PURPORTED SUSPENSION OF ADC STATE CHAIRMEN: MEMBERS OF THE EXPIRED NWC ERRED ON EVERY KNOWN LAW OF THE PARTY AND NIGERIA


....... The tenure of the NWC expired in August 2022

The growth and survival of democracy as a system of government representing the aspirations of the people is a function of the existence of a variety of vibrant political parties for the citizens to choose from during periodic elections.


The case in Nigeria has been that the so-called bigger parties use the smaller ones to legitimize their anti-people stranglehold on the levers of power through financial inducement and planting of crises in the newer political parties.

While the Nigerian ruling class has continually pushed the argument that the internal affairs of political parties are their business to cover up their less than noble objectives for being in politics, it is clear that political parties are public institutions governed by laws of the land, from their registration through to conduct.

It is as custodians of public interest, and conviction that our democracy is best served by broadening the political space and allowing for diverse voices to be heard that we make this intervention in the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

We are concerned that a section of the former NWC whose tenure expired in August with sinister motives, will now purportedly suspend some state chairmen of the ADC, over vague references to ‘anti-party activities’ by the chairmen.

We are equally disheartened that the conduct of these characters further fuels the dangerous narrative that the supposed alternative political platforms are no different from the frontrunners in the political space; a claim that is dangerously false and factually lacking in substance.

It is worrying that the leadership of the party, which had not made any measurable impact during its time at the helm of the party, was so desperate to hold onto the reins that they would go to such disgraceful lengths to spit their nose to spite their face.

By the constitution of the party, the national chairman and NWC members are to hold office for not more than 2terms of four years each, whereas the former chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu, had been in office for 17years until the end of August 2022 when his most recent tenure expired.

It is no surprise, given his antecedents as a political mercenary, that Chief Nwosu chose to turn against the only brightest spot in the party, its presidential candidate, who has done so much to remake the party in the consciousness of the people as a serious contender for the 2023 elections and beyond at all levels of government.

Chief Ralph Nwosu and his co-travelers will incur the wrath of Nigerians if they do not desist from their antics of trying to keep the ADC a small fish in the political ocean of Nigeria at a time Nigerians are warming up to the idea of associating with the party.


Chief Nwosu and his NWC members whose tenure has expired will be well advised to retrace their steps and give the ADC room to breathe, in a clear departure from the wasted 17 years of the locusts that were his leadership of the party.

The laws are very clear and the laws, including a party constitution he was part of enacting, state that his tenure is over and his exco stands dissolved.

We urge his excellency the presidential candidate Mr. Kachikwu, and other candidates under the platform of the ADC to continue their reorientation work as the people have confidence in their manifesto and ideas around governance, having tried the current ruling class time and again, and being disappointed.

In a bid to address the growing challenge of out-of-school children, the European Union, World Bank and the Federal Government have agreed to participate at a one day national dialogue to review the budgeting trajectory for education In Nigeria

The event is being organised by Policy House and TiFA CDI in celebration of the 2022 International Literacy Day.

In a statement ahead of the event scheduled for September 8, Mr Akerele, the Executive Director of TiFA CDI said the Board of Trustees in their quarterly meeting having looked at the worsening situation of the education sector especially in the area of infrastructure, teacher training, school feeding and others such as technology decided to convey a session for major stakeholders such as the government, CSOs, development partners and other to sit down and review the issues in the sector.

According to the executive Director, his organisation is in touch with UBEC, NGF, EU and the World bank on how to tackle these issues, saying that with consistent engagement there will be solutions soonest.

In his words, "But first we must debate the issues and then chat about the next steps."

Although the government has argued in some quarters that there is improvement in the budgetary performance of the sector, and in fact also argued that recent data shows that the number of out of school children have reduced, Mr Akerele said
independent data has not supported this assertion.

According to him, UNICEF in their 2020 report, stated that one out of every five kids that is not in school in the world is a Nigerian child.

He, however said, it also shows that government is sensitive to the issues and this is commendable and must be encouraged.

He said there was need to interrogate how we got to the situation and what is the way forward especially as the country inch closer to the 2023 transition era.

The statement reads in part, "We are lucky to have assembled an array of great minds from the academia, CSOs, minister for planning, the world bank and the EU who have always stood by Nigeria in its trying times to come together under one umbrella including the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) to look at this issue very critically.


"One of the major issues for consideration during the session is why has education budget not performed beyond 35% over the years? What is happening to curriculum? What is the synergy between the states and the Nigerian government as it relates to the running of primary education? How is the counterpart funding arrangement been managed and how does the state inability to release its counterpart affect utilization of availed funds?"

He noted that the irony of it all is that the resources for basic education is available but there are key issues in accessing the funds by the state governments, adding that they also have challenges in utilization, deployment and impact evaluation.

He said further that the present weak infrastructure across the country in relation to primary education is a complete embarrassment to Nigeria.

"From our analysis, and research, we understand that 30% of Nigerian citizens cannot read and write at all, that is about 65m people. That is a country on its own, that alone is a drag on human development index.

"Those who cant read and write cannot choose their leaders wisely and cannot be part of the development process such as the economy and production. Don’t get me wrong, education is not all about being in the four walls of a western styled school.

"We have also looked at the annual budgeting system for the country, the budgeting system is more in favour of recurrent expenditures and running of government business than the core issues of education. For instance the UNESCO recommends 26% for education, most African countries don’t even do up to 10% that is too much for them, but even the 5% on the average they do, it does not perform beyond 35% over the years, so you can see that the crisis in the sector is not out of place its rooted deeply in the budgeting system that clearly prioritizes other sectors.

"We have always argued and insisted that only a declaration of a state of emergency in the sector can save or rescue the sector from a complete collapse, under this state of declaration, Mr President or the Governor of a state will have the full powers to jail any parent or guardian who refuses to send his or her child to primary school, under the law as well, the government will commit to fulfilling its own commitment to funding education especially quality teacher recruitment, continuous infrastructure renewal and investment in modern technologies etc. Our focus is even just basic education because for us that is the foundation. We are hesitant in delving into other levels of education such as secondary or tertiary.

Following the sack of former Chairman Ralph Nwosu, the national executive committee of the party has appointed Senator Naomi Akwachika as Chairman of a 7-man committee set up to organize convention and elect a new National Working Committee (NWC).

The decision was arrived at on Monday, September 5th, 2022 during an emergency NEC meeting held in Abuja.

More Details later.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has successfully concluded its national convention for 2022, where executives were elected to steer the affairs of the 40year old association for the next year. The convention had in attendance representatives of all tertiary institutions in Nigeria, including universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and monotechnics, that comprise NANS, which is the umbrella body of all Nigerian students at home and in the diaspora.


The 2022 congress elected Comrade Adediwura Adeshina Ismail, of the FCT College Of Education, Zuba, as Senate President, being the first student in the FCT to hold such an exalted position in the Nigerian student movement. The legislative arm of the student movement comprises the Presidents of the Student Union Government of all tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

Speaking after being declared the winner by the chairman of the election committee, the Senate President-elect, Comrade Adeshina, told journalists that “the election is a clear and unequivocal reflection of the will and aspirations of Nigerian students, who desire to see am upliftment in their welfare”. Comrade Adeshina further enjoined his fellow “students across Nigeria and in diaspora, to continue to be exemplary as they have been in the buildup to this convention and during the convention itself”.

While noting that “the education system is undergoing serious challenges like the rest of Nigeria and the whole world”, he assured that “the new NANS will continue to work with constructive minded stakeholders and honest actors in the system to ensure that all enemies of the nation are defeated and the students are given priority in all things pertaining to education”.

The executives will be sworn in, in the coming days to commence implementation of their programmes, beginning with comrade Adeshina described as “the immediate restoration of full academic activities in all tertiary institutions in Nigeria”.

…..Fingers INEC officials of complicity in tenure as elongation


The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dumebi Kachikw, has accused the immediate past Ralph Nwosu-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the party of trying to sell off the mandates of its election candidates to another political party despite the expiration of its tenure.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Saturday that was called to debunk his purported suspension from the party by the ex-national leadership, he insisted that the NWC stood dissolved because its tenure had ended with Nwosu serving for 17 unbroken years against the provision of the party’s constitution.

Flanked by Hon. Kingsley Temitope Ogga, Chairman of Chairmen Forum and Kogi State chapter chairman;


Kennedy Odion, Edo State chairman, and Manzo Ibrahim, ex-National Vice Chairman North East, the presidential flag bearer said the party was surprised at a statement made by Nwosu suggesting that he had been suspended.

He disclosed that Nwosu had pleaded initially for his tenure to be extended by one year, saying that when the party turned it down, he requested six months extension, which was also rejected by the ADC.

According to him, the former party boss attempted to hold an illegal Congress to extend his tenure with the connivance of some officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) but was stopped by the police.

Dumebi further said that the ADC had what he called a dubious record of trading its mandate in the 17 years that Nwosu had been at the helms, which he vowed would not be repeated under his watch.

He said Nwosu had also attempted to substitute his running mate without his knowledge and as well foist a Director General of the presidential campaign on the flag bearer.

Dumebi explained: “To give a background to what has been happening, the tenure of the immediate past NWC expired or elapsed on the 28 of last month (August). Prior to this, the former chairman sought an extension of elongation of his tenure. He had reached me directly and indirectly pleading for us to extend his tenure.

“For those of you who might not know, Chief Ralph Nwosu is the longest serving national chairman of a political party in the history of Nigeria and has held sway as the chairman of the ADC for the past 17 years.


“You must understand that this is contrary to the constitution of the ADC which stipulates that a chairman can only hold office for a maximum of two terms of four years each.

“For some reasons and for reasons best known to INEC, we don’t know how Nwosu was able to hold on to that position for the last 17 years.”

While noting that he had promised to uphold the constitution of the party as its presidential candidate, Dumebi stated: “My party, the ADC has been known in the past to have a dubious distinction as the party that traded the mandate of its candidates.

“In recent memory, we can remember the late (Dr Obadaiah) Mailafia, who was the last presidential candidate of the party and what happened to him when on Election Day, the party chose to support another party having traded his mandate.

“We saw that happen in so many elections where the party always traded its candidates and I have made it clear to them that under my watch as the presidential candidate of this party, my mandate is not negotiable and the mandate of any candidate in the party will not be negotiated.”

A statement issued on Friday by the

Deputy National Chairman (Politics) in the immediate past NWC, Dr Bamidele Ajadi, had announced the suspension of Dumebi accusing him of making a false, misguided and defamatory video.

By Anthony Kolawole

I have read with interest the recent accusations and counter-accusations between the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) and the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, on claims on the Paris Club refund. This has indeed generated heated exchanges that are somewhat a show of shame, in my estimated opinion.

I have long held the opinion that state governors have constituted themselves into principalities in the country. I dare say they are powerful and primarily responsible for some of the socio-economic challenges in the country. You could say they are a bunch of insincere folks who are only interested in anything that protects their insatiable interest, not minding whose ox is gored.

It must be noted that the issue of the Paris Club Refund has been a recurring decimal since the administration of former president Olusegun Obasanjo. Yes, consultants were engaged, and fees were agreed upon. It was beneficial to both parties as at then, and we were spared the agony of the media parade by the Nigeria Governors Forum.

What has changed? Elections are around the corner, and state governors are scooping monies from every avenue to plunge into political campaigns. This time around, the claims made by the consultants could not stand because it would affect their earnings. I wonder how any right-thinking person would claim that the consultants were due to be paid $418 million.

This time, the Attorney General of the Federation has been dragged into the issue as taking sides with the consultants for insisting that the terms and agreement reached must be obeyed. Recall that when the Paris Club refund was paid to the states, the governors initially made part payment to the consultants but later decided to stop payment while asking for an out-of-court settlement.

This development resulted in an appeal in the form of a request to the president to facilitate payment to the consultants. This request was consequently transmitted to the Office of the AGF for legal advice. According to the Attorney General of the Federation, after subjecting the request to necessary checks, it was discovered that there was no element of fraud involved. He stated that the indemnity of the governors was also sought and received, culminating in the decision to make the payment.

What I find curious in the ensuing melee and the claims made by the Nigerian Governors Forum is that the governors’ forum, comprising all the governors, sat, commonly agreed on the engagement of consultants to provide certain services for them relating to the recovery of the Paris Club. So, it was the governors’ forum under the federal government in the first place that engaged the consultants.
When eventually, successes were recorded associated with the refund, the governors collectively and individually presented a request to the federal government for the fund. And among the components of the claim presented for the federal government's consideration was a component related to the payment of these consultants that now constitute the subject of contention. So it implies that the governors in their own right recognized the consultants, recognized their claim and presented such claim to the federal government.

Now, this is the interesting part. When the claims were eventually processed and paid to the governors' forum, they, indeed, on their own, without the federal government's intervention, took steps to make part payments to the consultants, acknowledging their liability over same.

When they decided to stop the payment, the consultants instituted an action in court against the governors' forum. And what happened in court? They submitted to consent judgment. They asked and urged the court to allow them to settle out of court. This much was corroborated by the Federation's Attorney General when he recently stated that the court granted the governors an opportunity to settle out of court. They committed to terms of settlement in writing; they signed the terms of the settlement, agreeing and conceding that such payments be made to the consultants.

Hear him: "The president passed all the governors' requests to the Office of the Attorney General for consideration. I suggested to the president the face value of the judgement and the undertones associated with the consultancy services; in my opinion, the same treatment we meted to P&ID, let us subject this claim, the consent judgement, to an investigation by the agencies of the government.”

"Mr President approved; I directed the EFCC and DSS to look into these claims and report back to the office of the Attorney General. And these agencies reported and concluded that there was no problem, undertone associated with it and that the government may continue to sanction the payment.”

With the above, any discerning mind would conclude that the governors are trying to be clever by half unless the Governor's Forum acted without the consensus of the governors of the 36 states of the federation. And if that was the case, whose fault is it?

I think this is just a face-saving measure by the governors to cover their lack of defence in the whole matter. Therefore they are looking for a scapegoat in the Attorney General of the Federation.

Let’s call a spade a spade. Over the years, the Attorney General of the Federation has displayed an unalloyed commitment to discharging his duties. Little wonder the feats the Federal Ministry of Justice recorded in securing over 1,000 convictions on terrorism. Convictions have also been secured in 45 cases by the Complex Casework Group (CCG), maritime unit, and the special task force on electricity offences and across the 13 zonal offices of the ministry. The Justice Ministry had supported the federal government in various infrastructure-funding agreements, adding that the country currently grapples with a N329 billion funding gap, amongst a host of others.

He who comes to equity must come with clean hands. The Nigeria Governors Forum must spare us their tirade and own up to their failures regarding the Paris Club Refund. The Federation's Attorney General is the country's Chief Law Officer, and all and sundry must respect any matter that requires his legal advice.

I suggest that the Governors Forum seek an alternative strategy in vilifying the Attorney General of the Federation. This is dead on arrival.


Kolawole PhD wrote this piece from Nasarawa .

Kachikwu calls Tinubu great grandfather, Atiku - grandfather and Peter Obi - father.

In his opening remarks at the ongoing NBA conference, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Dumebi Kachikwu, referred to the trio of Ahmed Bola Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi as great grandfather, grand father and father.

He further said that if the panel session on Democratic Transitions in 21st Century Nigeria went on for another 5hrs the other candidates would not be able to proffer any solutions to the issues plaguing the nation saying they can’t give what they don’t have.

He bemoaned the fact that schools in Abuja had been shut down over security issues even though the Nigerian President lives in Abuja.

He wondered what part of Nigeria could then be considered safe.

Our successes in Lagos, Borno show we'll hit the ground running immediately, Shettima says at NBA conference


Nigerians should be sure of getting experienced leaders who will hit the ground running immediately from 29 May 2023, vice-presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress Kashim Shettima has said.

Shettima said this while representing the party’s presidential flagbearer Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Annual General Meeting of the Nigeria Bar Association in Lagos on Monday.

According to a statement by the Director of Media and Publicity of the APC Presidential Campaign Council Bayo Onanuga, the achievements of the party in Lagos, Borno and other states will be replicated across the country by Tinubu and Shettima.

The former Borno State governor said despite the war situation in the North East, his time in charge witnessed a tremendous improvement in education in the state.

He said: “Nigerians have the capability to see through the worn-out rhetoric and sophistry of pretentious politicians.”

“Nigerians should follow the man who knows the road. From day one, we will hit the ground running. We’ll promptly address the issue of the economy, ecology, and security.

“And we have the antecedents. I built some of the best schools in Nigeria. Go to Borno and see wonders; you will never believe that it is a state in a state of war.

“So, we are going to replicate our achievements in Lagos, in Borno and some of the frontline states so that our nation will be a better place.

“The fundamental issue is pure leadership,” he said.

By Best Agbese

Having purposeful leaders in position of leadership will forever be a positive game changer in any catastrophical atmosphere existing in any nation; creating amazing changes in areas where least expected, making tedious tasks that seem simple, and leaving an indelible mark on the golden plate of history in any nation. The aforementioned aptly describes the person of Yakubu Pam adventure in the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission since he assumed leadership. Rev Yakubu Pam has a distinguishing personality for his numerous contributions to the entrenchment of peaceful coexistence amongst Nigerians.

Rev Yakubu Pam has proven himself an excellent man, a man of good faith and integrity before his appointment as the executive secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrimage Commission. Heading other bodies of the Christian faith, including the Northern part of the-Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Inter-Religious Council; and the Internally Displaced Persons, Rev Yakubu Pam had shown Nigerians what a peaceful man he is, without any media scandal in record, especially in a country where tribal war seems to abound. Rev Yakubu has remained detribalized, being for the unity and peace of the nation rather than choose a side to belong or fight for. This much he has diligently pursued in the past 30 years of his life, where he has been advocating for religious and ethnic harmony, especially in Northern Nigeria.

Rev Yakubu Pam is not a stranger to leadership. Hence, he hit the ground running since his well-deserved appointment as Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian pilgrim Commission, and his activated periodic strategic assessment and feedback mechanisms enhanced staff welfare and also engaged relevant stakeholders irrespective of religion. It is sufficient to add that before his appointment; he was the Chairman of the Plateau State Christian Pilgrims Board, a position where he distinguished himself by introducing institutional reforms that placed the board in good stead towards achieving its strategic mandate. Therefore, it’s not surprising how this much Rev Yakubu Pam has brought about in the NCPC. Even less than one year at the helm of affairs, his impact has been felt, and the fortunes of the Commission have taken a turn for the best.

Ingrained in his mind that the mission of the NCPC is to provide a conducive environment for the smooth airlifting of pilgrims to Holy sites and to ensure enhanced welfare, responsible leadership at all levels, Federal and States, for hitch-free pilgrimage exercise throughout the year; and to supervise any interested body or organisation for Christian Pilgrimage to the Holy sites globally, he undertook a strategic assessment on the NCPC, intending to identify different challenges, making NCPC significant to the nation, and to also lessen the religious burdens in our nation. He fired all cylinders toward fulfilling the mandate of the organization.

Rev Pam is a man with many parts, and he is also a man filled with passion for service to humanity. Perceiving the mandate to reinvigorate the operations of the NCPC within a record time, Rev Pam took up the challenge, and brought it to reality. If not for anything, Rev Yakubu Pam has entrenched the regime of transparency and accountability at the Commission, which has been a challenge in the Commission's operations for several years. That it has become possible within a short period indeed explains the leadership acumen of Rev Yakubu Pam and what it entails to be a leader with eyes on the ball.

Today, the NCPC is a success story. It is a result of the provision of sound leadership and their commitment to render service when it matters most, with the example different personalities like Rev Yakubu Pam presiding over many helms of affairs in this country, Nigeria will overcome her challenges faster than expected in no time.
Yakubu Pam evolutional act at the NCPC is naturally expected because of his track record that speaks volume of integrity, accountability and transparency. His vast knowledge of diplomacy saw him excel in the position of Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) of Northern Nigeria (which includes the 19 Northern States and Abuja) from 2016 to date, Vice President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, 2013 to date and District superintendent, Jos mainland Assemblies of Nigeria, 2010 to date, including as Chairman, Plateau State Inter-Religious council; and Chairman, Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Committee, Plateau State, were contributory of how he has been able to turn the fortunes of the NCPC around and in record time.

We cannot but commend President Muhammadu Buhari for identifying such a man as Rev. Yakubu Pam for a leadership position in the country. It’s no doubt that he has not only reposed the confidence of Mr President, he has also set a standard for leadership in the country. This much has been stated in numerous forums by relevant stakeholders, whom have never been short of words for the transformation at the NCPC under Rev. Yakubu Pam. Rev Yakubu Pam falls under the category of silent achievers whose impact doesn't dot pages of newspapers. However, silently, he making exploits and making life more meaningful through the provision of purposeful leaders, different from some acclaimed leaders that are just social media vuvuzelas with little or no contribution to statecraft.

Rev Yakubu has restored transparency to the commission and since then has set the pace for better leadership in other parts of the country. Through his effective-strategic-leadership approaches, the number of pilgrims who disappear has greatly reduced from about 50 annually to 3. He has restored the people’s faith in having religious leaders in politics, and having them deliver promptly too. Since his appointment, he has also won a bunch of awards to further solidify the fact that he is not to be categorized with ceremonial leaders who see the position of leadership as a business for desperately seeking attention and ‘marketing’ opportunities to express their level of moral decadence and crass display of indecency.

Rev Yakubu Pam deserve accolades from all and sundry for his selfless service to humanity in the light of the above. He should not rest on his oars and refuse every temptation to deviate from the lofty standards he has set in the areas of transparency and accountability. Relevant stakeholders to realize that the task at hand is a collective one. As such, it is worth extending their support to the reforms introduced by the Yakubu Pam led administration at the NCPC.

His works are visible to the blind, and also audible to the deaf. He is speaking up, he is not a hypocritical leader, he speaks for Justice and for peace and oneness which are the core things that this nations seems to lack most of the time. His voice is fighting for humanity. Reverend Yakubu Pam has been one of the most accountable leaders that NCPC has ever had, his accountability is seen and has been recognized by all, indeed he has the traits of an excellent leader, and NCPC should be the happiest having to tap into his fountain of great leadership experiences.


Agbese is a public affairs analyst based in Abuja.

By Philip Agbese

The elections are around the corner, and the dust raised from the presidential primaries has finally settled. Winners have emerged and losers too. Some took the outcome in good strides, while others continued to sulk. This is normal with electoral activities in Nigeria.

There is a new case worthy of mention: the display of political maturity by Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, the Governor of Kogi State. I call it the generational phenomenon that places losing elections on the pedestal of the national interest.

Alhaji Yahaya Bello is one name that won't go away anytime soon. His foray into the presidential race brought a sense of belonging to the teeming youthful population in the country. He resonated with the hopes and aspirations of youths across the country. For the first time in our annals, we saw a colourful campaign based on ideas and the generational shift focus.

He is a man of rare courage and impeccable credentials. He is a man that detests mediocrity, little wonder his campaign was well received across the country. In truth, he was one of the prime candidates for the APC Presidential Ticket. But he lost, and the world didn't come to an end. Instead, he moved on with grace to the admiration of all and sundry.

Some expected that he would sulk. Some also expected that he would go against his party even in the face of provocation. But he chose a noble path meant for noble men alone. He embraced the winner and instantly donated his entire campaign structure to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, including his campaign headquarters in the Federal Capital Territory.

Alhaji Bello reminds me of the apostle of politics without bitterness, Alhaji Ibrahim Waziri, who held that politics should not be a do-or-die affair and that there is life after politics. He said, “people insist on winning after putting in their resources and, at the end of the day, when they lose, they get disappointed.”

For him, “politics is like a race in the Olympics where if you don't get the gold, you get the bronze or silver and be satisfied even if you don't win. The fact that you're in the competition should be satisfying. He said as the loser, you look up at the person that won, not as the enemy, but as the lucky person who is saddled with the responsibility of leading the nation."

The above indeed summarizes the Yahaya Bello phenomenon in Nigeria. Since after the elections, he returned to his normal life in Kogi state, commissioning projects and focusing on his mandate to the Kogi people without fanfare.

There is a lot to learn from the Yahaya Bello example in leadership in Nigeria. His foray into the political landscape has changed how politics should be played. He demonstrated the highest level of statesmanship by congratulating the winner without fuss. With the benefit of hindsight, one would have imagined what would have happened had Yahaya Bello won the APC primaries. Your guess is as good as mine.

Alhaji Yahaya Bello is a game changer, and Nigerians should expect a bounce back to the national limelight of the phenomenal. The signs are there for all to see that his brand of politics is in the national interest and service to the country. If this weren't the case, we would have seen a bitter reaction after he lost the APC primaries. He stood tall amongst the lot that contested the primaries.

I think Nigeria is blessed to have such an individual come forward to offer himself to service to the country. I do not think his passion for the development of Nigeria has dwindled. I recall when the APC Presidential candidate visited him after the elections; his response was instructive and gave us an insight into the mind of Yahaya Bello. He said, “Today, I have collapsed my Presidential Campaign Organization. I’m donating my campaign organization secretariat to you. I’ve learnt a lot from the little lecture you gave to us. The younger ones won't see what elders see when they're in the valley."

This typifies how open he is to learn and to admit his shortcomings. How many politicians in the country can boast of such disposition? It can only be Yahaya Bello and a reason why Nigerians must identify with his brand of politics now and in the future. We need more Yahaya Bello in the country if we are desirous of making headway in our quest for sustainable growth and development.

We need leaders that are passionate about the country. We also need leaders whose aspirations are in the country's interest, not other considerations. And Yahaya Bello presents us with those attributes that are uncommon.

I agree with the phrase that the qualities that make a good leader are innate. You are either born with the skills it takes to be a leader, or you’re not. I dare say Yahaya Bello is a born leader because, over time, he has demonstrated these attributes. Love or hate him; he is in a class of his own. He is a phenomenon. He is a wonder to behold and a whiz-kid. He is a moving train with a destination to redefine leadership in the country.

Yahaya Bello is the future, and the future belongs to those who learn, unlearn and relearn. According to Lao Tzu, the ancient Chinese philosopher and writer, “Unlearning helps us to move past things that are no longer serving us. It helps us to finally say, “No, I don’t think so. Not anymore, and then move forwards with a new mindset.” Welcome to the world of Yahaya Bello.


Agbese is the APC House of Representatives Candidate for Ado/Ogbadibo/Okpokwu Federal Constituency and publisher of TheNigerian News.

Stakeholders warn against distraction of Niger Delta Minister, endorse NDDC Reforms



The Niger Delta Professionals Group, has warned against any form of distraction, to the Minister of Niger Delta and administration of agencies under the Ministry, saying such attempt, including a recent protest by some "disgruntled" employees of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) are the handiwork of corrupt individuals bent on seeing the collapse of NDDC and the various efforts of the President Muhammadu Buhari's, targeted at reposition the commission, for the benefit of the people of the Niger Delta.

The group said Corruption, which has become a very dengerous cankerworm in the NDDC, is responsible for the sponsored protest against the Minister, Mr. Umana Okon Umana.

In a joint statement issued on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, the group's Leaders, Comrade Atani John (Bayelsa), Olufemi Lawson (Ondo) Godspower Ologe (Delta) Paul Jasper (Rivers) Marylynne Omorodion and (Edo), said the antecedents of Mr Umana, is such that has given greater assurances of transformation, to the people of Niger Delta, and clear departure from the past, when the Ministry and the NDDC were a cesspool of corruption.

The statement further read, “We are appalled, by the show of shame, by the sponsored protesters and detractors of the Honorable Minister of Niger Delta, who are shamelessly rented to demand the removal of a man, whose very short term in office, has given series of indications, to the radical transformation to be experienced by our people in the region. We endorsed the ongoing reforms being initiated by Mr. Umana Umana, in line with the determination of President Buhari, to redeem the lost glory of the NDDC, and the Niger Delta Ministry."

"We are not unaware, that the efforts of Mr Umana, will be unsatisfying, to some politically stranded leaders in the region, including a recent past Minister, in the Ministry, and the few ones who believe in Corruption, as the trade mark.of the NDDC and are not willing to stop it, rather they could have the courage, to embark on these campaign of calumny, against Mr. Umana Umana.

"We wish to remind these 'crisis enterpreneurs' that it will no longer be business as usual, as we are willing, to continually support the initiatives of the Minister of Niger Delta, especially those aimed at repositioning the NDDC and ridding it of corruption."

The group said every well meaning citizens of the Niger Delta, must be ready to support every efforts, aimed at seeing an end, to corruption in NDDC.

"Today we are proud President Buhari's decision to appoint a competent hand, to rescue the Ministry and the NDDC, in person of Mr Umana Okon Umana, whom the people of the Niger Delta, are pleased with in the way and manner he is repositioning and fighting corruption, in the overall interest of our people." the statement concluded.

This is to bring to the attention of Stakeholders, the Security Agencies and the general public that the WhatsApp numbers of the Interim Administrator/CEO of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr. Efiong Okon Akwa, has been hacked. The hackers, who are obviously be desperate to discredit the reputation of Dr. Akwa, particularly in his duties at the Commission, are circulating messages purporting same to originate from him.

Efforts are currently ongoing to retrieve the numbers and restore same to Dr. Akwa.

Consequently, all Stakeholders and the general public are advised to disregard any messages on WhatsApp, Facebook, Facebook Messenger and/or any other messaging apps currently in circulation, or that may still be sent out with those mobile numbers until full recovery and full restoration are achieved.

Signed:

Head, New Media Department
Niger Delta Development Commission
Port Harcourt.

Tinubu Support Group, TSG, has thanked the All Progressives Congress APC's Presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu over the appointment of James Faleke as the Secretary of APC's Presidential Campaign Council.

This is contained in a congratulatory message to Hon. James Faleke and signed by the group's Head of Media, Tosin Adeyanju, describing him as an experienced, dutiful, responsible and responsive leader.

The statement reads in parts, "We wish to join your family, friends and political associates both locally and internationally to celebrate your appointment as the Secretary of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Organization for the 2023 Presidential Election. No doubt sir, your appointment is indeed a round peg in a round hole.

"Congratulations to you sir on this new opportunity and national assignment to serve our great party APC, and the nation at large.

The team described the appointment as perfect, strategic owing to his political sagacity, his knack for development, social dexterity, and his unalloyed loyalty to his principal, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who by the special grace of God is the incoming President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria come 2023.

"We are also so excited on your behalf, knowing fully well that you are a great fit for that position and will deliver beyond the expectations of the campaign council as you did during the last presidential primaries.

"As a noble organization committed to the Tinubu/Shetimma 2023 victory at the polls, we would like to thank our leader and the party's Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and his Vice, Sen. Shetimma for finding you worthy for this noble appointment.

"We are very proud and have confidence in you that you will fully deliver on your terms of reference.

"Once again, congratulations to you our leader on earning this amazing opportunity which is a reward for your loyalty and many years of hardwork towards the spread of the Asiwaju's political ideologies.

"We wish you all the best as you commence the process of retooling our great nation for a shared prosperity and development. TSG family will stand by you always.

Signed
Tosin Adeyanju
Head of Media, Tinubu Support Group.
14th August, 2022

As the world celebrates the youths on this day the 12th of August 2022, I bring you a message of hope for a better tomorrow.

1. The pain we feel today is our strength for tomorrow as we navigate through difficult times in our beloved land. Let's all rise against primordial sentiments and continue to work hard in a peaceful manner to better our country.

2. Our region the Niger Delta is so blessed with natural resources, professionals and talented vibrant youths who are pushing through by the day to build the Niger Delta of our dreams.

3. Today, I make bold to say that at the Niger Delta Development Commission we are doing a lot to eradicate poverty from the land, recently the portal for the scholarship program has been opened, and the ongoing Niger Delta Talent Hunt will discover many talents from the region; the Grassroot football competition, agricultural training and other laudable projects that will position us in the path of greatness.

4. I also seize this chance to plead that we shun violence during the forthcoming elections but rather participate in the process that will bring about the much-desired leadership that will further improve the existing infrastructures and developmental goals. Let us prove to the world that we are a people who God has blessed and are willing to set a legacy for future generations.

God bless Nigeria and Happy International Youth Day.


SIGNED

Engr. Udengs Eradiri
S.A Youth to the Interim Administrator/CEO NDDC

...says ex-Borno Governor shouldn't stand in the way of Christians

The Middle Belt Congress has appealed to former Borno State Governor, Kassim Shettima, to step down from his role as the vice-presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The move, according to the group, will potentially save the party from impending electoral misfortune in 2023.

The Middle Belt Congress made this appeal on Wednesday at a press conference in Abuja.

In his address, the group's president, Mohammed Bilal, said the party's national acceptance had dwindled following Shettima's nomination.

By picking a fellow Muslim to run alongside Bola Tinubu, Bilal said the APC displayed a religious insensitivity to the plurality of the nation.

"The Muslim-Muslim Ticket of the APC indeed comes with its attendant political baggage. Suppose the APC as a party is desirous of making any meaningful impact in the 2023 presidential elections. In that case, it behoves the party to retrace its steps in the composition of its presidential Ticket."

Describing Shetimma as a friend of the Christian community in Nigeria, the Middle Belt Congress said it was disappointing that he went ahead to be a part of a Muslim-Muslim ticket in the face of religious and ethnic tension.

"We are constrained to believe that self-confession of Senator Kashim Shettima towards the Christian community might be a ruse as his actions of late does not indicate that of a religiously tolerant individual," Bilal said.

"It remains a statement that since the nomination of Senator Kashim Shetimma, the APC evolved into a riotous organization with various stakeholders in abhorrence for the choice of a Northern Muslim at the detriment of credible and capable Northern Christians.

"It remains morally unjustifiable for Senator Kashim Shetimma to hold onto the vice presidential slot of the APC because such action has heated the polity in ways too numerous to mention. The incomprehensible fact remains that the leadership of the APC is aware of the threats posed to its electoral success with the Muslim-Muslim Ticket, yet, it has remained adamant about the uproar its choice of Muslim-Muslim ticket has elicited in the polity".

The group, therefore, appealed to Shetimma to "act in honour by resigning his nomination as the vice presidential candidate of the APC in the interest of peace and tranquillity and to salvage whatever is left of the APC in the buildup to the 2023 presidential elections."

The Middle Belt Congress added that as a matter of urgency, Shettima should recuse himself from the APC presidential team and begin the process of dispelling the insinuations about the party as an Islamic party, which was brought about by his nomination and subsequent acceptance.

"Senator Kashim Shetimma must, in good conscience, admit that his nomination had indeed brought about ethnic and religious tension in the country, which remains unacceptable in this critical period of our existence where there are concerted efforts at unifying the country along ethnic and religious lines," the statement added.

"The fact that a Muslim-Muslim ticket cannot unite the country is enough for Senator Kashim Shettima to reconsider his vice presidential candidature. And as a former governor who witnessed one of the bloodiest conflicts in Nigeria, he should know better about the cost of conflict in society.

"The Middle Belt Congress strongly advises Senator Kashim Shettima to look at the presidential Ticket of other political parties to understand that he stands to go in history as that individual whose blind pursuit of power undermined the Christian community in Nigeria.

"It remains inexcusable, and the Middle Belt Congress is tempted to believe that Senator Kashim Shettima might have forced himself on the APC Presidential candidate without recourse to the far-reaching implication such a move would have on the polity".

The group, however, said it is not late for the former governor to redeem himself in the interest of his party and the country at large, noting that he can't stand in the way of millions of Christians.

Mr. Peter Obi, call your supporters to order, falsehood and disinformation will not win election


The Tinubu Campaign Organisation has appealed to the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi to call his supporters to order and to allow this election circle to be about issues that will advance the growth, progress and stability of Nigeria.

In a statement by its Director of Media and Communications, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the TCO admonished the Labour Party presidential candidate to get his supporters to desist from spreading lies, malice and denigrating other candidates, especially Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

TCO further states that Nigeria will be better for it and the electoral process will be enriched if the 2023 presidential campaign sticks to issues of good governance that will lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty rather than being dominated by the ravings of guttersnipes, who do not wish the country well.

Mr. Onanuga noted that the Tinubu Campaign Organisation saw the need to appeal to Mr. Obi to rein in his supporters after investigating the origin of the fake report claiming that the Ghanaian President, Nana Akufo-Addo wrote a letter to the All Progressives Congress Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, asking him to support Peter Obi and take care of his health.

President of Ghana via his official Twitter account has vehemently debunked the fake news as a product of deliberate mischief with the intent to deceive the public.

“I have written no such letter to the APC leader, and it will not occur to me to do so. Ghana and Nigeria boast of decades of cordial, strong and brotherly relations, and I am not going to be the one to interfere in the internal affairs and politics of Nigeria," said President of Ghana via Twitter.

"We have found that the fake news about Akufo-Addo’s letter was first published on June 22 by a rogue platform, whose url reads as worlsnews.space (sic) and site identity as World of News.

"A content analysis of the site clearly showed that it is a Biafra news platform. The fake news was reposted on Facebook by Peter Obi Support Group, same day - a clear proof that Biafra campaigners and Peter Obi supporters are the same.

"Both the Facebook account and the website are replete with fake stories about Bola Tinubu, including a fake story credited to former governor Akinwunmi Ambode, alleging that Tinubu demanded N50billion monthly payment from him. The spuriousness of the statement is in the evidence that Lagos did not begin to clock N50billion revenue until after Ambode left office. Tinubu could not have demanded N50billion monthly payment from Ambode when the state government didn't make such in a month throughout the tenure of Mr. Ambode.

"The pirate website, which the Facebook account feeds on also parades malicious fake news and headlines such as “ I am old, but my blood is young, please vote for me – Tinubu begs youth" .

"There is also the most wicked of all headlines: When I became president, I will Build more prison (sic) for Igbo’s and IPOB members – Tinubu".

"The big surprise in all of these is that all the headlines have no supporting stories, and clicking them may bring virus to your computer.

"We have come to a point where it becomes imperative to tell Mr. Obi to show leadership and disavow his supporters who are employing fake news and disinformation as deliberate tools to deceive and poison the minds of unsuspecting Nigerians," Mr. Onanuga reiterated.

North-central APC stakeholders, supporters storm Villa, want Tinubu’s DGship swapped with VP candidate


Thousands of protesters from the six north-central states, including the Federal Capital Territory, on Tuesday, stormed the Presidential Villa to oppose the All Progressives Congress choice of Governor Simon Lalong as presidential campaign Director General.


The protesters, who came in buses from Ilorin, Makurdi, Lafia, Minna, Jos and other cities, gathered in their numbers in Abuja to demand that the party swaps its vice-presidential candidacy with the DG position given to the geopolitical zone.

Under the aegis of the APC North-Central Youths and Women Forum, they converged at the Unity Fountain before proceeding to the entrance of the Villa to deliver a letter of appeal and protest to President Muhammadu Buhari.

The letter signed by Dauda Yakubu and 70 other stakeholders representing Benue, Nasarawa, Niger, Kogi, Plateau and the FCT was titled ‘Give Us Vice-Presidential Candidate And Take The Director-General, APC Presidential Campaign’.

According to the APC faithful, the region has contributed its quota to the party’s successes in recent times and should be compensated with the VP position.

In particular, they agreed that a Christian from the north-central is best suited for the role in the spirit of equity, fairness and inclusivity.

“The APC stakeholders and supporters across the six north central states including the FCT are constrained to write this open letter to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, “ the letter reads in part.

“We are worried that the various indices at play with our great party do not suggest that the Christians from Northern Nigeria are considered in the party’s scheme of things.

“We are also worried that since the race for the vice-presidential candidate of our great party began, as stakeholders of the party in the north-central, we have made representations on why the party should nominate a Christian from the North Central as VP candidate of the party.

“As concerned stakeholders of the party in north central, we feel humiliated by the actions of the party’s leadership in recent times which doesn’t demonstrate ethnic and religious inclusion.

“We consequently feel that the appointment of Governor Lalong as DG of the presidential campaign council is an insult to our collective sensibilities as a devoted party faithful in the north central.

“Mr President may wish to recall that in the annals of the party, the north central zone has demonstrated an unalloyed commitment to the growth and development of the party. But what has the north central received in return?

“Mr President, we came from near and far to witness first-hand the news making the rounds that you indeed sanctioned the Muslim-Muslim ticket of our party. There have also been insinuations that the vice presidential ticket was not given to a Christian because you supported it.

“Mr President we know you are an advocate of unity, ethnic and religious inclusion. But again, we are short of words with the news making the rounds. Hence this open letter in a protest March to hear from you that you were indeed in support of a Muslim-Muslim ticket.

“This is on the heels that as stakeholders of our great party, we have consistently advocated for Lalong as the party’s VP candidate because he posses all the necessary qualities. But to our dismay, he was appointed DG.

“Mr President, so many questions are left unanswered in our minds regarding the position of the party in the interest of Northern Christians. If a Northern Christian is good to be campaign DG, why then is a Northern Christian not good enough to be nominated VP candidate of our great party?

“Mr President, it is our considered opinion that the lines are not connecting for stakeholders of the party in north central. And consequently we demand explanation as to why our interests have jesttisined using a yardstick that defeats common sense.

“Mr President, your fathermy disposition to all regardless of ethnic or religious affiliations has never been in doubt. You have been a great source of strength and support to all and it is on record that you have treated all in the same manner since you assumed leadership of our great country.

“We know you can’t be a part of religious exclusion under any circumstance. Hence, our presence here in Abuja through this peaceful protest is to hear if you support a Muslim-Muslim ticket”.

The APC stakeholders, therefore, made the following demands to the president;

“That a northern Christian is considered as the vice presidential candidate of our great party.

“That the north central zone deserves to be considered giving the prevailing circumstances and the strategic importance of the zone in the affairs of the country.

“The party leadership should invoke an emergency meeting to reflect the wishes and interests of northern Christians in the composition of the presidential team of the party for the 2023 general elections”.

By: Benedict Aguele

Nigeria is at a crossroads. The country is facing serious challenges on many fronts, including security, the economy, and infrastructure.

To meet these challenges head-on, Nigeria needs a leader with experience in managing complex crises.

Nigeria has been through a lot in recent years, and we need someone who can help us rebuild and move forward.

A wartime President is someone who has proven themselves in difficult circumstances, someone who knows how to make tough decisions and get results. Nigeria needs someone like this at the helm.

2023 is shaping up to be a critical year for Nigeria, and we need a President who is up to the challenge.

With the right person at the helm, we are confident that Nigeria can become a prosperous and thriving nation once again.

Benedict Aguele wrote this piece from Abuja.

Many talented youths came out in their numbers at the weekend to participate in the first phase auditioning of the Niger Delta Talent Hunt (NIDETH) organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The first auditioning covering Ondo, Edo and Delta states, which was held in Benin City, Edo, attracted people from different walks of life, who observed with keen interests the performances of various talents on display.

NIDETH Lead Consultant and Brand Ambassador, Harry Song, described the first live audition as a huge success and commended Benin City for its hospitality.

The popular songwriter and instrumentalist said the turnout was massive adding that many singers and comedians used the opportunity to display their talents.

He said with the first phase completed, NIDETH had opened its portal for the second phase of live audition covering Imo, Rivers and Bayelsa states is on Saturday, August 13.

The Special Adviser on Youths to the Interim Administrator/CEO of the NDDC, Udengs Eradiri, expressed satisfaction at the end of the first phase.

He said it was a proof that the Niger Delta region was blessed with many talented and creative youths.

He said his boss and Interim Administrator/CEO of NDDC, Dr. Efiong Akwa, is interested in identifying the talents and giving them platforms to showcase and develop to their talents.

"At the grand finale, the world will appreciate process and position that the NDDC has taken to restore hope of the young people of Niger Delta", he said.

One of the participants, Godswil Imonisan from Delta State commended Dr. Akwa, Harry Song, Eradiri and other organisers for answering their prayers of a platform to showcase their talents.

He said they were always traveling to Lagos to seek platforms but were happy that the NDDC had created similar opportunities for them in the region through NIDETH.

"This is something worthy of appreciation. I pray that every talented Niger Deltan will take advantage of the NIDETH platform to display their creative abilities", he said.

NDDC had promised that the winner of NIDETH would go home with a brand new car, a performance trip to Dubai with Harry Song, a one year recording/Intership deal and other consolation prizes for the finalist.
END

Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State must seek forgiveness from God for accepting to work for the Tinubu presidential campaign organisation, the Coalition of Concerned Northern Christians in the All Progressives Congress has said.

In a statement on Sunday signed by its leader, Rev. Jonathan Mark Gyang, the group said Lalong has sinned against the Holy Ghost.

Gyang said for assuming the role of Campaign Director of the APC presidential team, the governor has blasphemed in conscious and hardened opposition to the truth.

He said “Conscious and hardened resistance to the truth leads man away from humility and repentance, and without repentance there can be no forgiveness”.

Quoting Luke 12:8–10, he said “And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God; but whoever denies me before others will be denied before the angels of God. And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven; but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven."

According to Gyang, the APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket is satanic, wicked and blasphemous.

He said Christian leaders across the country denounced the party’s presidential candidates because it comes with God’s wrath.

“The wages of sin is death. Galatians 6 vs 7 said, ‘Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows’. Lalong and his cronies will receive God's wrath for turning their backs against believers. The end will be disastrous,” he added.

“It is on this note that we want to advise Governor Lalong to avoid eternal punishment by seeking for forgiveness. As a body, we have interceded and God has revealed to us that he will show him mercy if he turns away from his evil ways. Our God is merciful. His anger lasts only a moment, but his favour persists for a lifetime.

“ We are also using this opportunity to urge fellow believers not to be wary. Persecution and troubling times are ahead over our strong disapproval of the APC's devilish agenda. However, we will prevail. The Church of God will match on and the gates of hell can not prevail against it”.

By Mohammed Adamu

Nigeria is in the throes of corruption. It is the singular evil that has amplified every other thing that ails the nation. Almost all crimes in the land can be attributed to the impact of corruption on the individual and collective psyche – when apprehended, the modern-day Nigerian bandit, terrorist, armed robber, ritualist and even petty criminals now wear this defiance on their faces as if to remind us, the hapless spectator of them being paraded by law enforcement, that their crimes pale in significance compared to some people that are in the position of leadership.
This resort to extreme measures as a result of the perceived irredeemable corruption of the ruling class has worsened over time as Nigerians began to realise that those in public offices are beginning to make it their family affairs, whereby a public office holder corners the commonwealth to perpetrate his offspring and wards in public offices. It is a dubious way of creating modern monarchies and fiefdoms in a country that prides itself as a republic.
But if we fret over greedy politicians, it perhaps means we have not met the poster couple for the disaster that is unfolding in the land. Corruption has married sleaze and their destination is the Presidential Villa, where the abominable product of this coitus is desirous of one day presiding over the affairs of Nigeria. Their plan is already unfolding.
Sadiya Umar Farouq is the Minister, of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development (FMHADMSD). For clarity, that ministry superintends seven (7) agencies, viz the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), North East Development Commission, (NEDC), National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced People (NCFRMI), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the recently created, National Commission for People with Disability (NCPWD).
These are agencies with billions of naira allocated to them annually in the national budget. Before Farouq took the helms of affairs as ministers, many of these agencies were pacesetters in that Nigerians in those days could relate to what they do and how they are relevant in the daily lives of citizens, especially when the unpleasant need arose to rely on the interventions offered by these entities. But since the ministry was created and Farouq was drafted to oversee it and by implication, these agencies, they have all tumbled in reckoning and are now shadows of themselves.
The surprise is that these agencies are even now receiving larger allocations than before they came under Farouq’s purview. The huge funds allocated to them now miraculously fall into the black hole that is Farouq’s pockets. Nigerians might have become quiet about it because nothing was done to Farouq despite the outrage they expressed in 2020 when this woman performed the miracle of feeding school children in two states and the Federal Capital Territory with N500 million at a time that schools were closed because of the COVID-19 lockdown. Much as Nigerians were outraged by this brazen theft of scarce national resources, the abracadabra school feeding was pale in significance against accounts of how contracts for buying COVID-19 relief materials were inflated, and awarded to cronies who allegedly made financial returns to the minister, it was also alleged that relief materials were hoarded, re-sold or diverted for political patronage.
Maybe the land would have been able to abide this corrupt evil had the perpetrator not unsurprisingly loved up with a former Chief of Air Staff, retired Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar. Before their marriage and after their marriage, when the husband was still the Air Chief, the duo were well known for depriving the Nigerian Air Force of operational aircraft simply to ferry his then fiancé and later wife. For context, this is not a Divisional Police Officer relinquishing a patrol van to his girlfriend to go shopping, it the then Air Chief depriving troops of fighting capabilities against terrorists while diverting a logistic aircraft to fly Farouq around in style.
Diverting one aircraft for conjugal jaunting is a small matter for a man who allegedly pocketed as much of the funds meant for running the Air Force as possible. Little wonder air support for our gallant troops was virtually absent during his stay at the helm of affairs in that crucial institution. One of the few instances he made of show of providing air support ended in the Rann massacre, in which scores of Nigerians were killed by friendly fire from the Sadique Abubakar-led Air Force at that time. So, he cannot keep his hands out the tills and he cannot carry out his assigned duties diligently yet he aspires to the highest offices in the land.
That these two, one serving and one former public office holders, are now married is their kettle of fish. What is of concern is that the duo has now set sight on the governorship seat of Bauchi state as a prelude to Sadique Abubakar running for the office of President, Federal Republic of Nigeria when the zoning of that position next swings north. This forbodes evil for Nigeria because this couple will not only appropriate the country to themselves but they would also be murderously dictatorial from the much we have seen of them.
It is instructive that the funds looted from the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development are now surfacing in Bauchi state, where Sadiya Farouq, reportedly doles out bales of naira and foreign currencies to those from whom she is seeking political favours. A beneficiary recounted an incidence, just before the All Progressive Congress (APC) governorship, how each person that passed through the couple’s home on this particular day went away with at least one million naira.
The money that should have been spent on air assets for combatting terrorism similarly showed up during the APC governorship primary in Bauchi, which Sadique Abubakar bought and is now the APC candidate. The manner he spent money to buy the ticket has distorted the political landscape of the state just as it is altering the security landscape of the state for the worse. The portion of the funds that went to terrorist cells that Sadique Abubakar allegedly used to suppress opposition to his emergence is now flooding the state with small and light weapons that analysts have predicted would help Boko Haram/Islamic State West African Province to resurge. A development that is not surprising since other analysts, with the benefit of hindsight, are now saying Sadique Abubakar must have anticipated hence a possible deliberate compromising of the counter-terrorism war on his part – did he withhold air support from the war on terrorists so that they are available for him to use as foot soldiers for achieving his governorship ambition? He is the only one that can answer that.
One thing is certain, the Sadique Abubakar and Sadiya Farouq combo is a toxic component that has no place in the Nigerian political space given their antecedents. They steal whatever is kept in their care without remorse and they have not shown any inkling of planning to quit the dirty habit. Even if they lied that the perfidy under their watch in their various official positions was the work of their subordinates or staff, that would have proven that they are incapable of being efficient supervisors and are in no capacity to manage the affairs of Bauchi state as governor and first lady talk less of being the president of Nigeria.
There are therefore urgent tasks for stakeholders in Bauchi state. The APC chapter in the state must retrace its steps to correct the error of allocating or selling the governorship ticket to the former Chief of Air Staff. It is a decision they would rue should he go ahead to win at the General Elections – all their state’s resources would be personalized by this hardened character who would then proceed to deploy them for pursuing his presidential ambition, a position he hopes to occupy with his partner in crime by his side as the first lady.
Where the APC fails to correct its errors, the matter would then be in the hands of the Bauchi electorates, who must see a vote against Sadique Abubakar as a vote cast for saving their dear state from the claws of a carrion eater, a vulture. In undertaking this assignment, the voters in Bauchi state must see themselves as saving Nigeria from a calamitous disaster in the future. The country cannot afford to have a tag team that is this dubious to be further rewarded with higher offices. This means that this problem is no longer a Bauchi state affair alone. They must realize that they owe the rest of us a responsibility to not export this disaster to the national level and the way to do that is to stop him now at the state level.
And to this Nigeria’s version of “Bonnie and Clyde” a word of advice. They should take time off from pillaging the public treasury at any level of government. They should go on a permanent honeymoon to perpetually celebrate their marriage of convenience as a criminal duo with the much they have taken from the country. That is until such a time that Nigerians will demand a refund and restitution from them. For now, Nigeria does not need the vultures that they are in the national space.


Adamu wrote this piece from ATBU Bauchi.

.....call Plateau Governor a traitor


Hundreds of Northern Christians today converged on Abuja to protest against the nomination of Plateau State Governor  Simon Lalong as the Director-General of the All Progressives Congress,  APC Presidential Campaigns.


They also described lalong as a traitor who should not be trusted with political offices anymore. 


Led by Okwa Daniel, the Christians said they received the news of Governor Simon Lalong's speculated acceptance to work as the Director-General of the Tinubu Presidential Campaign Organisation with every sense of betrayal, utter dismay and grave sadness. 


They said the reports that other notable Christian leaders from the North have also acceded to join the All Progressives Congress cataclysmic presidential campaign team stings the body of Christ.


He said, " The Northern Christians Forum of Nigeria, a group of revivalists, have serially stood up for the nation, particularly the northern zone. We have become known for holding prayers, crusades and revival meetings for the survival of the country at these trying times. Hence, any devilish moves to create division are repelled by any means possible.


"It was on this note we rejected the APC's Muslim-Muslim ticket of darkness. Like our parent body, the Christian Association of Nigeria, we believe Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kassim Shettima do not mean well to the country. They are on a mission to steal, kill and destroy as stated in John 10:10. The combination is insensitive, wicked and satanic from the pit of hell. 


"In a multi-religious and multi-ethnic country, any attempt by one religion to dominate the political structure will only widen the gap of mistrust and destroy the delicate sense of tolerance cultivated over the years. The Muslim-Muslim ticket is not only ill-timed but also a total disregard for the diversity of the country which undermines the efforts of well-meaning Nigerians over the years to bridge the religious differences and promote ethnic harmonious co-existence. And we expected every Believer to resist this.


"¹However, it has come to our notice that Governor Lalong and some other so-called Christian leaders have accepted to dine with the devil. They have sold their conscience, dignity and faith. Any Child of God who accepts to be a tool in the hands of the enemies to fight God's people is an enemy of the Lord. They are traitors and must be treated as one.


"The wages of sin is death. Galatians 6 vs 7 said, "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows". Lalong and his cronies will receive God's wrath for turning their backs against believers. The end will be disastrous as their families will not be spared.


"Recall that the Holy Book said according to Acts 1:18, Judas bought a field with his silver reward and fell “headlong” in it, and “all his bowels gushed out,” implying that he threw himself down to die. This was after he betrayed Jesus. There are always heavy consequences for betrayal.


"Romans 1 vs 18 said, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth". The Lord is jealous and avenging God; the Lord is wrathful; the Lord takes vengeance on his adversaries and keeps wrath for his enemies.


"The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and the Lord will by no means clear the guilty. His way is in whirlwind and storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet. He rebukes the sea and makes it dry; he dries up all the rivers; Bashan and Carmel wither; the bloom of Lebanon withers. The mountains quake before him; the hills melt; the earth heaves before him, the world and all who dwell in it. Who can stand before his indignation? Who can endure the heat of his anger? His wrath is poured out like fire, and the rocks are broken into pieces by him" he said


The group warned  Governor Lalong and other northern Christians to avoid this impending calamity. we are advising them not to test God's wrath. As a body, we have interceded and God has revealed to us that he will show them mercy if they turn away from their evil ways. Our God is merciful. His anger lasts only a moment, but his favour persists for a lifetime.


"The Northern Christians Forum of  Nigeria is using this opportunity to urge fellow believers not to be wary. Persecution and troubling times are ahead over our strong disapproval of the APC's devilish agenda. However, we will prevail. The Church of God will match on and the gates of hell can not prevail against it" he said

Northern Christians  in the country have urged Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State to immediately reject his nomination as the Director General of the All Progressive Congress,APC Presidential Campaign Council


The Christians led by  Apostle Michael Atululwu who spoke at a press conference in Abuja said  his acceptance of the position is like planning to dine with evil ones


The group said it  received the news of Governor Simon Lalong's speculated acceptance to work as the Director-General of the Tinubu Presidential Campaign Organisation with every sense of betrayal, utter dismay and grave sadness. 


"The reports that other notable Christian leaders from the north have also acceded to join the All Progressives Congress cataclysmic presidential campaign team stings the body of Christ.


"The Concerned Christians Forum of Northern Nigeria, a group of revivalists, have serially stood up for the nation, particularly the northern zone. We have become known for holding prayers, crusades and revival meetings for the survival of the country at these trying times.    Hence, any devilish moves to create division are repelled by any means possible.


"It was on this note we rejected the APC's Muslim-Muslim ticket of darkness. Like our parent body, the Christian Association of Nigeria, we believe Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kassim Shettima do not mean well to the country. They are on a mission to steal, kill and destroy as stated in John 10:10. The combination is insensitive, wicked and satanic from the pit of hell. 


"In a multi-religious and multi-ethnic country, any attempt by one religion to dominate the political structure will only widen the gap of mistrust and destroy the delicate sense of tolerance cultivated over the years. The Muslim-Muslim ticket is not only ill-timed but also a total disregard for the diversity of the country which undermines the efforts of well-meaning Nigerians over the years to bridge the religious differences and promote ethnic harmonious co-existence. And we expected every Believer to resist this.


"However, it has come to our notice that Governor Lalong and some other so-called Christian leaders have accepted to dine with the devil. They have sold their conscience, dignity and faith. Any Child of God who accepts to be a tool in the hands of the enemies to fight God's people is an enemy of the Lord. They are traitors and must be treated as one.


"The wages of sin is death. Galatians 6 vs 7 said, "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows". Lalong and his cronies will receive God's wrath for turning their backs against believers. The end will be disastrous as their families will not be spared.


"Recall that the Holy Book said according to Acts 1:18, Judas bought a field with his silver reward and fell “headlong” in it, and “all his bowels gushed out,” implying that he threw himself down to die. This was after he betrayed Jesus. There are always heavy consequences for betrayal.


"Romans 1 vs 18 said, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth". The Lord is jealous and avenging God; the Lord is wrathful; the Lord takes vengeance on his adversaries and keeps wrath for his enemies.


"The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and the Lord will by no means clear the guilty. His way is in whirlwind and storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet. He rebukes the sea and makes it dry; he dries up all the rivers; Bashan and Carmel wither; the bloom of Lebanon withers. The mountains quake before him; the hills melt; the earth heaves before him, the world and all who dwell in it. Who can stand before his indignation? Who can endure the heat of his anger? His wrath is poured out like fire, and the rocks are broken into pieces by him" he said


The group however warned  Governor Lalong and other northern Christians to avoid this impending calamity.


" We are advising them not to test God's wrath. As a body, we have interceded and God has revealed to us that he will show them mercy if they turn away from their evil ways. Our God is merciful. His anger lasts only a moment, but his favour persists for a lifetime.


"The Concerned Christians Forum of Northern Nigeria is using this opportunity to urge fellow believers not to be wary. Persecution and troubling times are ahead over our strong disapproval of the APC's devilish agenda. However, we will prevail. The Church of God will match on and the gates of hell can not prevail against it" he said

By Gbenga Osoba


I call myself a Lagosian. I love Lagos with all of me. Everything about me revolves around Lagos. The opportunities are endless. And I would dare say Lagos is addictive. I believe I am not alone on this boat of emotional upheaval about Lagos.

This also brings me to the addiction of university graduates to the National Youth Service Scheme (NYSC). The feeling is euphoric when graduates adorn the NYSC khaki. Parents are elated and filled with so much joy. And the corp members themselves feel a sense of accomplishment.
Take it or leave it, the NYSC has been a great blessing to the country because it has brought about a sense of unity and cultural orientation amongst the various ethnicity in Nigeria. We have had instances of people who have never been outside of their states for the duration of their lives. The first trip out was a result of the NYSC programme, and the memories linger a lifetime.

For me, I would forever cherish my NYSC experience in Anambra state. There I made friends across religions and ethnicity. And some of my experiences in Awka remains indelible in my life. After my service year, I have had reasons to visit Akwa again and again for business and leisure. That is the beauty of the NYSC.
Do I talk about those that experienced business breakthrough as a result of their participation in the NYSC? Do I mention those that found their missing ribs during the NYSC programme? Do I say those who discovered their guardian angels during their service year or those whose fortunes changed forever because they were posted to particular states in the country due to the NYSC programme?
The NYSC is indeed an enduring legacy that ought to be upheld by successive governments for its benefits are innumerable. This much can be corroborated by those who initially thought outside their domains; there would be no life. This is mainly about those in Lagos and some of the South-West states. They felt that life in the Northern and eastern parts of the country was a life of torture and deprivation. But the good thing is that it is on record that these categories of people find it amazing that there could be life outside Lagos or Ogun, Osun or Ekiti.

I know of scores of people who, after leaving for the NYSC programme, elect to stay behind and start-up life. The case of a childhood friend Rotimi comes in handy. Rotimi and I had been childhood friends. During our NYSC programme, he was posted to Adamawa state. I recall the depressed looks that he wore upon realizing he was posted to Adamawa state. Where is Adamawa state, he asked me? What part of the country is that he also asked? It was like the world had ended, and I am sure he cursed the NYSC scheme.

Today, Rotimi can be referred to as a Mallam as he stayed behind, got a Job in Yola and is happily married to a beautiful Numan lady, with whom they have three lovely kids. If anyone told Rotimi that Yola was where his destiny was, he would curse. If anyone ever told Rotimi that a Numan princess would be the mother of his kids, he would also curse. But such is life and the power of the NYSC.
Aside from the national integration purpose of the NYSC, it has served to bridge the critical gap amongst the various ethnic and religious affiliations in Nigeria. The NYSC is the bridge that links the South to the West, the North to the East and many more. And with these enduring attributes, I wonder what those advocating for the scrapping of the scheme have at the back of their minds.

Maybe mischief or ignorance, but whatever is the case, it is misplaced and must be discarded for lacking in merit and commonsense. Unless they want to feign ignorance to the nation-building impact, the NYSC has brought about in the country. Maybe they are not aware of that, but for the NYSC programme, lots of destinies would have been lost, and lots of people would probably still be wandering in search of direction in life.

They must also realize that participation in the NYSC scheme has also brought about religious and ethnic tolerance. It has erased some of the prejudices that were expressed towards certain tribes in the country. And if this is the case, isn’t the NYSC scheme worth celebrating? In this era of ethnic and religious tension across the country, the most potent tool to address the issues at hand is enhancing the NYSC programme.
The positives outweigh the negatives, and it would be foolhardy for us to jettison such an enduring legacy that has stood the test of time. There are no two ways about how enduring the NYSC scheme has been in the country's annals. And as such, we must do all within our reach to preserve the legacies of the NYSC.
I am glad that I was a part of the NYSC scheme and, likewise, millions of others. And the relevant stakeholders owe Nigeria and Nigerians a national duty to ensure the sustainability of this enduring legacy. The NYSC experience is enriching, memorable, and worth the while for millions of Nigerians. This piece is in celebration of an enduring legacy.

Osoba is a human resource manager writing from Bauchi.

As part of activities aimed at boosting the campaign efforts of the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima, over 5000 Support Groups have resolved to merge into an organization named Tinubu/Shettima Independent Campaign Group (TSICG). The groups resolved to set up coordinating committees in the various geo-political zones to facilitate the merger. The committees are to review membership of all Support Groups for strategic purposes.


The TSICG’s main target is grassroots mobilization and coordination with structures aimed at strengthening the campaign support base from the States through Local Governments, Wards and Polling units.


Recall that thousands of support groups came together at the International Conference Center, Abuja on January 11, 2022 to endorse Asiwaju Tinubu’s Presidential bid which eventually succeeded at the Primaries. Now the same support groups and many more are coming together again under the Chairmanship of APC Chieftain, Senator Abu Ibrahim to work for Tinubu/Shettima’s victory in the 2023 Presidential election.


Launching arrangements billed to take place within the next few days are being fine-tuned.



Signed

Rt. Hon. James Faleke
2nd August 2022

Northern Christians vow to command God's wrath on Lalong, other Christians working for Tinubu

Some Christians from the north have kicked against the reported appointment of Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State, ex-Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole and Minister of State Labour, Festus Keyamo into the presidential campaign team of the All Progressives Congress.

Lalong, Oshiomhole, Keyamo and other renowned Christians are alleged to be top of Bola Tinubu’s campaign team.

But the Northern Christian Revivalist Movement (NCRM) has threatened to command the wrath of God on Governor Lalong and others for “betraying the body of Christ”.

In a statement signed by its President, Amos Abah, the NCRM said Lalong is an enemy of believers who appears to have sold his birthright for bread and pottage of lentils.

According to Abah, the choice of a Muslim as Tinubu’s running mate already means a declaration of war against Christians and God has promised to punish any believer who associates with the “infidels”.

Quoting from Romans 1 vs 18, he said “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth”.

He added, “The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord is avenging and wrathful; the Lord takes vengeance on his adversaries and keeps wrath for his enemies.

“The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and the Lord will by no means clear the guilty. His way is in whirlwind and storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.

“He rebukes the sea and makes it dry; he dries up all the rivers; Bashan and Carmel wither; the bloom of Lebanon withers. The mountains quake before him; the hills melt; the earth heaves before him, the world and all who dwell in it.

“Who can stand before his indignation? Who can endure the heat of his anger? His wrath is poured out like fire, and the rocks are broken into pieces by him,” Abah said about Nahum 1 vs 2-6.

The Northern Christians, however,advised Lalong and others that it is still early to avert God’s wrath.

He said they must publicly denounce the APC presidential candidate to save themselves and their families from impending calamity.

Failure to do so, Abah revealed that it will be a fight between darkness and light, adding the latter will always prevail.

NDDC to reward winners of talent hunt with car, Dubai trips, internship deals, others

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has lined up a brand new car, performance trip to Dubai, internship deals and other prizes for prospective winners of its newly inaugurated talent hunt.

The logo and procedures to participate in the Niger Delta Talent Hunt (NIDETH), aimed at discovering creative Niger Delta youths were unveiled in Port Harcourt on Monday by the Interim Administrator, NDDC, Dr. Efiong Akwa, and Lead Consultant, Harry Song.

Harry Song, a popular songwriter, instrumentalist and producer said the hunt was designed to discover talented Niger Delta youths in the areas of music, comedy and dance.

Harry Song said: "The live auditions will take place in Benin, Edo State on August 6; Yenegoa, Bayelsa State, on August 13 and in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State on August 20 while the grand finale will take place in Port Harcourt on September 1st.

"Interested participants should visit WWW.NIDETH.COM and register with their one-minute video to participate in the live auditioning.

"The winner of the Niger Delta Talent Hunt stands a chance to win a brand new car, a performance trip to Dubai with Harry Song, an internship deal and other consolation prizes. Other participants will also stand the chance to win a wide varieties of consolation prizes".

In his remarks, the Special Adviser on Youths to NDDC Interim Administrator, Udengs Eradiri, said the commission was excited about the programme.

Describing it as a rare opportunity, Eradiri urged youths across the nine states of the region to take advantage of it to pitch their tents in the creative industry.

He said the NDDC under Akwa had been repositioned to roll out empowerment programmes and create opportunities for youths in the region.

"We are not in short supply of talents in the Niger Delta. The youths are just looking for opportunities to showcase to showcase their talents and the NDDC under Dr. Effiong Akwa, is determine to create these opportunities. There is no doubt that this Niger Delta Talent Hunt will produce superstars in the creative industry".
END.

The Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dumebi Kachikwu, has appointed a Broadcast Professional. Mr. Adeniyi Taiwo Kunnu, as the Spokesman of his 2023 Campaign Organization.

Kunnu who holds both Bachelors and Master of Arts Degrees in Literature-in-English from Lagos Sate University, Ojo, and the University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, is currently a PhD student of Literature-in-English at the University of Abuja.

He brings to the job a rich experience as a versatile communicator following long years of practice in the broadcast industry and lecturing in the academia.

He has undergone several corporate professional development courses including Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Training (February 2016), BBC SCEEP Media Action Training (June 2014), Certificate in Project Management (July 2013), Certificate in Basic Presentation (September 2010) and Certificate in Employability Skills (July 2008), among others.

He has held professional positions in both public and private sector including Lecturer, Department of English and Literature, Lagos State University, LASU, Ojo (2022), Researcher, Analyst, Training and Development Officer at Lagos Talks 91.3 FM, Ikoyi, Lagos (2021 till date), Head of Operations at IKD 106.1 FM, Ikorodu, Lagos (2020 - 2021), Head, News and Programmes, Roots TV, Abuja (July –September 2019) and Senior News and Current Affairs; Programmes Producer & Presenter, Nigeria Info, 99.3, Victoria Island, Lagos (August 2018 - June 2019).

Other positions held by Kunnu are News and Programmes Presenter cum Producer and Senior Management Executive at Inspiration 92.3FM, Lagos (April 2017 - July 2018), Lecturer, Lagos State University, Epe Campus, Epe, Pre-Degree Studies, (October 2016 – 2019) and Head of Programmes (Consultancy), Planet Radio, 100.5, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State (January 2016 – February 2016),

He has also worked as News and Programmes Presenter/Producer, Radio Nigeria (Metro 97.7 and Radio One, 103.5 F.M), Ikoyi, Lagos (May 2006 – Sept 2017) and Lecturer, General Studies Department, Nasarawa State Polytechnic, Lafia, Nasarawa State (November 2012 – December 2013).

Kunnu is a member of many professional bodies including the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Radio, Television and Theatre Arts Workers Union and Association of Voice Over Artists of Nigeria (AVOA).

Adeniyi Taiwo Kunnu has attended successive International Conferences at the University of Texas at Austin, United States of America in 2021 and 2022.

His papers at the African Annual Conference include

"Un-intelligence of Globalization" (2021) and
"Africa's Subtle and Emblazoned Spiritual Subversion" (2022)

Kunnu"s paper for the Toyin Falola Inernational Conference on Africa (Tofac 2022) entitled "Unbundling Nigeria's Religio-Politico Nexus" was also acknowledged.

Adeniyi Taiwo Kunnu was a lead speaker at the Annual Youth Leadership Conference organized by Superior Performance Global Network

He is a recipient of the following awards: Certificate of Commendation (Radio Nigeria) - 2012, Commendation Award (Radio Nigeria) - 2015 and Analyst of the Year in Nigeria - 2021.

......Says the National assembly is complicit in the failure of this government

I was very amused to hear some Senators and Members from the lower house call for the President to be impeached. This is a self-serving call. The same people who have refused to do their jobs in the last three years have just woken up to realize that the President should be impeached.

What exactly has happened today that is different from what has been happening since President Buhari was sworn in seven years ago for the first term and three years ago for the second term? Are the attacks today any different? Are the deaths less or more meaningful?

Is there any life worth more than the other? Are they reacting now because Abuja is threatened? The national assembly is complicit in the failure of this government so they should ask their leadership to resign before calling on President Buhari to resign.

The checks and balances enshrined in our constitution never envisaged that Nigerians would be saddled with a spineless and self-serving legislature. Yes, Buhari has failed and should resign or be impeached but he failed because the legislature failed in its duties.

The entire leadership of the National Assembly should also resign or be impeached. This is the double-edged sword called the doctrine of collective responsibility.

By: Dumebi Kachikwu

I know you are probably as worried as I am about the state of our nation. Earlier today, our Government shut down the unity schools in the Federal Capital as they are unable to ensure their security in the face of terrorist threats.

A few weeks ago, the Kuje prison was attacked and scores of terrorists freed. We also saw a video making the rounds yesterday showing the beating of the Kaduna bound passengers who were captured several months ago. We can no longer deny the fact that our government has failed on all fronts but what’s interesting is that most of us are in denial about the seriousness or severity of our situation.

We can no longer bury our heads in the sand and pretend that all is well with our country. We can no longer live in fear of our government and be afraid to tell them their failings. This is what got us here in the first place. Fear. Our parliament was too scared to impeach our President. We were also too scared to call for the resignation of our entire government.

Why should we live in fear of those who we pay to serve us? Those who swore an oath to protect our lives and properties but now preside over our funerals. How much more can we take as a people before we die to our fears and collectively call on this government to resign?

At the current exchange rate, lifesaving drugs will soon be out of the reach of the masses and critical spares unavailable to our industries. The inflation we talk about now will be much worse as food becomes more expensive and scarce. Airfares have gone through the roof while our roads remain unsafe. Many now live on charity. This is heart-breaking.

We have seen nations whose people looked the other way as a few ran their nation aground suffer similar fates. We don’t need our nation to completely collapse before we defend our nation.

If you really believe this government can safely handover a united and peaceful Nigeria in 2023 then you need not worry but if like me, you are worried that our nation is on the brink of disaster and that this government no longer has anything to offer then join me in calling for the immediate resignation of the entire APC government.

We no longer have the luxury of time for them to continue to fumble and womble their way from one disaster to another. You might not have your voice tomorrow but you have it now; use it. President Buhari you and your entire government should resign in the interest of the Nigerian people. Thank you.

Dumebi Kachikwu is the ADC 2023 Presidential Candidate

The Niger Delta Development Commission, (NDDC) has launched a novel Niger Delta Talent Hunt (NIDETH) to harness creativity among youths in the entertainment industry and address unemployment in the region.



The Interim Administrator, NDDC, Dr. Efiong Akwa, who spoke on Wednesday during the inauguration of the programme at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt said it was designed to tackle the challenges and lack of opportunities facing youths in the region.

Dr. Akwa commended President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Umana Okon Umana, for supporting activities aimed at harnessing the creative potential of youths in the Niger Delta.

He said: "The entertainment industry is growing bigger everyday. The Nollywood industry occupies a major platform amongst other entertainment industries in the world. When you talk of entertainment the next thing you hear is Nollywood industry in Nigeria. Niger Delta is blessed.

"Let me use this opportunity to tell the world that youths of the Niger Delta are the best you can find around the world. They are calm, confident, they seek to excel in whatever endeavour they find themselves.

"In the field of soccer the youths of Rivers State and Akwa-Ibom are taking the lead; wrestling, Delta and Edo are tops; swimming Bayelsa and Rivers are unbeatable.

"Our focus in this programme is to identify the talented youths, build them up and expose them to the world. We want to use this as an opportunity to provide a platform to expose the hidden talents in the region. If you build the youth, you build the nation.”



Dr. Akwa's Special Adviser on Youths, Engr. Udengs Eradiri, described the Niger Delta youths as enterprising, observing that artistes from the region had challenges of getting support and platforms to express themselves.

He said: “The creative industry is one area that we can engage a lot of idle young people. We will continue to play our role in supporting institutions to create the platform to push our young people to the international community. We must keep the creative sector alive in the Niger Delta to develop young talents and to showcase them to the world.

"We expect that after this process, we will be able to identify unique talents that would be able to showcased to the world. If you look at the entertainment industry you have employment opportunities that are waiting for us.

"The Niger Delta youths need to be a part of these opportunities. We need to create engagements so that young people, who have a lot of energy can channel it towards talent development. The work of the NDDC is that of an interventionist agency. It is part of our job to create opportunities for young people to express themselves.

"The sky is our starting point. We expect that after this talent hunt which is geared towards entertainment, we will be looking at sports".


In his remarks, the NDDC Director, Youths and Sports, Mr. Offiong Ephraim, said that NIDETH was a flagship programme of the NDDC Youths and Sports Directorate aimed at exposing the inherent talents in the Niger Delta region.



He said the talent hunt programme would kick off from the first phase which is Ondo, Edo and Delta State and followed by the other phases with the grand finale taking place in Port Harcourt, Rivers State noting that it would cover the nine states of the Niger Delta Region.



One of the leading artistes in the region and consultant for the programme, Mr. Okiri Harrison, also known as Harry Song, said that the new NDDC youth programme was a dream come true for those in the creative sector.

He said that 80 per cent of the entertainment industry was rooted in the Niger Delta.

The musician said: “In the entertainment industry, cutting across music, comedy and theatre, the top talents are from the Niger Delta region. The main issue is that most talents remain unharnessed because there is no proper platform to identify and develop them. I am glad because this is where NIDETH comes in".