Category: Politics

Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), criticized President Bola Tinubu’s policies on Tuesday, claiming they have impoverished the poor and bankrupted the rich. To improve the situation, Atiku proposed six steps for Tinubu to take.

Tinubu, who assumed office on May 29, 2023, with a “Renewed Hope” agenda, marks his first year in office today. In a statement on Tuesday, Atiku reviewed the administration’s performance, arguing that the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government has failed to present effective economic remodeling plans.

Atiku, who has previously criticized the administration’s policies, suggested that Tinubu should:

1. **Pause and Reflect:** Undertake a comprehensive review of the 2024 budget within the new reform framework.
2. **Revise the Social Investment Programme:** Adjust the program to mitigate the impact of current policies on vulnerable households.
3. **Avoid New Taxes:** Refrain from introducing new taxes or increasing tax rates.
4. **Clarify Fuel Subsidy Regime:** Provide detailed information on fiscal commitments and benefits from the fuel subsidy reform and its impact on the Federation Accounts.
5. **Address Security Issues:** Take decisive action to tackle insecurity.
6. **Economic Remodeling:** Develop and implement clear strategies for economic reform with proper sequencing to avoid negative consequences.

Atiku criticized Tinubu for not having a clear economic remodeling plan and for implementing a mix of policies that have failed to deliver promised economic growth and poverty alleviation.

“Tinubu’s policies have not created prosperity but instead have worsened the economic situation,” Atiku said. He pointed out that the administration has eliminated PMS subsidies, unified the multiple official FX windows, tightened monetary policy, hiked monetary policy rates, introduced cost-reflective electricity tariffs, and imposed a cybersecurity tax.

These policies, according to Atiku, have resulted in the highest inflation rate in nearly three decades, with food prices soaring beyond the reach of ordinary citizens. He noted that the annual inflation rate stood at 33.69% in April, with food inflation at 40.53%.

Atiku also highlighted the economic hardships faced by Nigerians, including a significant increase in the cost of basic necessities and transport fares. He emphasized that the removal of PMS subsidies and the imposition of additional taxes had not been accompanied by an increase in the minimum wage or effective social investment programs.

“The current policies have created a hostile environment for businesses, leading to the exit of several multinational companies and the loss of thousands of jobs,” Atiku stated. He criticized the administration for not addressing the negative consequences of its policies on the manufacturing sector and the overall economy.

Atiku urged Tinubu to focus on structural economic reforms, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive review of the 2024 budget to address rising commodity prices and support vulnerable households. He also warned against any attempts to increase VAT rates or introduce new excise taxes, arguing that such measures would only exacerbate the current economic challenges.

In conclusion, Atiku called for immediate action to address insecurity, which has severely impacted agricultural production and contributed to food scarcity in the country. He stressed the need for coordinated efforts to enhance agricultural output and ensure food security.

“The state of pervasive insecurity continues to adversely impact agricultural production, especially in the northern parts of the country,” Atiku said, warning that millions of Nigerians could face severe food shortages in the coming months if the situation is not addressed.

An alleged fake legal practitioner, Mr. Olakunle Oladimeji Olawale, has reportedly been arrested for allegations of fraud and impersonation in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

Olawale who allegedly claimed to be a lawyer deceiving and defrauding unsuspecting members of the public allegedly used ‘Barrister’ as a prefix to his name during an event in Abuja, which called for suspension, investigation, and eventual arrest.

Meanwhile, according to investigation by the legal counsel to ALJAZIRAH NEWSPAPER, Mr. JJ Usman (SAN), who also wrote to the Supreme Court to verify the enrollment of lawyers, and the Court’s response indicated that there was no one by the name of Olakunle Oladimeji Olawale registered as a practicing lawyer, which the Court challenged Olawale to present his call to Bar Certificate and Qualifying Certificate for enrollment.

The investigation revealed that Mr. Olawale had been allegedly masquerading as a legal advisor and agent to landlords in Abuja.

He also addressed himself as a civil society leader where he had been presenting himself as the leader under the cover of being a barrister to defaming members of the public over unfounded claims that cannot be substantiated.

He is currently facing the full wrath of the law at a Magistrate Court in Abuja with case number CR/39/2024.

Therefore, several cases of impersonation by individuals masquerading as lawyers make it imperative to sensitize Nigerians on how they can detect a fake lawyer based on the information the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, will give to Nigerians

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ode-Aye Ward 1 of Okitipupa local government area in Ondo State has suspended Engr. Folake Omogoroye, a female governorship aspirant from the last primary election held on April 20, 2024.

Omogoroye joins the ranks of former governorship aspirants who have faced suspension by the party, following similar disciplinary action against Ondo South Senator, Jimoh Ibrahim.

In addition to Omogoroye, four ward executives have also been suspended. These include Ayesan Tunde, the Organising Secretary; Jemiken Seyi, Assistant Public Relations Officer; Adebayo Omobayo, Assistant Welfare Secretary; and Eweje Omotayo, Assistant Treasurer.

The suspension was detailed in a letter signed by the APC Ward Chairman, Akinsowola Awodele, along with twelve other executive members. The letter, made public on Monday evening, cited “anti-party activities and flagrant disobedience to the constituted authority of the party” as the reasons for the suspension.

Omogoroye had previously challenged the primary election results, alleging irregularities and seeking the cancellation of the governorship primary that resulted in Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa being named the party’s candidate.

As President Bola Tinubu marks his first year in office, former President Muhammadu Buhari has extended his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes.

Tinubu, who succeeded Buhari as Nigeria’s president following the February 25, 2023 general elections, was sworn in on May 29, 2023, alongside his deputy, Kashim Shettima. Tinubu will mark his first anniversary in office on Wednesday (tomorrow).

In a statement signed by Buhari’s spokesperson, Garba Shehu, on Tuesday, the former president highlighted the significance of this milestone and stressed the importance of unity and support from all Nigerians.

Titled “One Year of Tinubu Administration: Ex-President Buhari Conveys Good Wishes to President,” the statement urged citizens to continue fostering national unity and goodwill, emphasizing that collective effort is crucial for the success of the Tinubu administration.

“Former President Muhammadu Buhari extends his best wishes to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the completion of his first year in office. The former president appealed to all citizens to continue to strengthen the thread of national unity and goodwill,” the statement read.

Buhari also called on the public to offer their blessings and unwavering support to Tinubu, reinforcing his hope for a successful tenure and his confidence in Tinubu’s leadership and vision for the country.

“President Buhari expressed his wish for a successful tenure in office by the Tinubu administration,” the statement added.

Buhari, like Tinubu, was elected president under the ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC), and served two successive terms from 2015 to 2023.

By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo

Elders, stakeholders and indigenes of Uyo Senatorial district have insisted that Governor Umo Eno must serve his two- term tenure of eight years like his predecessors.

They have also passed a vote of confidence of the Governor, saying he has performed creditably within the one year of administration.

Addressing a press conference yesterday in Uyo under the auspices of the Akwa Ibom Northeast (Uyo) District Consultative Forum, leader of the Forum, Senator Effiong Bob maintained that Eno has started well while his achievements cuts across diverse sectors of Education, Health, agriculture, security, Infrastructure, Human Capital development.

Bob also mentioned Sports, Aviation, Housing and Social Welfare, especially caring for the vulnerable segment of the population.

According to him,”Today, in just one year, the verdict by millions of Akwa Ibom people on the performance of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno is that in just 365 days, he has effortlessly etched his name in gold, first in the hearts of the people and most importantly as a man whose governance is built on humanity and compassion.

“Across diverse sectors, our dear son, Leader, and Governor has scored many firsts in terms of project initiation and completion, policy introduction and implementation, swift interventions and has steadied the ship of consolidation on the gains made by previous administrations in this state.

“In the area of road infrastructure, numerous projects such as the newly inaugurated 3.3km Idua road, the just inaugurated 160m span Nto Ide Ikot Amba Bridge with 800m Approach road in Obot Akara, the newly commissioned Paul Ekpo Crescent, the commissioning of the reconstructed section of Atiku Abubakar road to mention but a few, are all eloquent testimonials to the Governor’s midas touch in the area road infrastructure.

“In the area of Youth and Manpower Development, the Governor through the Ibom leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Centre, trained and doled out seed capital to over 800 youths and entrepreneurs as a strategic attempt of fanning the embers of enterprise development.

“In Healthcare delivery, the governor has already built, equipped new model healthcare centres and reconstructed existing one, inaugurated them and handed these facilities to our people for us. In Security management which is one of the pillars of his ARISE agenda, our visionary leader and Governor, apart from donating utility vehicles to security agencies in the state, has provided the needed support for these agencies to help maintain peace and security in our state.

“In education, he totally reconstructed, remodeled and inaugurated Christ the King, and Ewet Primary Schools projects, the opening of the flagship Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre and constitution of the school’s Governing Council, the training of Principals of Public Secondary Schools by UK Education officials, frequent grants to students, donation of school uniforms and sandals to students, among others are some of the very strategic investments Pastor Umo Eno has made in this sector that has earned him the applause and admiration of all Akwa Ibomites.

“Today, the songs of mourning that was becoming permanent in the mouths of retirees in Akwa Ibom on account of unsettled backlog of gratuities have been swiftly replaced with songs of thanksgiving and gratitude owing to the Governor’s swift intervention in clearing the backlog of these gratuities.” He stressed.

He insisted that against the backdrop of the superlative imprints of good governance laid by the Governor, the people of the Senatorial District has been emboldened as the apex and umbrella forum for the advancement of the sociopolitical ideals of the People of Akwa Ibom North East also known as Uyo Senatorial District to pass a vote of confidence on the Governor.

The motion for the Vote of Confidence was moved by a National Assembly member Obong Paul Ekpo and seconded by the Deputy Speaker of the State Assembly, Mr Kufreabasi Edidem and received a positive affirmation by all Elders, Stakeholders, Political office holders as well as indigenes of Uyo Senatorial District.

Continuing Bob said that Eno’s unrivalled, focused visionary and superlative performance which the people of Uyo Senatorial District are confident would span the Governor’s first tenure and has become most convincing argument for him to be deserving of a second term in office to bring his stewardship to a complete circle of eight years.

While congratulating the Governor on his impactful first year in office, the Forum assured Eno that the People of Uyo Senatorial District would continue to stay as bold soldiers leading, coordinating and mobilizing robust support for the actualization of the Governor’s ARISE agenda and overall success in office as he matches towards his eight year stewardship as Governor.

Tomorrow, the Senate and House of Representatives will hold a joint sitting to commemorate 25 years of unbroken democracy and legislative activity in Nigeria. This event marks the first of its kind since the Fourth Republic began in 1999.

Traditionally, the two chambers convene jointly only for the President’s budget presentation. However, Wednesday’s session will be a significant milestone in Nigeria’s democratic history.

According to a statement from the National Assembly management, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to deliver an address at the joint sitting. Additionally, he will commission the new National Assembly Library as part of the celebrations.

Vice President Kashim Shettima will also attend the joint session. Other notable attendees include Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State; Hope Uzodinma, Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State; Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation; and Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President.

Additional attendees include Barr. Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory; Alhaji Magaji Tambuwal, Clerk to the National Assembly; and senior special assistants to the President for both the Senate and House.

The joint sitting will feature commemorative lectures on “25 Years of the National Assembly: Lessons and Opportunities.” Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, who served as Speaker of the 9th House from 2019 to 2023, will present a paper on “Reflections on the House.” Senator David Mark, President of the 6th and 7th Senate from 2007 to 2015, will discuss “Reflections on the Senate.” Additionally, former head of state, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, will deliver a paper on “Reflections on the Journey to Democracy.”

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticized former President Olusegun Obasanjo for his recent remarks on the administration’s reforms and its handling of the coup d’état in Niger Republic.

Obasanjo had criticized President Bola Tinubu’s implementation of the petroleum subsidy removal and the floating of the naira, which has led to significant economic challenges for Nigerians, including rising food costs and inflation.

In a statement released on Sunday by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo acknowledged that while Tinubu’s policies were necessary, their implementation was flawed. He expressed these views during a colloquium in Abuja titled “Nigeria’s Development: Navigating the Way Out of the Current Economic Crisis and Insecurity.”

“Today, the government has taken three decisions, two of which are necessary but wrongly implemented and have led to the impoverishment of the economy and Nigerians. These are the removal of subsidy, closing the gap between the black market and official rates of exchange, and the third is dealing with a military coup in Niger Republic,” Obasanjo said.

This marks the first time Obasanjo has publicly criticized Tinubu, whom he did not support for the presidency.

In response, APC National Director Bala Ibrahim described Obasanjo as a serial critic who may be showing signs of old age. Ibrahim suggested that Obasanjo’s criticisms stem from his failed bid for a third term in office and his belief that he is the only one capable of leading Nigeria effectively.

“As a Nigerian and someone who respects Obasanjo, I think senility is beginning to come in. Obasanjo is beginning to manifest the symptoms,” Ibrahim stated. “Ever since he lost the bid to have a third term in office, he has consistently attacked every regime that comes after him. He sees himself as the only one who meant well for Nigeria from independence to date.”

Ibrahim noted that Obasanjo’s consistent criticisms have targeted various leaders, including Presidents Buhari and Jonathan, and argued that Obasanjo did not fare better during his own tenure.

“How can he say someone who is trying to put the economy on a better pedestal is not doing the right thing? I am not a spokesman for Tinubu. Even though the party has discussed him to my knowledge, I practically feel Obasanjo has erred as he has always been doing,” Ibrahim concluded.

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

The Kogi state election Tribunal sitting in Abuja on Monday upholds the victory of Governor Ahmed Ododo of APC, as the elected governor of Kogi state.

Murtala Ajaka, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in the Kogi State, has lost at the state Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja.

The Kogi Governorship Election Petition Tribunal last week fixed May 27 to deliver judgment on the petition filed by the SDP and its governorship candidate, Ajaka, against the election victory of Governor Usman Ododo.

Kogi held its off-cycle election on November 11, 2023, amid allegations of rigging and vote-buying.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner of the election.

However, in the judgment delivered on Monday, the tribunal ruled against Ajaka.

The parties had adopted their final written addresses in the course of the proceedings.

In the petition, INEC, Ododo and the APC are listed as the 1st to 3rd respondents respectively.

When the case was called on Friday, April 26, INEC, Ododo and APC’s lawyers opposed the move by Jibrin Okutepa (SAN) to lead the witness, Edidiong Udoh, a digital forensic expert, in evidence.

Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN); Alex Iziyon (SAN) and Emmanuel Ukala (SAN), who appeared for INEC, Ododo and APC respectively argued that the petitioners did not list the name of the witness in their proof of evidence and that the witness statement on oath was not front-loaded alongside the petition.

They also contended that the petitioners served the reports of the witness’ analysis on them 20 minutes before the commencement of the proceedings.

But Okutepa insisted that the forensic expert was listed on Page 56 of the petition as item 10, adding that his statement was also front-loaded.

Nollywood actress Eniola Badmus has officially announced her appointment as the Special Assistant on Social Events and Public Hearing to the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria, Tajudeen Abbas.

The news of Badmus’ appointment initially went viral on May 10, when images of her receiving her appointment letter surfaced online.

On Monday, Badmus confirmed the news through an Instagram post, stating, “It’s Official. SA to the Speaker House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Social Events and Public Hearing.”

She expressed her gratitude to Speaker Abbas for the appointment, calling it a “significant milestone” in her career.

In her post, Badmus wrote, “A sincere heartfelt gratitude for entrusting me with this recent political appointment. It is an honor to be given this opportunity. I am truly honored and excited to serve under your leadership, #speakerabbas, and I deeply appreciate the confidence you have placed in me.

“This appointment is not only a significant milestone in my career but also a chance to contribute meaningfully to our shared goals and vision.”

Badmus also pledged her commitment to working diligently and upholding the team’s values, emphasizing her eagerness to collaborate with colleagues to achieve collective goals.

She added, “Your support and belief in my abilities mean a great deal to me. I am committed to working diligently and upholding the principles and values that our team stands for. Thank you for your belief in my potential, and for giving me the chance to make a positive impact.

“Thank you once again for this incredible opportunity, Mr. Speaker #speakerabbas.”