Economic challenges: Don’t despair, be resilient, Kalu tells Nigerians.

Economic challenges: Don’t despair, be resilient, Kalu tells Nigerians.

Deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu on Tuesday, February 20, appealed to Nigerians not to despair in the face of current economic hardship across the country, but to be resilient and determined to overcome the challenges.

Speaking at the resumption of plenary, Kalu said while sacrifice is a necessary step towards long-term stability and prosperity in the country, Nigerians must trust in the expertise of those tasked with guiding the economy, even as we hold them accountable for their actions.

He said true progress cannot be achieved solely through policy pronouncements but requires the collective effort of every Nigerian.

He said: “As we commence proceedings today, we are all aware of the challenges we face as a nation. The storm clouds of inflation gather the cries of economic hardship echo, and whispers of doubt threaten to dim the flames of our collective spirit.

“But let me assure you, the Nigerian spirit does not cower in the face of adversity. We are a nation forged in resilience, a people united by dogged determination. The challenges we confront may seem insurmountable.

“Yet, amidst these trials, amidst the anxieties and frustrations, I ask you, my colleagues, to remember the words of a great leader facing a seemingly insurmountable foe: “We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We have before us many, many long months of struggle and suffering. But I say to you, my friends: fear not.

“Just as Winston Churchill rallied his nation in their darkest hour, so too must we rise to the occasion. This is not the time for division, for despair, for pointing fingers. This is the time for unity, for strength, for a staunch belief in ourselves and the future of our beloved Nigeria.

“Do the challenges seem immense? Yes, they do. But are they insurmountable? Absolutely not! We have the tools, the talent, and the tenacity to overcome.

“The macroeconomic management approach laid out by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, while demanding sacrifice, is a necessary step towards long-term stability and prosperity. Let us trust in the expertise of those tasked with guiding our economic course, even as we hold them accountable for their actions.

“Let us rise above petty squabbles and unite in a common purpose. Let us channel our frustrations into constructive criticism, into holding ourselves and our leaders accountable, but always with the betterment of our nation as the guiding star.

“Let us focus on the broader canvas, on the multitude of measures being taken to address the root causes of inflation, streamlining foreign exchange flows, tackling food shortages, and investing in critical infrastructure. These, coupled with our collective spirit of enterprise and perseverance, hold the key to unlocking price stability and economic growth.

He added: “Let us not be swayed by the winds of pessimism. Let us not be cowed by the naysayers. Let us remember the words of Chinua Achebe in 1967: “Being a Nigerian is abysmally frustrating and unbelievably exciting.

“But let us not forget the “unbelievably exciting” part of Achebe’s description. This excitement is not a frivolous notion, but the drumming energy of a nation teeming with potential. Look around you, colleagues.

“See the young entrepreneurs defying the odds, the farmers growing green life from arid soil, the artists painting vibrant futures, and the innovators dreaming of solutions. This is the true face of Nigeria, a kaleidoscope of talent, resilience, and audacity. We are a nation on the cusp of greatness, a land pregnant with possibility.

“We are Nigerians, and within us lies the power to overcome any obstacle. Let us rise to the challenge, hand in hand, heart to heart, and together build a brighter, more prosperous future for ourselves and for generations to come. Go forth, colleagues, with renewed hope, with relentless resolve, and with the unshakeable belief that, united, we can and will prevail!

“Remember, the Nigerian spirit thrives not in comfort, but in the crucible of challenge. Let us rise to the occasion, and show the world the true meaning of resilience, of unity, and of unwavering hope.”

Fayemi Pays Tribute to Late Governor Akeredolu.

Fayemi Pays Tribute to Late Governor Akeredolu.                                                      ....Celebrates Legacy of Service and Inspiration.       By Olamide Akinwumi.

In a poignant evening of heartfelt tributes held in Ibadan, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, former Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and former Governor of Ekiti State, paid homage to the late Arakunrin Odunayo Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, reflecting on the profound impact of his life and legacy.

Dr. Fayemi commenced his tribute by acknowledging Arakunrin Akeredolu's enduring presence in the hearts and memories of those who had the privilege of knowing him. He described Akeredolu as a multifaceted individual, equally comfortable in elite circles and among the common people, reflecting a rare combination of confidence, humility, and authenticity.

Throughout their shared political journey, Dr. Fayemi witnessed Akeredolu's unwavering commitment to the common good and his steadfast dedication to public service. From Akeredolu's gubernatorial aspirations in 2012 to his eventual triumphs in 2016 and 2020, Dr. Fayemi attested to Akeredolu's resilience, integrity, and Christian ethos guiding his path.

Beyond political alliances, Akeredolu was celebrated as a dear friend, trusted advisor, and source of inspiration. Dr. Fayemi emphasized Akeredolu's legacy of touching countless lives and forging enduring friendships, transcending professional achievements. Akeredolu's advocacy for justice, equity, and multi-level policing, including his pivotal role in establishing the Western Region Security Network (Amotekun), showcased his unwavering dedication to serving the people.

Despite occasional criticisms of Akeredolu's approach, characterized by his outspokenness and refusal to compromise on core principles, Dr. Fayemi underscored the tangible results achieved under Akeredolu's leadership. From infrastructure development to social justice initiatives, Akeredolu's impact reverberated across generations.

As Dr. Fayemi lamented Akeredolu's untimely passing, he urged all present to honor his memory by continuing the fight for a better Nigeria—a Nigeria that works for all its citizens. He offered prayers for Akeredolu's soul and extended condolences to his family, recognizing the profound loss experienced by the nation.

In closing, Dr. Fayemi expressed gratitude for the privilege of knowing Akeredolu and vowed to carry forward his legacy of service and advocacy. As the evening of tributes concluded, attendees were reminded of Akeredolu's enduring spirit and the imperative of upholding his vision for a brighter future.

Oyebanji's Maize Palliatives Boost Food Security, Lower Prices in Ekiti State.

Oyebanji's Maize Palliatives Boost Food Security, Lower Prices in Ekiti State.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

Governor Biodun Oyebanji's proactive approach to addressing food security challenges in Ekiti State is garnering tangible results as maize palliatives distributed to livestock farmers are making a significant impact. The recent announcement of reduced prices for feeds and eggs by poultry farmers in the state underscores the positive outcomes of this initiative.

The distribution of maize palliatives, spearheaded by Governor Oyebanji, extends beyond established livestock farmer associations to include rural farmers who may not be affiliated with any formal groups. This inclusive approach ensures that all farmers, regardless of their organizational affiliations, benefit from government support.

In a demonstration of the governor's commitment to reaching farmers in remote areas, the distribution of maize palliatives was conducted in various farmsteads across Gbonyin Local Government Area and Aiyekire Local Council Development Area (LCDA). The initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden on livestock farmers and enhance their capacity to produce essential agricultural products.

The video footage captured during the distribution showcases the governor's hands-on involvement in ensuring that the palliatives reach those who need them most. By targeting rural farmers, Governor Oyebanji is not only addressing immediate food security concerns but also laying the groundwork for sustainable agricultural development in the state.

The reduction in prices of feeds and eggs reported by poultry farmers is a testament to the positive impact of the maize palliatives on the agricultural sector. As farmers gain access to affordable inputs, they can optimize their production processes, leading to increased output and improved livelihoods.

Governor Oyebanji's proactive measures towards food security exemplify his administration's commitment to the well-being and prosperity of all citizens. By prioritizing support for farmers and investing in agricultural initiatives, Ekiti State is poised to achieve greater resilience and self-sufficiency in food production.

As the distribution of maize palliatives continues to yield positive outcomes, Governor Oyebanji remains steadfast in his mission to ensure a food-secure future for Ekiti State, where every farmer has the resources and support needed to thrive.

Manufacturers unveil plan to reduce price of cement in Nigeria.

Manufacturers unveil plan to reduce price of cement in Nigeria.

Amid the rising price of cement in Nigeria, manufacturers of the product have unveiled plans to reduce the price to between N7,000 and N8,000 per 50kg.

Cement manufacturers disclosed this during a meeting called by David Umahi, Minister of Works, which had people from the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, including the minister, Doris Uzoka-Anite, in attendance in Abuja on Monday.

At the meeting, efforts were made to identify the underlying reasons for the abrupt increase in commodity prices.

Accordingly, manufacturers present also expressed their readiness to bring down prices in future as soon as the federal government intervention is fulfilled.

BUA Industries also disclosed plans to bring six million tonnes of cement into the market to mitigate the surging prices.

The Federal Government has also declared its intention to encourage the introduction of six new manufacturers.

The development comes as the price of cement skyrocketed to above N10,000 per 50kg in the Federal Capital Territory.

Earlier, the chairman of the Cement Producers’ Association of Nigeria, CEPAN, Prince David Iweta, explained that the demand for cement outweighed its supply as the reason for the rising price.

Uproar as Edo APC gov primary produces three ‘winners’.

Uproar as Edo APC gov primary produces three ‘winners’.

The confusion trailing Saturday’s governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress in Edo State deepened on Sunday as Anamero Dekeri became the third aspirant to claim victory in the exercise.

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, who is the Chairman of the Edo State Primary Election Committee, had on Saturday declared a member of the House of Representatives, Dennis Idahosa, as the winner of the exercise with 40, 453 votes.

Elsewhere, the returning officer, Stanley Ugboaja, also declared Monday Okpebholo winner with 12,145 at Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu’s residence.

Almost simultaneously, the local government returning officers led by Ojo Babatunde, announced Anamero Dekeri as the winner of the contest having polled 25,384 votes.

While the drama continued, the National Chairman of the APC, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, officially congratulated Idahosa for emerging as the party’s governorship flag bearer on Sunday.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Sunday, aggrieved APC stakeholders led by Emmanuel Godwin slammed Uzodimma, for allegedly declaring a winner when collation was ongoing.

The stakeholders rejected the result and called on President Bola Tinubu and Ganduje not to give recognition to Uzodimma’s declared candidate.

Godwin said, “We have been inundated with news that a particular candidate was announced yesterday by His Excellency, Hope Uzodimma. It is unfortunate that Uzodimma, who is not the returning officer in whatever capacity, assumed the position and went ahead to announce Dennis Idahosa when the returning officers were still collating the results.

“We wish to therefore state categorically that the purported announcement is null and void and it should be disregarded in its entirety. Governor Uzodimma lacks the power to usurp the duties and responsibilities of local government returning officers in the Edo state primaries.

“We call on the National Chairman of our great party the APC, His Excellency, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje and President Bola Tinubu. to as a matter of honour discard Governor Uzodimma’s infamous declaration of one Mr. Dennis Idahosa who didn’t win the primaries.”

Also, the Publicity Secretary of the Edo APC, Peter Uwadiae, condemned the result announced by Uzodinma.

In a statement on Sunday, Uwadiae said the action was embarrassing, unfortunate and bizarre.

He said, “The attention of the State Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress has been drawn to some publications wherein the authors aimed at distorting the facts surrounding the conduct and outcome of Saturday governorship primary election that held in the 192 wards of the 18 local government areas in Edo state.

“Most embarrassing, unfortunate and bizarre was the conduct of Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, who instead of sympathising with the returning officers, abandoned them, single-handedly relocated the collation centre upon learning that his preferred aspirant wasn’t winning and then assumed the role of the state’s returning officer without recourse to inputs from the local government collation agents as well as the chief returning officer of the exercise.

“In desperation, he shamelessly appointed one Charity Amayaenvbo, the campaign manager of Hon. Dennis Idahosa, to read the results from a piece of paper.

“As the Chairman of APC governor’s Forum, one would have expected him to retain his status as an umpire, to sue for peace, and not to grossly abuse and ridicule the privilege of his exalted office.”

But the APC National Chairman, Ganduje, in a statement on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, hailed the emergence of Idahosa as the winner of the primary as declared by Uzodimma.

He said, “I want to congratulate the winner of the Edo State governorship election, I want to equally commend and appreciate Governor Hope Uzodinma’s election committee for their hard work and the transparent manner in which the primary election was conducted.

“At this point, I want to call on all the aspirants to bury the hatchet and work for the interest of the party so that our party will emerge victorious.“

Meanwhile, Idahosa and Dekeri, on Sunday, gave their separate acceptance speeches.

In his acceptance speech made available to journalists on Sunday, Idahosa said, “This is to accept the mandate given to me by party members in the primary election of the APC which took place on February 17. This election has further deepened our party’s internal democratic process and taken us a step further ahead of other political parties on how to promote party cohesion for positive outcomes

“It has been a tough political contestation between all the aspirants: we all campaigned across the state, to woo registered party members to support our respective aspirations; counting down from months to weeks and then days. We have finally come to the end of the first major hurdle- the primary election, which has now given me the mandate to be the flagbearer of our great party. It is a victory that I will forever cherish in my political journey all through my life.”

On his part, Dekeri, in his acceptance speech, said, “I must praise party members who in their wisdom elected me as their preferred candidate. In all humility and with a great sense of responsibility I accept this choice which I believe is a reflection of God’s choice. From the depth of my heart, I say a big thank you to members of our great party in Edo State for reposing this huge confidence in me, which I must say I do not take for granted.”

Akpabio And His Development Politics.

Akpabio And His Development Politics.

By Femi ODERE.

It is no longer news that the two-term former Governor of Akwa Ibom state, and now President of the 10th Senate, His Excellency Godswill Obot Akpabio has a unique title (call it a cognomen) attached to his name whenever he's mentioned either in print or public fora even by his political detractors. "Uncommon" is the word usually attached either to his past station as a governor or his present assignment as the Senate President. 

What's yet to be news, let alone be sufficiently interrogated, is his deliberate injection, although stealthily, of a different variant of politics into the nation's body politic as will be explained presently.

Akpabio was referred to as the "uncommon governor" or "uncommon transformer" throughout his eight-year tenure in Akwa Ibom state. It also must be said that Akpabio's uncommonality, if you will, has found a new refuge in the hallowed chamber of the Senate as can also be articulated presently.

Although the possibility exists that not a few people, especially those who have never been to Akwa Ibom state or visited the state before the now Senate President ruled the roost but didn't have any compelling reason to go back after he left office would probably be willing to accept this cognomen on its face value like yours sincerely without the ideational incubator that gives the word life. 

Yours sincerely was in the state only once to see a childhood friend (Sunday Idowu) during the administration of Governor Victor Attah until another opportunity presented itself during the weeklong celebration of the 61st birthday of the "uncommon" Senate President which was held in Uyo (the state capital) and Ikot Ekpene. That was when the "uncommon" cognomen came into what can be described as a 3D technicolor to yours sincerely.

The major towns as well as the nooks and crannies of the state are strewn with solid road infrastructure, star-studded hospitality businesses, and a serene atmosphere to boot that the state instantaneously arrests your emotion and imagination as the most livable piece of real estate in Nigeria.

Uyo, it must be emphasized without any fear of contradiction, is like a mini-London for those who can make the comparison because they have experienced the two cities. 

In my natural curiosity to find out if there is any historical basis that undergirds Akpabio's "uncommon" description, the first pointer, as told by an indigene who was part of my random selection I chatted with, was the apparent sturdy road infrastructure. "All the major roads you see here in Uyo were completed in the first two years of Akpabio's government," the resident quipped.

The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium is by all standards world-class. "Adams Oshiomhole came for an event at this stadium when he was the governor of Edo State and marveled at this magnificent edifice. When he arrived back in his state, he called a contractor who had already been assigned to build a stadium in his homestead to simply scrap whatever he had on the drawing board and give him an Akpabio's stadium he saw in Uyo---whatever the cost," Engr. Ekanem said pointedly. 

The unprecedented macro component of roads and other capital infrastructures never witnessed since the creation of Akwa Ibom until Akpabio came into the saddle of political leadership, perhaps pale in significance to the micro developmental strides in human capital development in the way the former governor lifted a whole generation of his people from the backwater of civilization as house helps to significantly credentialed people of repute. A catchphrase in the streets of Uyo is Godswill Akpabio's penchant for turning "boys into men." 

It is this twin combination of uncommon developmental paradigms, now understood by yours sincerely, as the reason Akpabio deservedly earned the monicker as the "uncommon governor."

So, when the Senate President, speaking in Eket last month during a stakeholders' meeting with the leaders of Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District that he intends to do for Nigeria what he did for the people of his state as their governor, obviously through the instrumentality of robust legislation, to trigger both infrastructural and human capital developments across the country, he was referring to his "uncommon" developmental legacy in Akwa Ibom which he has since been quietly but surely replicating on the wider Nigeria political canvas.

While there's not a shadow of a doubt that Akpabio's interrogation of his state's political economy as a governor was truly an "uncommon transformation" as has been attested to, the real if not ideational underpinning of his politics is "development politics," which is a rarity in contemporary Nigerian political landscape. 

Akpabio has been dropping hints of development politics by which he should be defined in various outings since he assumed the senate leadership in particular and the chairmanship of the National Assembly in general. But only the discerning can take cognizance of this emerging political character in him.

During a thanksgiving mass in honor of Minister of Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr. Ekperikpe Ekpo at Our Lady of Mercy Chaplaincy in Abak Local Government of the state in November last year, the Senate President said he would continue to work for the peace and development of his home state across party lines.

Hear him: "I’m not interested in any kind of war. I am more interested in bringing development to the state. If there should be any competition among us, let it be in the overall interest of our people, like competing for development and life-changing projects for our people."

"If the governor is bringing a project to street or road A, as the President of the Senate, I should be seen working on bringing water or electricity to the street or road B. This is the kind of competition I want to see and not unnecessary bickering that brings no good to our people."

At a reception ceremony held in his honor after winning the election as the President of the 10th Senate, His Excellency Godswill Akpabio, in responding to Pastor Umo Eno, the governor of Akwa Ibom who came to felicitate with the "uncommon" leader, expressed that it would be progressive for the governor to focus on the state's development.

"Don't behave like your mentor, Udom. Stay in your lane and don't inherit anybody's problems, and you need to humble yourself." The "stay in your lane" phrase here, it seems to me, is a coded admonition that the Akwa Ibom governor should concentrate on development just as he did when he was governor.

Akpabio's gospel of development politics was carried to the Special Thanksgiving Service which was organized by the Akwa Ibom State government for the governor's electoral victory at the Supreme Court at the All Nations Christian Ministry International, Eket, Akwa Ibom. 

Hear him: "The Federal Government is ready to partner with the state government in the provision of affordable housing and a good road network. The president has discussed with us the need to bring more industries to Akwa Ibom State. You are more advantaged than others because you speak the same language as the President. When they come, please release lands to them for development because it is the Akwa Ibom children that would be the ultimate beneficiaries of the projects."

At the Thanksgiving Service in honor of Senator Barinada Mpigi at St. Cyprian's Anglican Church, Koroma Parish Diocese of Ogoni in Rivers State where the "uncommon" Senate President was in attendance, it was the host Senator Mpigi who reiterated Akpabio's preferred development politics, perhaps inadvertently, when he described him as a builder of men and nation.

"Your unique style of politics has been one of consensus and not divisiveness, strife, and bitterness. You have always put Nigeria first to the point where political party lines have been blurred and now we see ourselves as parliamentarians coming together to build a better nation and not as political enemies," Mpigi, a PDP lawmaker deadpanned.

Akpabio's brand of politics of development genre may well be what the political scientist ordered for a developmentally-challenged polity such as ours as opposed to the expectation and rebirth of ideology of political parties and practitioners of politics.

Perhaps what Akpabio is telling us is that we should come to terms with the death of ideology in a 21st-century world and get on with development politics already poised to replace it and that it should be embraced by those practitioners of politics who have an acute understanding of what politics should produce.

And what should politics produce?

It is development. It is a visible, people-oriented development. And that's the Akpabio trademark.

 _Femi Odere is a Senior Legislative Aide to the Senate President on Stakeholders' Engagement and Mobilization._

PDP lacks right to demand Tinubu’s resignation – FG.

PDP lacks right to demand Tinubu’s resignation – FG.

The Federal Government, on Sunday, clapped back at the governors elected on the platform of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party for asking President Bola Tinubu to resign from office if he had no answer to the nation’s myriad problems.

 The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, questioned why the PDP failed to turn the country around during its extended shot at power.

He described the PDP governor’s resignation call as a distraction.

The PDP governors, under the leadership of the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, had last week said Nigeria under Tinubu was on the path to becoming like Venezuela.

On Saturday, the PDP governors advised Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress to resign over the state of the nation if they could not provide sustainable solutions.

But responding on Sunday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, in a statement signed by his media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, knocked the PDP governors.

He said, “It is our considered view that the PDP and its governors should not be seeking, through the back door of intimidation, what they have consistently failed to achieve by democratic means, since 2015.

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“Those who could not bring transformational change when they had a lengthy chance to, should not seek to interrupt or distract those who are busy at work on the presidential vision that Nigerians elected them to implement.”

Explaining what the present administration was currently working on, the minister explained, “The administration of President Bola Tinubu has, since inception, generously extended financial support to all the state governments, regardless of partisan affiliation. In addition, the removal of the petrol subsidy —which, incidentally, was one of the main planks of the PDP presidential campaign—has swelled the revenues of all states, including the PDP states. To whom more has been given, more is therefore expected.

“The President and his administration recognise the unfinished business of revamping our national economy kickstarted by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, through programmes focused on large-scale infrastructure, social welfare, prioritising the equipping and welfare of the military and security agencies, and reclaiming Nigeria’s strategic place in the comity of nations.

 “Boko Haram and its affiliates, on the ascendancy in 2014/2015, have since been decimated, and similar bold gains are now being made with bandits and other criminals.

“Nigerians have not forgotten that it was the APC administration that cleared several liabilities left behind by the PDP government, such as subsidy claims by oil marketers, Paris Club refunds, unpaid pensions, gratuities, and salary arrears owed various categories of pensioners from liquidated and existing state-owned enterprises.”

Idris said Tinubu would never be overwhelmed by the current challenges facing the country.

 “He will not abdicate his responsibilities. He will courageously continue to wrestle with the challenges and surmount them, laying a durable foundation for the new Nigeria that is emerging,” the minister.