By Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation/Jide Orintunsin, Abuja

There is anxiety in the All Progressives Congress (APC) over an alleged plot to hold presidential, governorship and other primaries before the National Convention of the party.

The party’s Caretaker/ Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC)  is yet to  fix a date or set up a committee for the convention although President Muhammadu Buhari last month advised  the Caretaker Committee to consider February for the convention,

But the Director-General of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), Salihu Moh. Lukman, has warned the CECPC that further delay in holding the party’s national convention is not in the best interest of the APC.

According to investigation, some forces are opposed to the conduct of the National Convention before the primaries for the 2023 polls.

Those behind this new game felt it is better to hold all party leaders and members “hostage and be loyal” than to leave APC disunited after the National Convention.

It was learnt that shifting the convention till after the primaries may prevent defection of some bigwigs from the party.

It was gathered that as part of the plot, the forces will try to prevail on the Caretaker Committee to continue to shift the convention date when party members would have no choice than to opt for primaries than the convention.

It was gathered that the kite flown by a former Governor of Abia State, Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu, was a tip of the looming plot.

But it was not immediately clear if the proponents of the new game will be able to secure the support of President Muhammadu Buhari.

A former governor however said Buhari will “surely play a key role in the choice of a new chairman and the presidential candidate of the party.”

A top source said: “In spite of the directive of the President, the National Convention of APC is shaky. There is no concrete plan in place for it.

“This poor planning was said to be informed by a fresh plot by some forces pushing for the conduct of primaries before the National Convention.

“These forces claimed that a new National Working Committee of APC should not just be put in place only for primaries without requisite experience. They said the emergence of new party officers after the primaries will put APC structure in solid form.

“I think these forces do not want party executives who will be selling tickets to 2023 aspirants instead of managing the party.

“Another angle to it is that by delaying the National Convention for primaries, the Caretaker Committee will be able to secure the loyalty and buy-in of all leaders and members. It is like holding everyone hostage to work for the party.

“With primaries coming ahead of the convention, it will be difficult for APC to experience defections.

“The calculation of those pushing for primaries before convention was that the primaries may hold between June and September.”

Some APC leaders had warned against any plot capable of making the party to lose in 2023.

Another source said: “Some APC leaders felt it is in the interest of the party to conduct the national convention before the primaries.

“They said they do not think the Caretaker Committee will defy the February directive of the President on the convention.

“They have been pleading that the President should not accept any further excuse from APC Caretaker Committee.

Read Also; Uncertainties over APC national convention

“They said if party leaders and members are taken for granted and led by the nose, it may lead to a huge loss for APC in 2023.”

One of the affected leaders said: “The Caretaker Committee has only slated Anambra Congress for January but it has chosen to be silent on the preparations for the convention. This is worrisome.”

On the dates for primaries, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, the Chief Press Secretary to INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said: “The electoral commission will soon announce the schedule of the 2023 elections, including timelines for primaries.

“You know there are 14 items for the elections and a schedule will soon be released for each item.

“The commission will be guided by the provisions of the Electoral Act in issuing the schedule.”

On April 29, the INEC chairman said the 2023 general elections were exactly one year, nine months, two weeks and six days or 660 days from today.

“By the principle established by the Commission, the 2023 General Election will hold on Saturday 18th February 2023 which is exactly one year, nine months, two weeks and six days or 660 days from today,” he said.

APC convention delay weakening ruling party, PGF DG warns Buni 

The Director-General of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), Salihu Moh. Lukman, has warned the Caretaker/Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) that further delay in holding the party’s national convention is not in the best interest of the APC.

Lukman, in a confidential letter to the CECPC Chairman and Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, said continued delay would only strengthen the opposition and endanger the ruling party ahead of the 2023 general elections.

The APC leadership had following a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari last month announced that the convention would take place in February 2022.

There has been no further word on the convention since then even with February about six weeks away.

Some party members are agitated as no specific date has been fixed or process put in place for the convention.

Last Thursday, the Chief Whip of the Senate, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, urged the CECPC to consider postponing the national convention to save the party from implosion.

He also appealed to the party to consider conducting the presidential primary election and national convention on the same day.

But the PGF boss, who is a chieftain of the party, now wants the process for the convention to be expedited.

Lukman in his December 16, 2021 letter to Buni asked the APC caretaker committee chairman to expeditiously work and conclude the assignment given to it by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on June 25, 2020.

According to him, the ability of APC leaders to begin to effectively prepare for the campaign of 2023 is dependent on how fast the CECPC can discharge the responsibility of reorganising the structures of the party at all levels.

“Any further delay in discharging this responsibility is as good as consciously working to strengthen political opposition to APC,” he added.

He said that although all the structures of the party at all levels have been undergoing re-organisation since the dissolution of the Comrade Adams Oshiomhole led National Working Committee (NWC) last year, all that should be concluded with the national convention in February 2022.

He however said in achieving this task, the caretaker chairman should provide the necessary guidance to party leaders at all levels by elevating internal negotiations within the party through resumption of meetings of statutory party organs to ensure that APC leaders begin to reach agreements on all substantive issues.

Lukman stressed the need for party leaders at all levels to “appreciate that resolving the challenges facing Nigeria today is about developing new orientation, which is more about ensuring that structures meet, take decisions and party leaders at all levels commit themselves to implement the decisions.”

The inability of the CECPC to fix a specific date and set up committees for the convention has sparked tension among party members.

President Muhammadu Buhari has appealed to the Turkey-Africa Summit to partner with African countries on initiatives targeting the reduction of climate change on the continent, like the Great Green Wall on Environment and Land Management.

President Buhari who made the appeal on Saturday at the third edition of the Summit in Instanbul, also called for concrete support to help defeat terrorism and insurgency on the African continent.

President Buhari said the Boko Haram terrorist group, though fragmented by internal strife and degraded by Nigeria’s defense forces, is still active and preying on soft targets.

The President expressed delight that the Summit convened by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey has given due consideration to the issue of terrorism, while also focusing on development and infrastructure in Africa.

According to a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, President Buhari said ”Another area this partnership must focus on is the global challenge of climate change which is impacting us in Nigeria, Turkey, across Africa, and indeed across the world.

”It has become a catalyst for conflict through food insecurity, drying up of lakes; loss of livelihood and youth migration, among others.

”The trend is the same around the world where communities are overwhelmed by forest fires, rising sea levels, flood, drought and desertification.

Read Also; Obasanjo: 14m out-of-school kids potential Boko Haram recruits

”I want to seize this opportunity to appeal for support for initiatives such as Africa’s Great Green Wall on Environment and Land Management, which is designed to fight the effects of climate change and desertification in Africa.

”The initiative aims to restore 100 million hectares of degraded land in the 11 countries of the Sahel-Sahara strip, capture 250 million tons of carbon and create 10 million green jobs by 2030,” he said.

On the global coronavirus pandemic, President Buhari urged nations to follow the example of Africa-Turkey cooperation, which emphasises solidarity and support in tackling the challenge.

”The pandemic is a global challenge which calls for global solidarity and solutions and the Africa-Turkey cooperation model has proved to be an example to the world.

”Not only has there been mutual support to respond to the pandemic but also mutual support to build resilience and sustainable development in other sectors.

”We also commend the African Union for the excellent role it has been playing in coordinating the implementation process of the Partnership,” he said.

The Nigerian leader noted that in view of the increasingly unpredictable nature of contemporary global challenges facing mankind, world leaders must continue to put the wellbeing of humanity at the centre of the agenda for the common good and prosperity of all.

”We must therefore promote science, technology and innovation and share knowledge from research and development to better equip us to address present and future challenges in a more equitable and sustainable manner.

”In this regard, Nigeria strongly endorses the Summit Declaration as well as the 2022-2026 Joint Action Plan,” he said.

Reaffirming that international trade is an engine for development and sustained economic growth, as well as the global eradication of poverty, President Buhari welcomed the significant increase in trade figures between Africa and Turkey.

He urged the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AFCTA) to assist in further increasing the level of Africa-Turkey trade, leading to a win-win for all countries.

President Buhari, who applauded President Erdogan for initiating the Turkey-Africa Partnership since 2008, said: ”We are confident that given the level of openness, trust and commitment manifested in the Africa-Turkey Partnership, this cooperation mechanism will be a game-changer for our countries and set us on the path of sustainable development for our peoples,” he said.

By Toba Adedeji, Osogbo and Gbenga Aderanti

• Victim’s family, suspects in dispute over pathologists’ conclusion

• Adegoke’s widow cries out: ‘Nigeria system may fail me in getting justice’

• Hotel owner’s lawyer asks fleeing suspect Roheem to surrender

Police probe of last month’s death of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife,MBA student, Timothy Adegoke, appears to  have thrown up a  challenge for detectives following the emergence of two autopsy reports on the cause of his death.

Adegoke, 37, died at Hilton Hotel, Ile-Ife shortly after checking into the facility on Friday November 5, and his corpse was dumped in a grave on the outskirts of the city.

The owner of the hotel, Dr. Ramon Adedoyin, and some of his employees are being detained over Adegoke’s death.

The autopsy conducted on the corpse is now generating claims and counter claims from the family of the victim and the suspects.

The bone of contention is the phrase ‘severe trauma’ used by the pathologists in one of the reports as the cause of Adegoke’s death.

The official reports are yet to be made public.

The autopsy was conducted on November 22 by six experts including three pathologists. Their reports were presented to the Police Headquarters, Abuja with a copy submitted to the Osun State Police Command penultimate Thursday.

The four-hour autopsy, The Nation gathered, took place at the Department of Morbid Anatomy, Osun State University Teaching Hospital with all sides, including the bereaved family and their lawyers as well as those of Adedoyin and the police, present.

The process started with the identification of the body by the elder brother of the deceased, Gbade Adegoke.

One  of the autopsy reports, sources told The Nation, attributed Adegoke’s death to ‘severe trauma’ while the other report said the cause of death could not be  medically determined due to the advanced stage of decomposition of the body.

There is no mention of the time he suffered the trauma relative to the time of death and the type of trauma.

But the two reports agree that the deceased’s internal and external organs (including the genitalia) were complete, untouched and in their normal positions.

The internal organs like the heart, kidney, livers and others could not be subjected to the test because they were said to be already in advanced decomposition stage.

“The stomach had decomposed and was melting while they were carrying out the test,” a source said.

“Pathologists agreed that no incision, cut or blood injuries, bruises or wound were found on his neck. The deceased suffered no fracture wounds or injuries to his ribs,” one of the reports said.

However, the corpse had a sub-capital fracture on its femur.

The report did not state when this occurred; whether before or after his death.

It added: “Furthermore, due to the advanced nature of the decomposition of the body and the internal organs, no toxicology tests were conducted on the body and other internal organs to determine whether the deceased died of poison, chemical inhalation or other harmful substance (s) or of natural causes or diseases.

“If it is truly established that this is the position, then it will be medically and scientifically wrong to rule out that the deceased did not die of natural causes.”

Also, the partial decomposition of the body was attributed to the exposure of the body to the elements for about four days.

Police sources told The Nation that officials of the Water and Environmental Sanitation Department of the Ife Central Local Government Area buried the corpse after obtaining clearance from the Nigerian Police Force, “A” Division, Moore, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

A medical doctor who does not want his name mentioned described the severe trauma phrase as an open-ended conclusion.

“Trauma could be as a result of hitting him with sticks or sickness, or anything,” the source said.

Another medical doctor said pathologists could come up with different results on a single autopsy, adding that interpretations of the result of the test would be determined by the circumstances and perspective they are looking at the report.

He said: “The one who will look or interpret the result, based on forensics, is different from the way others are going to perceive it.

“For example, if someone is strangled, the test will show the marks and how it has been constrained. The test will reveal the marks on the neck. You will see where carotid arteries, jugular veins were restrained and constrained from taking in blood supply or passing out blood supply. He will now conclude that the person had been strangled.

“Yet the same pathologist, having checked the body, now discovers poison in the corpse’s system that is different from hydrochloric acid which is natural in people’s stomach in the gastric area.

“Now, he could see the acid and discover that it is not hydrochloric acid but sulphuric acid, but he read it was truly the person was strangled, but to cover that the deceased was strangled, acid was poured on the deceased person’s stomach. That is one aspect.

“Another person might look at it from another perspective that when the victim was strangled, acid was poured into his stomach or mistakenly drank something that could be acidic, but because the acid in the victim’s stomach would automatically cause choking episodes, the victim might hold on to his neck and start struggling.

As you can see, they both have the same scenario and different episodes; two different opinions, two different ideas and different medical write-ups.”

He also said it would be difficult to carry out a toxicology test on the corpse because right now Nigeria does not have the technology to do that.

“I doubt if we have the technology of carbon dating in Nigeria, but the country is advanced in the medical field to a very reasonable extent. I still believe that the pathologists should be able, to a large extent, determine the cause of death.”

While the controversies rage, a source warned that “it is the Consultant Pathologists that can, individually or collectively, explain the reason(s) why there was no unanimity in their findings and conclusions.”

Nigeria system may fail me in getting justice — Wife laments

Adegoke’s widow, Bolatito, told The Nation that she has not been officially told about the result of the autopsy.

She said: “We are on the matter. Nobody is threatening me, but they are threatening my in-law who is the elder brother of my husband, Gbade Adegoke. They attempted to kidnap him about four days ago.

“The police told us that they would announce the results of the autopsy officially, but I don’t know any latest development about it.

“But I was told that the result of the autopsy favoured us. The police have informed us officially that they have received the reports but I don’t know the content of it.

“We have our pathologist who participated in the procedure. If not because of the type of country we are in, this issue is glaring that my husband was killed. We don’t need to stress ourselves on it.

“He went for his final exam and slept in the hotel. He was killed, buried with the bed sheet of the hotel. We have evidence. I pray that the Nigerian system will not fail me to get justice for my late husband.

“The more I am hearing issues around this autopsy, the more I’m saddened, because they already have overwhelming evidence to nail all the culprits. My husband was hale and healthy when he left Abuja for Ile-Ife.

“Let us even assume that he was sick to death, did they inform family members? They disposed of all his phones and my husband’s personal belongings and even buried his corpse in a shallow grave.

“They (suspects) don’t have any defence. They did not inform any member of the family to notify them of his (husband) death.

“If they claim that there were drugs in his bag, was it to kill himself? He attended a meeting in Akure, if he was not feeling too well I won’t allow him to go for the exam. I did not see any drug with my husband. He was not hypertensive or had any medication before.

“Unfortunately, the autopsy report took a long time than usual. In a sane country, it takes 72 hours. People called us that they were ready to fly the corpse of my husband to an advanced country for an autopsy.”

No second autopsy was conducted — Adedoyin’s lawyer

Abiodun Williams, a lawyer to the detained owner of Hilton Honours Hotels, Ramon Adedoyin, said contrary to speculations in some quarters, there was no second autopsy conducted on the body of the late Mr Timothy Adegoke.

He said the only one he knew about took place on November 22 at the Morbid Anatomy Department of the Osun State University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo.

He said: “At the said post mortem examination, all parties were duly represented. Prof. Obafunwa led the team for the deceased family while Prof. Olusegun Ojo led the team for Dr Ramon Adedoyin. Three other consultant pathologists led by Prof. Afolayan led the government team.

“As you can see, it was a formidable team of well experienced seven consultant pathologists that carried out the autopsy. And there was no other one other than that.”

Williams explained that Dr Adedoyin was still being held because when a court makes a pronouncement, it has to be processed and enforced

He said: “There are procedures under the law for doing this.

“We are following the procedures. The police have been duly served with the order of the court and very soon they will comply with the order and release him to go to any medical facility of his choice to take care of his urgent medical needs.

On the allegation of ritual killing levelled against Adedoyin, Williams said: “He is a very good Muslim and very hardworking. His wealth has a traceable history. He didn’t become wealthy overnight. He started from the scratch.

“From home lesson teacher to tutorial, to polytechnic and finally establishing a university. As a matter of fact, some people in Ile-Ife are still calling him ‘Tutorial’ till this day about his then ‘Universal Tutorial College’ in the 80s.”

Williams expressed sadness over the misinformation that has been in the media, especially social media, and urged the law enforcement agencies to go after the people engaging in cyber bullying, misinformation and criminal defamation.

While declaring that he was not aware whether Roheem, Chief Adedoyin’s son had been declared wanted by the police or not, he appealed to Roheem wherever he is to submit himself to the appropriate authorities so that the investigations into this case can be concluded.”

The Nigeria Labour Congress has said it would embark on protest rallies from January 27, 2022, nationwide to reject the planned increase in the price of premium motor spirit otherwise known as petrol by the Federal Government.

The NLC said the protests would kick off instantly and without notice in all the 36 states in case the government goes ahead to increase fuel before the planned January 27 nationwide rallies.

These are some of the decisions reached at the National Executive Council of the NLC held in Abuja on Friday.

The NEC said it considered the recommendations made to it by the Central Working Committee during the meeting.

“Pursuant to its rejection and resistance of further increase in the price of petrol, to organize protest rallies in all the 36 states of the federation on 27th January 2022 which would culminate in the submission of protest letters to all the 36 state governors. Subsequently, a national protest will take place on 1st February 2022 in Abuja; and

“In case government decides to announce new petrol prices before the proposed protests, the protest will kick off instantly and without any other further notice in every state of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory,” the NLC said in a communique signed by its President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba and Secretary – General, Emmanuel Ugboaja.

Read Also: Fuel subsidy removal ‘ll heighten inflation, say experts

The meeting also considered the plan to concession federal assets, level of insecurity and electoral reforms among others.

It urged the government to adopt effective economic policies to halt the inflationary trend as it presents additional pressure on the lean income of Nigerian workers and other citizens and has made life terribly unbearable for the poor masses of our country.

On insecurity, the NEC reasoned that the crises of insecurity in Nigeria has continued to deteriorate since its last meeting and that the parlous state of insecurity apart from scaring away potential local and foreign investors from the Nigerian economy has also unleashed an unquantifiable social dislocation and crisis in the country including food insecurity, widespread hunger and mass destitution.

The meeting therefore urged the Federal Government to consider the recommendations and policy initiatives gleaned from the NLC National Summit on Peace and Security and National Roundtable on Social Protection Cover in developing a National Plan of Action against Insecurity in Nigeria.

The communique read in part: ” “The Federal Government should adopt a multi-stakeholder approach and innovative non-kinetic intervention model towards achieving a sustainable solution to the crises of insecurity in Nigeria.

“The plans by the National Assembly and Nigeria Customs Service to introduce excise duties on carbonated drinks manufactured in Nigeria, the NEC reasoned  will only exacerbate the prevailing hyper-inflation of essential goods especially food consumables, lead to decline in sales, job losses in the food sub-sector and increased hardship for ordinary Nigerians.

“On the plans for the privatisation of Nigeria’s railways, public healthcare facilities and concession of Nigeria’s major international airports, NEC reasoned that the executive arm of government at the federal level and the National Assembly should work together with Organized Labour and manufacturers in the sub-sector for a win-win solution;

“NEC resolved that plans to privatise and concession prime national assets would be tantamount to ‘State Capture’ of the commonwealth. The NEC urged government and promoters of the privatization and concession plans to learn from the misadventure of the power sector privatization which instead of improving the lives of the ordinary Nigerian have increased the level of suffering and hardship faced by the Nigerian masses; and

“NEC therefore resolved to reject the concession of Nigeria’s four major airports and the privatization of Nigeria’s prime national assets including the Transmission Company of Nigeria and other assets billed through legislative actions for privatisation.”

On electoral reform, the NEC urged President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the Electoral Bill into law.

“The CWC considers the provisions in the 2021 Electoral Act Amendment Bill especially the provisions for electronic voting and direct political party primaries as progressive and capable of delivering inclusive, transparent and credible elections in Nigeria.

“The NEC, therefore, resolved to call on President Muhammadu Buhari to pass the 2021 Electoral Act Amendment Bill into law particularly given that he has less than two  days to sign the bill into law; and “It resolved to call for even broader and deeper electoral reform including the establishment of Electoral Offences Commission, the democratization of the appointment of the national leadership of the INEC, the adoption of Proportional Representation in our laws and Diaspora Voting,” “The Federal Government should adopt a multi-stakeholder approach and innovative non-kinetic intervention model towards achieving a sustainable solution to the crises of insecurity in Nigeria.”

By Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

Following compliance with its March 2021 directive to top bankers to submit their assets declaration, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is now set to verify their claims.

More than 500 bank executives, including 120 Chief Executive Officers/Managing Directors and Executive Directors have declared their assets in line with the June 30 deadline set by the EFCC, The Nation learnt yesterday.

The directive, handed down by EFCC Executive Chairman Abdulrasheed Bawa, said it was  in line with the Bank Employees, etc (Declaration of Assets) Act 1986.

By the enabling Act, defaulters risk 10 years in jail if found guilty by any Federal High Court.

A well-placed source said yesterday that from the agency’s records, “there has been substantial compliance with the directive of the EFCC chairman by bank executives.”

“So far, many board members, CEOs, top managers have turned in their asset declaration forms,” the source said.

Continuing, he said: “Although only the EFCC chairman can disclose the actual number of declarants, more than 500 top bankers have done so.

Read Also; EFCC probes governor for withdrawing N60b

“Some banks have even extended the exercise to their managers and branch managers at all levels.

“The EFCC is set for the next stage which is the verification of the assets of the bank executives.  We will soon deploy our teams for verification.

“We are empowered by law to confirm if the assets declared were real; if there are under-declarations or anticipatory declarations or if some declarations are outright falsehood.

“After verification, we will be able to determine any bank executive that has infringed on the enabling Act.”

The penalty for violation of the Act is contained in Section 7(2).

Any erring banker may be jailed for 10 years.

The Act says: “It shall be an offence for an employee of a Bank to own assets in excess of his legitimate, known and provable income and assets.

“Any employee guilty of an offence under subsection (1) of this section shall on conviction be liable to imprisonment for ten years and shall, in addition, forfeit the excess assets or its equivalent in money to the Federal Government.

“For the purpose of imposing a penalty on conviction under this section, due regard shall be had to the amount or value of assets by which the assets of the convicted employee are in excess of his legitimate, known and provable income and assets.”

On verification of assets, the law says the government can investigate bankers’ parents, spouses, children, associates and privies.

It says: “The appropriate authority shall cause to be verified every Declaration of Assets Form and Annual Assets Declaration Form submitted under this Act and may direct that a thorough investigation should be conducted into the assets and activities of the employee concerned including the assets and activities of his spouse, child, relative, parent, associate or privy.”

In handing down the directive in March, Bawa had said the move was meant to check the role of banks in keeping funds acquired illegitimately.

His words: “Let me just put this, we understood that at the tail end of every financial crime is for the criminal to have access to the funds that he or she has illegitimately gotten, and we’re worried about the roles of financial institutions.

“And we have discussed, but we hope that all financial institutions, particularly the bankers, will declare their assets as provided for by the law, in accordance with the Bank Employees Declaration of Assets Act.

“And that the EFCC, come the 1st of June 2021, will be demanding for these asset declaration forms, filled by the bankers so that the line that we have drawn from the 1st of June is really complied with by bankers in particular.”

Last Thursday, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of World Health Organisation (WHO), announced the appointment of a Nigerian, Dr. Ayoade Alakija, as WHO’s Special Envoy for the Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator (ACT-Accelerator).

The new Envoy joins former Prime Minister of Sweden, Carl Bildt, in this role to help lead the collective advocacy for the ACT-Accelerator, support the leaders of the ACT-Accelerator’s three product pillars (vaccines, tests, treatments) and advise the Director-General, ACT-Accelerator principals and stakeholders on emerging issues; and represent the ACT-Accelerator in key national and international fora.

The ACT-Accelerator partnership, a coalition of leading public health organizations, is the only global initiative offering an integrated, end-to-end solution to expedite the end of the pandemic through the accelerated development and equitable distribution of vaccines, tests and treatments.

Alakija is a medical doctor with a postgraduate degree from The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in Public Health and Epidemiology. She is a global health leader and activist who deploys diplomacy to bring together the global north and south together in coordinated responses to the pandemic.

Read Also; Guinea Bissau demands 120 volunteer Nigerian doctors

In her previous role as Chief Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria, she led the Oslo Humanitarian Conference for Nigeria and the Lake Chad region, working with governments and multilateral institutions to mobilise responses to some of the most under-recognized humanitarian crises in the world.

Before then, while based in Fiji, she worked closely with the WHO and UNICEF to design, coordinate, and implement National Health and Behavioural Surveys across the Pacific region. She has specific focus in the area of women and children.

“Dr. Alakija brings a tremendous track record in advocating for equitable access to vaccines, tests and treatments, especially for Africa. She joins us at a critical juncture in the fight against COVID-19, with the Omicron variant threatening to further constrain equitable access to vaccines, just as the pace of supply was improving. We are very much looking forward to working with her to advocate for the full financing of the ACT Accelerator, and to meeting the global targets for COVID-19 vaccination, testing and treatment,” Ghebreyesus said.

The new Envoy holds a Master’s degree from The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in Public Health and Epidemiology. She has taught at various institutions of higher learning, including University of Warwick in the United Kingdom to the University of Pepperdine in the United States, Monash University in Australia, University of Melbourne, Pacific Fiji School of Medicine, and the Pacific Post Graduate training programme.

By Bolaji Ogundele, Jide Orintunsin, Abuja, Kolade Adeyemi, Jos, Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta, Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki, and Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

President Muhammadu Buhari said yesterday that he was eagerly looking forward to 2023 when he hopes to retire to his farm in Daura, Katsina State upon the expiration of his second term in office.

Buhari turned 79 years yesterday.

The occasion was celebrated for him in Istanbul, Turkey by his entourage to the Turkey-Africa Summit.

More goodwill messages poured in for the President, especially from the political class, including national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Governors elected on the platform of the APC and the Northern Governors’ Forum.

Buhari, who said he thought his trip to Turkey had saved him from celebrating his birthday, said: “I thought that being away from Abuja I would escape these things. The Guards Brigade had written to tell me what they wanted to do on this day. Now here you are doing this far away from home.

“I look forward to the year 2023 when I finish, to go home to take charge of my farm.”

But he pledged that while he remains President, “I will do the best that is possible to advance the interest of the nation and its people, and carry out my duties as prescribed by the Constitution.”

His remarks came on the heels of a comment by former President Olusegun Obasanjo that Nigerians should expect nothing from Buhari in terms of stopping the security challenge in the country.

He had stepped out of his suite for a meeting with his delegation when a cake decorated in the national colours of green white green stared him in the face.

The group, according to the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, broke into a chorus, singing: “Happy Birthday, Mr. President.”

Foreign Affairs Minister Geoffrey Onyeama, who spoke on behalf of the delegation, and the Ambassador of Nigeria to Turkey, Ismail Yusuf Abba, congratulated the President on the good work he is doing for the country.

He wished him a happy birthday, many healthy years ahead and the energy to give his best to the nation.

Onyeama noted in particular that the President had continued to have a good run with his health, getting better and more active with time.

The President thereafter drove to the Dolmabahce Palace for a meeting with his Turkish counterpart, Tayyip Recep Erdogan.

FEC felicitates him

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) in a goodwill message prayed God to bless Buhari with longer life to be able to continue providing quality leadership to the country.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha, implored Nigerians to continue supporting the federal government as it strives to make the country better.

He said: “The Federal Executive Council (FEC) felicitates with President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Muhammadu Buhari, as he turns 79.

“FEC wishes the President many more years of good health in order to be able to provide exemplary and quality leadership for the country while building a sustainable future for the teeming youth.

“It prays to God to grant him wisdom in handling the affairs of the nation particularly at this time and enjoins Nigerians to give their unalloyed support to the government as it strives to bequeath an enduring legacy to future generations.”

Tinubu to Buhari: You’ve continued to calmly steer Nigeria’s ship

In a similar message, All Progressives Congress National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, said the President has continued to “calmly and with uncommon dignity steer the ship of Nigeria through the most turbulent of waters.”

In the statement he personally signed, Asiwaju Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State, said: “Congratulations to His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari on the occasion of his 79th birthday.

He said: “Mr. President, your tenure in office has coincided with some of the most difficult and challenging times this country and, indeed, the entire global community has faced.

“Economic crises, global pandemics, insecurity and criminality have all played a role in making the past few years difficult for the people of our great country.

“Yet, despite it all, you continue, calmly and with uncommon dignity, to steer the ship of Nigeria through the most turbulent of waters.

“On this birthday, I wish to appreciate the unseen and underappreciated work that you have done and continue to do to guide Nigeria ever nearer to its manifest destiny.

“Through your careful leadership and measured governance of our great nation, your administration has achieved many things for which we can rightfully be proud.

“Under your watch, previously abandoned infrastructure projects have been completed all over the country.

“Unheralded reforms and measures taken by your administration are also taking effect to bring greater transparency and accountability to governance.

“While the benefits of these reforms may not yet be well understood or appreciated, your legacy as a great reformer and democrat will live long into the future.

“Beyond my admiration and gratitude for your achievements in office, I am proud to call you a friend and a brother.

“You are a man of high intellect and exceptional character, and I wish you a wonderful birthday and many more years in good health and renewed strength.”

Atiku prays for him

Former Vice President Atiku  Abubakar tweeted:  “A very hearty birthday felicitation to President @MBuhari. I pray that Almighty Allah continues to bless you with good health and vitality.”

 You are our role model, source of inspiration – APC Govs

Governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) described the President as their role model and source of inspiration.

The forum, in a statement signed by its chairman and governor of Kebbi State, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, said: “We are very proud of your patriotic leadership. You are our role model and a source of inspiration.

“We acknowledge and commend your leadership, vision and commitment to a united prosperous Nigeria.

“In the last few years, the world has been challenged further to nation-specific issues.

“We are confident that under your leadership, we shall continue to triumph over our challenges while progressing to a stronger, prosperous and more peaceful nation.

“As we wish you a happy birthday and also say a big thank you for your selfless service to our dear country, we reaffirm our commitment to work under your leadership with the abiding faith and belief that the initiatives of our APC Federal Government will meet all the expectations of Nigerians.

“We are very proud of your patriotic leadership. You are our role model and a source of inspiration.’

Northern governors too

The Northern Governors Forum (NGF) described Buhari as a man of integrity and leader with patriotic zeal to develop the nation and secure the future for the younger generation.

Chairman of the forum and Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong said the President has, in the last six years, confronted very many challenging situations that sought to threaten the unity and peace of the country such as insecurity, poverty, corruption, poor infrastructure, among others, with high successes.

He said the President has remained a father to all by embracing all parts of the nation and ensuring that projects are distributed to all zones irrespective of political and other considerations, a situation which speaks volumes of his penchant for justice and fairness.

Lalong said the Northern Governors’ Forum has enjoyed the support of Mr. President in dealing with challenges such as insecurity, poverty, illiteracy and disease which are being substantially contained due to the synergy between the states and the Federal Government.

He’s a quintessential leader, says Abiodun

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State said the President has transformed the country.

Governor Abiodun, who expressed gratitude to God for granting Buhari good health as he advances in age, noted that the President has provided sterling leadership and displayed uncommon valour in the face of the challenges confronting the nation.

Nigeria under Buhari’s watch, Abiodun added, has witnessed great infrastructure transformation, industrial growth and improved economy.

The governor said the president’s economic policy of eat-what-you-grow has indeed enhanced agriculture and given boon to local production of food.

He said: “Mr. President, your tenure has brought unprecedented development to the country despite the global economic downturn.

“Your stance on issues of international importance has further entrenched Nigeria as not only a continental leader, but emerging global leader.

“As you add another year on earth, I pray God should grant you good health and more wisdom to lead our country to the Promised Land.

“May your days be long, Mr. President”, Abiodun was quoted to have said in the statement.

 Umahi: Buhari’s patriotism has given Nigerians unwavering confidence

Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State and Chairman, Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Elias Mbam, also hailed the President on his birthday.

Umahi in a statement by his Information Commissioner Uchenna Orji said he was enthused to be associated with President Buhari’s superlative personal character and the discipline of his leadership.

“It is heartwarming that despite the challenges of our time, your sense of integrity, patriotism and devotion to humanity has given Nigerians unwavering confidence in the dignity and wellbeing of our nation,” Orji quoted Umahi as saying.

He added: “Our prayers and solidarity are with you always, and we pray God to continue to give you strength and wisdom as you advance the cause of our nation.

“Please, Your Excellency, accept the assurances of the affectionate considerations, esteemed regards and best wishes of the government and people of Ebonyi State.”

On his part, Mbam said the history of Nigeria could not be written at any time without many mentions of Buhari’s intrinsic desire to see the country grow to a nation where every Nigerian has reasons to be proud.

He said: “On your inauguration in 2015, you initiated policies that have reshaped the perception of this country in the eyes of the world – that which is ready and working to curb and kill corruption.

“You injected discipline into the system and created policies that at the end will bear fruits that reposition Nigeria’s economy.

“In the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, when the world has been brought to its knees, your government quickly assembled the best team of professionals and policy strategists to ensure that we scaled the hurdle.

“Your efforts in this regard continue to make our country safe for every Nigerian in this troubling period.”

Your footprints ‘ll remain indelible, says AbdulRazaq

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State said the President’s footprints and renowned passion for national development would remain indelible for generations to come.

He said Buhari’s “disposition and pragmatism in the management of complex state matters as well as his commitment to national growth are undeniable qualities that complement his determination to positively touch the life of every citizen, particularly the vulnerable.

“Under the President, we have seen a deliberate effort to diversify the Nigerian economy through massive infrastructural development cutting across every part of the country.

“He is transforming the country to emerge a true global leader, notwithstanding the challenges of dwindling resources and the complexities of security management.

“On behalf of the people and government of Kwara State, I congratulate the President and wish him good health and many more rewarding years ahead.”