ATIKU, OBI PLAY DOWN 2027 AMBITION, SAY WE’RE FRIENDS
ATIKU, OBI PLAY DOWN 2027 AMBITION, SAY WE’RE FRIENDS The 2023 presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar and his counterpart from the Labour Party, LP, Peter Obi have dismissed planning for the 2027 presidential election. Atiku and Obi made the remark against the backdrop of their breakfast meeting in Yola, the Adamawa State Capital. A video had emerged of both men seated together at a dining table, ready to have their meal. However, Atiku’s spokesman, Paul Ibe said the meeting was a reunion of two old friends. Speaking with journalists about Saturday’s meeting, Ibe said: “Let us not jump the gun. The fact is that Obi accepted to be the keynote speaker at the 20th anniversary of AUN and the 16th Founder’s Day, which was a milestone. Obi is part of that celebration. “The university was founded by Atiku Abubakar, who was more like his host. But people think it is because of politics. We all know our friends. The truth is that politics cannot separate friends. “So Atiku invited him to breakfast and from there, they went for the programme. I think that is what happened.” On his part, Obi’s media aide, Ibrahim Umar, said the meeting had no political undertone. “There was nothing like that. They just invited him (Obi) to deliver a speech there. It has nothing to do with politics. Of course, you know people will always assume things” he said.
REACTIONS TRAIL SEYI TINUBU’S ENDORSEMENT AS LAGOS GOVERNOR FOR 2027
A few days ago, several groups mounted campaigns, endorsing Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu to become the next governor of Lagos State. DAILY POST reports that it started with the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders, CONYL, which in a statement in Owerri, Imo State, endorsed the President’s son for the Lagos governorship seat in 2027. According to the Coalition, Seyi Tinubu had on several occasions proven through his philanthropic gestures that he is a man who is selfless in all senses of the word. “When there was flooding in Borno State, Mr Seyi and his team were there to sympathize and show support to those Nigerians whose property, homes and means of livelihood were destroyed by the flood. “He gave a lot of gift items, food, home utensils, drugs and money to the affected persons during that period when the sad event took place,” the coalition said. Also, the Lagos branch of the Middle Belt Youths joined the call in a press conference, with the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the Middle Belt Forum, Dr Stanley Augustine Kavwam, as well as the group’s National Youth Leader, Capt. Brent Kane, urging Seyi to step up in 2027, describing him as the leader Lagos In the same vein, a socio-political organisation, Friends of Seyi Tinubu, FOST, endorsed Seyi Tinubu for the 2027 contest. Describing him as a visionary leader with a rare blend of intellect, empathy, and strategic acumen, the group said Seyi Tinubu is the quintessential choice to drive Lagos state into a future defined by prosperity and innovation. A statement by its president, Comr. Adejorin Tai Manuel, said Seyi Tinubu’s philanthropic contributions, leadership acumen, and commitment to societal progress is evidence of his readiness to serve as governor. The development has been drawing reactions from different stakeholders. First to quickly react was a prominent member of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Joe Igbokwe, who voiced his opposition in a Facebook post, describing the endorsements as a ploy to undermine President Tinubu. “Who are these faceless people pushing Seyi Tinubu for Lagos governor? This is a needless distraction. To pull PBAT down is their target. Ruling Lagos is not the job of boys,” Igbokwe wrote. Similarly, a youth group under the aegis of the Coalition of Lagos Indigenous Youths rejected the endorsement, saying there was no vacancy for a non-indigene to occupy the Alausa Government House. “Our attention has been drawn to the recent endorsement of Seyi Tinubu for Lagos governor by a group known as Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders, CONYL, and the group is described as the umbrella body of all the youth groups drawn across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. “The said Coalition sat in Owerri, Imo State and publicly issued the statement of endorsement. “While we know Mr Seyi Tinubu has his democratic rights as a Nigerian, we condemn the ill-fated endorsement and describe it as anti-democracy and a deliberate move by some faceless individuals to deny indigenes of Lagos State the right to govern themselves in 2027. “It is no longer news that since 1999, no true blood indigene of Lagos State has taken over the mantle of leadership in the State (except one), the marginalization which underscores the essence of democracy and an outright denial of the indigenes of Lagos State the right to govern themselves. “We know as a fact that there will soon be vacancy in Osun State where Mr Seyi Tinubu can best exercise his democratic rights unhindered. “And if the people of Owerri in Imo are also interested in benefiting from the experience Mr Seyi Tinubu has acquired in recent times, they can push him to succeed Governor Uzodinma. “As for us there is no vacancy for non-indigenes in…
WHY NIGERIA NEEDS TAX REFORM, BY OYEDELE
Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Mr Taiwo Oyedele was at the House of Representatives to brief federal lawmakers on the need to pass the bills on tax reforms arguing that majority of Nigerians stand to gain from the proposed new system of tax administration. Mr President set up the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee in August, 2023 with three very clear mandates. The first one is on fiscal governance. For this committee to look at our nation’s finances, revenue, how we spend our money, our borrowing, the terms of those borrowing, and how we coordinate policies amongst fiscal, monetary, and trade, not only at the federal government level alone, but also across sub-nationals so that one level of government is not pulling to the right and another one is pulling to the left, bearing in mind that at the end of the day, governance at all levels is about our people. The second mandate is revenue transformation. How do we change the narrative for our country? And that includes taxation. That includes government assets. That includes government-owned enterprises. We want NFPs to give us tens of billions of dollars in profit, dividend every year, as well as natural resources, oil and gas, and solid minerals. The last mandate is economic growth and competitiveness. We are given the mandate to look very closely at why is it that our businesses are struggling? Why is it that Nigeria today does not have like 50 multinational companies that are headquartered in Nigeria? That even when you are not selling crude oil, they are bringing money back home. We have a company in the world today, one of the largest companies, that their turnover alone is more than Nigeria’s GDP multiplied by two. That’s one company. So why is it difficult for our small businesses to survive beyond five years? Why are they not growing? So those issues, why is it difficult for exporters to export? We spoke to people exporting and they said they have to go through more than 22 permits, approvals, clearance. That takes about two months and they have to pay for every single one of that. By the time you are done, if you are lucky, your product is still fit for export. In putting the committee together, we’re very, very deliberate in ensuring that the committee is representative. We have over 80 members of eminent, qualified, experienced and patriotic Nigerians from all the geopolitical zones. We have good representation of women and youths. We had 45 undergraduates from 22 universities across Nigeria working with us at the secretariat and they attend our meetings because we also want to get the views of the young people. We have over 20 government institutions represented. Level of consultation We have the organised private sector represented including trade associations, manufacturers, chambers of commerce, small businesses, professional bodies, large and small accounting firms and the civil society. In doing our work, we were very clear that it has to be national interest first, national interest next, national interest at all times. We said to ourselves that if we have a Nigeria that is working, everybody will find a space within a Nigeria that is working. We were very, very particular about using data. Every single recommendation we have in those four views are driven by data. There was nothing we’re recommending that is emotional. When we have meetings with our stakeholders, we say to them, give us data because it’s by using data that we can look back many years from now and say we did the best for our country. We also ensure that we have a clear philosophy for our tax system, which is that our…
Dons Eze
- Foreign Affairs
- November 29, 2024
- 55 views
TINUBU ASSURES OKONJO-IWEALA OF NIGERIA’S SUPPORT ON REAPPOINTMENT AS WTO DIRECTOR GENERAL
TINUBU ASSURES OKONJO-IWEALA OF NIGERIA’S SUPPORT ON REAPPOINTMENT AS WTO DIRECTOR GENERAL President Bola Tinubu has assured the reappointed Director General of the World Trade Organization, WTO, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala of Nigeria’s continued support. Tinubu gave the assurance while congratulating Okonjo-Iweala on her unanimous re-election as WTO DG. Okonjo-Iweala made history in 2021 as the first African and first woman to lead the 164-nation-member WTO. Her first term as the seventh Director-General of the WTO will expire on August 31, 2025, while her second term begins on September 1. Tinubu said Okonjo-Iweala’s unanimous appointment for a second four-year term demonstrates the trust and confidence the international community places in her leadership. He disclosed this in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Bayo Onanuga. The statement reads: “President Bola Tinubu congratulates Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, former Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, on her unanimous re-election today as the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). “The renowned development economist and global finance expert made history in 2021 as the first African and first woman to lead the 164-nation-member WTO. “Her first term as the seventh Director-General of the WTO will expire on August 31, 2025, while the second term begins September 1. “The Nigerian leader notes with delight that Dr Okonjo-Iweala’s unanimous appointment for a second four-year term demonstrates the trust and confidence the international community places in her leadership to advance multilateral trade for sustainable global development. “President Tinubu is confident that her continued leadership will strengthen the international economic organisation’s role as a critical pillar of inclusive global economic growth and good governance in the next four years. “As a committed member of the WTO, ECOWAS, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Nigeria will continue to support the WTO’s mission to foster a fair, inclusive, and equitable multilateral trading system. “President Tinubu assures Okonjo-Iweala of Nigeria’s steadfast support as she consolidates her bold reforms, dedication to equitable global trade practices, and tireless efforts to promote international cooperation.”
TAX REFORM BILLS PASS SECOND READING IN SENATE AS HOUSE OF REPS GOES INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION
TAX REFORM BILLS PASS SECOND READING IN SENATE AS HOUSE OF REPS GOES INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION The Senate on Thursday passed for second reading the four controversial tax reform bills transmitted to it by President Bola Ahned Tinubu.This followed a lead debate on the bills presented by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) and debated by senators during plenary.Recall that some top officials in Tinubu’s government yesterday appeared before the Senate where they made detailed presentations on the bills.Northern governors, traditional rulers, and Northern Elders Forum had earlier rejected the bills, saying the proposed bills were not in the interest of the nation.The Senate leadership on Wednesday resisted the opposition mounted by Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno) and Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi) against allowing top officials of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government to defend the tax reform bills.Before the government officials were given access to the chamber for their presentation, the Senate descended into a heated session.The commotion began when the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti), moved to suspend Order 12 to allow the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy & Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, the Director-General of the Budget Office, Tanimu Yakubu, and the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, to address the chamber on the bills.Bamidele argued that the officials were experts in the field, and the motion was seconded by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, who instructed the Sergeant-at-Arms to allow the visitors in.However, some senators opposed the motion, saying it was improper to allow such presentations during plenary.The deliberation on the tax reform bills took some senators by surprise as it was not listed as part of the agenda for the day on the Order Paper.Senator Ningi suggested that the matter should be referred to the Senate’s finance or appropriations committee for further discussions.He argued that the rules only permit former presidents, former Speakers of the House of Representatives, and ex-senators to speak in the chambers.Similarly, Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) opposed the move, citing the Senate Rules which prohibit visitors from addressing the chamber on matters not included on the Order Paper.Meanwhile, the House of Representatives on Thursday went into a marathon executive session ahead of official commencement of the business of the day.Our correspondent learnt that the executive session may not be unconnected with the Tax Reform Bills which have continued to generate push back from stakeholders from the North.After executive session, rhe Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, said consultations on the tax reform bills would still continue.He said this after the lawmakers emerged from a marathon executive session that lasted almost two hours to deliberate on the tax reform bills.Kalu who chaired the executive session said, consultations and discussions would continue on the tax reform bills until Tuesday when some resource persons are expected to come and brief the House at a special session.According to Kalu, members had robust discussions on the bills during the executive session.The deputy speaker urged his colleagues to continue to consult their constituents on the bills through the weekend.
HOW POLICE KILLED 24 #ENDBADGOVERNANCE PROTESTERS, DETAINED OVER 1200 OTHERS, INCLUDING MINORS – AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
HOW POLICE KILLED 24 ENDBADGOVERNANCE PROTESTERS, DETAINED OVER 1200 OTHERS INCLUDING MINORS, The Amnesty International, global human rights advocacy organisation, has said that the Nigeria police force used excessive force against protesters during the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests between August 1-10, 2024, and killed at least 24 protesters in Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa and Niger states. Amnesty International said this in a report titled “Bloody August: Nigerian Government’s Violent Crackdown on #Endbadgovernance Protests”, published on Thursday. The global human rights organisation which said it documented the violent crackdown on peaceful protests against rampant corruption and economic hardship in Nigeria noted that those killed during the protests included 20 young people, an older person and two children. “In all cases, the victims were shot by the police, firing live ammunition at close range often at the head or torso, suggesting that officers were shooting to kill. Two survivors suffered injuries after being shot by police in the arm and legs, others were suffocated by the indiscriminate use of tear gas,” Amnesty International stated. The Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, said, “People in Nigeria witnessed unbelievable lawlessness as security personnel fired live ammunition at protesters. “The death toll could be higher than 24 because of the authorities’ apparent desperate efforts to cover up the atrocities. Peaceful protest over government policies is now a matter of life and death in Nigeria. “The Nigerian authorities must hold the police and other security agencies to account for unleashing deadly force on people who did not constitute an imminent threat to lives. “It is shocking that police have engaged in flagrant denials of wrongdoing despite public evidence to the contrary, and this speaks to their utter disregard for the sanctity of human lives. “President Bola Tinubu and his government must conduct prompt, thorough, independent, impartial, transparent and effective investigations into the allegations of human rights violations during the #Endbadgovernance protests, and ensure that those suspected to be responsible are identified and brought to justice in fair trials. Nigerian authorities must ensure access to justice and effective remedies for victims and their families.” According to Amnesty International Nigeria, in Kano State, 12 peaceful protesters were killed at Rijiyar Lemo and Kofar Nasarawa. In Jigawa State, three protesters were killed at Hadejia, while one person was killed at Kofar Sauri, Katsina state. In Kaduna state, a minor was killed by a Nigerian soldier in Zaria while police killed one person in Kaduna. In Maiduguri, three people were killed at A.A. Kime Filling Station at Bolori Junction, and in Niger state, at least, three people were killed along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway. Amnesty International said that between 12-17 August 2024, it carried out field research in Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa states. “Evidence gathered includes videos and photographs, as well as accounts from eyewitnesses, medical workers and victims’ relatives, friends, and acquaintances on the ground. “Eyewitnesses told Amnesty International in Kano, Dutse, Katsina, and Minna that the protests were largely peaceful when they began in the morning of 1 August, but the mood abruptly changed when police attacked the protesters by firing live ammunition and tear gas. “The excessive use of force by the police against protesters contravenes international human rights standards, including the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials. “Those who expressed support for the protests on social media were attacked and many were arbitrarily arrested either by the police or the Department of State Services (DSS),” the organization said. Amnesty International said that one Khalid Aminu was arrested by the DSS operatives in Kaduna during the protest. Aminu was quoted as saying, “I was tortured for over 60 days and the torture started right from the point of arrest. The DSS operatives…
TAX REFORM BILLS: NIGERIANS EARNING BELOW N1M EXEMPTED
TAX REFORM BILLS: NIGERIANS EARNING BELOW ₦1M ANNUALLY EXEMPTED FROM INCOME TAX Barring last-minute changes, the Senate will pass the controversial Tax Reform Bills today, exempting those earning below N1 million per annum from the tax net. Vanguard gathered that most lawmakers who were initially opposed to the bills have changed their position following clarifications given by the Federal Government’s tax executives including the Director-General, Budget Office, Tanimu Yakubu; the Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, Zacch Adedeji; and the Chairman, Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Mr Taiwo Oyedele. The tax executives, who appeared before the legislators, yesterday said among others that the bills were to tax prosperity and not poverty and that those earning less than One Million Naira a year would be exempted from income tax. They also said sharing of Value Added Tax, VAT, which favours states like Lagos, will be reviewed and made more equitable Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North) said when he presided over yesterday’s plenary session that debate on the tax bills will continue today. Vanguard gathered that the bill will be listed as first reading, followed by an executive session by the Senators, and then expeditiously moved to second reading and passage.Recall that prior to the rushed break, the Senate had on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, listed the tax reform bills in the Order Paper for first reading, but stood it down along with other items for the screening and confirmation of Amb. Bianca Odinaka Odumegu-Ojukwu and six others as ministers- designate appointed by President Bola Tinubu. The tax reform bills were however not listed in the Order Paper the following day (Thursday, October 31, 2024) for any legislative action before the legislators embarked on a three-week recess. Anger, disquiet Earlier yesterday, anger and shouting matches enveloped the plenary midway as the controversial Tax Reform Bill suddenly came up for debate as it was not before the commencement of plenary stated as one of the items for business of the day.The session witnessed an intense confrontation as tempers rose over the sudden introduction of the Tax Reform Bill, a move that sparked a shouting match among lawmakers.Trouble started when the Senate leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) came up with a point of order after senators had finished with six items on presentation of bills for first reading and consideration of bills where two debated bills scaled second reading and were referred to relevant committees for further consideration. Bamidele cited Order 12(1) of the Senate Standing Order as amended to allow the Senate bring in knowledgeable and tax experts into the hallowed chamber to explain to them the tax reform bills that have been introduced by President Tinubu that are presently before the parliament. According to the Senate leader, the section was to allow the Director-General, Budget Office, Tanimu Yakubu; Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, Zacch Adedeji; and Chairman, Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, speak to the lawmakers. The Senate Leader’s submission was corroborated by Senator Jibrin Barau, who approved that the visitors be allowed into the Chamber by the Sergeant-At-Arms. Ningi, Ndume kick However, in a swift reaction, former Deputy Senate leader, Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central), raised objections, citing Order 12 of the Senate Standing Rules.Ningi said there was no provision that allows non-Senators to enter the chamber while in session, as the order excluded categories of government officials being invited to enter the chamber for any form of presentation.Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, who presided, ruled Ningi out of order, stating that the experts were invited to allow for open discussion on the matter. As soon as Ningi took his seat, another…
WIKE, FUBARA ACCUMULATE HUGE DEBTS FOR RIVERS GOVT
WIKE, FUBARA ACCUMULATE HUGE DEBTS FOR RIVERS GOVT The Rivers State government under the administration of former Governor Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the incumbent Governor Siminalayi Fubara, accumulated debts from N5,225,575,493.20 to N213,902,344,833.33 within a period of 12 months. The 2023 audit report of the state revealed that the state entered 2023 with an opening debt balance of N5,225,575,493.20 in Zenith Bank but in 12 months, which is the period of a year ending on December 31, 2023, the state borrowed a total sum of N213,902,344,833.33, all from Zenith Bank. The audit report further revealed that at the end of the year 2023 ending on December 31, the total debt of the state stood at N342billion. The audit report also stated that as of the end of the year 2023, the state government had paid back N59billion of the total debt stock. President Bola Tinubu-led Nigerian government a few days ago planned to halt the October monthly FAAC revenue payment to Rivers State, citing a court order as the reason. The development came amid an ongoing dispute between Governor Fubara and Wike. The FAAC typically disburses revenue to the three tiers of government, including states, local governments, and the federal government. According to Bawa Mokwa, the spokesperson for the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, the decision to stop the payment is in respect of the court order, which bars the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian government from disbursing monthly allocations to the Rivers State government. The court order was obtained by the factional Rivers State Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule, who had filed an originating summons against the Rivers State Executive, under the leadership of Simi Fubara. The Amaewhule faction had alleged that the Rivers State Executive was yet to comply with the order of a Federal High Court directing it to re-present the 2024 appropriation bill to the faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Mokwa, who spoke last Friday, emphasised that the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) would respect the court order, following due diligence until a contrary order is issued. However, on Saturday, SaharaReporters reported that the Nigerian government backtracked, saying it has not halted the disbursement of funds to Rivers State, as the allocation process is continuing. In an interview, Mokwa had said that the disbursement of October allocations to states and local governments by the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) is still in progress. Mokwa had further explained that Rivers State would continue to benefit from the funds due to a subsisting appeal and a stay of execution order.
- Foreign Affairs
- November 28, 2024
- 171 views
FINISH COURT FIXES MAY 2025 DATE AS SIMON EKPA’S TRIAL
Pro-Biafran agitator, Simon Ekpa, who was arrested in Finland for alleged terrorism-related activities, is scheduled to face charges in May 2025 potentially, according to Finnish authorities. A Senior Detective Superintendent at Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation, Mikko Laaksonen, confirmed to The PUNCH via email on Tuesday that the district court had set May 2025 as the deadline for prosecutors to present possible charges against Ekpa. The Finnish government had last week announced the arrest of Ekpa alongside four others on suspicion of terror-related activities, including incitement to violence and terrorism financing. Finnish police confirmed that Ekpa, described as the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, allegedly used social media to promote violence in the South-East region, targeting civilians and authorities. According to local publication Yle, Ekpa was remanded in custody by the Päijät-Häme District Court on charges of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent. The publication reported that the Finnish Central Criminal Police confirmed the arrests in a statement last Thursday, noting that the other suspects were apprehended for allegedly financing terrorist activities. Giving an update on the case in response to The PUNCH enquiries, detective Laaksonen noted that the investigation was ongoing, and no further details could be disclosed. Asked when Ekpa’s case would come up in court, he replied, “Due to the ongoing investigation, no further details can be disclosed. “The date for bringing up possible charges by the prosecution was set by the district court to May 2025.” He noted that Ekpa and the Finnish authorities may request a re-evaluation after two weeks. “In a basic situation regarding the remand, the next possible hearing can be held no earlier than two weeks from the previous hearing, should the parties in question seek for the matter to be re-evaluated by the district court,” Laaksonen explained. The case has drawn significant international attention, with Finnish authorities confirming that cross-border cooperation is integral to the investigation. However, officials have refrained from providing further information about the nature or extent of the international collaboration. “International cooperation is part of the investigation due to the nature of the case but no further comments can be given on the subject at this point,” the NBI stated. Ekpa gained notoriety for his calls to boycott Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, which led to violent enforcement measures and attacks on residents. He was first arrested in February 2023 for inciting violence and issuing sit-at-home orders to Igbos and other South-East residents. The suspect’s activities prompted global petitions from Nigerians urging the Finnish and Nigerian governments, as well as the European Union, to take action. In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria, Leena Pylvanainen, to demand Finland’s cooperation in addressing the threats posed by Ekpa. Last Thursday, the District Court of Päijät-Häme, Finland, ordered that Ekpa be imprisoned “with probable cause on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.” Ekpa, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian origin, was accused of inciting crimes with terrorist intent, while the other suspects face charges of financing terrorism. As a prominent figure in the separatist Indigenous People of Biafra, he has championed a controversial call for an independent Biafran state. His rhetoric escalated in recent years, with explicit endorsements of violence and disruptions to Nigerian elections. Finnish authorities have linked Ekpa to coordinated attacks targeting civilians and the security forces, with investigations tracing some of these activities back to 2021. His use of social media as a platform for incitement and fundraising is a central element of the case. The sit-at-home orders enforced by the ESN had caused devastating economic consequences in the South-East. According to reports, the region has lost over ₦4trn in two years due to these activities…
NORTH MUST NOT TEAR NIGERIA APART – GOWON
NORTH MUST NOT TEAR NIGERIA APART – GOWON Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (Retd), has warned that following early agitation for power to return to the northern part of the country, the region must not tear the country apart. Gowon therefore urged northern elites to champion causes that serve the collective interest of Nigeria rather than narrow regional concerns. The former Head of State made the warning on Wednesday while hosting a delegation from the Senator Ibrahim Shekarau-led League of Northern Democrats (LND) at the Yakubu Gowon Centre in Abuja. The LND like other emerging groups in the north was formed to mobilise northerners for the 2027 general elections specifically the presidential election to snatch power. Barely a year after President Bola Tinubu took over as president, northerners began agitation for power to return to the North citing marginalisation. This was even after Muhammadu Buhari did eight years leaving Nigeria in a deplorable state in 2023. In essence, northerners are expected to allow for eight years of leadership from the South, with Gowon emphasising that much when he said the North should strive to foster unity and collaboration across Nigeria’s diverse regions instead of narrow regional interest. Recall former presidential spokesman, Doyin Okupe in an exclusive interview with THE WHISTLER had also said the unwritten agreement among governing elites was that “after eight years, power must return to another region.” He dismissed northern agitation, stating that “Tinubu or the south must have another four years before power returns to the north.” Corollary, Gowon pointedly advised, “The north must ensure that its actions are in the best interest of Nigeria. “My support for the creation of states was driven by the need to address fears of domination and to promote unity among all regions of the country,” the elder statesman said. He reflected on his time as Head of State, noting the challenges of maintaining national unity amid regional tensions and secession threats during his administration. “At that time, the fear of disintegration was palpable across all regions. My decision to advocate for state creation was to mitigate these fears and ensure a balanced federation.” The elder statesman also explained his deliberate choice to remain neutral in politics, focusing instead on national service. “My allegiance has always been to Nigeria. I believe in putting the country first and avoiding the distractions of partisan politics. Differences in opinion should never hinder us from working together for the nation’s good.” Gowon highlighted Nigeria’s diversity as a strength and called on citizens to prioritize unity and collective development. Gowon expressed concern over the current challenges facing northern Nigeria, including insecurity, disunity, and social issues like poverty and drug addiction. “The activities of groups such as the Lukurawa from Mali have only compounded our problems. However, I am encouraged by your efforts to address these issues and promote unity in the north and across Nigeria.” Speaking, Chairman of the League of Northern Democrats, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, described Gowon as a symbol of unity and resilience. He commended the retired general for his leadership during Nigeria’s most challenging periods and his continued commitment to the nation. Shekarau explained that the LND was established to address critical challenges facing the north and to reposition it as a leader in political, economic, and cultural spheres within Nigeria. “LND is not a political party but a platform for patriots to find collaborative solutions to the issues of disunity, poverty, insecurity, and societal value erosion.” In his closing remarks, Gowon encouraged the LND and other groups to pursue initiatives that promote national unity and development. “Whatever you do, prioritize the collective good of Nigeria. Collaboration among states is essential, but it should never undermine the nation’s unity. Your efforts give me…