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  • Afrik Ultimate Hero Search unveils reality TV show

    Afrik Ultimate Hero Search unveils reality TV show

    The organisers of Afrik Ultimate Hero Search have announced the maiden edition of its Reality TV Show, set to captivate audiences across Africa between May and June 2024

    The founder, Amb. Thompson Ukeki, a renowned Nollywood movie producer, declared that the competition’s winner would walk away with an impressive $15,000 cash prize and a brand new SUV.

    The highly anticipated reality TV show which is scheduled to premiere on May 15, 2024, would be simultaneously broadcast across various media houses in Africa. 

    Ukeki, addressing the media at a conference held in Lekki, Lagos state, emphasised the global reach of the show, with 27 housemates representing 27 African countries.

    Mary-Anne Oseyemi Adegoke, a clip producer and actress involved in the project, reiterated the grandeur of the event, stressing the substantial reward awaiting the ultimate hero. 

    Auditions for the Afrik Ultimate Hero Search have been ongoing since September 2023 and are set to conclude on May 15, 2024.

    Adding an international flair to the promotional activities, selected African actors, actresses, and producers will collaborate with the United Kingdom-based movie production company “Madam Films Limited” to shoot promotional clips. 

    The esteemed individuals embarking on this journey include Jonathan Timilehin Oye, Becky Pring’ar Dakahap, Young Alexis Nabia, Mary-Anne Oseyemi Adegoke, Adrian Claud, and Alfred Bunmi Bamgbose.

    The founder expressed gratitude for the unwavering support and collaborative efforts of these creative minds and team spirit. 

    The shooting for the promotional video clips is set to commence early in 2024.

  • Yuletide: Jubilation as bus owners commence FG’s discounted fares

    Yuletide: Jubilation as bus owners commence FG’s discounted fares

    The Association of Luxury Bus Owners of Nigeria (ALBON), yesterday confirmed  that its members had commenced full implementation of  the 50 percent price reduction on the  routes specified by the Federal Government for travellers during the Christmas and New Year festivities.

    Excitement also filled the air yesterday at the  Mobolaji Johnson Train Station  as hundreds of travellers began to take advantage of the free train service offered by the  Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC)  on  the Lagos-Ibadan train routes for 15 days.

    The luxury bus owners, who operate  inter state bus service, said in a statement that  the  implementation of the discounted fare began on Thursday and will run through January 4,2024.

    President Bola Tinubu approved the fare reduction to ease movement by Nigerians during the festive periods.

     Security is being beefed up across the country by the agencies saddled with such responsibility.

    President of ALBON, Mr.Nonso Ubajaka and the Secretary,Mr.Frank Nneji in the statement enjoined   passengers travelling during this festive period to “take advantage of this magnanimous gesture of Mr President to alleviate their transportation cost to their various destinations during this festive period.”

    They said 11,118 seats  would be available per day for passengers during the duration of the exercise.

    The operators  are: Young Shall Grow Nig Ltd, Chisco Transport Ltd, Izuchukwu Transport Nig. Ltd, ABC Transport Plc, God Bless Ezewanta Nig. Ltd, SD Express Ltd, Welfare Transport Nig. Ltd, Ifesinachi Transport Nig. Ltd, E Ekeson Nig. Ltd., Ifeanyi Chukwu Industries & Commercial Ltd, Bonnyway Motor Ltd., Delta Express Ltd, and  God Is Good Motors Ltd.

    ALBON listed the available routes to include Lagos-Kano; Onisha-Abuja; Lagos-Abuja; Onisha-Sokoto; Lagos-Kaduda-Zaria; Onisha-Gombe; Lagos-Jos; Onisha- Zakibiam; Lagos-Enugu; Ph-Owerri-Aba-Kano; Lagos-Onisha; Aba-Owerri-Abj; Lagos Owerri; Aba-Lagos; Lagos-Aba; Abuja-Gombe; Lagos-Abakaliki; Abuja-Lagos; Lagos-Nsuka; Abuja-Enugu,Abakaliki; Lagos-Uyo; Abuja-Onisha-Aba; Lagos-Ph; Abuja-Ph.

    others are Onisha-Kano; Abuja-Kano; Onisha-Lagos; Abuja-Sokoto; Onisha-Jos; Abuja-Maidugiri.

    The statement said, “All intending passengers on the above listed are requested to go to our members’ various bus stations nationwide to book and board our buses on payment of only 50% (half the price) of the prevailing or current bus fare during the period on the principle of “First Come, First Served Basis” on the daily basis during the period.

    “The Association of Luxury Bus Owners of Nigeria once again commends and salutes the Federal Government of Nigeria under the listening and responsive leadership of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for this great package for the traveling masses. We also thank the Honourable Minister of Transportation Senator Ahmed Saad Alkali for his unrelenting efforts in ensuring that Mr. President magnanimous gesture for the traveling masses during this festive period is fully implemented.

    “This indeed is the dawn of the RENEWED HOPE for us in the Luxury Bus industry and our numerous passengers nationwide.”

    Excitement as passengers enjoy free train service for Lagos-Ibadan rail

    Scores of passengers were seen yesterday at the  departure terminal of the Mobolaji Johnson Train Station in Lagos awaiting the  arrival of the evening train which was scheduled to leave for Ibadan at  4pm.

      District Manager for Lagos, NRC, Augustine Arisa told The Nation  that tickets would  not be issued at the train station, and  no commuter would  be allowed to board without a ticket.

     He explained that passengers would enjoy the free train service in the morning (8:00am) and in the evening (4:00pm).

     A passenger, Bisi Akanni expressed joy over the free train service. She commended the Federal Government for the laudable initiative. 

    She said: “I thought the directive won’t be implemented, when I booked for my ticket, I got it online and it was seamless. I arrived here, and no one asked me to pay anything. Kudos to the Federal Government for this.”

    Another passenger, Segun Adekanmbi who spoke to The Nation, thanked President Tinubu for easing the burden off Nigerians during the yuletide.

    He said: “This is a great initiative by the Federal Government, and I think it is going to be beneficial to the citizens. It will go a long way to relief many passengers”

    Enugu passengers reschedule  travel to benefit from rebate

    Some passengers  who had planned to travel from Enugu yesterday had to reschedule  their trips to today  to enable them benefit from the transport rebate, according to an investigation.

     It was gathered that the transport companies approved for the discounted fares would go full blast in the state today.

     Passengers who had trooped to the approved lots of some of the companies were told to come back today.

    One of such passengers who identified himself as Ibrahim Bagos, said he had expected to pay half of N28,700 from Enugu to Abuja, but was told that the programme would commence the next day.

    Read Also: Yuletide: DSS urges Nigerians to shun violence, fake news

    “I am traveling to Abuja en-route Jos. So, since we’re going to have a long holiday, I decided to leave this morning (yesterday). 

    “However, on getting to the park they told me that I would have to pay the full N28,700 to get to Abuja today (yesterday) and that, if I want to enjoy Tinubu’s transport rebate, I would have to wait till tomorrow being Saturday because that is when they would start it.

     “I considered it. That’s why I’m not travelling again today. I will travel tomorrow. That means I will have to make my payment now so that by tomorrow I will come over and move with them.”

    Bagos commended President Tinubu for initiating the programme, saying it would save many families the trouble of not travelling home for Christmas.

    At The Young Shall Grow Motors, Enugu, passengers were seen booking ahead for Saturday (today) to enable them participate in the scheme.

    The situation was the same in Aba, Abia State.

     Investigation at the major bus terminals in Aba  showed that the companies operating there still charged  the old fares  of between ₦18,500 to ₦22,500 for Aba-Lagos and Aba-Abuja.

    IGP meets tactical commanders, orders tight security nationwide for yuletide

    Police Inspector General Kayode Egbetokun yesterday met with Tactical Commanders, including Commanders of the Police Mobile Force, Border Patrol Force, Safer Highway in Abuja as Nigerians prepared for the Christmas festivities.

    He directed all Commissioners of Police and Tactical Commanders to deploy adequate personnel and resources throughout the length and breadth of the country including recreational and picnic centres.

    The objective is to protect fun seekers during the festivities.

    He wished Nigerians a merry Christmas and a happy new year.

    The various state commands of the police warned citizens against the use of fireworks during the period.

    The Rivers State Police Commissioner Olatunji Disu deployed additional law enforcement personnel to strategic locations in the state.

    He said  the move was part of the command’s proactive measures to safeguard residents and visitors in the state  during the festive season.

    The CP said  the Command’s tactical units dedicated to combating kidnapping and robbery activities would intensify efforts through targeted operations and surveillance to preempt and neutralize any troublemaker.

    Imo State Police  Commissioner  Aboki Danjuma  held a security meeting with Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and Tactical Teams Commanders.

    Lagos State Police Commissioner Adegoke Fayoade assured residents of adequate security during the Christmas and New Year festivities.

    Fayoade directed the Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), Tactical Commanders and Intelligence Officers to deploy adequate human and operational resources to strategic points to forestall security breach.

    He charged officers and men to be professional, courteous, but firm in the discharge of their responsibilities.

     The Department of State Services (DSS) urged Nigerians to shun acts of violence, fake news and divisive tendencies in the interest of public order and national security during and beyond the Yuletide season.

     The agency’s Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications,  Dr Peter Afunanya, also called on all to be security conscious and mindful of their environment. 

     “Similarly, operators and patrons of recreational/motor parks, fun places, worship centres, supermarkets and other public spaces should be alert and take appropriate measures to protect their facilities and the users,” he said..

      He also asked  to report suspicious persons, movements, parcels and objects to relevant security agencies. 

    On  its part,the  Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) said it would deploy 25,000 personnel to ensure protection of lives, and critical infrastructure across the nation during the yuletide season.

    Dr Ahmed Audi, NSCDC Commandant General (CG) told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the deployed officers and men of the corps drawn from several tactical units, would be on active surveillance to ensure that citizens celebrate the festive season without fear.

    Police beef up security, assures Ebonyi residents of hitch free celebrations

    Security has been beefed up in Ebonyi State ahead of the Christmas and New Year celebration.

    Police Commissioner in the state, Augustina Ogbodo stated this in a statement yesterday. 

    She said that crime and criminality had reduced in the state since she assumed office in July. 

    “From July 2023, when I assumed office till date; over three hundred (300) cases have been reported and more than four hundred and eighty-seven (487) suspects arrested.

     “One hundred and forty (140) cases and one hundred and eighty-seven (187) suspects were prosecuted and charged to court respectively, and fifteen (15) accused persons convicted.

     “We have recovered more than twelve (12) stolen vehicles, twenty (20) assorted firearms, three hundred and fifty (350) ammunitions of different calibres, rescued more than twelve (12) kidnapped victims, and dislodged criminals from their numerous criminal hideouts in different parts of the state”, she said.

    CP Ogbodo said the command had perfected strategies to ensure that the Christmas and New Year celebrations were hitch-free.

    “The entire citizens of Ebonyi State are urged to go about their lawful duties and businesses without fear and enjoy the festive periods.”

    ” However, you should bear the following security tips in mind; No use of firecrackers as it is banned in all local government areas of the state.

    “Ensure you check your doors/windows before sleeping or going out for the day. Ensure you have the numbers of your Area Commander/DPOs in your locality.

    Do not drink and drive, and always use your seatbelt

     “Tell your relatives about your movement.Do not disclose your one-time password (OTP) to anybody. Ensure your phone is adequately charged and you have fuel in your car/ motorcycle at all times in  case of emergency.

     “Report any security breach immediately, to the nearest police station or call any of the Ebonyi State Police Command hotlines; at 07064515001, 08033447426, 08069689356, 08150536165 and 08032851845 even when you are not the victim”, she said.

    TUC to CBN: End naira scarcity now or face industrial action 

    With no end in sight to the current naira scarcity,the Trade Union Congress (TUC) yesterday warned d the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)  to put an end to the situation or force  it (union) to consider exploring “our usual options whenever the working people are pushed to the wall.”

    President of the congress, Festus Osifo and the General Secretary, Nuhu Toro, said in a statement in Abuja that the TUC was dismayed to see that Nigerians “find it difficult to access the Naira from banks and their outlets (especially the Automated Teller Machines, A. T. M).”

    It said:”We are amazed that the Central Bank of Nigeria is finding it extremely difficult to make our currency available to the working people and the citizens.

    “To say the least, this is unfortunate and unacceptable. Nigerians have continued to be subjected to needless excruciating hardship by insensitive and heartless agents and agencies of government, whose actions and inactions are really difficult to fathom and impossible to defend. What is the offense of the ordinary Nigerians that they have to face so much pains and tribulations without let off, even in this solemn Yuletide season? 

    “The President Tinubu Administration must move pronto and decisively and for once get its monetary and fiscal policies right and working in the interest of the long-suffering people.

     “This Naira scarcity must end now!!! Otherwise, the TUC, its affiliates and our allies, would be forced to consider exploring our usual options whenever the working people are pushed to the wall.”

  • Emefiele would have faced firing squad for high treason in China – Onanuga

    Emefiele would have faced firing squad for high treason in China – Onanuga

    Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has described the revelations on former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, as high treason deserving of a capital punishment.

    Onanuga was reacting to revelations made by the report of the Special Investigator on CBN and Related Entities, Jim Obazee, which was made available to the media on Thursday.

    Among other infractions, it was discovered that Emefiele invested public money (billions of dollars) in 593 accounts in the United States, China and the United Kingdom without authorisation.

    Read Also: CBN probe: Emefiele used proxies to acquire bank – Investigator

    In the UK alone, Emefiele kept £543,482, 213 in fixed deposits without authorisation by the CBN Board and the Investment Committee.

    Also, about N1.7 trillion spent on COVID 19 intervention management did not get to the right beneficiaries.

    However, in a tweet on his verified X handle, aonanuga@1956, the Presidential Spokesperson said if Emefiele’s infractions had been committed in a country like China, his penalty would have been death by firing squad for high treason.

    “If Godwin Emefiele and his gang had committed these egregious misappropriations in China, they  will by now be facing the firing squad for high treason”, Onanuga said.

  • Fully equipped ambulances please

    Fully equipped ambulances please

    For the second consecutive week, the European leagues have shown why they are the best in all ramifications. Every detail of the game is beyond just playing it to create excitement and entertainment. It is addressed to further reassure the active participants in the game that their lives are treasured with top-of-the-range medical equipment and personnel to man the gadgets with the swiftness of sound.

    For most followers of the English game, especially in the elite class, a fixture involving Bournemouth and Luton wasn’t one to kiss the headlines in the media, not for the game’s final result, but for the scary moments of the sudden fall of Luton’s captain, Tom Lockyer, in the 65th minute with the scores at a goal apiece.

    Lockyer suffered a cardiac arrest during Saturday’s Premier League match at Bournemouth. This unfortunate incident brought to the fore the attention of the organisers of the game in terms of providing adequate, modern, and functional medical facilities at match venues. Lockyer’s cardiac arrest exposed the quality of medical facilities that the two teams (Luton and Bournemouth had with them right there on the pitch.

    In fact, what high-quality medical gadgets that both teams had including the presence of renowned doctor’s have been heralded globally as one of the reasons, if not the major reason that Lockyer is alive today. There was nothing like sachets of pure water for the distressed player on the turf. Players didn’t crowd Lockyer to block the flow of fresh air to him. Nor was there the unhygienic setting where the players freely fanned Lockyer with their sweat-soaked jersey tops in their damp and dingy conditions to further suffocate him.

    Luton’s manager, Rob Edwards, has also been praised after he sprinted onto the pitch and waved players away to allow paramedics to reach Lockyer as quickly as possible. The boss could be seen shouting “away, away” to players  of both teams.

    Medical staff gave Lockyer CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and used an AED (automated external defibrillator). The combination of the two teams’ medical crew saved his life due to the speed at which they mobilised for prompt action. The 29-year-old was responsive as he was carried off on a stretcher  and taken to hospital.

    Indeed, medical records attest to the fact that 90 percent of cardiac arrests suffered outside of hospital are fatal. Those who ensured that Lockyer remained responsive and stable before he was wheeled out of the pitch and even inside the stadium’s medical centre, almost the equivalent of what you can find in any high-tech hospital justified their competencies on the job.

    Why the medical teams were battling to save Lockyer’s life, you needed to see how the fans rose in unionism to sing songs in Locker’s name and the thunderous sound from fans who clapped to celebrate a clear improvement on what they had seen when Lockyer fell on the turf and was being resuscitated. I was moved to tears as I watched the emotional scenes playing out on the pitch.

    My mind raced to the Nigerian setting, asking  would Lockyer have survived. I unconsciously hissed because the two Nigerian teams’ medical crew would have found out that their cylinders of oxygen were empty, while standing over the distressed player, wondering how the oxygen evaporated from the rusty cylinders they carried. My mind’s eye created the scenes where players of both teams would have crowded the player, while taking their turns to fan him with their smelly shirts soaked in sweat. Don’t ask me what the condition of the stretcher would have been, if it was in Nigeria. I’ve been told that the Davidson Owumi-led NPFL has changed the narrative of the domestic game. I want to believe them.

    What bowled me over was the frequency in the dissemination of information about the game being suspended before the message was abandoned.

    Premier League Rule L15 dictates that any game abandoned with the consent of the match officials will be replayed in full – rather than picking up where the previous fixture left off – with a new date and kick-off time set to be arranged, as reported by Daily Mail. In the case of a suspended game, it would continue 24 hours after both teams would have agreed on it being suspended.

    The fans waited for the most pleasing news about Lockyer’s health. So, when the message came that Lockyer was responsive and stable, players of the two teams moved around the field clapping. The excited spectators joined in the chorus celebrating Lockyer’s recovery. Mention must be made of how the fans sat on their seat edges in a pensive mood waiting for the good news that Lockyer was alive. This writer looks forward to the day when the game will be replayed with fit Lockyer standing on the centre circle of the field fighting back tears, while waving to fans most of whom were at the stadium when he collapsed.

    At some points of the parade of the players and coaches of both sides, one would have thought that the story was bad with the way Luton’s manager fought back tears, while doing his lap of honour. Luton’s manager could barely utter the word ‘thank you’ You could only tell by reading his lips with his eyes bloodshot. Welcome back to the world of reality, Lockyer. One only hopes that he could heed the doctors’ advice about his future in the game after this scary experience.

    Read Also: Kwara gives 12 tricycle ambulances to three health facilities

    Penultimate Sunday in the Spanish league, the news flash read that the game between Granada FC and Athletic Bilbao had been halted because of an incident where fans sat. It was sketchy, but the attention was turned to that Spanish La Liga game to find out what transpired to halt the match. With time, the news changed, stating that Granada and Athletic Bilbao agreed to suspend the La Liga fixture after the tragic death of a fan in the stands at Los Carmenes. 

    “From the Entity, we want to send our most sincere condolences to the family and friends, as well as to the entire Granada family,” read the statement from the home side.

    “The match between Granada CF and Athletic Bilbao was suspended after the death of a subscriber of our Club.”

    Athletic Bilbao added via their official social media accounts: “La Liga and the two clubs have agreed to call off the match due to the death of a fan at Los Cármenes. Athletic Bilbao expresses its deepest condolences. Our thoughts are with the person’s family and loved ones.”

    This writer was very impressed with the way the dead fan was treated and the respect he got, the suspension of the game for 24 hours, is extremely commendable. It also showed that the organisers and the two participating teams had a working synergy worthy of thunderous applause. Again, fans have been credited with a lot of importance.

    If you thought that such scary medical situations with one of them leading to the death of a fan in Spain, dear readers, then let me share this scene that occurred in the Dutch League. According to the Reuters media platform: ” Ajax Amsterdam’s Dutch league away game against RKC Waalwijk, was abandoned in the 84th minute on Saturday after RKC’s goalkeeper, Etienne Vaessen was knocked out in a clash with an opposing player.

    ‘’Vaessen went down after a collision with Ajax’s forward, Brian Brobbey, causing panicky reactions from his teammates as they frantically called for medical help. Screens were put up around the goalkeeper to shield him from the public eye and players from both sides watched with tears in their eyes as a defibrillator was rushed onto the field.”

    “Etienne was knocked out for a while,” RKC’s director, Frank van Mosselveld, told broadcaster NOS about an hour after the incident.

    “Our medical staff started reanimation straightaway, but it looked like it wasn’t a problem with his heart. He was conscious again when he left the field, but he did not know where he was, ” The Reuters report concluded.

    In these incidents, modern medical technology triumphed. The medical crew at the stadium in both incidents knew their onions and applied the rules of their profession to the letter. No room for emotions. No margins for errors, God forbid.

  • Political parties, governance and leadership succession

    Political parties, governance and leadership succession

    The view in some quarters is that the ongoing disturbingly incendiary, even if low intensity warfare, between former two-term governor of Rivers State and now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike, and his personally and passionately anointed successor, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, is a function of perceived weaknesses and/or excesses of both men. While some have accused Wike of high-handedness, an overbearing disposition and intolerance in his relationship with his successor, others contend that Fubara has exhibited the highest degree of ingratitude and tactlessnesses towards his predecessor given the unprecedented exertions of the latter to ensure his emergence as governor.

    Both men evidently have their faults and failings. But this kind of personalized reading of the often strained relationships between governors and their successors, which has been quite common in this dispensation as exemplified by the combustible crisis between two-term governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, and his equally anointed successor and incumbent governor of the state, Mr Godwin Obaseki, may not be helpful in locating the institutional roots of the problem and preferring enduring solutions.

    Just as was the case in Edo, the dimension of the problem in Rivers was assuming alarming proportions before the intervention of President Bola Tinubu with the anarchic incapacitation of the state legislature with dangerous implications for democratic practice in the state. It is the view of this column that the source of this recurrent problem in several states lies in the underdevelopment of the political party system in the country and the consequent emergence of many incumbent state governors as virtual sole administrators and veritable dictators in their states.

    Despite the central role that the extant 1999 constitution accords political parties as the platforms for the emergence of occupants of both legislative and executive leadership at all levels, the parties have since 1999 not evolved the requisite quality of organizational structures, ideological clarity and philosophical disposition to effectively perform their constitutional functions in this regard.

    Consequently, at the state level in particular, governors have emerged as strong men who have practically captured and immobilized the enfeebled party structures through which they ascended to power in their states. This has contributed to the debilitating leadership succession problems in many states with governors imposing their choices mostly through strong arm tactics only with the latter once in power seeking to become all powerful strong men in their own right.

    It is not surprising that one of the most effective, impactful and result-oriented political leaders this country has ever produced, whose leadership as the first Premier of the Western Region in the First Republic has remained a landmark, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, had no illusions about the prime role of political parties in ensuring effective, accountable and focused governance. In a speech to the Oyo State Conference of the Unity Party of Nigeria in November, 1980, Awolowo was unequivocal in his articulation of the supremacy of the party over its members in both the executive and the legislature.

    In his words, “The important point to stress here is that our Constitution clearly makes a Registered Political Party the cornerstone of the activities of all the members of that Party, including those of them in the Legislature and Executive, as well as those of them operating outside these two organs of government. Indeed, the Registered Political Party is the sole source from which candidates for election, and elected members of the Legislature and the Executive, derive life blood for acceptability, public status and legitimacy”.

    The truth of the matter is that elected officers either in the legislature or executive are not expected to function independent of the political parties on the platform of which they were elected. And this does not exclude governors. In justifying and rationalizing Fubara’s rebellion and repudiation of Wike’s leadership and mentorship, some have made the untenable argument that once elected a governor should be allowed to be his own man, to independently choose his commissioners and other aides as well as chart his autonomous cause. But then, a governor was elected on the platform of a party. No governor wins election alone.

    The party must thus necessarily have a say in the choice of appointment of officers by a governor and government elected on its platform. Indeed, in the Second Republic, key officers both of the ruling National Party of Nigeria (NPN) and the President Shehu Shagari administration including the National Chairman of the party, the President, the Senate President, Senate Leader and Speaker of the House of Representatives met regularly to take joint decisions on appointments, major contract awards and other issues. Indeed, elected officials are expected to implement the policy planks of their parties.

    Read Also: INEC, political parties absent as NASS begin process of electoral reform

    In my view neither the parliamentary nor the presidential systems of government envisages that the head of the executive arm of government will govern alone. True, under the parliamentary system, the Prime Minister and his Cabinet are more dependent on the legislature but even Nigeria’s presidential constitution mandates the Chief Executive to appoint a Council of Ministers which he must consult regularly in running the affairs of state. Unfortunately, in many states, the governors run their administrations like emperors with the State Executive Council no more than rubber stamps and robotic sounding boards for the governor’s often ill conceived and defective ideas.

    To make matters worse, the state legislatures are also at the beck and call of state governors while the local government councils are denied any meaningful financial or other forms of autonomy. And the civil servants too are too cowed to give honest and objective professional counsel. In many cases even the judiciary is largely emasculated by the governors’ suffocating monopoly of power. In such a situation, the governor is most likely to be dangerously divorced from reality and prone to make avoidable and costly policy errors.

    Ironically, in derisively referring to President Bola Tinubu as ‘The Godfather’ of Lagos during and after his tenure as governor of the country’s commercial nerve center, many of such critics are blissfully ignorant of his modus operandi in governing the state that was largely responsible for his widely acclaimed success in laying the foundation for today’s viable and rapidly growing mega city. For instance, the State Executive Council under his leadership was a rigorous and vibrant debating forum where proposed policies were exhaustively considered before being adopted, rejected or modified on merit. Just like governor Babatunde Raji Fashola immediately after him and governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu today, Tinubu enjoyed being debated and challenged on the basis and soundness of his ideas and did not despise losing arguments to better alternatives. Lagos has been the better for this liberal disposition of her successive governors over the last two and half decades.

    Apart from carrying party leaders along in the governance process, Tinubu instituted the novelty of a Governors Advisory Council (GAC) comprising seasoned administrators, politicians and statesmen to contribute to deepening the quality of governance. Furthermore, he deployed greater tact and wisdom in his relationship with his successors such that even when there was crisis, it never snowballed into the uncontrollable scenario witnessed in many states. He was able to exercise considerable influence in the choices of those who emerged as governor after him not through strong arm tactics but through extensive informal consultations with party and other stakeholders as well as the soundness and competence of his choices.

    The only way to effectively address and curtail the frequent distracting and destructive conflicts and tensions between governors and their successors is to replace the current tradition of the supremacy of the governor with the healthier and less dysfunctional supremacy of the party. When Chief Awolowo was leaving the Western Region as Premier to contest for election at the centre, he involved party leaders at various levels in the process that led to the emergence of Chief Ladoke Akintola as his successor in the West even though he had other preferred candidates for the job such as Chief Rotimi Williams or Chief Anthony Enahoro.

    That was why when he faced rebellion from Akintola against his leadership of the Action Group (AG), critical stakeholders in the West and the rank and file of the party stood by Awo despite the immense powers and resources of the Premier. That is a lesson to governors to encourage the functioning of viable party structures and involve the latter fully in the determination of their successors so that they can have solid support bases when the new emperors they single-handedly imposed bare their fangs.

    All too often, governors want to be lone super stars and to claim all the glory and accolades for the perceived successes of their administrations. That is most unwise. No leader in reality succeeds alone. Here again, appropriate lessons can be learnt from the inimitable Awolowo. In his valedictory speech to the Western Region House of Assembly after his superlative performance as Premier of the region, he declared “The undoubted, outstanding and epoch-making successes which have characterized my regime have not been achieved single-handed. I have owed these successes to God’s abiding grace and mercy, and to the cooperation of all my colleagues without exception. I take this opportunity to pay public tribute to my cabinet and Parliamentary colleagues for their patriotism, public-spiritedness and devotion to duty; and for their unwavering loyalty to the noble cause of our great party and to my leadership”.

    Awo even had a word of appreciation to the opposition in the Region: “However much one may dislike the methods of some individual opposition members, the fact remains, and I hereby publicly and gratefully acknowledge it, that under the leadership of the Honorable Dennis Osadebey, the opposition has made worthy contributions to the healthy growth of parliamentary democracy in this Region”. Today, in how many states of the country do we have thriving and vibrant oppositions which are indispensable to good governance? It is this anomaly of state governors as tyrants that must be addressed to prevent or at least drastically minimize the ongoing debilitating crisis in Rivers State.

  • Nigeria ranked 42nd globally and 6th in Africa

    Nigeria ranked 42nd globally and 6th in Africa

    The Super Eagles of Nigeria wrapped up 2023 as the sixth-best team in Africa and secured the 42nd position in the world, according to the monthly FIFA rankings.

    Throughout 2023, the Super Eagles delivered a commendable performance, suffering only one defeat while securing four victories and three draws.

    Super Eagles of Nigeria Conclude 2023 Ranked 42nd Globally and 6th in Africa

    In the African rankings, Morocco maintained its top position, standing 13th globally. Senegal held onto the second spot, retaining their 20th place in the world. Tunisia also remained steadfast, securing the third position in Africa and 28th globally.

    Read Also: 2023 AFCON: Nwabali excited over Super Eagles prospects

    ACompleting the top five in Africa, Algeria and Egypt concluded the year in the 30th and 33rd positions worldwide, respectively.

    On the global stage, world champions Argentina continued their dominance after a 1-0 victory over Brazil in last month’s World Cup qualifier. France secured the second spot, followed by England, Belgium, and Brazil in the top five.

    The top 10 teams in the world were rounded out by Holland, Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Croatia.

    FIFA is scheduled to release the next ranking on February 15, 2024.

  • Don’t lose hope, Emmanuel tells Nigerians

    Don’t lose hope, Emmanuel tells Nigerians

    Immediate past governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel, has called on Nigerians not to lose hope in spite of the ongoing economic challenges.

    Mr Emmanuel, who gave this counsel as the guest lecturer at the Fifth Convocation Ceremony of the Mountain Top University, Prayer City, Ogun State, said Nigerians must challenge their minds to rise above the myriad of challenges facing the world today.

    According to him, “the world we are living in today is characterised by a very high pace and scale of volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity.

    “It is important to note that no nation is immune from the challenges of this present day.

    “Many are losing hope because of the enormity of the unresolved issues being faced on a daily basis. Many are filled with fear at the uncertainty of what the future holds.

    “But hope is the one attribute we must never lose,” Mr Emmanuel advised.

    The immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom State, charged students to take time out to have a vision for their lives, insisting that one must have a mental picture of what future he wants to create.

    Speaking on the topic, Optimizing your potentials in a challenging future, Mr Emmanuel said, “you can hold onto a vision of what is yet to come, you can boost your chances at achieving your dreams and being successful.”

    Read Also: Udom Emmanuel reshuffles cabinet, eyes Legacy

    He recounted how he conceptualized the idea of a state-owned airline for Akwa Ibom State, even before assumption of office in 2015.

    In addition to the Ibom airline which is presently considered one of the best in Africa, he recounted how he also followed his vision of transforming Akwa Ibom into a financial, economic and technological hub.

    Highlighting that no one can progress beyond his mindset, Mr Emmanuel urged people to embrace a growth mindset, “accept that all you know about any particular subject matter is not all that exists and be open to engage with and accept superior information.

    “Your life will ultimately be a representation of your belief system, your philosophies and your ideology. No one can make progress beyond his mindset.”

    He cautioned the youths against mediocrity, explaining that being of moderate or low quality, value, ability, or performance will take no one far.

    “Become a person known for excellence. The challenge of gender, racial, ethnic or whatever biases only count at the average quality level, when you become excellent at whatever you do, these biases become absolutely irrelevant.

    “Excellence puts you above all biases. Be so good at what you do that you become almost indispensable”, Mr Emmanuel said.

  • C/River beneficiaries laud First Lady for RHIESS

    C/River beneficiaries laud First Lady for RHIESS

    Hundreds of beneficiaries who were mostly widows and elderly citizens in Cross River State have lauded the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu for one of her pet projects named, Renewed Hope Initiative, Elderly Support Scheme.

    They beneficiaries were invited to the Calabar International Convention Center where the wife of the Cross River State Governor, Rev. Mrs. Eyoawan Otu represented the President’s wife for a Christmas party.

    The number of the beneficiaries went beyond the projected 250 vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in the state. Over five hundred persons attended the event where the President’s wife and the first Lady of Nigeria doled out N100,000 each for 250 select beneficiaries. The additional numbers that attended the event without invitation where taken care of by the Wife of the Cross River State governor, Mrs. Eyoawan.

    Read Also: Akeredolu’s wife clarifies distribution of N25m to 250 elderly citizens in Ondo

    Each attendees of the event, besides the cash goodwill they got, were given food items such as 5.kg of rice bag, cooking oil, tomato paste, and yards of wrapper. They were also made to listen to health talk from a medical doctor who emphasised the importance of regular health checkup.

    Speaking on behalf of the wife of the president, Mrs. Eyoawan noted that the get together was important as the festive season comes by to emphasise the significance of prioritising the elderly citizens.

    She explained that by reaching out to the elderly this festive period was a way of honouring the contributions they made and the unique encounters they face.

    “I urged you to embrace life to the fullest, prioritise your health, nurture your minds, and strengthen your bonds with loved ones and with God. These are the keys to a rich and fulfilling life in your golden years.” One of the highlights of the Christmas party for the elderly was a dance session where most of them got on the dance floor, dancing with the wife of the Cross River State Governor, Rev. Eyoawan, who represented the first lady of Nigeria.

  • Bayelsa advocates structured federalism to make states more viable

    Bayelsa advocates structured federalism to make states more viable

    Bayelsa State government has advocated the practice of what it terms “structured federalism” to enable states in Nigeria to boost their revenues and become more viable.

    The Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Maxwell Ebibai, who stated this yesterday at the Transparency Briefing in Yenagoa, the state capital, posited that the Petroleum Exploration Act deprives the state from collecting certain levels of Land Use charges to enhance its revenues.

    The Commissioner who gave account of the state’s income and expenditure profile for three months of August, September and October 2023, said as of the end of October this year, the balance in its coffers was N3.3billion.

    Ebibai said there was the need to review the Constitution of the country to allow states to get direct access to revenues accruing to the states on some resources such as petroleum.

    The Commissioner who was reacting to an assessment by the Economic Confidential in its 2022 Annual States Viability Index (ASVI) report, which listed Bayelsa among six states that were allegedly financially insolvent insisted that the state was stable in its finances.

    He said the publication focused only on federal allocations and internally generated revenues to determine a state’s viability without considering how resources were being expropriated by the Federal Government.

    Read Also: Diri faults report on Bayelsa’s viability

    He said: “Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri had reiterated the call for the practice of true federalism and restructuring at the 124th state executive council meeting held a few days ago in Government House, Yenagoa.”

    On the income and revenue profile of the state for the months of August, September and October this year, the Finance Commissioner said the closing balance during the three months was N3.3bn.

    According to Ebibai, for October this year, the statutory allocation was N2.2bn, derivation was N11.5bn, Value Added Tax (VAT) was N2.9bn, and Exchange gain of N5.3bn as total receipt from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) was N21.8bn in addition to Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) which was N1.3bn.

    He said total revenue was N33.8bn while total payments stood at N13.3bn, recurrent payments was N4.8bn, capital expenditure stood at N18.6bn amounting to N23.3bn.

    Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mr. Ayibaina Duba, reiterated the state government’s commitment to transparent and accountable utilisation of the state’s resources.

  • Edo 2024: Group throws weight behind Ighodalo’s candidacy

    Edo 2024: Group throws weight behind Ighodalo’s candidacy

    • Says he’s most competent as state’s next governor

    Members of Edo South Vanguard for Justice and Equity have thrown their weight and support for the frontline aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2024 gubernatorial election in the State, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, describing him as the best fit and most qualified to be the State’s next helmsman.

    Speaking to journalists on behalf of the group during a press conference in Benin City, Joy Osareimen from Oredo Local Government Area, said the group resolved to endorse Ighodalo based on his antecedent, credibility, pedigree and unalloyed commitment to the development of the State and its people, as well as in the spirit of fairness, justice and equity.

    Read Also: Ighodalo joins Edo governorship race

    She said, “As we take our time to critically consider the socio-political history of the State since the beginning of the current democratic dispensation in 1999 and we arrived on the equitable resolution that it’s fair that Edo Central is allowed to govern the State in 2024.

    “After a search and study of all the aspirants coming into the race, we have concluded that for Edo State to experience a more peaceful coexistence, unity and brotherhood among all the ethnic nationalities in the State, we must respect the doctrine of fairness, equity, justice, equality and diversity and give Edo Central the opportunity to produce the next governor.”

    Osareimen added, “We call on all the good people of Edo South to support our son, Governor Obaseki who made a promise to the State in 2020 that in the spirit of equity and fairness, he would ensure that Edo Central produces the next governor. It is our responsibility to support him to achieve this noble course.”