Category: Featured

Some All Progressives Congress (APC) governors are believed to be plotting how to summon a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party without the support of the leadership of the caretaker committee.

Sources said Niger State Governor Abubakar Sani-Bello is spearheading this move.

Yesterday, the governor, who is a member of the caretaker committee representing the Northcentral, met at this state’s liaison office in Abuja with some governors.

In attendance at the meeting was the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami (SAN).

Governor Sani-Bello is believed to have fallen out with caretaker chairman Governor Mai-Mala Buni and Secretary John Akpanudoedehe.

At yesterday’s meeting were Governors Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), Simon Lalong (Plateau), and Badaru Abubakar (Jigawa).

It could not be ascertained whether the meeting was able to fine-tune the plan.

The Niger governor could not be reached.

But, a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the party, Yekini Nabena, gave an indication of the crack in the Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC).

In a statement in Abuja last night, Nabena urged the Niger governor to stop his plan to call a NEC meeting without the authorisation of the CECPC chairman.

Nabena said: “I am using this medium to call on our leaders across the states to caution Governor Sani Bello.

“The Presidency should also call him to order to immediately drop the plan to convene a NEC meeting without the knowledge of Governor Mai Mala Buni and the Secretary of the CECPC.

“The likes of Governor Bello are working against our party and to cause anarchy in the ruling APC.

“Governor Sani Bello is neither the Chairman nor Secretary of the National Caretaker Committee. So, where did he get the power to convey such a meeting?”

According to Nabena, the large interest of the majority should be bigger than the personal ambition of governor Sani Bello.

Responding to a text message enquiries by our correspondent, Governor Sani Bello debunked the claim that the party is in crisis, but did not comment on the allegation.

He simply wrote: “No crises. I have nothing to say.”

Pressed to react to Nabena’s allegation, Sani Bello tersely replied: “There is a caretaker meeting tomorrow (today). Decisions will be taken at a meeting.”

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has said former Commander of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Nigeria Police Force, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abba Kyari, who was arrested for suspected drug trafficking, has not been paraded because it is not the custom of the agency.

NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi, in a Twitter post monitored by The Nation, said the agency does not parade suspects but only posts photos and videos of some recoveries and suspects so people can see the work they do.

He also debunked speculations that the charges against Kyari, who will be arraigned today, were meant to scuttle extradition efforts against the suspended police officer, as they had been filed since February 28, 2022.

Babafemi, who was responding to a question, said: ”A lot of people are mixing things up here. We do not parade suspects. We have never paraded any suspects. That is the truth. I have never brought any suspects before newsmen. What we do most times is that when we issue a statement on our activities, we select some pictures of the exhibits, sometimes with the suspects there, just to show the public because we have a very cynical society that even with pictures, still a number of people would say it is not possible.

“So, you sometimes need pictures or videos to support the statement you are issuing out so that people can actually see and believe that. Beyond that some of these things also serve as deterrent to would-be offenders or those who are already in such line of criminality so that they can see that one day they can also be caught.

“I would love to state that the NDLEA did not file charges against these individuals just yesterday. The charges were filed against them since February 28, 2022. The matter has been assigned to a judge and the suspects are due for arraignment in court on Monday, March 7, before Court 8 of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

“This is to correct the insinuation that probably the NDLEA rushed to court to go and file charges after extradition charges were filed against one of the key suspects.

“In our case, we have charged seven persons, not just an individual alone. This is to correct the impression so that people would not keep reading unnecessary meaning into certain actions by the agency,” he said.

• Leaders split over key NWC positions

• Buhari: we will overcome crisis

The division over zoning in the All Progressives Congress (APC) has not been resolved three weeks before the party’s March 26 convention.

There is still a disagreement over which zones will occupy some key offices, notwithstanding last week’s setting up of the Governor AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq zoning committee.

The committee, which is expected to submit its report today, it was learnt, was divided over which zones to take the positions of deputy chairman (North) and national secretary.

Some governors and ministers are believed to be behind those who are in the dissenting group in the eight-man zoning committee.

But Kwara State Governor AbdulRazaq is forging ahead to submit the report based on the latest zoning arrangement.

Other members of the zoning panel are Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, Prof. Etim Nyong, Dr. M.B. Shehu, Comrade Mustapha Salihu, Senator Teslim Folarin, Alhaji Sadeeq Sanni and Anambra State Deputy Governor Nkem Okeke, who is secretary.

Another dimension to the zoning disagreement is the move allegedly by Niger State Governor Abubakar Sani-Bello to galvanise some governors to force the party to call the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party without the support of the leadership of the Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC).

But President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday raised the hope that the ruling party will surmount the crisis rocking it.

He said those anticipating the collapse of the party at the end of his tenure would be disappointed.

He said the APC had the capacity to overcome its challenges.

On February 28, President Buhari approved a zoning formula backed by influential ministers.

In that arrangement, the National Chairman was zoned to the Northcentral; the Deputy National Chairman (North) to the Northwest; the National Secretary to the Southsouth and Deputy Nation Chairman (South) to the Southeast.

However, the proposal was later jettisoned, following complaints by some governors, led by a Northwest governor.

Thus, on March 1, at the meeting of the APC governors with the president, the proposal was altered.

Under the new zoning arrangement, the National Chairman was retained to the Northcentral, with Senator Abdullahi Adamu, being projected as the intended beneficiary, the Deputy National Chairman (North) was zoned to Northeast; the Secretary to Southwest, and the Deputy National Chairman (South) to Southeast. This was ratified.

This list was given to the AbdulRazaq zoning committee to work with. It was not expected to depart from this in its report, which the caretaker committee will ratify.

But, the change of zoning of Deputy National Chairman from Northwest to Northeast, and the National Secretary from Southsouth to Southwest was said to have led to a deep rift.

A source said: “Barring any unforeseen contingency, the zoning committee is expected to submit its report to the party today. The party is not expecting anything new.”

The President, who spoke with reporters before travelling to London for a medical check-up, said those doubting the APC’s ability to resolve its internal problems should watch out for how it will bounce back, reminding them of how the party edge out a ruling party.

President Buhari said: “They should wait and see. How did we come as a party to take power from the ruling party who had been there before us for so many years? So, we have the capacity. Everything will be alright.”

On how the country would run in his absence, Buhari said Nigeria was in safe hands.

He added: “I cannot claim to be doing the work alone. The government is fully represented.

“The Vice President is there. Constitutionally, when I’m away, he’s in charge and the Secretary to the Government and then the Chief of Staff, so no problem.”

By ‘Dare Odufowokan, Assistant Editor and AbdulGafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

The Emir of Katsina, Abdulmuminin Kabir Usman, has said the national leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is a “son of the soil” who he cannot disown. The revered monarch made the statement while promising to look into the political aspiration of Asiwaju Tinubu, with the view to contributing, advising and correcting where necessary. The Katsina Emir made the remark when he hosted a delegation of the Arewa Organisations Movement for Tinubu 2023 Presidency, led by Senator Abu Ibrahim.

He said there was no way he could disown the leader of the ruling APC in the event that he needed his support considering their long lasting relationship. “This man that you brought, Tinubu, is home here, he is the son of the soil and he has done a lot for me. I was in Lagos some three weeks ago, the first since 1967 and I have seen how Lagos is transformed and I concluded that all the country’s wealth is in Lagos,” he said.

The Emir added that “we will look into whatever movement he is into, where we will support where there is need to support and we will correct where necessary. I knew Tinubu when he was governor while I was district head and he has assisted me in many ways. Now that I am on the throne, he is contesting for president, tell me why I should disown him.”

Speaking earlier, Senator Abu Ibrahim said they were in the palace to seek royal blessings, support and advice towards the presidential ambition of the former Lagos state governor. He expressed optimism that Tinubu has the qualifications and everything it takes to turn the fortune of the country around.

Meanwhile, the Senator Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, (SABAT) group has said that the former Lagos governor, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has the brain, the expertise and experience to fix Nigeria and should be voted to lead the country. The group whose executive members across the 19 northern states converged on Kaduna on Saturday, vowed to mobilize support for the former Lagos state governor in ensuring that he becomes the next president.

They said north has been bedeviled by insurgents and banditry for long and the only person to rescue the region is the former governor Tinubu. In his address, Director General of SABAT, Patrick Olatunji, said Tinubu has demonstrated his capabilities when he was serving as governor of Lagos state. He noted that the former governor grew the state’s economy to be self sufficient and carried everyone along in his administration.

He urged the SABAT members to convince people to vote Tinubu as the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). According to him, “Tinubu is well connected and he will use his intelligence to develop Nigeria’s economy and every other sector. He will make use of his brain to fix Nigeria. He will mobilize all the resources required. He is prepared for the job. He has trained many people and has foot soldiers in the country. When he gets there, pur problem is solved.

In her remarks, the national woman leader of SABAT from Sokoto state, Hajiya Maimuna Aliyu, said the meeting was held in Kaduna because of the state’s strategic importance. She said they were ready to support Tinubu, and urged every other citizens of the country, especially northerners to give Tinubu a chance to solve the insecurity problems. They said they believe “Tinubu is intelligent and they know he has the capability to solve insecurity problems.”

Director of SABAT, Kaduna state chapter, Hajiya Hadiza Garba Ibrahim in her address said the north has population advantage and it “will vote Tinubu as payback for the goods he has done.”

By Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta/Bolaji Ogundele, Abuja/Kolade Adeyemi, Jos/Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

• Says no region has monopoly of leaders

• Denies sponsoring anybody for president

• Buhari, Tinubu, govs hail former president at 85

From former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday came a warning that no one should toy with power rotation, federal character and other principles designed to make Nigeria a strong and united nation.

No region or zone in the country, he declared, should therefore claim to have monopoly of leaders.

Obasanjo spoke during an international symposium in Abeokuta to mark his 85th birthday.

Tributes poured in for him on the occasion from President Muhammadu Buhari, governors, All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and the President, African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina, among others.

Obasanjo’s warning came against the backdrop of the ongoing debate over zoning of the presidency ahead of next year’s elections.

While some people say the next president should come from the South, some others say there is nothing wrong in another northerner succeeding President Buhari, dismissing power rotation as unconstitutional.

But Obasanjo said yesterday that federal character, rotation and “such other measures are meant to help our nation-building process and more sure-footedly move Nigeria forward.”

He said “riding over these measures rudely, shoddily and roughly cannot augur well for our nation-building process and progress.”

He added: “From personal experience and clinical observation, there is no substitute for steady and uncompromised process of nation-building as we have had in some notable examples in the past that have stood us in good stead.”

Going down the history lane, he said: “We have a lot to learn from the events of the last almost 24 years, and God is not to blame if we fail.

“It would appear that we are not getting our priorities right, and that can spell doom on our country if we fail to do what we should do for nation-building in terms of fundamentals of equity, justice, common ideals, popular education, shared values, mutual respect and equality of opportunity anchored and propelled by leaders across the board that are persons of integrity, honour, morality, competence, great virtue, courage to do what is right, humility and ability to put a team together and work with them in selfless devotion and service with the fear of God.”

He said the emergence of the late Alhaji Shehu Shagari as President in 1979 with the late Dr. Alex Ekwueme as vice president less than 10 years after attempted secession by ‘Biafra’ was part of the process of nation-building.

Continuing, he said: “Sustaining the declaration of the victory of Shagari by the National Electoral Commission when Shagari had majority of votes and clear one-third of votes cast in twelve states as against six states by Obafemi Awolowo, which was also sustained and certified by the court and endorsed for implementation by our military administration, was also part of the process of our nation-building.

“Voting for me by other Nigerians in 1999, when Afenifere and the Yoruba substantially voted against me strengthened our nation-building process.

“As continuation of that process, PDP adopted rotation and sharing formula for six key party political offices and government offices among the six geopolitical zones, which stood the country and the party in good stead.

“It was the PDP policy that made it inadvisable to have candidate from the South to succeed me after my eight years in office as President.

“I was succeeded by Umaru Yar’Adua from the North. When Yar’Adua died in office, the nation-building process made us to follow the constitution and for Jonathan to step in, contrary to the desire of some people from the North, who agitated otherwise.

“I have been at the giving end and at the receiving end of contribution to the nation-building process, and I know that if we derail from nation-building process with solid principles, Nigeria will be shipwrecked.

“I will, at this juncture, leave it to fair-minded Nigerians who believe in the continuation of the process of nation-building to decide which way Nigeria should go.

“I have always maintained that if we look hard widely and fairly and we bring objectivity, national interest and patriotism to bear and which must be spiced with equity, integrity, performance, then no region or zone should claim to have monopoly of Nigerians that can lead us along the path of nation-building on the basis of justice, fast economic development, inclusive growth, shared value and our rightful place in the global division of labour and decision making process.

“If we are going fault finding zonally or regionally, no region or zone can claim absolute innocence. And federal character is a very important and perfect instrument of nation-building in our Constitution.

“When we have adequately taken care of nation-building measures, especially management of our unity, and taken care of every anomalous situation and performance or lack of it that have put us in political, security, economic and solid quagmire situations that we find ourselves, then we must zero on personalities.

“Each contender must be properly x-rayed and profiled from birth, and Nigerians must be educated to be able to make a choice that will be in the national interest and propel Nigeria forward.

“Such a person will have to lead what remains of the nation to courageously continue on the path of nation-building as a national team leader, no matter on what platform he or she assumes leadership. No one can do it alone.

“We must, however, stop sacrificing character, track records and performance on the altar of ethnic, regional or religious jingoism. As the watchman counts on daybreak, so too do I count on Nigerians and Nigeria to bring forth that person.”

He said all hands must be on deck to rescue Nigeria from going under, saying: “If in 2015 Nigeria was seventy-five per cent a country and fifty per cent a nation, today, Nigeria will not be more than fifty per cent a country and twenty-five per cent a nation.

“The task of reversing the trend is beyond one personality, one political party or all political parties; it is beyond professional and commercial politicians alone. It demands and requires all hands on deck.

“I mean Nigerians in all walks of life – politicians, community leaders, traditional leaders, religious leaders, diplomatic leaders, leaders in the academia, leaders in all aspects of government life and leaders in other aspects of the civil society.

“Nigeria is tottering, and for as long as we continue to put the cart before the horse, it cannot be well. Or put another way, for as long as we continue to do the same thing over and over again, the result will not be different.

“If the drift is not halted, the remaining twenty-five per cent of Nigerian nation will be dissipated in no time and Nigeria will not be a country but countries and will never be possible to be a nation again.

“That will be a monumental tragedy for Nigeria, Africa, the black race and humanity.

“Since 1999, we have changed from one political party or another. We have manoeuvred and manipulated to the point that election results are no longer reflections of the will of the people, and we seemed to be progressively going back rather than going forward politically, economically and socially.

“We have activities without requite actions and personnel to move us forward. If we continue in the same pattern of recycling, sweet-word campaigning, manoeuvring without substance of integrity, honesty, patriotism, commitment, outreach, courage, understanding of what make a nation and what make for development, we will soon have to say goodbye to Nigeria as a nation.”

Obasanjo said if the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC)  had  done their jobs properly and supported adequately by the judiciary, most of those canvassing to be president in 2023 would be in jail.

He denied speculations that he has endorsed some people for the 2023 presidential race.

“I read and hear about endorsement and statements in support of candidates that I frankly have not made and forming next political parties that I can never get involved in,” he said.

“I was told that social media credited to me the names of three people from the south that I am sponsoring for Presidency in 2023.”

He said there was no such thing.

Obasanjo’s life is a study in patriotism, courage — Buhari

President Buhari, in a congratulatory message to Obasanjo on his birthday, described the life and personality of the former President as a study in patriotism, leadership and courage.

Buhari lauded Obasanjo for wisdom, foresight and versatility that he had deployed in his service to humanity, both nationally and internationally.

He recalled how Obasanjo led the country to democratic government in 1979, and later took over the reins of power as elected President in 1999.

He also extolled how as a former military and civilian leader with a strong network nationally and internationally, Obasanjo brings to bear on things, reflecting his experience, diligence and versatility.

Tinubu extols Obasanjo’s commitment to Nigeria’s unity 

All Progressives Congress National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, hailed Obasanjo for his patriotism and unfailing commitment to the unity of the country.

In a congratulatory statement on the birthday of the former president issued by his media office, Tinubu said: “At 85, Baba Obasanjo remains strong, agile and committed to the greatness of our dear nation.

“President Obasanjo has made numerous useful contributions to this country.

“There have been instances where I have disagreed with President Obasanjo on important substantive issues. Our debates have been spirited yet always professional and without personal animus.

“Through it all, I have come to respect his love of country and legendary work ethic. President Obasanjo has worked tirelessly for Nigeria, Africa and indeed the black race.

“President Obasanjo has earned his stripes as an important statesman on the world stage.

“Baba Obasanjo is bold and courageous and will continue to be so for that is the essence of his character.

“On this occasion of his 85th birthday, our prayer is that God Almighty keeps Baba with us for many more years.

“May God grant him good health and ceaseless energy to continue to be of service to this country he loves so dearly. Amin.”

He’s an exceptional leader, says PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congratulated Obasanjo for being an exceptionally patriotic leader, courageous statesman and insightful administrator.

Spokesman for PDP, Debo Ologunagba, said in a statement in Abuja that Obasanjo remained a global personality who continues to play pivotal roles towards the security, unity, stability and development of Nigeria, Africa and indeed the world at large.

It recalled Obasanjo’s leading role as military head of state to effectively steer the ship of state and returned Nigeria to democratic rule in 1979, and how “as a democratically elected President under the platform of PDP, Chief Obasanjo ran an all-inclusive, transparent and development-oriented government, entrenched democratic practice, revamped the productive sectors, set up anti-corruption institutions and steadied the nation on the path of economic prosperity in line with the vision and manifesto of the PDP.”

AfDB boss celebrates former President at 85

The President, African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina, described Obasanjo’s life as inspiring.

His words: “Your selflessness toward causes in Africa as well as global issues have always shown that your heart and passion are to drive transformation and seek solutions to pressing development challenges facing Africa and developing nations.

“Anyone that knows you would immediately wonder how someone at your age can work several times harder than people who are half your age.

“Your passion and commitment to the younger generation are further exemplified by your always finding time and resources to encourage and support the youth, especially in agriculture.

“You have remained engaged with former Heads of State and Government across Africa, to relentlessly find solutions to challenges and mediate to resolve conflicts.”

Northern governors: He’s a nationalist, passionate leader

The Northern Governors Forum called Obasanjo a nationalist and passionate leader whose patriotism is paramount in all his engagements.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Mr. Simon Lalong, in a message said at 85, Obasanjo continues to offer his wise counsel to leaders at various levels as well as participate in national dialogue aimed at tackling insecurity, poverty, disease and intolerance.

He said the former President has never hidden his belief in the unity, oneness and indivisibility of Nigeria and has thus continued to encourage the younger generation to be positive and shun all actions that will erode national unity, peace and development.

Okowa too

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State said Nigeria benefited immensely from the former president’s leadership at various times as several tangible key infrastructure and economic reforms were hallmarks of his leadership.

Okowa commended the former president for always lending his voice on national issues and for his patriotic and unrelenting service to the country and humanity.

He described the octogenarian as an epitome of nationalism and statesmanship and lauded him for his sustained contributions to peace and unity in Nigeria.

He’s a living legend, says Governor Abiodun

Also felicitating with the former President yesterday, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State described him as a “living legend”.

Writing on his Instagram page, Governor Abiodun showered praises on the former president and prayed that he would continue to age gracefully in excellent health.

A message released by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin in Abeokuta yesterday also reads in part: “Not many can boast of your profile: civil war hero, federal commissioner, former chief of staff supreme headquarters, two-term president of Nigeria, retired military general, peace maker, farmer, family man, politician, author, traditional titles’ holder, global statesman and with an earned Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) obtained at age 80.

“You remain, for us, an inspiration as a living legend and symbol of Ogun Standard of Excellence. As you clock 85 today, you still spend every moment not just for yourself but for the successor generations and the rest of humanity.

“Even at your advanced age, you keep sacrificing for security, stability, development and co-operation across Africa and the rest of the world. Your footprints remain indelible in the sands of time.

“Our prayer is that you keep trudging in excellent health on the global plain, and may every stage of your life be more exciting than the previous.

Happy  memorable and joyous birthday, Baba!”