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  • Cleric endorses Gov Eno’s move to APC, lauds his two years in office

    Cleric endorses Gov Eno’s move to APC, lauds his two years in office

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo

    As Akwa Ibom marks the second anniversary of Governor Umo Eno in office, a prominent Father of Faith in the state, Apostle John Okoriko, has applauded the Governor’s leadership style, described his administration as the most peaceful, listing nclusive governance, and infrastructural development as key achievements of his tenure so far.

    In an interview with neesmen yesterday in Uyo, Okoriko who is the founder of Solid Rock Kingdom Church, h said that the governor’s emergence as the first pastor to lead the state has had a profound impact on peace and unity in both the political and religious spheres.

    “Top on the list of achievements is the peace we now enjoy in Akwa Ibom, since Governor Eno’s inauguration, we have seen political stability and unity among church denominations. There’s no more tension among parties as it used to be, and this has translated to progress across the state.” he said

    He also commended the governor’s grassroots engagement, noting that pastors and religious leaders regularly meet with him for prayers and consultations.

    “This is the first time pastors gather monthly with a sitting governor to pray and interact directly, he listens to the people, engages traditional rulers, youth, and women. His leadership is morally sound and inclusive.” Apostle Okoriko said

    Apostle Okoriko acknowledged Governor Eno’s strides in road infrastructure, rural development, tourism, and empowerment of small and medium businesses across the state. He described the administration’s projects as “visible evidence” of a clear agenda for growth.

    Responding to reports of Governor Eno’s plan to decamp from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Apostle Okoriko confirmed that religious leaders have been briefed and are in support of the decision.

    “He spoke to us, religious leaders from various denominations, explaining how aligning with the federal government will help implement his ARISE Agenda more effectively,” he said.

    “We didn’t vote for him because of PDP; we voted for him because he is a pastor. His integrity and character are what matter to us.”

    He added that religious leaders in the state are prepared to support the governor’s move, noting that his development-focused governance transcends party lines.

    When asked if the defection implies ingratitude to the PDP platform, Apostle Okoriko disagreed.

    “We are not loyal to parties, parties are not supreme, Credibility is, we are loyal to purpose and vision. Governor Eno has demonstrated capacity and compassion. His move to the APC, if it brings greater benefit to Akwa Ibom, is a wise and strategic decision,” he stated.

    Looking ahead, Apostle Okoriko called on Governor Eno to pay more attention to Agriculture, Low housing estate , and cost of flights to be reviewed under transportation. He stressed the need for modern farming techniques, affordable housing for low-income earners, and safer, more accessible Air transport options.

    “Food prices are high because we rely on other states for basic items like garri and palm oil. We must embrace mechanized agriculture, also, the cost of rent is outrageous. The government should build low-cost housing estates for civil servants and ordinary citizens.”

    He concluded by expressing optimism about the governor’s remaining tenure.

    “If he can achieve this much in two years, then with six more years, Akwa Ibom will witness remarkable transformation, Our prayers are with him, and we trust that any party he joins will support his ARISE Agenda fully.” He added

  • AEJ Foundation lauds. Eno’s Transformative leadership in A’Ibom

    AEJ Foundation lauds. Eno’s Transformative leadership in A’Ibom

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi , Uyo

    The Apostle Elijah Jack’s Foundation has publicly commended Governor Umo Bassey Eno for what it describes as “two years of transformative and people-centered leadership” in Akwa Ibom State, marking the Governor’s second anniversary in office with high praise and a unified call for continued development.

    In a statement released by Mrs. Theresa Ekemini Donatus, Head of Communications for the Foundation, the organization celebrated key strides made under Governor Eno’s administration, citing notable advancements in infrastructure, grassroots empowerment, education, healthcare, and agricultural development.

    “Governor Umo Eno has shown that governance can be both compassionate and effective, his strides in improving the welfare of the common man and strengthening local economies have not gone unnoticed.” said Apostle Elijah Jack, the Founder and Chairman of the Foundation.

    The Foundation, known for its strong focus on spiritual growth and community development, emphasized its alignment with the Governor’s vision of an equitable and opportunity-driven Akwa Ibom. It also used the occasion to propose strategic policy recommendations aimed at deepening the impact of the current administration’s efforts.

    Among the key suggestions were: Integrated Rural-Urban Transportation: The establishment of a state-wide mass transit system to connect rural communities with urban centers, stimulating trade and reducing travel costs; Affordable Housing with Local Content by Encouraging the use of local materials and labor in housing projects to address housing deficits and boost the state’s economy.

    Another area the foundation urged the governor to look into was, State Housing & Transport Development Bank: Proposing the creation of a dedicated institution to finance housing and transport initiatives for residents and entrepreneurs.

    While congratulating his achievements in the past two years, the Foundation also expressed optimism for the remaining 6 years of Governor Eno’s tenure, offering prayers and continued partnership for even greater achievements.

    In a strong declaration of support, Apostle Jack made it clear that the Foundation’s allegiance is not tied to any political party but to visionary leadership that prioritizes people and progress.

    “As long as the mandate is development, and the heart behind it is genuine service, we are committed to walking with this administration, to pray, to partner, and to protect the peace of our land,” he stated.

    The statement concluded with a reaffirmation of the Foundation’s mission to collaborate with government efforts that advance unity, prosperity, and sustainable growth in Akwa Ibom State.

    Apostle Elijah Akpan Jack, Chairman of AEJ Foundation

  • Cleric urges Gov Eno to prioritize maritime hub for A’Ibom

    Cleric urges Gov Eno to prioritize maritime hub for A’Ibom

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo

    Cleric and Founder of Apostle Elijah Jack Foundation, Rev Elijah Jack has called on Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom to prioritize the development of a Maritime Economic Hub in the state.

    He has also made a case for emphasis on the development and operation of the proposed Ibom Deep Seaport inorder to enhance the creation of employment opportunities especially for youths in the state.

    In a statement to congratulate Eno on his two years anniversary, he said the call was necessary as Akwa Ibom’s coastline and proximity to the Gulf of Guinea present a golden opportunity for the development of a sustainable maritime based economy.

    The statement endorsed by the Foundation’s Head of Communications Mrs Theresa Donatus also pointed out that “building a functional jetty system and revitalizing the Ibom Deep Seaport project can position the state as a key player in regional trade, attracting foreign investment and creating thousands of jobs.”

    It also called for the launch of a large-scale affordable housing projects that meoukd utilize local materials and labo as this would not only tackle housing deficits but also boost the local economy by engaging artisans, builders, and suppliers within the state.

    It made a case for the establishment of a State Housing & Transport Development Bank and an integrated Rural-Urban Transportation Network

    “Such will make room for the establishment of a state-wide mass transit system that connects rural communities to urban centers using reliable buses and mini-transit routes. This would increase access to markets, reduce travel costs, and stimulate trade across local government areas. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) can be explored to ease funding pressure.”

    It lauded the Governor for his successes in grassroots empowerment, and rural development, agricultural innovation, and youth-focused programs recorded in the last two years and pledged it’s support towards the actualization of a self reliant, peaceful and prosperous state.

    “We believe that transformational leadership is not bound by party lines but driven by purpose, integrity, and impact. Governor Umo Eno has demonstrated a strong vision rooted in peace, spiritual values, and people-centered progress.

    “As long as the mandate is development, and the heart behind it is genuine service, we are committed to walking with this administration, to pray, to partner, and to protect the peace of our land.Let it be known that our allegiance is not to any political party, but to the future of Akwa Ibom and to leadership that delivers results.* It concluded.

  • Bola Ahmed Tinubu: Two Years of Bold Reforms, Ambitious Programmes, Undeniable Challenges

    Bola Ahmed Tinubu: Two Years of Bold Reforms, Ambitious Programmes, Undeniable Challenges

    As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marks his second anniversary in office today, May 29, 2025, Nigeria stands at a critical threshold of history. The past two years have been defined by bold reforms, ambitious promises, and undeniable challenges.

    Under the “Renewed Hope” agenda, Tinubu’s administration has pursued transformative policies to recalibrate Nigeria’s economy, elevate its global standing, and tackle longstanding domestic issues. Daybreak Nigeria’s editorial team evaluates the government’s performance across six key areas: economy, foreign direct investment (FDI), security, infrastructure, foreign policy, and anti-corruption, offering a balanced assessment of achievements, shortcomings, and the road ahead.

    Economy:

    President Tinubu assumed office vowing to revitalize Nigeria’s economy through bold reforms. The centerpiece was the removal of the fuel subsidy, costing $15 billion annually in 2022, per the World Bank assessment. Announced on inauguration day, this policy aimed to redirect fiscal resources to infrastructure, healthcare, and education.

    Following the announcement, petrol prices surged from N185 to over N1,000 per litre, driving inflation to 33.69% in April 2024 before easing to 23.71% by April 2025, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. Food inflation hit 40.53% in April 2024, and soaring transport costs deepened multidimensional poverty, affecting 63% of Nigerians.

    To mitigate the impact, the administration disbursed N7 billion to each state for development projects and N2 billion for subsidy relief. Cash transfers reached 3.5 million indigent Nigerians, and a compressed natural gas (CNG) initiative was floated to lower transport costs. Critics, however, argue these palliatives were insufficient and poorly targeted, leaving many households grappling with basic needs.

    The unification of the foreign exchange market marked another bold reform, aimed at eliminating currency arbitrage and restoring investor confidence. By adopting a free-float naira policy, the administration cleared backlogs of international payment delays, enabling businesses to repatriate profits. The naira’s value plummeted by approximately 40%, but this liberalization attracted $50 billion in foreign direct investment commitments, as reported by the CBN, though actual inflows remain lower due to lingering security and policy concerns.

    The policy also spurred a recovery in the stock market, with the Nigerian Exchange Limited reporting increased foreign participation by Q1 2025. However, the devaluation fueled imported inflation, contributing to the high cost of goods and services, particularly in urban centers like Lagos and Abuja.

    The oil sector, Nigeria’s economic lifeline, has seen significant progress under president Tinubu. Crude production climbed from under 1 million to 1.8 million barrels per day by 2025, driven by enhanced security in the Niger Delta through Operation Delta Safe, which dismantled 1,978 illegal refineries. The revival of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, coupled with the Dangote Refinery reduced Nigeria’s $23 billion annual fuel import bill, saving an estimated $5 billion in 2024. However the operational status of both the PortHarccourt and Warri refinaries have remained controversial and uncertain.

    However these gains, supported by the Petroleum Industry Act’s implementation, have increased government revenues, enabling investments in projects like the N15 trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. However, fuel smuggling across Nigeria’s porous borders and high domestic prices continue to limit the benefits for citizens, with pump prices in rural areas like Borno often exceeding those in urban areas.

    Fiscal and tax reforms have been critical in diversifying Nigeria’s revenue base. The Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, chaired by Taiwo Oyedele, introduced four executive bills in 2024 to streamline the tax system, consolidating 11 laws into a unified framework.

    These reforms raised the tax exemption threshold to N800,000 annually for low-income earners, reduced corporate tax rates to 25% for larger firms, and exempted small businesses with turnovers below N50 million from Companies Income Tax.

    The Nigeria Tax Administration Bill established a Tax Ombudsman to address taxpayer grievances, enhancing trust in the system. These measures are expected to boost non-oil revenue

    The securitization of N30 trillion in ways and means debt into 40-year bonds with a three-year moratorium eased fiscal pressures, while the repayment of a $3.4 billion IMF loan in 2025 underscored improved financial discipline. Nevertheless, Nigeria’s debt service-to-revenue ratio, at 73.5% in 2025, remains a concern, diverting funds from critical sectors like health and education.

    Economic indicators reflect cautious progress. GDP growth reached 3.86% in Q4 2024, the highest in three years, driven by agriculture (maize and rice exports rose 15%), services, and manufacturing. Unemployment dropped from 33% to 29% by 2025, partly due to social programs like the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which has supported over 300,000 students, and the Consumer Credit Scheme (CREDICORP), which has enhanced purchasing power for 500,000 workers. The National Single Window initiative, launched in 2024, has reduced trade clearance times by 30%, boosting exports of non-oil products like sesame seeds and cocoa.

    These efforts align with Tinubu’s $1 trillion economy goal by 2030, though achieving the required 6% annual growth remains challenging amid global commodity price volatility and domestic insecurity.

    The economic reforms have come at a steep cost. The subsidy removal and naira devaluation sparked a cost-of-living crisis, with rural poverty at 75.5% and urban households spending 60% of income on food. The delayed implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage until mid-2024 offered limited relief, and palliative distribution has been criticized for inefficiencies, with reports of hoarding in states like Ogun and Kaduna.

    Foreign Direct Investment:

    Tinubu’s administration has aggressively courted foreign investors through economic diplomacy. The liberalized forex market enabled profit repatriation and cleared historic liabilities, securing $50 billion in FDI commitments. Notable deals include $2 billion in MoUs with Chinese firms and $4 billion in letters of intent across technology, automotive, and infrastructure sectors.

    However, Nigeria’s FDI inflows remain below potential. Foreign investment in the stock exchange dropped from 58% in 2014 to 16% in 2022, and while 2025 data is incomplete, the trend suggests persistent investor caution due to security concerns and currency volatility. The failure to secure BRICS membership underlines Nigeria’s struggle to regain its global economic stature. To translate commitments into tangible investments, the administration must address infrastructural deficits and ensure policy consistency.

    While diplomatic efforts by this administration have sparked investor interest, converting pledges into reality requires addressing structural bottlenecks and restoring confidence in Nigeria’s stability.

    Security:

    Under National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Tinubu’s administration has made strides in addressing Nigeria’s multifaceted security challenges. In the Niger Delta, Operation Delta Safe dismantled 1,978 illegal refineries, boosting crude oil production to 1.8 million barrels per day and enabling the resumption of production in Ogoniland after three decades.

    In the Southeast, the grip of IPOB’s sit-at-home orders has weakened, with 50 police stations reopened. Cyberspace security has also advanced, with the National Digital Forensic Laboratory tackling crypto-linked economic sabotage, as seen in the Binance case.

    Yet, insecurity persists. Militia herdsmen attacks in Benue, Plateau, Ebonyi, Ondo, Enugu, and Taraba have killed hundreds, destroyed properties worth millions, and displaced communities to IDP camps. Boko Haram, ISWAP, bandits, and emerging terror groups continue kidnappings and destabilization in the Northeast, Northwest, and North-Central, with fatalities among security forces and civilians. The Sahel’s jihadist threat and illegal arms flows remain challenges.

    Ribadu’s intelligence-driven approach shows promise, but addressing poverty and unemployment is crucial for lasting stability.

    Infrastructure:

    Since assuming office, President Tinubu has positioned infrastructure development as a cornerstone of his “Renewed Hope” agenda, aiming to bridge Nigeria’s colossal infrastructure deficit and catalyze economic growth.

    With an estimated $3 trillion needed over 30 years to close this gap, according to a World Bank analysis, the administration has prioritized transformative projects across transportation, energy, healthcare, and education.

    Over the past two years, Tinubu’s government has committed significant resources totaling approximately N16.56 trillion to infrastructure, leveraging a mix of budgetary allocations, public-private partnerships (PPPs), and innovative funding mechanisms like the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund (RHIDF).

    The administration’s infrastructure drive has been most visible in the road transport sector. A flagship project is the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, a 700-kilometer artery connecting Lagos to the oil-rich Niger Delta. Estimated at N15 trillion, this project aims to unlock coastal economic potential and enhance regional connectivity.

    Another major initiative is the 1,000-kilometer Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway designed to boost trade and agricultural logistics in the Northwest and Southwest. The Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved over N750 billion for this and other road projects in 2025, including the N19.4 billion Akure-Eta-Ogbese-Ekiti border to Ikere-Ado-Ekiti road, a 15-kilometer stretch in Ondo and Ekiti states. The Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano dual carriageway, a critical northern corridor connecting 12 states, received nearly N1 trillion in funding, with an 11-kilometer extension to Aminu Kano International Airport.

    In energy infrastructure, Tinubu’s administration has revitalized the Presidential Power Initiative, a Nigeria-Germany collaboration launched in 2018, with a target to add 4,000 MW to the national grid by 2026.

    Transmission projects completed in 2024 increased wheeling capacity by 700 MW, benefiting industrial clusters and urban centers. The shift to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), supported by conversion centers established by the National Institute of Transport Technology, aligns with environmental goals and reduces reliance on costly fuel imports. However, the national grid’s 12 collapses in 2024 and stagnant generation at 5,000 MW show systemic weaknesses, with electricity tariffs rising under new consumption bands, straining households and institutions.

    Also, the high cost of projects like the Lagos-Calabar Highway has fueled allegations of inflated contracts and cronyism. The power sector’s persistent failures, with grid collapses and inadequate generation, have frustrated citizens.

    Foreign Policy:

    Tinubu’s “4D” foreign policy: Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora aims to reposition Nigeria as a regional and global leader. His election as ECOWAS Chairman in 2023 and active diplomacy, including trips to China, India, and Brazil, have secured investment commitments and strengthened bilateral ties. Nigeria’s hosting of an African counter-terrorism meeting in 2024 and advocacy for global financial reforms at the UN General Assembly reflect an Afrocentric, proactive stance.

    Yet, Nigeria’s regional influence has waned. The initial forceful response to the Niger coup drew criticism, and the failure to join BRICS highlights gaps in Nigeria’s global posturing. Frequent foreign trips, one in every four days in his first year have sparked domestic backlash amid economic hardship. To regain its stature, Nigeria must align its foreign policy with domestic realities, ensuring diplomacy translates into tangible economic benefits. Tinubu’s foreign policy is ambitious but requires coherence and domestic synergy to restore Nigeria’s regional and global influence.

    Anti-Corruption:

    Since assuming office, President Tinubu has positioned the fight against corruption as a central pillar of his “Renewed Hope” agenda, describing it as a “cancer” that undermines Nigeria’s progress. With corruption estimated to have cost Nigeria over $400 billion since independence, the stakes are high for an administration promising transformative governance.

    Two years into his tenure, the administration has recorded notable successes, including high-profile asset recoveries and structural innovations within the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    A standout success is the recovery of over 750 properties from Godwin Emefiele, the former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), a feat celebrated by the president as evidence of his commitment to dismantling entrenched corruption networks. The commission’s focus on high-profile cases has also seen the reopening of investigations into 13 former governors and numerous ministers, signaling a departure from the perceived leniency of past administrations.

    For instance, the probe into the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development uncovered financial irregularities, leading to the suspension of Minister Betta Edu in January 2024 over the transfer of N585 million into a private account. The investigation also revealed N44 billion misappropriated from the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA).

    The establishment of the Fraud Risk Assessment and Control (FRAC) department within the EFCC marks a strategic shift toward prevention over prosecution. Launched in 2024, FRAC focuses on identifying vulnerabilities in government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), particularly in procurement and contract processes, which have long been breeding grounds for corruption.

    By requiring MDAs, including the Presidency and National Assembly, to submit anti-corruption plans, FRAC aims to embed transparency in public sector operations. This proactive approach has been praised by anti-corruption experts like Femi Falana, who described it as a step toward reclaiming Nigeria’s “soul” from corruption’s grip. The EFCC’s efforts in combating internet fraud have also been effective, with Olukoyede reporting a significant reduction in cybercrime activities, challenging the global stereotype of Nigeria as a hub for “Nigerian scams.”

    Despite these successes, the administration’s anti-corruption record is not without criticism. Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index indicates minimal progress, with Nigeria’s ranking stagnating, reflecting public skepticism about systemic change. Allegations of selective justice persist, particularly with high profile persons. The EFCC has been accused of looking the other way in the naira abuse case involving ex-militant leader, Oweizidei Thomas Ekpemupolo AKA Tompolo. The commission has also been accused of shielding corrupt politicians of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    However the question remains: is Nigeria a Nation on the Brink of Renewal?

    Evidently, President Tinubu’s first two years have been a high-stakes experiment in governance. His administration has laid a foundation for long-term growth through infrastructure, security, and economic reforms, but the immediate costs have tested Nigerians’ resilience.

    The “Renewed Hope” agenda has delivered visible wins—revived refineries, increased oil production, and global investment commitments—but the persistent cost-of-living crisis, insecurity, and governance challenges cast a long shadow.

    As Nigeria moves into the second half of Tinubu’s term, the administration must prioritize tangible relief for citizens, diversify the economy, and strengthen institutions. The legacy of these years will depend on whether Tinubu can translate bold promises into prosperity that reaches every Nigerian. For now, the nation walks a tightrope between hope and hardship, with the jury still out on whether “Renewed Hope” will become a reality or remain a slogan.
    [28/05, 2:17 pm] 08034004204: NAF FULFILS PROMISE AS GOVERNOR SULE COMMISSIONS COMMUNITY CLINIC IN RUKUBI

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has fulfilled its promise to the people of Rukubi, Nasarawa State, with the commissioning of a befitting community clinic constructed as part of efforts to atone for the tragic accidental airstrike of 24 January 2023. The newly built healthcare facility was officially inaugurated by the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr Abdullahi Sule, on behalf of the NAF, during a solemn ceremony that underscored a commitment to accountability, healing, and renewed partnership.

    The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, represented by AVM Ibikunle Daramola, described the clinic project in Rukubi as a meaningful act of restitution to improve local lives and enhance civil-military relations. He reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity while remaining mindful of its responsibility to host communities.

    Governor Abdullahi Sule praised the NAF for its humility and commitment to rebuilding trust, noting that while the loss of lives cannot be reversed, the clinic serves as a powerful symbol of healing, accountability, and renewed partnership with the people of Nasarawa State.

    The ceremony concluded with prayers for continued peace, improved civil-military relations, and strengthened commitment to protecting civilian lives. As the clinic opens its doors to the public, it stands not only as a memorial to the past but also as a promise for a more compassionate and responsible future.

  • NGO calls for review of burial,marriage rites law in A’Ibom

    NGO calls for review of burial,marriage rites law in A’Ibom

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo

    A Non Governmental Organization, Open Forum has called on Akwa Ibom government to review traditional laws governing the performance of burial and marriage rites, describing current practices in most communities as exploitative.

    Founder of the organisation, Mathew Okono madr the call at a news conference yesterday in Uyo on the heels of the successful burial of a 71 year old woman abandoned in the mortuary for seven years.

    Okono said excessive demands for performance of some traditional rites have led to abandonment of many corpses in mortuaries discouraged many prospective groom from completing their marriage rites

    “It is a known fact that certain families and communities in Akwa Ibom State place exorbitant demands for traditional rights, especially involving women before a deceased can be buried by the family.

    “It is Open Forum’s advocacy that the Akwa Ibom State Government and the Supreme Council of Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers and the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly should, as a matter of urgent public importance set in motion the process for the enactment of the Akwa Ibom State Burial System Law or by whatever other title to stipulate reasonable and affordable traditional rights (items) required by every family in all villages, clans and local governments in the state.” He said.

    He said that the current economic realities in Akwa Ibom and Nigeria could not sustain the volume of demands by some families in some parts of the state,

    “In some cases ranges from mandatory payment of seven (7) or more goats or cow(s) alongside other exorbitant items and cash before their loved ones can be allowed to be buried. Defaulters are threatened with traditional injunctions and fetish invocations.

    “This has led many to abandon their loved ones in the morgue for a number of months to years. Some who meet up these mandatory traditional demands have gone into debt or disposed off their, sometimes only landed property or source of livelihood to bury their dead, after which they slide into perennial poverty.

    “In the same vein, the Akwa Ibom State Government with the highest traditional institution in the state should streamline the traditional cost of marriage items, including dowry to enable our young men and women to consummate their unions without going bankrupt or staying single till some cross the desirable age of marriage.

    “Those with means should be free to give what they wish, but there should be an official standard to help the larger majority of citizens who have multidimensional poverty to grapple with” He explained.

    Okono said some states have enacted new burial and marriage laws and ‘Open Forum strongly advocates that Akwa Ibom State should tow this pro-people line by enacting ‘The Akwa Ibom Marriage System Law” as a matter of urgent public importance.

    “If these advocacies are acted upon, the reproach of corpses being abandoned in morgues or families sliding into poverty after the burial of their loved ones will be addressed.

    “Also, the inability of our young men and women of marriage age would be able to go into marriage honourably without breaking the bank to do so. It will be to the credit of the Umo Eno administration if these patriotic initiatives are adopted and implemented during his tenure as Governor of Akwa Ibom State.” He concluded.

    ..

  • BEHEMOTH LEVIATHAN, DARWINISTIC PROCLIVITY

    BEHEMOTH LEVIATHAN, DARWINISTIC PROCLIVITY

    PATRICK WEMAMBU

    English philosopher, ethicist, metaphysician and scientist, Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) is most famously associated with the term ‘Leviathan.’ Deployed as the title of his most influential work published in 1651, the concept articulates a political philosophy that views government primarily as a device for ensuring collective security.

    According to Hobbes, political authority is justified by a hypothetical social contract among the citizenry that vests in a sovereign (a monarch, a legislature or almost any other form of authority) the responsibility for the safety and well-being of all.

    In the book, Hobbes uses the nomenclature under review to represent the state, an absolute sovereign and a social contract.

    For the purpose of this discourse, however, Nigeria’s 10th National Assembly will be cited as a case study of the concept in question which is a collosus – great and mighty.

    Let us interrogate yet another key principle. Charles Robert Darwin (1809 – 1882) – an English naturalist, geologist and biologist, was widely known for his contributions to evolutionary biology. His proposition that all species of life descended from a common ancestor is now generally accepted and considered a fundamental scientific concept.

    In a joint presentation with Alfred Russel Wallace, he introduced his scientific theory that this branching pattern of evolution resulted from a process he called natural selection. This is exemplified in the struggle for existence which has a similar effect to the artificial selection process involved in selective breeding.

    Darwinism, therefore, describes the broad concepts of evolution and natural selection as originally proposed by Charles Darwin. In essence, this core principle states that variations within species are heritable and that individuals with beneficial traits are more likely to survive and pass on those traits to their offspring. 

    What then is Darwinistic proclivity? Simply put, it refers to a natural tendency or inclination towards Darwin’s theories. Particularly, it suggests an understanding and acceptance of the principles that life has developed over time through random genetic variation and natural selection, where individuals best suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. 

    Having a Darwinistic proclivity, thus, implies a natural inclination to understand, accept and one might add propagate the principles of evolution by natural selection, as described by Darwin. 

    Now, drawing parallels between Thomas Hobbes’ Leviathan Concept and Charles Darwin’s Evolution Theory while relating these to our treatise may not be a walk in the park.

    Notwithstanding, the analogy to be drawn in explaining the aforementioned somewhat complex scientific concept is that the Nigerian parliament – especially the Green Chamber would appear to possess the characteristic features of a behemoth Leviathan armed with Darwinistic proclivity.

    Juxtapose the controversial Bill before the House of Representatives proposing to make voting mandatory for all eligible Nigerians against the backdrop of the abstract of this essay and you might fully grasp the implications of the study.

    Writing in The PUNCH Newspaper of 25th May 2025, under the caption ‘Compulsory Voting: A Cure For Apathy Or Threat,’ Olufemi Adeniran reminisced that the Bill, first introduced in February was sponsored by the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas. It was presented on May 20 (2025) by co-sponsor Daniel Asama, representing Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency of Plateau State, for a second reading. The legislation seeks to amend the Electoral Act 2022 to make voting in all national, state, and local council elections compulsory for all eligible Nigerians.

    Said Adeniran; “The bill proposes a six-month imprisonment or a fine of not more than N100,000 for any registered voter convicted of failing to exercise his or her franchise during polls.

    “Other key objectives of the bill include: establishing a legal framework with sanctions for unjustified non-participation and valid exemptions for illness, religious objections, or foreign residency; empowering the Independent National Electoral Commission to track voter compliance and manage exemptions without infringing on fundamental rights; and promoting electoral education to deepen democratic participation.”

    If signed into law, Nigeria is expected to join countries like Australia, Belgium, and Brazil, which have adopted compulsory voting with positive outcomes in political participation and public accountability.

    Why propose making voting compulsory in Nigeria? An analysis of the data obtained from INEC in the PUNCH publication showed that voter turnout has been declining almost every election year since 2007.

    In 1999, 29.8 million Nigerians voted in the presidential election that brought President Olusegun Obasanjo to office. But the country recorded its highest turnout in 2003, when 39 million people, representing 69.1 per cent of registered voters, participated in the election. Since then, the turnout has been on a downward trend.

    Buttressing the figures, we are told that in 2007, 35 million Nigerians, representing 57.5 per cent of the registered voters, cast their ballots, while the 2011 elections witnessed 38.2 million (53.68 per cent) participation. During the 2015 elections, 28.6 million voters (43.65 per cent) cast their votes, while the figure dropped to 27.3 million (34.75 per cent) in 2019.

    The 2023 election is said to have witnessed the lowest participation of Nigerians during general elections, with only 24.9 million, representing 26.71 per cent of the registered voters, participating in the election.

    The writer further observed that the rise in voter registration has not led to a corresponding increase in voter turnout. While voter registration has continued to increase, turnout has been abysmal.

    According to INEC data provided, there are 93,469,008 registered voters in the country, but only 87,209,007, representing 93.3 per cent, collected their Permanent Voter Cards.

    Since its proposal, the bill has generated controversy among politicians, legal experts, and civil society organisations. At the centre of the controversy is a constitutional dilemma: can a right be turned into a legal obligation?

    Describing it as an unconstitutional affront to civil liberties and democratic values, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has unequivocally condemned the proposed bill seeking to amend the Electoral Act 2022 to make voting compulsory for all eligible Nigerians,

    In a statement issued by the body May 20, 2025 titled ‘You Cannot Jail a Citizen for Choosing Silence: The Nigerian Bar Association Condemns Compulsory Voting Bill as Unconstitutional and Draconian’ and signed by its President, Mazi Adam Osigwe, SAN – the NBA
    viewed the bill, which prescribes sanctions including fines of up to ₦100,000 or imprisonment for failure to vote, as not only regressive but wholly inconsistent with the spirit and letter of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

    Said Osigwe; “Section 39 (1) of the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of expression, which includes the right to silence, dissent, and abstention. In a democracy, the right to vote is a civil liberty, not a legal obligation. Compelling citizens to vote through coercive legal measures violates the fundamental right of Nigerians to decide whether or not to participate in elections.

    “Also, Section 40 guarantees the right to freedom of association, which includes the right not to associate. In the same spirit, compelling an individual to vote, regardless of their faith in the electoral process or options presented, amounts to a violation of their personal convictions and political freedoms.

    “The NBA finds it unacceptable that a democratic government would seek to criminalize non-participation in an electoral process marred by voter apathy, mistrust, insecurity, and systemic failures. Instead of fixing the conditions that discourage voter turnout, such as electoral violence, vote buying, among others, the state is attempting to force participation through punitive legislation.”

    Observing that democracy is not sustained by coercion but thrives on consent, participation, and trust – we are told the moment citizens are forced to vote under the threat of imprisonment, the entire essence of free and fair elections collapses.

    If passed, this bill would set a dangerous constitutional precedent: that the government can punish citizens for refusing to participate in its processes, the statement warned – adding that the door will be opened to further erosions of civil liberties and legitimizes authoritarian impulses under the guise of electoral reform.

    “The NBA calls on the National Assembly to immediately discontinue any legislative process advancing this unconstitutional and anti-democratic bill. Nigeria’s democracy does not need coercion; it needs trust, transparency, accountability, and inclusive reforms.

    “Rather than punish non-voters, government and political actors must focus on rebuilding the integrity of the electoral system, ensuring security on election days, guaranteeing the independence of the electoral umpire, and conducting voter education to inspire confidence in democratic participation,” Osigwe concluded.

    Perhaps it is pertinent to note that in defending the bill, Daniel Asama who co-sponsored it had asserted that if passed into law, the proposed legislation would bolster democratic engagement by compelling Nigerians of voting age to participate in national and state elections. “Voting transcends a mere right; it constitutes a civic duty, a principle upheld in numerous democracies globally,” the lawmaker had said.

    He lamented the alarming trend of low voter turnout, citing the 2023 general elections where less than 30 per cent of registered voters cast their ballots. “This trend undermines the legitimacy of elected governments and weakens democratic institutions,” he warned.

    The lawmaker argued that mandatory voting would cultivate a stronger sense of civic responsibility.

    In rounding off, therefore, it should be clear that compelling any Nigerian citizen to vote under threat of prosecution will present dire consequences. This is moreso in this renewed age of human activism. Any attempt to enforce this will meet with stiff opposition. The Honourable Members, therefore, may wish to take a second look at the provisions of the proposed piece of legislation which has been variously described as draconian and seeking to weaponize civic participation against the people.

    PATRICK WEMAMBU, is Ag. Editor, The Daily Times Newspaper. He can be reached through p.wemambu@ dailytimesng.com

  • Ineffective Communication in Leadership responsibile for Nigeria’s woes, says NIPR

    Ineffective Communication in Leadership responsibile for Nigeria’s woes, says NIPR

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo

    The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has reiterated the need for effective communication in leadership, citing it as a major problem facing the country.

    President and Chairman-in-Council of the institute, Dr Ike Neliaku who stated this Tuesday at the opening cf the NIPR Week 2025 in Uyo, aaid effective communication remained crucial for building a prosperous Nigeria.

    “Lack of effective communication is a major problem of leadership in Nigeria. We can build a prosperous Nigeria, together, if we work collaboratively.” Neliaku said

    The NIPR President also used the occasion to announce that Nigeria would host the 2026 World Public Relations Forum, which is expected to bring together public relations practitioners from around the world.

    Minister for Information and National Orientation, Alh. Mohammed Idris in his address assured Nigerians that the renewed hope agenda of the current administration is paving the way for a robust economic recovery.

    “The two years of the Tinubu administration have shown significant progress, including the allocation of N1.5 trillion to revamp the Bank of Agriculture,” Idris said.

    He therefore appealed to public relations professionals to key into ongoing efforts and reforms to rebrand the nation’s reputation and attract investors into the country .

    Governor Umo Eno, represented by his deputy , Sen. Akon Eyakenyi highlighted the importance of public relations in economic development saying,”I believe public relations practitioners can work collaboratively with the larger media to market our nation,” she said.

    Reflecting on the theme of the Nigerian Public Relations Week 2025, “Harnessing Public Relations for Nigerian Economic Relations.” the host Governor expressed optimism that public relations practitioners can play a crucial role in building a better Nigeria by working with government and investors to positively project the country.

    High-points of the event were posthumous awards to three distinguished Nigerians, including the late LOC Chairman of NPRW25, Dr Uduak Obot in recognition of their contributions to Nigeria’s reputation, and the inauguration of the body of Advisors of Nigeria Reputation Management Group, led by Dr John Momoh as Chairman, Muhammed Kudu Abubakar- Inaugural Secretary and Bashiru Adenuyi, CGC – Vice Chairman.

  • “Much Ado About Special Seats”

    “Much Ado About Special Seats”


    By Adaora Onyechere Sydney-Jack

    In the grand amphitheater of democracy where every citizen is meant to speak, vote, and lead there remains a conspicuous and deafening silence. It is the silence of the sidelined, the muted roar of millions of Nigerian women whose voices are yet to fully echo through the hallowed halls of parliament. In a country where women constitute nearly half of the population, their political representation still hovers just above the margins, a mere whisper in a storm of governance. The debate around “special seats” for women is no trivial theater. This is not, as some would lazily argue, a sideshow. It is a fundamental reckoning with justice, equity, and the very soul of our democracy.

    Those who deride gender quotas misunderstand both their necessity and their history. Quotas are not crutches for the incapable. They are correctives for centuries of exclusion. They are not about handing women power they are about clearing the way so that women can seize it. In societies like Nigeria, where cultural, economic, and institutional barriers persistently deny women equal opportunity to participate in politics, quotas serve as the scaffolding of a more just future. They are the instruments of leveling not lowering the playing field.

    Globally, the evidence is irrefutable. Countries that have embraced quotas have not only improved gender representation; they have improved governance. In Rwanda, where constitutional gender quotas were introduced following the 1994 genocide, women now occupy over 60% of the seats in the lower house of parliament. The result? Rwanda’s governance has earned global recognition for innovation in health, education, and community development. The presence of women hasn’t just changed the gender makeup of parliament it has transformed its priorities.

    In Bolivia, legislation mandates that half of all elected officials be women. Since implementing these laws, Bolivia has seen an uptick in legislation focused on poverty alleviation, indigenous rights, and education. In Norway, party quotas were pivotal in ushering in an era of strong female leadership, from corporate boardrooms to prime ministerial cabinets. These are not isolated anecdotes. They form a resounding pattern: when women lead, societies thrive.

    Even across Africa, examples abound. Senegal’s parity law, introduced in 2010, propelled women into 44% of the parliamentary seats. South Africa’s African National Congress voluntarily adopted quotas, helping push the country’s proportion of women in parliament above 40%. These shifts have coincided with progressive legislation on reproductive health, gender-based violence, and social welfare issues too often neglected in male-dominated systems.

    And then there is Nigeria a paradox of potential and paralysis.

    Despite being the continent’s largest democracy, Nigeria ranks abysmally low in female political representation 179th globally. Out of 469 federal lawmakers, just 19 are women. That is less than 5%. At the state and local government levels, the figures are even more dismal. This is not just a democratic deficit; it is a crisis of credibility. How can a democracy speak for its people when half of those people are absent from the decision-making table?

    What Nigeria faces is not a lack of competent women. It is a wall of structural prejudice a complex mesh of cultural expectations, economic disenfranchisement, media bias, electoral violence, and party gatekeeping. Women are expected to run races while being shackled by invisible chains. And when they dare to run, they are told they lack the merit.

    But as Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie reminds us, “Culture does not make people. People make culture.” The culture of exclusion is not sacred. It is not destiny. It is policy, and it can be changed by policy.

    To those who say that gender quotas betray meritocracy, let us ask: how can merit be measured in a rigged system? When the gates to political power are fortified against women, it is not merit that triumphs it is tradition, privilege, and exclusion. We do not question the merit of men born into political dynasties or the fairness of incumbents perpetually recycled through patronage. Why then do we question the legitimacy of institutional pathways for women?

    Let us be clear: quotas are not the destination; they are the departure point. They are the ignition switch of inclusion. As former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton declared, “Human rights are women’s rights and women’s rights are human rights once and for all.” But in Nigeria, the conversation must go further. Women’s rights are not just human rights. They are democratic rights. And until they are respected, democracy itself remains a hollow promise.

    To the National Assembly of Nigeria: the burden of history is upon your shoulders. You have the power to light a torch whose glow could illuminate the continent. Passing the Special Seats Bill, enshrining special seats in law, is not political charity. It is constitutional clarity. It is moral courage. And it is long overdue.

    This is your opportunity to correct a national wound. To recognize that the absence of women in politics is not a gap it is a gaping hole in the heart of Nigerian governance.

    This is your moment. Make it matter.

    And let it be said of us that we were not the generation that clung to tradition while ignoring truth. That we did not let another decade pass in the quiet suffocation of women’s potential. That we rose, not in defense of the past, but in defiance of injustice. That we carved a space for every girl to dream, to dare, and to lead.

    Let it be said of this generation:

    We did not shrink from the echo of justice;
    We widened the table, we built new chairs.
    We listened when silence was no longer an option,
    And in the parliament of tomorrow, she stood not alone.
    But as one voice in many, rising like thunder through the chambers of change.

    The time for special seats is not tomorrow. It is now. Not as privilege. But as principle. Not as favor. But as a foundation.

    History is watching. Let us be worthy of it.

    Adaora O.Sydney-Jack is an international broadcast journalist, Author of the best seller, Politics, Pussy and Power, Gender and Public policy expert, Creative Director/ Host on Gender Agenda showing on Africa independent television, Founder Gender strategy advancement international and an inclusive governance advocate. 

    email:adaoraonyechere1@gmail.com
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  • Prosperity Cup Boss Hails Bayelsa Queens’ Historic League Win

    Prosperity Cup Boss Hails Bayelsa Queens’ Historic League Win

    Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa

    The Director-General of the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, Mr. Ono Akpe, has congratulated Bayelsa Queens on their emergence as champions of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership.

    The team secured the title after a 4-1 victory over Naija Ratels on the final day of the Super Six playoffs.

    Mr. Akpe praised the team’s outstanding performance, doggedness, and indomitable spirit, describing them as worthy ambassadors of Bayelsa State.

    He commended Governor Douye Diri for his unwavering support and vision for sports development in the state, noting that the governor’s investment in sports has yielded dividends.

    The Prosperity Cup boss also appreciated the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and the Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Daniel Baraladei Igali, for their support and encouragement.

    He expressed delight that Bayelsa Queens’ triumph would inspire more young girls in the state to take up football, fulfilling the Prosperity Cup’s dream of developing women’s football from the grassroots.

    Mr. Akpe attributed the team’s success to their hard work and dedication, stating that the victory reflects their commitment to excellence.

    The Prosperity Cup organizers congratulate Bayelsa Queens on their historic achievement and look forward to more successes in the future. This victory is a testament to the team’s growing prowess and the impact of Governor Diri’s leadership on sports development in Bayelsa State.

  • POTENTIALITIES OF NOMADISM SNOWBALLING INTO ONE-PARTYISM

    POTENTIALITIES OF NOMADISM SNOWBALLING INTO ONE-PARTYISM

    PATRICK WEMAMBU

    The landscape is laced with an insidious macabre egomaniacal phenomenon whose current burgeoning propensity has attracted widespread excoriation from dispassionate intellectual observers. Within the political circus, the active players are notorious for wantonly invoking the abracadabra provision availed them by virtue of the enshrinement and protection of this phenomenon in the constitution.

    Known by various appellations ranging from defection, political nomadism, cross-carpeting to decampment, party-hopping and canoe-jumping – some analysts have even employed the term political porting to describe the trending epithet.

    Kudos must go to Uduigwomen, A.F., and Udofia, C.A. , for the references and for inspiring this essay. Interestingly enough, both authors in their 2022 philosophical expository analysis titled “Political Defections In Nigeria: Implications For Our Nascent Democracy,” traced the history of the concept under review to the 1940s in Nigeria.

    Hear them; “The remotest incident of political defection in pre-independent Nigeria that snowballed to the tirade of future cases, happened in 1941 when Ernest Ikoli, an Ijawman emerged victorious over Samuel Akinsanya, a yoruba, in the contest for the vacant seat in the Legislative Council. Samuel Akinsanya and other Ijebu Yoruba pulled out of the Nigerian Youth Movement in protest against Ernest’s victory.

    “The provoked Eastern and Southern components of the party who supported Ikoli were incensed by this act of ethnic chauvinism; which was against the cosmopolitan charter of the party and as a result persuaded Nnamdi Azikiwe to constitute a new political platform.

    “The great Zik rose to the challenge by joining forces with Herbert Macauley to form the National Council of Nigeria and the Camerouns (NCNC).”

    The other cases of political nomadism cited by the authors include what transpired in the defunct Western Regional House of Assembly with Nnamdi Azikiwe of NCNC and Obafemi Awolowo of Action Group (AG) as the main protagonists. Similarly, the first Republic of 1960-1966, Second and Third Republics also witnessed decamping by various political actors with high-profile cases.

    At this juncture, we must interrogate a very pertinent question. What factors predispose politicians to nomadism in politics? Uduigwomen, A.F., and Udofia, C. A , (ibid.,) identified the catastrophic will of some politicians to secure political office through hook or crook which constitutes the rationale for the most of the party switches observed after party primaries.

    Subsequently, losers during the primaries will seek for another platform to effectuate their ambition. Lack of internal democracy, absence of transparency, imposition of candidates, disregard of courts orders and the cult of hero-worshipping – are other variables highlighted by the erudite scholars.

    They further observed that political nomadism is also utilized by political tacticians as a strategy to politically maneuver and infiltrate another party. Curiously, political defection is not an obnoxious outlaw in the eyes of Nigerian laws. The Constitution of the Nigerian State gives warrant for political defection.

    The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic bestows on all Nigerians the fundamental right to freedom of assembly and association. Specifically, section 68 1(a) allows a member of the National Assembly to become a member of another party other than the one from which he/she was elected on the grounds of division and or merger of his former party.

    Aside these grounds the legislator is supposed to vacate his seat if he defects. But this hardly happens. This same provision and the accompanying exceptions are replicated for the State Assemblies in section 109 (1)(g).

    Fast forward to the 4th Republic and specifically under the current political disposition (2023-2025). In recent times, there has been a surge in mass defections, particularly among serving lawmakers and high-profile politicians, from the three leading opposition parties, particularly from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party and the New Nigerian Peoples Party.

    After months of speculation, Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori; Ifeanyi Okowa, former Delta governor and the entire PDP political structure in the Big Heart of the Nation ported to the APC.

    Only last week, the three Peoples Democratic Party Senators from Kebbi State defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that their letters of defection were read separately on the floor of the red chamber by Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, who presided over the day’s plenary. The Senators are: Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central); Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North) and Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South).

    How does political nomadism impact potentialities of one-partyism? Reacting to the development, One-time Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar said anyone could belong to any association because the freedom of association and expression are non-negotiable in a democracy.

    “Let me be unequivocal: freedom of association and expression are not optional in a democracy – they are fundamental rights. Alongside these stand the pillars of a just and functional democratic society: the people, the rule of law, credible elections, and accountability. Undermine any of these, and democracy itself begins to crumble,” he reasoned.

    Yet, writing in The Leadership newspaper last week, Olufunke Baruwa in a piece titled ‘Nigeria’s Infamous Descent Into A One-Party State’ had this to say; “Today, the political winds have shifted dangerously. With each passing election cycle, each court verdict, and each wave of defections, our democracy is being quietly strangled.

    “What we are witnessing is no longer a matter of political dominance by the ruling party; what began as subtle state capture and elite consensus-building has morphed into something more brazen: a systematic hollowing out of the opposition and the entrenchment of a de facto one-party state.”

    Indeed, the recent political nomadism or cross-carpeting by some Nigerian political gladiators has the potentialities of snowballing into enthroning one-partyism in Africa’s largest democracy.

    Regrettably, the menace has become the norm rather than the anomie in contemporary Nigerian politics such that recounting the frequency of cases will result in almost an infinite rendition. Way forward out of this quagmire?

    An analogy between political nomadism and adultery in the religious sphere by Uduigwomen, A.F., and Udofia, C. A , (op.cit,) viewed the former as a form of infidelity, licentiousness, and ungodliness.

    The cerebral authors warned that defection or party porting possesses a kind of Jekyll and Hyde nature in that it can mar Nigeria’s nascent democracy when driven by reasons of self-aggrandizement.

    Therefore, they admonish the different political parties to strengthen their internal democratic principles as a measure of curbing incessant porting.

    Likewise, party primaries should be checked for compliance with the principles of transparency and consistency with the rules of the party and laws of the land. Government should in addition set up machineries to curb corruption within parties and the influence of money bags.

    Another important suggestion for combating incessant party porting is to make political power less lucrative so that the fair-weather and opportunistic politicians who are prone to junketing from party A to B and back to A can explore other means of livelihood.

    Then lastly but not the least, the electoral act ought to be reformed to ensure that those who decamp in the legislature from one party to the other whether at the national or sub-national levels lose their primary seats.