The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Buhari presidency: too early for post-mortems

    Buhari presidency: too early for post-mortems

    Those who assigned themselves the task of crafting post-mortems on the Muhammadu Buhari presidency are embarking on a thankless, cathartic exercise. Other than exhaling well, and perhaps regaling themselves in the robust use of phrases and insults, any post-mortem now will achieve nothing meaningful. Everything that should be said about the Buhari presidency had been said while he was in office. Anything extra will be superfluous. During the Buhari years, critics had a field day, untrammeled by constitutional constrictions and other legal conjurations. Critics were so vile and unsparing that presidential spokesman Femi Adesina coined a label for them. Unfazed, critics in turn deployed his pejorative phrases against him to maximum effect. The exchanges were hearty, full-throated and riveting. For the entire duration of the Buhari administration, everyone who had something bad to say about him, including cartoonist who drew him spectrally thin and curved with oversize caps, had the leeway to unleash deprecatory fusillades.

    What else is there to say? You may not like the former president’s sense of humour, but he was so self-deprecating that he anticipated the loathsomeness of his compatriots who might wish to trouble him. Niger Republic would defend him, he croaked. That is apart from relocating entirely to Nigeria’s northern neighbor if the bother becomes heightened. The critic may wish to point at his failed economic, social and political policies; but even these the ex-president had washed his hands of any responsibility. The failures were the responsibilities of idiot or prehensile appointees. Are you eager to point at illicit accumulations? Why, here again, the former president stole your thunder. Tee hee. As he put it elegantly, unable to mind his private business, his herd of cattle depleted considerably. And as for houses, he could not care less before he assumed the presidency, during the presidency, and after. He had only two houses in Daura and Kaduna. He had taken frugality, if not parsimoniousness, to a level never seen before. Indeed, he insinuated that public officials should learn a thing or two from him. But, alas, he is preaching to reprobates who don’t see him as capable of teaching anything.

    There are usually strong reasons for post-mortems: to find out what went wrong, how it went wrong, when it went wrong, and who was responsible. Flush with purpose, and driven by messianic duty to country and maybe, too, West Africa, eulogists gratuitously take upon themselves the dismal task of dissecting a past administration. When the First Republic failed, eulogists were summoned to concoct panegyrics on those assassinated by the January 15, 1966 coupists. Their compositions still endure till today. When Gen Yakubu Gowon reneged on his handover date and came an appalling cropper, the eulogists were also on hand. And on and on and on until ex-president Buhari’s first term, a post-mortem this columnist also assigned himself, being averse to eulogies. It is true most post-mortems are often curated as eulogies, but connoisseurs know better when and why not to mix the two. Having erred badly in composing a post-mortem on President Buhari’s first term, in the false hope it would affect the outcome of the former president’s reelection chances, this column has sensibly tiptoed around committing himself to dissecting the eight years of the Buhari administration too quickly.

    But overall, the post-mortems on the Buhari presidency have been less fierce than anticipated. Yes, there has been the occasional play on words and phrases, a few dismissive and brutal putdowns, and some swear words and puns; but beyond these, most essays have been tame and off-key. There won’t be eulogies of course; but even the post-mortems themselves will lack amperage. As the former president strutted away from the inauguration ground on May 29, he probably chuckled at how expertly he had anticipated the biliousness of his unrelenting critic. His sixth sense predicted all they might wish to say about him, and he had in some three interviews before his exit tackled their surliness with his customary disdain and abrasiveness. In any case, he summed up, no one should come and ask him questions, for he would be far away in Daura, Katsina State. And if he deigned to travel to Kaduna, not too far from Abuja, it would not be for the purpose of indulging their questioning and mortifying inquisitions.

    But here is a final proposal for aspiring eulogists of the Buhari presidency. Forget the economy in a tailspin; forget the colouring of some naira notes and the cruelty and indifference of Mr Emefiele; and forget the skewness of the former president’s appointments. Instead, recognise that his presidency demonstrated that his predecessors merely papered over Nigeria’s existential cracks while he indirectly issued an invitation to his successor to do something major about those cracks. Recognise also just how down in the doldrums the economy has plunged, thereby necessitating not the amenities of a presidential candidate skilled in delivering Chinese and Singaporean homilies, or the faculty of a presidential candidate adept at cloning Dubai and making implausible promises about rotational presidency. Whether the country knew it or not, and notwithstanding their bellicose approach to presidential politics last February, eight thunderous and unforgettable years of President Buhari instilled in Nigerians the urgency of putting someone in office who knew his onions. It is not yet understood how that miracle occurred, but at least, and despite chafing Nigerians and a meddlesome presidency, a miracle did take place on February 25. There is indeed so much to be said for the Buhari presidency rather than belching hostile, unforgiving and premature post-mortems. At least for now.   

  • African expert voices critical to addressingcontinent’s climate challenges

    African expert voices critical to addressing
    continent’s climate challenges

    • By Njenga Hakeenah

    A shortage of subject knowledge and African resource expertise is hindering in-depth climate change story coverage and telling in African newsrooms.

    These deficits, coupled with the majority of climate change discussions in African countries being driven by Western experts and organisations over the last two decades, have led to local news media outlets finding it convenient to rely on an international agency-produced copy that gives prominence to “foreign voices”.

    Festus Eriye, an editor and columnist with Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper, The Nation, notes that despite this precedence, journalists need to know that there are experts doing work on environmental and climate change issues across the continent.

    “It is for journalists to understand that local experts are just as knowledgeable about local conditions as their US or European colleagues,” he said.

    Climate change is making African countries poorer every year with data showing that the combined phenomena are shaving off 5 to 15% of African countries’ GDP annually. This calls for smart climate adaptation strategies that can reverse this trend, including African voices being actively involved in climate conversations.

    By building a platform for African voices, African countries may have a better chance of finding home-grown solutions that can help alleviate some of the climate change effects challenging African countries.

    While African countries did not contribute significantly to the current climate crisis, the anticipated future effects of climate change for Africa are dire.

    The continent is highly susceptible to the effects of climate change. In recent years, Africa has been battered by ongoing droughts, extensive flooding, and tropical cyclones, which compounded by political conflicts, economic downturns, and the COVID-19 pandemic, are seriously threatening food security, displacing people, and impairing socioeconomic development.

    Despite this reality, African voices, especially those marginalised by gender, ethnicity or geography, are often overlooked. 

    In sub-Saharan African countries, belief in the climate crisis is at its lowest according to the latest UNDP report, the ‘Peoples Climate Vote. The 2021 survey shows that only 61% of sub-Saharan African respondents considered climate change a global emergency. This is despite the fact that local climate change events are now more dominant in African media.

    While this may suggest increased recognition of the current effects of climate change in African countries, a quantitative analysis undertaken by Africa No Filter (ANF) in 2021 found that African voices on climate change are still underrepresented. Thus, climate change reporting in Africa still needs more insightful, nuanced, and wider-spread commentary.

    For journalists covering climate change stories, there is limited long-term historical climate data. Additionally, most current data can be of poor quality due to sparse and unevenly distributed weather stations.

    In an interview with Africa Renewal, a United Nations publication, Cameroonian journalist Killian Chimton Ngala noted that climate reporting in African countries often lacks context. He said that journalists reporting on flooding, for example, don’t necessarily link it to climate change since their focus is usually on the event and its impact rather than the event being part of a much bigger issue.

    While attending COP27 in Egypt last year, Ngala said that climate change doesn’t often make headlines on newspaper front pages or in television and radio news. He added that without a local perspective, climate change reporting becomes a complex concept for many, particularly the grassroots population.

    Climate change news also needs more prominence for information to move from flash reports to actionable calls to action.

    Eriye noted that to improve climate change reporting in African news organizations, news media companies should allocate more space in their publications and greater time on their radio and television stations to talk about climate change.

    He added that more funding will impact climate change reporting since it is critical in newsrooms. Currently, many newspapers are facing challenges in providing more resources for investigative reports. This is hampering how stories are packaged and told.

    Beyond the newsroom and the mass media, climate science faces its own challenges in African countries, and across the board, more African voices need to be heard.

    Managing Director & Partner at the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) in Lagos, Tolu Oyekan, says that it’s time for African leaders to have a greater voice in the climate change discussion. He added that today’s global discourse does not “adequately address the specific—and urgent—needs of countries in Africa.”

    African scientists are also underrepresented in the climate change debate with an analysis of the most influential climate scientists in 2021 revealing a lack of diversity in climate research. Only five Africans, and 122 women, among the 1000 scientists were identified.

    Experts in African organisations may be hard to contact. For African journalists pressed for time and with deadlines to beat, the ease of locating foreign experts means that foreign experts end up ranking higher than African experts in terms of visibility. Unfortunately, this has elevated voices that may not fully understand the local situation.

    This skewed representation can result in the marginalisation of local and indigenous knowledge, experiences and practices when seeking solutions for African countries struggling under the weight of ever-growing climate change effects.

  • Stalemate, as five-year-old accuses mum’s lover of defiling, infecting her

    Stalemate, as five-year-old accuses mum’s lover of defiling, infecting her

    • It’s not true, says mum He defiled me three times, victim insists

    The fate of a five-year-old girl who was defiled and infected with an STD in Shagamu, Ogun State, has again brought to the front-burner predicaments of the defenceless girl-child and why actions have to be stepped up to save the situation. Victoria Amadi, who followed the incident, report on this and other incidences

    A five-year old girl, Bolanle (not real name) had no idea her infancy and innocence had been tampered with. She is unaware of the sad situation that she had been molested until infection came knocking and her caregivers knuckled down to find out what had gone wrong in the life of a child of such age.

    Controversy has however, hovered around the case, as the perpetrator is yet to be ascertained. This is in spite of Bolanle pointing accusing finger at her mother’s lover, a cyclist identified simply as Aroba, who she alleged had canal knowledge of her on three different occasions.

    Bolanle’s parents have reportedly been apart for two years. Before the discovery, Bolanle had been under the care of her mother, Mrs. Afolashade Ajao, who resides in Shagamu, Ogun State, with her lover, Aroba, who Bolanle has accused of raping her.

    Meanwhile, the accused has denied the allegation, claiming the little girl wanted to dent his image; even adding that he had only been good to her, taking care of her like his own daughter and provided for her, hence he would do nothing to harm her.

    His words: “I have taken this child as my child. I do buy her things and take care of her education. How can I do such? She just wanted to paint me black to the whole world.”

    Father reacts

    Bolanle’s father, Mr. Ayomide (not real name) in a telephone conversation with The Nation, said his ex-wife called him to pick their child up after she noticed some discharge, coming out of her private part.

    He added that Bolanle had on different occasions told her grandmother that her mother’s lover, Aroba, was having canal knowledge of her. He also added that his ex-wife was trying to defend her lover, Aroba, rather than look after the well-being of their child.

    “My daughter said there’s a man called Aroba. He is befriending her mother. The man used to come to the house. I and her mother are separated. The girl is five years old. On 28th of July, she would be six.

    “This incident happened December last year. Her mother called me last December to come and pick our daughter, to spend Christmas at my house. She said that Bolanle would be staying with me henceforth. When I got to her place, she told me the child had infection. I was wondering how a child of that age would have infection. I took the child to my mother and gave her money to get native herb for her.

    “Later on, I took her to a pharmacy to get drugs for her. Since then, pores have been coming out of my daughter’s private part. She takes a lot of time to urinate. And after urinating, she would be complaining of stomach pain. My mother then called someone who checked her and found out that she had been disvirgined (deflowered).

    “Days after, we took her to a hospital for an HIV test, which came out negative. But the test showed infection. I went to the police to lodge a report at Ikenne. I collected police report to get the Doctor’s report. Weeks later, hospital report showed she has been deflowered.

    “But the suspect is still lying that he doesn’t know anything. And the mother of my child is faking ignorance.

    “After my daughter was tested, my mother asked her who did this to her, and she said, ‘the person used hand to cover her mouth. Used hand to open her private part, put something inside her body and blood came out. And he used rag to clean it up.’

    When we asked her if her mother was around when the incident took place, she said no. She said the man is her mother’s man friend who normally came to their house to sleep. And she said the man’s name is Aroba.

    “The mother is denying and pretending as though she didn’t know that such a thing happened to our child. The child has been under the care of the mother for two years since we separated. I asked the mother to leave the child in my care but she refused. But when the child started developing problems, she now sent her to me. When we were at the police station, we asked my child to point out the culprit and she pointed at the same Aroba. But Aroba is denying it.

    “When we first reported the case to the police station, the police were trying to sweep it under carpet. They were begging me to close the case and the suspect would take responsibility of the expenses of the medical charges. Aroba accepted. I have not collected money from anyone of them. I only need justice. In the guarantor’s signatory I was asked to sign, I didn’t sign it,” he said.

    Mother reacts

    Mrs. Ajao, however, insisted that Aroba would do no such thing, while adding that her ex-partner was using the avenue as an excuse to punish her. She added that Aroba had been the one catering for her daughter and not the father.

    In her words, “My child used to attend a private nursery and primary school, but I didn’t have enough money for her to continue there. Even my boyfriend said he doesn’t have money, that my child has a father and he should take up the responsibility. So, I had to put her in a public school. The man they are accusing here has been the one taking care of my child, paying her school fees. Since  birth, I have been the one single-handedly taking care of her.

    “One day after bathing her, I saw something coming out from her body. I was thinking probably it’s because she’s attending public school. I took her to a chemist where I bought drug for her. I have to call the father in December to come carry his child that I am already tired of the condition. I told him that she has infection.

    “The father came back in March, accusing my boyfriend of defiling my five year daughter. This is a boyfriend that doesn’t sleep in my house, someone I only see in the day time, how will he sleep with a baby? This my daughter’s mouth is too sharp. There’s nothing someone would do to her that she would not talk. What my daughter’s father is after is to spoil my man’s name. It’s only God that will judge the matter.

    “Ever since I gave birth to this child, her father has never given me any support. It’s my boyfriend that has been looking after my daughter. What would my boyfriend do with my daughter? My boyfriend doesn’t even sleep in my house. How will someone defile a five-year-old girl when I didn’t see blood evidence? I asked her who touched her and she said nothing. Because I left the father, he has been troublesome. I left the child in the care of the father since last December. Why is he coming back months later to claim that my daughter was defiled? If a five-year-old child was defiled, won’t she bleed? Will she be alive?” She argued.

    He did it three times – Bolanle

    Shaky and naive, Bolanle told The Nation in Yoruba language that the suspect, “used hand to cover my face and mouth. He touched my private part, blood came out. He used cloth to clean the blood. He’s my mummy’s friend and he sleeps in our house. He did that to me three times.”

    At the moment, accusing fingers are still being pointed, with the police yet to reach conclusion.

    More stories of girl child defilement

    Like Bolanle, many minors, especially of the female gender, continue to suffer this unfortunate fate. Statistics have shown that minors across Nigeria are raped on a daily basis. Although these victims share different forms of violation and stories, some have been able to get justice, with the victims duly convicted and undergoing appropriate punishment, while several perpetrators, due to lack of evidence or sheer strength of the abuser, have gone unpunished.

    Statistics have also affirmed that most perpetrators are caregivers, neighbours, family, guardian, and family friends – people generally familiar to the victims.

    Managing Partner, Partnership for Justice, promoters of Mirabel Center, Mrs. Itoro Eze-Anaba in a recent interview, said the centre has had a whopping 764 rape cases reported at its Lagos office in recent years, with 24.9% of them minors.

    Sadly, however, she noted that only two convictions were recorded.

    Recently, the Lagos State Police Command, on the 13th of May, confirmed the arrest of a security personnel at Greater Scholars International School, for allegedly raping a four-year-old female pupil of the school.

    The Lagos Police PRO, Benjamin Hundeyin noted that “the suspect has been arrested and is still in custody,” adding that “a medical report that would ensure a conviction is being expected.”

    The Greater Scholars International School case is similar to another which occurred in October 2019 at Chrisland School Lekki, where a supervisor, Adegboyega Adenekan, was sentenced to 60 years in prison for defiling a two-year-old pupil of the school.

    On October 27, 2021 a 14-year-old boy, defiled a 13 year old girl in his neighbourhood in Ogba, Lagos State.

    While that may be seen as a case of juvenile demeanour, the case on December 14th 2020, where a middle-aged man, Ishaq Muhammadu was sentenced to seven years imprisonment for defiling an 8-year-old girl in Osun state is another extreme case of child violation. The convict was first arraigned before Justice Agboola on three counts bordering on rape, defilement and indecent assault, which are contrary to sections 357, 218, and 360 and punishable under section 358, 218 of the criminal code cap.34, vol.11, laws of the state.

    Another victim, a 17-year-old Senior Secondary 1(SS1) girl (name withheld) residing in Ikorodu reported how she was raped by her 78-year-old father, Pa Ismaila, since she was a 12-year-old. The motherless victim further narrated how mother’s relatives were not able to offer any help despite reporting the case to them.

    The positive side however, is that she is currently receiving medical treatment in a hospital.

    Not a new trend

    Founder, International Charitable Initiative for Girl Child and Women Development Foundation, Barr. Helen Ibeji noted that cases of rape have always been on the high, adding that it is the emergence of social media that has pushed it up globally.

    “The issue of minors being raped is getting out of hand. Abominations are being committed here and there. You hear cases of fathers raping daughters, family members raping one another. It’s very terrible now.

    “However, the social media has brought it to our doorpost, thereby making it well circulated. Social media has helped us to know about these cases. These cases have been there before, it’s just that the social media has helped to expose them more,” she said.

    “It has been happening. And the worst part of it is that the perpetrators threaten the victims not to talk and expose them. However some are for ritual purposes.”

    No justice for victims

    The girl-child rights advocate added that irrespective of law bodies doing all they can to bring culprits to book, some relatives of victims still try to sweep cases under the carpet because of so-called societal stigma.

    She noted, “The government is trying by bringing to book culprits but sometimes, justice is delayed. Some family members die the matter down, probably because they don’t want the family’s name to be tainted.

    “Sometimes, you would want to help the victim get justice but the family would restrict you. There’s a case my organisation reported where the relation of the victim was asking for monetary compensation from the culprit.”

    Psychological effect on the victim

    A psychologist, Mr. Idris Adams told The Nation that the psychological effect of rape is a long term one that requires psychological assistance/remedy from professionals to help the victims recuperate.

    “The victim lives with the shame and pain every day. The incident lives with the victim. She or he would start withdrawing from the society. Some run out from their environment because of the shame. Some of them start taking drugs just to do away with the memory. Some of them, especially those defiled at a very young age, get exposed to sex at a very young age and might be prone to sexual promiscuity.

    “This is part of the reasons you see young women becoming prostitutes. Indeed, victims of rape go through psychological problems at one time or the other, except when attention is paid on time.”

    Way forward

    Adams recommends that: “The government should create a monitoring committee, whereby the victim still gets justice even when the relatives are trying to sweep a case under carpet.

    “There should be provision of centers like ‘Girl Child Center’, a transition home where victims of rape can stay until they heal. They can continue their education, get married from there, and learn skills.

    “It should be an environment where the girl child would be restored back from trauma of her sad experience and the environment that she was molested.”

    Adams acknowledged that the government has created some correctional centres but insisted that “these centers have not been able to solve these problems completely.”

  • APC’s choices for Speaker, Deputy Speakergood for inclusivity – Ugochinyere

    APC’s choices for Speaker, Deputy Speaker
    good for inclusivity – Ugochinyere

    Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, a chieftain of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is the member elect to the House of Representatives for Ideato South and North federal constituency of Imo state. In this interview with Assistant Editor, ‘Dare Odufowokan, he explains the ongoing tussle for the principal offices of the 10th National Assembly.

    What are your expectations as the day of the 10th National Assembly inauguration draws closer as a member-elect to the House of Representatives?

    We are all looking forward to the day. First, I will want to correct the impression that it is mandatory for the Senate to be inaugurated ahead of the House of Representatives. There is nowhere in our books where such an arrangement exists any longer. There is an amendment to the rules and the constitution now. So, the inauguration of the two chambers can hold at the same time. The Clerk and Deputy Clerk can now conduct the proceedings. What that means is that the two chambers can be inaugurated and elect their principal officers without one waiting for the other.

    Having said that, I want to say that adhering to the zoning formula is very critical so as to avoid some situations that may not be good for the country. Such situation may affect the peace needed for governance. Nobody will want a situation where we will be having a Muslim President, Muslim Vice President, Muslim Senate President, a Muslim Speaker and also a Muslim Chief Justice of the Federation. This is why many of us members-elect in the National Assembly are saying the current arrangement as suggested by the leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has some level of inclusivity that is good for governance.

    But some members elect have disagreed openly with the suggestion of the ruling party. What have you to say to their arguments?

    If people disagree with what the party has suggested, they must come with something better. You must offer the zones concerns better, not to worsening the situation. In the House of Representatives for example, we may not have a stressful election on June 13 because majority of the members-elect are already tilting towards the candidacy of Tajudeen Abbas and Benjamin Kalu. As at yesterday (Tuesday), out of the 92 members-elect from the northwest states, 74 of them declared support for and pledged their votes to Abbas and Kalu at the Ladi Kwali hall yesterday.

    Northcentral members elect also same day, at Transcorp Hilton, met with Abbas and Kalu. Out of 51 members elect, 32 pledged to cast their votes for them. So as we speak, out of the 143 lawmakers that we have from the northwest and nothcentral, 106 have declared support for Abbas and Kalu ahead of the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly. As I speak to you, that of northeast is going to commence soon. And that of southsouth, southeast and southwest, which I can tell you are comfortable zones for Abbas and Kalu, will hold tomorrow (Wednesday).

    In all, by the time we are done with these programmes, we are looking forward to about 290 members elect pledging their votes to Abbas and Kalu. It is going to be a landslide victory. And this is not just because the ruling party endorsed Abbas and Kalu, but more because they are the best men for the job. Even those of us who are opposition members elect agree that the House of Representatives needs a competent, reliable and proficient leadership in the next National Assembly. Our support for Abbas is more about his capacity and antecedents. He sponsored the highest number of bills so far in the 9th Assembly. He sponsored 74 bills with about 21 signed into law.

    Kalu on his own, have over 43 bills with two of them signed into law. And the humility and spirit of inclusiveness being displayed by these two gentlemen is unprecedented. How can anybody go for something else with the credentials and personalities of these two people? This is why I say we may have it easy on inauguration day in the lower chamber. I am convinced that by the time we finish tomorrow we may be having an election that will be the most beautiful in terms of landslide victory that may be close to 300 votes for Abbas and Kalu. We also hope that other lawmakers who still have different views will come on board before the end of this week.

    You are a new member elect. You’ve never worked with Hon. Abbas. What did you see in him that convinced you this much about him?

    You first need to look at the character of the man Tajudeen Abbass. He was a classroom teacher before becoming a lecturer at the Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic where he midwife the department of Banking and Finance. He worked as a lecturer at the Kaduna State University before getting elected into the House of Representatives on the platform of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). He was reelected on the platform of the APC. He has been on several committees and has contributed to various sectors of the House since he became a member. He gave a lot of support to the turnaround we are seeing in the mining sector today and worked hard with others to deliver the changes we see in the railway in the country today.

    Apart from that, he is a man that understands the primary responsibility of a legislator. He sat down and came up with 74 bills. The man running with him is another worthy legislator. He sponsored 43 bills. The question is, among those running for Speakership, tell me anyone that has five or six bills to his name. So, if you now have someone with 74 bills, you will no doubt tick him very good in terms of understanding the main function of a legislator. And the bills are of immense importance as they cover security, education, health and so on. These are bills that have helped to change the situation of our people.

    You also have Benjamin Kalu from the southeast. I am not saying the Deputy Speakership is enough. But we are coming from a background where for eight years , no presiding position was given to the southeast. And now you have the southeast as Deputy Speaker and southsouth as Senate President. To me, that is some form of inclusiveness which will help to bring about some stability.

    Well, many members across party lines are also expressing support for Abbas and Kalu. We saw that at the meetings with the various zonal caucuses. One reason for this support is that we see in them people who will work aggressively for an independent parliament that will not joke with the stability of the legislature.

    What do you think can still be done by the ruling APC to pacify those displeased with the suggestions of the party between now and June 13?

    To be honest with you, if the agitation is coming outside the southeast and the southsouth, I will say with all seriousness that there is no basis for it because what we have on the table is a southsouth senate president and a southeast deputy speaker. Unless you are going to give us the something better, I don’t see what the agitation is. For anybody to agitate for the senate president to come from the north is unfair. What I believe should be done, which the President is already doing, is the conversations going on. All the aggrieved parties have been brought to the table for discussions. Yesterday they met and as I am talking to you, the President is also meeting with some lawmakers elect. The conversation is ongoing and I am sure many more of the aggrieved people will see reason and follow the suggestions of their party as regards what should happen on June 13.

    The President has met with lawmakers elect from the APC and by tomorrow, he will be meeting with those from the opposition parties. So, this conversation is ongoing and will continue until there is a decision. It is give and take and this will continue until those aggrieved see reason to discontinue their agitations. But this agitation, as long as it is about swapping these positions back to the north, is baseless. We cannot have a situation where stability will be threatened? Every zone must be considered for something. The northcentral has been given the position of Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). The northeast has the Vice Presidency and the southwest have the Presidency.

    The southsouth has been considered for the Senate Presidency. The southeast is even the one going home with something that is not too okay but we have the deputy speakership. So, any arrangement that will see these zones losing already gained grounds will not be okay at all. The agitation is coming more from the senate side. In the House of Representatives where we are operating, there is no much agitation. That is why I will appeal to Senator Yari to apply the spirit of accommodation and oneness to his aspiration. He should consider equitable distribution that will see that all zones of the country are accommodated in the scheme of things so as to ensure stability of the current administration and promote the peace and unity of the country.

  • Oyebanji and challenges of governing Ekiti

    Oyebanji and challenges of governing Ekiti

    Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has been tendering his stewardship every 100 days as part of moves to foster accountability, transparency and get feedback from residents on his performance. Deputy Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU examines how the helmsman has been grappling with the challenges of governing the ‘Fountain of Knowledge.’

    THE starting point was unifying the seemingly divided state that arose from the inevitable, but short-lived political bickering that characterised the hotly contested governorship poll, which he resoundingly won.

    Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji appreciated the import of unity and harmony. Therefore, after assuming political control, he initiated reconciliation, and the strategy paid off for the homogeneous state. Today, Ekiti is peaceful and BAO, as the governor is fondly called by his teeming admirers, has no enemy, either in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or opposition parties-the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Social Democratic Party (PDP).

    Apart from personal humility and inclusive style, what has really accounted for Oyebanji’s popularity is his track record of achievements in less than 300 days in office. With meagre resources, he has rekindled hope for good governance and a brighter future for the far-flung, hilly state.

    However, there is a lot more to accomplish in Ekiti. It can be argued that the agrarian state is constrained by location. It has not yet become a strong industrial or business hub, although the potentials are there, in terms of its viability for agricultural innovation and development, agri-processing and natural endowment. Beside, the revenue base is small. It has to be creatively expanded. Although Ekiti has produced many eminent Nigerians in all fields, it has remained a largely rural state.

    The state appears to have been neglected by the distant Federal Government. For example, federal roads in the state, particularly Ado-Ikere Road and Itawure (Efon-Alaaye)-Erio-Aramoko-Igede-Iyin Road, have been abandoned. Early in the year, the Erio/Aramoko portion broke down completely. It became a nightmare for commuters. As the road was largely deserted, there were reports of invasion of some suspected criminals and kidnappers.

    Also, as the bridge linking Ado with Ilawe-Ekiti got damaged, movement of people and goods along the route ceased. Motorists agonised. It was a big relief when Oyebanji fixed the dangerous portions. Simultaneously, the roads, which link Osun to Ekiti, were rehabilitated.  Reality has now dawned on Ekiti people, led by Oyebanji, that they need to make special request to the Federal Government to urgently address federal infrastructural deficits in the state as President Bola Tinubu settles down for governance.

    However, Ekiti’s destiny is in the hands of its people. Having hit the ground running on assumption of office, the governor is mobilising the indigenes for the tasks of development. According to observers, he is poised to build on the achievements of his successor. Oyebanji has set a standard for himself by rendering accounts every 100 days. The implication is that he has to gird his loins, work hard and achieve breakthroughs worthy of report before the gathering of indigenes-traditional rulers, community leaders, representatives of labour unions, politicians, clergy, retirees, and other leading lights.

    Indeed, there is no serious Ekiti man who perceives the Government House, Oke Bareke, as a relaxation centre. The challenges are enormous. Education, which is Ekiti’s pride, health and power sectors call for attention. There is dearth of infrastructure across the over 120 towns and villages. Youths clamour for a new lease of life through job opportunities. Workers cannot tolerate delay in salary payment, Ekiti largely being a civil service state. Old men and women in retirement do not joke with their pensions. Rural dwellers are pressing for local amenities from council chairmen at the grassroots.

    An experienced administrator, Oyebanji, who is conscious of the rising public demand for improved welfare, unfolded a six-point development agenda. It encompasses youth development and job creation, human capital development, agriculture, infrastructure and industrialisation, arts, culture and tourism. After a realistic assessment of the challenges and mapping out solutions, Oyebanji sought for help from the appropriate quarter. The governor visited Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to meet with heads of strategic Ministries, Departments and Agencies, and other development partners to seek their intervention.

    A teacher at the Ekiti State University, ‘Yemi Ayodele, said Oyebanji has deployed his intellect and wisdom in governing the state. Another resident of the capital town said: “Ado is a lively capital now; there are even street lights,” referring to how the impassable city roads have been fixed. He also applauded him for restoring security through the task force, pointing out that armed robbery, kidnapping and molestation have drastically reduced. “So far, he has surprised many,” added Ayodele, who teaches at the Social Science Faculty, urging him to sustain the tempo.

    Civil servants have also showered encomiun on the governor for paying the backlog of salaries and bonuses, barely six months in the saddle. The sustenance of welfare package had enhanced industrial relations. The Oyebanji administration was confronted by two major political crises. The first was the leadership crisis that hit the House of Assembly, following the demise of the Speaker, Funminiyi Afuye. The second was the dispute between the state government and the 16 monarchs called ‘Pelupelu.’

    There was conflict as two lawmakers claimed that they had been chosen as Speaker. Oyebanji calmly resolved the logjam without injuring the sensibilities of parties to the dispute. “He demonstrated leadership and tact,” recalled an outgoing lawmaker, who added:”Due to the cordial executive/legislative relationship, the budget and other bills were passed without uproar and tension.”

    A told civil servant in Ado, who reflected on the protest by a section of the Council of Traditional Rulers against the state government in the past said: “The royal fathers are at peace with our governor; there is no ill-feeling. I think he has made himself accessible and he has a way of tackling questions like that with his humble and simple approach.”

    Oyebanji’s opponent at the poll, Otunba Bisi Kolawole, who recently visited the governor, praised him for what he described as his impressive performance. Instructively, the governor had in the process of fence mending visited Kolawole in his native Efon-Alaaye after the election. The Southwest PDP leader, Sanya Atofarati, had criticised Oyebanji for shoddy performance. But, Kolawole differed. The former Environment Commissioner said the governor has demonstrated visionary and purposeful leadership to the admiration of the people.

  • Elegbeleye: Our goal is to produce real league champions

    Elegbeleye: Our goal is to produce real league champions

    Chairman of the Nigerian league governing body, Interim Management Committee (IMC) Gbenga Elegbeleye, has declared that the Federal government cannot divorce itself from sports because it is a diplomatic issue. The former Director-General of National Sports Commission (NSC) and former Chairman House Of Representatives Committee on Sports, also spoke on the IMC, local football league, sponsorship, the FIFA calendar, efforts to rebrand local clubs and more. Excerpts:

    How would you rate the performance of the IMC thus far?

    I do not think it will be appropriate for me to assess the performance of the IMC. However, it has been praises, eulogies and appreciation from Nigerians. I think if we go by that, it has been very, very fantastic so far.

    From your experience, do you think the glorious days of club football are back?

    A new normal is possible and it is actually happening. Let’s forget the past. Now, we have a new Nigeria Football Federation President, Malam Ibrahim Gusau and he is very, very focused. The league belongs to the NFF and we have an NFF that is focused and determined to succeed.

    Critics say government should not be involved in sports, what do you think?

    Anybody saying that does not know what he is saying at all. That government should not be involved in sports? Why do you think we have the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports? Why is government funding Team Nigeria to the Olympics, to the World Cup? What are they saying? You mean government should not monitor its investments in sports generally. Those saying such do not know what they are saying. Our Under 20 football team went to Argentina to represent Nigeria, they did not go there to represent Togo, and you say Nigeria should not be involved. It is a diplomatic issue. Sports is a diplomatic matter. When a country is doing well in sports, the citizens feel it. It’s about Nigeria

    Do you think Nigerians are beginning to go back to the era when they supported our local football teams?

    I will say yes, what Nigerians want are good officiating, good football environment; environment that is friendly and safe. We are talking about stadia that ladies and gentlemen can go and watch football without been harassed. You are talking about environment where teams can play away from home and you see good officiating and without fear that you can be harassed by the home fans. Under our watch, teams have been wining away from home. You would have observed that officiating has improved because this time around remuneration and security of referees have been taken of and even improved on. The atmosphere is friendlier now. We deduct three points in case any team beat officials. Even the home fans are the ones maintaining security in the stadium because three points means a lot to a team.

    How well have the issues of take off and closing of the league been handled?

    That was why we agreed to play abridged league. If we continue with the old style, we might end the league in September or October. That is the idea behind the play off of six teams in the premier league, playing to determine champion of the league proper. By God’s grace, the next season of our league will start in August as in other parts of the world.

    How well have you brought the private sector into the league?

    We are working on it. When we came in, there was nothing on ground, no assets, no office, no bank account, but today, we have been able to navigate through the support of the Nigeria Football Federation, with the support of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports. We did not get money from the government at all, but we have been able to navigate the atmosphere, an atmosphere that has enabled us to relate well with corporate bodies like the GTI Groups and they have been very proactive. We now do live streaming through a company in London. Super Sports is also with us. They have been in Nigeria for long, but the system was messed up despite their massive investment, they did not see improvement in the league, but we have been able to convince them that a new normal is possible. We will be having more Investors as time goes on.

    Our Teams performance on the continents is not encouraging, what is the IMC doing to better it?

    When you have a system where those who are said to be champions are actually not champions but favored by the league operators and it is an arranged league for them that is what you get. How do you expect them to go to the continent and do well? That was why our teams got knocked out in the first round continuously. Because of the competiveness of our league now, Rivers United were able to reach the quarter final of the CAF Confederation cup. That was the first time in eight years. We believe if we get true champions, we will do well in Africa and by extension, the world.

  • Youngster Mati tipped to thrill Lagos fans in Aruna’s absence

    Youngster Mati tipped to thrill Lagos fans in Aruna’s absence

    International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) executive vice president Wahid Oshodi believes Nigerian fans won’t be missing star player Quadri Aruna with the presence of teenage sensation Taiwo Mati and Olajide Omotayo at the WTT Contender Lagos 2023. Nigeria welcomes the WTT Series to its shores for the first time from June 12-18 inside the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium.  

    The sports administrator said he’s counting on 18-year-old Mati. “I have been away for a while with ITTF business and I’m coming home with pride. I just come back from Durban and a Nigerian in the Top 30, and he is a young Nigerian. He is not the usual name; Taiwo Mati. I think that I said five, six years ago that this is a big star of the future, and now he’s proving me right. I expect that Mati and Olajide Omotayo, the national number 2 will put on a strong front in Lagos. The fans love him and this is his chance to go for glory. Born and bred in Shomolu here, this is his time. Of course, Taiwo Mati again, I keep coming back to that young man it’s time for the next generation.”

    The left-hander ranked 75th in the world was impressive at the concluded Durban 2023 World Table Tennis Championships (WTTC) in South Africa.

    Mati reached the round of 32 before he lost all four sets 11-3, 11-7, 11-7, 11-5 to world number 12 North Korea’s Jang Woojin in the round of 32. 

    Oshodi is of the opinion that Mati will not disappoint in Lagos. “Quadri Aruna, who is the tournament’s number one seed, is unavailable because of club commitment. His club Fakel-Gazprom Orenburg has got on to the next level of Russian Premier League play-offs, and he can’t be released. Aruna is a top star now  

    “I do not think Aruna’s absence will take the shine off this event. I predicted five years ago that Mati was a rising star and with his performance in Durbar he’s ready to move to the next level. Lagos fans love good table tennis and with the convergence of top players in the world in Lagos, fans will have something to cheer about. Lagos is now a favourite destination for players. Everybody talked about the atmosphere of Lagos, the passion of the fans, of the people, and for good reason I hope that we will be able to put up a good show for the success of the event.”        

    In the same vein, event director, Dr. Kweku Tandoh said “Quadri himself feels bad that he cannot be here because one of the players that beat him at the WTT in Durban, South Africa, will also be here. It would have been an opportunity for him to avenge. We have the former world number one coming and about 13 Chinese players coming here too. The tournament is going to be top quality.”

    He added that for younger players “It is an opportunity even if they don’t get through to the qualifiers. It is competitions like this that will help them to build confidence, and help them to know where they need to improve in terms of their performance. Don’t forget that players like Taiwo Mati and Olajide Omotayo (ranked 144) started about 10 years ago with the Lagos International Classics, now they are world players because at that early stage, they were able to rub shoulders with top foreign players and it helped them to build up their own game.”

  • Will Abbas, Kalu lead 10th House of Representatives?

    Will Abbas, Kalu lead 10th House of Representatives?

    Tuesday, June 13, will be another date with history in the House of Representatives. On that day the House will elect a new set of presiding officers to lead it for another four years. The choice by the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of the duo of Tajudeen Abbas and Benjamin Kalu as the next presiding officers has generated lots of controversy among the rank and file of members. Despite the opposition generated by those who felt cheated by the arrangement, there are indications that the two men are set to win the contest. Tony Akowe reports.

    The House of Representatives is regarded by many as the closest arm of government to the people at the federal level. This is because among the three sets of elected persons, their constituencies are far smaller than the other two (the President and Senators).  It is also regarded as the more vibrant of the two houses of the National Assembly. So, those who lead the House must have what it takes to bring together members to work for the good of the country. Under the outgoing Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila-led 9th Assembly, the chamber was able to introduce reforms that made it the pride of the people, even though they couldn’t escape the tag of rubber stamp placed on them by those who felt that they had not done enough.

    When the bell for the leadership of the 10th Assembly sounded immediately after the general elections, many names began to emerge. At the beginning, 12 members elect indicated interest in leading the House. These members were those who had spent at least one term or more in the House. Those who indicated interest included House Leader, Alhassan Ado Doguwa, Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation, Aliyu Betara, Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Idris Wase, Chairman, House Committee on Navy, Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, Chairman House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Benjamin Kalu, Chairman, House Committee on Land Transport, Tajudeen Abbas and Chairman House Committee on Water Resources, Sada Soli.

    Others are Chairman on House Committee on Disability Matter, Mariam Onuoha, as well as Abubakar Makki Yelleman and Sani Jaji and Abdulraheem Olawuyi.

    But the party kept sealed lips, allowing the actors to do their thing, while embarking on consultation. But when they finally spoke, they announced that they have decided to zone the position of Speaker to the Northwest with Tajudeen Abbas, representing Zaria constituency and a third time member who is returning for the fourth time as their choice, while Benjamin Kalu who was also one of the candidates for the position of Speaker their choice of Deputy Speaker. This has generated apprehension among other aspirants.

    One thing that stakeholders have agreed to is the fact that the election of the presiding officers will be conducted in accodance with the House Rules used by the immediate past Assembly, with the members being the ones to determine who leads them.

    The election will be conducted by the Clerk to the National Assembly in accordance with Order 2 Rule Two paragraph 3a of the Standing Order of the House of Representatives which provides the procedure for election of a Speaker during the inauguration of every assembly.

    It states that “a member-elect, addressing the Clerk, shall propose another member-elect with legislative experience as member of the National Assembly to be Speaker and shall move that such member-elect do take the Chair as Speaker of the House of Representatives”.

    Following the controversy that attended the decision of the party, National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, said APC would embark on further consultation. But the words of Nasarawa State governor, Abdullahi Sule, soon dampened agitations from others when he said that APC governors from the North will not oppose the choice of the party and the President for the position of Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

    The Joint Task team which promised to support any candidate the party agrees on has taken the campaign head on, moving from one place to the other to actualise the campaign.

    Aside the Minority Forum which has broken the rank of the minority caucus, throwing their weight behind the Abbas/Kalu ticket, another splinter group of the minority which called itself TBK has also thrown its weight behind the ticket. Led by the spokesperson of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), Ikenga Ugochinyere, the group described them as the best pair to lead the 10th Assembly. He claimed that 63 members of the minority group have signed up for the group to back Abbas.

    APC governors under the auspices of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) have also thrown their weight behind the choice of Abbas and Kalu. This much was disclosed by the new chairman of the PGF and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma.

    Initially, there were fears that Uzodinma may not support the choice of Kalu because one of those aspiring for the Deputy Speaker position, Marian Onuoha, hails from Imo. But the statement by the governor has put to rest fears of possible divided votes from the state. The governor said the least the governors should do was to ensure that the party’s preference and vision is actualized come June 13th.

    Uzodinma asked other aspirants to close ranks with the party’s preferred candidates and work together to determine a purposeful legislature capable of promoting and projecting the overall interest of Nigerians, adding that Abbas’ choice by the party was not an imposition.

    As the days for elections draw closer, the Abbas/ Kalu ticket appears to gather more support across parties. The latest endorsement for them comes from the Nigerian Governors Forum. Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, said his colleagues decided to support the ticket after their meeting with the President.

    He said God gives power to who He wishes at the time He wishes, noting the array of members-elect that have aligned with Abbas and Kalu. “It shows the level of support that you have. I want to thank all those that have keyed into your leadership. Like the president reminded us yesterday (during meeting with APC lawmakers-elect), these are positions for the party with the majority. But that party must seek the partnership of other political parties. You should carry along all members or most members to ensure that you succeed,” he stated.

    Asking other aspirants to step down for Abbas and Kalu, he said the block votes the opposition were banking on would no longer be available for them.

    In making a case for the APC candidates, Ugochinyere said: “Our common goal now should be beyond party and partisan politics and totally focus on Nigeria and her greater good. We want the best and we have selected the best and importantly, the selection is by merit.”

    While the battle for the Speakership rages on, a civil society organisation Order Paper, honoured Abbas and Kalu, among many of their colleagues, as top performers on its productivity index, value and impact on bills sponsorship. While Abbas sponsored 74 Bills in the 9th House, Kalu has 48 bills to his name, a feat considered by their followers as outstanding. The team of panelists that selected them include Prof. Ladi Hamalai, a former Director General of National Institute Legislative and Democratic Studies, Prof. Ali Ahmad, a former lawmaker, Ikechukwu Uwanna, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Amos Dunia, Kemi Yesufu.

    Outgoing Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Idris Wase, has insisted he will go ahead to contest the position of Speaker, exuding confidence that he will emerge winner on June 13. While acknowledging that power comes from God, he said his emergence has long been predicted by the late Chief Solomon Lar, former National Chairman of PDP and former Plateau State governor.

    Wase stayed away from a meeting with APC lawmakers called by the President to drum support for the Abbas/Kalu ticket. The meeting was attended by other aspirants except Wase and Sani Jaji.

    Though there are reports that the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate at the last general election, Peter Obi and his running mate, Datti Baba-Ahmed are mounting pressure on the party’s members-elect not to vote for the Abbas/Kalu ticket, The Nation findings revealed that the duo appeared to be gathering more and more support from all the political parties.

    For example, lawmakers from the South East may have decided to support Kalu in his aspiration to become Deputy Speaker and therefore may vote for the Abbas ticket. There were reportsthat some aspirants never wanted the Southeast to be given any of the presiding officers slots with the argument that they contributed little to the success of the party at the last general election.

    Despite their endorsement by the party, Abbas and Kalu have continued to engage leaders and governors across various parties. It is on record that since the endorsement, they have kept the tempo of engagement high, more than any of the other aspirants in the race.

    Others have not been silent though. For example, Betara is believed to have held meetings with the President when he was on vacation in France before inauguration. He is said to have also held series of meetings with leaders of the party. But it is not known whether he will go ahead with his aspiration even though he tends to command very high level of respect among members.

    However, the battle for the Speakership has also shifted to the zonal caucuses of members-elect. Available information indicates that out of the 92 members-elect from the Northwest geopolitical zone where Abbas hails from, 74 are believed to have signed up for the ticket after their meeting at the Ladi Kwali Hall of the Abuja Continental Hotel. Similarly, 32 out of the 51 lawmakers from the North-Central one signed up for the same ticket. From the Southeast, where Kalu hails from, 35 members-elect have chosen to go back him.

    Ugochinyere (PDP, Imo) who leads the Abbas-Kalu group (TBK) said the success recorded so far was victory for the going quest to build a stable, strong, united, harmonious and all-inclusive parliament that will deliver on life-changing people’s legislation that will help to deliver on the renewed hope agenda of the present administration.

    He believe that the massive support from all zones and ethnic and religious divides was clear evidence of members’ commitment to seeing Nigeria move forward and an indication of a significant buy-in into the Abass and Kalu message of unity and competence rooted in inclusiveness and teamwork. He said the legislative competence and capacity of Abbas and Kalu as well as their unrelenting reach out and door-to-door engagement with members-elect was one of the reasons for the across-board acceptance.

    For his part, Igariwey Iduma Enwo (PDP, Ebonyi) who leads the Unity Group in the minority caucus believes that more members of the Southeast caucus would join the Abbas/Kalu train before the day of inauguration.

    In addition to the support coming from the zones, the ticket has the full backing of the President who has spent most of his early days in office trying to ensure harmony in the House in particular and the National Assembly in general before, during and after inauguration.

    Tinubu has held series of meetings with the aspirants in person and as a group as well as all members and Senators-elect to preach harmony and the need to have a consensus candidate for inclusiveness. It is believed that the President may have assured other aspirants and their supporters that they will be carried along in the new leadership. With the Southeast and Northwest firmly accommodated in the new leadership, it is expected that other zones will be accommodated in the leadership

    Those who might run the race to the end Ahmed Idris Wase

    Wase was born on the 1st June, 1964. A graduate of Civil Engineering, he attended an Executive Programme at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, United States where he bagged an Executive Certificate course in Strategic Governance in 2016. He worked with Bauchi State Ministry of Environment and the College of Education Gindiri as a non-academic staff, holding various positions.

    He was first elected into the green chamber in 2007 to represent Wase Federal Constituency, under the auspices of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in 2007. In 2011, he was reelected on the platform of ACN. He remained a committed member of the party until he later won under APC in 2015 after the merger.

    He also served as Chairman, House Committee on Federal Character for eight years (during the 7th and 8th Assembly). He is coming into the Speakership race with some wealth of experience having served as Deputy Speaker since 2019 and on many occasions, presided over plenary.

    Head was Chairman of the Committee of the Whole, a body of the entire lawmakers that considers and approves reports on investigations and bills form passage. His loyalty to the party has remained unquestioned. The party has on several occasions called him to serve in various capacities. He has been in leadership position in the House for some times and as served in various committees of the House.

    He has also served as Regional Representative for West Africa in the Executive Committee of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) International. In 2017, he was appointed through popular support as the Deputy House Leader to replace the late Buba Jubril who passed on in June of the same year.

    He is also one of the Deputies of the ECOWAS Parliament. Many believe that the emergence of Wase as Speaker will be a continuation of the current Assembly as he has enjoyed a good working relationship with the Speaker.

    His views on issues and knowledge of the working of the legislature stand him out. Also the fact that the North-Central zone where he hails from has never produced the Speaker in Nigeria’s history is another added advantage for Wase.

    Muktar Betara Aliyu

    Betara represents Biu, Kwaya Kusar, Bayo and Shani Federal Constituency of Borno State. At 56, he has made giant strides in impacting many lives and contributed to the development of his fatherland through quality representation and impactful legislations. He is today a household name not only in his immediate constituency in Borno and the National Assembly but also, the country in general.

    He was educated at Biu Central Primary School in 1973 and obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1978. He proceeded to Biu Central Junior Day Secondary School, and then to Government Technical Secondary School Benishek, Borno State, where his leadership skills saw him becoming head prefect, and would eventually obtain his West Africa School Certificate in 1983.

    A graduate of Business Administration from Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri, Betara was first elected into the House of Representatives seat on the platform of the defunct All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) and got elected as the member representing the interests of Biu, Kwaya Kusar, Bayo and Shani Federal Constituency in 2007 and has been a member of the House since then

    In the 6th Assembly to the current 9th Assembly where chaired key Standing House Committees such as Army (7th Assembly), Defence (8th Assembly) and Appropriations (9th Assembly). He boasts of being the only member in the House that was returned unopposed during the party primaries.

    He has served as Chairman of key standing committees in the House since he was first elected. Such committees include Army (7th Assembly), Defence (8th Assembly) and Appropriations (9th Assembly). The current Assembly’s ability to return the annual budget circle to the January to December is attributed largely to his leadership quality. Several members are known to have lobbied to be part of his committee.

    Yusuf Adamu Gagdi

    Gagdi is a former Deputy Speaker of the Plateau state House Assembly. The lawmaker who currently heads the House Committee on Navy believes he has the capacity to give the House the kind of leadership it deserves. Gagdi who represents Pankshin/Kanam/Kanke federal constituency of Plateau State was born on the 5th November, 1980.

    He had his primary school at LEA Central Primary School Gum-Gagdi before proceeding to GSS Gagdi for his junior secondary education. He later transferred to GSS Dengi where he had his senior secondary education and graduated in 1999. He got admitted to study Social Studies (Double Major) at FCE Pankshin, where he resumed with only a few clothes, a few measures of ground maize flour and the grace of God. He couldn’t afford to rent a room of his own as accommodation and had to squat with security men at the school gate.

    He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Economics Education and got employed by the Plateau State Teachers’ Service Commission and then posted to GSS Angwan  Rogo. He was later seconded to the office of the Head of Service of the state where he served the then Head of Service, the late Dr. Godfrey Mamzhi as a Personal Assistant. His first sojourn in politics started with a determination to serve and learn from those on the political turf and that was how he got close and became a personal aide to the then Deputy Speaker Plateau State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Usman Zumunta Musa. He won election to represent Panskhin/Kanke/Kanam in the House of Representatives in March 2019. Coming with legislative experience, he was neck-deep committed to the emergence of the leadership of the green chamber. He was made the Chairman, House Committee on Navy and a member of 13 other committees.

    A former Deputy Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Gagdi can be said to have some experience in presiding over the legislature having done that at the state level. Twelve of the bills he sponsored have either been passed into law or at advanced stage, six of which has been signed into law by the President.

    He stands on the principle of equity, justice and fairness, believing that the leadership of APC should zone the Speakership to the North-Central zone. He, however, said that as a party man, he was ready to toe the line recommended by the party, but insisted that it will be wrong for the party to zone the position elsewhere since the Northwest has held the position of Speaker four times, while the Northeast has also held the position.

    Tajudeen Abbas

    Abbas represents Zaria Federal Constituency of Kaduna State and currently heads the House Committee on Land Transport.  He holds the record of sponsoring the highest number of bills in the House. At the last count, he had sponsored about 74 bills majority of which seek to either create or upgrade existing Federal Medical Centres across the country. Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, is one of those pushing Abbas for the Speakership.

    But the argument by some northern interest groups that the Northwest has held the position four times since the return to democracy in 1999 may work against his ambition.

    Born on October 1st, 1963 in Zaria, he attended Kaduna Teacher’s College (KTC) Kaduna for his Grade II certificate in 1981 and proceeded to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria for a Bachelors and Masters degree in Business Administration. In 2010, he obtained a Doctorate in Business Management at the Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto State.

    Abbas was a Primary School Teacher from 1981 to 1988. In 1988 he became a Lecturer at a Polytechnic before moving to the Kaduna State University (KASU) when it was established inn2006. He also worked as Marketing Manager at the Nigeria Tobacco Company before joining politics and was elected into the National Assembly in 2011 to represent Zaria Federal Constituency. He has served in various House committees such as National Planning & Economic Development, Public Procurement, Defense, Social Duties, Finance and Commerce. He also served as Vice Chairman, Legislative Compliance Committee from May 2011 to May 2015.

    Benjamin Okezie Kalu

    Kalu who represent Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State graduated from the University of Calabar, with a Bachelors degree in Law.  At twenty nine years, he served as the national chair of the PDP in the Diaspora and also served as the youngest local government chairman in his state at the age of 31. He holds a Certificate in Migration and Human Rights from John Cabot University Campus, Italy, 2022, Certificate in Illicit Trade, University of Groningen, Netherlands, 2022, Certificate in Governance & Development Program, Miami Herbert Business School, Miami University, USA, 2022,Certificate in Environmental Crimes, United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute,b(UNICRI), Italy, 2022, Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration and Chartered Institute of Arbitrators United Kingdom (CIARB), University of Oxford, England, 2014.

  • Who leads 10th Senate, House of Representatives?

    Who leads 10th Senate, House of Representatives?

    • Why the odds favour Akpabio, Jibrin

    There is excitement in the air over who takes the chair as Senate President on Tuesday during the inauguration of the 10th Senate. On that day, the new president officers will replace outgoing current Senate President Ahmad Lawan and Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege – whose tenures elapse today.

    The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) which secured 59 Senators-elect during the February 25th National Assembly election is expected to dominate the 10th Senate by producing its two top most leaders.

    Many lawmakers on the platform of the party had declared interest in the top job. They include Senators Godswill Akpabio (South-South), Sani Musa (North-Central), Ali Ndume (Northeast), Orji Uzor Kalu (Southeast), Osita Izunaso (Southeast), Barau Jibrin (Northwest) and ex-Governor of Zamfara State, Abdul’Aziz Yari (Northwest).

    For any of the aspirants to win after being duly nominated and seconded on the floor during the inaugural session on Tuesday, he needs the votes of a simple majority of two-thirds of Senators-elect who must be present before such an election can be conducted by the Clerk to the National Assembly.

    But should there be a division, that is, if there is more than one nomination for a particular office, the candidates need at least 55 votes of the 109 senators-elect to be declared the winner. This is where the votes of senators-elect of the opposition parties that would comprise the 10th Senate become crucial. At the moment, APC has 59 senators-elect, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) – 36, Labour Party (LP) – eight, New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) – two, Social Democratic Party (SDP) – two, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) – one and Young Progressives Party (YPP) – one. In all, while the ruling APC has 59 members, the opposition parties have a combined strength of 50.

    How will APC, PDP, NNPP, LP, APGA, YPP vote?

    In the event that the APC’s preferred candidates do not emerge unopposed as is likely to be the case, majority of the party’s lawmakers in the upper chamber will vote for Akpabio and Jibrin. A few will vote for Yari, Kalu or Izunaso. However, the candidature of the Zamfara senator is most probable with Kalu and Izunaso either stepping down or any other vying for the position of deputy. 

    APGA and SDP will most likely vote for Akpabio while the former Akwa Ibom governor and whoever contests against him would share the votes of PDP and LP.  NNPP may vote for either Yari or any candidate that contests against Akpabio going by the utterances of the party’s Senator-elect, Kawu Samaila (Kano South) who insists that the legislators be allowed to independently choose their leader without any form of imposition by the ruling APC.

    However, this position may be tentative given positive talks between the National Leader of NNPP, Senator Musa Kwankwaso and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Kwankwaso would be sure to rein in the party’s two Senators-elect to the benefit of Akpabio after he indicated he was likely to be part of the new administration. 

    Checks revealed that Akpabio would get the votes of three PDP Senators-elect from Rivers State due to the influence of former Governor Nyesom Wike who has vowed his support for the President. However majority of PDP senators-elect are believed to have pledged their support for Yari. Prominent among them is Senator Abdul Ningi from Bauchi State who is chairman of the Media and Publicity sub-committee of the Yari Campaign Organization.

    PDP Senator-elect Dr. Samaila Dahuwa Kaila (Bauchi North) and Olubiyi Fadeyi from Osun State support Yari. APC Senator-elect Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo) is the director general of his campaign council while Senator Elisha Abbo is believed is to be playing a prominent role in the team.

    On the other hand, Senator Ali Ndume is leading the Akpabio campaign with support from Senators Solomon Adeola (Ogun) and Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti) plying key roles.

    Adding to the intrigues is the fact that a presiding officer in the outgoing 9th Senate is believed to be covertly supporting Yari. Besides, Senator Sani Musa is also believed to be in support of Yari with the hope that his emergence would brighten his chances to be nominated and voted for as Deputy Senate President rather than the choice of the party Jibrin.  Also, LP Senator-elect Ireti Kingibe is believed to be in support of Akpabio as sources says she has been a regular face at nocturnal strategy sessions held by the Stability Group promoting Akpabio’s candidacy.

    Besides, no fewer than 25 state governors have thrown their weight behind Akpabio and Jibrin’s candidature. It was learnt that the governors are seriously mobilising Senators-elect across APC, PDP and LP for the former Akwa Ibom helmsman. The 25 pro-Akpabio governors include those of Kwara, Nasarawa, Benue, Ogun, Oyo, Lagos, Ekiti, Kogi, Rivers, Cross River, Kaduna, Borno, Ebonyi and Ondo States.

    Senators-elect from the 25 states are expected to vote en-bloc for Akpabio in the event of a division. APC-controlled states have consistently maintained that they would faithfully uphold the unanimous zoning decision of the National Working Committee of the party.

    National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Debo Ologunagba, while giving an indication of how the party’s lawmakers would vote alongside other opposition parties said: “With regard to the current race for the Presiding Officers of the National Assembly, it is instructive to note that the opposition parties put together to form a strong majority in the National Assembly and we are very mindful of that.

    “The PDP leadership is working together with our members-elect and opposition parties in the two chambers. Irrespective of the ongoing claims in the media, I want to inform you that the PDP has a clear direction which we hold close to our chest.

    “Our members are united in that direction and it will show on the floor of both Houses of the National Assembly on Tuesday, June 13, 2023. In all, we do not discountenance the fact that the opposition parties have the majority in the National Assembly which we are ready to deploy maximally.”

    APC zoning of Presiding Officers

    The National Working Committee of APC led by Senator Abdullahi Adamu, had in May 2023 zoned the office of Senate President to the South-South geopolitical zone and endorsed Akpabio as its candidate. Similarly, it ceded the post of Deputy Senate President to the Northwest zone and announced Jibrin from Kano North as its preferred candidate. Senators Kalu, Izunaso and ex-governor Yari rejected the position of the party and vowed to contest against the consensus pick.

    Some of the leading contenders in the house have stepped down following appeals by President Tinubu. Those contending against the choice of the party are also expected to follow suit even though some of them are currently stirring things up by denigrating the directives of the party under whose platform they got tickets to contest the general elections.

    However, the will of the party will prevail at the end of the day as no individual can be greater than the party. One source pointed out that the party remained supreme. According to him, no individual can fight a sitting government. He said APC’s NWC zoned the position in view of the body language of the President who is said to be in support of Akpabio to give Christians a prominent role in his administration. Besides, the appointment of Secretary to the Government of Federation, George Akume, a Catholic from Benue State was done to accommodate the North-Central geo-political zone in particular and Christians in general.

    Besides, the choice of Benjamin Kalu for the position of Deputy Speaker would negatively vitiate the chances of either Kalu or Izunaso emerging Senate President or Deputy Senate President. On the other hand, being a Muslim, Yari’s emergence as Senate President, analysts say, would further enrage the Christian faith who would see it a total Islamisation of the leadership of the country since the President, Vice President Kashim Shettima and APC’s preferred choice for the position of Speaker, Tajudeen Abass, are all Muslims.  

    Intervention by Tinubu

    Not known to be ambivalent or leave things to chance, Tinubu has been engaging in talks with critical stakeholders including Senators-elect of the APC and all other opposition lawmakers to support his administration to succeed. Part of the backing being sought for includes the election of capable leadership in the 10th National Assembly to bring about a seamless and rancor free relationship that would result in the realization and delivery of his Renewed Hope Agenda. Sources close to the President say he is working to actualise that zoning arrangement of the APC for the 10th national Assembly leadership position. In the last week, he met with APC governors, the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), APC Senators and Members-elect and all Senators and Members-Elect for the 10th National Assembly.

    The President was said to have appealed to lawmakers-elect to respect the zoning arrangement of the party. Following the plea, some frontline contenders for the position of Speaker in the incoming House of Representatives were said to have agreed in principle to shelve their ambitions in deference to him thereby giving the preferred candidate of the APC for Speaker, Abass Tajudeen (Kaduna) a comfortable leading edge.

    However, the race in the Senate is still tight as Yari, Kalu and Izunaso are adamant they would square up against Akpabio – APC’s choice. That notwithstanding, Tinubu is believed to be unrelenting in his quest and would very likely realize his wish to have the preferred choice of the APC emerge leaders of the 10th National Assembly.

    Who has the upper hand right now?

    Akpabio and Yari camps keep brandishing figures of supporters that do not add up when put together. The Director General of the Akpabio campaign organization, Ndume, has consistently claimed that the Stability Group has 77 members supporting its candidate. On the other hand, the chairman of media subcommittee of the Yari campaign team said 67 senators-elect have signed up so far. Seventy-seven added to 77 gives 144 which is 35 members higher than the nation’s 109 Senators-elect.

    However 71 Senators-elect believed to be members of the Stability Group had signed an advertorial published in national dailies on 31st May 2023, to congratulate President Tinubu on his inauguration and assumption of office if that could be taken as an indication of the support strength of Akpabio’s team. Notwithstanding the hype in number of supporters by aspirants, Akpabio has been tipped by political pundits to emerge winner alongside Barau Jibrin as Deputy on inauguration day in view of support from the President, APC and majority of its Senators-elect as well as lawmakers-elect from opposition parties. 

    There is the possibility that there will be more than one nomination for the positions at stake. This is largely due to the insistence by Yari, Kalu and Izunaso to challenge the preferred candidates of the APC during the election.

    At the moment, the aspirants are upbeat and are presently wrapping up consultations and intensely lobbying for support across political party divides. But inauguration day will reveal the Senate President and Deputy Senate President as well as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of the 10th National Assembly.

  • Appraisal of challenges on renewable energy development in Nigeria

    Appraisal of challenges on renewable energy development in Nigeria

    • By Tayo Douglas

    Energy is the main backbone of economic growth in any country, including Nigeria. It is the force driving every aspect of the world’s economic activities; hence no country can develop without energy. In Nigeria, energy is widely used by every sector of the economy. Industries, communication, transportation, domestic, and other commercial sectors depend on energy to conduct their activities.

    Over the years, the energy sector in Nigeria has been underperforming. The country has not been able to meet the spate of energy demands of its teeming population despite the fact that it is being touted as the leading economy country in Africa. Despite privatization of the energy industry, energy generation, transmission, and distribution from the grid have been low or not steady. So far, the inadequacy of energy generation and supply has been traced to a shortage of gas supply, vandalization of equipment, low water margin, and poor distribution network. As long as there is a dearth of energy in Nigeria, the implication is that many industries will continue to wind up while those that have the means and capacity will continue to relocate to other countries where the cost of energy is cheaper than what is obtainable in Nigeria. At the moment, the decline in industrial activities has led to a situation where products that were hitherto produced locally are now being imported. If care is not taken, an increase in poverty rates and a frightful drop in people’s standard of living would become rampant in Nigeria.

    In spite of the foregoing, the Nigerian government can overcome the prevailing energy crisis in the country if it gives its vent to the rapid development of renewable or alternative energy resources. This article reflects on the potential of renewable energy sources in Nigeria and the challenges inhibiting its development.

    Potentials of renewable energy sources in Nigeria

    Nigeria is endowed with renewable and conventional energy resources. The renewable energy sources are wind, biomass, tidal and waves, geothermal, hydropower, and solar while the conventional sources comprise of coal, oil, and gas. The benefits of renewable energy over conventional energy could not have been over-emphasized than at this present moment when the cost of fossil fuel energy is now beyond the reach of both the middle and lower class in Nigeria. Not only is renewable energy source infinite, clean and environmentally friendly, but the energy is also capable of meeting the present and future energy demands in Nigeria. Furthermore, if the government can harness renewable resources, there would be clean and affordable sources of energy in the country and the rural areas will also have access to the use of energy without being connected to the national energy grid. Above all, lives in the rural areas would be improved and the rate of emigration to the cities would be drastically reduced.

    Wind Energy

    Wind energy derives its source from the activities on the earth’s surface. When the sun heats the surface, the wind lifts itself into any direction depending on the quantum of energy produced by the sun. Its use is the most ideal for electricity generation, while its installation capacity depends on which area of the country has abundant sources. The Niger Delta and the Northern part of the country are two notable areas with abundant potential for wind energy generation.

    Solar Energy

    This energy is effective if channeled towards domestic purposes like cooking, clothes drying, and heating of water. Farmers can also deploy its use for crop preservation and brooding purposes. It is also ideal for uninterrupted electric power supply in some business premises. Notwithstanding, the period of the year in Nigeria, solar photovoltaic (PV) equipment which transforms sunlight into energy has a storage capacity that cannot be exhausted before it is again renewed. The potentials of solar energy are high in Nigeria because of the sunshine density. It then means that solar energy can be connected to the energy grid or stand-alone. The benefit here is that where its installation is independent of the grid, the rural areas stand to benefit because they can be easily connected to the energy supply.

    Government attempts to have solar as an additional source to the energy mix in Nigeria has continued to suffer setbacks.

    The inadequacy of data to control the volume of demands and investors’ apathy have continued to discourage the installation of solar systems to the extent needed for sustainability purposes. Promoters and investors are afraid to participate in the development of the energy sub-sector because of the absence of a legal framework to guide or regulate their investment. Also, the absence of security to protect and preserve solar pv appliances from pilfering or attacks constitutes a lot of setbacks. Overall, incorporation of solar to the energy mix by the government will no doubt promote economic activities and employment opportunities in the rural areas.

    Hydro-Energy

    Hydro system is currently part of the country’s energy mix. At the moment, it contributes about twenty percent of the energy supply to the national grid. The energy is sourced from water; dams and their extractive process does not evoke any pollution or emissions to the environment. Hydro energy sources’ potential in Nigeria is high and inexhaustible. According to research, the energy source’s capacity is estimated to be 9,000 megawatts per year but the country is yet to exploit the same to the full capacity. 

    Biomass Energy

    National Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Policy (NREEEP) 2015 defines biomass as any organic material which is not a fossil fuel but has its origin from biological roots. Biomass is primarily sourced from firewood, charcoal, chips, and sawdust. Its secondary source is processed crops or agricultural wastes like rice husks, haystacks, shrubs, forage grasses, and forestry waste. Although extensive processing of this energy source may lead to a dearth of food or famine if there are no regulatory frameworks in place. However, the energy source is still far better than fossil fuel and a preferable source. On average, organic and trash wastes are the major sources of energy. Biomass potential is high in Nigeria because of the country’s population which makes it easy to generate thrash wastes needed for energy conversion. Some agricultural products like sugarcane, rice shaft, cassava, and dung wastes are in abundance in Nigeria and these wastes could easily produce energy. By and large, biomass sources of energy present an area in which the government can encourage investment.

    Geothermal Energy

    Geothermal energy is sourced from the heat protruding from underneath the earth’s surface.  This energy source is available in Nigeria, but it has not been exploited and developed. The advantage of geothermal over other classes of renewable energy is that its storage capacity is inexhaustible. If added to the country’s energy mix, it would go a long way in filling the gap in energy demands.

    Tidal and Wave Energy

    Tidal and wave energy is sourced from ocean currents. It is classified as renewable because the energy source remains unhindered as long as there is an ocean in the country. The energy potentials are high in the coastal belt areas of the country. Development and use of this energy have not gained traction in Nigeria owing to the absence of data to control the development of the energy source.

    Basically, a renewable energy regime in Nigeria would mean that there is an energy system that guarantees energy security, energy equity, and a sustainable environment. This means that the use and enjoyment of renewable energy would not pose any social threat to future enjoyment. It would not result in any environmental hazards, and its use is inexhaustible. The word ‘renewable’ shows that there is an energy source that naturally replenishes itself over a lengthy period of time. Access to energy indicates that clean energy is available and affordable to a greater number of people. The three features of renewable energy are termed the energy trilemma. It is important that the energy policy in Nigeria pay attention to these three features in order to enhance the effective development of its renewable energy resources.

    In an era where the global approach to the achievement of sustainable goals in the development of social, economic, and environmental sectors of any country leans on the side of energy security, renewable energy deployment has been tipped as the only means by which those goals can be achieved or driven. It, therefore, means that the Nigerian government must expand the scope of its activities on the development and use of renewable energy resources so as to fast track its achievement of sustainable goals in every sector of its economy. Nigeria must put in place a legal precept that is all about energy and sustainable development. Given a standard and requisite regulatory framework, renewable energy can drive the achievement of sustainability goals in Nigeria.

    Challenges of renewable energy development in Nigeria     

    The challenges that are suppressing or stifling development in the country’s renewable industry can be traced to two major reasons. First, the renewable industry in Nigeria is nascent or evolving and has not gained the requisite traction necessary for rapid and sustainable development. Second, the conceptual design of the policy framework has not been properly laid on a good foundation and this faulty design has continued to occasion challenges in the industry. Besides the absence of strategy to guide policy enforcement, there is also a lack of in-depth knowledge of the policy to be enforced. As it is, policymakers are mostly concerned about the immediate benefits of the policy on the development of the renewable industry without building into such policy any sustainable strategy. The following challenges in Nigeria’s renewable industry are examined in this article:  

    Duplicity of institutions and functions

    Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), and Federal Ministry of Power (FMP) are agencies and ministries saddled with management responsibilities in the energy sector. NERC was created by the Electric Power Sector Reform (EPSR) Act 2005.

    According to the EPSR Act, NERC’s duties are to strengthen the energy market and provide access to energy services in both urban and rural areas of the country. The corporation is to grant licence to investors and also solicit their participation in the energy business. NERC is further given power by the Act to make rules and regulations which it deems appropriate. EPSR Act 2005 specifically provides that NERC regulatory powers include arbitral and conciliatory proceedings. In essence, NERC can determine an investor’s licence at will or set the conditions under which the licence can be operative.

    In another stretch, the Federal Ministry of Power (FMP) is by this same Act saddled with the same duties and functions assigned to NERC. FMP has the power to issue policies on planning and coordination of the energy sector. The ministry is also empowered by the Act to regulate the energy market and to determine investors’ participation in the energy market. Conflict of functions between NERC and FMP is further expressed when the Act stipulates that NERC shall always submit the report of its activities on energy market to the minister in charge of FMP. In general, the contradiction and inconsistency in the EPSR Act 2005 is a dangerous precedent in the energy sector. No investor would dare ignore the contradiction and still go ahead to participate in any activities in the sector. Furthermore, the inconsistency in the provisions of the Act is an impediment to the management and development of the sector.

    The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) is another agency managing the energy sector. It was established by the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) Act 1989. Section 5 of this Act assigned the same duties and functions of NERC to the ECN. Section 32 of the EPSR Act is a verbatim reproduction of section 5 of the ECN Act 1989. In essence, two agencies of the energy sector are now made to usurp each other’s functions and duties.