Category: Politics

By Milcah Tanimu

Dada Olusegun, the Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Social Media, has issued a warning to those planning protests, advising them to stay off the streets. In a statement posted on his X page, Olusegun threatened that supporters of the president would strongly resist any attempt to disrupt the country.

He emphasized that supporters of President Tinubu are prepared to confront the protesters, stating that those planning street processions will be met with significant resistance.

His exact words were: “Those who want to burn the country down under whatever guise will meet the strongest resistance of their lives. Not from security agencies, but from the silent majority that gave their mandate to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for four years in the first instance. We are waiting.”

…… Urges Senate to strenghten INEC for more responsibilities

A human rights activist,Comrade Adeniyi Alimi Sulaiman has urged the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly to stop ongoing new Bill for creating of new electoral body for the conduct of the Local Government Election Nigeria,urging
the Senate to strengthen the current nation’s electoral body with more responsobilities of conducting Local Government election as it has been doing in the Federal Capital Territory,Abuja.

Comrade Sulaiman stated that this call has become imperative to avoid wasting of meagre resources of the country for duplication of duties while there was an existing national electoral body that could be strengthened to perform such duty without wasting of another resources of the nation.

It will be recalled last week that a
Bill for the establishment of the National Independent Local Government Electoral Commission, NILGEC, has scaled first reading in the Senate and the proposed new electoral body will be saddled with the responsibility of conducting elections for the exisisting 774 Local Government in Nigeria.

The Bill which titled as, “Local Government Independent Electoral Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (SB. 531)” , was sponsored by Chairman, Committee on Finance, Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East).

The said Bill,if scale the Senate approval,the proposed NILGEC shall consist of a Chairperson and six commissioners, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate and they would serve for a term of five years, renewable once.

Sulaiman,who is Executive Chairman,Centre for Human Rights and Social Justice(CHRSJ), maintained that deduced from the Bill,it would be seen that new resources of the country would be committed to such an avoidable venture of creating new electoral body for the conduct of Local Government election
In a statement issued by the CHRSJ Media Office,signed by Comrade Sulaiman and copies were made available newsmen on Tuesday,stressed that establishment of new electoral body would also amount to wastage and impunity, in the face of current financial quagmire facing the country with dwindling economy situation presently.

He further stressed that formation of new electoral body in the face of implementation of Oronsaye Report, would tantamount to anti-people,abnormality, and misplacement of priority,urging President Tinubu not to assent to such a bill if brought before him but to encourage the Lawmakers to legislate on how to strengthen the INEC to perform its responsiblities including conduct of Local Government election without fear or favour.

His words:”Since the State Government took over the conduct of Local Government Election,they have killed the morale of local government administration in Nigeria in term of even development,uniformity and the leadership training ground for the people at the grassroot.

“Posterity would remember President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for good if he achieves financial and electoral autonomy for the Local Government in Nigeria and history will be kind to him for return the past glory of the local government administration in Nigeria”.

Sulaiman therefore, salute the courage of the members of the Senate for trying to raise the bar of Local Government autonomy through the independent electoral body by urging them to also legislate to strenghten the INEC to be more independent in conducting of credible and generally acceptable election in Nigeria.

Signed:

Comrade ADENIYI ALIMI SULAIMAN
(Revolutionary Alfa),
Executive Chairman, Centre for Human Rights and Social Justice(CHRSJ)
+2348038591504/+2348022697573.

By Milcah Tanimu

Veteran Nigerian entertainer Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has issued a bold challenge to President Bola Tinubu, daring him to arrest Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate.

This statement comes in response to allegations from a Peter Obi support group that the presidency is planning to arrest the former Anambra governor over a planned nationwide protest. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga had accused Peter Obi’s supporters of organizing the protest.

The support group, through its spokesperson Yunusa Tanko, refuted these claims, stating that they have reliable information that the allegations are being fabricated to justify Obi’s arrest.

Charly Boy took to his X account to express his confusion and frustration, questioning why Obi is being blamed for a protest driven by widespread dissatisfaction with the nation’s hardships. He challenged the presidency to proceed with the arrest and face the consequences, asserting that the government is not untouchable and that people are watching and waiting.

In his post, Charly Boy wrote, “Abeg I wan understand something, so Nigerians – BAT supporters join – wan gather protest against Tinubu’s bad government and horrible tenure, but na Peter Obi dem wan hold accountable by arresting am? Okay na!! Let’s go! Make una try that arrest and see what will happen as una think say una dey untouchable therefore can do anything. We dey dey look and wait.”

By noah ocheni, Lokoja

Ahead of the October 19th Local Government Elections in Kogi State, Dr Akowe Oguche has appreciated a clarion call on him to run under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the upcoming chairmanship race in Igalamela/Odolu local government area.

Oguche while reacting to a statement by the citizens of Igalamela/Odolu soliciting for his candidacy as APC Standardbearer, said that he has all it takes to market the party for overwhelming victory at the polls.

He acknowledged a statement from the citizens of Igalamela/Odolu local government with joy which reads in parts “We, the collective populace of Igalamela Odolu Local Government Area, feel impelled to express our profound gratitude to His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to the transformative development of Kogi State.”

“Under his astute administration, we have borne witness to unprecedented growth and progress, hitherto unparalleled in the annals of our state’s history.”

“As we approach the forthcoming local government elections, we fervently entreat the All Progressive Congress (APC) to recognize and reward exemplary leadership by nominating ALH. COM Akowe Oguche PhD as the party’s standard bearer.”

“Com. Akowe’s remarkable rapport with the grassroots, coupled with his ardent passion for peace and community development, renders him the quintessential candidate for this position.”

“Com. Akowe’s achievements as Assistant Commander General of the Nigeria Hunters serve as a testament to his exceptional leadership acumen and unwavering commitment to the well-being of our community. His selfless service and dedication to the populace have earned him widespread recognition and respect, transcending partisan affiliations.

“We firmly believe that Com. Akowe’s installation as APC flag bearer will further solidify the party’s connection with the grassroots and ensure continuity of the exemplary work initiated by Governor Ododo. We urge the APC leadership to consider Com. Akowe’s candidacy and afford him the opportunity to serve our local government area.

“Together, let us collaborate towards a brighter future for Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area and Kogi State at large, predicated on the principles of exceptional leadership, peace, and community development.”

By Isreal Adamu, Jos

A Businessman ,philanthropist, And Grassroot Moblizer Hon Winston Jinan Moses Has Declared His Intention To Run For The Chairmanship Position Of Langtang North Local Government Council Of Plateau State Under The People’s Democratic Party (Pdp).

Hon Jinan Made His Intention Known To Leaders At Pilgani In Langtang North At The Weekend. He Told The Leaders That He Was Vying For The Position Because Of His Passion To Help The Downtrodden And To Bring Massive Development To The Grassroot.

Hon. Winston Jinan Moses Who Also Paid Homage To The Traditional Heads In Hierarchical Order, Engaged Pdp Pilgani Ward Members , And Emphasized The Importance Of Support And Prayers In His Political Journey.

He Pledged To Bring Massive Development To Rural Communities In The Local Government Council If Elected.

“We Will Exceed Public Expectations Through Massive Infrastructural Development And Wealth Creation To Our People If Elected.”

“As A Grassroot Moblizer, I Know The Issues Confronting Our People And We Would Provide Massive Dividends Of Democracy To Them If Given The Mandate “.

I Am Promising You All That I Will Work Tirelessly To Bring Development To Our Local Government Council If Elected, I Call On You All To Support This Movement,” He Added

He Praised Governor Caleb Mutfwang For His Developmental Strides In All Parts Of The State And Called On All Citizens To Support Him.

Hon Winston Also Commended The Leadership Of The Peoples Democratic Party, Pdp, In Plateau For Sustaining The Party And Raising It Up To This Enviable Height.

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Mazi Afam Josiah Osigwe (SAN) on his election as the President-elect of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). The President expressed his felicitations in a statement released on Monday by Presidential spokesperson Ajuri Ngalale.

In his statement, President Tinubu also extended his congratulations to all newly elected officers of the NBA and the members of the association for the successful conduct of the elections. He praised the outgoing NBA President, Mr. Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau (SAN), for his leadership of the association.

Moreover, President Tinubu assured the new leadership of the NBA of his administration’s support in addressing the challenges affecting the association and the legal profession in general.

Comrade Muatapha Umar Tallo Gwarzo popularly known as “Coach” is the leader of the ” Kano state youth organisation for good governance” (KYAGG) has disclosed that Senator Barau I Jibrin is gradually fulfuling his campaign promises which is a clear indication that Kano North senatorial zone benefiting with genuine dividends of democracy.

He stated this in an interview v with our correspondent, JABIRU A HASSAN in Kano, adding that Deputy Senate President is the type of leaders deserved to be elected in any position in a democratic dispensation, Excerpts:

DB You are well known in making comments on some politicians and other issues related to Senator Barau I Jibrin on good governance, what can you say about the Senator?

Coach: I am happy to be with you this evening where we had a chat on politics and political issues especially in my locality. Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin is the type of leaders we need in Nigeria today. He is doing well as expected and we are proud of his being our representative at the Nigeria’s parliament.

DB: How would you rate his performance at the Senate and your senatorial zone?

Coach: He is one of the best elected representatives that we have in Kano state because he is gradually fulfilling his campaign promises without bias. I can beat my chest that our senator is one of the best and we are very much lucky to have Barau I Jibrin as our senator.

DB: But sometimes you are accusing him of not performing despite that you trusted him at first time, are you now okay with his level of representation?

Coach: This is an important question which needs urgent explanation. We worked for the success of Barau Jibrin during his first election with a determination that he would perfume better, but at that time, he did not satisfy our expectation. That is why we fight him in order to enable him adjust.

But when he was reelected for another term of 4 years, he adjusted and perfome very well which is what we are trying to ensure. So from that time, we remained very much committed to working for the deputy Senate President silently because we are certain that his performance is very much satisfactorily.

DB: what are the areas you think the senator is making good impact?

Coach: He is touching every sector like education, healthcare, economic progress, employment, capital projects across the 13 local government areas under his constituency and agricultural transformation to mention a few of his achievements. Time is limited to bring out all what has been done by DSP Barau Jibrin in Kano North and other senatorial zones.

DB: Your association seems it fit for the senator to contest for governorship post, what are your reasons?

Coach: it is because DSP Barau Jibrin is often expanding his hands to other zones due to his zeal towards the development of Kano state in general. So that is why we are praying that Senator Barau would answer our call and aspire for the seat of Kano state governor in the 2027 general elections for genuine change in our state.

DB: you needs money and mobility to actualize your dream, from where are you sourcing funds to mobilize Kano youths on your mission.

Coach: We are sacrificing from what we got from monthly package as we have gone far in touching the teaming youths from Kano Central and Kano South despite a financial shortage, but we are trying.

DB: Have you ever receive a helping hand from anybody, group or organisations to makes your projects?

Coach: as I told you earlier, we are working with our own wallets, but our door is open to all well meaning persons to assist us in making this dream a reality like I have said. Barau Jibrin is an exemplary leader and we need him most as Kano Governor to reap more fruits of democracy.

By   Milcah   Tanimu

The Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has called on the police to investigate alleged threats against Dan Nwanyanwu, chairman of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), following his support for Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara amidst the political unrest in the state.

Nwanyanwu reported being followed and threatened by unknown individuals due to his stance on the political situation in the South-South region. He claims these threats have escalated to the point of endangering his life.

Chinyere Kalu, IPAC’s secretary, issued a statement condemning the threats and harassment experienced by Nwanyanwu, particularly an incident at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja on July 12, 2024. Kalu described the events as “outrageous, despicable, inhuman, and barbaric.”

“The Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) condemns in strong terms the unprovoked harassment, intimidation, confrontation and threat to the life of Zenith Labour Party National Chairman, Chief Dan Nwanyanwu, at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja. It is a national embarrassment that a prominent political leader and lawyer would be publicly humiliated and threatened to be killed after being trailed for days by suspected assassins,” the statement read.

IPAC praised security personnel for their prompt response and urged the police to bring the suspects to justice. The council also requested enhanced security for Nwanyanwu and his family to prevent further threats.

“It is unthinkable that such a brazen attempt on life could happen at Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja with world-class security,” Kalu added. “Council commends security agents for their prompt intervention and interrogation of the suspect and urges the police to charge him to court to serve as a deterrent to others who may want to tow this path of dishonor.”

The statement emphasized the importance of opposition voices in maintaining democracy and called for vigilance from security agencies to prevent criminal acts against citizens.

IPAC stressed that the security breach at the Transcorp Hilton should be taken seriously and that the safety of political figures like Nwanyanwu is crucial for the nation’s peace, unity, security, and progress.

By Israel Adamu, Jos

A Political Pressure Group Operating Under The Umbrella Of Apc Plateau Youths For Equity And Justice On Friday Called On Former Federal Lawmakwer Representing Shendam, Mikang And Quanpan Constituency Hon Komsol Alphonsus Longgap, To Contest For The State Chairmanship Position Of The Party In The State.

This Was Contained In A Statement Made Available To Newsmen In Jos And Signed By Dala Ponfa On Behalf Of The Group .

The Statement Reads That “Leadership Is No Child’s Play, It’s Indeed A Herculean Task, Little Wonder, Not Everyone Possesses Leadership Potentials. ”

“Though Many Crave For Leadership Positions But Only A Few Are Naturally Embedded With The Trait That Enders The Public To Entrust To Them, The Mantle Of Leadership. ”

” According To The Group ” It Is Imperative To Note That Leadership Is A Result Oriented Venture As Such We The Apc Plateau Youth For Equity And Justice Have Agreed Never To Seat And Watch Competence Treated With Prejudice, Considering How The State Lost The Seat Of The Governor To The Opposition Party In The State Due To The Long Internal Crises In The Apc, Plateau State.

The Statement Also Reads That ” Sir, We Have Also Consider Your Outstanding Performance At The Green Chamber While Representing The Good People Of Shendam, Mikang And Quanpan Federal Constituency, Being A Well-respected Elder Statesman In The State And Nigeria At Large, We Have Carefully Search, With Lots Of Consultations, And Have All Agreed As Card Carrying Members Of Apc To Call On You Hon. Komsol Alphonsus Longgap To Come Out And Render Your Mentoring Stewardship To Us As The Apc State Chairman Come 2025. ”

“It Is No Longer News That At This Moment In Time, Service To All Apc Members In Plateau State Has Been Relegated To The Back Bench, While Leadership Of The Party Has Synonymously Metamorphosed Into Ruler-ship Where The Right Of The Party Members Have Become A Privilege And Participating For Elective Position In The Party Continue To Elude The Poor While Creating A Level Playing Ground For All The Party Members Is Non-existence.

“We Are Therefore Concerned That The Status-quo If Maintained Will Further Sink Our Beloved Party (Apc) Deeper Into The Abyss Of Darkness And Despairs. ”

” It Is On This Note That We Are Calling On You To Come Out And Stand For The Truth And For The Unity And Progress Of The Party, Thus We Have Identified The Major Problems Commonly Faced In The Party And We Believe That You Can Bring The Party Out From The Old Order To A New One.”The Statement Further Added.

The Labour Party (LP) has raised concerns about the democratic principles of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly in relation to leadership decisions within the legislative branch. This follows the removal of Senator Ali Ndume from his position as Senate Chief Whip.

During a plenary session on Wednesday, July 17, Senate President Godswill Akpabio read a letter from the APC leadership calling for Ndume’s removal. The APC also urged Ndume, known for his outspoken criticism of President Bola Tinubu, to resign and consider joining an opposition party.

In a statement, Obiora Ifoh, the LP’s National Publicity Secretary, condemned Ndume’s removal, suggesting that it reflects a broader trend where speaking truth to power is becoming punishable in Nigeria. Ifoh described the Senate’s actions as a move towards dictatorship.

“The crime of Senator Ndume was his bold expression of concerns regarding the escalating cost of living and food scarcity in Nigeria. He revealed that President Bola Tinubu has chosen to ignore the acute starvation being witnessed in the country,” Ifoh stated.

Ifoh also referenced the recent suspension of Senator Abdul Ningi, who had exposed alleged budget padding by the Senate leadership and executive collaborators. He argued that such actions intimidate senators from fulfilling their representative roles.

Highlighting the economic crisis, Ifoh noted that the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported a 40.66 percent rise in food inflation. He criticized the government for spending about N150 billion on a presidential jet and infrastructure projects that do not address the country’s economic issues.

“This is clearly a tyranny of a cabal against legislative autonomy. Nigeria is gradually descending into dictatorship. We urge citizens to be vigilant and defend against the administration’s use of starvation as a weapon,” Ifoh concluded.