Concerned Niger Delta Stakeholders Rally For Good Governance, Calls For Independence Of Legislature


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYeGSP4ATEI

A civil society organisation, Coalition of Concerned Niger Delta Stakeholders on Tuesday held a rally at the Unity Fountain Abuja, calling for good governance across board.

The group expressed dissatisfaction that a large population of Nigerians are living below the poverty line, while threat of insecurity and hunger are staring the country at the face.

These according to the Concerned Niger Delta Stakeholders are all indices of bad governance, calling on the newly inaugurated administration of President Bola Tinubu to make efforts to address them.

The good governance rally which had as the theme, "Independence of Legislature, Executive and Judiciary" also featured performances by cultural troupe, comedy, and music.

Speakers at the event called for efforts to strengthen the independence of National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly as they represent the baxton of democracy.

"We as concerned Niger Deltans are aware of the significance of a democratic and inclusive legislative process and its role in fostering national development, accountability and protection of citizens' rights.

"As we expect the leadership of the tenth National Assembly next week, itis crucial that the elections of the President of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives, their Deputies, and other Principal Officers should be conducted in a manner that upholds the principles of fairness and equity.

"We do not expect any form of interference or intimidation of the National Assembly members from any quarter, including the executive. They should be allowed to vote credibility and excellent track record and not those with questionable characters.

"Legislators should be able to exercise their constitutional rights and freedom to elect leaders who can effectively represent their interests and the interests of the Nigerian people", the National President, Arewa Youth Amb. Mohammed Aboki stated.

The group which had earlier called for the rejection of former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Godswill Akpabio as the Senate President drummed support for a former Zamfara State governor, Abdulaziz Yari for the office of the third citizen.

Aboki further demanded equity and non-interference of the executive in the affairs of the 10th National Assembly.

Talking on equity and fairness, he said the error of the outgoing 9th National Assembly where the President and the Senate President are both from the North should be corrected.

"We need a balanced system. We need equity and justice. Nigeria needs to get it right this time. We are calling on APC to resist the temptation of hand-picking the leadership of tenth Assembly.

"We don't need a Senate President or House Speaker whose duty will be commissioning of projects", he said.

Also in his remarks, a youth stakeholder of Niger Delta, Comrade Bani Samuel challenged Akpabio to show his scorecard as a Minister of Niger Delta Affairs before seeking to become the Senate President.

He said the North deserves to produce the Senate President since the South has produced the President, even as he insists on independence of the tenth National Assembly without executive interference.

The National Secretary of Nigeria Youth Organisation, Comrade Duke Alamboye said the 109 Senators and the 360 House of Representatives members are exposed enough to decide their leadership, urging political parties to stay away from affairs of the legislature.

A student union leader, said some of the Nigerian leaders today enjoyed a tuition free education during their days and were equally paid stipends to encourage them to pursue their education.

According to him, the high cost of living today has made it impossible for students to eat in any campus with N500.

He called on the Senators-elect to back Yari who he said understands the value of education and will support policies that will enhance the development of education in Nigeria.

Demonstrators also wielded placards with different inscriptions, including "Executive South, Legislature North, Judiciary South", "We Don't Want A Dictator to Head The National Assembly", "We Need Fresh Air in the 10th National Assembly Leadership" and more.

Ahead of the June 13 inauguration, reports have emerged that Tinubu has withdrawn his support for Godswill Akpabio as Senate President.

But the Concerned Niger Delta Stakeholders insist that only a balanced power sharing system can accelerate the development of the country.

Beneficiaries Of Tinubu/Shetima-NAIRAXI Transit Scheme Congratulates Bola Tinubu, e-Portal Reopens

Beneficiaries of Tinubu/Shetima-NAIRAXI Transit Scheme Card Initiative have congratulated the President Elect, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Vice Kashim Shetima.

See testimonies in video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtqBIwuDPyE

The congratulatory and appreciation message was expressed early this morning after INEC declared the APC Presidential Candidate as Winner of the 2023 Presidential Election and President-elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The beneficiaries explained that the subsidised and fairly free transportation service by the Tinubu-Shettima Nairaxi Transit Card was indeed a huge assistance to Commuters, especially in the challenging times of fuel scarcity and severe economic hardship.

The initiative was introduced by Nigeria's leading tech transport and logistics company, NAIRAXI to provide Subsidized/discounted transportation services to Nigerians.

Commuters say it was introduced at a time when the cost of road transportation is fast increasing and unavoidably expensive. The initiative has helped to mitigate the economic challenges emanating from fuel subsidy removal.

Although, it is a strategic initiative that was created by Nairaxi to attract massive support to ensure the victory of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kashim Shetima in the 2023 Presidential elections.

Commuters explained that the transit card was indeed a new found hope for Nigerians and called for more expansion of the program. Speaking with the CEO of Nairaxi, he explained that the portal is now re-opened for Nigerians to signup for their transit cards. he stated that the Tinubu-Shettima Nairaxi Transit Card guarantees Commuters access to subsidised transportation services via its shared bus shuttle services.

According to the Co-founder, Elizabeth Omale, the re-opened portal provides a seamless registration process that allows Nigerians to easily sign up and immediately become a beneficiary of the free and subsidized transportation scheme by Tinubu-Shetima Nairaxi Transit Card Initiative.

https://nairaxi.ng/tinubu-shettima-nairaxi-transit-card/


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12bD9QH3uzs

Update: I'm Being Undervalued Because I'm A Nigerian - Dozy Mmuobosi Cries Over United Takeover Scrutinization 🇳🇬😰

A 43-year-old business mogul Dozy Mmuobosi, has complained over the treatment he has gotten from the British government since his bid to buy Skybet Championship outfit Sheffield United was made public.

Mmobuosi believes he has been over-scrutinized because he is from Nigeria and an Africa.

“Hopefully I get approved by the EFL and you (Sheffield United fans) find me a capable partner,” Mmobuosi told FIVE podcast

and was quoted by the PUNCH.

“I’m a long-term, focused person. I’m not here to just take and go.

“I believe we’ll get to the Premier League and remain there. I intend to run this club not just as a business that benefits the fans and myself, but the community.”

“I am one of the most scrutinized individuals that I know.

“I run a public company, the scrutiny for me is different and I feel that. My market cap is hit because maybe wall street has refused or failed to understand our message. But we are undervalued and I feel that if I weren’t Nigerian or African, it would have been different.

“So, I think the world needs to change this attitude of naming people, shaming people, or doubting people because they come from a certain place.”

Professor Christopher Imumolen has just caused a major upset in defeating 13 out of the 18 top candidates vying for the office of Nigeria's president in the forthcoming general elections scheduled for February 25, 2023 in an independent polls conducted on Friday.
The feat is all the more remarkable considering the fact that seasoned politician and former Kano State governor, Alhaji Rabiu Kwankwaso is one of the co-aspirants he just dusted.

Professor Imumolen, before now had often been overlooked when it came to the candidates who had the wherewithal to upset the odds and make an impact in next month's presidential elections because of his relative newness on the country's political scene.
But results of Friday's "Nigeria Decides" polls is bound to change that perspective as he is now sure to be taken seriously even by the most cynical of political watchers.

The country's youngest presidential candidate has often sold his message of emancipation of the Nigerian people, exhibiting a passion yet unmatched in the annals of politicking and political campaigns in the country.

The polls which convincingly helped him to 4th place, garnering a princely 2,706 votes to beat Kwankwaso (who polled 2,670 votes) to 5th place may be an indication that his gospel of freedom from inept, corrupt-laden leadership is now being fully imbibed by Nigerians who are desperate to make a change, using the power of the ballot come this February.

The youthful academic and philanthropist has often said he was very much in the frame to change the age-long stereotypes of an entrenched culture where only past-their-prime, geriatric politicians believed they, only, had the monopoly to the corridors of power in the country.

"The 2023 general elections is sure going to be a watershed in our history as a country as the status quo will be shattered.

"Nigerians should brace up for the unexpected because the old system of doing things shall give way for the new," he had often said.
Before now, only 4 candidates -- Bola Tinubu (APC), Atiku Abubakar (PDP), Peter Obi (Labour) and Rabiu Kwankwaso (NNPP) were considered the frontline candidates.

But results of Friday's polls has drastically changed that perception as Professor Imumolen now becomes the 4th most popular candidate, going to next month's presidential elections, according to what "Nigeria Decides" just said.

EXCLUSIVE: Former Skye Bank Chairman, Tunde Ayeni In Paternity Tussle With Daughter’s Classmate, Female Lawyer In Abuja - Sahara Reporters

More facts have emerged in the paternity tussle between Nigerian businessman and former chairman of defunct Skye Bank, Tunde Ayeni and a female lawyer in Abuja identified as Adaobi Alagwu.

For starters, “Ayeni began dating Adaobi way before 2019, when she was about 24-years old, outspending all other suitors. Whenever she called off their romance, he always went crawling back. He dated and flaunted her openly and with no regard for his family and friends then” an associate said.

Adaobi, who is 30 years old, was a classmate of the businessman’s daughter. Ayeni last week denied being the father of the lawyer’s baby. The businessman through sources claimed that he was not the father of her child, adding that he had ended their relationship long ago.

However, sources familiar with the duo’s relationship confirmed him as the father of the baby.

“Isn’t it funny that Tunde Ayeni is in a dispute with a 30-year-old woman over pregnancy? The woman is younger than his first and only daughter,” a relative of Adaobi had told SaharaReporters.

The relation also described Ayeni’s initial statement as a panic move and an attempt to shut Adaobi up because “he suddenly realised his folly and the lifetime pain this has brought on his long-suffering wife and children”.

“Not only is Adaobi Alagwu as young as his daughter, but she was also in the same class as his daughter,” the source added.

The source further said, “He dated and flaunted her openly and with no regard for his family and friends then. He gifted his building, right next to a supposedly serious business entity of his (address withheld), to her out of fear that he might lose her.

“He gifted her the house she lives in Lakeview in Abuja, and purchased a choice property for her mother to live in. This act of his drove his daughter to shame. Whilst his daughter was struggling, he set up Adaobi’s chambers. Her chamber is at 36, Birao Street, Wuse 2, back of AP Plaza, off Adetokunbo Ademola Street in Abuja.

“He also gifted her a multi-million Naira Range Rover from his fleet and was constantly at her office even in the full glare of his hardworking staff next block. Currently, Ayeni just pretends he is a rich man in billions but all he really does is to struggle for positions with real politicians as he’s currently doing with the Atiku Abubakar campaign. He’s battling tooth and nail to secure his place with Atiku so as to be the one all funds would be kept with.

“In the last six years that he has spent most of his time chasing Adaobi, his business has suffered. Ayeni has been desperately appearing in all Atiku’s pictures in order to compromise people and make them believe he is very important in Atiku’s campaign.”

Another relation of Adaobi also dismissed the former Skye Bank chairman’s claim.

“It is funny that Tunde’s people are trying to deny this child. It is most unfortunate. He had made her commit abortions but this latest one, she insisted on keeping it and he finally allowed her to do so. However, because he is part of Atiku Abubakar’s campaign, he is trying to protect his image so that the scandal will not force the campaign organisation to push him away.

“The irony is that Adaobi never wanted to date Tunde in the first place. She was attending law school in Abuja with his daughter. His daughter was supposed to stay in his house but he transferred her to Lagos so that Adaobi could live with him. He even gave her a car without her asking for it.

“Adaobi has a 10-year-old child and is not after Tunde Ayeni for money. She was driving a G-Wagon before she met Ayeni.”

Speaking to SaharaReporters on Tuesday, another source confirmed the earlier report published by the newspaper.

He identified the car given to Adaobi by Ayeni as a Range Rover with registration number EPE 505 ES.

The source confirmed that the female lawyer had been pregnant with his baby before the latest paternity issue.

“She had been pregnant for him before and he requested she should abort the baby. Even with this, he promised her heaven and earth to abort it. Whilst many of his friends don't mind him dating whom he wants, it's been embarrassing the age gap between them and how this projects him.

“And whilst she knows he and Tunde fought, it is Tunde who wanted to prove by all means he owns her. He's been threatening her best friend not to say anything about the situation. He's frantically reaching out to her friends to warn her not to say anything to the press,” the source said.

The source continued, “Adaobi has a 10-year-old son from a previous relationship. She said he gave her the office without her asking and renovated it with a lot of money.

“Tunde desperately wanted to flaunt her and convince her of his love and dissuaded his wife and children from coming to his Abuja homes. He transferred his daughter back to Lagos when she was posted to Abuja law school. He's assured Ada she will be taken care of when Atiku wins. He’s known to always spend more time in her office even when his own businesses are suffering.

“He has a penchant for always following women and wasting resources on them rather than on credible ventures.

“The lady’s friends and family call Tunde her paymaster. A lot of his friends asked him to stay with his ex-girlfriend who was far more mature and he turned a blind eye. Many of his people are usually scared to advise him.

“He spent so much money renovating her office, paying for her security, suggesting that this is all he would waste the country’s resources on if in public office. He ensures his company's briefs and his friends’ real estate deals go to her. He also forces his managers to accord her respect.

“Let's not even talk about ‘Jacky of Port Harcourt’ who is another girlfriend and how angry she is about Adaobi and how many managers have been made to resign just because he continues to mismanage all the affairs.”

An associate of Ayeni told our correspondent that the businessman handed important briefs to Adaobi to handle even though she was still a young lawyer, all in a bid to please her.

“There was an important brief we had with Funds and Electronic Transfer Solutions (Fets), one of the leading licensed mobile money operators. You won’t believe that Tunde gave it to this woman to handle just because he was dating her. When we tried to talk him out of it, he refused.

“He forces briefs from Fets which is meant to be a serious business on Airbridge chambers owned by the lady. It’s just scary to imagine him in a position to control the country's resources. Then he alleges she's eyeing Joyce Berezi's husband when everyone knows Joyce is her cousin before she moved to London, which makes it totally unfathomable. Same way, in many of his rabid actions went against the children of the late Hosa Okunbor and got their assets frozen, were it not for the timely intervention of the Emir of Kazaure who came to the rescue of the children’.

Another source revealed that since the story went viral, Adaobi has been downcast herself and stopped going to the office. Contrary to the fact that she wanted to hold him down with this pregnancy she has a much older son who she's been taking care of too and she scoffs at the assertion she's chasing after him when even now he's been sending her money and desperately managing her reaction.

Not a few Nigerians were impressed when Accord presidential candidate, Professor Christopher Imumolen unveiled his election masterplan in a live broadcast to the nation on New Year's Day.

The country's youngest presidential candidate chose the most auspicious moment to rouse a nation in the mood of festivities to the crucial nature of his quest for the presidency as he outlined his plans to take Nigeria out of her present condition and redirect her to the path of sustainable growth and development.

In a moving speech which lasted half an hour, the academic touched on critical areas of the country's economy that needed to be revamped in order to achieve the rapid development he envisaged if he gets elected as Nigeria's president this year.

He lamented the abysmal depths the fortunes of the country, once seen as the pride of the black race, had sunk in virtually every area of the economic development index and vowed to effect a sharp turnaround in this dismal state of affairs in the shortest possible time if he gets the people's mandate to become president.

"My party, Accord and I are driven by the passion to change the narrative of inept leadership that has stunted our growth as a country for decades," Professor Imumolen told the nation in a gathering of party bigwigs, the media, renowned entrepreneurs and invited guests.

"We believe in the Nigerian project and are supremely committed to the vision of seeing the country and it's people grow out of penury, darkness and joblessness by offering quality leadership that will restore confidence and hope in them," he added.

The social media would quickly come abuzz as positive comments from a wide spectrum of netizens who watched the broadcast filled the air.

"Who be this guy, sef?", a certain Testimony Asegunmute, obviously impressed by Professor Imumolen's delivery had asked in pidgin English as thousands of comments flowed through social media.

"The Accord presidential candidate is answering questions intelligently," said another watcher named Rawlings Lawani as he responded to how expertly Professor Imumolen answered questions from the media during the interactive session afterwards.

Political watchers have been quick to label Professor Imumolen's New Year's Day broadcast as a masterstroke considering how much it has resonated with the voting public who had until then had their choices restricted to just a few out of the 18 aspirants vying for the position of Nigeria's president 53 days hence.

"I consider Professor Imumolen's New Year's Day broadcast to Nigerians as one of the smartest move a politician, especially one campaigning to be Nigeria's president, could have made on a day of festivities and one which symbolises newness, rebirth," a popular public affairs analyst who craves anonymity said.

"Apart from being novel, Professor Imumolen did a lot to open the eyes of Nigerians to other options to choose from during this year's presidential elections.
"And, contrary to widespread belief, Nigerians
now know that they have a truly young, energetic, highly educated and passionate candidate like Professor Imumolen to vote for as an alternative if they so choose.
"I have no doubt that the young Professor has been able to adequately and successfully sell his candidacy to a new set of Nigerians who have now had the opportunity to see his quality and what he can do if allowed to become president," he added.

Professor Imumolen also passed in flying colours in the area of offering practical solutions to the country's myriad of challenges after he was tested by a barrage of questions from journalists shortly after his speech.
He was as adept in answering posers on how he intended to win over the younger segment of society which he largely represents, tackle insecurity, solve the problem of suffocating poverty in the land, forming an all-inclusive government, support SMEs who are the backbone of the economy, women empowerment, etc, as he was in listing them earlier in his speech.

With the New Year's Day broadcast, Professor Imumolen not only achieved the objective of waking the country up to the reality of the moment, but succeeded in throwing the first salvo and raising the stakes in a presidential contest that promises to be a watershed in the country's chequered history, come this February.