CSOS PROTEST AGAINST TINUBU’S MALE DOMINATED CABINET
CSOS PROTEST AGAINST TINUBU’S MALE DOMINATED CABINET New appointments: CSOs protest over President Tinubu’s male-dominated cabinetPhoto of Jerry Wright-Ukwu Jerry Wright-UkwuOctober 27, 2024 2 minutes read Nigeria’s civil society organizations have expressed strong dissatisfaction with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent cabinet reshuffle, particularly regarding the apparent lack of female representation in critical ministries. The Coalition of Concerned Civil Society Organizations of Nigeria criticized the appointments of Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda and Hon. (Dr.) Yusuf Tanko Sununu as heads of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, describing it as a “total aberration” that undermines gender equity. At a press conference at Arewa House in Kaduna, national coordinator Comrade Aminu Abbas Arabi expressed concern over the lack of experience in humanitarian work among the newly appointed male ministers. He argued that women are inherently better suited to handle the sensitive nature of the ministry, citing past failures of male-led administrations in similar roles. The coalition called on President Tinubu to reassess his appointments, advocating for increased female representation, especially in key positions that directly address poverty and humanitarian issues. They also appealed to First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu to leverage her influence to promote women’s empowerment and employment opportunities. The coalition insists that at least one ministerial position should be occupied by a woman, asserting that women generally exhibit a greater commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the less privileged. “It is our firm conviction and position that the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation is designed to be administered by a woman for effective service delivery. “Granted that the last two women appointed to head the Ministry did not deliver as expected, is not enough reason to deny other qualified, dedicated and competent women of opportunity to contribute their quota to nation building. “The failure of Sadia Umar Farouk and Dr Beta Edu should not be a bane to Nigerian women. “It is unacceptable that both the senior and junior ministers in the Ministry should be male. “We appeal to Mr. President to kindly reconsider replacing one of the ministers with a woman who we believe will pay more attention to the plight of the less privileged and downtrodden as it is typical of all women. “We, therefore, patriotically call on Mr. President to reconsider his choice of appointees for the ministry for the sake of Nigerians. A cabinet reshuffle and reassignment of portfolios to the ministers involved will not be a bad idea”, they said.
NORTHERN POLITICIANS IN DILEMMA, SEARCH FOR CANDIDATE TO MATCH TINUBU
NORTHERN POLITICIANS IN DILEMMA, SEARCH FOR CANDIDATE TO MATCH TINUBU Political leaders in the North are reportedly grappling with a dilemma over which candidate to support in the next presidential election, Sunday Tribune has learnt. Sources confided in Sunday Tribune on Saturday that rising economic hardship and mounting discontent among the populace, particularly the youth, are contributing to a growing sense of unrest. It was gathered that some Northern leaders are said to be dissatisfied with the state of the nation, which they believe has disproportionately impacted the North. They reportedly feel let down by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, despite their support in the last election, claiming the North has not reaped the expected benefits. Concerns linger over the large-scale protests during the #EndBadGovernance movement, which had seen a significant surge in youth-led demonstrations in the region, sparking fears among Northern leaders of a possible repeat scenario. Although the 2027 general election remained a few years away, Sunday Tribune gathered that Northern elders are proactively scouting for credible candidates to potentially challenge the current leadership. “Some prominent politicians across the North-West have been meeting and discussing who might be capable of giving President Tinubu a formidable contest in the presidential race,” an anonymous source shared with Sunday Tribune. Several aides to Northern governors also confirmed these discussions, noting that the 2027 election is a source of concern for many top Northern politicians, including their principals. These politicians are reportedly weighing the risks of opposing President Tinubu after their involvement in his 2023 victory. Another challenge for Northern leaders is selecting a candidate who would be broadly accepted in the North while accounting for likely opposition tactics, such as emphasizing zoning and Southern interests. “They [Northern leaders] believe the best approach is to back a prominent Southern politician,” a source explained, “yet they worry about finding someone from the South who could match President Tinubu in personality and financial strength.” Though no formal decisions have been made, sources say a shortlist of candidates is emerging, including potential running mates. “A credible person from the North-West is likely to be chosen as the running mate,” one source noted, revealing that Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Kano State governor, and Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal are among the considered names. “For now, Northern politicians are still in search of a reputable candidate for 2027. Many, however, are unlikely to support the current administration again,” the source concluded, indicating that political maneuvering in the North is far from settled. In addition to concerns over the current administration’s effectiveness, Northern leaders are reportedly wary of the potential backlash from their constituents if they continue supporting President Tinubu in 2027. With youth unemployment, inflation, and insecurity affecting the Northern region disproportionately, leaders feared that endorsing an unchanged leadership could alienate the younger generation.
YORUBA ARE BETRAYERS, I EMPTIED MY ACCOUNT TO CAMPAIGN FOR TINUBU, GOT NOTHING IN RETURN – ASARI DOKUBO
YORUBA ARE BETRAYERS, I EMPTIED MY ACCOUNT TO CAMPAIGN FOR TINUBU, GOT NOTHING IN RETURN – ASARI DOKUBO Former Niger Delta militants leader and President Bola Tinubu’s supporter, Asari Dokubo, has vowed to form an alliance with the Northern region and dump Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections. Asari made the remarks in a series of videos while accusing Tinubu of betrayal after working for his emergence as the Nigerian president in 2023. Dokubo claimed that he spent his money canvassing for votes for Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election, only to be “betrayed.” Addressing his followers in a viral video, he recalled charging Nigerians to hold him accountable if Tinubu failed as president. He said, “I apologise to our fathers because they were not wrong in forming an alliance with the North, and as young men, we will now start that same alliance. “From today, I will work and form an alliance with the North. President Tinubu betrayed me after I spent all my money and emptied my bank account campaigning for him. The Tinubu I know now isn’t the Tinubu I used to know. We will take this message across that only the Northerners can work with the Ijaw people. “We can’t work with Yoruba people; they are a betrayal to us. We risked our lives by voting and doing everything, and this is what we get? The Nigerian military command had asked Dokubo to come to the battlefield and meet his death if he wanted to know the capabilities of the military. This was confirmed in a statement issued by Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen Edward Buba, while responding to Dokubo’s claim that he could shoot down a military helicopter hovering around his residence. The former militants leader had said that he had the power to contain the Nigerian military. Responding, Gen Edward Buba had dared him to enter the battlefield and see whether he would not be neutralised by the Nigerian military. Buba had further vowed that the ex-militants leader would be neutralised if he showed up on the battlefield, and he called upon the relevant security agency to address the matter.
JIGAWA STATE WITHDRAWS FROM SUIT CHALLENGING LEGITIMACY OF EFCC, ICPC
JIGAWA STATE WITHDRAWS FROM SUIT CHALLENGING LEGITIMACY OF EFCC, ICPC The Government of Jigawa State has officially withdrawn its challenge to the legitimacy of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) at the Supreme Court. This decision comes amidst the suspension of Barr Fidelis Mnyim, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Benue State. In a briefing, Jigawa Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Bello Abdulkadir Fanini confirmed that the State Government has backed out of a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the EFCC and ICPC. An application filed on October 23, 2024, indicates the withdrawal from Suit No. SC/CV/178/2023. Fanini stated, “Let me announce that the Jigawa State Government has withdrawn from this case pending at the Supreme Court of Nigeria. A notice of withdrawal has been signed by me and sent to the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court.” Additionally, the Commissioner of Justice clarified that no individual is currently in detention among the 403 people arrested in connection with the August protests and property destruction in the State. He also highlighted that the department of civil litigation’s successful handled two cases related to the State Independent Electoral Commission during the recently concluded local council elections. Related developments include other states, such as Benue, also withdrawing their Supreme Court cases against the EFCC and ICPC, as the judiciary grapples with multiple challenges concerning these commissions.
DOUBLE STANDARD: WHEN YOU’RE GOV YOU CREATED LOCAL GOVTS, NOW YOU TELL US NOT TO INTERFERE – BAUCHI GOVERNOR CARPETS TINUBU
DOUBLE STANDARD: WHEN YOU’RE GOV YOU CREATED LOCAL GOVTS, NOW YOU TELL US NOT TO INTERFERE – BAUCHI GOVERNOR CARPETS TINUBU Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has tackled President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for pushing for local government total independence from state governmentsNaija News reports that the federal government had secured a Supreme Court ruling that had given local governments financial independence. Speaking to Daily Trust on the powers of governors, Bala Mohammed stated that governors are significantly less powerful that the President of Nigeria. He said that Governors are chief executives in their states, but their powers have been reduced by President Tinubu. According to him, unlike former governors, they are not exerting the same pressure on the presidency. He said: “For example, when Tinubu was governor, he created local governments and had full control. Now, he tells us not to interfere or collaborate with local governments-how is that possible? States cannot function effectively without coordination with both the local government and the presidency. The majority of Nigerians live in local governments and states, and only Abuja is directly under the presidency. Without joint efforts and shared resources, how do we ensure security and good governance? “People overestimate the power of governors. The federal government controls the resources. It takes the largest share and do what they want with it, while we stay silent. “They argue that giving states more money would cause inflation, yet they award inflated contracts. For instance, we need railways, not more roads, but contracts are awarded for unnecessary projects. “Governors are not as powerful as people think. If you become a governor, you’d realise it’s more about challenges than power. You have limited resources, and everyone looks to you for solutions, especially in smaller states like ours, with no manufacturing base. We respect the president, but he should also respect us and not blackmail us.”
Dons Eze
- Foreign Affairs
- October 27, 2024
- 101 views
GHANA’S FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER, BOTCHWEY, EMERGIES SECRETARY GENERAL OF COMMONWEALTH, TINUBU HAILS HER
GHANA’S FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER, BOTCHWEY, EMERGES COMMONWEALTH SECRETARY GENERAL, TINUBU HAILS HER Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Botchwey, has emerged as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. Leaders of the 56 Commonwealth nations meeting in Apia, Samoa, on Friday, elected Botchwey as the 7th Secretary-General. The 61-year-old former lawmaker, who has served as Ghana’s foreign minister for the last seven years, is expected to assume office on April 1, 2025. Botchwey is the second African to be elected secretary-general of the Commonwealth in its 75-year history, after Chief Emeka Anyaoku of Nigeria, who served in that position from July 1, 1990, to March 31, 2000. In a statement on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Bola Tinubu said she had the backing of Nigeria for the top commonwealth job. Tinubu said he believes that Botchwey’s extensive career in public administration, foreign affairs and regional development makes her a perfect fit for the job. “He trusts that Botchwey’s leadership experience will bring renewed energy to the Commonwealth’s efforts to advance meaningful economic and political partnerships that drive development and amplify the bloc’s voice in global affairs. “President Tinubu looks forward to working with the incoming Secretary-General to advance the Commonwealth’s vision of fostering peace, equity and prosperity for all member nations. “The President reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to championing a Commonwealth that prioritises strengthening intra-commonwealth trade, African exports, and a unified presence at the United Nations that supports an African bid for a permanent representation at the Security Council. “The President thanks the outgoing Commonwealth Secretary-General, Baroness Patricia Scotland, for her years of leadership and wishes her the best in her future endeavours,” the statement added.
- Foreign Affairs
- October 27, 2024
- 95 views
US NOV 8 ELECTION, IT’S LOOKING DONALD TRUMPISH
As the American general elections approach on November 5, the political environment is as turbulent as ever. The race for the White House has taken on an unpredictable turn, dominated by polarizing debates, media bias, and unprecedented events that are shifting public opinion in ways never seen before. One of the most striking aspects of this election is the number of assassination attempts that Donald Trump has faced— three in total by recent investigations. These attempts underscore the intensity of the forces against him, as many perceive his rise as a threat to entrenched political structures. Trump’s anti-establishment stance, which gained him a formidable following in 2016, has only deepened the divide between his supporters and opponents. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party, led by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, is struggling to maintain a unified message. Harris’ stance on issues such as abortion and LGBTQ+ rights has become a flashpoint. On abortion, Harris has consistently advocated for a woman’s right to choose, which aligns with Democratic values, but this position remains divisive. Many conservative voters see this as part of a broader cultural shift that distances the country from its traditional values. On LGBTQ+ issues, Harris has stood firm, promoting equality and inclusion, but these stances have become hot-button issues for those advocating for religious freedoms and conservative policies. I am informed also that she’s advocating for the removal of the word ‘God’ in the enshrined constitution of the USA. Adding to the volatile mix is the media’s role in shaping the narrative of the elections. Trump has always had a combative relationship with mainstream media outlets like CNN and other pro-Democrat media networks, which have continued their relentless critique of his policies, character, and handling of the presidency. These negative reports, however, have done little to dampen the enthusiasm of his base, who see these attacks as part of a coordinated attempt to tarnish his image. In fact, for many of his supporters, these media campaigns only reinforce their belief that Trump is the one leader willing to stand against the tide of biased coverage. The international scene is equally chaotic. The ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with the added threat from Hezbollah, is a stark reminder of the fragile state of global peace. The Middle East remains a flashpoint for terrorism and war, with no clear solution in sight. Under Biden’s administration, critics argue that American influence has waned in the region, with Israel feeling increasingly isolated and vulnerable. Trump, on the other hand, has long positioned himself as a dealmaker capable of bringing peace to the Middle East. His administration’s efforts to broker peace agreements between Israel and several Arab nations during his first term stand as evidence of his capacity to navigate complex diplomatic waters. A recent conversation with a childhood friend of mine, a Nigerian-American who now lives in the U.S. and who is among the early voters for Trump, added a personal angle to my understanding of Trump’s appeal. He argued passionately that Trump is the only leader who can re-order the world if given another chance. “Trump’s approach may be unconventional, but he’s a strong leader, and that’s what the world needs right now,” he said, referring to Trump’s foreign policies and economic strategies. He emphasized that Trump would not just focus on making America stronger, but that his leadership would create a ripple effect across the globe, forcing nations to re-evaluate their alliances and trade partnerships in a way that would lead to more stability. “Trump understands how to negotiate from a position of strength,” my friend continued, “and that’s what it takes to bring peace in today’s world. He doesn’t back down to threats. Look at North Korea, look at the Middle East—he made…
TINUBU BETRAYED ME – ASARI DOKUBO CRIES, SAYS HE’LL FORM ALLIANCE WITH THE NORTH IN 2027
TINUBU BETRAYED ME – ASARI DOKUBO CRIES, SAYS HE’LL FORM ALLIANCE WITH THE NORTH IN 2027 Former militant leader, Asari Dokubo, has vowed to form an alliance with the North ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Asari made the remark while accusing President Bola Tinubu of betrayal after working for his emergence as Nigerian president in 2023. The former militant leader recounted how he spent his money canvassing for votes for Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election, only to be betrayed. Addressing his followers in a viral video, he recalled charging Nigerians to hold him accountable if Tinubu failed as president. He said: “I apologise to our fathers because they were not wrong in forming an alliance with the North, and as young men, we will now start that same alliance. “From today, I will work and form an alliance with the North. President Tinubu betrayed me after I spent all my money and emptied my bank account campaigning for him. The Tinubu I know now isn’t the Tinubu I used to know. We will take this message across that only the Northerners can work with the Ijaw people. “We can’t work with Yoruba people; they are a betrayal to us. We risked our lives by voting and doing everything, and this is what we get?” This is coming amid reports of an alliance among the opposition political parties in the country. In January, political scientist Pat Utomi announced that he consulted with PDP’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party (LP) candidate Peter Obi, and NNPP’s Rabiu Kwankwaso on the possibility of forming a new political party. Recently, Utomi affirmed that Atiku, Kwankwaso, and Obi have agreed to form a political party that would oust President Bola Tinubu from power in 2027.
24 HOURS TO KANO LG ELECTION, COURT SACKS ALL NNPP CANDIDATES
24 HOURS TO KANO LG ELECTION: COURT SACKS ALL NNPP CANDIDATES A Federal High Court in Kano has disqualified all 44 New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) chairmanship and councillorship candidates for the local government elections in the state. The election is scheduled to take place on Saturday despite a court ruling against it. Justice Simon Amobeda’s ruling came after a case filed by Engineer Muhammad Babayo and a faction of the NNPP against the party’s leadership. The court ordered the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) to accept a new list of candidates submitted by the recognized State Chairman, Dalhatu Shehu Usman. The judge also barred security agencies from providing protection at polling units if the election proceeds without the updated candidate list. The case listed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), KANSIEC, the Inspector General of Police, and the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) as the defendants. “The defendant is hereby restrained from releasing the voters register for the 2nd Defendant to conduct the proposed election on 26th October 2024,” the judge declared. The judge added, “The 2nd Defendant is hereby directed to accept as genuine and subsisting the list of NNPP candidates submitted to it by the recognized State Chairman, Dalhatu Shehu Usman,” the judge ruled, adding that “any other list submitted for the 2024 Local Government Election in Kano State should be rejected.” “That the 3rd and 4th Defendants are forthwith restrained from providing security and protection to the scene of the Election plans to take place on the 26th October, 2024,” the court ruled.
ABUJA COURT REJECTS RIVERS BID TO STAY SUIT ON FUND ALLOCATION TO LGS
ABUJA COURT REJECTS RIVERS BID TO STAY SUIT ON FUND ALLOCATION TO LG The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, has rejected the Rivers State Government’s request to stay proceedings in a suit aimed at stopping fund allocations to local government areas in the state. According to Channels Television, the court deemed the government’s request frivolous. The legal action was initiated by the Rivers State House of Assembly and Hon. Martin Amaewhule, who brought the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) into the case, seeking a cessation of funds to local governments. The Rivers State Government opposed the hearing in Abuja but was denied by the court. Following this, the state government filed an appeal to the Court of Appeal, seeking to halt proceedings in the Federal High Court until the appeal is resolved. However, Justice Abdulmalik dismissed this motion, labeling it as unmeritorious and mischievous. The court has insisted on continuing with the case, emphasizing its commitment to hearing the suit despite the state government’s objections. The outcome of this legal battle could significantly impact the financial operations of local governments in Rivers State, as the court moves forward with proceedings.