council of Elders in the 19 Northern States and the FCT, Professor…
DRAMA AS FAYOSE DECLARES SELF PDP NATIONAL CHAIRMAN, SUSPENDS WIKE, ATIKU, OTHERS
DRAMA AS FAYOSE DECLARES SELF PDP NATIONAL CHAIRMAN, SUSPENDS WIKE, ATIKU, OTHERS Isaac Fayose, the brother of former Ekiti governor, Ayo Fayose, has declared himself the new National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Isaac went further to announce the suspension of some top members from the two factions of the party, such as Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Nyesom Wike, Ayo Fayose, Seyi Makinde, and other G5 members. He added that anyone who feels agitated by his decision should challenge it in the court. “It’s official, now I’m the new national Chairman of the PDP. The current [Acting] National Chairman, Mr Damagum, has been suspended and I’ve asked the security at Wadata House to keep the key with the Secretariat. “If you’re not happy, please, we don’t want you to come to the secretariat to make trouble. You can go to court. And the NWC, some of you have been suspended, drop all the PDP stuff with you at the security at Wandata. The former G5 has been suspended. Wike has been suspended. “Fayose has been suspended. Governor Seyi Makinde has been suspended. All the people doing anti-party have been suspended. Atiku too has been suspended because his ambition is giving us headache,” he declared. He added, “If you are not happy you should go to… pic.twitter.com/88OGlsNDvw Earlier, a faction of the PDP National Working Committee, NWC, had suspended Damagum and the party’s National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu. The factional NWC also suspended the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba and the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade. However, the Abuja Federal High Court restrained the National Executive Committee (NEC) and PDP’s Board of Trustees (BoT) from removing Damagum as the party’s Acting National Chairman. The court ordered that no other person must be recognized as PDP national chairman other than Damagum until the national convention of the party scheduled for December next year.
ENUGU GOVT WITHDRAWS MONARCH’S RECOGNITION OVER LAWYER’S MURDER
ENUGU GOVT WITHDRAWS MONARCH’S RECOGNITION OVER LAWYER’S MURDER Enugu State Government has published an official gazette detailing findings and recommendations regarding the Okwojo Town Union and the death of Barrister Theophilus Ejimofor Ozongwu, and related issues. The white paper which is sequel to the report and recommendations of a Judicial Commission of Enquiry, recommended the withdrawal of recognition of Igwe C.C. Ude for failure to perform his duties as Traditional Ruler. It also recommended that a community leader Ozo Ramsey Onyia should face the consequences of being banned from being in any leadership position in Okwojo Ngwo for five years. The Commission further recommended the proscription of The Okwojo Town Union. “That all the dealings of the Town Union in respect of land and land matters should be nullified and set aside.” The Commission noted that the activities of the Okwojo Town Union aggravated the crisis in Okwojo Ngwo leading to the gruesome murder of the late Ozo Theophilus Ejimofor Ozongwu. “The Town Union and without justification trespassed into the late Barr. Theophilus Ejimofor Ozongwu’s Palm Plantation situated within the Government Forest Reserve Okwojo and damaged part of the Palm Plantation which was duly granted to him by the Government. “The destruction of part of the said Palm Plantation created the circumstances that led to the murder of the late Barr. Theophilus Ejimofor Ozongwu on 23rd December, 2015.” It also recommended “that the trial of suspects in the murder of the late Barr. Theophilus Ejimofor Ozongwu is ongoing in Court and judgment should therefore be awaited. “The government should ensure that the police continue their investigation until all those connected with the gruesome murder are arrested and prosecuted. The government accepts the above recommendations and hereby directs the Ministry of Justice to monitor the implementation of the recommendations.
FCT MINISTER, NYESON WIKE, BAUCHI GOVERNOR, BALA MOHAMMED, DIVIDE PDP
FCT MINISTER, NYESON WIKE, BAUCHI GOVERNOR, BALA MOHAMMED, DIVIDE PDP The internal conflict within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reached a new level of intensity, splitting the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) into factions. At the heart of the dispute is a struggle for control in Rivers State, involving former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed. The crisis, which began after the court-ordered removal of Senator Iyorchia Ayu as National Chairman, has been exacerbated by Wike’s push to dominate party structures in Rivers. Umar Damagum, the acting National Chairman, has faced growing dissent from within the party, leading to calls for his resignation. Tensions escalated when the Damagum-led NWC, aligned with Wike, approved controversial PDP congresses in Rivers State and postponed a critical National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting from September 26 to October 24. This move ignited further conflict between Wike and current Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, as a majority of PDP governors rallied behind Fubara, calling for a review of the congresses. Wike, in response, issued a warning on August 31, threatening to disrupt activities in the states of governors interfering in Rivers’ affairs. The PDP Governors’ Forum, chaired by Bala Mohammed, swiftly condemned Wike’s statement, labelling his threats as irresponsible. A significant setback occurred for Wike’s camp during local government elections on October 5, when 22 out of 23 newly elected chairmen were from the Action Peoples Party (APP), undermining Wike’s influence in the region. The internal strife came to a head on Friday, October 10, when the NWC, through a statement by the party’s National Director of Publicity, Chinwe Nnorom, announced the suspension of National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN). The suspension followed allegations of their opposition to Damagum’s leadership and efforts to block Wike’s control over party structures. The Damagum-led NWC quickly formed a committee, chaired by Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja, to investigate the accusations against Ologunagba and Ajibade. However, in a counter move, Ologunagba’s faction of the NWC announced the suspension of Damagum and National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, accusing them of disloyalty and anti-party activities, particularly concerning a court appeal involving Rivers State lawmakers who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a dramatic turn, Ologunagba’s group appointed National Treasurer Yayari Ahmed Mohammed as the acting National Chairman, further deepening the divide. The PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), led by Senator Adolphus Wabara, called for calm and urged both factions to de-escalate tensions and restore unity within the party. Wabara reiterated the BoT’s commitment to peace, stressing the need for the party to remain focused on unity and progress ahead of future elections. Speaking later, a senior NWC member from the Gov Bala Mohammed’s faction disclosed that Wike directed his supporters in the NWC led by Damagum to suspend Ologunagba and Ajibade (SAN) for opposing his interests in Rivers State and obstructing his control of the party structure at national. The source stated that Ologunagba and Ajibade (SAN) were suspended not only for the Rivers issue but also for their consistent criticism of Damagum’s management of party funds. The source stated, “The NWC has been divided for a while. The division was largely caused by Wike and Fubara’s conflict over Rivers structure. But the division became known to the public on Thursday after the rancorous NWC meeting.”
NEW EDUCATION CURRICULUM: EVERY STUDENT MUST GRADUATE WITH TWO SKILLS
NEW EDUCATION CURRICULUM: EVERY STUDENT MUST GRADUATE WITH TWO SKILLS The federal government said with the new curriculum set to roll out for Basic and Senior Secondary Education in Nigeria, every student must graduate with at least two skills. The Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman who stated this said the new curriculum is designed to incorporate knowledge, skills and values at Basic and Senior Secondary Education levels. He stated this at the 68th National Council on Education (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Thursday, with the theme, “Innovation, Digital Technology Entrepreneurship: Tools for Educational and National Development in the 21st Century. “ He said the new curriculum is designed to incorporate knowledge, skills and values, especially with a special focus on skills, so that students, when they graduate, will have skills that they can connect with the economy and have a productive life. He explained that today, they share a common challenge that the country’s educational curriculum is all in danger of becoming obsolete as technology is disrupting every industry, including education. “A well-designed and effective curriculum determines a sustainable development, quality, and the relevance of education. This is the main reason why this administration places priority on the institutionalisation of curriculum development in the overall context of education,” he said. The ministry, according to him, is implementing the Education Transformation Agenda of Mr. President designed to comprehensively overhaul the education sector to ensure quality learning, skill development, access and equity. Prof Mamman reaffirmed that government has the primary responsibility of protecting and ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education at all levels for all learners. “The government therefore, is committed to observing all relevant international protocols, conventions and treaties for the protection of our learners, teachers, learning institutions and facilities from attack and any other instrument on education, which the country has domesticated. “ Earlier, in his welcome address, the Minister of State for Education, Dr Tanko Sununu said any nation that is desirous of growth must in essence embrace the new culture of creative ideas, entrepreneurship and the use of digital technology. He said: “To meet the challenges posed by new technological development, we must ensure that the educational system is structured and made more relevant to the needs and aspirations of the society.” Sununu noted that new and relevant ideas must be injected into the system to enhance national development, adding that education at all levels needs renewal in order to meet up with the present globalisation. Also, the Chairman Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Muntari Mohammed said digital literacy must be a fundamental component of the curriculum, adding that their leadership remains focused to ensure stability in the education sector.
FUBARA’S REFUSAL TO OBEY COURT JUDGEMENT CAUSE OF RIVERS VIOLENCE – INDEPENDENT OBSERVERS
GOV FUBARA’S REFUSAL TO OBEY COURT JUDGEMENT CAUSE OF RIVERS VIOLENCE – INDEPENDENT OBSERVERS Independent observers have attributed the violence and arson that followed the recently concluded local government election in Rivers State to Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s refusal to obey court judgement. The controversial local government election was conducted on Saturday amid a court order, stopping law enforcement agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, from taking part in the exercise. Some stakeholders in the state, particularly those loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, opposed the election, insisting that the court order must be obeyed. The election was, however, conducted amid a series of violent clashes, leading to the deaths of some unsuspecting citizens while a local government secretariat was also set ablaze. At a press conference in Abuja on Friday, the Independent Election Monitoring Group declared that the election was marred by “widespread irregularities, including the lack of election materials and non-use of electoral registers,” Addressing journalists, the executive director of the group, Dr Emmanuel Agabi, said: “The state’s political crisis will only worsen if urgent steps are not taken to restore order, accountability, and respect for democratic principles. “The use of arson as a tool for political intimidation is not only reprehensible but dangerous, as it has the potential to escalate into broader conflict. If unchecked, this pattern of governance could erode what remains of democratic practice in Rivers State. “It is therefore imperative that Governor Fubara and his administration give peace a chance by embracing dialogue, respecting court rulings, and adhering to democratic norms. “For the future of Rivers State, and indeed Nigeria’s democratic experiment, it is crucial that stakeholders at all levels work together to address the deep-seated issues that have emerged from this election.”