Dons Eze
- Foreign Affairs
- December 8, 2024
- 140 views
FORMER PRESIDENT, JOHN MAHAMA, WINS GHANAIAN ELECTION
FORMER PRESIDENT, JOHN MAHAMA, WINS GHANAIAN ELECTION Ghana’s former President John Dramani Mahama has won the country’s presidential election after his main opponent, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, conceded defeat. “The people of Ghana have spoken, the people have voted for change at this time and we respect it with all humility,” Bawumia said in a news conference on Sunday. The defeat in Saturday’s election ends two terms in power for the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) under President Nana Akufo-Addo, marked by Ghana’s worst economic crisis in years, involving high inflation and a debt default. Bawumia said he called Mahama, of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), to congratulate him. Earlier, NDC spokesman Sammy Gyamfi told reporters the party’s internal review of results showed Mahama won 56.3 percent of the vote against 41.3 percent for Bawumia. “It is very clear the people of this country have voted for change,” Gyamfi said. The vice president said Mahama won the presidency “decisively The NDC won the parliamentary election, according to the NPP’s internal tally of votes. Mahama, who was president of Ghana between July 2012 and January 2017, confirmed on X he had received Bawumia’s congratulatory call over his “emphatic victory”. Blaring horns and cheering, the 65-year-old’s supporters were already gathering and celebrating outside the party campaign headquarters in the capital, Accra. During his campaign, he promised to “reset” the country on various fronts and tried to appeal to young Ghanaians. His win marks a historic victory, making him the first president in the three decades of Ghana’s Fourth Republic – since the 1992 return to multi-party democracy – to reclaim the presidency after being voted out. Ghana’s economic woes dominated the election after the gold and cacao producer went through a crisis of default and currency devaluation, ending with a $3bn International Monetary Fund bailout. On corruption, Mahama vowed during the campaign that he will create a new office tasked with scrutinising government procurement above a $5m threshold. He said unchecked procurement processes are a major source of corruption. But Mahama also voiced support for the anti-LGBTQ bill passed by Ghana’s parliament in February but which is yet to be signed into law and has sparked international criticism. Ghana’s election commission had said official results were likely due by Tuesday. With a history of democratic stability, Ghana’s two main parties, the NPP and NDC, have alternated in power equally since the return to multi-party politics in 1992.
- Foreign Affairs
- December 7, 2024
- 75 views
TINUBU’S ASSOCIATION WITH FRANCE CAUSING DISQUIET IN NORTH – GALADIMA, GOLOLO
TINUBU’S ASSOCIATION WITH FRANCE CAUSING DISQUIET IN NORTH – GALADIMA, GOLOLO Indications emerged during the week to suggest that the cozy relationship that exists between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his French counterpart, Mr Emmanuel Macron, is causing some disquiet in the North. Saturday Telegraph gathered during the week in separate interviews with prominent leaders in the North that they are not finding the relationship funny and that they are observing the trend. Those who spoke with our correspondent on the development include, a chieftain of the opposition New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Engr. Buba Galadima; a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Garus Gololo. Others who spoke include a former Presidential Adviser on Political Matters, Alhaji Tanko Yakassai. A former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Professor Usman Yusuf’s views were monitored in a televised interview during the week. Except for Yakassai, who pleaded that President Tinubu be allowed to govern, those who spoke were unanimous in their respective assertions that the relationship will spell doom for the North in the wake of the frosty relations that exists between France and some of its former colonies in West Africa. Countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger Republic have in recent times reviewed their ties with their erstwhile colonial master with many of them putting in place several measures to wean themselves off control by France, which in turn is doing all it can to retain its control in the sub-region. In many of the meetings of the regional bloc, Nigeria had initially threatened to use force to restore democratic order in Niger and Burkina Faso in the wake of the coup d’état in the two countries. President Tinubu is the chairman of the regional economic bloc, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). While a military junta seized power in Niger on July 26, 2023, their counterparts in Burkina Faso struck earlier on September 30, 2022. However, the decision by ECOWAS led by Nigeria to restore democracy in Niger Republic was vehemently rejected by stakeholders in the Northern part of the country who have continued to argue that such decision is a declaration of war on them considering that they occupy the frontline position should hostilities break out. Those who opposed this move also stated that the kinship between the people of the North and their cousins in Niger Republic is a source of worry to them too. The reservations of these elements in the North once again came to the fore with the recent visit of a Federal Government delegation, led by President Tinubu to France where he was hosted by his counterpart, President Macron, to a lavish reception in Paris, the French capital. Commenting on the development as it affects the North, Galadima in an interview with our correspondent during the week urged President Tinubu whom he described as a ‘friend’ to be careful, saying the North is watching his moves. He said: “I will advise the President to be extremely careful in his dealings with France. I am saying this because France is drawing him close because they want to use him to change the governments in Niger Republic, Mali and Burkina Faso. “He will have problems on his hands because people from the (Northern) part of the country will not support him in his journey. “We can’t support President Tinubu because of what these countries did for us during the Civil War. “He has to be careful in his relationship with France. All of us in the North are looking at him (President Tinubu) with some suspicion. “At least, as a friend, I can tell him this.” Similarly, Gololo said though he is a member of the APC, who worked for…
PDP EXPELS IMO FEDERAL LAWMAKER, UGOCHINYERE OVER ANTI-PARTY ACTIVITIES
PDP EXPELS IMO FEDERAL LAWMAKER, UGOCHINYERE, OVER ANTI-PARTY ACTIVITIES The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expelled the House of Representatives member from Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency of Imo State and Spokesman of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere. PDP expelled Ugochinyere over gross indiscipline, insubordination, and anti-party activities. His expulsion was contained in a letter from the Ideato LGA chapter of PDP, dated December 5, 2024, and signed by the LGA Chairman, Hon. ThankGod Okeke, and the Secretary, Onyebuchi Umeh. The letter was addressed to the state chairman of the party. The expulsion followed the report of the party’s disciplinary committee, dated November 27, 2024, which investigated misconduct charges against Ugochinyere in line with Section 57 (1-4) of the PDP constitution 2017, as amended. The lawmaker had been suspended at his Umuopia/Umukegwu ward on October 14, 2024, after failing to honor an invitation to appear before the ward Executive Committee on October 5, 2024, to answer allegations of disciplinary offenses, and ignoring reminders and further invitations sent to him on October 7, 2024. The letter partly read: “Upon receipt of the report, the LGA Executive Committee of Ideato North met on December 5, 2024, and unanimously adopted the report of the disciplinary committee. “In light of this, Hon. Imo Ugochinyere Ikeagwonu is hereby expelled from the party (PDP) with immediate effect, and he ceases to be a member of the Peoples Democratic Party in Umuopia/Umukegwu ward of Ideato North LGA.” PDP found Ugochinyere guilty of deliberate failure to attend meetings and participate in activities of the party for a long time, in breach of Section 58 (1)(e) of the PDP constitution 2017, as amended. He was said to have engaged in unauthorized publicity of disputes within the party, which contravenes Section 58(1)(i) of the party’s constitution. Additionally, he formed parallel executive and organs of the party in his ward, at the LGA, and at the national levels, which also breaches the party’s constitution. The lawmaker was found guilty of consistently making derogatory and provocative public statements against the party and some of its national leaders, an action that brought the party to public ridicule.
YOU’RE DATA BOY, DOG SELLER – FUBARA CALLS WIKE’S AIDE
YOU’RE DATA BOY, DOG SELLER – FUBARA CALLS WIKE’S AIDE Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has taken aim at a media aide to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, calling him “a data boy” and “dog seller” in a scathing rebuke over comments about projects in Etche-Omuma. Fubara, addressing the media on Friday, questioned the qualifications and motivations of the aide, who had reportedly criticized the Governor’s recent project inaugurations. The Governor accused him of lacking understanding of governance despite being close to a former governor for eight years. “If they love you, the appointment they gave to one boy the other day, if you were good, why didn’t they give you that appointment? Go and check yourself, something is wrong with you,” Fubara remarked, expressing his dissatisfaction with the aide’s social media criticisms. He added that individuals who resort to online insults, like selling “dogs” and engaging in petty behavior, should reflect on their life choices and contribute more meaningfully to society. Fubara’s comments were in response to claims that the projects he was commissioning in Omuma were merely continuations of those initiated by former Governor Wike. The Governor clarified that while his administration respects past efforts, it is focused on delivering new, impactful projects that cater to the strategic needs of the people. “We will not celebrate things that will not have meaning,” he stated during the inauguration of the remodeled Government Girls’ Secondary School in Ahoada, a project he inherited upon taking office. “This investment will provide quality education for the girl-child and contribute to shaping responsible citizens.” Fubara also used the opportunity to affirm his administration’s commitment to meaningful and enduring projects, contrasting them with previous initiatives that he claimed lacked significant impact. “Projects’ delivery is not for mere fanfare,” he said, emphasizing the importance of addressing critical development needs. The Governor expressed gratitude to the Ekpeye people for their support, despite facing harassment and intimidation. He cited the unjust detention of traditional rulers and the Chief of Staff, Dr. Edison Ehie, as examples of the challenges they had faced. “The truth is always clear: enemies have a time, their team cannot last forever,” he declared, reaffirming his belief that justice and victory were imminent.
- Foreign Affairs
- December 7, 2024
- 111 views
SOUTH AFRICANS WANT PRESIDENT TO RESIGN OVER SIMPLIFIED VISA FOR NIGERIAN NATIONALS
SOUTH AFRICANS WANT PRESIDENT TO RESIGN OVER SIMPLIFIED VISA FOR NIGERIAN NATIONALS President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement of a simplified visa process for Nigerian nationals has sparked a growing backlash in South Africa, with some citizens taking to the social media to demand his resignation. The move, aimed at boosting economic and tourism activities, was announced during the 11th Session of the South Africa-Nigeria Bi-National Commission in Cape Town on December 3. Critics have called for the reversal of the decision, accusing the government of prioritising foreign relations over domestic concerns. The outcry has included an open letter to the president and widespread criticism online. Responding to the backlash, the presidency clarified that the initiative was part of broader efforts to modernise and streamline visa application processes globally. “Our efforts to create a favourable environment include introducing a simplified visa process for Nigerian business people. Those who qualify can be granted a five-year multiple-entry visa,” Ramaphosa explained. He added that Nigerian nationals would no longer need to produce a passport to apply for visa. The announcement came at a time when relations between Nigerians and South Africans have been tense, often reflected in heated exchanges on the social media. Critics argue that the relaxed visa policy could exacerbate existing social and economic challenges within South Africa. Despite the criticism, the government maintains that the policy is part of a strategy to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance economic cooperation between the two countries.
- Foreign Affairs
- December 6, 2024
- 234 views
BUCKINGHAM VARSITY VC SUSPENDED OVER NIGERIAN WIFE’S ALLEGATION OF ILLICIT AFFAIR
BUCKINGHAM VARSITY VC SUSPENDED OVER NIGERIAN WIFE’S ALLEGATION OF ILLICIT AFFAIR A Nigerian entrepreneur, Cynthia Tooley, has emerged as a central figure in the suspension of the University of Buckingham Vice Chancellor, Professor James Tooley, over allegations of a controversial overseas relationship. Tooley, who denies the allegations, was suspended from his £229,000-a-year role in October following accusations linked to a romantic involvement with a 25-year-old Indian woman, reports UK’s Daily Mail on Thursday Cynthia reportedly raised the alarm by submitting the young woman’s diaries, which detailed the alleged relationship, to university authorities. The mother of two was said to have married the British academic in February 2022 after a whirlwind romance. However, the couple reportedly separated during the summer, leading to a breakdown in their relationship and communication via lawyers. The controversy began on October 11, when Cynthia alerted the university about the alleged relationship. This prompted an emergency meeting, resulting in the professor’s suspension and the launch of an independent inquiry into the claims. In addition to the allegations about the relationship, Cynthia reportedly accused her estranged husband of possessing a “suspicious object” at his official residence. Police were called to the property and removed a junior air rifle, but no further investigation followed. University authorities confirmed the suspension in a letter to students, stating that “serious allegations” had been made against the vice-chancellor. The letter emphasised that an independent inquiry was underway to verify the claims. Through his lawyers, Tooley described the allegations as “baseless and malicious,” expressing confidence in being vindicated. He refrained from further comments, citing the ongoing investigation. The Indian woman at the centre of the allegations defended Tooley, saying, “He was kind and thoughtful and always treated me with respect. Anyone who reads my diaries can see I was in love with him.” She clarified that the relationship began when she was 25 and insisted that there was no illegal conduct. The University of Buckingham has appointed an interim leadership team, including Chief Financial Officer David Cole, Chief Administrative Officer Chris Payne, and Pro Vice-Chancellor Harriet Dunbar-Morris, to oversee operations during the investigation. Cynthia, who once resided with Tooley at Ondaatje Hall, the Vice Chancellor’s official residence, has since moved out. The couple’s fallout has drawn significant media attention, given their high-profile roles and publicised relationship.
PDP LEADERS TO MEET WIKE OVER PARTY CRISIS
PDP LEADERS TO MEET WIKE OVER PARTY CRISIS The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has announced plans to meet with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. The party leaders have scheduled the meeting for January 2025. PDP BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, made the disclosure during an emergency meeting held in Abuja on Thursday. According to him, the meeting is aimed at finding a lasting solution to the party’s internal conflicts. The BoT also expressed disappointment with the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Umar Damagum for its repeated delays in convening the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. The NWC has been criticized for its handling of party affairs, with many calling for Damagum’s resignation. The PDP has been plagued by internal conflicts, with party leaders at loggerheads over the leadership of the party. In his address, Wabara emphasized the need for unity and cooperation among party leaders. He noted that the party’s strength comes from its collective determination, not individual ambitions. Wabara also expressed concern about the impact of the crisis on the party’s image and its ability to provide a credible alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He said, “Today, we convene under challenging self-inflicted circumstances, compelled by our collective concern for the current state of our great party. As custodians of the Peoples Democratic Party’s conscience and legacy, it is our responsibility to uphold the integrity of this institution and ensure that it continues to serve as a beacon of hope for our democracy and good governance for our dear nation. “It is with a deep sense of disappointment that I must express the Board’s dismay at the continued shifting by the National Working Committee (NWC) in convening a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. This delay not only undermines the trust and confidence of our members. “We recognize that challenges may arise during governance and administration, but adherence to timelines and commitments is non-negotiable. Inasmuch as the Board of Trustees serves as the conscience of the party, we expect that the NWC would honour its word and convene the NEC meeting as scheduled. This is critical for resolving pressing issues and charting a clear path forward for the party.” He added, “We cannot afford to let personal ambitions or differences overshadow our shared vision for a better Nigeria. “Our governors are the bedrock of the PDP’s successes across states, and their synergy is vital for our collective progress. Let us prioritize dialogue, collaboration, and a sense of shared responsibility as we navigate these trying times. “The BoT will be relentless in seeking peace and unity in our party as the conscience of PDP. To this end, the BoT will begin again to search for peace in the new year, starting with former Governor Nyesom Wike, who the BoT had promised to visit again to seek lasting peace.”
THE CONTROVERSY OVER TAX REFORM BILLS, BY BOLAJI ADEBIYI
THE CONTROVERSY OVER TAX REFORM BILLS, BY BOLAJI ADEBIYI The ongoing controversy over the tax reform bills shows democracy is maturing in the country, writes Bolaji Adebiyi One major takeaway from the ongoing controversy over the tax reform bills is that Nigeria’s democracy is maturing. Although the debates initially evoked ethnic and regional emotions, the contestations have gradually moved towards discussing facts and figures, which should be central to the issues ab initio. Signs of trouble emerged two weeks ago when 19 Northern governors and their top traditional rulers rose from a meeting, raising objections to one of the four bills because it was against the region’s interest. Somehow, they managed to convince the other 17 governors from the South to block the bills at the National Economic Council presided over by Vice-President Kashim Shettima. The Council, which comprised the 36 state governors, Ministers of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Budget and Economic Planning, and Federal Capital Territory, and the governor of the Central Bank, resolved to advise the President to pause the legislative process on the bills pending further consultations with relevant stakeholders. Of course, the Presidency initially rejected the advice, saying those opposed to the bills should engage with the legislative process to make their case. Not a few people felt that the Presidency’s initial reaction was impolitic, given the governors’ influence on federal legislators, many of whom derived their positions from the benevolence of the state executives. It was not long before it became apparent that a hard time awaited the bills at the federal legislature, where they were headed for approval. Despite passing the second reading in the Senate, the bills ran into a brick wall in the House of Representatives, which had to suspend their consideration to avoid being killed. Even the Senate has paused further consideration pending the outcome of negotiations by its 10-man committee, which was set up to consult with stakeholders over the bills’ grey areas. However, it is important to note that only two clauses in one of the bills, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill 2024, have attracted controversy, which threatens to endanger the remaining bills: the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill 2024, and the Joint Board Revenue Service Bill. The culprits are Sections 77 and 12 (12), which seek to increase the Value Added Tax from 7.5% to 10% in 2025 and 15% in 2030. They also seek to adjust the sharing formula by increasing the derivation criteria from 20% to 60%. Besides, there are complaints about attribution. The Northern governors felt that these clauses would further impoverish their region and tilt the advantage in favour of a few states in the South, particularly Lagos, Ogun and Rivers, which host the headquarters of most of the VAT-paying companies. Interestingly, Lagos and Rivers have argued that they would lose 80% of their earnings, contrary to the North’s claim. Significantly, the debate has been engaging, shifting from emotional to rational arguments as stakeholders are challenged to state and defend their cases. It is noteworthy that despite the complaints of the Northern governors, many people from the region have supported the bills, contending that they would challenge them to be more creative and productive. Some even argue that the governors’ position was baseless because the North stands to gain more from the overall intent of the bills. Ironically, the bills aimed at fixing the economy to engender shared prosperity for all citizens have become enmeshed in steep controversy. Many analysts have argued that they contained more beneficial provisions to increase the country’s revenue base and move it closer to fiscal federalism. For instance, S77 of NTAB seeks to reduce the federal government’s share of VAT revenue to 10% while…
TAX BILLS NOT WITHDRAW, SENATE CAN’T BE INTIMIDATED – AKPABIO
TAX BILLS NOT WITHDRAW, SENATE CAN’T BE INTIMIDATED – AKPABIO Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio stated during plenary on Thursday that the upper chamber remains focused on its mandate to represent Nigerians’ interests and will not be intimidated by external pressures. Against the backdrop of a point of order raised by the leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Akpabio dismissed reports in the media suggesting that deliberations on the bills have been suspended or withdrawn. Dismissing any attempts to pressure the chamber, the Senate President also stated that, “the Senate cannot be bullied. Any reform that we are convinced serves the interest of Nigerians will proceed. These bills contain provisions that are in the best interest of the public.” The Senate leader in his remarks, equally cautioned against misinformation from social media or media reports, urging the public to focus on facts. “We have not suspended or withdrawn deliberations on the tax reform bills. Any attempt to intimidate the Senate is undemocratic. These bills are executive communications, and only the executive arm can withdraw them. We remain steadfast in our legislative responsibilities.” He again underscored the legislature’s independence, stating that, “We don’t take orders from anyone or any office, no matter how highly placed.” Senator Akpabio underscored that the Senate is not in a hurry and will do a thorough job on the bills before the house and has therefore taken further legislative actions on the bills, including the formation of a special committee representing Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to engage with the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, to address contentious issues. The Senate President explained that public hearings and consultations with stakeholders, including governors, religious leaders, and business leaders are imperative to resolve any uncertainties. “If six weeks are insufficient, we will extend the time. We are committed to transparency and addressing all concerns,” he said. On Wednesday, the Senate set up a committee to to review the controversial Tax Reform Bills that are before the National Assembly. According to Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, who presided over plenary on Wednesday, the Committee which is headed by Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South) will meet with the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to address grey areas in the bills and revert to Senate before public hearing. Barau noted that the executive arm of the government agreed with the Senate that there is need to resolve all the issues causing disagreements in the bills. Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu forwarded four Tax Reform Bills to the National Assembly in October, it has met serious resistance especially from the Northern part of the country.
FIVE HOUSE OF REPS LAWMAKERS DUMP LP, JOIN APC
FIVE HOUSE OF REPS LAWMAKERS DUMP LP. JOIN APC The Labour Party caucus in the House of Representatives lost five members to the ruling All Progressives Congress on Thursday. The lawmakers Who lost left LP to APC are Tochukwu Okere (Imo), Donatus Mathew (Kaduna), Bassey Akiba (Cross River), Iyawe Esosa (Edo) and Daulyop Fom (Plateau). Confirming the development, Matthew who represents Kaura Federal Constituency of Kaduna State said the decision to defect to the APC is based on conviction. Asked if his imminent defection has the backing of his Constituency, Matthew who made history when he won the parliamentary election in 2023 as a commercial motorcycle rider said, “You cannot just work on the decision of the people at the constituency level because you are dealing with people with different levels of understanding. “I am taking this decision based on conviction. That is why whether you like it or not, there are people within the constituency who are convinced that it (defection) is the right decision for them. There are those who are skeptical waiting for the outcome,” he said. Their letter of defection to the APC was read on the Green Chamber floor by the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas on Thursday.