2023: TMG raises concern over 6.7m uncollected PVCs

A foremost independent civil society election observation group, Transition Monitoring Group, TMG, has called on Nigerians to come out and collect their Permanent Voters Cards, PVCs, ahead of the January 22 deadline.

TMG, in a statement signed by its chairman, Comrade Auwal Musa-Rafsanjani, said the opportunity provided by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to exercise their civic responsibility should be grabbed with passion ahead of the much-awaited elections.

Reacting to a statement by INEC that there are 6.7 million uncollected PVCs across 17 states and the Federal Capital Territory, the group raised great concerns saying Nigerians must avoid repeat of voter apathy experienced in the previous elections.

Citing data from the 2019 presidential elections, TMG emphasised that the 6.7 million uncollected PVCs would have been sufficient to determine the outcome of an election in which winner Muhammadu Buhari received 15 million votes and his main opponent, Atiku Abubakar, received 11.2 million votes.

TMG revealed that the high rate of voter apathy witnessed in previous elections must not be allowed to repeat itself in the 2023 elections as the upcoming elections will be a determining factor in the future of Nigerians.

"As we gear towards the 2023 general elections, TMG is appealing to Nigerians to be ready to come out and vote and make a key decision that is instrumental to the formation of a better Nigeria.

“No one should wait until the rush hour; the time is now and we all are advised to collect our PVCs in time so that we can get that golden opportunity to vote candidates of our choice, electing leaders is our responsibility that no one can deny anyone but without PVC, that right will be denied; so let’s go out and get our PVCs.

"Voters must also be wary of desperate politicians who would want to induce them with monetary gifts in exchange for their voter cards, Nigerians must in the upcoming elections stand their feet and follow the electoral process from start to finish, rejecting any financial inducement or harassment,” the statement reads.

TMG also commended the electoral umpire, INEC, for extending the collection period of the PVCs as well as making a wise decision of moving the voting cards from state offices to local government areas and wards, making it easier for Nigerians to obtain the card.

The statement said: “TMG will be deploying a wide range of membership across the country to ensure an adequate and effective monitoring of the electoral process.

“TMG will adopt robust engagements with stakeholders while also initiating a system to monitor and publicize the campaign promises of the major political parties before and after the elections.

“We will also be seeking to promote an issue-based electoral campaign and to observe and report electoral conduct to reflect the yearnings of citizens in the elections,” the statement added.

Mr Rafsanjani also added that the group seeks to address issues such as electoral violence, thuggery, vote-buying, voters harassment as well as promoting electoral inclusivity for women and people with disability.

APC sinking in Kwara, says Olododo campaign council after court victory

The Campaign council of Social Democratic Party, SDP, candidate for Ilorin East/South Federal Constituency of Kwara State, Hon. Abdulganiyu Olododo has described the APC as a sinking party loosing grounds in the State.

The campaign council said this in a statement by its Director of Media and Publicity, Ibrahim Sheriff, on Friday, after the judgement of the Federal High Court, dismissing the suit filed by the APC against Olododo, a member of the House of Representatives from seeking reelection.

The APC had on 7th July filed a suit seeking Olododo's disqualification from seeking reelection under the SDP, but was later dismissed in a judgement on Friday, by Justice I.M Sanni of the Federal High Court for failure of the plaintiff to prove that Olododo's acceptance by INEC as SPD's candidate was in violation of the law.

Reacting to the judgement, Olododo's campaign council accused the APC of making attempts to thwart the will of the people, adding that the SDP candidate will also secure victory in the 2023 election.

Ololodo Campaign Council further enjoined the people of Ilorin East/South and Kwara State in general to get their permanent voters’ card and vote for all SDP candidates in the 2023 election.

“Although we are confident the APC embarked on a futile journey from onset, today’s victory is for the people and a reflection of what is to come in 2023, when the good people of Ilorin East/South Federal Constituency will reecho their resolve to sustain the quality representation Olododo has offered in the last three and half years of his sojourn at the green chamber”, the statement said.

2023: Mammoth crowd in Abuja as APC women, youths hold rally for Tinubu/Shettima Presidency

A large number of All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters comprising women and youths have converged in Abuja to demonstrate their support for the candidacy of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Kashim Shettima in the 2023 presidential election.

The APC supporters, who converged at the instance of the Minister of State for the FCT, Hajia Ramatu Tijanni-Aliyu, took to the streets in the early hours of Saturday, chanting solidarity songs.

The youths and women were seen carrying placards with various inscriptions such as: “Bola Tinubu, the Best Man for the Job”, “With Tinubu/Shettima We Stand”, and “Tinubu/Shettima Joy of the Masses”, among others.

Speaking during the rally, the state minister thanked the crowd for coming out to show solidarity with the APC presidential candidates.

She said: “My joy knows no bound as I see hardworking women and youth gathered here today to put up the mass march and rally for Tinubu.

“It shows that FCT women and youth are fully in support of the mandate of Asiwaju Tinubu and Kashim Shettima who will prioritise the wishes and aspirations of indigenes and residents of the Federal Capital.

“They will also be consolidating on the astonishing achievements of President Muhammadu Buhari who has always been committed to the revitalisation of Abuja local communities not just the city centres."

Also speaking during the rally, Christiana John, one of the participants, hailed the minister for standing by the protesters and providing logistics cover for the event.

While noting that Abuja is 100 percent APC, Mrs John disclosed that residents and indigenes of the federal capital would deliver thier votes for the APC from top to bottom.

On his part, the Coordinator of the Arewa Media for Asiwaju (AMSA), Yusuf Muawiyya Muye, thanked young Nigerians for coming out en masse to support the APC, saying the not-too-young-to-run bill, which President Muhammadu Buhari assented into law is yielding results.

Guinea Bissau is Rising, by Jibrin Baba-Ndace

Africa hosts 25% of the natural global biodiversity, and 30% of the world’s mineral resources, it has a strong resource potential. Guinea-Bissau is a country with a privilege geographical location and the highest proportion of natural wealth per capita in West Africa, including  land, fisheries, and forest.

Beyond West Africa Guinea Bissau enjoys trade agreements and preferential trade status with several large economies including the EU, China and the US. The country is also a signatory to the Cotonou agreement granting reciprocal duty free access to EU markets for African, Caribbean and pacific (ACP) country exports. Its economy is fueled by natural resources particularly agriculture and fisheries for both subsistence and income. Based on data collected for the elaboration of the country’s first national voluntary review, the agricultural sector employs more than 90% of the national workforce and contributes 62% of GDP. Cashew nuts and rice are the two major corps dominating the agricultural sub-sector.

Although the country is one of the world’s largest producers of cashew, only 10% of cashew nut production is proceeded locally due to low investment in proceeding and transformation activities, untapped West African frontier market with unlimited potential for innovative and sustainable growth, indicating opportunities for added value in Guinea-Bissau through vertical supply chain consolidation.

It is on this note that the Government of Guinea Bissau and the embassies of Cape Verde, Nigeria and South Africa together with the United Nations development programme (UNDP) jointly organized and hosted the inaugural edition of Bissau Rising impact investment and trade forum, with the theme “Bringing together people and businesses from Africa and beyond”, to draw on an emergent and vibrant business community for policy makers and influencers from Africa and beyond. The platform aims to establish a foundation for business development and sustainable growth, focusing on creating an enabling environment where all entrepreneurs, especially youth and women will flourish. 

The forum kicked off on the 30th of November Ceiba hotel conference centre in its capital city Bissau. The forum was convened by experts in different fields to speak on how to develop each sector of Guinea Bissau from experiences they have through working privately or individually in their countries. The forum created new opportunities through cooperation and exchange of ideas that foster innovation and generate new value to achieve positive impact in the economy, environmental and social dimensions of development.

The 3 days conference was created towards generating these sectors; finance, banking and insurance, Digital economy and infrastructure, blue economy and tourism , creative industry and intellectual products, Logistics and transportation (Land, Air and Sea), Eco-solutions: Energy, waste, agriculture, water and sanitation and the overview of policy and economic reforms in ECOWAS.

The ceremony was opened by A Government representative, Mr. Tjark Egenhooff –Res Rep UNDP, His Excellency Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Ambassador Mphakama Mbete Ambassador of South Africa, His Excellency Camilo Graca the ambassador of Cape Verde the brains behind the creation of Bissau Rising.

After which Bruno Jauad, GB invest, invest Guinea Bissau, Luis Teixeira, business and Env reform coordinator, Cape Verde spoke on the overview of policy and economic reforms in ECOWAS.

Bruno Jauad, GB invest, invest guinea Bissau, Luis Mussa sambi-DG economy , Carlos Lopes AIGB, Munira Jauda Ribeiro Vice President FME/CPLP,GNB and Mr. Mama samba Embalo President of the CCAIS enlightened the audience on what it takes to do business in Guinea Bissau and current reform programs.

The first session discussed Digital economy, the current situation in Guinea Bissau which was headed by Aimonia Cabral from Bandim online and Ivan Rueter , African Union Communication, south Africa. The session broadly discussed Digital economy and Infrastructure, The rapid growth in access and users of digital communication channel that has created a rapidly expanding market for digital products services and solution. The opportunities for providing digital solution which exceeds large established firms and includes market entry points for niche downstream service providers as well as innovative digital solutions to local challenges offered by small scale businesses and startups catering to emerging local demands. The speakers shared best experiences, practices and perspective for innovation, Rui Levy discussed business angles concept and importance for the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The day ended with dinner hosted by the Ambassador of Nigeria, South Africa and Cape Verde.

On the 2nd day of the conference, African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) spoke on new opportunities for Guinea Bissau, World Bank Res Rep Ms Anne Lucie Lefebvre and IMF Res Rep Mr. Patrick Gitton spoke economic trends and private sector engagement before the finance, banking and insurance session commenced. The session was broken into two; national financial inclusion strategy and banking and investment round table. These section was handled by expert in finance like Bertrand Moulin UNDP/ min of finance consultant, Antonio monteiron Dir. Of digital coordination BAO, Bertrand moulin, UNDP, Jacunia da silva and Mr. Ebuka Emebinah from the impact investment foundation of Nigeria. Guinea Bissau’s emergent private sector is accelerating the need for development of the financial sector.

They exclusively discussed how finance can be generated for private business owners and challenges faced by entrepreneurs in Guinea Bissau involving fund raising.

Following the finance and banking session was the Blue Economy and tourism where opportunities in Guinea Bissau by experts like  Carlota Baranano ICESM, Mussa Sambi, DG Min. of economy, Rui Alberto Pinto Pereira, ANAPI,GNB,Domingos Jose ca,CCAIS-GB, Ica Barry- Bertrand moulin-UNDP/Min of Finance Consultant. The Guinea Bissau’s waters are considered one of the wealthiest biodiversity areas of West Africa, with Bundant halieutic resources and mangroves offering enormous potential for blue economy. This session was also divided into two where presentation of strategy and discussion of how to take advantage of the blue economy and Tourism across its 88 islands, bijagos island.

A discussion panel was further set up to discuss African influencers and rising stars from Guinea Bissau, Creative industry and intellectual entrepreneurs. When it comes music, painting, Handicrafts, fashion etc Guinea Bissau is a strong potential and the panelist Ne Vaz a writer GNB,Hamilton Jair Fernandes-DG of cultural Heritage Cape Verde, Stunki Vundla South Africa,Alpha Cante, Designer GNB,Flora Gomes, Film Producer GNB,and Paul Obazele-Creative Industry, Nigeria spoke on how they can manage their creative industries and contribute to the commercial success and economic growth of Guinea Bissau and play a central role in the diversification of economic opportunities that is essential to achieve structural transformation. A cultural night followed at the end of the day showcasing young beautiful talent like Dimma a promising artist and a fashion design with talented good looking models all from Guinea Bissau.

The blue economy session continued at the tour to one of the 88 island Bijagos Island in Guinea Bissau, The Bijagos Islands are the jewel in Guinea-Bissau’s crown, an archipelago of 88 islands that are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Their isolated location means they are home to some of West Africa’s least adulterated cultural traditions, unspoiled by colonial influence. The Bijagos Island gives a very different face to Bissau.

The event was wholesome indeed bringing people from different part of the world to share a common interest in developing a country which for a long time seemed to be in the shadow. The turn up gave great room for networking and interest in investing in this virgin country proving that there is hope in the country and with this potential showcased, Bissau is rising.

Malam Ndace is a  journalist with Blueprint newspaper

CISLAC trains journalists, CSOs on assets declaration

CISLAC says its one-day training of journalists will amplify the need for asset declaration which will in turn push candidates to publicly declare their assets.

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre held the training on Tuesday for journalists and on Thursday for civil society organisations.

CISLAC believes that the lack of public data on the assets of candidates for public offices has made it difficult to track the corrupt practices of politicians.

“Going by the current situation of things, corruption is endemic at various levels, and with the upcoming 2023 general elections, there is an urgent need for [candidates] to prioritize accountability by publishing details of their assets and liabilities to promote integrity in public service,” said Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Executive Director of CISLAC.

The training acquainted journalists with different measures to nudge politicians to fully comply with the asset declaration laws by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

The training also emphasized the need for journalists to investigate past leaks of non-compliance of political aspirants with asset declaration requirements.

According to Mr Rafsanjani, the Pandora and Panama paper leaks have shown how Nigerian politicians systematically breach asset declaration requirements and end up with unexplained wealth stashed abroad.

In most cases, he added, these politicians use the stolen assets to serve illegal political entrepreneurship and illicit funding of political activities such as vote trading, and electoral bribery, which have the potential of being detrimental to free and fair elections.

“Hence, to prevent conflict of interest and detect unjustified assets CISLAC calls for the amplifying of asset declaration as an issue in the front burner during the elections,” he said.

2023: TMG warns against use of security agents to undermine elections

The Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) has raised an alarm on plans by undemocratic elements to use the military to mar the 2023 general elections.

TMG in a statement signed by its chairman, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, warned politicians not to involve the security agencies to undermine the credibility of the popular demand and aspirations of Nigerians to have free, fair and credible elections. Already similar incident in 2019 has negatively impacted the legitimacy of polls.

Reacting to a statement by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, who disclosed that security agencies and most especially the military have come under pressure to compromise during elections through various financial inducements.

TMG revealed the high rate of military interference in the 2019 elections and have warned that involvement of "armed men have been a major pose of the politicians to impose their will on Nigerians using security forces to instigate electoral violence and lobbying security agents in their favour.

TMG warned that a repeat will have serious negative implications on good governance in the country.

“We call on our security agencies most especially the Nigerian army and Police force  not  to compromise the integrity of the 2023 elections. Security operatives should remain professional and not be biased or induced by political parties. We call on Political parties to respect the wishes of the system and not undermine the elections."

The group also appealed to the Federal Government to improve the welfare of security officials monitoring electoral materials as this will make them steadfast in fighting against electoral crime.

"In situations where security officials are not adequately paid and have been sent to electoral fields they are likely to be compromised. Electoral integrity is the only way to consolidate democratic values. Nigerians must resist Politicians who want to water down the effort to have free, fair, transparent and credible elections in Nigeria by their planned agenda to use security agencies," the statement concluded.

Danbatta, Mutairu, others to be honoured at 5th Campus Journalism Awards

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, and the Managing Director of M/W Global Services, Dr. Ibrahim Mutairu, will be honoured at the 5th edition of the Campus Journalism Awards.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Editor of Youths Digest, Gidado Y. Shuaib, said while Mr Danbatta will be honoured as “Outstanding Personality of the Year” (public sector), Mr Mutairu will be honoured as “Outstanding Personality of the Year” (private sector).

The statement also added that both Messrs Danbatta and Mutairu are deserving of the honours, owing to their outstanding performances in the public and private sectors.

The statement read: “Professor Danbatta is the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), an erudite engineer, astute administrator, philanthropist, and an outstanding nation builder par excellence.

“After his appointment as the EVC of NCC in August 2015, he has tremendously transformed the telecom sector in different areas especially in the increase in active mobile broadband penetration, efficient monitoring and value driven usage for the provision of different types of telecom services.

“Dr Ibrahim Mutairu is a strategic project manager and the Managing Director M/W Global Services Limited from 2008 till date.

“A Masters holder in business Administration from Nasarawa State University Keffi and he also holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and diploma in public administration from the University of Abuja, Nigeria.

“He has engaged a number of young Nigerians through his various business interests that cut across road construction, supplies and business consultancy services.”

The statement also added that the Head of Corporate Communications at the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, Hadiza Umar, and the Sokoto State Branch Manager of the Bank of Industry, Dr. Dahiru Bala, will be awarded as Honorary Patrons.

“Hajiya Hadiza Umar is an accomplished journalist, PR professional with practical experience in various fields of the media. She joined the corporate communications unit of National Information Technology Development Agency in 2009.

“Over the years, she has created and maintained a sustainable communication channel and understanding between NITDA and its public. She has also been a beacon of hope to young female journalists, inspiring them to be their most authentic selves and never giving up on their dreams.

“Dr Dahiru Bala Mohammed is the Sokoto State manager of the Bank of Industry and the recipient of the Honorary Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris Causa) by the Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy, Enugu.

“His relentless efforts in upholding social dialogues and for his remarkable contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s business sector is second to none. His exemplary leadership and sound teaching skills has helped in shaping the lives of many students in the Dangote Business School,” the statement added.

CISLAC to FG: Intensify efforts to stop gender-based violence

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, CISLAC, has called on the federal government to intensify efforts in curbing gender-based violence in the country.

Making the call on Thursday, while commemorating the 2022 16 Days of Activism themed: “Activism to end gender based violence”, the group said it is seriously worried on the growing spate of gender-based violence in the country, adding that the government should implement more stringent policies that will totally stop the menace.

CISLAC explained that while it is aware of the positive steps taken by the government in the past years, a lot still needs be done to address the challenges of gender-based violence in the country, in line with global best practices.

The statement read: “As the world campaigns for the elimination of all form of Gender-Based Violence across the globe, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) is calling on the Federal Government of Nigeria to intensify efforts to implement its commitment towards the elimination of Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria. The theme for this year commemoration is “UNITE! Activism to end violence against women and girls” is calling for collective effort by all stakeholders to stem the tides on the growing menace of violence against women and girls. CISLAC is seriously worried on the growing spate of the menace of Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria. From forced and early marriages to physical, mental, or sexual assault on a woman, nearly 3 in 10 Nigerian women have experienced physical violence by age 15 (NDHS 2013).”

We note with optimism, that recently, the government of Nigeria has taken some bold initiatives to curb these menace, such as; the efforts by the Nigeria Governors Forum to declare a state of emergency on Gender-Based Violence; the inauguration of the Inter-Ministerial Gender-Based Violence Management Committee; the Senate approval of the Sexual Harassment Bill in furtherance of the legislative agenda to protect women’s rights and at regional level Statement by the ECOWAS Commission calling for urgent action to address GBV and protect the rights of children. In June 2021, the National Human Rights Commission, the Nigeria Police, and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) signed an agreement of formally joining forces to combat GBV. These developments present opportunities to further the prevention and response to GBV in Nigeria."

“However, a lot is still desired to be done in order to turn the table around to address the challenges associated with GBV in line with global best practices. We are calling on the government of Nigeria both at the federal and state level to as a matter of urgency deliver on the below actions in the interest of Nigerians:
(1) Creating enabling policy, legal and resource environments to discourage and punish offenders to serve as deterrent mechanism.
(2) Scale up evidence driven prevention programming to nip in the bud GBV in Nigeria.
(3) Scale up comprehensive, accessible, and quality services for survivors of GBV in Nigeria
(4) Enable and empower autonomous girl-led and women’s rights organizations to exercise their expertise.
We join the rest of the world and in alliance with the theme of this year’s #16days of activism call for Government to end Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria.”

Economic diplomacy: Nigeria and opportunities in Guinea-Bissau

By Jibrin Baba Ndace

Upon attainment of independence in 1960, Nigeria’s Prime Minister (1960-1966), Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, declared “Africa is the centrepiece of Nigeria’s foreign policy.” That policy statement has been the underlying commitment of Nigeria to the continent and the West African subregion.

Since independence, therefore, Nigeria’s foreign policy has been characterised by a “Big Brother” role – as a regional power and by attachment to several fundamental principles such as African unity and independence; capability to exercise hegemonic influence in the region; peaceful settlement of disputes; non alignment and non-intentional interference in the internal affairs of other nations; and regional economic cooperation and development.

Thus, for many decades, the nation’s foreign policy thrust was unmistakably afro-centric, becoming the backbone of armed struggle to finally rid the continent of the remnants of the vestiges of colonialism and apartheid.

Consequently, Angola, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Liberia, Sierra Leone and The Gambia among other African nations, were beneficiaries of Nigeria’s diplomatic benevolence.

In carrying out these principles, Nigeria participates in the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Non-Aligned Movement, the Commonwealth of Nations, the United Nations, and recently, adopted the Continental Free Trade protocol.

In pursuing the goal of regional economic cooperation and development, Nigeria helped create ECOWAS, which seeks to harmonise trade and investment practices for its 15 West African member countries, ultimately achieve a full customs union, and establish a single currency. Nigeria has played a central role in the ECOWAS efforts to end the civil war in Liberia and contributed the bulk of the ECOWAS peacekeeping forces sent there in 1990. Nigeria also has provided the bulk of troops for ECOMOG forces in Sierra Leone.

Nigeria has enjoyed generally good relations with its immediate neighbours and has actively played a leading role in West Africa. With enormous military power, it has been perpetual in its aim of promoting peace and stability in Africa's most prosperous region for more than three decades.
Despite Nigeria’s glaring contribution to regional peace and stability as well as social and economic development, experts on international affairs and diplomacy have argued that there have not been commensurate benefits and opportunities for the country’s investors, entrepreneurs, and business leaders. Nigeria has no meaningful economic presence in these countries to compensate for her sacrifices.

Therefore, there is the need for Nigeria to take the lead in articulating the views of developing nations on the need for modification of the existing international economic order and economic diplomacy to promote the growth of these West African country’s economy by increasing trade, promoting investments, collaboration on bilateral and multilateral trade agreements.

As the giant of Africa, Nigeria has succeeded in playing the role of the protective big brother in West Africa but it is time for it to engage in economic diplomacy which can improve foreign policy. There are countries in Africa with huge potentials waiting to be explored.
These countries have their own natural resources and niche which keeps the countries afloat and are open to investors across Africa, especially Nigerians who have the capacity to invest.

It is important to note that the main goal of ECOWAS is to promote economic cooperation among the 15 member states comprising Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo, in order to raise living standards and promote economic development.

In line with the goals of ECOWAS and the need to open up Guinea Bissau to investors in Africa and around the world, the government of Guinea Bissau and the embassies of Nigeria, Cape Verde, and South Africa together with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are jointly organizing and hosting the inaugural edition of Bissau Rising Impact Investment and Trade Forum.

The aim of the event is to open a platform for business leaders, artistes, government officials, policymakers, diplomats and influencers from Africa and beyond. The forum creates new opportunities through cooperation and the exchange of ideas that foster innovation and generate new value to achieve positive impact in the economy, society and environment.

Unlike previous diplomatic engagements, where the majority of Nigerians could not justifiably see anything tangible and beneficial to the man on the street, the current focus is expected to be felt in several ways, including more foreign direct investments, transfer of technologies, taking the nation’s industrial capacities to neighbouring countries, thereby creating a pool of expatriate Nigerian workers, as well as opening new frontier of business opportunities for big and small businesses within and outside the African continent.

Speaking about the potentials and opportunities, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Guinea Bissau and Cape Verde, Ambassador John James Usanga, says: “I have been pushing, very seriously mobilising other ECOWAS ambassadors to prevail on the government to adopt policies that are conducive for investment and investors from ECOWAS, particularly from Nigeria. Can you imagine one industry set up here employing 2000 people, that’s more than 20% of the population taken off.

“We have collaborated with a lot of people in the government and in the private sector, to make Nigerians become aware of the prospects here then we begin to see Nigerians investing and taking up opportunities that for me, will be a good reward because these countries have been our trusted allies in multi-lateral relationships but we have a big problem of connectivity.

“We have a very big problem of connectivity in this place, we need maritime transport to move the goods, and we need air connectivity. I will encourage the Nigerian aviation sector to begin to look towards that. Aircraft can be deployed to these islands and they will still make a lot of money”.

The potentials are unending - “digital economy, infrastructure, blue economy, tourism, finance banking and insurance, creative industry, intellectual property, water sanitation and eco solutions including energy and waste management, logistics and transport” - all these have the potential to drive investment leading to positive social impact and economic change, he said.

Bissau Rising, is no doubt a forum for Africans, but more importantly, Nigerians to look inward and embrace the potentials on the African continent. It is time for Nigerian investors, business leaders to heed the call of Ambassador Usanga by taking advantage of the Guinea Bissau Investment Forum

Jibrin Baba Ndace works with Blueprint Newspapers, Abuja

2023: TMG raises alarm over high rate of political intolerance

A foremost independent civil society election observation group, Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) has raised the alarm over the high rate of political intolerance by states and irate citizens as the 2023 elections draw closer.

In a statement signed on Thursday, the TMG Chairman, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, lamented the vandalisation of INEC offices and attack on personnels in some states as well as refusal of state governments to allow opposition to use public facilities for their campaigns and rallies.

"The high rate of cases of arson at the INEC offices in Ogun and Osun States which has led to the loss of 904 election boxes and 65,699 uncollected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) have become an alarming issue with the critical infrastructure of INEC increasingly being targeted, recent attacks appear like a systematic assault meant to cripple INEC operations ahead of the 2023 general election.

"We have also witnessed scenarios where some state governments prevent the opposition from using public facilities for their campaigns which have been readily available to them.

"It is on the backdrop that TMG is partnering the Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE), an initiative funded by USAID to support citizens' engagement in the 2023 general elections, the partnership is aimed at improving citizen's participation and stakeholders' engagement towards a violent-free, participatory and credible 2023 election."

According to Mr Rafsanjani, the organisations will deploy a wide range of membership across the country to ensure a nationwide outreach of the objectives of the collaboration.

“The collaboration among the two foremost organisations will adopt robust engagements with stakeholders while also initiating a system to monitor and publicize the campaign promises of the major political parties before and after the elections.

“Also the partnership will also be seeking to promote an issue-based electoral campaign and to observe and report electoral conduct to reflect the yearnings of citizens in the elections,” the statement noted.

Mr Rafsanjani added that part of what the partnership intends to address include issues such as election violence and thuggery, vote-buying and voters harassment.

Other issues, according to the statement, included intimidation by security officials and government officials and also to closely monitor the e-electoral process to avoid any anomaly in the elections.

“In achieving the set objectives, TMG will be adopting the following approaches, documenting and publicising election promises of candidates and political parties, training the trainers workshop for TMG members across the country in Abuja, and supporting electoral debates for select parties at the state and national levels,” the statement added.

Return stolen assets to original owners, Rafsanjani to Anti-corruption Agencies

The Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative and Advocacy Centre, CISLAC, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani has charged anti-graft and law enforcement agencies in the African continent to ensure that the original owners of stolen assets are given back their assets when recovered.

Speaking at the Global South Forum for Asset Recovery In Nairobi Kenya, Rafsanjani who doubles as the head of Transparency International Nigeria, decried the practice of marginalizing the original owners of stolen assets when recovered by governments across the continent.

He said the case between the Nigerian government and Delta state as well as the mismanaged COVID-19 funds in Kenya are good examples, adding that if not properly checked, the assets risk being re-looted by officials who don’t mean well for their country.

He also charged African countries to come up with legal frameworks for the management of recovered assets, stating that it will encourage countries outside the African continent where the assets are located to send them back to Africa.

Rafsanjani also charged law enforcement and anti-graft agencies in Nigeria to adhere strictly to the recently passed Proceeds of Crime. (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022 when it comes to seizures, confiscation and management of recovered assets.

Rafsanjani said while the new law does not solve the issue of proper coordination, the provision for anti-graft agencies to operate a database of recovered information where citizens can know the status of seized assets is commendable.

He, however, lauded President Buhari and the National Assembly for the piece of legislation which according to him was long overdue.

The forum had representatives drawn from civil society organizations in Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, Kenya, Angola, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United State, France, Germany, representatives from the African Union secretariat, GIZ amongst others.

CISLAC trains law enforcement officers on ‘ethics and integrity’

Ahead of the 2023 general elections, the Civil Society Legislative and Advocacy Centre, CISLAC, in collaboration with Centre for Women and Adolescent Empowerment and MacArthur Foundation, has organised a one-day “ethics and integrity” training, for law enforcement officers in the country.

At the training which held in Yola, CISLAC Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, said the training was designed to sensitize law enforcement officials on how to demonstrate high level of ethics and integrity while they ensure the maintenance of law and order during the upcoming elections.

He stressed that the event was organised with the understanding that law enforcement officials will play a very crucial role in the elections, adding that they will assist INEC in ensuring a free and fair election.

Also speaking, the Executive Director, Centre for Women and Adolescent Empowerment, Yola Ms Asma’u Joda, who was represented by Tijjjani Ubandoma, charged the Law Enforcement officers to carry out their duties effectively and ensure a free and fair election in 2023.

She also tasked law enforcement officers to warn politicians to desist from using thugs to enable violence and electoral malpractices during electioneering process.

Law enforcement officials at the training were drawn from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigerian Immigration Service and Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

Declare your assets publicly, CISLAC tells political candidates

Ahead of the 2023 general elections, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, CISLAC, has called on candidates running for public offices to publicly declare their assets.

CISLAC made the call during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau, in Abuja on Friday.

Speaking on during the visit, the Executive Director of CISLAC, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, urged candidates to ensure full compliance of asset declaration laws by the CCB, adding that it will show accountability and promote integrity in public service.

He said “As we are going into the 2023 General elections, The Executive Director CISLAC said the visit focuses on three objectives, the first objective, which will focus on the campaign season, hopes to encourage candidates running for public office to publicly declare their assets.

“The second and third objectives would urge candidates to commit to ensuring full compliance with asset declaration laws by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), as well as investigate past leaks around non-compliance with asset declaration when they get into office.

“During the political parties’ primaries, commercialization of politics was the main headline, adding that it became a pointer to how vote trading and electoral bribery can play a disruptive role in the 2023 elections.”

Rafsanjani who said that CISLAC has been working close with the CCB decried lack of support to the agency by the government.

He said it is very important to support the CCB, stating that if supported, the public will know more about the agency and its functions.

Rafsanjani, however, urged the CCB to investigate offences on asset declaration and also send such offences to the tribunal for adjudication.

He also urged the CCB to send a representative to work with CISLAC on the project, while maintaining a good relationship with civil society groups and the media.

The APC Senatorial Candidate for Kwara Central, Mallam Saliu Mustapha has written the foreword for a new book titled “Visit Kwara” by Abdulrahman Yusuf Dolapo, a book which aims to promote tourism in Kwara State.

In the forward, for the book which will be launched in January 2023, Mr Mustapha who is the Turaki of Ilorin stated that while tourism has been downplayed in Nigeria, it has been a major source of revenue for some countries.

He explained that tourism in Nigeria will go beyond natural scenery, as it will also be seen in the country's art, history and culture.

Mustapha while commending the author, Abdulrahman Yusuf, for his book, said he is pleased to see young Nigerians showing interest in the art and tourism sector.

He said “ Commentators, however, often overlook the huge potential for tourism in Nigeria which has propelled nations like the UAE, Maldives, Georgia, Greece, Nova Scotia, and most recently Rwanda, into the international spotlight. Nigeria’s untapped tourism sector lies not just in the abundant natural scenery in every part of the country but in our art, history and culture.

“It gives me great pleasure to see that youths today have taken their destiny into their hands with their renewed interest in art and tourism.”

Meanwhile, the Author of the book, Abdulraman Yusuf, in a statement released on Friday, explained that the book aims at promoting Kwara State as a place of tourism, adding that the state has a good number of tourist centres which can be explored.

According to Yusuf, the book launch which is scheduled for January 2023, will be an opportunity for different people from around the world to converge in Kwara and see the beauty of the state.

“Since the establishment of Visit Kwara in 2020, the team has worked assiduously to document the people, culture, history, monuments, festivals and natural wonders in Kwara, cutting across the 16 Local Government Areas in the state.

Yusuf said, “This documentary birthed the Visit Kwara Book (A Photographic Documentation Showcasing the People, Places and Culture of Kwara State, Nigeria; and the Visit Kwara film (The Scenics: A Short Film on Kwara’s Tourist Attractions).

“The Visit Kwara Book and Film are scheduled to launch and premiere in January, 2023. The event will be free and aims to provide an opportunity for Kwarans to gather together in celebration of Kwara State's beauty in diversity.

“Thus, the event will not only fill a space in the year's tourism calendar but also offer locals, visitors of the state, international communities, investors, students and tourists the opportunity to meet and discover the talents, cultures and flavours that shape Kwara's mosaic; This is in the spirit of beauty in diversity, inclusion and cultural exchange.”

KWASSIP and the Battle Against Poverty In Kwara

<strong>NEWS DIGEST</strong> - If there is anything that breaks my heart each time I step out of my house in Ilorin, it is the sight of women begging for money to feed. I have been very devastated about this, because I feel that these women, with no any form of deformity, would also desire for themselves a more dignified means of livelihood. Running after people in traffic or at ATM points to beg for money must therefore not be a life they bargained for.

Therefore, when on Wednesday, 21st of September, 2022, the Kwara State Government, through the agency coordinating its social intervention and poverty reduction programmes, Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP), announced the commencement of the disbursement of N20,000 each to 30,000 petty traders, the second of such since the coming onboard of the Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq government, I was beside myself with joy. I was happy, not particularly because of the disbursement per say, but because an intervention that holds so much potential, and one whose result was already manifesting across the State, had women as predominant beneficiaries. I could immediately imagine the multiplier effect on families across the State, as well as the reduction in the growing number of ‘begging women’ on our streets.

Just last month (August), the World Bank State by State poverty index for Nigeria put the rate of poverty in Kwara at 20.4 percent, while the national average ballooned to 65.2 percent from the initial 40 percent often cited by government officials. But the improved situation in Kwara did not just happen by chance, considering that a year before Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazak came onboard as Governor, Kwara’s poverty rate stood at 30.2 percent. It therefore speaks to the hard work of Governor Abdulrazak and, by extension, the helmsman At KWASSIP, Mr. Abdulquawiy Olododo and his predecessor, Mr. Mohammed Brimah, that the State has now attained a dignified status as the shining star in poverty reduction, particularly in northern Nigeria.

Those who read politics into the life-changing initiative which ‘Owo Ishowo’ represents are either mischievous or lack the capacity to be dispassionate about issues that concern the welfare of our people. While it may sound like good argument to say the disbursement of this second phase of grant to the petty traders is ominous because it is happening just as campaign is about to commence; anyone who knows the history of the programme would readily acknowledge that the disbursement for the first phase, which had a total of 21, 623, also took place sometime in September, 2020. Therefore, it is immediately obvious that the government of Abdulrahman Abdulrasak has been consistent in its commitment to riding our State of mass poverty.

At a time poverty is said to be rising in Nigeria by at least six people every minute, the Kwara State government remained consistent with its working strategy to support petty traders in order to encourage entrepreneurship, improve the capacity of women to gain sustainable income and therefore curb poverty among the majority of low class families. The grant disbursement, in addition to offering beneficiaries the needed support to expand their businesses and engage in more profitable economic activities, would also help them to earn regular income which would help them meet their daily needs.

Research has also shown that women in Kwara make up the highest number of customers of micro-finance banks. But with the grants made available by the Kwara State government, these women can now avoid the often inconvenient path of bank loans. They can now conveniently secure money for their businesses, improve their disposable income and consequently their living standard as well as their social and political empowerment. It is now highly improbable that any of the petty traders who have continued to benefit from ‘Owo Ishowo’ would be caught begging for N100 or be lured with N500 by any politician. Such is the dignity and honour that Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazak is conferring on our women folk in Kwara!

With no fanfare or exaggerated marketing of achievements, Kwara Governor has continued to invest in the places that count and where the benefits are timeless. ‘Owo Arugbo,’ ‘Owo Ishowo’ and the other components of the social investment programme of the State government are clear attestation of where the priority of the government lies. No doubt, this government has shown, beyond any iota of doubt, that the people, ordinary people, represent the fulcrum of its interventions. This is why we would continue to pray that, not ever in Kwara, would we witness a government that think less of our people, but one that think more of them like the current one. May AA continue to succeed, and may Kwara continue to grow under his watch.

Alabi Abdulkarim, a Public Affairs Analyst, is based in Ilorin, Kwara State.

Kwara begins disbursements of cash grant to 30,000 women petty traders

The Kwara State Government on Wednesday kick-started the disbursement of N20,000 grant to 30,000 female petty traders across the 16 local government areas of the state.

The support, which is modelled after a World Bank programme, Nigeria for Women Project, is being coordinated under the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP)’s popular known as "Owo Isowo" initiative.

Abdulquawiy A. Olododo, Ag. General Manager of KWASSIP, said in a statement that the disbursement begins in Ilorin West, Ilorin South, and Asa and will proceed to other local government areas in the coming days.

He said that the programme was designed under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to specially give a lifting hand to the poorest and vulnerable citizens in the state.

He said that the initiative was a clear demonstration of the Governor's commitment to address poverty which has become a core developmental challenge confronting the good people of the state.

“Since the inception of Governor Abdulrazaq’s administration in 2019, it inherited a high national poverty incidence level.

“The State Government has paid more attention to generating solutions to address the plight of the poor and vulnerable in the state in spite of other economic challenges the administration inherited.

“This informed the decision to initiate the Owo Isowo as a strategy for poverty reduction and enhancing women empowerment," Mr Olododo said.

He said the Kwara State Government is the first state to kick off the women empowerment programme after the Federal Government NSIP initiative.

This newspaper gathered the initiative had been approved by the state executive council on August 10, 2022.

Transparency International rates Nigeria as highly corrupt country

Nigeria has been rated as a highly corrupt country, according to the 2021 corruption perception index (CPI) report, released by Transparency International.

In the report which was revealed by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) during the launch of Nigeria's SDG 16 2022 shadow report in New York, Nigeria scored 24 out of 100 points.

CISLAC Director and Head of Transparency International Nigeria, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, while pointing out some factors affecting the country at the shadow report, said Nigeria, although, has made progress in the area of money laundering and asset recovery as compared to past years.

Rafsanjani who is also the board chair of Amnesty International Nigeria also stated that the progress in these areas were due to some legislations made by the National Assembly.

He said “In this year’s report, CISLAC notes an improvement in two indicators as compared to three in 2021 and six in 2019.

“This improvement which can be seen in the policy areas of money laundering and asset recovery, is attributed to the passage and assent into law of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill and Proceeds of Crime Management Bill in May 2022.

“The Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 aims to strengthen the powers of relevant agencies in dealing with challenges posed by money laundering by expanding the scope of money laundering in the prevention, prohibition, detection, prosecution, and punishment of offenders.

“The Proceeds of Crime Management Act 2022 aims to better manage recovered assets through the establishment of a central database as well as the establishment of directorates to manage recovered assets in various jurisdictions amongst other measures.”

CISLAC also decried the spate of insecurity in the country stating that insecurity has raised concern among citizens.

Rafsanjani also noted that low revenue generation is another issue rocking the country, adding that it has led to enormous increase in borrowing.

In his report, Rafsanjani also sighted press freedom as another factor where the country is not making progress.

According to him, the governments attempt to fine some media houses over their reportage on the security situation of the country, proves his position.

“The worsening insecurity across Nigeria has raised concern amongst citizens. In addition to this, there is a high level of corruption amidst an increase in national debt.

“As seen on to the 2021 Corruption Perception Index (CPI) released globally by Transparency International where Nigeria scored 24 out of 100 points which is its worst since 2012 when the methodology of the CPI was reformed.

“Another area to be concerned about is Nigeria’s revenue generation problem which has led to an enormous increase in borrowing.

“Official data has shown that Nigeria had a revenue of N1.63 trillion in the first quarter of 2022 which was not even enough to pay the debt of the country for that quarter which was at N1.94 trillion.

“The last factor which fights against tangible progress is the actions of the government against freedom of speech and freedom of the press. The fining of some media houses in August 2022 for the airing of messages on the security situation speaks to this matter.

“On the global Press Freedom Index (PFI) released by Reporters without Borders, Nigeria fell 9 places to 129/180 on the 2022 PFI as against 120/180 on the 2021 PFI,” Rafsanjani said.

What does Saliu Mustapha's drive for youth empowerment mean for Kwara?

If events of the past few years are anything to go by, Kwara citizens can surely see that Mallam Saliu Mustapha has a profound interest in the development of the state. While this might be an easy course to chart, months before an election year, the antecedents are quite clear for anyone quite discerning.

To understand the Turaki of Ilorin's intelligence and length of inclusiveness is to look no further than his response to incumbent Kwara Central representative at the upper chamber, Dr Ibrahim Oloriegbe, who described the primaries that produced Mallam Mustapha as APC senatorial candidate as a “charade.”

He said: “We should avoid comments that do not unite the party and it’s members, notwithstanding our personal feelings. At all times, real leaders must show restraint in their outbursts.”

His words speak volumes as someone committed to doing something productive rather than engaging in trivial public exchanges that only end up heating up the polity.

But the Turaki embodies more than sheer inclusivity. What Kwara state residents can come to expect of the Turaki is a government that values youth empowerment and sports development, as well as defending and protecting the interest of Kwara Central in the Senate.

The Turaki does indeed love all. As a lover of sport, Mallam Mustapha bought 3,000 Kwara sports lovers a ticket to see Kwara United square up against MFM United on July 10. That gesture also included a match-winning bonus for the team which eventually motivated them to win the match.

On Sunday, Saliu Mustapha rewarded the Kwara team with $1500 for defeating AS Douanes of Niger Republic 3-0 in their first match in the CAF Confederation cup, he also pledged another $10,000 for the players if they make it to the group stage.

Turaki captures his interest in sport perfectly during the celebration of International Youth Day in August: “I have continued to see sports as a major platform to foster peace and unity among young people.”

That interest extends to youth empowering schemes. Because Mallam Mustapha finds that youth are instrumental to the growth of the country, he created a programme dedicated to advancing youths' cause in Kwara state.

Mallam Mustapha has already said that his office would make youth empowerment one of their major legislative agenda if elected into office.

Already, youths are the major beneficiaries of the annual aid offered to small and medium entrepreneurs by the Saliu Mustapha Foundation.

As the Turaki of Ilorin, Mallam Mustapha shares a great love for the custom and culture of the Ilorin Emirate. At the 2022 Ilorin Annual Durbar, the Turaki's N15 million and Sienna bus donation made sure that the celebration was befitting of the occasion and a memorable one for his people.

Also in an attempt to meet and share his Political Vision with young people, the Turaki of Ilorin engaged the association of Kwara Online Media Practitioners (ASKOMP) at his Ilorin residence on Monday 12 July, 2022. In the meeting, he promised to employ an all-inclusive representation that will be of great benefits to the youth, women, widows and other members of his constituency, if elected - a promise borne out of his love for the masses and the development of human capital in the area.

The meeting which was attended by young media owners and social media influencers witnessed the Turaki promising to foster and harness development of mining in Kwara state.

The Turaki's humanitarian gestures are visible across the state. I couldn't have a higher opinion of him than I already do.

Such is his concern for developmental issues in Kwara state and his commitment to resolving them within and without the capacity of a Senator. But what has endeared me to him, as it would many Kwara state citizens, particularly the state's thriving youth community, is his deep and sincere love for youth empowerment.

“I believe that giving young people opportunities will help maximize their contributions to the development of our dear country,” he said during the celebration of International Youth Day.

Little wonder he was honoured by the National Association of Nigerian Students for his outstanding contribution to the development of the education sector in Kwara at the 40th anniversary celebration of the apex student body.

A real man of the people and quintessential lover of the masses with incredible passion for education, Mallam Mustapha keeps proving such commitment with the annual inter-school mathematics competition and debate hosted by his foundation and the thousands of students for whom he pays WAEC, NECO and JAMB in the state.

Mallam Mustapha is a rare gem whose motto in life is “For God and country.” His humanitarian activities and interest in result-oriented governance means that the people of Ilorin have struck gold…. A precious metal they would want to have in the highest lawmaking body in the country.

Kabir Agaka, a youth advocate writes from Ilorin.

The Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLA), Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani has condemned the N48 billion surveillance contract awarded by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to an ex-militant, Mr Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo.

Rafsanjani made this known in a statement on Monday, September 12.

As contained in the statement, Rafsanjani made reference to Tompolo's past records and troubles with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the years.

He questioned the integrity of the NNPC ltd for ignoring his past records before awarding him the contract.

Rafsanjani said: "What is the value of the investments and allocations made from the national treasury to the numerous security paraphernalia in Nigeria if an EX-militant is seen to be more competent to deliver on security issues than the entire armed forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria."

"Who over-sighted the procurement process of this award, were there bids, and what process led to his emergence on this award, or is our bureau of public procurement also an incompetent institution that couldn’t deliver on a free and equitable process? On the other doesn’t the law have clear stipulations on contract awards in Nigeria?"

The CISLAC boss further made reference to the agitation of rival groups who blamed the government for not consulting before awarding the contract.

These groups are said to have threatened to sabotage the execution of the contract if not carried along properly.

Rafsanjani, however, questioned the status of the NNPC Ltd "if it is still an agency of government given a contract on behalf of the government or a commercial entity that should be running their cost based on performance and have their operation approved by the governing board of that establishment?"

Speaking further on the issue, Rafsanjani disclosed that the decision to award Tompolo the surveillance contract in the Niger Delta area was a clear indication that the Nigerian government is promoting criminality.

Rafsanjani said: "It is really sad that the Nigerian government is promoting criminality. Because what they have practically done is encourage criminality. So, criminals can take arms against the state and they can now rubbish our own security; the police, navy, army, and DSS meaning all of them cannot secure the country or the oil pipelines. One day, the Nigerian government will come and hire terrorists to guide us, this is really terrible."

Rafsanjani further urged the government to uphold the commitment and mantra that brought them to power in 2015.

He stated that it is still not late for the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to redeem itself and make some measurable impact and decision that is just, fair, and civil for the greater good of Nigeria.

TMG raises alarm over INEC plans to upturn Yobe senatorial primary election result

NEWS DIGEST - A non-governmental organisation, Transition Monitoring Group, TMG, has expressed displeasure over plans by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to overturn Yobe North Senatorial election that produced Bashir Machina, a candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

In the poll held on May 28, 2022, the INEC-certified true copy report of the primary election gave that Bashir scored 289 votes out of 300 delegates.

TMG, in a press statement signed by its Chairman, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), questioned the sanity and sanctity of the rule of law by INEC in its ongoing plans to upturn the result of APC primary for the Senatorial District.

"We are not unaware of the alleged overall objective triggering the latest position by INEC to upturn the primary in favour of the incumbent Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, whose participation in the Senatorial primary has been disqualified by the provisions of Electoral Act, for his involvement at the same time as a candidate of Presidential Primary, where he contested and lost.  

"Just as we are worried by the cross-carpet impunity in some political parties that deliberately reversed victories or allowed dubious re-runs in favour of some candidates who had contested and lost their primaries under separate seats.

"We find the tactical pursuit of injustice and impunity through judicial institution displayed in an Affidavit dated August 11, 2022 filed before the Federal High Court in Damaturu, Yobe state, as tantamount to probable disobedience to the sanity and sanctity of the provisions of Electoral Act and betray of public trust.

"Given the recent development in the electoral sphere, we are more concerned by the readiness of INEC to maintain required competence and neutrality to deliver free, fair and credible elections in 2023.

"We observed with serious condemnation, the deliberately created condition by the Electoral Body to upturn the outcome and victory of a democratically recognized candidate in favour of an individual, who qualifies neither within the context of Electoral Law, nor as a documented contestant in the Senatorial primary.

"We therefore call on INEC to maintain absolute neutrality and respect for the rule of law in its activities at all levels, to demonstrate competence and trustworthiness to secure integrity and public trust in the 2023 general elections.

"We also call for the immediate prosecution by relevant authorities, of all upturned primaries of various political parties in favour of selected candidates, who had been disqualified by the Electoral Act for contesting under separate seats," the statement reads.

Turaki of Ilorin hails Kashim Shettima on 56th birthday 

The Turaki of Ilorin, Mallam Saliu Mustapha has felicitated with Senator Kashim Shettima, APC vice-presidential candidate, on the occasion of his 56th birthday.

In a message on Friday, Mr. Mustapha who is the APC Senatorial candidate for Kwara Central, said "Senator Kashim Shettima needs no introduction nationally. Regarded as the star-boy from the North, our quintessential incoming Vice President has gained admiration with his dynamic personality and force of credibility.

"A refined intellectual, a relentless achiever, and an eloquent speaker, this detribalized and distinguished Senator rose through the corporate ladder in the banking industry for the same sterling leadership qualities which make him a model thinker.

"A walking encyclopedia whose understanding of national and economic issues, coupled with his educational background as an agricultural economist, position him as an ideal copilot to direct, manage, and safeguard our national patrimony.

"On this occasion of his birthday, I join his family and supporters to wish him a Happy Birthday and many more years in good health and service to humanity," he added.

CISLAC SENSITIZES LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS ON ELECTION ETHICS IN KANO

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has called for law enforcement officials in Kano State to prioritize the security of the electorate and uphold election ethics and integrity in view of the upcoming 2023 general elections.

This call was made by the Executive Director, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani) during a training for Law Enforcement Officers in Kano state organized by CISLAC in collaboration with Women in Media (WIM) on ethics and integrity” with support from MacArthur Foundation. Rafsanjani said the training was designed to sensitize law enforcement officials on how to demonstrate a high level of ethics and integrity while they ensure the maintenance of law and order during the upcoming elections.

He stressed that more needs to be done in safeguarding the security of the electorate because there are politicians who seek to use the youth to exercise violent acts in manipulating and deterring the electoral process.

In her remarks, the executive director WiM, Hajiya Halima Be Umar noted that it is time that we as citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria should elect the right people into office. She also commended the law enforcement agencies for their efforts especially considering the challenges they face in carrying out their duties.

During the presentation of the project overview, the Programme Lead for the Anti-Corruption Department CISLAC, Nigeria, Samuel Asimi stated that unlike previously, votes count, so desperate Politicians have resorted to the “do or die” affair tactics which has led to vote trading. Therefore, there is need to uphold election ethics and integrity to encourage citizens in exercising their right to vote.

Also, the training included lecture presentations on the importance of ethics and integrity in law enforcement and interactive group work sessions on how to navigate ethics and integrity related challenges faced by law enforcement officials as they carry out their mandate.

TMG condemns nomination of APC members as INEC Commissioners

By Reginald Tobin

The Transformation Monitoring Group, TMG, has kicked against the alleged nomination of members of the All Progressive Congress, into key positions of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

The Group which made its position known in a statement signed by its Chairman, Auwal Ibrahima Musa Rafsanjani, on Saturday, described the move as a strategy to influence the process and outcome of the election in favour of the APC.

The group, while expressing displeasure on the appointment of card carrying party members as INEC Commissioners and State Resident Electoral Commissioners, noted that the constitution of the Federal Republic is clear on the composition and structure of the electoral body.

The group said “While the provisions of 1999 Constitution are clear on the compositions, and major appointments into structure of the Electoral Body, we are displeased by the apparent partisanship and favouritism reported through the nominations of the party’s card-carrying members as INEC Commissioners and State Resident Electoral Commissioners.

“Some Nigerians alleged that the recent unmerited promotions and strategic deployments across the country initiated within the Commission was to upturn votes or create inconclusive situations that will be exploited by unscrupulous politicians in forcing or rigging their way into power.

“We are more concerned by the potential impact of such a major push from the Presidency on the overall credibility, transparency and integrity of the upcoming elections in 2023. Just as we condemn in totality the appointments of card-carrying members of any political party as a controlling strategy that can compromise the competence and objectivity of INEC, under which the independence and integrity of the Commission cannot be guaranteed to deliver free, fair and credible elections.”

The group called on President Buhari to uphold the commitment of his administration's fight against corruption, by withdrawing the names of party members and Chieftains nominated for key positions in the electoral body, replacing their names with people of integrity and unquestionable character.

The TMG also tasked the National Assembly to uphold democratic values and electoral integrity by rejecting the nomination of party Chieftains.

“TMG on this note call on President Muhammadu Buhari to in the spirit of his administration’s commitment to anti-corruption and transparency, withdraw all names of political party chieftains or card-carrying members contained in the nominations; and consider for immediate replacements, persons of integrity and unquestionable character, to demonstrate non-partisanship in the selections and nominations.

“We call on the National Assembly to reject confirmation of all nominated party chieftains and insist on transparency and non-partisanship in the selections, to uphold democratic value and electoral integrity, while proving respect for the sanity and sanctity of the rule of law.

“We also call on INEC to give detailed and verifiable positions of the nominated persons and rationale for their selections as well as prerequisite for the recent adjustments in the Commission’s structure and compositions at all levels,” The group said.

Civil leader, Mr Auwal Rafsanjani, said on Friday that the botched anti-corruption crusade of the Buhari presidency can be traced to a lack of concrete ideas and strategies on how to fight corruption.

Rafsanjani, who is the Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, said his organization had always held doubt about the president’s willingness and capacity to fight corruption because he had refused to galvanize support from the tiers of government.

Now into the final ten months of Mr Buhari’s 8 years as President, corruption continues to be a prominent part of the political space and the civil service despite riding to the seat of President with an “anti-corruption mandate” as one of his cardinal projects back in 2015.

“The government has not been able to block the leakages, especially the revenue leakages,” said Rafsanjani, who is also the Chairman of Transformation Monitoring Group, TMG.

Despite initiatives like the Treasury Single Account, which was fully implemented by Mr Buhari’s office, Rafsanjani finds that there has been an uncontrolled diversion of public funds in Mr Buhari’s administration, to his discredit as President.

Only recently, the former Accountant-General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, was arrested by the EFCC for compromising the TSA and IPPIS in a N109 billion fraud.

“This is why the country is facing serious economic challenges,” he said.

According to Rafsanjani, there are traces of corruption across most government initiatives: the fuel subsidy, public procurement and recovery of looted funds.

In an interview with the Daily Nigerian, Mr Rafsanjani said of Mr Buhari’s anti-corruption rhetoric: “Right now, we are borrowing money to finance even payment of salary, to finance payment of subsidies which many people see as payment of fraud because we cannot be spending N4 Trillion on the so-called subsidy that Nigerians are not benefitting from

“The government under Muhammadu Buhari cannot account for the recoveries [of looted funds] both local and international. In all honesty and sincerity, Nigerians have not seen the impact of these recoveries.

“There is [also] corruption in defence procurement. Every day, you would hear a huge amount of money being spent yet insecurity is on the increase. The National Assembly is also increasing more funds for security, yet nobody is seeing any improvement.”

President Buhari is also faulted for failing to consolidate the anti-corruption charges of previous administrations.

“Take for example the public procurement law which was signed by Late President Yar’adua, it has been extremely disregarded by the officials of this regime,” he said. “The Freedom of Information Bill that was signed under President Goodluck Jonathan is completely disregarded.”

Rafsanjani added that the shrinking of the civil space and the unabated disobedience of court orders are not incidents that should occur in an administration keen on fighting corruption.

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has condemned the plan of the Nigerian Governors' Forum to the federal government to offer Federal Civil Servants above 50 years of age, a one-off retirement package to exit the Service.

In a statement by the Executive Director of the Centre, Comrade Auwal Ibrahim Rafsajani, he described the plan as an "unrealistic and lopsided proposal."

Part of the statement read, "...Such proposal was tendered in view of reducing overbearing cost of governance that has hitherto rendered Nigeria financially incapacitated to adequately finance the ailing critical sector of the economy, we cannot conceal the fact that it mirrors lop-sidedness, insincerity and lack of readiness by all levels of government to holistically address the contending issues backpedalling country’s socio-economic development."

While calling on the government to be vigilant matters irking governance and socio-economic inequalities in Nigeria, it noted that 85 percent of reform efforts have failed since independence.

Some of its concerns include the needless fuel subsidy regime, which serves as a major contributory challenge to the high cost of governance in Nigeria; unchecked inflated budget-line items, non-existed projects, and the over-costed public contracts that permeates budgetary and procurement processes at all levels; non-existent projects worth N4 billion which was reportedly discovered in the 2020 budget proposal of the National Inland Waterways Agency (NIWA); Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) allegedly spent over N65 billion for the silting and clearing of water hyacinth against the 2.5 billion budgeted for the activity.

It further condemned the proposal by the NGF over unjustified huge salaries, allowances, benefits, and public-paid expenses enjoyed by the governors, their deputies, former speakers, and their deputies throughout and after their tenures.

Rafsanjani said, "We are also worried by the increasing clamours for life-time pensions and benefits accrued to public office holders across the states, constituting a major component of the rising cost of governance."

However, while urging all levels of government to give serious consideration to economic diversification to agricultural and industrial sectors through targeted public-private partnerships to discourage mono-economy, CISLAC advised President Muhammadu Buhari to be more proactive by addressing corruption, mismanagement of resources, and excessive çumulation of debts.

The centre also recommends immediate removal of the needless subsidies on petroleum, among many others.

CISLAC Urges EFCC, ICPC To Apprehend Masterminds of Vote-buying

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), has advocated for the enforcement of laws governing the financing of political parties in the country.

The Executive Director of the Centre, Auwal Ibrahim Musa Rafsanjani, disclosed this on Thursday, during the working group meeting on the Strengthening Accountability Networks Among Civil Society (SANCUS) project held in Keffi, Nasarawa State.

The project, which is the first working group meeting of the centre was implemented by the Transparency International Secretariat (TIS) through its chapters in 21 countries, supported by the European Commission.

Rafsanjani noted that anti-grafts agencies have more work to do by not just apprehending vote buyers but also the masterminds of such illegal act.

Taking the recent Osun election as a case study where he commended efforts of the anti-graft commission, he, however, call upon relevant agencies to be activated in ensuring political parties involved in electoral offences are not spared.

He said, “We need to see prosecutions and conviction of those offenders as well as the politicians sending these individuals on these errands. The funds use to buy votes are moved through our financial institutions, and it is important for the anti-graft agencies to target the “big fishes”.

The Centre noted that alongside other civil society organizations, it had advocated and marched for the passage and assent of the electoral legal framework, and it is important for the society to enlighten the working group on the provisions so that it can all collectively utilize it from an informed position.

Rafsanjani, in his address was bothered on the crisis at the leadership of the country which has resulted to robbery, bandits, vote-buying, amongst others.

“Corruption is not just a threat but an enabler of other illicit conducts. Consequently, the motivation for corruption is more widespread during the period leading to elections. Therefore, all stakeholders must be alert to this and collaborate in ways that will mitigate these illicit flows,” he said.

However, he urged stakeholders to monitor compliance, monitor campaign, political spendings, follow up money in politics, press for the fulfillment of anti-corruption pledges, educate the public about political integrity, expose unexpected wealth of Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs), and mobilize critical mass of people to reject dirty money politics.

The SANCUS project has the aim to improve the democratic accountability of public institutions globally by empowering CSOs to demand for systemic change to address accountability and anti-corruption deficits.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Senatorial candidate for Kwara Central Mallam Saliu Mustapha has expressed sympathy with traders at Alanamu Market, Ilorin in the aftermath of a fire incident that ravaged the market.

The inferno which was said to have occurred at midnight, destroyed many shops and properties worth millions of Naira.

According to a statement he personally signed, Mustapha who is also the Turaki of Ilorin commiserated with the Balogun of Alanamu, Dr Usman Abubakar Jos and the entire people of the community over the sad event.

"May Allah repay all the good people of Alanamu, who have suffered some levels of damages during the fire incident.

"I am saddened by the news of the inferno and and the amount of set-back for the victims who have lost what they laboured for.

"I pray Allah guide them to bear the loss and bless their lives," he said.

Zinger Wallet, a financial technology startup has launched a payment platform, aimed at addressing problems with payment methods in Africa’s biggest economy.

According to a statement from the company, the payment platform allows businesses to receive payments in a reliable, quick, and cheap manner through their in-app free data analytics dashboard while providing easy management of staff, departments, and customers.

“Zinger was built with the aim of making the payment collection process seamless and hassle-free,” David Edijala, the CEO and Co-Founder of Zinger Wallet said in a statement.

He added, “when we combined the concept of a unified payments system with a management system for individuals and businesses, we realized we had a powerful innovation”.

For the launch of the Zinger wallet, Zinger says it collaborated with the notable CEOs Network Africa, a platform known over the years to organize and galvanize professionals to intellectually stimulating events like the Under30CEOs Dinner Award & Cocktail, The CEOs Leadership Masterclass, and other world-class events.

“We believe that more focus should be placed on the actual transaction, rather than the process of making the payment which is why we designed our platform in such a simple manner. Over the next few years, we aim to be the major payment platform for all kinds of businesses in Nigeria as well as the major wallet platform for everyday users,” Edijala explained.

Alli-Bob, the Founder of CEOs Network Africa, expressed his delight in the Zinger Wallet project and in the team being part of the network.

Speaking at the event, he said, “our network will continue to support innovative and especially indigenous ideas like this that have the potential of bridging serious gaps in society.”

TMG Expresses Worry over Extension of Party Primaries' Deadline, Knocks INEC

The Transition Monitoring Group, TMG, has berated the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for extending the deadline for the conduct of primary elections and submission of the list of nominated candidates for the 2023 general elections, from 4th to 9th of June 2022.

Chairman of the foremost election monitoring group, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, in a statement on Friday, lamented the extension noting that the group received the news with great worries and concerns.

He said that at a time when Nigerians are beginning to have confidence in the electoral umpire some powerful forces are trying to undermine and pressurise it to doing their biddings.

Comrade Rafsanjani stated that: “A lot of political parties have made efforts in conducting their primaries and if the ruling party is still uncertain about the day to conduct its presidential primary elections that shouldn’t be the basis for the extension.”

The Group also condemned the vote-buying incidents in the ongoing political party primaries across the country, stating that “any financial inducements on delegates were tantamount to the mortgaging of the country’s future.”

Mr Rafsanjani said: “We are appalled by the incidents of vote-buying and sundry financial inducements on the delegates in the ongoing political party primaries across the country.

“Delegates should note that they don’t have to go to the extent of mortgaging Nigeria’s future on the altar of ephemeral financial gratifications. They should think of Nigeria first before any other considerations.

“Our observers reported that aspirants’ agents were largely involved in coordinating vote-buying for various persons seeking political offices, which is unfortunate.

“It should be noted that the influence of money in an election has far-reaching implications in Nigerian politics because any politician that spends to be voted for will surely work towards recouping the money at the end of the day, and it is still the voters that will be at the receiving end.”

Mr Rafsanjani, lamented the incident that has led to an alarming increase in the rate of foreign exchange, saying that the Nigerian Naira has now reached an all-time high of N610 to a dollar.

“As the country is witnessing various economic challenges it is worrisome to see that the amount of money that is exchanging hands in this period has led to the sky-rocketing of the Naira, it is at its all-time high of N610 to a dollar in the country,” he stressed.

The TMG boss, therefore, noted that the group will continue to monitor the electoral processes with a view to ascertaining the level of transparency and fairness in the process and report the same to Nigerians in the build-up to the 2023 general elections.

The group, however, commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for ensuring the smooth conduct of the party primaries across the country.

Despite S/Court's Ruling, Ahmed Lawan Refuses to Swear in Cross River Senator-Elect

President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, is yet to swear in Rt Hon Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, 3 months after the Appal Court ruled that he should be issued a Certificate of Return by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The Supreme Court also upheld the Judgment of the Appeal Court, as it Struck Out the Appeal of Stephen Odey.

Recalled that on February 25th, the legal battle over the Cross River North Senate seat was put to rest by the Supreme Court which ruled in favour of Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe.

In a split decision of four to three, the apex court dismissed the appeal filed by Senator Stephen Odey challenging the judgment of the Court of Appeal, which declared Jarigbe as the valid candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

The PDP won the December 5, 2020, rescheduled elections held in the state.

The Abuja division of the Court of Appeal had in its judgment declared Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe as the duly nominated candidate of the PDP and the rightful winner of the election against Dr Odey, who was declared by INEC and sworn in by the Senate.

The Court also ordered the INEC to immediately issue a Certificate of Return to Hon Jarigbe and withdraw the one earlier issued to Dr. Stephen Odey.

But over a month since the Apex Court gave its ruling, this newspaper gathered that the Senate President 'flagrantly disregarded' the verdict, even as he refused to allow Jarigbe take his oath as a Senator-elect.

Credible sources in the National Assembly believe that Jarigbe is yet to be sworn in as a result of the local and national politics being played by some influential Cross River politicians.

Meanwhile, Jarigbe, a Member of the House of Representatives, had before now, expressed confidence in Lawan to comply with the judgment of the Apex Court and inaugurate him as the Senator-Elect for Cross River North Senatorial District.

Speaking with Journalists in Abuja, Jarigbe, a two-term member of the House, representing Ogoja/Yala federal constituency of the State, said that even though his election into the Senate had witnessed serious opposition, the supreme court ruling on the matter put an end to all the dissenting issues.

He said that his opponent, Stephen Odey, has been occupying the seat illegally, praying the Senate President to stop him from attending plenary, stressing he was no more a member of the National Assembly.

Ramadan: Kwara PDP Assembly candidate feeds 5,000 Muslims

Honourable Abdulmajeed Olanrewaju-Oba, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate for Kwara Assembly in the 2019 elections, has fed over 5, 000 Muslims in Ilorin and Surulere local government areas of Kwara and Lagos States respectively.

The News Digest reports that under the Olanrewaju Oba Foundation, TOOF, the philanthropist had been providing free meal packs to thousands of Muslims since the commencement of the month Ramadan.

Speaking during one of the Iftar (fast-breaking) food distribution sessions, Mr Olanrewaju-Oba disclosed that before the end of the Ramadan month he hoped to feed over 10,000 Muslims.

According to him, the decision to provide free meals to Ilorin and Surulere residents stemmed from a realisation that many families were undergoing serious economic hardship in the country.

He noted that the feeding exercise would also help to provide soothing relief to those who were finding it difficult to feed during fasting and, at the same time, feed their families.

Honourable Olanrewaju-Oba said: “The religion of Al-Islam exhorts the rich to always assist the needy, especially during the month of Ramadan, because of the immense spiritual benefits that will accrue to them.

“Those who are blessed financially should know that assisting the needy and catering for the less privileged in this great month will attract massive reward for them.”

Ganduje assents to controversial bill reducing Emir Sanusi’s influence

NEWS DIGEST - Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State on Wednesday assented to a controversial bill approving the creation of four additional emirates in the state, effectively reducing the influence of the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi.

With the new Emirates, the governor said: “the traditional institution will now go closer to the people in all nooks and crannies of the state. We are about to make history today and in the Holy Month of Ramadhan.”

The newly created emirate councils are Gaya, Rano, Karaye, and Bichi.Kano now has five independent emirate councils, including the Kano Emirate Council headed by the former Central Bank of Nigeria governor, Mr Sanusi.

Inside sources said that the law was initiated by the governor but presented to the House by proxy.

According to the final amended copy of the law, Emir of Kano was allocated Kano Municipal, Tarauni, Dala, Nassarawa, Fagge, Gwale, Kumbotso and Ungogo Local Government Areas.

Click link to read more to see the control of LGAs by the new emirs: https://newsdigest.ng/featured/2019/05/08/ganduje-assents-controversial-bill/