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Tag: governors

  • Governors preach tolerance, peace, good conduct

    Governors preach tolerance, peace, good conduct

    The governors who felicitated with Muslim  faithful include Babajide Sanwo-Olu(Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Seyi Makinde  (Oyo ),  AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), Bassey   Otu (Cross River), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Sheriff Oborevwori(Delat) and  Mohammed  Bago (Niger).

    Others are  Hyacinth Alia(Benue), Dikko   Radda(Katsina), Alex Otti(Abia)  Abba Yusuf  (Kano), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers),  Douye Diri (Bayelsa) and  Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau).

    In  separate messages, the governors urged Muslims to be tolerant of other religious denominations, peaceful and  good conduct.

    Sanwo-Olu also  used the occasion to assure Lagos residents that the nation’s   economic challenges would   soon be over.

    “I urge the Muslim faithful in Lagos State to continue to live in peace and harmony with believers of other faiths as we have always been in the State. They should continue to emulate the good virtues inherent in Ramadan, such as helping the poor and the vulnerable in society, offering gratitude to Allah, and showing compassion and generosity to one another, among other good deeds.”

    Makinde   prayed to Allah to accept the worship of the Muslim Ummah as an act of Ibadah.

    He    called on them to use the opportunity of the season to make more supplications to Allah SWT over the situation of the state and the country.

    Makinde said: “I congratulate the Muslim Ummah in Oyo state on witnessing the 1st Day of the Shawwal and the successful completion of the Ramadan Fasting.

    “It is my prayer that God accepts their worship as Ibadah and grants answers to all their prayers.

    “I want to call on all Muslims and all residents to continue to make supplications for the country and Oyo State.”

    AbdulRazaq  advised  the Muslim  community to unite upon goodness and avoid anything that may eat away the rewards of their fast or question their sincerity as devotees.

    He asked the faithful  to make the noble parts  of the holy month — including alms giving, abstinence from negativities, and good conducts — an integral feature of their daily lives. 

    Oborevwori   urged  every follower of Islam  to  make  the spiritual lessons of love, peace, and justice from Ramadan their way of life.

    “I hope and pray that the spiritual lessons of Ramadan and the teachings of the Holy Prophet—piety, love, justice, fairness, equity, peaceful coexistence with others, tolerance, honesty, and dedication to duty, will stick with us all as we celebrate Eid-el-Fitri, for the greater good of our beloved country,”  he said.

    Bago, who  urged the Muslim ummah to continue in their prayers for enduring peace in the state,    said that his administration would not leave anything to chance in securing the lives and properties of people.

    He also revealed   that some of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by the insecurity across the state have begun to return safely to their ancestral homes.

    In Calabar, Governor Otu charged    Muslims in the state     to reflect upon and practice the fundamental principles and teachings of Ramadan.

    He described Ramadan  as  “an essential aspect of Islam worldwide as it teaches abstinence from worldly pleasures and strengthens one’s faith through prayer and piety according to Qur’anic injunctions.”

    The governor, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary  . Nsa Gill, called  for continued prayers for peace and harmony within Nigeria amidst current economic challenges.

    His counterpart in Benue State, Governor  Alia  also advised Muslim Ummah to uphold the lessons of kindness, forgiveness and sacrifice   and   also pray for peace and development of  the state.

    Alia  identified insecurity and unstable economy as major challenges standing against speedy development of  the country, including  Benue State. 

    Rivers State Governor Fubara  urged Muslims to uphold the tenets of Islam by exhibiting the fear of God and showing piety in their daily work.

    Fubara  said: “We must all continue in the good attributes imbibed during the holy month of Ramadan as directed by God through His Prophet, so as to ensure peace, unity and harmony in the society for a better future.”

    He  said he recognises and appreciates the critical role that the Muslim community   plays in the development of  the state  and the country.

    Fubara charged them to remain steadfast in their commitment and contributions to advance the development of the state and the country.

    “I enjoin you all in the State to remain calm, be patient and continue to do what is right”, he said.

    Diri of Bayelsa State described Ramadan was important for developing the virtues of self-renunciation in every true Muslim.

    He charged all Muslims  to reflect on the lessons of tolerance, love and sacrifice that the celebration typifies.

    The governor    said his administration would  continue to ensure peaceful co-existence in the state as it promotes the virtues of love, religious tolerance and harmony.

    Governor  Otti   commended  Muslims on the fortitude and self discipline they exhibited while    observing the Ramadan.

    He said  he   was optimistic that the Muslim community in Abia, and indeed Nigeria, had used the   period to   pray for the good of the state, the country, its people and  leaders.

    Read Also: Police arrest two for blocking containers at Lagos ports

    Otti  praised Muslims in the state for their peaceful conduct,   saying it is only in such atmosphere of good neighbourliness that the state would be able to prosper and make progress for the good of all its citizens.

    Buni of Yobe State   prayed Almighty Allah (SWT) to accept every act of worship executed by the Muslims during the holy month.

    He  enjoined Muslims to take the lessons of sacrifice, care and compassion exhibited during the fasting period beyond the Ramadan season.

    The governor  expressed happiness with the massive feeding programmes provided by the state government, individuals, and corporate organisations to orphans, indigent families, and vulnerable groups.

    Plateau State Governor Mutfwang   rejoiced with the Muslim faithful and commended their dedication to selfless sacrifices, self-denial, and spiritual renewal.

    He encouraged them to embody the essence of Ramadan by advocating for good manners, humility, kindness, and charitable deeds towards the less privileged, both during and beyond the fasting period.

    In Bauchi, Bauchi  State, Governor,   Mohammed   approved a N10,000 wage award for every civil servant in the state to commemorate the   celebration.

    The gesture, according to him,  “will provide additional resources to civil servants to celebrate the Eid-el-Fitr in high spirits, in the wake of the unpalatable economic situation generally.”

    Governor Rada of Katsina    paid off the prison fines of 222 inmates of  correctional facilities in the state to alleviate their burden.

    The state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Fadila   Dikko, made this known via a statement.

    ’’Governor Radda’s initiative aims to decongest the custodial centers and allow the inmates to celebrate Sallah with their families.’’

    ‘’The Ministry expressed her sincere gratitude to the Governor, while also acknowledging the significance of this gesture in providing relief to those incarcerated for minor commercial and non-capital offenses,’’.Dikko said .

    Governor  Yusuf of Kano State, who  donated cows and foodstuff to correctional centres’ inmates in the state,   said that the gesture would give them  a sense of belonging.

    “We will continue to provide the dividends of democracy to all and sundry, and these category of citizens will not be left behind” he said

  • Governors rising to the occasion

    Governors rising to the occasion

    When the Comrade Joe-Ajaero-led Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) recently organized a two-day demonstration against current economic hardships, which was, however, called off after the first day, the young and dynamic governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, caused a stir by joining the demonstrators in solidarity saying he identified with their plight. This was in essence a member of the governing class who should be helping in finding solutions to the problem ironically protesting against himself. But the governor’s action only reflected and reinforced the widespread perception of the pains attendant on the removal of the fuel subsidy as well as the floating of the Naira as a problem created by the federal government and which President Bola Tinubu has the sole responsibility of resolving.

    True, the President had, during the campaigns, promised to remove the subsidy just like all major candidates -Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso – had said they would. The fraud associated with the subsidy had become so pervasive and the burden it put on the economy so suffocating that it was clearly unsustainable. It is of course easy and convenient for elements of the opposition to claim that, had any of the other three candidates won the elections, he would have put in place ameliorative measures before axing the subsidy. Mr Peter Obi, for instance, forgets that he promised severally on national television to remove the subsidy, which he described as an elaborate fraud, “on day one.”

    So what remedial policies would he have enunciated if he were to remove the subsidy on his very first day in office as he promised? But having taken the decision to implement these two cardinal economic policy reforms, which his predecessors lacked the courage to do, the resultant challenges are for the entire governing class across levels and arms of government to deal with collaboratively and not that of the federal government or President Tinubu alone.

    For crassly partisan political reasons, Joe Ajaero has abused his office as President of the NLC to focus solely on Tinubu as the cause of whatever problems afflict Nigeria today. Perhaps, the mutually destructive ongoing fight to the death between the NLC and the Labour Party (LP), which the former claims to own, will teach him and other Labour leaders some lessons about the dangers of mixing trade unionism with political partisanship, especially in a complex, multi-ethnic, cultural and religious polity like ours.

    From a concentration on the President and the federal government to provide succor to the citizenry, especially from the current punishing inflationary spirals, many more people have, in recent times, been asking what the state governments are doing to cushion the pains of their people. Perhaps the pressure would also have been on the local government councils which are closest to the grassroots but for the widespread perception that most of them are denied access to their full statutory allocations by state governors and thus largely incapacitated from making the requisite developmental impact.

    The obverse side of the acute inflation and astronomical rise in cost of living as a result of the fuel subsidy removal is the significant increase in Naira revenues accruing to the three layers of government. According to the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), in its latest report, a total of N10.143 trillion was shared among the federal government, states and local government councils from the Federation Account as statutory revenue allocations in 2023.

    While the federal government received N3.99 trillion (39.37%), the 36 states got N3.585 trillion (35.34%) and the local government councils received N2.56 trillion (25.28%). The NEITI report indicated that the improved revenue remittances to the Federation Account were driven by the removal of the fuel subsidy and the floating of the exchange rate. It would also be recalled that on the removal of the fuel subsidy, the Tinubu administration made a provision of N5 billion available to each state to be paid in tranches with a first phase disbursement of N2 billion to each state. This was meant to enable the states to provide palliatives to their people to ease the burden of the economic reforms.

    While some state governors with Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State being unquestionably the best example were active and prominent in the print, electronic, and social media, striving valiantly to alleviate the poverty of their people, it was difficult to see any visible effort in this regard on the part of many other governors. Television footage showed hundreds of residents of diverse communities in Borno and to some extent, Yobe states going away with full 25kg or 50kg bags of rice and other food items. In most other states no such activities were being showcased and in some cases what was handed over as palliatives were contained in small nylon bags that would most unlikely provide more than one or two meals for an entire household.

    During the Coronavirus epidemic that broke out in 2019, the Lagos State governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, emerged as one of the most outstanding public administrators who rose up to save the state from the rampaging, ruthless disease. Tagged the Incident Commander, Sanwo-Olu, along with his health commissioner, Professor Akin Abayomi, rallied health providers to work round the clock providing care to victims and he also marshaled resources, mobilizing the private sector in this regard, to provide palliatives to the vulnerable segments of the population in the wake of a near-total shut down of the economy to curtail the spread of the disease. In his administration’s response to the hardships inflicted by the fuel subsidy removal, Sanwo-Olu is proving that the dexterity he demonstrated in response to the COVID-19 threat was no fluke.

    Last Sunday, large numbers of residents of Lagos State trooped out to the food discount markets set up by the Lagos State government at 27 locations across the state. Tagged in local parlance as ‘Ounje Eko’, staple food items such as rice, garri, beans, bread, pepper, onion, and tomatoes were sold to members of the public at reduced prices. To ensure that a few people did not buy up the items on offer, the amount that could be bought by individuals was limited to two loaves of bread, 5kg of rice, beans, or garri, 1kg of pepper or onion, and 2kg of tomatoes. The large number of people who patronized the markets is an indication that the initiative is indeed meeting the needs of victims of the prevalent soaring rate of inflation in the country and the state.

    In a similar vein, the governor recently launched the pilot scheme of the Lagos Fresh Food Agro-Hub at Idi-Oro, Mushin. Products such as pepper, meat, vegetables, eggs, yam, garri, snail, palm oil, plantain, ofada rice, Eko rice and fruits are available for sale in a clean and safe environment at farm gate prices. The scheme is being replicated in other locations in the state to be launched in phases over the next six months. Lagosians are also eagerly awaiting the governor’s promise to open soup kitchens/bowls where the government is in liaison with food sellers and caterers to provide free food for 1000 people in each local government in the state.

    Other palliative measures being implemented by the Lagos State government include free healthcare for pregnant women during delivery including cesarean section in government hospitals, an increase in bursary payments to students of Lagos state origin, free health missions across the state twice weekly for the next three months and 25% reduction in transport fares for government-owned transportation schemes.

    Read Also: Why Ndi Igbo must support, defend Tinubu’s govt – Kalu

    Another noteworthy example is Ogun State where the governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has unveiled a N5 billion package of palliatives in diverse sectors of the economy to cushion the effects of the current socio-economic hardships. These include food palliatives for about 300,000 vulnerable households across the three Senatorial Districts in the state, an insurance package for 70000 residents including pregnant women, children, the elderly, market women, etc, and the offsetting of outstanding deductions to state workers to the tune of N500 million only.

    In addition, the Ogun State government is providing an N50,000 support grant for about 27,000 Ogun State students In tertiary institutions across the country, the provision of a minimum of five exercise books for all 850,000 students in public primary and secondary schools in the state, provision of a one-time N10000 education support grant for at least 100,000 pupils in public primary and secondary schools, paying N10,000 transport allowance to all civil servants for the last eight months and prenatal care for pregnant women and payment of an additional N5,000 per birth in the state hospitals and the primary health care centres across the state. The state is at the forefront of tapping the potential of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as an alternative to fuel to provide affordable public transportation to large numbers of people.

    I earlier mentioned Governor Zulum who has been outstanding right from his first inauguration as governor in utilizing public office to ameliorate the sufferings of the vulnerable and adding value to the lives of his people. Hardly a month goes by without this governor announcing one initiative or the other to improve the lives of citizens in the health, transportation, education, and other sectors. Somebody wondered where Zulum was getting the money to do all that he is when there is nothing but silence from so many other states across the country. His passion for selfless service is simply unrivaled. Of course, I focus essentially in this face mainly on governors Sanwo-Olu and Abiodun only as examples. A number of other governors are also performing creditably in this regard but there is hardly space here to adumbrate on their efforts.

    The challenge is not only to overcome the pains attendant on the removal of fuel subsidy and floating of the Naira but to permanently transcend poverty in the long run and launch Nigeria on the path of sustainable development. If that is to be achieved, not only must the federal government provide visionary and competent leadership, but the state governments must also utilize all available resources to develop human potential and infrastructure in their respective jurisdictions. There is no way that the impact of the state governments can be maximally felt at the grassroots if the local governments are not empowered to effectively deliver on their mandates to the people.

  • Cost of living: What are the governors doing?

    Cost of living: What are the governors doing?

    • By Ibrahim Mustapha

    Sir: Since the removal of petroleum subsidy by the Tinubu’s administration with its attendant painful consequences, various measures have been put in place to mitigate or address the excruciating pains many Nigerians are passing through. For instance, the federal government quickly rolled out palliative plans for civil servants, pensioners and vulnerable Nigerians. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also held a meeting with business community with a view to prevailing them to crash the cost of their commodities. Mr President also promised to give civil servants a living wage and constituted tripartite committee to work out acceptable minimum wages for working class in the country. While the federal government continues to come up with more humane policies, state governments are doing little or nothing to complement the efforts of the centre.

    With the removal of fuel subsidy, states and local government have witnessed an increase in revenues allocation through FAAC monthly meeting. Being very closer to the grassroots, one expects them to follow the federal government’s steps by putting policies in place to alleviate the excruciating hardship in their respective areas. Sadly, the state governors have remained mute. Though, the senate president, Godwin Akpabio, has recanted his earlier statement on N30billion said to have been received by state governors, there is certainly an element of truth to it.

    Read Also: Wike: I monitor contractors to achieve results in FCT

    Surely, no amount of interventions by the federal government will mitigate the cost of living in the country, unless state and local governments play their own role. They need to do something urgently to arrest the hunger in their localities. The federal government is determined to implement the new minimum wage by June. Will state governments toe the same path?

    Available records have indicated that state governments have continued to receive funds in billions every month. They are no longer cash-strapped. There is nothing wrong if they pay wage award to their civil servants, pensioners and vulnerable people. By doing so, millions people will be financially empowered. The perilous state of Nigeria’s economy can only bounce back to life through seamless implementation of interventions programs by the three tiers of government. It is high time state governors stopped the proverbial ostrich game and key into various intervention programs to stimulate the economy of their states and lessen financial burden on poverty stricken majority.

    •Ibrahim Mustapha,

     Pambegua, Kaduna State.

  • Arise, governors

    Arise, governors

    • They should help the centre and ease the burdens on their citizens

    The cry for a true federal state is taking on a new look with the crisis of food prices and inflation, and their implication for standard of living in the country. All attention has been directed to the centre, and the president has had to bear the brunt of frustrations as the rise in the value of the dollar against the naira has complicated the ability to stanch a currency crisis that is escalating, especially across the classes.

    The real sector is shrinking and that implies a job haemorrhage. While the President has to find a way out of a seeming quagmire, the governors have a special role in easing the burdens of the people.

    In a meeting with the 36 governors, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu urged the state chief executives to turn their monthly allocation into a boon and, at least, a relief to their teeming fellow citizens. In resonant catchphrase, he asked them to “Spend the money. Don’t spend the people.”

    After the meeting, we have seen some effect. But the first response comes from Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, with his allocation of N5 billion to palliatives. Two governors had already keyed into such accountability. One of them is Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State who had announced since last year wage awards to civil servants. He announced a N2 billion agricultural intervention fund for February. That is apart from the release of 549 metric tons of grains to farmers, including fish farmers and pig farmers.

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has also been at it with setting of the first of a string of food hubs in Lagos. The hub is in Idi-Oro, Mushin. He also announced the release of N750 million to 15,000 traders across the state. Each trader will receive N50,000 and 200 traders will be selected from each local government area.

    Ogun State governor’s N5 billion palliatives will include, among others, a gift of exercise books to 850,000 students, N10,000 naira to 100,000 students, N50,000 to over 27,000 indigent students.

    All these should be the beginning in an economic situation that is in a state of flux. As at the time of this editorial, most states are still quiet on that front. The president made the assertion that they should spend the money because of the outcry in the land. Secondly, the states have been enjoying a boost in monthly allocation at a record level.

    Read Also: ‘Governors not complementing Tinubu’s efforts’

    The states have been getting from the centre over a trillion naira in the past few months. This should translate into not just the paying of salaries but also welfare regimes and programmes for the poorest of the poor.

    Food and agriculture should take priority even as the Federal Government is trying to activate silos and distribute money to the needy among us. Some of the governors have said that in spite of the soaring numbers in allocation, the devaluation of the naira has vitiated the amount in real terms.

    That is true, but it does not excuse the lack of enthusiasm in acting. The federation is about states and the centre. In an era that continues to harp on decentralisation, many states are not showing examples or even a signal that the parts can hold the country together in peace and plenty.

    States have land; the Federal Government does not. States have farms, and the Federal Government has to apply to pursue agriculture. The states are not taking advantage of their power. Rather, they cede the job to the centre while acting like Arab Sheikhs in their palaces. Indeed, unsubstantiated speculations are rife that some governors are behind the hikes in dollar because the same allocations are instantly converted to dollar and stashed away once they receive them. It is tragic, if true.

  • Tinubu, governors agree on state police, war on food crisis

    Tinubu, governors agree on state police, war on food crisis

    • States get nod to strengthen  forest guards in battle against bandits, kidnappers

    Proponents of state police scored a major victory yesterday.

    The Federal Government yielded to calls by states and eminent Nigerians for it.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said the modalities for its establishment and operation will be designed shortly.

    President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima met with governors, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS) and ministers – FCT, Agriculture and Information – at the State House.

    The emergency meeting, which was held at the Council Chambers, took decisions on how to tackle rising food costs and insecurity, among others.

    President Tinubu also said more personnel would be recruited for the police.

    Ahead of that, he urged states to strengthen their forest rangers/guards.

    Bandits encamp in the forests from where they launch attacks.

    Kidnappers also take their victims into the forest where they are kept during negotiations for ransom payments.

    The President called for collaboration to enable states to increase local food production.

    He believes enough food can be produced locally to avoid imports.

    Read Also: How Wigwe’s aide escaped death

    President Tinubu pleaded with governors to pay salary arrears, pension and gratuities since states now get more revenue from the federation account.

    “Spend the money, don’t spend the people,” President Tinubu told the governors.

    The President said his administration was evolving home-grown solutions to food security challenges.

    He okayed the establishment of a committee comprising governors and representatives of the Federal Government to, among others, explore the modalities for establishing state police.

    The President further endorsed the training and equipping of forest rangers by sub-national governments to safeguard human and natural resources in local communities.

    According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicly, Ajuri Ngelale, the President said: ‘’My position at this meeting is that we must move aggressively and establish a committee to look critically at the issues raised, including the possibility of establishing state police.

    “From Kano, we have read reports about large-scale hoarding of food in some warehouses.

    “The National Security Adviser (NSA), the Inspector-General of Police, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services should coordinate very closely and ensure that security agencies in the states inspect such warehouses with follow-up action.

    “We must ensure that speculators, hoarders, and rent seekers are not allowed to sabotage our efforts in ensuring the wide availability of food to all Nigerians.

    “What I will not do is to set a price control board. I will not also approve the importation of food.

    “We should be able to get ourselves out of the situation we found ourselves in because importation will allow rent seekers to perpetrate fraud and mismanagement at our collective expense.

    “We would rather support farmers with the schemes that will make them go to the farm and grow more food for everyone in the country.

    “We must also look at the rapid but thoughtful implementation of our livestock development and management plans, including dairy farming and others.”

    President Tinubu urged the governors to trust the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) with the monetary policy.

    He emphasised the importance of allowing designated institutions to fulfil their mandate.

    He said the “cacophony of postulations” on the fluctuation of foreign exchange rates was unduly affecting the market negatively.

    “Every one of us cannot be an expert. If we have given someone an assignment, let us allow them to do it.

    “If they cannot do it, then we find a way to quickly get them out of the system,” the President said.

    President Tinubu asked the governors to always make the welfare and prosperity of the people a priority of their development programmes.

    He assured them that the Federal Government would continue to work diligently to improve the nation’s revenue profile.

    The President and the governors stressed the importance of working together to address issues of insecurity, food security, and out-of-school children.

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) affirmed the governors’ commitment to partnering with the Federal Government.

    In a subsequent briefing, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, elaborated on the meeting’s outcome.

    He was accompanied by Governors Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Ubah Sani (Kaduna) and Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta).

    The minister said: “At this point, the nation requires food to be brought out so that we can control prices and put food on the table of most Nigerians.

    “Other commodity traders are busy hoarding these commodities so that Nigerians will suffer or they will make more money as a result. ⁣

    “So the governors and Mr. President have taken this decision that security agencies will collaborate with the state governors to ensure that this ends.”⁣

    On insecurity, the minister said: “Mr. President and the governors discussed the possibility of improving the numerical strength of forest rangers.⁣

    “There were also discussions on state police. The Federal Government and the state governments are mulling the possibility of setting up state police.

    “Of course, this is still going to be further discussed. A lot of work has to be done in that direction.

    “Both the Federal Government and the state governments agree on the necessity of having state police.

    “This is a significant shift. More work needs to be done in that direction.”

  • Governors, NSA join forces to battle insecurity, food crisis

    Governors, NSA join forces to battle insecurity, food crisis

    • Panel raised on police reform

    • PDP governors okay state police

    Governors and National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu yesterday resolved to join forces to tackle insecurity and the lingering food crisis.

    They agreed to beef up security nationwide.

    During his meeting with the governors, the NSA hinted about plans by the Federal Government to raise a committee on police reform.

    Also yesterday, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors supported state police, saying the security challenges have made its establishment more compelling.

    Despite the Federal Government’s commitment and efforts by security agencies to tackle insecurity, Nigeria has continued to grapple with terrorism, banditry, kidnappings and killings.

    Also, the rising cost of food has sparked protests in some states, including Niger and Kano, where placard-carrying protesters appealed to President Bola Tinubu to find a lasting solution.

    Ribadu, who held a virtual meeting with the governors, briefed them about steps taken by the Federal Government to combat the security challenge.

    Read Also: How Herbert Wigwe helped in building RCCG City of David, by Iluyomade

    The session also focused on how the states can collaborate with President Tinubu to check the food crisis.

    Sources said the NSA’s session with the governors was held online to save cost and enable the stakeholders to immediately activate an ‘Action Plan’ in each state.

    A source said Ribadu spent quality time reviewing the security status of each state, how emerging problems were being addressed and what should be done by governors.

    According to the source, the NSA pleaded with the governors to buy into the nation’s security architecture.

    Although Ribadu observed that about two states had been slacking, he called for understanding.

    The source said: “It was purely a briefing on how the present administration has improved on the security situation in the country and what it is doing to address some emerging challenges.

    “He assured the governors that everything was being done to provide adequate and water-tight security nationwide.

    “He said the President and his security chiefs have been working round the clock to make the country safe.

    “One of the key points was the unfolding of a plan to set up a committee to reform the Nigeria Police Force(NPF) to be able to manage the nation’s internal security well.”

    A governor, who spoke in confidence, said: “The meeting also bordered on food security and how to assuage it.

    “We agreed that the food challenge has a nexus with security problems.

    “We agreed on how to make food available in all the states to curb the recourse to protest as witnessed in some states.

    “So, the online session came up with suggestions to the food crisis and what each governor should put in place to avert hunger in the land.”

    Another governor said: “The meeting provided useful insights into how the Federal Government has been addressing the security problems in some states.

    “We were able to know the dark spots and how to complement all security agencies in our states.”

  • Governors lament loss

    Governors lament loss

    Governor Sanwo-Olu, said:“Herbert, my brother, my friend and my adviser.

    “Herbert, the king of visionary and disruptive ideas.

    “I’m deeply saddened by the tragic loss of my dear brother and friend, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, his dear wife Doreen, and their beloved son Chizi in a helicopter crash.

    “Herbert was not just a brother and visionary leader but one of the brightest minds in Africa. His impact on our nation and beyond will be remembered forever. My heart mourns”.

    “We also lost another great business leader and legal luminary, my egbon(senior) Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, who contributed significantly to the development of the Capital Markets and Corporate law in Nigeria. May his soul rest in peace.” 

     Abiodun described as tragic the death as a devastating loss for the families, friends, and the entire business community in Nigeria.

    The governor said  Wigwe was a quintessential banker who contributed immensely to the Nigerian economy, adding that he was a pillar of support to his administration’s ‘Building Our Future Together’ agenda.

    He described the late Ogunbanjo as not just an exceptional businessman but also a man of great character and integrity.

      Mbah of Enugu State also mourned   Wigwe and others.

    Saying that  Wigwe was a corporate titan, he mourned the deaths as a monumental tragedy not only to Nigeria but also to the entire corporate world.

    The governor wrote: “This news comes with deep shock and rubs in, once again, the vanity of life.

    “Wigwe was a brother, a team player, philanthropist, visionary, and thoroughbred professional, who distinguished himself in the banking industry and corporate world, rising through the ranks to become a pioneer and titan of our time as well as an entrepreneur of global repute and reach.

    “This incident is, therefore, an unspeakable disaster and monumental tragedy, not only to Nigeria but also to the entire corporate world.

    “My heart goes out to his immediate family, relatives, the Access Holdings Plc family, corporate Nigeria, and indeed the nation over these grave losses. May God grant their souls eternal repose.”

    Rivers’   Fubara expressed shock and sadness at the death of the Wigwe and others.

      Fubara said his state has been in tears since it was confirmed at the weekend that Wike and others died. 

    Describing the incident as a monumental disaster, Fubara, on behalf of his family, the State Government and the people of Rivers State commiserated with the Wigwe family over the unfortunate incident.

    Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and Kwara State Governor   AbdulRazaq sent his heartfelt condolences to the Wigwe and  Ogunbanjo families.

    AbdulRazaq said the incident was a huge loss to not just the Nigerian business community but to the entire country and its people who would miss the immense impacts of the two businessmen.

    Also, Governor  Otti said:“Herbert why? Why? Why? You told me you were going for a board meeting in London from where you will head out to the US and return after a few days and immediately come to Abia to see me. So, what happened?

      “Since this news filtered out, I’ve not been able to put my head down. I spoke to Peggy who was broken but strong. I refused to believe. Many others confirmed but they were also reporting other people. Then comes this call minutes ago from Sola Faleye, my younger friend whom you “acquired” as you took over Diamond Bank.

    Read Also: Wema Bank Commiserates with Access Holdings on Loss of CEO, Herbert Wigwe

    “You had severally shared how one of the best things about the acquisition of Diamond Bank was Sola. He was with you everywhere you went but alas, Sola was unreachable all throughout yesterday. For some reason, he had to step down from that ill-fated Chopper to accompany the luggage by road. His name remains on the manifest! It is now clear that you are no more!”

    Imo  Governor Uzodimma said the report of the accident was not just shocking but had devastated him.

    He said the death of the Wigwes and  Ogunbanjo becomes more devastating to the Governor as he recalls his close relationship with them.

      El-Rufai said he was devastated to learn early on Saturday,   of the tragic death of Wigwe and others.

    He said: “I was sad, very sad and had to sedate to sleep. 

    “Herbert’s untimely death is a loss not only to his family and friends like us but to Access Holdings, the financial services sector, the Nigerian economy, our nation and the Black Race at large.

    “Brilliant, visionary in thinking and focused at execution, of his strategies as CEO of Access, yet Herbert was humble, responsive, respectful and imbued with limitless generosity of spirit that one can easily mistake him as an officer in his management team”.

    Former   Governor  Fayemi said the death of Wigwe and others was a great loss to the country.

    He described the late Wigwe as a visionary leader in Nigeria’s financial sector, whose leadership transformed Access Bank into one of the largest and most respected financial institutions on the continent.

    In a tribute he addressed to the Chairman of Access Holdings Plc, Ngige described the death of Wigwe,   as shocking and untimely.

    Ngige said, “I am in grief. Herbert was very dear to me. He was my youngest friend whom I fondly called ‘Herbie the tough’. The memories of his last visit to my office while I served as minister, are still very fresh in my mind. I never had an inkling that he would leave us very soon.

    “His death is a personal loss to me. The vacuum created by his death will be very difficult to fill in Access Holdings and Access Bank. The banking industry and financial sector lost a great gem. The Ikwere people of Rivers State have lost one of their financial princes and gurus of unquantifiable value. Indeed, he will be sorely missed in many quarters.”

    Ngige commiserated with Access Holdings Plc and prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased.  

  • Don’t despair, governors, others admonish Nigerians

    Don’t despair, governors, others admonish Nigerians

    Governors and prominent personalities have urged Nigerians not to despair but keep hope alive. This year will birth greater development for the country, they said in their New Year messages.

    Governor Kefas pardons 31 inmates

    Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas pardoned 31 inmates. He said the decision reflected the government’s ‘commitment to justice, compassion and belief in the transformative power of rehabilitation’.

    The governor also promised to redouble his efforts towards addressing insecurity ‘as it the constitutional duty of government’.

    He added: “Together, we shall overcome these challenges and ensure that our state thrives in peace and harmony. As we embark on this new chapter, let us foster unity, embrace progress and work hand in hand for the betterment of Taraba.”

    Abiodun promises unprecedented infrastructure development

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun promised the people that his administration will redouble its efforts to meet their needs.

    The governor pledged to step up his efforts with sincerity, humility and integrity, while also promising to govern with unwavering dedication, equity, inclusiveness, and accountability while upholding the rule of law.

    Prince Abiodun called for more support and prayers from the people, assuring them that his government would fulfil all the promises made during campaigns.

    ‘Collective action will end insecurity’

    Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State called for collective action and support for security agencies to end insecurity in the country.

    He restated his administration’s resolve to end banditry, and appealed for support from the people.

    Aliyu hoped that 2024 will be the end of security challenges confronting the nation, and called for support from the citizenry.

    Diri promises greater development

    Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri assured the people of greater developmental projects in his second term which will begin on February 14.

    He re-affirmed his unwavering commitment towards the overall development of the state, and thanked the people for their support in 2023.

    The governor promised that his administration, going forward, would actively engage communities irrespective of political choices, to achieve collective aspirations.

    Read Also; I’ll justify the trust Nigerians place on me – Tinubu

    “As we step into year 2024, I assure you of my unwavering commitment to the overall development and well-being of every citizen of Bayelsa State. Our focus will remain on sustaining the achieved progress while embarking on new initiatives that will further elevate our state to greater heights,” he said.

    Uzodimma: glorious dawn for Imo

    Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma assured the people that 2024 will be better because his government will exceed the 2023 performance.

    Uzodimma emphasised the need for renewed love, hope, and economic growth to bring peace, progress, and prosperity to the state.

    He outlined his commitment to running an inclusive and transparent administration, with a focus on infrastructure development and fighting corruption. The governor urged the people to work together for the interest of the state and promised a more prosperous future for Imo State in 2024.

    We’ll defeat insecurity, says Radda

    Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State called for more support from residents to defeat insecurity.

    The governor said the government was committed to overcoming insecurity and other challenges bedevilling the state. He urged residents to unite and forge a stronger bond, with a will to confront challenges headlong.

    He also thanked the people for the cooperation and support he received for the establishment of the Katsina Community Watch Corps, set up to tackle insecurity.

    Radda promised that ‘the government, together with the people, will deal a resounding blow to the menace of insecurity’.

    Adeleke recommits to tackling hardship

    Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke reassured residents that his administration will refocus on tackling economic hardship and turning the state to a modern agro-industry focussed economy. 

    He said: “We will refocus attention on cushioning current economic hardship while, at the same time, build the state’s economic base. My dream is for an Osun economy that gradually moves away from its civil service status to a modern agro-industrial based, creative industry focussed economy.”

    Fintiri solicits continued support

    Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri solicited for continued support toward the progress of the state.

    A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, reads: “We must embrace the opportunities the year brings; supporting and praying for this government to succeed on the eight-point agenda it is set out to achieve.

    “Let our actions be guided by compassion, understanding, and a commitment to the common good of our state and country in general.”

    Oborevwori promises sustainable development

    Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State pledged his administration’s commitment to sustainable development and advancement of the state through his M.O.R.E Agenda.

    Oborevwori urged the people to continue to remain united, focused and peaceful in the New Year, saying his administration is committed to providing quality and enhanced service delivery to the state.

    He was confident God would perfect everything concerning Delta and Nigeria.

    Yusuf promises better days

    Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf urged the people to be hopeful and continue to live in peace and harmony, saying his administration would make life better and more prosperous for them in the New Year, through the implementation of capital projects.

    Yusuf said the year will be of ‘massive physical and human development that have direct bearing on the lives of the people, and in tandem with the commitment to spread the dividends of democracy in the nooks and cranny of the state’.

    Eno: we’ll revive entrepreneurial spirit

    Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno promised that his administration will boost the state’s economy by reviving the people’s entrepreneurial spirit.

    The governor said his administration remained committed to supporting indigenous entrepreneurs to bring wealth and development closer to the people.

    “We are determined to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit in our people and this vision is being championed by the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Centre (Ibom-LED). So far, we have successfully hosted the maiden Made-in-Akwa Ibom Trade Fair, where the 400 registered attendees got a grant of N500,000 each to progress their businesses.

    “We have also set up and commissioned the Ibom-LED Tailoring and Shoe making Hub, among other great things the centre is doing.

    “In line with our commitment to support our indigenous entrepreneurs, we have ensured that all contracts for the production of school uniforms and shoes for our pupils and uniform and boots for the men of the Ibom Community Watch are handled by our youths at the Shoe and Fabric Hub housed at the Ibom – LED Centre…”

    Makinde solicits support, vows to take tough decisions

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde solicited the people’s support as he takes tough decisions that will deliver prosperity to them.

    Noting that the state has been bullish about bringing investments, Makinde promised that the people will see more ways in which he has continued to put them first as the New Year unfolds.

    According to Makinde, the state looks forward to completing more road projects, welcoming more industries as he opens the pilot Fasola Agribusiness Industrial Hub and start work on the Eruwa agribusiness industrial hub, while also looking forward to reaping revenue from the solid minerals sector and completing the first Independent Power Project (IPP).

    “While we promise to continue making decisions that will make us proud to be from Oyo State, we implore you to work with us as we seek to bring sanity to the state by implementing the rule of law.

    “It will be impossible to enforce laws without stepping on toes. I urge us all to see the bigger picture – a state where investors and tourists will be happy to come to and live because they know that they can feel safe and secure.” 

    Yahaya pardons 39 inmates

    Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya granted clemency to 39 inmates in the state. He also kicked off the second phase of palliative food distribution programme, targeting about 90,000 beneficiaries.

    He said: “I am committed to fulfilling the mandate you bestowed upon me with utmost commitment and dedication. In the spirit of the new year, and based on the recommendation of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, I have granted clemency to 39 convicted inmates in our custodial centres, of which 26 will be granted unconditional pardon, while the remaining 13 have their sentences commuted to shorter periods. It is our hope that the beneficiaries will turn a new leaf and embrace this opportunity for a fresh start.”

    Aiyedatiwa: don’t use polls to settle political scores

    Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has cautioned politicians against using the oncoming governorship polls to settle political scores or engage in calumny.

    Aiyedayiwa implored political parties, aspirants and their followers to eschew violent conducts that could threaten the peace of the state. He urged them to follow strictly the guidelines issued by the electoral umpire.

    The governor promised to immortalise his predecessor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, as well as complete all projects he started.

    He said: “It is time to put the past behind us and focus all our human and material resources into building on the foundation that this administration has so far laid.

    “While acknowledging that 2023 was a very tough year, it also gave renewed hope that we will again brave any storms that lay ahead in 2024 and beyond. I am filled with fresh hope about the possibilities of better days to come.”

    Otti to Abians: embrace New Year with great hope

    Abia State Governor Alex Otti called on Abians to to embrace the New Year with great hope, optimism and confidence.

    Otti said 2024 will be a year of consolidation of the gains made in the last seven months of his administration.

    He said: “We shall review salaries of all the employees upwards to reflect economic realities of the time. Work on it is in the final stages.”

    Security remains my top priority, says Wike

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike reaffirmed that security his priority this year.

    Wike said the FCT Administration will continue to support efforts of the security agencies in keeping the FCT safe. He urged Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying he has made significant strides within a short time.

    He said: “While the administration will remain vigilant and responsive by adapting to evolving threats, I call on residents to play their roles by cooperating with security agencies by providing much needed information should the need arise.

    “On behalf of the FCT Administration, I extend my warm and heartfelt greetings to all the residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as we usher in the New Year. I reaffirm the Administration’s commitment to ensuring the security and well-being of all residents. Security remains a top priority, and we will continue to support the efforts of the security agencies in keeping the FCT safe.”

  • Six governors sign N2.25tr 2024 budgets into law

    Six governors sign N2.25tr 2024 budgets into law

    • ·Abia: N567.2b; Jigawa: N298.14b; Ekiti: N159.5b; Bayelsa: N489.4b; Bauchi: N300b; Kano N437b

    Six governors yesterday signed the budgets of their states into law.

    They are: Dr. Alex Otti (Abia) – N567.2 billion; Umar Namadi (Jigawa) – N298.140 billion; Abiodun Oyebanji (Ekiti) – N159.5 billion; Duoye Diri (Bayelsa) – N489.4 billion; Bala Mohammed (Bauchi) – N300 billion; and Kabir Yusuf (Kano) – N437 billion.

    The Houses of Assembly had passed the 2024 Appropriation Bills and sent them to the governors for assent.

    In Umuahia, the Abia State capital, Governor Otti said the 2024 budget would take the state to greater heights.

    He said: “I want to say that this is a budget that would take Abia State out of underdevelopment to development. The journey of a thousand miles starts with one step. This is the first step.

    “Once we get things right – and we know we will get them right – the next few years will be Uhuru for all our people, those living here and those who come from here and our friends.”

    In Ado-Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji signed the N159.5 billion 2024 Appropriation Bill into law with an assurance that it would be fully implemented for the development of the state.

    The budget, called: Budget of Sustainable Growth and Development, was presented to the governor by Speaker Adeoye Aribasoye at the Exco Chamber of the Governor’s Office in Ado-Ekiti.

    Fifty-six per cent of the budget is for Recurrent Expenditure and 44 per cent for Capital Expenditure.

    In Dutse, Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi hailed the House of Assembly for scrutinising and passing the N298.140 billion budget on time.

    “I want urge the Assembly to use its oversight functions to ensure that the budget is used as planned and approved,” he said.

    Read Also: How deputies who emerged governors fared

    In Yenagoa, Governor Diri expressed optimism that a careful implementation of the N489,443,632,374 budget would improve the living conditions of the people and address rural and urban poverty.

    He said the 2024 Appropriation Bill, called: Budget of Sustainable and Shared Prosperity, represented an increase of N8.450 billion over the outgoing year’s N480,993,632,369 budget.

    Also, in Bauchi, Governor Mohammed signed the N300 billion 2024 Appropriation Bill, tagged: Budget of Consolidation and Renewed Focus, into law yesterday.

    The governor assured the House of Assembly that the budget would be fully implemented.

    Hailing the lawmakers, he said: “I must also add that the honourable members have had no break since the day we presented the budget till the final consideration was made,” he said.

    In Kano, Governor Yusuf assured the people that the budget would be well implemented in accordance with global best practices of public financial management.

    The Appropriation Bill, tagged: Budget of Restoration and Transformation, comprised 64 per cent Capital Expenditure and 36 per cent Recurrent Expenditure.

    A statement by the Director General, Media and Publicity in the Governor’s Office, Mr. Bature Dawakin Tofa, said the governor promised that the budget would be well utilised for the benefit of the populace.

    “The total budget estimate that has been ratified today amounts to N437.3 billion with 64 per cent allocated to capital projects totaling N379,835,94,351, and recurrent expenditure totaling N456,503,218,483.73,” Yusuf said.

  • How deputies who emerged governors fared

    How deputies who emerged governors fared

    Within the context of Nigerian politics, the position of a deputy governor comes with a lot of prestige, privilege and honour. This is because it comes with all the perks attached to occupying elective or appointive positions; particularly if such a deputy is in good terms with his principal. 

    Ordinarily, the position of a deputy should also be a stepping stone to the governorship position because the former would have the privilege of under-studying his or her principal. 

    But, in the murky waters of Nigerian politics, all the above may not necessarily apply because under the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the deputy is often at the mercy of his principal. If he is enjoying any privilege or assigned any function, it is usually at the discretion of the chief executive, the governor of the state. 

    Since the return to civil rule in 1999, only one deputy governor functioned as number two man for eight years and was given the privilege of succeeding his principal: Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. In other situations when deputy governors succeeded their principals, it is only through sheer providence; when the chief executive is no longer available to perform his role because he has passed away. Even when a governor is incapacitated through ill-health and can no longer perform his constitutionally-assigned functions, the law insists that only members of his cabinet can initiate the process of his being eased out after a confirmation by medical authorities that he is no longer fit to continue in office. 

    The following are deputy governors who completed the tenures of their principals after they passed away and how they fared thereafter.

    Goodluck Jonathan:

    Goodluck Jonathan was elected deputy governor to Diepreye Solomon Peter Alamieyeseigha of Bayelsa state in 1999. 

    The late Alamieyeseigha was impeached on allegations of corruption on 9 December 2005 after he jumped bail from the United Kingdom by allegedly disguising himself as a woman, Jonathan took over as governor and was nominated two years later as the PDP vice presidential candidate in the 2007 general elections. 

    Ramalan Yero:

    Mukhtar Ramalan Yero served as governor of Kaduna State from 2012 to 2015. He emerged governor following the death of Patrick Yakowa in a helicopter crash. Prior to his emergence a deputy governor, he had served as commissioner for finance between 2007 and 2010.

    Yero became deputy governor in 2010 after the late Yakowa nominated him to the position, when he (Yakowa) succeeded Namadi Sambo who in turn was nominated to serve as vice president. 

    After completing his joint tenure with Yakowa in 2015, he ran for re-election but lost the contest to the then opposition challenger, Nasir el-Rufai of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Since then, he has remained in political wilderness. 

    Abubakar Danladi:

    Danbaba Suntai’s era as Taraba State governor ended unceremoniously after the plane crash that incapacitated him.

    He had sustained brain injuries when the small plane he was flying from Jalingo, the Adamawa State capital crashed in the process of landing at Yola, the Adamawa State capital.

    The succession battle that followed threw the state into a three-year political crisis. Shortly before the crash, Suntai had allegedly instigated the impeachment of his deputy, Abubakar Danladi. He was replaced with Garba Umar. 

    But just three weeks later, Suntai was involved in the air crash, paving the way for his new deputy to assume power as acting governor in accordance with Section 190 (2) of the 1999 Constitution.

    However, after sometime, speculations began to mount that Umar, a Muslim, was scheming to permanently displace the ailing governor, a Christian. Opponents accused the deputy governor and his supporters of mounting a media campaign, which suggested that Suntai could never function again as governor because of his damaged brain.

    In the midst of the political drama, Suntai was ferried back home from the hospital where was receiving treatment abroad. This was 10 months later, in August 2013 but his return could not douse the tension because it was obvious that he was not in a state of mind to resume work.

    Read Also: Governors, ministers, lawmakers: Akeredolu was true democrat

    To cut a long story short, on November 2014, the Supreme Court declared Danladi’s impeachment wrong and reinstated him as deputy governor. His reinstatement restored some stability in the state.  He worked with Suntai’s supporters through the last six months of the ailing governor’s tenure

    But, to sustain his position, the returnee deputy governor had to work with the ailing governor’s backers. At the expiration of their tenure in 2015, he was compensated with a senatorial ticket.

    Ibrahim Gaidam 

    Senator Ibrahim Gaidam was elected deputy governor of Yobe State on May 29, 2007, but was later sworn in as governor on January 26, 2009, after the death of his principal, Mamman Ali, who died of a liver problem in Florida, United States, Premium Times reported.

    Gaidam completed Ali’s tenure and went ahead to win the 2011 and 2015 governorship elections to become the longest-serving governor of the state. 

    Today, he is a minister in the Tinubu administration.

    What would Aiyedatiwa fare in his bid to secure his party’s ticket for next year’s election and the election proper. Only time will tell.