The Nation Newspaper

Category: Politics

  • Stop distracting Senate, FG, Tinubu’s coordinator warns Natasha

    Stop distracting Senate, FG, Tinubu’s coordinator warns Natasha

    South-South Coordinator of The Asiwaju Group (TAG), Pastor Reuben Wilson, has warned suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) against further distracting the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio and indeed the National Assembly.

    Wilson, a former Niger Delta freedom fighter, who is also the founder, Pastor Reuben Initiative for Good Leadership and Accountability (PRIFGLA), said Natasha’s alleged sexual harassment may have been a ploy to stop the senate from punishing her for disobeying the senate rules, adding that her activities and actions were inimical to the progress and development of the country.

    In a statement on Friday, Wilson recalled the events that led to the fisticuff between the suspended senator and the Senate President and noted that it was necessary for Natasha to advice herself and refrain from anything that would attack the integrity of the senate and Nigeria.

    “This call is premised on the fact that the unruly and inappropriate behaviour of Senator Natasha in the hallowed chamber of the senate shows clearly that she lost focus on her legislative duties and had turned herself to be a distraction to the Senate and the Nigerian people, and therefore, there is the urgent need to have a sober reflection and redirect her energy to competently discharge her primary responsibility as a legislator.

    “I totally agree with the fact that Senator Natasha has a constitutionally guaranteed right to speak up against oppression and discriminatory policies targeted at her or when her rights as a senator are infringed upon but such must also be done in line with the principles of decorum and respect for parliamentary procedures. 

    “As a senator, she must thoroughly study the extant procedural rules and conduct herself in accordance with such rules of the senate. She cannot conduct herself in a manner that shows she’s above the rules of the senate.

    “I’m greatly disturbed that a mere conventional change of seats that was occasioned by new defections in the senate, which wasn’t targeted at Senator Natasha, but also affected other senators, could make her behave in such an unruly manner and create so much negative content that has greatly distracted the senate and the Nigerian people.

    “Let Senator Natasha deploy her energy to supporting and sponsoring bills(if and when she returns to the senate) that will move this country forward and better the lot of the poor masses, rather than fighting for a mere  sitting position in the senate that will not contribute in any way to enhancing the quality of her representation or the discharge of her legislative duties. 

    “She must give priority attention to her primary responsibility as a legislator if she has to be taken seriously or be considered as a senator that’s in the senate for the betterment of the country,” he stated. 

    Wilson said rather than bring down the Senate and continue to rubbish the country in the comity of nations, Natasha should “prioritise the welfare and interests of her constituents and the nation at large, above personal and selfish interests. 

    “The position of a senator is not just a privilege for self-aggrandizement but a responsibility to serve the people.

    “I’m therefore calling on her to focus on her legislative duties of lawmaking, oversight functions and representation. This call is necessitated by the strength of my findings, which suggests that the primary aim of the sexual harassment allegation was to escape punishment from the Senate Committee on ethics and privileges, which was investigating Senator Natasha for breach of the rules of the Senate. 

    “It was a desperate attempt to divert attention from her disciplinary proceedings. She was trying to manipulate the senate and the Nigerian people to avoid punishment for her unruly behaviour,” he added.

    The south-south APC chieftain also questioned the integrity of the suspended senator over the sexual harassment allegations, especially considering the posture and position of her husband, and wondered why Natasha’s statements on television contradicted her husband’s claims.

    Wilson said: “There are obvious contradictions found in both her claims in her television interview and the statement made by her husband. While her husband claimed to have had a private meeting with the senate president, where he requested the senate president to accord his wife her due respect, following the allegation of sexual harassment, she claimed that her husband met with the senate president to plead with him to allow her move her motion on Ajaokuta Steel Company, without the husband knowing about the sexual harassment she was experiencing from the senate president.

    Read Also: Fed Govt files criminal charges against Natasha

    “Also the claim by her husband that his wife doesn’t hide anything from him contradicts her claim of not telling her husband about the sexual harassment till her public disclosure of same.

    “It is already in the public domain, that Senator Natasha had in the past made similar unsubstantiated allegations of sexual harassment against prominent persons, such as Reno Omokri, Dino Melaye and Yahaya Bello. 

    “She made those allegations without evidence and couldn’t substantiate them, but went ahead to give them serious media hype. It has become a notorious fact that anytime she needs public sympathy to achieve a desired goal, she brings up sexual harassment allegations because many people buy into stories of sexual harassment without critically analyzing the credibility and veracity of such claims.”

    He said Natasha’s theatrics may have also been enacted as part of a grand plot to distract the Senate President and get him removed so that those behind it can install a senate President they can use to fight and distract President Tinubu from successfully executing his vision for the holistic development of the country.

    He urged Akpabio to refuse to be distracted, even as he urged Nigerians to give their full support to the president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to enable him effectively govern the country in line with the renewed hope agenda.

    “I’m using this medium to also call on the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio not to be distracted by the activities of unpatriotic Nigerians who don’t mean well for the country. He should continue to maintain the highest standard of parliamentary decorum and protect the ethical integrity of the Senate.

    “He should continue to use his great wealth of knowledge and experience to strengthen the National Assembly and re-position it for more productive engagements and better results,” he argued. 

    He also hailed Akpabio for what he called the senator’s ability to enthrone legislative excellence and stability in the National Assembly. “His transformational leadership and vision has made the National Assembly to be more result-oriented and productive. 

    “The 10th National Assembly is more focused on proffering legislative solutions and interventions to help President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to effectively tackle the plethora of challenges facing the country.

    “Nigerians shouldn’t be distracted by the shenanigans and mischievous activities of the few unpatriotic elements bent on pulling down the Senate President in order to use the National Assembly to fight President Tinubu, for their selfish interests.

    “As a patriotic and development-oriented citizen, I believe strongly that a united, peaceful and prosperous nation should be the ultimate interest of all patriotic and well-meaning Nigerians. 

    “Therefore, supporting the federal government in its bid to transform and accelerate the holistic development of our country should be the primary focus of all patriots. Nigerians should eschew divisive tendencies and focus on national unity and development.

    “I consider it very important and necessary to make this patriotic call because Nigeria needs a stable, peaceful and productive environment to thrive and prosper. We don’t need to unnecessarily distract our leaders. We must give our leaders the encouragement and enabling working environment to optimally perform their duties for the prosperity and betterment of our nation.”

  • How Delta NOA directorate drives grassroots mobilisation

    How Delta NOA directorate drives grassroots mobilisation

    The Delta State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) is quietly reshaping the civic landscape through dialogue to inspire citizens to take ownership of their roles in nation-building, writes CHINYERE OKOROAFOR

    Around the streets of Warri, to the creeks of Bomadi and the urban avenues of Asaba, the Delta State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has is evolving into an engine for attitudinal change, strategic communication, and grassroots mobilization

    On assumption of office as the NOA Director-General in 2023, one of his earliest messages was that every state directorate must become a visible, action-oriented, and digitally aware hub for civic education and public trust.

    In Delta State, that charge seems to have found fertile ground, as the state directorate responded with energy, innovation, and a people-centered approach.

     “We saw the renewed mandate as a wake-up call,” said a senior officer in the Delta office. “We knew we had to do more than just disseminate information; we had to win back the hearts of the people.”

    One of the directorate’s major initiatives is the “Bringing Government Closer to the People” campaign. Through town hall meetings, community dialogues, and partnerships with local governments, NOA Delta has positioned itself as a two-way communication bridge, taking government policies to the grassroots and channeling citizen feedback back to Abuja.

    Read Also: East-West road for completion in December, Eleme axis opens in 10 days, FG assures

    In communities like Ughelli, Burutu, and Sapele, the directorate has hosted regular community engagement sessions where issues such as subsidy removal, the new student loan scheme, voter education, and the fight against fake news are openly discussed in local languages and pidgin English.

    This commitment to feedback has also extended to real-time civic monitoring. “We no longer operate in the shadows,” said the state director. “We are now tracking the public mood, gathering intelligence on misinformation, and helping the government refine how it communicates.”

    Delta State’s peculiar environmental and security challenges have also shaped the directorate’s programming. In riverine communities affected by oil spills and pipeline vandalism, NOA has fronted campaigns on environmental ethics, non-violent protest, and responsible resource stewardship.

    In collaboration with local youth leaders, the directorate launched the “Delta Youth for Peace and Progress” initiative in 2024. The initiative is a multi-tiered campaign that uses music, storytelling, and sports to engage young people in civic duty and discourage cultism, electoral violence as well as internet fraud (Yahoo Yahoo).

    One of the highlights was the Youth Peace Summit in Warri, which brought together over 300 young people from across ethnic lines for dialogue on conflict resolution and nation-building.

     “We’re not just preaching to the youth,” said one coordinator. “We’re building a new civic culture with them.”

    In the age of viral rumours and disinformation, NOA Delta has expanded its footprint into radio, television, and digital platforms. Regular appearances on local radio stations like Trend 100.9 FM and Delta Broadcasting Service have become vehicles for public enlightenment on topics ranging from health campaigns to civic rights.

    The introduction of The Explainer, the NOA’s fact-checking and policy decoding platform, has added a new layer of credibility. In partnership with media houses, NOA Delta trains journalists and social media influencers on ethical reporting and media literacy, thus pushing back against fake news and conspiracy theories that often spark divisive conversations and breed exacerbate bigotry.

    A key strategy that has deployed by the directorate is the deliberate effort to embed civic messaging within cultural institutions. The agency works closely with traditional rulers, town union leaders, and religious figures to provide cultural contexts to civic messages in a way that resonates locally.

    In Aniomaland, the directorate translated key policy messages into Igbo dialects. In the Ijaw-speaking parts of Burutu and Patani, community theatre and storytelling are being used as tools for environmental education and peacebuilding.

    “When the message comes from the palace or the pulpit, people listen differently,” noted an NOA mobiliser in Bomadi.

    In alignment with the NOA’s national shift to digital civic tools, the Delta State Directorate has embraced platforms like the Mobiliser App, where citizens can ask questions, report civic issues, and access real-time government information. Local social media campaigns featuring Delta youth influencers have also helped bridge the trust gap between young people and public institutions.

    The use of WhatsApp groups for community leaders has also proven effective in remote coordination, countering misinformation during crises such as flooding and fuel scarcity.

    Under the current dispensation, the directorate has engendered a resurgence in community participation across the state, with public response to NOA events growing significantly. For this, the directorate has been commended by civil society groups and local governments for its role in conflict mediation, environmental advocacy, and public education.

  • Makinde: Transforming Nigeria is a collective responsibility

    Makinde: Transforming Nigeria is a collective responsibility

    Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has urged all Nigerians to play their roles in changing the trajectory of the country positively.

    The governor stated that the responsibility of transforming Nigeria should not be left to politicians alone but that it should be an all-inclusive effort.

    Makinde said this on Thursday at the burial and thanksgiving service in honour of Chief (Mrs) Florence Adeola Adeoye (Nee Latinwo), held at the St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Yemetu, Ibadan.

    The governor paid glowing tribute to the late Mama Adeoye, who according to him, influenced and greatly impacted his (Makinde’s) life.

    He prayed to God to continually uphold the family and everyone Mama left behind.

    He said: “I greet everyone seated here today, including my father and former governor of our state, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, our traditional rulers, the pastorate and everyone.

    Read Also: FG sues Senator Natasha over alleged defamation

    “During the sermon, the preacher said we all have a role to play in putting Nigeria back on track. I can say that is true. But you get the kind of leaders you deserve.

    “I grew up in this neighbourhood. So, whatever I turn out to be is an influence from this environment.

    “Everybody knows that our mother, who we are paying last respect to, was very close to my biological mother. They were in this church together. In fact, Mama was one of the last set of those who influenced my character.

    “One thing I can add is that Mama lived well. We thank God for her life. We can’t complain or cry over her passing at 85. We would have loved that she is still here to celebrate 90 years. But, we have to thank God for her life.”

    The governor said that he would be donating a new musical organ to the church on behalf of all the children of Mama Adeoye.

    Earlier in his sermon, the Vicar of the Church, Venerable Festus Omowole, commended Governor Makinde for unprecedented developmental strides and for putting in place a strong security architecture in the state.

    He charged the people to always have the fear of God and be conscious of their end and their place of rest.

    The event had in attendance former Governor Ladoja, Chief Mrs Mutiat Ladoja; Senior Executive Assistant to the Governor on General Duties, Chief Bayo Lawal; Executive Assistant to the Governor on Administration, Revd Idowu Ogedengbe; and Special Assistant on Interfaith, Revd. Femi Ibikunle, among other dignitaries.

  • ‘APC should intervene in Lagos council post-primary crisis’

    ‘APC should intervene in Lagos council post-primary crisis’

    All Progressives Congress (APC) women yesterday stormed the Lagos State House in Marina to  protest the outcome of the recent local government primaries in Agbado-Oke-Odo Local Council Development Areas (LCDA).

    Urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to wade into the controversy, they called for the cancellation of the shadow poll. 

    The protesters submitted petitions to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, urging him to intervene by forwarding their complaints to President Tinubu.

    Their main grievance was the alleged imposition of Abiodun Ejigbadero, presented officially as Ishola Jimoh, as the APC flag bearer for the proposed chairmanship poll billed for July 12.

    The protest was led by top female APC officials in the council, including Mrs. Funmilayo Odelabi, the Local Government Area Vice Chairperson, and Mrs. Mary Ishola, the Woman Leader.

    The petition, also addressed directly to President Tinubu and dated May 22, accused party officials of conducting a secretive and unfair primary election on May 10.

    Read Also: East-West road for completion in December, Eleme axis opens in 10 days, FG assures

    According to the women, the primary was held at the State Party Secretariat in a highly suspicious manner. Delegates, aspirants, and their agents were reportedly denied access to the venue, and no transparent voting process took place. Despite not being recognized as a member of the APC in the LCDA, Ejigbadero was declared the winner.

    The petitioners expressed strong opposition to the outcome, citing it as a total departure from the democratic values and openness that the APC, under President Tinubu’s leadership, is known for.

    They further raised concerns about an alleged attempt to conceal the true identity of the candidate.

    According to them, Ejigbadero, who has reportedly been associated with controversies in the past, was presented under the name Ishola Jimoh to avoid scrutiny by party leadership.

    The petition read in part: “To hide his identity, he is now being paraded as Ishola Jimoh. This name change appears to be a deliberate tactic to mislead party stakeholders.”

    The women also claimed that disclaimers and petitions had earlier been submitted to the office of the APC State Chairman by all executive members of Ward E (Agbelekale/Olota) and LGA Executive Committee members. These documents reportedly disavowed Ejigbadero’s membership in the APC within the LCDA.

    “Given the party’s reputation for high standards, how does this individual represent our ideals of integrity and decency?” the petition questioned.

    The women demanded an immediate cancellation of the primary election, which they described as “a shameful caricature of democracy.” They called for either the announcement of the actual results or the conduct of a new primary that would involve all stakeholders in a transparent manner.

    Attached to the petition was a list of 14 accredited delegates who reportedly participated in the disputed 24-man delegate process, further casting doubt on the credibility of the outcome.

    Reaffirming their loyalty to President Tinubu, the women said, “We believe you are the only one who can prevent this injustice. We have served the party faithfully and deserve fairness.”

    They also emphasized the APC’s strong electoral history in Agbado/Oke-Odo LCDA, warning that the current dispute could affect the party’s dominance if not urgently addressed.

    “The APC has never lost an election in Agbado/Oke-Odo LCDA, and we do not intend to start now,” they concluded.

  • Politicians, military, are Boko Haram informants, says Zulum

    Politicians, military, are Boko Haram informants, says Zulum

    The Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, has alleged that some Nigerian politicians and military personnel are among those leaking information to Boko Haram.

    Zulum said this in an interview on national television on Wednesday.

    But, the governor, who said insurgency could be conquered in six months, assured his administration will continue to strengthen intelligence to deal with the situation.He said, “We have informants and collaborators within the Nigerian armed forces, within the politicians, and within the communities. What we shall do is to strengthen our intelligence and to deal with them ruthlessly.

    Zulum added that kinetic measures alone would not stop insecurity in the North East, adding that all security agencies and government must also adopt non-kinetic measures to deal with the menace.“Let’s remove contractocracy. In six months, we can put an end to this madness. We need not politicise insecurity.

    Read Also: FG sues Senator Natasha over alleged defamation

    “I cannot completely say that 100% of those people who have surrendered are doing the right thing, but I want to assure you that over 99% are doing well and are not participating in the ongoing terrorism.’’

    He added, “Insurgency will never be ended by kinetic measures alone. We must ensure that the non-kinetic measures are also properly put in place.

    “What I mean by non-kinetic measures is the social, political, and economic dimensions of the crisis. Our ongoing non-kinetic measures have yielded positive results with the support of the Nigerian military.”

    On repentant fighters, he said, “Yes, I believe among the 500,000 or more that have repented, I cannot rule out the possibility of fewer of them going back to the bush.”

  • ‘I coronated Oba Haastrup when he was a teenager’

    ‘I coronated Oba Haastrup when he was a teenager’

    Lateef Bakare, an engineer, is a friend of the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup. In this interview with TOBA ADEDEJI, he reminisces on their childhood and how he predicted that he will become a monarch.

    What is your relationship with Imperial Majesty, Oba Haastrup?

    My name is Lateef Ladipo Baruwa. I’m from Ilesa. My father’s side is in Ijamon, and my mother is from the royal family of Okesa. I am an engineer who specialises in Electrical and Control Systems.

    There are four of us who grew up together. First is Kabiyesi, myself, Professor Awosika and Mr Ayo Arije. We all worked as young men at The National Bank, Marina branch and headquarters. We started coming to America and we all went to Howard University. Kabiyesi qualified as a Pharmacist, and late Arije qualified as a Pharmacist, in fact, the MD Ganenical Nigeria before he passed on. Professor Awosika started working for the Nigeria Institute of Oceanography while I stayed in the United States of America. I worked for about 10 years. Then, I came back to Nigeria to become a pioneer staff of the University of Ibadan, Faculty of Technology, Electrical Engineering Division. I was there from January 1983 to August 1984, when I was given a scholarship to do PhD in Power and Control Systems in George Washington University…

    I have been all over, but Kabiyesi and I had been friends since we all left the National Bank, we lived, we all got married, he was my best man and I was his own best man.

    Unfortunately, I lost my first wife in 2005. That turned me upside down, Kabiyesi and other friends advised me to come home because I married a white.

    So, I came back to Nigeria. I formed a company, Y.E.P. International, and I worked with Kabiyesi in Abuja on Paradise Inn which was a development between his company and the Federal Government.

    Read Also: East-West road for completion in December, Eleme axis opens in 10 days, FG assures

    After a few years, I decided to relocate to Lagos because I got married again. So, we stayed in Lagos, and recently, I decided to come and spend more time with my grandchildren, kind of semi-retirement. I’ve worked in China, I’ve worked in France, I’ve worked in Amsterdam, from America here, building power plants all over. I’m a consultant here for a big, the largest utility company in America, Exelon. I am a consultant for them in automation instrumentation and power.

    But Kabiyesi has been my friend for over 55 years. “We grew up together, and we are from the same town. When we were young at the bank, because he was from the royal family, I used to call him Oba. That’s his name. So when he became Oba, everybody started saying I must have been a soothsayer, how do I know? I said, well, he’s qualified, he’s into business and he kept all his tradition, Nigerian, unlike some of us who marry outside the culture. So, he’s rightfully doing what he’s supposed to be doing. I’m so grateful that God gave him the opportunity.

    When he told me that he wanted to go in for the contest, I just told him to make sure you can do the best for Ijesa land, and give your legacy.

    So we are praying for him and those of us in the Diaspora, there’s anything we can do to make him successful we are ready.

    So, apparently since childhood, you know he will become king?

    Yes. I called him Oba until he was made king now. I have been calling him that since we were working at the National Bank because the way he carried himself is like a king that I do call him. Despite being in America, he never went the way of America like some of us.

    You would have shared pain and joy together. Can you just mention one of those moments?

    Well, we shared so many joys and likewise many pains. When I lost my first wife in 2005, it was devastating for us because he was the best man at our wedding of the American girl. “We all met in college. Then about two years ago, I lost my son too. He was here with me. My son was 39. Those are the painful times together… When he lost his first wife too, I was devastated and he lost his oldest daughter who was almost born in my hand then. So, we’ve gone through tough times together, but God is always in control.

    Then the moment of joy?

    When he turned 60, I came back from America we celebrated his 60th birthday at Civic Centre. It was a fantastic time. And while we were here in America, there was a very popular Nigerian community whenever Sunny Ade comes here, he always refers to him as Oba. He royally carried himself.

    From birth, he has been carrying himself in a royal way. He carried himself as a king, he picked up the tradition and that means a lot to him. He is a very astute businessman. I can bear witness.

    Now, that he has become an Oba, would you still prostrate for him, since you used to be a friend?

    Unfortunately, I have to do that publicly. I don’t have a choice. I coronated him when he was a teenager. We lived together and attended the same university. I never called him by his name.

    Kabiyesi is over 70 years old now, but are you not worried that your prophecy on him that he will be king may not come to pass?

    No. In my opinion, to become a king is based on accomplishment in my way of looking at it. Even though it’s nice to give the youth opportunity, I’m not a believer in that because…look at England, the Queen that died as a child growing it. And the reason was because it was their own traditional single family. But in Nigeria, there are two families, three families, and four families. So people take turns, but I am confident that he will be the king when it is his turn and I pray God grant him good health. That was my own belief.

    Unfortunately, when Baba Aromolaran passed on, I said, are you not going to compete for the thrown and he gave me an uncertain response. I challenged him to go for it. So, basically, he came through and we thank God for him.

    My greatest prayer and support for him is to just go there and do the best for the Ijesa people.

    What are the things you think the world, especially the Ijesa people, should expect from Kabiyesi?

    He’s forthright and committed. When he believes in a course, you can’t convince him otherwise. So, that commitment and steadfastness, I have faith in him for that, I just wish him good health and, a long life.

    If he promises to do something, it’s very difficult for him to change. I will never say he will never change. But I saw him not pursuing what he was convinced about. For instance, when he went into politics, I was never into politics, 1983, 1984, when he competed to be a Senator of Ijesa/Ife, I was his campaign manager. I was teaching in UI. We were chased out of the polling booth. But he stayed there. He stayed focused and never gave up until he later became the deputy governor of the Late Serubawon. Later, he told me that he had left politics to face his business and he did. So once he is committed, you can take it to the bank.

    People should keep faith in him and support him. I am sure that Ijesa will reclaim its glory, I can tell you, I am 74. I’m very comfortable that he will restore the glory of the Ijesa people, and we will do everything we can to support him here.

  • Oborevwori managing Delta’s funds prudently, says aide

    Oborevwori managing Delta’s funds prudently, says aide

    Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, yesterday said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is leading a vibrant and solvent economy, with numerous infrastructure projects spread across the state.

    Speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Aniagwu said that Oborevwori has demonstrated a high level of prudence and accountability in the governance of Delta State.

    The Commissioner emphasised that the state’s finances are in a strong position, with contractors being mobilized to project sites and all certified payments made promptly.

    “I can tell you with all modesty that we are very solvent as a state. It is not every day you hear a state declare its solvency,” he said.

    “We didn’t become solvent because money was being poured on us. We became solvent because our government has consistently applied prudence and accountability in managing the state’s resources.

    “Today, we evaluate projects thoroughly before awarding them. Once awarded, we ensure the cost is reasonable so that we are not simply throwing money at unproductive ventures.

    “This approach has enabled us to save funds. When people work, we pay them promptly, which allows us to effectively reach out to communities with development projects.

    Read Also: FG sues Senator Natasha over alleged defamation

    “Our economy today is vibrant, thanks to the developmental initiatives of the Oborevwori administration.”

    He further explained that even when contracts are awarded to foreign companies, the benefits still trickle down to local communities.

    “For instance, if a road contract is awarded to a company from Kenya or Germany, the workers handling iron bending, concrete mixing, and other related services are sourced from local communities.

    “These workers are paid, and the materials like cement are purchased from local vendors. This means the funds deployed for projects create a ripple effect throughout the state, with a large portion of the money ultimately returning to our people.”

    Aniagwu noted that the best way to stimulate the economy is by investing in projects that provide employment and generate real income for citizens.

    “The best way to inject money into the economy is not through palliatives, but by getting people to work and earn. When they earn their income, they tend to spend it wisely.

    “This approach also helps reduce inflation. But when you simply distribute money say you have a billion naira and you give N100,000 each you risk exacerbating inflationary pressures.”

    The Commissioner also reiterated the strategic advantage of the state aligning with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that such alignment would enhance access to federal support for development projects.

    “No matter what anyone says about the federal government being for everyone which is true when support is brought to your home, it is natural to first share it among your children before considering the neighbors.

    “There is a saying from where I come from: when hunting rabbits, you use the leaves closest to the rabbit hole to cover it not leaves from far away. In other words, being in the same political platform as the center naturally comes with certain advantages. It’s not about bias; it’s just the way things work.”

    Aniagwu concluded by affirming Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to ensuring that Deltans receive full value for money on all fronts.

    “This approach is also fostering greater unity among our people, strengthening the spirit of ‘One Delta’ in both word and deed.

    “By the end of his first term in 2027, and by the grace of God, after his second term in 2031, Deltans will look back and say: ‘Thank God we had a governor like Sheriff Oborevwori.’

    “That will bring pride to us as members of his cabinet, and joy to his children, who will be proud of the legacy their father has built.

    “Governor Oborevwori is a man who matches his words with actions. He is focused on serving well and leaving office with dignity, honor, and the respect of the people he served.”

  • Credible polls: Stakeholders call for strengthening of SIECs

    Credible polls: Stakeholders call for strengthening of SIECs

    Stakeholders in the electoral process have advocated the reform of State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs).

    They noted that such reform will guarantee the independence of SIECs, along with their financial and administrative autonomy, thereby strengthening their capacity to conduct credible elections.

    Their calls challenge the recent clamour for the scrapping of SIECs and the proposed transfer of their responsibilities to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    It also counters calls for the establishment of an entirely new election management body to replace SIECs.

    They spoke at the 13th National Delegates Conference of the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria (FOSIECON) in Jos, Plateau State capital.

    The 13th National Delegates Conference of FOSIECON aims to critically analyse the challenges facing SIECs and propose workable solutions to strengthen local election administration.

    The conference is supported by the European Union through its Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU SDGN) programme.

    Speaking during the conference in Jos, Prof. Samuel Egwu analysed the three major proposals currently under discussion for addressing local government elections.

    Egwu expressed support for the position that SIECs should be retained and reformed.

    He said, “There are three pathways that have been suggested for how to deal with issues around elections at the local government level.

    “One is to say there is nothing wrong with SIECs; all that is needed is reform. That is the position I support.

    “I support the retention and strengthening of SIECs because we operate a federal polity. The imperative of federalism requires us to strengthen local rule, and there is no other way.

    “The second option, which may seem attractive, is to transfer the power to conduct local elections to INEC. While this appears simple, it does not align with the logic of federalism.

    “The third option, which some have proposed, is to set up a new bureau to oversee local government elections.

    However, this proposal has already suffered a premature end on the floor of the Senate. My point, therefore, is to respect federalism.”

    Egwu also pointed out that the conduct of elections in Nigeria is broadly challenging, and that both SIECs and INEC face significant institutional hurdles.

    He said that there was no justification for abolishing one body while retaining the other without addressing the systemic challenges they both encounter.

    Other speakers at the conference, including FOSIECON Chairman Jossy Eze; INEC representative Dr. Oliver Agundu; Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State; and Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, all echoed the call for strengthening SIECs through targeted reforms.

    Eze expressed disappointment that, despite constitutional backing, SIECs are often under pressure to serve vested interests.

    He noted that while there are several bills before the National Assembly seeking to abolish SIECs or transfer their mandates, none appear to address the real issues.

    “It is public knowledge that there are bills currently before the National Assembly, some seeking the abolition of SIECs, others proposing the establishment of new election management bodies, or the transfer of SIECs’ mandate,” Eze said.

    He added: “However, I am unaware of any motion or bill aimed at understanding the challenges facing SIECs or providing reform-driven solutions to strengthen them.”

    Representing INEC, Dr. Agundu encouraged SIECs to view elections not as one-off events but as continuous processes.

    He also called for deeper engagement with civil society organisations and voter education efforts to better inform the electorate.

    Agundu said, “SIECs should not treat the conduct of elections as isolated events.

    “Elections are a process that includes post-election activities. We have observed that many SIECs become active only during election periods.”

    Governor Mutfwang said the real issue was not whether to abolish SIECs but how to improve leadership recruitment and governance efficiency at the local level.

    Read Also: INEC chair lashes out at governors over SIECs

    He said, “The conversation should begin with how we recruit leaders in this country.

    “We must develop a strategy that helps us identify individuals who genuinely have the people’s interest at heart. Bad governance does not just undermine democracy. It leads to underdevelopment and the waste of public resources.

    “Autonomy is masking the real issues. What we need to focus on is efficiency. As someone who has governed at the local level, I believe improving governance at that tier is essential.”

    Governor Sule of Nasarawa State pledged support for whatever reform solutions the conference agrees upon.

    He also offered his state as a pilot for implementing the recommendations.

    He said: “I hope, at the end of this conference, FOSIECON delegates will come up with actionable solutions. Many governors will be willing to support those efforts.

    “I offer Nasarawa State for any pilot initiatives that may be proposed. We have already taken similar steps with our State House of Assembly.”

  • Oyo speaker, leads PDP lawmakers to senatorial meeting in Igboora, calls for unity

    Oyo speaker, leads PDP lawmakers to senatorial meeting in Igboora, calls for unity

    The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, led a delegation of 12 PDP state legislstors to Oyo South Senatorial District meeting of the party held on Wednesday at Igboora Community Hall, Ibarapa Central local government area.

    The lawmakers are Hon Peter Gbadegesin Ojedokun (Ibarapa North/Central), Hon Oluwafemi Fowokanmi (Ibadan South West II), Hon Mabaje Razak (Ido), Hon. Yusuf Adebisi (Ibadan South West 1) and Hon. Comforter Olajide (Ibadan North I).

    Other are: Hon. Dauda Olalere (Ibadan North West), Hon. Babalola Abiodun Oluwaseun (Ibadan North East 1), Hon Olusola Adewale Owolabi (Ibadan North East II), Olayinka Ayobami Omikunle (Ibadan South East II) and Akande Opeyemi Modiu (Ibadan South East 1).

    The gathering brought together prominent leaders and stakeholders within the PDP to discuss party unity, development, and political strategy.

    While addressing the meeting, the Speaker called for stronger unity among party members within the senatorial district, urging them to remain committed to the party’s ideals and collective goals.

    He praised Governor Seyi Makinde’s developmental strides, emphasizing the positive impact of his administration across Oyo state.

    Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin reassured party faithful that the Ibarapa zone, like other regions, would continue to benefit from the governor’s projects.

    Read Also: Oyo clears air on reward system  for medallists

    He further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to completing the ongoing Ido/Eruwa road, a vital infrastructure project aimed at boosting connectivity and economic activities in the region.

    The senatorial meeting saw participation from key PDP leaders and stakeholders, including former Oyo State Deputy Governor and party leader, Barr. Hazeem Gbolarumi, and Mrs. Mutiat Ladoja, wife of former Oyo State Governor.

    Representing Governor Makinde, the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo (Ijaya) highlighted the Governor’s dedication to grassroots development and governance, urging party members to remain steadfast in their support.

    In his remarks, the Acting Chairman and Secretary of the PDP, Alh Wasiu Adeleke emphasized the importance of unity, party discipline, and loyalty in ensuring the continued success of the party in the state.

    Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Oyo South Senatorial District, Alh. Kamoru Adeyemi, encouraged members to close ranks and intensify mobilization efforts, stressing the need to bring in new members and strengthen the party’s base ahead of future electoral contests.

  • LP loses another Reps member to APC

    LP loses another Reps member to APC

    Another member of the Labour Party in the House of Representatives, Sunday Umahia, has joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). 

    Umehia, who represents Ezeagu/Udi federal Constituency of Enugu State, said he was leaving the LP because of the protracted crisis that has given rise to three different factions laying claim to the leadership of the party. 

    In his letter of defection read at plenary by the Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, Umehia said Senator Nenadi Usman, Barrister Julius Abure and Alhaji Lamidi Apapa have continued to lay claim to the leadership of the party, while members are at a loss as to who they should defer to. 

    Read Also: Tinubu, governors, ministers, APC chiefs in mid-term review

    He said he has resolved to join the APC and team up with the President and the leadership of the APC to provide leadership for the country and the South East in particular. 

    However, Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda said the constant defection of legislators is making a mockery of democracy in the country, saying the practice in the National Assembly appears confusing. 

    He said the time has come to take another look at the constitutional provision on defection and amend it to safeguard democracy in the country, while asking the Speaker to exercise his constitutional power to declare the seat of the defectors vacant. 

    He said further that the Supreme Court has put to an amend to the leadership crisis in the Labour Party and therefore can no longer be relied upon for defection because the Supreme Court judgement has settled the issue. 

    He also drew attention of the House to its standing order especially as it deals with the leadership of House standing committees which provides that leadership of committees are appointed on party basis. 

    He said those who have defected should be made to vacate their leadership position in committees while the parties theyblerr should be allowed to nominate a replacement for them.