’Jonathan is no threat to APC’

It is being argued in certain quarters that it is too early to talk about 2027. What is your take on this?

Nobody is campaigning yet, as that will negate the INEC rules, but what everybody is doing now is to create awareness through sensitisation of the people and the voters about the policies and good work of Mr President.

The rumour is very rife that the former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, is going to join the presidential race. How comfortable is your party with this development?

Very comfortable, so long as the law permits him. The more the merrier. But he should be reminded that Nigerians can’t forget in a hurry how insecurity almost overran his government and corruption was highly endemic under his watch. The track record of each person will speak for themselves, that is, if he gets his party’s ticket. But if you ask me, the nation has moved beyond a Jonathan. Better times are here.

In what way will this affect the fortune of your presidential candidate in 2027?

The scoreboard will be there to be presented to Nigerians. The things that Jonathan didn’t have the courage and political will to do have been done by President Tinubu. The subsidy that was almost ruining the nation’s economy has been removed, our refinery is working, Nigeria, which used to be the highest importer of fuel, is now the highest exporter of fuel in West Africa, and many other strides have been accomplished, and all that will count for good in the re-election of Asiwaju as president. GEJ must be reminded that he had power but lost it to Buhari with the help of PBAT, who is now in power. How on earth does he think that he can wrestle and get that power from PBAT! To me, he is no threat at all to us in the APC.

The coalition group is getting stronger both in size and popularity. What do you have to say about this?

Getting stronger as how, at where? As far as I am concerned, the coalition is a fluke, a gathering of disgruntled individuals who have been in power and are being pushed by their presidential ambition. Gathering they shall surely gather, but they will by themselves self-destruct. It is a gang of disgruntled elements and politicians who didn’t get access to the commonwealth as they used to, and are driven by their inordinate ambition. Nigerians can see through their intent and deceit. They are spent forces.

What is the Asiwaju Mandate Group (AMG) all about?

Asiwaju Mandate Group is a socio-political group put together by the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji Ojo on the 8th of March 2024 with the sole aim of proclaiming and publicizing the good works of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), and to explain to the people how the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President is touching positively on the lives of the common man. When you sensitise the people, they will know, and when they know, they can benefit from it, then they wouldn’t have any reason not to support Mr President for a second term in office.

Why is your group supporting President Tinubu, especially when you have another aspirant from Ondo, Adewole Adebayo, who is interested in the same position?

Adewole Adebayo could have been a good candidate, but he lacks the experience and is possibly not mature enough to govern a multi-tribal country like Nigeria. He will do well to learn in Tinubu’s cabinet and contribute his ‘brilliant’ ideas like Dr Olubunmi-Tunji -Tunji Ojo is doing, but as president. He isn’t ripe for such yet, with due respect to him.

In which way are you supporting your candidate?

Advocacy, policy interpretation, and mobilisation for INEC voters registration, among others.

The attitude of many is that support groups do not win elections; rather, it is the electorate that determine the fate of any candidate. How would you react to this?

It is a support group, as the name implies. It is a mobilisation tool and a means of ensuring that democratic dividends reach a larger number of people through grassroots mobilisation. It’s on record that our convener, Hon. Dr Olubumi Tunji-Ojo, has initiated, perfected and financed the decamping of prominent politicians in opposition parties in Ondo State for over two years to date through Asiwaju Mandate Group to add value to our great party, the APC, thereby reducing the influx of prominent politicians into the African Democratic Congress (ADC) or ADA.

Do you see your party surpassing the 2023 feat ? What measures are you putting in place to do this?

Yes, we will beat them silly come 2027 because they can never talk in one accord. By the grace of God, we are targeting a 90% vote return for the president in Ondo State, and we hope that gets replicated in other states too.

How would you rate the performance of the Ondo State governor so far?

He seems to be doing his best, but I believe he can achieve more with a faster speed.

Would you say Nigeria is practising true federalism?

Yes in quote

What are your roles as the DG of AMG?

To coordinate other members of the executive in making decisions for the overall good of the members and the general public; direct the affairs of the Secretariat and ensure that it runs smoothly; coordinate dividends of the government and the goodwill of the groups convener to the people all across Ondo State.

NYSC just got more cumbersome

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme is overdue for rejigging to make it less cumbersome, safer, and more attractive to potential corps members. About 650,000 of them are projected to be mobilised next year. But a perusal of Nigeria’s political development casts doubt on whether some of the key objectives of the scheme are even realisable. It is unclear, therefore, whether the federal government’s proposal to qualify a corps member is really the appropriate measure to embark on at the moment, not to talk of stampeding the process to commence on October 6.

To be mobilised for the scheme, a graduate is expected to attach comprehensive proof of his dissertation in compliance with the national policy for the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD). The government’s logic is that the NERD requirements could not be satisfied by other means, and that the measure would help raise educational standards. Again, the government presupposes that high standard is an abstraction uncorrelated with Nigeria’s abysmally poor educational infrastructure. However, the government includes some reward scheme for students and lecturers alike in the NERD policy. But is the government saying the reward schemes couldn’t be secured by other means, except by the NYSC route?

Potential corps members already apprehensive about being posted to danger zones will be reluctant to complain against this extra layer of bureaucracy; but it will certainly add to their frustrations about the country, not to say the frustrations of parents who have always subsidised a scheme that can no longer pay for corpers’ upkeep.

’Nigeria holds high incentives for investors’

Managing Director and CEO UTMOL, Mr. Julius Rone has said there are lots of incentives and good return of investment (ROI) for investors willing to invest in Nigeria and Africa as a continent.

Rone disclosed this at the just concluded Africa Energy Week in Cape Town, South Africa.

Rone , who joined other top executives from across the globe to speak at the event and spoke during a panel session on LNG.

He also provided a project update on the planned FLNG facility, detailing the role floating liquefaction plays in Africa and the project’s impact on the Nigerian energy industry.

He also mentioned that Africa must develop its God given resources to attract investors around the world.

‘Africa is a beautiful bride for the world to exploit. We have the resources and we must be allowed to develop our resources for the world to come and invest. This is actually the reason we gather every year for Africa Energy Week, to discuss how to develop our resources in Africa’

The MD of UTM also appreciates the effort of African leaders especially President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his effort to bring large investment to Nigeria.

‘So you’re aware the president has been travelling round the world to galvanise investors to ensure that the oil and gas industry is fully amortized and developed. The President has also given a lot of incentive to encourage investors back to the country.

Nigeria is pushing so much amenities and so much incentive for investors to come in, Brazilian national oil company is coming back to Nigeria to develop oil and gas in the deep offshore location, so you can see everybody is coming back to the energy sector. I also want to thank the management of NNPC, Mr. Bayo Ojulari and his team for the leadership and carrying out Mr. President’s directive to ensure that the gas is developed based on the directive that is given to the new management of NNPC by Mr president they swing into action so immediately they came they invited UTM to present our position’ He added.

Rone also revealed that his company UTM will be signing a gas agreement soon with SEPLAT.

‘SEPLAT has been fully cooperative. We’ve advanced the negotiation and within the next two weeks maximum we should be signing the gas supply agreement and that is a gamechanger for Nigeria for Nigeria oil and gas industry having our first floating LNG and I think that we are quite excited over this.

In addition to his participation in the panel discussions, Rone’s engaged with global and regional stakeholders saying Nigeria has opened new pathways for collaboration across the gas industry.

Two killed, 8 injured in Maiduguri road accident

Two persons were killed while eight others sustained injuries in a road crash in Maiduguri, Borno State capital.

The incident occurred on Friday when a truck crashed into moving vehicles at the Commissioner of Police traffic junction in Maiduguri.

The sector commander, Federal Road Safety Corps, (FRSC) in Borno, Usman A Muhammad, confirmed the incident, and attributed it to brake failure.

‘Eight people (all Male adults) were involved in the crash. Two dead (all male adults) and 6 injured (all Male adults).’ he said.

He added that the victims were conveyed to the Specialist Hospital Maiduguri for medical attention, while the dead were deposited at the hospital mortuary.

According to eyewitnesses, the truck driver lost control and hit a Mazda car and Keke Napep.

‘They were all carrying passengers. Two lives were lost instantly, while others sustained serious injuries,’ he said.

A shop owner at the commissioner of Police junction lamented that such accidents have become a recurring menace in the area, attributing it to recklessness of drivers.

‘A medical student who was trying to submit her project to her supervisor was injured in a similar accident involving a truck, one person was also killed. It happened last two months,’ he noted.

He called on government to take action before the situation gets out of hand.

Don’t Allow Insurgents Displace You, Zulum Tells Border Community

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has resettled three more communities after residents resisted Boko Haram displacement in Banki, Bama Local Government Area.

The governor, who was in Banki, where the insurgents attacked military barrack and civilian locations, on Sunday, sympathized with residents and commended their resilience.

‘I purposely came to Banki to salute your courage; your act of bravery is really encouraging,’ Governor Zulum stated.

He added, ‘We should not allow a few bad elements to displace this town whose businesses and economic activities have been thriving.’

‘I want to assure you that the insurgents will not succeed, Insha’Allah. We will strengthen the security of this border town and will support our youth volunteers, hunters, and vigilantes to further fortify this area.’

He assured that robust security measures will be implemented to protect the border town from further attacks by Boko Haram insurgents.

As part of his ongoing post-conflict recovery programme, the governor also announced the planned resettlement of three communities, Kumshe, Tarmu’a and Bula Yobe in Bama Local Government Area.

‘Kumshe, Tarmu’a and Bula Yobe will be resettled. The people deserve a dignified life and we are committed to delivering it,’ he affirmed.

Zulum confirmed that the rehabilitation of Banki road has commenced, with 30 trucks already deployed to repair the dilapidated route.

He called on the people, particularly the youths, to actively participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise for the betterment of the society.

Similarly, Governor Babagana Zulum also addressed traders at the Banki Market where he urged them to be vigilant and cooperate with security agencies for sustainable peace in the area.

Security Operatives Rescue Kidnap Victims in Taraba

Troops of 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in a joint operation with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, have rescued six kidnap victims, including a child, in Taraba State.

Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Umar Mohammed, disclosed the development in Jalingo, Taraba State capital, on Saturday.

He said the suspected kidnappers abducted passengers from a Toyota Carina II vehicle coming from Katsina-Ala in Benue State after forcing the vehicle to a halt around an abandoned checkpoint.

He said, ‘Acting on a timely tip-off, the troops of the 6 Brigade, in conjunction with the Police, swiftly mobilized and combed the general area. Their rapid response led to the successful rescue of six persons, comprising the driver and five passengers.’

The Army spokesperson identified the rescued persons as Mr. Terna Gbaya, 43; Mr. Musa Adamu, 55; Mrs. Rose Sor, 35; Mrs. Lydia Vyiashima, 40; Mrs. Comfort Iyofar, 60; and a baby.

He said the victims had been reunited with their families.

The Army spokesperson added that search and rescue operations were still ongoing to track down the perpetrators and rescue any other victims that may still be in captivity.

The Commander, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the swift response and synergy between the troops and the Police that led to the successful rescue operation.

He further reaffirmed the commitment of the Brigade to ensure the safety and security of lives and property in Taraba State.

Wike meets Fubara, Rivers elders ahead formation of new cabinet

Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has met with Governor Siminalayi Fubara and some elders of the state.

According to Lere Olayinka, Wike’s media aide, who shared a picture of the meeting on social media, Martin Amaewhule, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, also attended the meeting.

Olayinka did not disclose details of the meeting, which is the first known one with stakeholders since Fubara fired his loyalists ahead of the formation of a new cabinet.

Appointing new commissioners is said to be one of the agreements reached at the peace meeting President Bola Tinubu held with Wike and Fubara during the emergency rule.

Speaking at Government House, Port Harcourt, during a valedictory session with his cabinet, on Wednesday, Fubara had said the decision to disengage his loyalists had to do with the Supreme Court judgement which affected their appointments.

Daily Trust recalls that in February, the Supreme Court had recognised the House of Assembly loyal to Wike.

At the height of the rift between Fubara and Wike, the governor’s appointees were screened by assembly faction under then factional speaker, Victor Oko-Jumbo.

But the assembly loyal to Wike had kicked against the development.

In a statement on Wednesday, Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara’s spokesman,

quoted the governor as thanking members of his cabinet for their services and contributions to the development of the State in the last two years.

He said: ‘The Governor highlighted the significance of Nigeria’s Independence, and called on all Nigerians to work together with Mr President to build a peaceful, secure and prosperous country and a brighter future for all.

‘The Governor also reiterated his commitment to serve the State with renewed vigor, while thanking all citizens for their support, and wished all Nigerians a happy Independence anniversary.

‘Furthermore, the Governor has relieved all Commissioners and other public officers affected by the recent Supreme Court judgement of their appointments with immediate effect,’ Chukwudi said.

At its inaugural sitting after the expiration of emergency rule, the lawmakers had asked Fubara to send a list of commissioner nominees.

The governor is expected to form a new cabinet any time from now.

Alleged Blasphemy: Kano Warns Clerics Against Public Commentary

The Kano State Shura Council has cautioned Islamic clerics against making public comments on the ongoing case of alleged blasphemy against Sheikh Lawan Shu’aibu Abubakar, popularly known as Triumph.

Briefing journalists, the Secretary of the Council, Shehu Wada Sagagi urged restraint and called for understanding, noting that the matter was being handled with fairness and transparency.

‘The attention of the committee has been drawn to a new development. We are therefore calling on the general public, especially the clerics, to desist from speaking on this issue. The council is on it, and every step taken will be made public,’ he said.

Sagagi emphasized that clerics from outside Kano should refrain from making statements capable of inflaming tensions. ‘We are trying our best to be just in what we do. Let’s have the fear of God and stop deliberate misinterpretations that could fuel the crisis,’ he added.

He further clarified that the state government had no political interest in the matter, stressing that its sole objective was to ensure justice.

According to him, a subcommittee has already been constituted to examine the main issues in contention.

‘Immediately after its review, Sheikh Lawan Shu’aibu Abubakar will be invited to come and defend himself,’ Sagagi stated.

Kidnapping: NBA Directs Members To Avoid 9 Kebbi LGAs

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Kebbi Branch, has directed its members to refrain from travelling to nine local government areas identified as kidnapping hotspots in the state.

The Chairman of the branch, Alhaji Aminu Hassan, gave the directive in a statement issued in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday.

Hassan said the affected areas include Bagudo, Suru, Kamba in Dandi, Bunza, Kangiwa in Arewa,Dirin Daji in Sakaba, Ribah, Kanya and Augie Local Government Areas.

He explained that the decision followed an emergency meeting of the association held on Saturday to deliberate on the abduction of one of its members, Mr Isyaku Muhammad- Danjuma, on Wednesday. The association said he was abducted along the Ibeto- Birnin Kebbi route in Magama Local Government Area of Niger.

According to Hassan, the association condemned the abduction and expressed deep concern over the rising wave of insecurity across the country.

He said the branch resolved that all its members should boycott Court proceedings from Oct. 7 to Oct. 10 in protest against the kidnapping of their colleague and to draw attention to the worsening security situation.

‘Upon the expiration of the boycott period, members are also urged to suspend handling of terrorism-related cases, including those involving kidnapping, abduction, armed robbery or unlawful possession of firearms, until further notice.’

The chairman said the association would engage the relevant authorities to ensure the safe release of the abducted lawyer.

He called on the government and the security agencies to take urgent steps to restore peace and public confidence.

Hassan added that the branch would work with the judiciary to provide alternative venues for court cases to minimise travel to unsafe locations.

He commended the members of the Bar, the judiciary, the media and other Nigerians for their solidarity and urged them to remain united in the pursuit of justice and peace.(NAN)

ACF Raises Alarm Over Alleged Plot To Cripple Dangote Refinery

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has raised concern over what it described as a calculated plot by entrenched interests to cripple the operations of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

It warned that such actions pose a grave threat to Nigeria’s economic stability and investment reputation.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. T.A. Muhammad-Baba, the northern socio-political group expressed concern over Refinery’s challenges, including regulatory interference, crude oil disruptions and labour union disputes.

According to the Forum, the refinery, reputed as ‘Nigeria’s largest and most modern indigenous crude oil processing outfit’, has been subjected to ‘an unrelenting onslaught’ since its inception. ‘Evidentially, the challenges are the handiworks of entrenched subterranean interests or the proverbial cabals, bent on maintaining an asphyxiating hold on the oil sector and the national economy,’ the ACF declared.

The Forum alleged that some vested interests are uncomfortable with the refinery’s potential to reform Nigeria’s petroleum products supply chain, which for decades has been mired in controversies, subsidy rackets, and inefficiencies.

‘From conception, implementation and commissioning, the Dangote Refinery has faced all sorts of obstacles, confident that its success would change the sordid narrative about petroleum supply long dominated by sharp practices and inefficiencies,’ the statement noted.

The ACF further condemned the alleged pressure on Dangote Refinery workers to join PENGASSAN, describing it as coercive and unconstitutional.

‘What is questionable has been the forceful nature of demand for workers at the Dangote Refinery to join PENGASSAN. The constitutional provision does not confer automatic membership on anyone; it is an individual’s right to accept or reject membership,’ it stressed.

Backing Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s legal action to protect the refinery from industrial disruption, the Forum expressed dismay that PENGASSAN had allegedly refused to obey a subsisting court order restraining it from interfering with operations at the facility.

‘It should be concerning to all law-abiding citizens that PENGASSAN refuses to comply with a subsisting court order against any disruption to the Refinery’s operations,’ the Forum stated.

The ACF aligned itself with calls by Senator Adams Oshiomhole and Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, who both advised that workers should allow the refinery to stabilize before pursuing unionization.

‘ACF believes that a prime consideration for the workers should at this time be ensuring that the Refinery is fully functional as a workplace before workers can unionize,’ it added.

The Forum warned that attempts to destabilize the multi-billion-dollar refinery could discourage both domestic and international investors and send negative signals about Nigeria’s business climate.

‘Putting down the Dangote Petroleum complex is a potent disincentive to domestic and international investors because it sends wrong signals to investors,’ the statement read.

Describing the Dangote Refinery as a ‘strategic national asset’, ACF urged the Federal Government to protect it from what it termed ‘internal and external sabotage.’

It recommended that the refinery be listed in a National Register of Strategic Assets, ensuring it enjoys special protection under national security provisions.

The Forum also called for the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry to identify and sanction individuals or groups behind recurring industrial actions that paralyze vital industries.

‘We call for a commission of enquiry, with judicial powers, to unearth the brains behind incessant strikes by employees of vital national and private institutions, so that strikes do not result in acts of sabotage,’ the statement said.

ACF further urged the Federal Government to take firm measures – without violating labour rights – to prevent any union from undermining the country’s economic stability through unnecessary industrial actions.

‘Nigeria’s labour unions ought to be wary of the real international conspiracy and related machinations aimed at sabotaging Nigeria’s and Africa’s quests for indigenous industrial development,’ it cautioned.

While welcoming ongoing government negotiations to resolve the impasse between the refinery and labour unions, ACF expressed hope that the truce reached would be permanent.

‘The Dangote Refinery must not be allowed to fail. Protecting such a facility is not just about one businessman; it is about defending Nigeria’s economic sovereignty and future,’ the Forum emphasized.