Kogi, Imo, Bayelsa polls: NSA, CDS, IGP warn troublemakers.

Kogi, Imo, Bayelsa polls: NSA, CDS, IGP warn troublemakers.

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun and the Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. Chris Musa, yesterday warned those poised to forment trouble during the forthcoming governorship elections in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa states to steer clear of the states  as they will be met with the full weight of the law.

The two security chiefs spoke just as the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had ordered that everything possible should be done to ensure that the elections in the three states are free, fair and credible, without any form of interference.

While Egbetokun said police and other security agencies are monitoring activities of those planning to forment trouble in the three states, Gen Musa said a general court martial had been placed on standby for security personnel who may compromise their position during the elections.

Addressing newsmen after a meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) comprising the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security chief, Egbetokun said the police was aware that supporters of some candidates in the election were already mobilising to torment trouble during the elections.

The INEC Chairman  had at the meeting,  expressed concern about violent activities of party supporters in the three states.

The IGP said “We have just concluded the ICCES meeting with INEC.  This election is an off season election and we are committed to making it a free and fair election.  The security agencies are ready for this election.  We have received all necessary information from INEC which has informed us where to deploy to during this election.

“We have carried out our threat assessment and that has informed us where to allocate our resources and the deployment of our men. All the security agencies are collaborating seriously to ensure that this election is violence free.

‘My appeal to people who want to come out and make trouble during this election is for them to stay away from the election because there will be no place for them to operate.

“We are aware of mobilisation by supporters of some candidates. We are already monitoring them and we are ready for them during this election. I appeal to those who just want to come out and disrupt this election to stay away.

“I appeal to the electorate to come out en masse to cast their vote during this election.  We are committed to a peaceful election and there is no going back on that.”

Also speaking, the Chief of Defence Staff said other security agencies will fully be on ground to assist the Police to deliver a credible election, saying “we are here fully to show collaboration, cooperation and support for the Police who are the lead agency in election security.

“The armed forces are going to provide full comprehensive support to ensure that the police is able to do its job without any interference.

“We want to show the people in those three states that there is no need to entertain any fear as the armed forces, the police and other security agents will be fully on ground.”

“All Nigerians are tired of election violence and we intend to do things differently so that at the end of the day, every Nigerian will be proud to be a Nigerian and come to the realisation that election is now free and fair and everybody that wins an election should be proud that he won a free and fair election.

“We have fully deployed and are on ground both covertly and overtly. Anybody who attempts to disrupt any of the elections will have himself to blame.”

General Musa warned security agents involved in the elections not to compromise their position, but abide by the code of conduct given to them

He said “the security men know the code of conduct and what they are supposed to do and we have explained to them.

“We have sent warnings and have court martial on standby and any member of the armed forces who misbehaves will have himself to blame. The court martial is operational already and we want to ensure that we act professionally in everything that we do.”

On his part, the National Security Adviser who is the co-Chairman of ICCES, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu assured that the election will be conducted without any form of interference as directed by the President.

Ribadu said “We are prepared and will be with you 100 percent and will work to meet the standard that you want us to meet.  There is nothing as important as a free and fair election in a democracy.

“This government is interested in that and Mr. President has directed that he wants to see a free, fair and credible election.  This is the first election that is going to be held under his watch.

“He said everything possible should be done to ensure that Nigerians witness a free and fair election.  I want to assure Nigerians that this election will be better than the previous ones.  This election is going to be without violence and a litmus test for us.”

Speaking earlier, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu said elections will be conducted in about 10,510 polling units across the three states with about 5.1 million registered voters who have collected their PVC eligible to vote.

He said further that eligible voters in the three states will vote in all the 10,510 polling units, with the exception of two  polling units in Bayelsa State and 38 in Imo State without registered voters.

While saying that the list of these polling units is available on the commission’s website, he disclosed that election results will be collated in 649 Registration Areas/Wards, 56 Local Government Areas and three state collation centres.

He said “this gives us a cumulative figure of 11,178 voting and collation locations to deploy security personnel in the three states. This is in addition to ensuring a secure environment for the ongoing campaigns and rallies by political parties and candidates, security of voters, the escort of personnel and materials, protection of assets and general security for all persons with legitimate reason to participate in the election and electoral activities”.

He stressed that “the three states of Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi are not the easiest states in Nigeria to conduct elections. The difficult geographical terrain and prevailing insecurity are compounded by negative mobilisation by political actors, especially since the commencement of campaign in public on 14th July 2023.

“Our message to politicians is that they should call their candidates and supporters to order. Violence and other undemocratic activities such as vote buying, attacks on election officials and disruption of the electoral process must stop.”

Meanwhile, the Bayelsa State governor, Senator Douye Diri, has said that the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the November 11 governorship election remained disqualified based on the first amended list of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and urged the Bayelsa electorate not to waste their votes on a party that is not on the ballot.

Diri, who noted he was not in Igbedi to campaign, said the projects of his administration in the community were evident.

The governor assured the people that during his second tenure he would construct a road linking Igbedi to Kaiama, which will create a better access to and from the Bayelsa International Airport from the East-West road and the Delta State axis.

He said: “Those whose names have been delisted by amendment number one of INEC can no longer sleep. They will continue to have sleepless nights.

“In our second tenure, the other road that will be important to Bayelsa and even the people of Delta State and for the use of our airport will be to connect Igbedi to Kaiama. That will be the next project we will embark upon in our next tenure.”

Also speaking, wife of the governor, Dr. Gloria Diri, who is a native of Igbedi, thanked people of the community for the rousing welcome accorded her husband and the support given him over the years and urged them not to relent.

The governor inaugurated an internal road in the community and also observed a minute’s silence in honour of Mr. Peremobowei Tukuwei, who died in a tragic boat mishap on Wednesday while the APC campaigned in Nembe Local Government Area.

The Labour Party (LP) candidate in the state,  Udengs Eradiri, said , with the growing grassroots support to his campaigns,  he will demystify money politics in the November 11 poll.

Eradiri spoke during his campaign tour with stakeholders and supporters of the LP to Nembe City, Opu Nembe and Otakeme community in Nembe and Ogbia local government areas.

Eradiri, who was overwhelmed by the crowd that voluntarily trooped out to receive him, said he was aspiring to become a people-oriented leader that would provide mentorship to young people and reposition the state for greatness.

Eradiri lamented the crisis that had befallen Nembe, sympathised with them and assured them that if elected his administration would focus on the development of the area and stop all forms of politically-induced unrest.

He noted that  he was in the race to rescue Bayelsa, develop all communities insisting that the state was suffering from bad leadership and clueless government.

Eradiri said:  “We are the second poorest state, and the highest school drop out in the whole of the country, which is very sad. I am moving across all the communities of our state selling my manifestoes.

“I will change the old order of doing things. I will not clap hands for myself for building roads, infrastructural development and other social amenities which ordinarily are the rights of the people. Together we will make Bayelsa work again.”

EFCC grills Emefiele over alleged $15b foreign debts, new currency.

EFCC grills Emefiele over alleged $15b foreign debts, new currency.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday began a full-scale probe of the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, with alleged $15 billion foreign debts topping the investigation.

Emefiele will also account for how the apex bank spent N74.84 billion to produce and roll out currencies, including new naira notes.

The allegations are in addition to alleged fraud uncovered by the Special Investigator, Jim Obazee, who is looking into the activities of the CBN.

Obazee, whose committee is collaborating with the Federal Bureau of Investigation of the Nigeria Police, has also submitted an interim report on the CBN to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

It was learnt yesterday that the ex-CBN governor was transferred from the Department of State Services (DSS) to the EFCC because the fresh investigation is not covered by the mandate of the security agency.

The DSS does not have the core competence to investigate the weighty allegations of financial crimes against Emefiele, a highly placed source said yesterday.

There were fears that if the DSS continues with the investigation, the ex-CBN governor might win in court on technical grounds.

The source said only the EFCC can put Emefiele on trial, not the DSS, based on the findings made so far.

Emefiele was transferred (technically released) to EFCC on Thursday afternoon to allow for in-depth investigation and trial.

The swap was kept under wraps in order to avoid what the source described as a “distraction.”

Having appraised the allegations against Emefiele and the interim report on the ongoing probe of the CBN, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) sent an advisory to the President that the EFCC is the right agency to probe Emefiele, it was learnt.

“As a man of due process, the President approved the advisory of the AGF. It was on this basis that the DSS handed over Emefiele to the EFCC on Thursday,” The Nation learnt yesterday.

About two to three weeks ago, the Special Investigator on CBN activities, Jim Obazee, submitted an interim report to the President with a lot of findings requiring in-depth investigation. This was another reason the AGF was very strong in his opinion that the EFCC should manage the ongoing probe.

“The truth is that such an investigation is not within the mandate of the DSS. Or else, if Emefiele is put on trial by the DSS, he will win on technical grounds,” the highly placed source said.

At press time, it was confirmed that a panel of EFCC operatives had started grilling Emefiele on the allegations against him, including the following:

•Alleged foreign debts of $15 billion

•Spending of N74. 84 billion on Naira redesign, production and roll out of currencies

•Alleged fraud in Anchor Borrowers Scheme

•Suspicious audit of CBN accounts

•Acquisition of bank, Fintech licences by some top officials of CBN

•Award of suspicious billions of Naira contracts

Another source in EFCC added: “Emefiele is in our custody and he is already responding to issues or allegations raised for him from a team under the supervision of the Director of Operation, Abdulkarim Chukkol.

“As a commission, we won’t talk on his case in order not to compromise ongoing investigation.”

The Head of Media and Publicity of EFCC, Mr. Dele Oyewale, was yet to pick his call at press time.

AfDB, Partners Pledge Additional $1 Billion to Fund Nigeria's SAPZs in 24 States at World Food Prize Dialogue.

AfDB, Partners Pledge Additional $1 Billion to Fund Nigeria's SAPZs in 24 States at World Food Prize Dialogue.

It was yet another bountiful harvest for the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration in its investment drive, as the African Development Bank (AfDB), Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development hinted on Thursday that they have voted $1 billion to further deliver special agro-industrial processing zones in 24 States of Nigeria. 

This is in addition to an initial $520 million voted by the development partners for the development of eight special agro-industrial processing zones in Nigeria. 

President of African Development Bank Group, Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, disclosed this at the Norman Borlaug International Dialogue, World Food Prize 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa, United States of America. 

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who is attending the event in pursuance of the food security and diversification policy of the Tinubu administration, had on Wednesday delivered his keynote address at the ongoing Dialogue. 

Delivering his own speech titled, “From Dakar to Des Moines,” Dr. Adesina noted that the decision to pump such huge funds into Nigeria’s agribusiness was part of the resolve to develop Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZs) in 13 countries. 

Explaining that it was the core of the food and agriculture delivery compacts from the Dakar 2 Summit held earlier this year in Dakar, Senegal, the AfDB President said, “We are investing heavily in the development of  SAPZs to support the development of agricultural value chains, food processing and value addition, enabling infrastructure and logistics to promote local, regional, and international trade in food. 

“The African Development Bank Group is investing $853 million in the development of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones, and it has mobilized additional co-financing of $661 million, for a total commitment of $1.5 billion. We are deploying effective partnerships at scale. We are currently implementing 25 Special Agro-industrial Processing Zones in 13 countries. 

“For example, the African Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development provided $520 million for the development of 8 special agro-industrial processing zones in Nigeria. The second phase of the program aims to mobilize an additional $1 billion to deliver special agro-industrial processing zones in 24 States of Nigeria”. 

Dr. Adesina regretted that while much progress had “been made in African agriculture, 283 million people still go to bed hungry in Africa, about a third of the 828 million people that suffer hunger globally.” 

He however described the  Norman Borlaug International Dialogue World Food Prize 2023, as a “journey and narrative  of how we are combining the power of science, technology,  policies, and politics to ensure that Africa fully unlocks its agricultural potential, and feeds itself, with pride.” 

The AfDB President thanked Vice President Kashim Shettima, and the President of Ethiopia, Sahle-Work Zewde, for participating in the global event, saying their presence is an indication “that Africa has the political will and is fully ready to tackle food insecurity and make hunger history” on the continent. 

Also speaking during the fire-side chat with the AfDB President, Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, Vice President Kashim Shettima who spoke on the Tinubu administration’s initiatives for food security said the quality of present leadership in Nigeria and the rest of Africa will drive transformation in agriculture and other sectors. 

According to him, “a nation falls or rises fundamentally due to the quality of its leadership. Right now Africa is blessed with quite a handful of quality leaders that have the drive, passion and skills set to redefine the meaning and concept of modern leadership. 

“Bola Ahmed Tinubu, my boss, is a good example, Macky Sall of Senegal and of course, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt are doing wonderfully well,  just to mention a few of the African leaders that are distinguishing themselves in leadership. 

“I want to assure this gathering of investors and stakeholders in the agricultural sector that my boss, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a quintessential 21st century modern African leader who is determined to redefine the meaning and concept of modern leadership. 

“Be rest assured that there will be a sea change in the fortunes of the Nigerian nation and by extention the African continent in the next couple of years because Nigeria is an anchor nation,” the VP added. 

On wheat production, Sen. Shettima said “our target towards wheat production in Nigeria is to achieve 50% self sufficiency in the next 3 cycles. It is inconceivable that we are the second largest wheat importer in the world. 

“Luckily, we have already procured the heat tolerant variety of wheat seeds and we are going to drive that process by supporting the farmers with the heat tolerant variety, agricultural extention services, fertilizer and also hope to increase the irrigation areas to 1 million hectares in the next cropping cycle. 

“We need to produce about 2.4 million tonnes of wheat grains in Nigeria. We are going to reach out to our farmers through small irrigation schemes and through digitalisation. All the actors in the value chain will be sufficiently taken care of through innovative finance, partial credit guarantees and crop insurance,” the VP emphasized. 

For rice production, the VP said the major challenge for Nigeria is the insufficiency of paddy rice. He noted that Nigeria has adequate milling capacity but “we need to produce 3 to 4 million tonnes of paddy rice to meet our requirement of about 2.5 million tonnes per annum. We have 75 million hectares of arable land and most of it suited for rice cultivation.” 

He added that “we will provide our farmers with certified seeds, fertilzer, extension services, the digitlization of services, inputs, finance and market information. Our target is to achieve self sufficiency in rice latest by 2027.” 

The VP also spoke about the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZs), reiterating the Tinubu administration’s commitment to providing an enabling environment for investors in the zones. 

He said government would create an SAPZ development authority that will operate like a one-stop shop where regulatory and associated issues will be addressed. 

Senate Approves Bill To Establish New Federal University In Iyin-Ekiti.

Senate Approves Bill To Establish New Federal University In Iyin-Ekiti.

A bill proposing the establishment of a Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences in Iyin-Ekiti Kingdom, Ekiti State, has been approved by the Senate.

The aim of the university, the lawmakers said, is to produce world-class technologists and human resources capable of sustainably managing the country’s economy.

The bill was unanimously ratified at the plenary on Thursday and has been referred to the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for further legislation and considerations.

The bill was sponsored by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele and received overwhelming support from senators across all political parties.

The bill was first initiated in the ninth National Assembly and was brought back for consideration at the Senate Chambers on October 17, 2023, with a specific focus on bridging knowledge gaps in technology and environmental sciences.

Bamidele elaborated on the importance of the bill during his discussion on Thursday, emphasizing that its enactment would foster the growth of exceptional technologists and the necessary human resources to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Additionally, the lawmaker clarified that the objective of the bill is to enhance accessibility to higher education, considering the significant number of qualified individuals who face annual challenges in securing admission to universities within the country.

“The objectives of the university are, first and foremost, to set up an ultra-modern institution that will develop world-class technologists as well as human resources that can sustainably manage our nation’s economy by providing technical and management expertise at the highest level.

“The university, when established, will further advance knowledge through research and nurture unique technological innovation, entrepreneurship and wealth management in its core area of interest.

“Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, the enactment of this bill will help in transforming the technological and educational fortune in producing the desired manpower and expertise that Nigeria is yearning for to exponentially speed up our economic growth and ensure sustainable development,” the senate leader submitted.

Among others, Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jubrin; Chairman, of the Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmed Lawan; Chairman, of the Committee on Navy, Senator Gbenga Daniel; Chairman, of Senate Committee on the Environment, Senator Seriake Dickson; Chairman, Senate Committee on National Planning and Economic Affairs, Senator Abdul Ningi and Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Affairs, Senator Victor Umeh, threw their weight behind the establishment of the bill on Thursday.

Lawan, also former President of the Senate, said: “This bill was passed in the ninth National Assembly. I wholeheartedly support this bill. The bill is worthwhile because technology and environmental sciences are very important, indeed crucial, for every country worldwide, especially in the 21st century.

“If we want to develop like most countries are today, we have to move away from being extremely traditional. We cannot afford to continue with this basic thing. In most cases, outdated courses are taught in our schools or universities.

“This is the 21st century. And human beings, more appropriately, human resources, should be the source of developing our country. We have had petroleum from the 1950s to date. We are still grappling with poverty, unemployment and so on. Some countries have nothing, but human beings. Yet they have made tremendous progress. A good example is Singapore.

“Aside, most countries are now embracing knowledge-based economies. I believe the time is right. When we establish a new institution, it should be an institution that will provide education and enlightenment for the 21st century development agenda.”

Also, at the plenary on Thursday, Umeh corroborated Lawan’s position on the bill, pointing out that the university, when eventually established, would focus on technology and environmental sciences.

Umeh, elected on the platform of the Labour Party, said: “In this country, Mr. President, the time has come when we shall be establishing specialised universities to pursue certain areas and fields of knowledge.

“By focusing on the advancement of technology and environmental sciences, we are confining this university to these two important areas. When we produce graduates from this university, we will be thinking of graduates with excellent knowledge.”

Lawmaker Hon. Kolawole Davidson Akinlayo Congratulates President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Resounding Victory.

Lawmaker Hon. Kolawole Davidson Akinlayo Congratulates President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Resounding Victory.

Lawmaker Hon. Kolawole Davidson Akinlayo, who represents the constituents of Ekiti North Federal Constituency (II), has enthusiastically congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His message not only celebrates President Tinubu's electoral victory but also acknowledges his successful navigation of legal challenges from the Presidential Elections Petition Tribunal to the Appeal Court and ultimately to the Supreme Court.

Akinlayo, acting on behalf of his constituency and well-wishers, commends President Tinubu for his unwavering determination and the trust vested in him by the people. He considers this moment as significant for Nigeria and expresses hope that President Tinubu's leadership will renew the nation's optimism and address its most pressing concerns.

Akinlayo also extends his gratitude to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for their commendable conduct of the election and to the judiciary for ensuring fairness in the legal process. With Nigeria advancing under President Tinubu's guidance, Akinlayo underscores the importance of unity and progress.

Hon. Kolawole Davidson Akinlayo, Member of the House of Representatives for Ekiti North Federal Constituency (II)

Fayemi Congratulates President Bola Tinubu on Supreme Court Victory.

Fayemi Congratulates President Bola Tinubu on Supreme Court Victory.

Dr. Kayode Fayemi, former Governor of Ekiti State and Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), has congratulated His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu on his victory at the Supreme Court, stating that the affirmation at the apex court was a demonstration of the principles of fairness and justice.

Fayemi stated that the victory has further validated the win of President Tinubu at the polls, which was a testament to the faith Nigerians have in the APC and in the president’s ability to steer the ship of the state.

‘’In celebrating the President’s victory, we must also be mindful of the need to avoid triumphalism,’’ he said, while acknowledging the importance of running an inclusive government and urged President Tinubu to embrace the spirit of inclusivity by reaching out to his political competitors and fostering an atmosphere of unity

Fayemi argued that, in a democracy, the success of one political party should not necessarily be seen as a defeat for others but as an opportunity to work together for the greater good of the country. He therefore urged the appellants to embrace the President in the onerous task of governing Nigeria so as to avoid all distractions. “All hands must be on deck at this moment.” 

“As we move forward, it is essential that we prioritize the development, security, and prosperity of Nigeria above all else. I urge the President to use his victory as an opportunity to heal the divisions in our country and to build a more prosperous and inclusive Nigeria for all,’’ he said.

APC to Ekiti Appointees: Don't Weaponise Your Appointments.

APC to Ekiti Appointees: Don't Weaponise Your Appointments.

The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ekiti State has charged the new appointees of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, BAO, to see their appointments as a call to serve and not weapon of oppression. 

While congratulating the Chairman, Director-Generals, Technical Advisors and Senior Special Assistants newly appointed by the governor, the State Chairman of the party, Barrister Paul Omotosho said the period we are in the state does not call for ego flaunting from any appointee but for them to act as worthy ambassadors of both the government and party in their day-to-day interactions with the people, having been carefully selected as such. 

Omotosho who spoke through the State Publicity Secretary of the party, Segun Dipe, said since everyone trusted Gov. Oyebanji to have picked the right people for the right roles, they in turn should not allow their appointments to get into their heads. 

Urging the new appointees to borrow the live-and-let-live style of Governor Oyebanji, Omotosho said they should avoid conducts that would make the governor or the party regret their selection.

"Our party is of the view that appointments are not weapons but opportunities to serve." 

The party assured that all appointees were carefully selected from among the people, not from another state, country or planet. They are therefore not expected to exploit their privileged positions for the purpose of attacking a person or group, or for spreading discord.

"Since the governor has declared that he has no enemy, the appointees should avoid attracting enemies for his administration," the party said. 

"From what we have seen in Mr. Governor and heard the people say about him, BAO has embraced peace with everyone and does not flaunt his position. As his appointees, in your different callings, your characters must also be in sync with his and reflect his style of not weaponising his administration. He is a friend of all and enemy to none. This exactly is what we proudly expect from all the appointees without any two ways about."

The party thus believe that for all the appointees to excel, the first step they should take was to internalise the six pillars of BAO and make them their mantra and template. "We don't want to be defending any misdemeanor. Rather we want to be celebrating landmarks."

Signed:

Segun Dipe

State Publicity Secretary, APC

Ekiti State.