Dons EzeUMAR DAMANGUN, PDP ACTING NATIONAL CHAIRMAN, PLANS TO REMAIN IN OFFICE TILL NEXT YEAR
UMAR DAMAGUM,PDP ACTING NATIONAL CHAIRMAN, PLANS TO REMAIN IN OFFICE TILL NEXT YEAR Ahead of the Peoples Democratic Party 99 National Executive Committee meeting slated for November 28, there are indications that Umar Damagum has perfected plans to remain as the acting National Chairman of the party till next year. It was learned that the Damagum-led National Working Committee is scheduled to meet with the 36 PDP state chairmen and the FCT chairman at the party’s headquarters, Wadata Plaza, in Abuja, on Wednesday (today). A senior figure in the PDP leadership, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the issue, informed our correspondent that most of the chairmen have arrived in Abuja on Tuesday, suggesting that the meeting could be related to the upcoming NEC. Since assuming the position of acting national chairman following Senator Iyorchia Ayu’s removal by the court, Damagum has faced growing criticism from party leaders amid the ongoing PDP crisis, with increasing calls for his resignation. His alleged lack of decisiveness was blamed for the worsening political crisis in Rivers State between Governor Siminalaye Fubara and his predecessor, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. During the 98th NEC meeting held on April 18, the party leaders agreed to decide Damagum’s future at the 99th NEC meeting. The 99th NEC meeting, originally set for August 15, was first postponed to October 24, and later rescheduled to November 28, 2024. The source indicated that recent developments within the party and the actions of key stakeholders point to Damagum continuing in his role until further notice. He stated, “The NEC meeting will proceed as planned, but Damagum will continue as the party’s acting national chairman until further notice. This is because many members and key stakeholders are now less focused on replacing him for a term shorter than 10 months when they could instead have a permanent chairman who would serve a full four-year term. “The delay in finding a replacement has led many to lose interest in the matter. With an elective PDP convention scheduled between October and November 2025, party leaders have shifted their focus to managing Damagum, despite his shortcomings, until the next convention. This convention will elect a new NWC for a 4-year term and select party candidates for the 2027 elections. “In addition to these reasons, there are ongoing legal disputes surrounding the issue. While these can potentially be navigated, some party leaders want to avoid actions that could lead to more litigation. “Moreover, the Wike group backing Damagum has expanded its influence into the North-Central zone. As a result, the zone, led by Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, has not yet convened to propose a replacement for Damagum. Therefore, Damagum will remain in his acting role for now.” The reliable source also revealed that the acting national chairman is actively engaging with stakeholders. He continued, “As part of these engagements, a meeting is scheduled for Wednesday (today) where Damagum and members of the NWC will meet with the 36 state chairmen and the FCT. “According to the meeting agenda, it is primarily a familiarisation session between the NWC and the newly elected state chairmen. “However, it is likely that additional discussions will take place, where Damagum’s supporters will seek to secure the backing and commitment of the majority, if not all, of the state chairmen ahead of the NEC meeting. “They will garner their support and prepare them for any unexpected developments. Since not all NEC members have voting rights, don’t be surprised if a vote of confidence is passed on Damagum on November 28, allowing him to continue in his acting capacity.” Another senior member of the PDP National Working Committee, who also spoke…
OTTI EXONERATES IPOB FROM GUNMEN ATTACKS, ACCUSES OPPOSITION POLITICIANS
OTTI EXONERATES IPOB FROM GUNMEN ATTACKS, ACCUSES OPPOSITION POLITICIANS The Abia state governor Alex Otti has unveiled those behind the frequent gunmen attacks in the state. “The sole agenda is to cause disaffection and distract the government from its focus on the development of the state,” Otti said. Governor Alex Otti accuses opposition politicians, with external support, of sponsoring violence in Abia State. Attacks, including the killing of soldiers and police, aim to destabilize the government and distract from its development agenda Otti promises a “counter-offensive” to eradicate criminal activities and maintain peace in the state Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has accused opposition politicians, in collaboration with external parties, of being behind the recent wave of insecurity in the state. The governor’s statement comes amid rising gunmen attacks and violence in the region, which has raised concerns among residents and security officials alike. Legit.ng reported that on Wednesday, 13, November two Nigerian soldiers were killed at a checkpoint on the Umuahia-Owerri Road in Ekeneobizi, Umuahia South Local Government Area. Another attack occurred on Sunday, November 16, when gunmen killed a police officer during an assault on the convoy of a Nigerian lawmaker. While the Nigerian government has accused the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) of orchestrating the violence, IPOB has denied any involvement. Governor Otti says politicians responsible for attacksIn a statement released on Monday, November 18, by his media aide, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Governor Otti revealed that his administration has uncovered that opposition politicians in the state, rather than IPOB, are responsible for sponsoring the attacks. He explained that the violence started in late May and has continued to escalate as part of a strategy to disrupt his administration’s focus on development. “The sole agenda is to cause disaffection and distract the government from its focus on the development of the state,” Otti said. He further added that the opposition’s efforts to fabricate lies against the government had failed, and now, they were resorting to violence. We will smoke them out, Governor Otti vowsGovernor Otti vowed that his administration would not allow any group or individual to destabilize the peace in Abia State. He stated that a “counter-offensive” was being launched to eliminate the terror structures set up by criminals. “It needs to be understood that the government will not sit idly by and watch any person or group of persons unleash violence on innocent and peace-loving citizens of the state,” he asserted. Previously, Legit.ng reported that police authorities in Abia state have confirmed the killing of Inspector Bala Mohammed, one of the security officials assigned to Ginger Onwusibe, a member of the house of representatives representing the Nsiala-Ngwa North/South constituency. Mohammed was alongside his colleague, Inspector Dunna Jatau, when he was attacked by some gunmen.
NORTHERN, SOUTHERN LAWMAKERS PREPARE TO SQUARE EACH OTHER AGAINST TINUBU’S TAX REFORM BILLS
NORTHERN, SOUTHERN LAWMAKERS PREPARE TO SQUARE EACH OTHER AGAINST TINUBU’S TAX REFORM BILLS After a two-week break, National Assembly members are set to resume duties in Abuja, and the tax bills by President Bola Tinubu appear to be their priority.The four tax reform bills are before the National Assembly.However, the discourse over them appears to be divided between the North and the South.The four bills, the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill, are currently before both chambers of the National Assembly for passage.Over the weekend, Rabiu Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, caused a major stir over the tax bills by describing them as a plot by Lagos State to take over the taxes of Kano, urging lawmakers from Kano to “open their eyes.”Mr Kwankwaso is the latest northern politician to raise alarm over the bills.It should be recalled that the Northern Governors’ Forum had instructed their lawmakers to reject the bills.The contention over the bills is the sharing of the Value Added Tax as proposed by the bills.The principle of sharing 60 per cent of VAT revenue through the derivation principle is sparking controversy.Some northern governors argue that the arrangement would favour Lagos State, which hosts many company headquarters.Taiwo Oyedele, the chairman of the presidential committee, has consistently debunked this claim, stating that the proposal in the bills will benefit northern states more. In one interview, he said the bills would affect Lagos State the most.However, DAILY POST learnt that many lawmakers remain unconvinced.On Monday, Mr Oyedele was in the House to further explain the implications of the bills to the lawmakers.In this report, DAILY POST reviews the regional composition of the Senate and the House of Representatives to determine the strength of the regions.Although voice votes are often used to decide issues, in the last Assembly, the Senate was forced to decide a contentious part of the Electoral Bill through voting.The SenateIn the Senate, if all 109 lawmakers are present, the number required to pass the tax bills is 55 votes. However, the quorum of the Senate is 37.A breakdown of the Senate shows that the North has 57 senators, including one from the FCT, while the South has 51 senators.North-West: 21 senatorsNorth-East: 18 senatorsNorth-Central: 18 senatorsSouth-West: 18 senatorsSouth-South: 18 senatorsSouth-East: 15 senatorsThe review shows that the North has more numbers. However, the North is not homogeneous. States like Kogi, Kwara, Benue, Nasarawa, and Plateau in the North-Central may vote differently from the core North of the North-East and the North-West.These five North-Central states have a total of 15 lawmakers in the Senate.If this is removed from the North, it leaves the North with 43 senators.The South is equally not homogeneous. Some states in the South, particularly the oil-producing states, may back the bills.A united southern bloc, plus the North-Central, may give the bills the needed push to scale through the Senate.Amid this, Senator Ali Ndume has been very vocal on the bills and recently claimed that the bills would be “dead on arrival.”The question is- does Mr Ndume have enough allies to ensure the bills are defeated?The HouseThe House has seen more people speaking up in support of the bills. Last week, Abdulmumin Jibrin, a member of the NNPP from Kano State, said the lawmakers from the North are going to back the bills because it is in the interest of the North.However, it is unclear if he will still maintain his position now that Mr Kwankwaso, the political leader of the NNPP, has spoken.Meanwhile, Philip Agbese, the deputy spokesperson of the House, has been very vocal in support of the bills. In a recent statement, he said the lawmakers…
BROOM USED ON AJURI NGELARE IS BEING USED ON DANIEL BWALA – ATIKU’S AIDE
THE BROOM USED ON AJURI NGELARE IS BEING USED ON DANIEL BWALA – ATIKU’S AIDE Paul Ibe, spokesperson for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has taken to social media to mock Daniel Bwala after the recent reshuffling within President Bola Tinubu’s media and communications team. In a tweet on Tuesday, November 19, Ibe stated that the re-designation of Bwala, who was recently reassigned from Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications to Special Adviser on Policy Communications is “an introduction to course 101 titled Emilokan is a Bigoted Virus.” Ibe likened the development to the perceived marginalization of Ajuri Ngelale, the former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, noting that the restructuring is a political manoeuvre rather than a strategy to enhance government communication. “The broom that was used on Ajuri Ngelale is being used on Daniel Bwala sharp-sharp,” Ibe wrote, referencing the symbol of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Ibe accused the Tinubu administration of misplacing its priorities, suggesting that the energy devoted to reorganizing the media team should instead be directed toward addressing Nigeria’s mounting economic challenges. “If these folks spend all the precious time restructuring their media team, what time will be available for rejigging their trial-and-error policies that have brought us to an economic cul de sac?” he asked. Ibe also referred to Bwala as “#BB (#BwalaBetrayer)” adding, “weep not for #BB.” Recall that Borno-born Bwala was one of the spokespersons for Atiku during the 2023 presidential elections.
PRESIDENCY DOWNGRADES DANIEL BWALA AS ROLE AFTER HE DECLARED HIMSELF TINUBU’S SPOKESMAN
PRESIDENCY DOWNGRADES DANIEL BWALA’S ROLE AFTER HE DECLARED HIMSELF TINUBU’S SPOKESMAN Hours after Daniel Bwala declared himself as the official spokesman of President Bola Tinubu, the presidency has adjusted his role. At his first briefing in the State House, Presidential Villa, Abuja, Bwala told journalists he is the president’s official spokesman. A few hours later, Special Adviser Information and Strategy to President Tinubu, Bayo Onanuga, released a statement tweaking Bwala’s role. Part of the statement read: “President Bola Tinubu has re-designated the positions of two recently appointed officials in the State House media and communications team to enhance efficiency within the government’s communication machinery. “The restructuring is as follows: Mr. Sunday Dare – hitherto Special Adviser on Public Communication and National Orientation is now Special Adviser, Media and Public Communications. “Mr. Daniel Bwala announced last week as Special Adviser, Media and Public Communication, and is now Special Adviser Policy Communication. “These appointments, along with the existing role of Special Adviser, Information and Strategy, underscore that there is no single individual spokesperson for the Presidency. “Instead, all the three Special Advisers will collectively serve as spokespersons for the government.” Recall that in September, Ajuri Ngelale stepped down as the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity.
NORTHERN REPS RAISE FRESH CONCERNS OVER TAX REFORM BILLS
l NORTHERN REPS RAISE FRESH CONCERNS OVER TAX REFORMS BILLS Members of the House of Representatives from the northern part of the country have raised fresh concerns over the four tax reform bills currently under consideration in the National Assembly.They spoke at an interactive session organised by the House of Representatives with the members of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms on Monday.The bills, particularly the proposed amendment to the distribution of Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue, have sparked widespread debate.The bills are: The Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, which is expected to provide the fiscal framework for taxation in the country; and the Tax Administration Bill, which will provide a clear and concise legal framework for all taxes in the country and reduce disputes.Niger Delta Youths Slam Obasanjo Over Call for INEC Chairman’s RemovalOverturn MC Oluomo’s inauguration as NURTW boss, Falana tells FGThe others are: the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, which will repeal the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Act and establish the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill, which will create a tax tribunal and a tax ombudsman.The National Economic Council (NEC) and state governors have urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to withdraw the bills for further consultations.Also, northern leaders, including traditional rulers and lawmakers, have expressed their opposition, saying the proposed reforms are skewed against the region.Despite this, President Tinubu has maintained that the legislative process should proceed, emphasising that ongoing deliberations allow for inputs and amendments without the need to withdraw the bills.During the session yesterday, lawmakers, including Rep. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi (APC, Plateau), Rep. Ahmed Jaha Babawo (APC, Borno), Rep. Zainab Gimba (APC, Borno), and Rep. Zakariah Dauda Nyampah (PDP, Adamawa), expressed concerns about the bills’ potential impacts on the North.They argued that the region’s economy, already weakened by insecurity and poor productivity, could suffer further under the proposed amendments.But the presidential tax reform team allayed the fears, saying the current VAT distribution favours few states and is unfair to others.‘North’s economy plagued by insecurity’The northern lawmakers raised concerns that the socio-economic vulnerabilities faced by states in the region, largely driven by insecurity, have not been adequately considered in the proposed tax reform bills.The lawmakers called for a balanced approach to the tax reform process, one that considers the region’s security challenges and ensures fair treatment for all states.Rep. Gagdi said insecurity has disrupted the previously vibrant economies of many northern states and questioned how conflict-displaced citizens in the North could benefit from VAT proceeds tied to consumption and other import-related taxes.He noted that industries, factories, and other means of production in these areas have been severely impacted, with large portions of the productive population displaced or rendered less effective due to challenges such as Boko Haram insurgency and banditry.Rep. Jaha said the timing of the proposed tax amendments is inappropriate given the current security situation in the North, which has significantly affected its economy.He expressed reservations about the derivation-based revenue-sharing formula, which he said would unfairly disadvantage economically fragile states.“There are regions, especially in the North, that are not economically viable due to security challenges. The proposed VAT allocation formula would treat these states unfairly,” Jaha said.Rep. Gimba emphasised the plight of states like Borno, where insurgency has significantly hindered economic activities.She called for a more equitable VAT-sharing formula that would account for the unique challenges faced by such states.Similarly, Rep. Nyampah called for careful consideration of the controversial provisions in the reform bills that could adversely affect northern states, both individually and collectively.We’ll prioritise constituents’ wishes – Senator Kawu SumailaThe Senator representing Kano South, Abdurahman Kawu Sumaila, has assured that lawmakers, particularly those from the northern region, will align their decisions with the wishes of their constituents regarding…
TAX REFORM BILLS: GOVS THREATENING TO DENY US RETURN TICKETS – REPS DEPUTY SPOKESMAN
TAX REFORM BILLS: GOVS THREATENING TO DENY US RETURN TICKETS – REPS DEPUTY SPOKESMAN The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has disclosed the readiness of the lawmakers to support President Bola Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills despite opposition from State Governors. According to Agbese, some of the Governors have threatened to deny lawmakers from their states the 2027 return ticket if they throw their weight behind the tax bill. He, however, said they are not bothered by such threats as they were elected to represent the people of their constituents and not to dance to the tune of the Governors. On why the lawmakers have chosen to support President Tinubu, Agbese disclosed their belief that the bill is for the good of the people. President Tinubu had in September, forwarded four executive bills on tax reforms to the National Assembly for consideration. However, the Governors, through the National Economic Council (NEC), called for the withdrawal of the bills for more consideration and input. The President, however, refused to withdraw the bills, stating that inputs could still be made while the bills remain before the lawmakers. The bills forwarded based on the recommendations of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms headed by Taiwo Oyedele are the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, which is expected to provide the fiscal framework for taxation in the country, the Tax Administration Bill, which will provide a clear and concise legal framework for all taxes in the country and reduce disputes, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, which will repeal the Federal Inland Revenue Service Act and establish the Nigeria Revenue Service, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill, which will create a tax tribunal and a tax ombudsman. Agbese disclosed that despite the opposition from the Governors, the lawmakers are ready to support President Tinubu in actualizing the bills. He said, “As far as we are concerned in the House of Representatives, nobody can stop us from supporting President Bola Tinubu from rebooting the economy to work for the country. “We are united across party lines to make sure the country works. This is the disposition of Speaker Tajudeen Abass.” “Some of these governors are threatening members from their states. They have even gone far to threaten that they would deny members a return ticket in 2027 if they support the bills.” Going scriptural, Agbese quoted Isaiah 54:15, saying, “Behold, they shall surely gather, but not by me. Whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake.” He emphasized that the loyalty of the lawmakers in the 10th Assembly is to their constituent members. “The difference between the new crops of politicians in the House of Representatives is that we are intellectually sound, progressively-minded, and pro-Nigeria. “We were not elected by the governors but our constituents, and as far as the legislation (bills) will work for those that elected us, we will support it unequivocally, wholeheartedly, and powerfully to see the light of the day.” The lawmaker added that copies of the bills have been made available to legislators to aid their understanding ahead of the second reading, predicting that it would be passed with necessary amendments. “We have made the bills available to every lawmaker to study, dissect, and make inputs when we bring them up for debate,” he stated, adding that the proposed legislation is likely to scale through but with some amendments where necessary. “I see the 10th House passing the bills with some minor adjustments to polish it with a touch of patriotism and intellectualism. “That’s our usual trademark when you have a teacher leading a parliament anywhere in the world,” he added.
INSIDE STORY OF ALLEGED JUDICIAL CORRUPTION IN NIGERIA, BY JUSTICE DATTIJO MOHAMMED
INSIDE STORY OF ALLEGED JUDICIAL CORRUPTION IN NIGERIA, BY JUSTICE DATTIJO MOHAMMED Justice Dattijo Muhammad served in the judiciary for over 40 years before exiting the Supreme Court in October 2023. In his valedictory speech, Dattijo criticised the over-concentration of powers in the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) office and judicial corruption in the polity. We are republishing his reflections in the valedictory speech in light of the claims of misconduct against some judicial officials, especially judges, reckless granting of ex-parte orders and granting of conflicting orders by judges of the same jurisdiction. The claims have led to some judges being called ‘Cash and carry judges’, indicating that judgments can be sold and bought, and the demand for reforms in the judiciary. Only recently, CJN Kudirat Kekere-Ekun invited the Chief Judge of Rivers State to Abuja over the granting of an order by a judge in his state over the local government election in Rivers that conflicted with that of a Federal High Court judge. The Dattijo speech exposes the bad and the ugly judges in the polity. Excerpts: Cracks Through the years, I rose to become the second most senior justice of the country’s apex court and Deputy Chairperson of the National Judicial Council. Considering the number of years I have spent in the judicial service and the position I have attained by the grace of the Almighty, I feel obligated to continue the struggle for reforms for a better judiciary and would be leaning on the earlier submissions of those who had exited before me. Now, how has the judiciary fared in the course of my journey? The journey was calm and fulfilling until about half way through my Supreme Court years when the punctuating turbulent cracks made it awry and askew. As presently structured, the CJN is the Chairman of the National Judicial Council NJC, which oversees both the appointment and discipline of judges. He is equally Chair of the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC), the National Judicial Institute (NJI), and the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC) that appoints Senior Advocates of Nigeria. In my considered opinion, the oversight functions of these bodies should not rest on an individual alone. A person with absolute powers, it is said, corrupts easily and absolutely. As Chair of NJC, FJSC, NJI and LPPC, appointments as council, board and committee members are at his pleasure. He neither confers with fellow justices nor seeks their counsel or input on any matter related to these bodies. He has both the final and the only say. The CJN has the power to appoint 80 per cent of members of the council and 60 percent of members of FJSC. The same applies to NJI and LPPC. Such enormous powers are effortlessly abused. This needs to change. Continued denial of the existence of this threatening anomaly weakens effective judicial oversight in the country. By the provision of Paragraph 20 of Part One of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, the NJC shall comprise the following members: The Chief Justice of Nigeria, who shall be the Chairman; the next most senior Justice of the Supreme Court who shall be the Deputy Chairman. Regrettably, the next most senior justice of the Supreme Court like Deputy Governors of State, shorn of any official function except at the pleasure of the Governor, is neither consulted on anything nor does he have any official function. His job as No. 2 is purely as the CJN pleases. It is incumbent that the system provides for more inclusion and consultation among the stakeholders. The conversation about the diminishing number of justices at the Supreme Court has become a refrain. As I bow out today, the number is…
OBASANJO NOT AN IDEAL LEADER TO EMULATE – BAYO ONANUGA
OBASANJO NOT AN IDEAL LEADER TO EMULATE – BAYO ONANUGA Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has come under sharp criticism following his recent remarks on leadership and governance in Nigeria. Speaking at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University, the former leader alleged that subsequent administrations had failed the nation, describing Nigeria as a “failing country.” However, a statement issued on Monday by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, took issue with Obasanjo’s comments, labeling them as hypocritical and undeserving of emulation. The statement accused Obasanjo of a legacy marred by constitutional violations, corruption, and poor leadership during his time in office. “Brazen illegality and assault on the Constitution of Nigeria reached a disturbing height under the leadership of Chief Obasanjo,” Onanuga said, citing the unconstitutional impeachment of four state governors and allegations of corruption, including misuse of public funds and involvement in the Halliburton bribery scandal. Onanuga also criticized Obasanjo’s handling of Nigeria’s economic resources. While acknowledging the fiscal benefits of high crude oil prices during Obasanjo’s tenure, the statement argued that these opportunities were squandered. Key criticisms included neglecting national infrastructure, leaving federal roads in disrepair, and failing to address the country’s power crisis despite spending $16 billion on electricity projects. “Obasanjo failed to fix the deplorable federal roads or expand the national road network,” the statement read, listing uncompleted projects such as the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. It also accused him of prioritizing personal interests, such as advancing private enterprises like his university and presidential library, funded through questionable donations. Obasanjo’s privatization efforts were also criticized as benefiting cronies at the expense of national interests. Onanuga highlighted the controversial sale of the Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON) for a fraction of its value as a prime example. The statement further condemned Obasanjo’s third-term bid, which was described as a “failed project” that wasted billions of naira. It argued that the flawed electoral process he oversaw in 2007 undermines his credibility to comment on governance and electoral integrity. Additionally, Obasanjo was accused of neglecting national security during his administration, leaving the armed forces underfunded and ill-equipped. The statement credited subsequent All Progressives Congress (APC) administrations with modernizing Nigeria’s military and improving security infrastructure. The statement concluded by urging Obasanjo to focus on introspection rather than criticism. “His remaining years would be better spent reflecting on the missed opportunities during his own time in leadership, both as military head of state and civilian president,” Onanuga asserted.
OBASANJO, IMF SLAM TINUBU GOVT, PRESIDENCY KEEP MUM
OBASANJO, IMF SLAM TINUBU GOVT, PRESIDENCY KEEP MUM The Presidency has kept silent on the criticisms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).Obasanjo had, according to a statement by his media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, alleged that Nigeria is currently under a state capture and that the country’s situation is bad.The former president was quoted to have said this while delivering in his keynote address at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum, Yale University New Haven Connecticut, United States.On the other side, the IMF, in its latest outlook report for sub-Sahara Africa, said Nigeria is one of the Resource Intensive Countries (RICs) in Sub-Sahara Africa struggling to realise gains of its reforms.It said while it is cheery news in some countries within the region, it is not looking good yet in Nigeria.Attempts by to get reactions from the Presidency met a brick wall as Tinubu’s media aides declined comment.The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Tope Ajayi, could not be reached on their mobile telephone lines and did not reply to text messages sent to them.The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Print Media, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, also neither answered calls nor replied messages sent to their phone lines.However, a source at the State House told Daily Trust on condition of anonymity that Obasanjo is a statesman and that the Presidency “will not want to join issues with him.”The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, had, last Wednesday, said President Tinubu’s administration had achieved significant progress in tackling insecurity and creating conducive environment for business.Obasanjo, in his address titled “Leadership Failure and State Capture in Nigeria”, described Nigeria’s situation as bad.The former leader also alleged that Nigeria’s failing status under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was “confirmed and glaringly indicated and manifested for every honest person to see.”He alluded to a World Bank and Transparency International’s definition of what a state capture was, saying it was described, “as one of the most pervasive forms of corruption, “a situation where powerful individuals, institutions, companies, or groups within or outside a country use corruption to shape a nation’s policies, legal environment, and economy, to benefit their own private interests.”He noted that state capture is not always overt and obvious as it can also arise from the more subtle close alignment of interests between specific business and political elites through family ties, friendships, and the intertwined ownership of economic assets.He said: “What is happening in Nigeria – right before our eyes – is state capture: The purchase of national assets by political elites – and their family members – at bargain prices, the allocation of national resources – minerals, land, and even human resources – to local, regional, and international actors. It must be prohibited and prevented through local and international laws.“Public institutions such as the legislature, the executive, the judiciary, and regulatory agencies both at the federal and local levels are subject to capture. As such, state capture can broadly be understood as the disproportionate and unregulated influence of interest groups or decision-making processes, where special interest groups manage to bend state laws, policies, and regulations.“They do so through practices such as illicit contributions paid by private interests to political parties, and for election campaigns, vote-buying, buying of presidential decrees or court decisions, as well as through illegitimate lobbying and revolving door appointments.“The main risk of state capture is that decisions no longer take into consideration the public interest, but instead favour a specific special interest group or individual. Laws, policies, and regulations are designed to benefit a specific interest group, often times to the detriment of smaller firms and groups and…