Dons Eze
- Foreign Affairs
- December 28, 2024
- 35 views
FG DENIES ANY PLAN FOR FRENCH MILITARY BASE IN NIGERIA
FG DENIES ANY PLAN FOR FRENCH MILITARY BASE IN NIGERIA The Nigerian government has refuted allegations made by General Abdourahamane Tiani, the head of state in Niger Republic, claiming that Nigeria is collaborating with France to establish a military base in its northern region to monitor Niger, Chad, and other neighbouring countries.Speaking during an interview with BBC Hausa, the National Security Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, Nuhu Ribadu, dismissed the accusations as baseless and untrue.“Nigeria has never had any agenda to permit foreign countries to come into our territory and set up military bases,” Ribadu stated.Ribadu said the revelation made by Tiani came as a shock and surprise to them.He clarified that Nigeria remains committed to fostering peaceful relations with Niger and would not support or engage in any actions that could destabilize the region.In the five-minute interview, Ribadu reiterated Nigeria’s dedication to regional stability and cooperation.He urged for a focus on constructive dialogue rather than unfounded accusations.The claims by General Tiani come amid heightened security tensions, with accusations that France is planning to establish a terrorist operational centre in Gaba, a forested area in Sokoto State, Nigeria, following the recent coup in Niger.Nigeria has played a central role in efforts by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to resolve the crisis peacefully.Ribadu said, “Nigeria has no issues with instability or unrest with our neighbouring countries. We coexist peacefully with Cameroon, Chad, and Benin Republic. How, then, can someone claim we are having problems with the Niger Republic?When asked about General Tiani’s allegation that France is financing the Nigerian government to establish a military base in the North for a potential invasion of Niger at will, Ribadu reiterated that such claims are unfounded and lack credibility.Ribadu said, “Where did this come from? How could anyone claim that Nigeria would allow a foreign country to establish a military base here to cause havoc or instability for the people of Niger?“Where would this happen? Nigeria has never had any agenda to permit foreign countries to come into our territory and set up military bases.”“The British, who colonised Nigeria, have never attempted to bring their military into the country to establish a base,” he added.“America has tried their best to establish a military base in Nigeria, but the Nigerian government declined their request. After our refusal, they went to Niger, and the Nigerien government accepted their proposal. However, the Nigerien government later realised their mistake and expelled them.”He continued, “France, on the other hand, ensures that they establish military bases in almost all the countries they colonised. But Nigeria has never agreed to such arrangements with them to establish a military base in our country.“We never agreed with them to launch anything, even for a day, let alone something that would disrupt peace or cause havoc in Niger. Where would this occur? However, we would never do such a thing.”“But now, if Niger’s military is fighting with France, they cannot force us to join their fight. Nigeria is not at war with any country, and we have never fought any country in the world. Nigeria will never engage in warfare, and we will never allow any external forces to disrupt the peace and harmony of neighbouring countries,” Ribadu said.Ribadu stated that the Niger junta leader mentioned some places in Nigeria, indicating a deep knowledge of the country.He named specific locations, and we are calling on journalists and residents of those communities to investigate for Allah’s sake.“Please verify if there are any foreign visitors in these areas, let alone connections to France,” he said.“We want to assure the people of Niger that the Nigerian government will never allow any harm to come to them.“We have been combating terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, IPOB, and militants in the…
APC LEADERS COMPLAIN AS TINUBU IGNORES PARTY’S LEADERSHIP DURING POLICY FORMULATIONS
APC LEADERS COMPLAIN AS TINUBU IGNORES PARTY’S LEADERSHIP DURING POLICY FORMULATIONS A growing rift is developing within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as party leaders express frustration over President Bola Tinubu’s apparent disregard for the party’s leadership during key policy decisions. Despite controlling a majority in the National Assembly, the government has faced difficulties pushing through critical bills, with stakeholders pointing to the lack of collaboration between the presidency and the party. Critics argue that if President Tinubu had better engaged the party’s leadership on major reforms, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira, the backlash and confusion could have been mitigated. The Guardian reports that key decisions continue to be made within Aso Rock, with little input from the APC’s organizational structures, such as the National Executive Council (NEC) and the National Advisory Council (NAC). The President has come under fire for not convening necessary meetings to address the party’s internal issues, including the delayed mid-term convention and unpaid salaries. Meanwhile, the delay in passing the Tax Reform Bills, despite APC’s dominance in the National Assembly, further exposes the tension between the presidency and the party’s leadership. Though some party members defend Tinubu’s approach, others believe that the absence of key party structures, particularly the NAC, is contributing to disunity and confusion within the ranks. Critics, including former APC members, argue that the party is losing its progressive vision and risks becoming a shadow of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
- Foreign Affairs
- December 27, 2024
- 137 views
TINUBU GOVT IS DESTABILIZING OUR COUNTRY – NIGER REPUBLIC LEADER CRIES
TINUBU GOVT IS DESTABILIZING OUR COUNTRY – NIGER REPUBLIC LEADER CRIES Nigerien military leader General Abdourahamane Tchiani has raised fresh allegations against the Federal Government of Nigeria. But the Nigerian government has countered the claims, saying they were nothing but tissues of lies. The recent development has further strained the delicate relationship between Nigeria and its closest neighbour, Niger, and by extension, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Tchiani, in an interview with Radio-Télévision du Niger, the country’s state media, on Wednesday night, accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of conniving with France to destabilise Niger Republic. But the Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the allegations as baseless. Earlier last Friday, the Nigerien authorities had alleged that the Lakurawa terrorist group, with the help of foreign security forces, including Nigeria’s, were responsible for the attack on the Niger-Benin oil pipeline on December 13, 2024 in Gaya, Dosso Region of Niger Republic. But the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had debunked the allegation and assured that Nigeria would continue to explore peaceful means to maintain its cordial relationship with Niger for the benefit of the people of both nations. Nigeria and other members of the ECOWAS had imposed sanctions on Niger and mulled a military action to restore constitutional order in the country following the overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023. New claims Tchiani, in his fresh allegations, some of them so grievous to be mentioned, said France promised to give Tinubu a certain amount of money in exchange for him ceding an area in Borno State for French military deployment. He said: “President Tinubu should come out and tell Nigerians how much he collected from France. If he refuses to do so, there will be a day of reckoning. Allah is watching. “ECOWAS has been out of control. It has merely become a puppet of the French authorities. France dictates to it as it pleases. This is because the leaders of ECOWAS countries are power-hungry people. “From the Nigerian president to those of Benin, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire — they all go to France whenever elections are around. They go and bow before Macron to ask for funds to contest again. Do you have the temerity to say no to the person who gave you money?” Tchiani also alleged that French military personnel were present on an island known as Kurnawa, as well as in places like Tangarwa and Dogon Chuku. “We repatriated two French officials who had relocated to Nigeria. They were warmly accepted by Nigeria. They provide training to terrorists,” he alleged in the widely circulated videos. He also alleged that France designated an area as ‘Canada’, recruited many Nigerians and enlisted them with the tacit knowledge of Nigerian authorities. Tchiani accused France of arming Boko Haram fighters in the Lake Chad region with anti-aircraft weapons in order to combat Chadian forces. He alleged that when France realised that Chadian forces were using airstrikes against Boko Haram, they armed the sect members with ground-to-air weapons so that they could bring down Chadian military aircrafts. “The weapons were delivered on October 16. France has a base in Lake Chad. The reports we gathered from high-profile terrorists in our detention facilities revealed a sinister plan. “And by the way, Nigerian authorities are not unaware of this underhanded move. It is near a forest close to Sokoto where they wanted to establish a terrorist stronghold known as Lakurawa.He also mentioned names of some high profile government officials, including those not government. Daily Trust could not reach out to them for their side of the story. The Nigerien leader said: “We explained the French’s sinister tactics to him (a former official of Nigerian government). He promised to send…
YOU’RE POLITICAL REFUGEE, IMPOSTOR IN NNPP, APC BLASTS KWANKWASO
YOU’RE A POLITICAL REFUGEE, IMPOSTER IN NNPP – APC BLASTS KWANKWASO Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, a former presidential candidate has come under heavy attack by the All Progressives Congres, APC, which described him as a sacked NNPP imposter and a political refugee without value anywhere. Kwankwaso had boasted that he was going to make APC a non-political issue in Kano by reducing its voting parentage to less than 15, 000 votes in the next general elections in 2027. However, in a sharp response to his claims, the APC lashed out, describing Kwankwaso’s statement as laughable, coming from somebody who lost a Political Camp after being allegedly sacked from NNPP. The Chairman of the state chapter, Prince Abdullahi Abass in a statement on Thursday called on Kwankwaso to stop daydreaming and channel his energies towards reclaiming his membership in the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP. APC described Kwankwaso as a political refugee who has chosen to cling to the state Governor Abba Yusuf like a leech in a futile attempt to regain relevance in the scheme of things in the country. APC further warned Kwankwaso and his ilks that it would not allow a repeat of the vote manipulation and allocation that created the impression that the NNPP is well rooted in Kano State in the 2023 general election. “Our teeming supporters in the APC have no cause to worry about Kwankwaso who has been booted out of NNPP due to his cluelessness and self-centeredness. We expect Kwankwaso to keep wondering why he has become a wanderer in the political terrain,” APC noted. “He ran away from APC because he couldn’t fit into our progressive ideals. His over-bloated ego and domineering posture forced him to abandon the PDP and he has now become a political refugee because the NNPP refused to accommodate him.” Abbas claimed that the APC is already waiting in the wing to not only reclaim Kano State but save the people of the state from the undue influence of Kwankwaso from his Miller Road castle. Recall that Kwankwaso had made his boast while receiving some former councillors and senior special advisers, who served under Abdullahi Ganduje-led administration during a meeting at his residence in Kano, with stakeholders from Tsanyawa Local Government Area. He credited the hard work of his team during the 2023 elections, which sidelined the Peoples Democratic Party to struggle to secure only 15,000 votes in Kano. He noted that his party, the New Nigeria Peoples Party “achieved this remarkable feat despite being a new political platform coupled with the late start of its campaign. “Now, it’s our turn to diminish APC’s influence. We will work tirelessly to ensure their votes are reduced to less than 15,000 in Kano come 2027”, Kwankwaso added.
- Foreign Affairs
- December 27, 2024
- 122 views
UK: THE MAKING OF A BLACK PRIME MINISTER FROM NIGERIA
UK: THE MAKING OF A BLACK PRIME MINISTER FROM NIGERIA The United Kingdom has yet to see a Black individual serve as Prime Minister, a milestone that would signify a profound shift in the nation’s political and social landscape. The election of a Black Prime Minister would be a testament to the UK’s progress toward inclusivity and representation, reflecting the diverse society it has become. Historical Context The UK’s political history has been predominantly shaped by white male leadership. While there have been significant milestones, such as Benjamin Disraeli, who was of Jewish descent, serving as Prime Minister in the 19th century, and Rishi Sunak, of Indian heritage, becoming the first person of colour to hold the office in 2022 The absence of a Black Prime Minister highlights ongoing challenges in achieving full representation. Significance of a Black Prime Minister The Guardian “The appointment of a Black Prime Minister would symbolize the breaking of racial barriers and the acknowledgment of the contributions of Black Britons to the nation’s fabric. “It would inspire future generations, demonstrating that leadership positions are attainable regardless of racial background. Recent Developments In November 2024, Kemi Badenoch became the first Black woman to lead a major British political party, the Conservative Party Reuters ,”This achievement marks a significant step toward greater diversity in UK politics and brings the nation closer to the possibility of a Black Prime Minister. Conclusion While the UK has made strides toward inclusivity, the appointment of a Black Prime Minister remains a long-awaited milestone. Such a development would not only honour the nation’s commitment to diversity but also pave the way for a more representative and equitable society. Kemi Badenoch’s Historic Leadership of the UK Conservative Party Kemi Badenoch, a right-wing politician with no time for ‘wokism,’ is the new leader of the British Conservatives
OPPOSITION PARTIES SLAM APC AS HUNGRY NIGERIANS STORM BOURDILLON FOR PALLIATIVES
OPPOSITION PARTIES SLAM APC GOVT AS HUNGRY NIGERIANS STORM BOURDILLON FOR PALLIATIVES The opposition Labour Party; Peoples Democratic Party and others, on Thursday, lampooned the ruling All Progressives Congress over the country’s worsening poverty. The condemnation by the opposition parties followed a viral video showing long queues of Nigerians seeking foodstuffs at President Bola Tinubu’s Bourdillon residence in Lagos on Christmas Eve. Senator Ali Ndume, who shared the video on Wednesday via his official X account, said it highlighted the economic struggles facing the nation. The video showed a mammoth crowd standing or sitting down in long queues at Bourdillon Raod in Ikoyi, Lagos, where Tinubu’s house is located. Ndume, a member of the ruling APC, remarked, “Queues for presidential handouts at Bourdillon on Christmas Eve highlight a sobering reality. Poverty knows no tribe, religion, politics, or region. It is a universal challenge that demands collective action and sustainable solutions.” The development comes in the wake of tragic stampedes at food distribution events in Oyo, Anambra, and Abuja, where over 50 persons died. Reacting to the development, the Labour Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, said it was sad that the ruling APC was turning more Nigerians into beggars by the day. Ifoh challenged the APC to come out of its denial and “come to terms with the reality that there is too much poverty, hunger, and oppression in the system.” “The statistics are out there for everybody to see. In fact, not too many people even understand that it is the season of Christmas. So, don’t be surprised at the sight of people going to queue at Bourdillon. A time will come when even able-bodied men wearing suits and ties will also carry plates to beg at his residence. “Imagine having to buy a bag of rice for Christmas at N100,000. What I am saying is that it is now clear to the blind and audible to the deaf that there is hunger in the land. Even the government itself has acknowledged it. “The international community has also given out statistics to show that the poverty level in Nigeria is second to India, which has over a billion population. Nigeria has just 240 million people. But our poverty level is over 40 per cent, and there is over 70 per cent unemployment in Nigeria. So, it is no longer news.” Also, LP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, expressed concern about the deepening poverty in the country. Obi, speaking through his media aide, Umar Ibrahim, said it was sad that President Bola Tinubu’s harsh economic policies were reducing more Nigerians to beggars. “This reality is a stark contrast to what one would expect from a country with such potential and resources. The lack of effective governance is evident in the government’s failure to provide basic necessities, infrastructure, and opportunities for its citizens. It’s heartbreaking to see a nation with so much promise struggling to provide for its people,” he said. Also, the Deputy National Youth Leader of the PDP, Timothy Osadolor, accused President Tinubu’s administration of weaponizing poverty. He warned that Nigerians might get to the point of desperation where they would turn against the political elite. “I have always been of the opinion, and I seem to feel it, that this Presidency, as led by Bola Tinubu, has weaponised poverty and hunger to the point that Nigerians need to beg with a pleading hand to survive. And the man has reduced the dignity of the common man to the pauper state, where they lack basic dignity and self-sufficiency. So, people have to resort to begging. “President Tinubu’s APC administration has weaponized poverty. They unleashed hunger and hardship on Nigerians with their failed economic policies. The man has weaponised poverty and hunger to…
SPLIT IN APC DEEPENS
SPLIT IN APC DEEPENS A visit on December 11 by Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, to former Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari in his home town of Daura, has been followed, according to sources, by discreet visits by a number of other influential figures from the South West to the former President in a attempt to broker peace amid escalating rift between his camp and that of President Bola Tinubu, Business Hallmark gathered. According to close sources, Buhari, understood to have lost patience with President Tinubu over his policies perceived to be anti North, especially the controversial tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly, is said to have recently criticized government in the presence of close confidants, and consequently, urged his supporters to look in another direction in 2027. Business Hallmark also gathered that Aisha, Buhari’s wife, who was instrumental to convincing her husband to back Tinubu after he initially opposed his ambition in favour of Ahmad Lawan, former senate president, has also begun to regret backing the former Lagos governor, while allegedly resolving to work against him in 2027. The former First Lady, who struck a friendship with Remi Tinubu, the incumbent First Lady, in the lead up to the election last year, had reportedly lobbied to convince her husband to back Tinubu. And following Tinubu’s victory, he had allegedly refused to move back to Daura with her husband, expecting to get patronage from the new administration, which did not happen. “Mrs. Buhari had refused to return to Daura with her husband, preferring to stay at her palatial residence in Abuja, had expressed regrets that after her support for Tinubu, her brother, Halilu, who was promised the FCT Minister, did not get the plum job, neither has he been considered for any other position nor any of her other nominees considered for positions,” noted Jackson Ude, a U.S based journalist, who had reported the death of former Army Chief, Taoreed Lagbaja, long before the authorities confirmed his passing. “Close sources of the former First Lady told me Mrs. Buhari feel scammed that after all she was promised, she has, instead been humiliated as several overtures she recently made to see or speak with the President has been rebuffed.” Ude noted that prior to the 2023 presidential election, the Buhari Presidency was largely divided as to whom to support, with the former president not keen on backing Tinubu until few months to the elections when he was eventually convinced by his wife and some northern governors, who feared that attempting to keep power in the North could cause implosion in the APC. “After all she was promised, Mrs. Buhari is now in regrets that she has not been patronized enough to commensurate her actions that led to the Tinubu’s presidency,” Ude said. “She recently and quietly returned to Daura to be with her husband, seething in regrets, awaiting the completion of Buhari’s House in Kaduna while vowing to work against Bola Tinubu’s re-elections in 2027. “Mrs. Buhari’s position aligns with that of her husband, who has quietly and secretly criticized Tinubu’s government, urging his supporters to look another direction in 2027.” A source close to the former president confirmed to Business Hallmark that, “Things are really going south between Buhari and Tinubu.” He noted that while consultations had been ongoing for sometime, there’s been more urgency recently following Tinubu’s introduction of the four tax reform bills, some provisions of which have been opposed by many political figures in the North, including governors and senators. “The tax bills seem to the last stroke,” he said. “Tinubu has initiated some moves to broker peace, but that’s going to be the contentious topic.” Speaking further, he said, “Buhari is upset about the way Tinubu…
EDO GOVT CHALLENGES TINUBU, SUPREME COURT ON SACKING OF LG CHAIRMEN
EDO GOVERNMENT CHALLENGES TINUBU, SUPREME COURT ON SACKING OF LG CHAIRMEN The brewing constitutional crisis in Edo State took a dramatic turn on Monday, as Governor Monday Okpebholo and the Edo State House of Assembly doubled down on their suspension of all 18 local government chairmen, defying a High Court order reversing the suspension and prohibiting further interference in local council affairs. Justice Efe Ikponmwonba of the Edo High Court issued a mandatory injunction on Friday, declaring the suspension null and void and restraining the state government and other parties from meddling in local government operations until the substantive case is heard. However, state officials have flagrantly disregarded this ruling, signaling a direct challenge not only to the judiciary but also to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s hard-won victory on local government autonomy. President Tinubu, a champion of restructuring and grassroots governance, successfully secured a landmark Supreme Court judgment in July affirming the financial and administrative independence of local councils. This decision marked a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s federalism, curbing decades of overreach by state governors. Yet, the Edo State Government has chosen to openly defy the President’s signature policy, claiming that state laws supersede federal mandates. The crisis begun when Governor Okpebholo issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding local council chairmen submit their financial statements directly to him—an overreach into financial autonomy clearly defined by the Supreme Court. Following their refusal, the governor petitioned the state assembly to suspend the chairmen, citing “gross misconduct” under Section 10(1) of the Edo State Local Government Law (2000). This section, however, had already been declared unconstitutional by the Edo High Court in a separate judgment last month. Despite these legal setbacks, the Edo Assembly promptly suspended the chairmen and their deputies for two months, disregarding both judicial authority and the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government independence. The state government’s defiance has extended beyond local disputes to openly contradicting statements from the Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Lateef Fagbemi SAN. The AGF recently reaffirmed that only local councillors—not governors or state assemblies—hold the constitutional authority to suspend or remove elected local government officials. Yet Edo officials, including Barrister Emwanta of the governor’s administrative panel, dismissed these legal realities. Appearing on national television, Emwanta declared that “the Constitution has placed local governments under state control, and that remains the law,” accusing the Supreme Court of overstepping its bounds. “Financial autonomy is about giving them access; but that does not mean state governments do not have control over how they use that money. The Supreme Court cannot amend the constitution,” he insisted dismissively. Adding fuel to the fire, Kassim Afegbua, another panel member, took aim at the AGF’s authority. “Lateef Fagbemi might be the law officer of the federation, but he does not represent the constitution of the country and he does not represent other laws made validly under the provisions of the constitution by the Edo House of Assembly,” he said. The governor’s spokesperson, Fred Itua, echoed this defiance in a scathing statement aimed at the Supreme Court. “The decisions by the Edo State House of Assembly, vis-a-vis, the Governor of the State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, are entirely justified…It is essential to note that the apex Court is both a court of law and a policy court, and while it has the power to make policy decisions, it cannot exercise this power when the Constitution is clear on a matter.” Itua doubled down further, stating, “The House of Assembly has the powers to oversight the activities of the Governor, and similarly, the Governor has the right to exercise oversight over local government chairmen. The current constitutional construct recognizes a two-tier federal design. It is clearly stipulated in the Constitution.” Analysts believe that this repeated dismissal of the…
- Foreign Affairs
- December 22, 2024
- 110 views
GRANT NIGERIA TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS, SPECIAL STUDENT RELIEF BEFORE TRUMP’S INAUGURATION – COALITION TO BIDEN
GRANT NIGERIA TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS, SPECIAL STUDENT RELIEF BEFORE TRUMP’S INAUGURATION – COALITION TO BIDEN A coalition of organizations advocating for immigration relief for Nigeria has called on President Joe Biden to designate Nigeria for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Special Student Relief (SSR) before the administration’s term concludes. The organisations met in November with representatives from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the U.S. State Department, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and other federal agencies. The coalition, which includes the Nigerian Center, Nigerian American Lawyers Association, Amnesty International, and The ONE Campaign, urged the Biden administration to act on the request before President-elect Donald Trump resumes office. Trump will be sworn into office for the second time on January 20, 2025. During the engagement session, the lead of the TPS Coalition for Nigeria emphasized the urgency of the request. Gbenga Ogunjimi, Director of the Nigerian Center and lead of the TPS Coalition for Nigeria, said, “We urge the administration to grant Nigeria Special Student Relief (SSR) designation, or, if possible, Temporary Protected Status (TPS). “We request that the Biden administration extend these critical protections to Nigerian nationals and students in the U.S. before its term concludes. As the United States transitions to a new administration, we recommend prioritizing this request as a policy recommendation for the incoming administration, particularly given its stated commitment to favoring merit-based immigration. This approach is especially relevant for individuals with skills in demand in the U.S. economy.” Nigeria’s economy is currently navigating one of its most tumultuous periods, characterized by skyrocketing inflation and a sharply depreciating currency. The value of the Naira has plummeted, with the exchange rate now standing at N1,664 to the US dollar, compared to N360 per USD just five years ago in 2019. This drastic decline represents a staggering 362.2% devaluation, resulting in a significant erosion of purchasing power and posing severe challenges for the country’s economic stability. Nkechi Ilechie, Policy Director of the Nigerian Center and co-lead of the TPS Coalition for Nigeria., said, “This sharp decline has severely impacted families sending remittances to students in the U.S., rendering them unable to afford tuition, housing, and basic necessities. “These hardships are why, in April of this year, a coalition of over 50 immigrant rights, human rights, faith-based, and community organizations petitioned the Biden administration to designate Nigeria for Special Student Relief (SSR).”
NORTH IMPOVERISHED BY ITS POLITICAL LEADERS FOR OVER 40 YEARS – DOGARA
NORTH IMPOVERISHED BY ITS POLITICAL LEADERS FOR OVER 40 YEARS –DOGARA A former Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has attributed the North’s current state of backwardness to its leaders. He also urged Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu in transforming the nation through the tax reform bills currently awaiting the endorsement of the National Assembly. Dogara spoke as a guest speaker at a town hall meeting for Christian leaders in northern Nigeria. The event, themed “Church and Society: Tax Reforms and Matters Arising”, addressed issues surrounding governance and development. The former Speaker lamented that Arewa political leaders mismanaged opportunities to lead Nigeria for over 40 years, leaving the region plagued with poverty and underdevelopment. According to Dogara, northerners should resist the temptation to blame President Tinubu for the North’s current plight. He emphasised the need to unite in supporting the tax reform bills, which he said were designed to bring transformation to the North and Nigeria as a whole. “We are all northerners, and it should be made clear that President Tinubu or the South is not our problem. They have not come to cheat the North. That is out of the question. Some are claiming that Yoruba people are getting appointments, but let’s reflect. We ruled this country for over 40 years when northerners were in power. What did we achieve? The North remains the same, impoverished by our own leaders,” Dogara said. Speaking on Value Added Tax (VAT) and federal allocations received by states, Dogara asked, “We have had so much, but what did our governors do with the resources? They squandered them instead of investing in meaningful development.” He also cited the Ajaokuta Steel Industry, initiated by the Shagari administration, which was 98 per cent completed but was later allowed to deteriorate. “The project was almost finished, yet it was left to rot,” he said. Dogara urged northerners to support President Tinubu’s efforts to transform the country through the tax reform bills currently in the National Assembly. Meanwhile, the Executive Director of Christian Awareness Initiative of Nigeria (CHAIN), Reverend Joseph John Hayab, stated that the organisation was established in 2007 to provide platforms and opportunities for Christians to explore effective ways of participating in Nigeria’s national life, particularly in areas related to spiritual, social, and economic growth. Hayab urged Christian leaders to deliberate on the issue of tax reforms currently being considered by Nigeria’s legislative arm.