www.newstower.ng

Menu
Facebook Twitter Youtube

Category: Politics

Our Children’s Anthem

Posted on by admin50

 

By Ayo Oyoze Baje

 

 

Quote:

 

“We are the children of the poor

Born without our mothers’ consent

Tortured without a protest

Buried without a name”

 

-Ayo Oyoze Baje ( poem of the same title, published by the Nigerian Herald, July 1988 )

 

When we blame our youths for the escalating wave of sundry crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping for ransom, rape and terrorism we hardly ask ourselves if we, as their parents, guardians and elders have been there for them, or playing our parts. Yet, the pertinent questions remain: Do the perpetrators of these heinous crimes appear from Planet Mars or Jupiter? Don’t they have parents, teachers, pastors or Imams as their guiding moral compass? Have the governments (local, state and federal) acted as the father-figure to provide for their welfare and protect them against social and food insecurity as aptly enshrined in Section 14,Sub section 2(b) of the 1999 Constitution,(as amended)? The answer is obvious.

 

 

These were similar questions yours truly raised through an article titled: ‘ What type of future are we leaving for our children?’ as severally published on October 12, 2017. But has the sordid situation improved as at this day? Not at all. It has worsened, as parents groan with the highest inflation ever characterized by soaring costs of food items, electricity tariff, rent, and school fees all triggered by the sudden removal of fuel subsidy back in May 2023. Yet, while some 133 million citizens grapple with the survival mode, the children of the rich political helmsmen live large; openly displaying their frivolous lifestyle to satisfy their epicurean taste as if they were elected along with their parents into office. As if that was not insulting enough, turning our democracy into oligarchy, recently the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC came out proposing to increase the pay packages of the Lord’s of the Manor by over 100%! Outrageous, is it not? Of course, it is like adding salt to the people’s injury.

 

 

In response, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC has described it as “insensitive, unjust and inequitable”.On his part, renowned human rights advocate and lawyer, Femi Falana has raised alarm over it, warning that the economic situation is in dire straits and the RMAFC, which is making the proposal for the second time in two years ought to have considered giving a listening ear to the cries of the long-suffering, marginalized masses. In fact, methinks, this should be a moment for sober reflection.

What we need is leadership by example- a selfless service to the people. Now is the time for them to make the much needed sacrifice, instead of turning our democratic culture to that of plutocracy, which is a government of the rich, by the rich and to reward the supporters of the political pilots. Indeed, they should borrow a fresh leaf from some past political leaders of some other countries such as Italy and Uruguay, when their nations were faced with harsh economic situation as we currently battle with.

 

 

It would be recalled that between 2010 and 2015 when

President Jose Mujica ( now of blessed memory) piloted the affairs of Uruguay he shunned the luxurious house that the Uruguayan state provided for its leaders. He opted instead to stay at his wife’s farmhouse, off a dirt road outside the capital, Montevideo.

 

The president and his wife worked the land themselves, growing flowers. They had only two cars.This austere lifestyle – and the fact that Mujica donated about 90% of his monthly salary, equivalent to $12,000 (£7,500), to charity – led him to be labelled the “poorest president in the world”.

 

In a similar vein, it was reported in May 2021 that Italy’s Prime Minister known as ‘Super Mario’ waived his entire £100,000 salary to ‘show solidarity with his nation hit by recession’. Leadership by example was what the two men with the sweet milk of human kindness demonstrated, when their two countries were caught in the web of economic recession, not an obscene lifestyle.

 

 

It is the best of times for our own political leaders- from the local government chairmen, through the lawmakers at all levels to the state governors and the federal executive

to climb down from their high horses of ego tripping to wear the tattered shoes of the common man and do the needful. Lest we forget the World Bank, International Monetary Fund,IMF and the Economist Magazine published in the United Kingdom,UK warned

back in 2010 that the humongous salaries of our politicians in office ranked amongst the highest in the world then while the people stew in persisting, preventable poverty. Unfortunately, their words of admonition fell on stone – deaf ears.

 

 

Let us for a moment consider the mind-boggling and humungous sums of public funds serially siphoned to feather the nests of members of the political class ever since independence in 1960.Couldn’t that have facilitated in providing quality education, sustainable food security, sound healthcare delivery and the enabling infrastructural environment to provide mass employment for the youths?

 

 

Another source of serious concern is the inability of some state governments to pay the minimum wage, up till the moment, as agreed.

We should recall that President Bola Tinubu signed the new minimum wage into law on July 29, 2024, after meeting with leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria.Yet, in spite of the monthly allocations from the Federation Account and their Internally Generated Revenue,IGR some civil servants and their dependants are left in misery.

 

 

Indeed, one’s increasing fear about the nature and texture of the future the current crop of Nigeria’s political leaders is bequeathing to our rudderless youths is predicated on the prevailing poverty and hunger in the land. Consider the scary scenario where instilling the Fear Factor on a hapless, hungry citizenry through well calculated punitive measures are meted out on the voices of courage and truth who dare criticize government’s policies? What do we make of the sudden swerve of defections, especially by some state governors who are afraid of being investigated for one case of corruption or the other all in the bid to hang on to political power come the next election? All these, in addition to the evils of vote trading- selling and buying -are antithetical to democratic norms

 

 

Our leaders should be worried about the moral lessons they are teaching our children, who have to grow up daily in hunger and misery, in a thorny, political jungle where might is right. What we need is the deployment of our best brains including eggheads on the economy to come up with pro-people policies with the enabling environment for businesses to thrive. We have abundant natural resources to get Nigerians out of the ignoble pit of poverty with the right leadership policies driving the economy. Not the time for the poor to tighten their belts to keep satisfying the insatiable political elite, as the RMAFC wants done with increased pay packages.

Newswatch Editors Faced Abacha’s Wrath Over David Mark Interview, Memoir Reveals

Posted on by admin50

 

 

A rare interview granted to Newswatch magazine by Brig.Gen. David Mark landed the publication’s directors in hot water with the late Gen. Sani Abacha, according to Yakubu Mohammed, former Executive Editor of the now-defunct magazine. Mohammed recounts the experience in his recently published memoir, “Beyond Expectations.”

 

Following Abacha’s ousting of the Ernest Shonekan-led Interim National Government (ING) in 1993, Mohammed writes that Abacha moved to remove perceived loyalists of former head of state Ibrahim Babangida from key military positions, including Gen. Aliu Gusau and Brig.-Gen. David Mark.

 

Mark, feeling betrayed, decided to expose Abacha’s true motives in an interview with then Newswatch editor-in-chief, Dan Agbese, while in London.

Mark revealed that Abacha’s claim of removing the ING to pave the way for M.K.O. Abiola’s presidency or fresh elections was a deception.

 

According to Mark, the plan was to hold a constitutional conference to draft a new constitution, an idea conceived by Gen. Oladipo Diya, Abacha’s second-in-command.

 

Mark believed Abacha intended to remain in power for at least five years before transforming into a civilian president.

 

The publication of the interview on April 11, 1994, triggered a manhunt for the Newswatch editors by the State Security Service (SSS).

 

Mohammed detailed his experience of being identified and apprehended in Lokoja, Kogi State, while attempting to meet with the military governor. He also recounted the arrests of Dan Agbese and Ray Ekpu.

 

Mohammed described the harsh conditions of their detention, with the three editors confined to a single cell with a single bed and constant light.

 

He noted that intervention from media colleagues, the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria, the Guild of Editors, and elder statesmen, including Adamu Ciroma, eventually led to their release after gaining Abacha’s attention.

 

—NAN

PSC Receives Presidential Delegation, Demands Mandate Protection And Adequate Funding.. says it is prepared to take Government Renewed Hope to the next level

Posted on by admin50

By Ebinum Samuel

 

 

The Police Service Commission today, Monday, 25th August 2025, received a Presidential delegation led by Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination and Head, Central Results Delivery Coordination Unit.

 

Ms. Usman led a strong delegation on an engagement Meeting with the leadership of the Commission to identify areas of support required for effective service delivery by the Commission.

 

According to PSC spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani, the Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd mni, who led the Commission’s team, told the visitors that the Commission is presently faced with the twin problems of inadequate funding and unending and surreptitious attempt to hijack its mandate.

 

The Chairman noted that the Commission is grossly underfunded and incapable of effectively and efficiently executing its constitutional mandate of Police recruitment, promotion and discipline, adding that this anomaly is also worsened by a struggle by different and divergent interests to hijack its mandate and dilute its efficiency and effectiveness.

DIG Argungu said the Commission is committed to leverage on it’s established Policy of accountability and Transparency, to herald a Police Force ready and prepared for the 21st Century policing.

 

He mentioned inadequacy of staff returns from the Nigeria Police Force, institutional conflicts, limited nationwide presence, inadequate funding and public trust deficit as some of the areas of support the Commission requires from the visiting team.

 

According to him, “one of the key problems the Police Service Commission is facing is unnecessary interference into its Constitutional and statutory mandate” adding that the Central Result Delivery Coordination Unit should assist the Commission fence off these interlopers and ensure that the Commission is allowed to do its work.

 

The PSC Chairman complained on the envelope budgetary system which ” creates a ceiling in the budgeting process thereby limiting funding to the core Functions of the Commission.

 

DIG Argungu recommended “an independent budgeting system for the Commission that gives it the ability to submit its budget directly to the Presidency noting that ” the PSC act of 2001 Section 15(1) mandates the Commission to submit its estimate of expenditure and income during the next succeeding year, not later than 30th September in each year to the President.”

Responding, the leader of the visiting delegation, Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman pledged to work to ensure that the Commission is allowed to execute its constitutional mandate. “We will look at your mandate and will ensure you are allowed to do your work. We will de-bottleneck the problems and we will have a PSC that stands alone and not an attachment of any Ministry.

 

She said the objective of the working visit “is to strengthen the collaboration between the Police Service Commission (PSC) and the Ministry of Police Affairs and clarify the role of PSC in the achievement of the Presidential Area on Strengthening National Security for peace and Prosperity”.

 

The PSC team at the Meeting included Justice Paul Adamu Galumje, JSC retired, Honourable Commissioner representing the Judiciary, DIG Taiwo Lakanu rtd fdc, Honourable Commissioner representing the Police and Chief Onyemuchi Nnamani, Secretary to the Commission

Drug kingpin, 5 others in NDLEA custody over arrest of 3 Nigerians in Saudi Arabia

Posted on by admin50

 

By Ebinum Samuel

Face multiple charges for trafficking illicit substances to Jeddah as Marwa engages Saudi counterpart on the innocence of detained pilgrims

 

A 55-year-old drug kingpin Mohammed Ali Abubakar alias Bello Karama and five members of a syndicate operating at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) Kano have been taken into custody by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) following the discovery that they are behind the shipment of illicit substances for which three innocent Nigerians who went on lesser hajj pilgrimage to the holy land were being detained in Jeddah for alleged drug trafficking.

This was disclosed at a press conference addressed by the Agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi along with the Director of Assets and Financial Investigation, Dr. Abdul Ibrahim and Director of Prosecution and Legal Services, Theresa Asuquo, at the NDLEA National Headquarters in Abuja on Monday 25th August 2025.

Explaining how the syndicate implicated three unsuspecting pilgrims in drug trafficking allegations in Saudi, the NDLEA said following receipt of complaints by its Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) from three Nigerian families over the detention of their family members in Saudi Arabia after the completion of their lesser hajj pilgrimage on an allegation of trafficking in illicit substances into Saudi Arabia, an investigation was launched to unravel what happened.

The Agency said the three Nigerians detained in Saudi: Mrs. Maryam Hussain Abdullahi; Mrs. Abdullahi Bahijja Aminu; and Mr. Abdulhamid Saddiq boarded an Ethiopian Airline flight ET940 which departed Kano on 6th August 2025 to Jeddah enroute Addis-Ababa were unfortunate to be tagged with six additional bags not belonging to them, three of which were found to contain illicit drugs.

“Mrs. Maryam Hussain Abdullahi while embarking on this flight, only checked in one luggage weighing 9 kilograms on the 6th day of August, 2025 which incidentally did not arrive with her to her destination. Her husband was only informed of the arrival of their luggage on 16th August, a day before the date of their departure from Jeddah which was to be on the 17th day of August, 2025. Following this allegation, she was detained in Jeddah and is still in detention till date. The case of the other two persons followed the same pattern and were reported to the Agency shortly after Maryam Hussain’s complaint”, the Agency stated.

It revealed its swift investigation revealed that “the bags containing illicit drug substances intercepted in Saudi Arabia were checked in against the complainants’ names by members of a criminal syndicate operating in Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport without the knowledge of the three complainants.

“All the bags were traced to one Ali Abubakar Mohammed (aka Bello Karama), the leader of the syndicate who checked them into the Ethiopian Airline on the 6th day of August 2025, the same day the three complainants travelled on board the same airline from Kano enroute Addis-Ababa to Jeddah. It is interesting to note that the said Ali Abubakar Mohammed who also travelled to Jeddah on the same date boarded Egypt Air rather than Ethiopian Airline where he checked in his contaminated bags.

“The bags were tagged and checked in by members of staff of Skyway Aviation Handling Company who are also members of the criminal syndicate, to the names of the three complainants secretly and without their knowledge or consent. The bags illegally tagged against the complainants’ names are the ones intercepted in Saudi Arabia and found to contain the illicit drug substances.

“For the above reasons, the three complainants were arrested and detained for crimes they had no knowledge of. In the light of the forgoing, and the evidence gathered by the Agency in the course of our investigation, it is clear that Mrs. Maryam Abdullahi and two others who are being detained in Saudi are victims of circumstance, implicated by the activities of a criminal syndicate operating at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.”

The Agency said six members of the syndicate are already in its custody with four already charged to court awaiting arraignment including Ali Abubakar Mohammed (aka Bello Karama); Abdulbasit Adamu, Murtala Akande Olalekan and Celestina Emmanuel Yayock. “They have all made confessional statements. While Ali had admitted bringing in seven luggage, Celestina confessed checking in two of them for a fee of N100,000 and another suspect Jazuli Kabir who checked in two other bags admitted collecting N100,000 for the dirty job, while Ali travelled with the other three bags on Egypt Air. We have the receipts for the transfer of N200,000 from Ali to Celestina who in turn transferred N100,000 to Jazuli.”

It said based on the outcome of its investigations it is spearheading a dialogue with the authority of the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) in Saudi Arabia to see that the three innocent Nigerians are exonerated.

“As a result, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Agency is presently on his way to attend an International Drug Conference which will be attended by a delegation from the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC), who he intends to meet one on one, to present our findings and seek the cooperation of our Saudi counterparts in ensuring that Mrs. Maryam Hussain Abdullahi, and the two others who remain stranded in the Kingdom, get the justice they deserve. If required, the CCEO is also prepared to travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia personally to pursue this matter to its conclusion”, Babafemi stated while assuring that Nigeria will never abandon its citizens, especially when the facts clearly show that they are victims of criminal conspiracies.

The Agency assured the public of its commitment to fight the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country adding that “while there are no sacred cows in our enforcement duties which can be attested to by the number of high-profile arrests, seizures, convictions and forfeitures recorded, it will not support the innocent being punished for crimes they did not commit.”

“While investigations continue, the CCEO will like to appreciate the Hon. Min of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Managing Director of FAAN, the AVSEC and the DSS for their collaboration on this case and for the interim measures that have been approved in MAKIA to prevent a reoccurrence of this type of situation”, he stated.

GPAAN decries vote buying that marred the recent by-elections

Posted on by admin50

 

By Ebinum Samuel

 

 

The Guild of Public Affairs Analysts of Nigeria ( GPAAN ), the nation’s foremost organization for public affairs analysts and political commentators has raised alarm over the recurring ugly decimal of both vote selling-by some corrupt politicians and vote buying by the gullible electorate – which have become endemic in our political clime. The disturbing dimension to the electoral process marred the conduct of the recent by- elections across 12 affected states in the country.

 

 

It would be recalled that GPAAN, as led by Ayo Oyoze Baje, the National President, Lekan Sote ( Vice President ), Victor Anya ( General Secretary ) in addition to the Zonal Chapter Chairmen in Enugu, Port Harcourt, Ilorin and Abuja, FCT has remained an advocate of sustained Voter Education for the electorate since October 2022 as part of the organization ‘s matching mandate in the pursuit of good governance in Nigeria.

 

 

Sadly however, going by several media reports the nauseating menace of vote buying was recorded in Oyo, Ogun, Kaduna, Kano states and led to protests that stalled the balloting in Enugu state. It was also one of the reasons responsible for the arrests of some politicians and INEC officials apprehended by EFCC operatives in some states.

 

 

Worthy of note is that the by- elections came about due to the death and resignation of the former occupants, which prompted the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) to declare their seats vacant.

 

 

According to INEC a total of 3,553,659 registered voters were considered eligible to participate in the by-elections, distributed across 32 local government areas, 356 wards and 6,987 polling units spread across the 12 states involved in the exercise.

 

 

With regards to the incident of alleged vote buying, precisely in Ogun state two chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP were arrested with huge sums of cash allegedly for vote buying during the Remo Federal Constituency House of Representativess by-election. And in a similar vein, the African Democratic Congress,ADC candidate for Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election, Femi Akin-Alamu

alleged that large scale vote buying characterized the election in Oyo state. In fact, there was open display of financial inducement to eligible voters in some other states, including Kano during the by-election.

 

 

Though the EFCC deployed some of its officials to track down the masterminds behind the political malfeasance, it has got worse over the election seasons. Concerned analysts such as Joseph Amaoru ( National Treasurer), Richard Inumah ( Assistant National Secretary), Sola Adesanwo ( Chairman Award Committee) and Comrade Pascal Chimezie have raised concern over the issue insisting that

it should not be allowed to continue as it is inimical to the dictates of democratic culture. The identification of the root causes of vote-buying and the frontal battle to combat such has therefore, become an imperative.

 

 

The fundamental reasons of course, include the high levels of the twin evils of corruption and poverty bedeviling the country, Nigeria. These, along with electoral violence are fratricidal factors that have undermined the people’s choice and brought forth political predators who have no allegiance to the people but exhibit crass corruption once they mount the pedestal of political power. To them is all about self aggrandizement, as they see it as a business venture through which they invest by vote selling.

 

 

These are evidenced by the disturbing increase in the price of votes now. It used to be about N2000 which later increased to N5000 but reports of the last election mentioned figures between N10,000 and N25,000 per vote. In instances of primary elections, we have seen reports of votes being bought in dollars.

 

 

What it means is that we are not practicing true democracy but plutocracy. While democracy is the government of the people by the people and for the people, plutocracy is the government of the rich, by the rich with the dividends meant for the rotten rich.

 

 

As a way forward, the responsibility to stop vote buying and selling starts from the family level, through the religious and traditional institutions to the schools and the community that nurtures the people. It has become a moral burden on us all as concerned citizens to ensure that INEC adheres strictly to rules and regulations guiding the process to ensure that only the choice of the people get into positions of political power.

 

 

Furthermore, the National Assembly should do the needful through thoroughbred

electoral reforms. The least we should settle for, is for election results to be transmitted from the polling units as was promised in the 2023 elections but was aborted by glitches that have remained unexplained.

 

 

Of compelling significance also is the need for the political helmsmen to combat the challenge of persisting poverty in the land, instead of latching on it to promote vote selling and buying. The consequences would eventually be dire for both the political elite and the led majority. Prevention would therefore, be safer and cheaper than cure.

“I WILL RUN IN 2027,” ATIKU DISOWNS STATEMENT TO THE CONTRARY

Posted on by admin50

 

By Ebinum Samuel

 

Contrary to recent reports to the effect that he may opt out of the 2027 presidential contest, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has restated that he will run for the nation’s top job.

 

Atiku was quoted to have said at the weekend that have said that his commitment to the evolution of a better Nigeria, outweighs his quest to be President. Prof Ola Olateju of the Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State who represented Atiku at the defection of several top political figures to the African Democratic Congress, (ADC), in Lagos at the weekend, suggested that Atiku was not enamoured about occupying Aso Rock at all costs.

 

According to Olateju: “Atiku Abubakar’s plan is to build a better Nigeria, it’s not about being President. It’s about establishing a government that works for Nigerians. That’s why some of us are with him, not because Atiku must be President at all costs.”

 

In a telephone conversation with the respected journalist and media scholar, Tunde Olusunle, after reading the report, however, Atiku disowned the statement. He spoke from his holiday home in the United Arab Emirates, (UAE). “I did not issue that statement,” he said. “When people stand in for me at events, we preview my thoughts on the instant subject and what my contribution or intervention will be, so we are on the same page. In this particular instance, there was no engagement with me to distill my thoughts. Prof Olateju was not speaking for me.”

 

According to the elder statesman, “I will run in 2027. Nigeria needs to be decisively rescued from the intensive care unit it has been consigned. The degeneration in our country, the level of poverty and pain, the anguish, is unacceptable. The accompanying deceit, the loss of values, the mega-scale, unimpeded thievery, the absolute lack of accountability, must disturb every concerned patriot. I will be offering myself to lead the reclamation and reconstruction of our traumatised homeland.”

 

Continuing, Atiku noted that the coalition which he is leading under the ADC is the galvanise popular support for the liberation of Nigeria. He said a platform which was adopted just a few months ago cannot be expected to engender upsets in by-elections. “ADC is leading a pottent mass movement which will shock the world. We will upstage the status quo in a way which will leave doubters dumbstruck.”

Lagos Lawyer, Victim, and Father Praise AIG Margaret Ochalla for Intervention, Urge Others to Emulate Her

Posted on by admin50

 

By Ebinum Samuel

 

A Lagos-based top lawyer, Barrister Olayinka Sanni, alongside a victim of police misconduct, Olawale Iyanda and his father, has commended Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Margaret Ochalla, for her timely intervention and benevolence in settling the victim’s medical bills. They described her gesture as exemplary and urged others in positions of authority to emulate her compassion and commitment to justice.

 

This commendation followed a recent petition regarding alleged extortion and human rights violations by personnel of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, involving one Inspector Kalu.

 

Upon receiving the complaint, AIG Ochalla immediately directed the Commissioner of Police, X-Squad, to investigate. The investigation led to the arrest of both the officer and a Point-of-Sale (POS) operator linked to the case.

 

During interrogation, Inspector Kalu admitted that the petitioner had earlier been reported by community members for allegedly terrorizing the neighborhood. The petitioner himself confessed to involvement in identity theft, presenting evidence of his actions. He was later granted bail with instructions to return for further investigation.

 

Similarly, the POS operator confessed that the complainant had once requested ₦4 million in cash, which she provided. She further admitted that the complainant later returned and left the funds with her without explanation.

 

In the spirit of transparency and fairness, AIG Ochalla ensured the complete recovery of the funds, which were duly returned to the petitioner. She also took a step further by personally covering the victim’s medical expenses, demonstrating leadership rooted in compassion. Meanwhile, Inspector Kalu is undergoing an Orderly Room Trial in line with police disciplinary procedures.

 

Speaking on the development during their ‘thank you’ visit to the office of AIG-FCID, Barrister Olayinka Sanni praised the AIG’s actions, describing her as “a true reformist who leads with integrity.” He stressed that such humane and professional conduct should be a model for others in public service.

 

The AIG, FCID Annex, Lagos, reaffirmed the command’s zero tolerance for corruption and misconduct, urging the public to report any unprofessional behavior through the official complaint channels. She emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force under her watch remains committed to accountability, fairness, and quality service delivery.

PETER MBAH AS “TALK NA DO GOVERNOR”

Posted on by admin50

 

By Tunde Olusunle

 

Come Tuesday August 28, 2025, the cream of the Nigerian legal community congregate in the the historic *Coal City,* Enugu, capital of Enugu State, for their annual conference, under the auspices of the Nigerian Bar Association, (NBA). They will be the second very important professional body to schedule their converge in the state in as many months, following the precedence of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, (NGE), who were guests of the state last June. The senior journalists had more than their fill of sights, sounds, even smells of the jaw-dropping, multi-departmental initiatives and makeover of the state, under the far-sighted, daring leadership of Peter Ndubuisi Mbah. He is the soft-spoken, unassuming Governor of the state. Eye-popping educational infrastructure; diligently constructed and rehabilitated roads; emplaced and functional digital technology-led security apparachik and a purpose-built, integrated multi-auditorium conference and convention centre, optically validated the consummation of Mbah’s governance mantra that *tomorrow is here.*

 

Mbah desires food sufficiency and security for his people; he dreams of transforming his state into a global tourism and investment destination; he’s a quester for the growth of the economy of Enugu State into that of a formidable sub-national. He is thus on a compulsive, albeit methodical mission to prosecute a masterplan for the multisectoral uplift of his state. While many other states anticipate handouts from the government at the centre, Mbah has established a tractor assembly workshop, for example, to ensure that his constituents benefit from the agriculture value chain. One hundred tractors have been readied for starters, to support the farm estates which are being established across the state. A vehicle and automotive infrastructure assembly plant is also being established in partnership with *Stallion MG Automobiles Ltd.* This is part of Mbah’s vision for a production-driven economy, away from the subsisting consumer-based trajectory.

 

Monday July 7, 2025, Mbah took daringness to a new height. He inaugurated an Enugu government-owned airline, *Enugu Air.* Enugu thus became the first of the five states in the South East, and the third in Nigeria to own an airline. The state follows the precedence of the Akwa Ibom state-owned *Ibom Air* and Cross River State’s *Cally Air.* Coincidentally, all three airline-owning states are in the South of the country. While the operations of *Enugu Air* will expand in-country flight options for air travellers, Mbah has a bigger vision. The *Akanu Ibiam Airport* in Enugu, savoured an upgrade to international status under the leadership of former President Muhammadu Buhari. It is operated by a few foreign airlines, notably *Ethiopian Air.* Mbah intends to leverage on this to position Enugu “as a central aviation gateway to the South East and the bridge between Nigeria and the rest of the world.”

 

The ultimate goal, according to Mbah, “is to make Enugu a connecting hub for travellers across Africa and internationally. *Enugu Air* will not only facilitate domestic travel but also serve as a critical link that connects countries to our base here in Enugu, boosting tourism, trade and economic growth.” The *Akanu Ibiam International Airport* is the oldest and busiest in Nigeria’s South East. *Xejet,* partners of the Enugu State government on the initiative, are deploying two aircraft for the commencement of the operations of *Enugu Air.* Flights will commence between Enugu, Lagos, Nigeria’s economic vertebrae, and Abuja, the capitol, two of the busiest air travel routes in Nigeria. Such is the industry and innovative audacity of Peter Mbah. He can most fittingly be described in Nigeria’s pidgin English vocabulary as a *talk na do Governor,* a leader who delivers, wholly and practically on his word.

 

Thursday August 14, 2025, less than a month after inaugurating *Enugu Air,* Mbah commissioned five ultramodern transport terminals in the state. The infrastructures were developed in consonance with his manual for a modern, multimodal public transport ecosystem for Enugu State. Mbah equally cut the ribbons of 80 modern bus shelters built across the state. The aim is to mitigate what Mbah described as “the municipal blight manifested in chaotic traffic and general disorderliness.” Mbah intends for an “efficient public transport system which offers comfort and dignity, and which will fast-track the audacious economic aspirations of his state.” This is in sync with the core desire to make Enugu the most liveable city in Nigeria, where a world-standard transport regimen “moves people, connects businesses and communities.” The intention is also to position Enugu State as a model of modern governance, sustainable growth and human dignity.

 

At the same event, Mbah launched 100 CNG mass transit buses, out of 200 units acquired by his government, a feat without precedence even in more affluent states across the country. The double-barrelled event, Mbah observed, transcended “a ribbon-cutting exercise,” as it ushered in a whole new experience, fundamentally connecting our vision to action, and our action to the daily lives of the over seven million residents of Enugu State.” Mbah noted that the “CNG Rapid Bus Service Mass Transit Scheme and the terminals are pillars of the transport agenda, a multimodal highway to the future, integrating road, rail, air and waterways into one seamless, safe and efficient ecosystem.” The Enugu State helmsman hopes that his transportation masterplan will create “20,000 jobs across BRT; 2,000 hybrid city taxis, airport operations, ride-hailing and support services.”

 

One week after emplacing the futuristic transportation system in Enugu State, Mbah commissioned the refurbished hospitality monument in the state capital, the *Presidential Hotel,* Enugu. Built in 1963 by the Premier of the Eastern Region, Dr Michael Iheonukara Okpara, the once-upon-a-time prototype of post-colonial aesthetics, was a regional pride in its time. It fell into gross disrepair owing to decades of scant attention and non-maintenance. Passed over by his predecessors, Mbah bravely undertook the restoration of the archetype, an endeavour he described as an “imperative reconnection with the history of our people.” Reinstating the 100-room, 62 year old edifice is in tandem with the vision of his government to reestablish Enugu as a major hub for hospitality, tourism and investment. It complements the ongoing construction of a 340-room five-star hotel which will change the face of travel and boarding in Enugu.

 

Committed to leveraging socioeconomic opportunities and developments for the wellbeing of his constituents, Mbah has also been tweaking his cabinet, ostensibly for better effectiveness and increased productivity. He recently created a *Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources,* to oversee the investment of the state in the power sector and explore prospects in the state’s mineral sector. In what is rightly a midterm reinvigoration of his team, Mbah appointed a new Head of Service and six new commissioners, while reassigning three others. He admonished the new entrants into his cabinet to get cracking, and to raise the bar of performance for which his administration had consistently received plaudits from the people. “There’s no time for prefatory honeymoon in this job,” he advised his new aides.

 

Mbah underwent the mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC), in a law firm in Lagos between 2001 and 2002, after being called to the Nigerian Bar, upon graduation from the Nigerian Law School, Lagos campus. He recalls the travails of contemporary youth corps members and thus raised their state-paid stipend from the preexisting *one naira* per member, to a minimum of N20,000 each, depending on course of study. Medical doctors, pharmacists, healthcare professionals, earn N80,000; N50,000 and N40,000 each in that order. Apart from augmenting the buying power of youth corps members who are paid a monthly stipend of N77,000 by the federal government, Mbah believes that university graduates who went through the mills and grills of tertiary education should earn above the minimum wage for general workers. Such is the manner of empathy, the fellow-feeling which rules the heart of Mbah.

 

Governor Peter Mbah has demonstrated that selfless and impactful public service is possible in a milieu where the quality of leadership is painfully razz and degenerate at the very best. Perhaps because he was a very successful private sector player before his foray in politics, Mbah has shown that so long as public servants are transparent and moderate their greed and voluptuous consumption of public resources, there is enough fiscal wherewithal to work for the people and impact their lives. Public resources are not the personal preserve of office holders, most of whom are wont to dishonestly keep chunks for themselves and dispense crumbs to the people. Mbah continues to stride gingerly towards achieving the goal of improving the economy of Enugu State from the present $4.4Billion, to $30Billion, within a time frame of eight years. He is chalking up successes because he has poured himself wholly, honestly and selflessly into his assignment, cognisant that the verdict of history awaits. Nigeria will be better with more Peter Ndubuisi Mbahs.

 

 

*Tunde Olusunle, PhD, Fellow, Association of Nigerian Authors, (FANA), is an Adjunct Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Abuja*

Ondo state: Lessons from success story on security 

Posted on by admin50

By Ayo Baje

 

Quote:

 

“Amotekun Corp’s lofty journey has been one of remarkable achievements and unwavering resilience. Our brave men and women have scaled the most daunting challenges, confronting terrorists, bandits and kidnappers with unwavering courage.”

 

-Gov. Lucky Aiyetadiwa ( Speaking on the efforts of Amotekun Security in the state)

 

Going by the dictates of Section 14 Sub-section (2)(b) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) the primary purpose of government is to guarantee the protection of the citizens and their property from harn in addition to providing for their welfare, to enhance their wellbeing. But given the socio-political dynamics of the multi-ethnic Nigerian nation insecurity has reared its ugly head bedeviling the economic landscape over the decades. While trillions of naira in budgetarty allocations have gone to confront the mindless menace of the nefarious activities of all manner of insurgents-from Boko Haram, ISWAP, to bandits, Lakurawa and Mahmuda terrorists and fully armed herders hundreds of thousands of precious, irreplaceable lives have been wantonly wasted over the decades. But one governor truly making the desired difference in both the frontal battle and the proactive approach to insecurity is none other than Lucky Aiyetadiwa, beaming the sunshine of hope on state security with his government’s determined efforts, in Ondo state.

 

 

Amongst the fascinating features in this regard include the adoption and reinforcement of the Amotekun Corps as left behind by his predecessor, Rotimi Akeredolu ( of blessed memory). Furthermore, he has become an indefatigable advocate of state policing to drive home the importance of strengthening security down to the grassroots. Another aspect of course, is having a holistic approach to the fight against crimes and criminality, knowing full well that the government cannot do it all alone, hence the involvement of security agencies, non -governmental organizations ( NGOs ) and the people themselves.

 

 

Indeed, the news headlines tell the story -or at least, part of it. For instance, these include: ”Aiyetadiwa calls for synergy among security agencies ” Another one comes in as: “Amotekun, example of transformative power of state-level security – Aiyetadiwa”. And while still ruminating over that, the one on: “Ondo government approves death penalty for kidnappers” screams boldly to the face and the heart of humanity. They deserve the punishment, do they not? Of course, they do.! ” Governor

Aiyetadiwa seeks synergy of security agencies in protecting border communities in Ondo state.

Yet, another page -turning one states that: ” Governor Aiyetadiwa distributes 50 operational vehicles to security agencies”. Talk about the power of pragmatic partnership in combating the persisting challenge of insecurity.

 

 

Interestingly, these critical issues were highlight by the state Commissioner of Information and Orientation, Mr. Idowu Ajanaku during a recent interview he granted an FM Radio station. According to him, the increasing level of security in the state is predicated on the strong backing from the collaboration of security agencies, including the Amotekun Corps. He praised Governor Aiyedatiwa for the prompt provision of the needed logistics, resources including drones and security personnel deployed across all the forests in the state, for surveillance day and night. And with policemen working closely with the Amotekun that led to the quick arrests of the perpetrators behind the abduction of a member of staff of the Adekunle Ajasin University some weeks back.

 

 

In addition, he emphasized the salutary efforts being made by the government to engage potential investors to Ondo state, as the peace being currently enjoyed is key to attracting them.

 

 

With the noble aim to strengthen that peace, the governor reiterated this during the presentation of 50 high-grade operational Toyota Hilux vehicles to security agencies in the state which formed part of activities that marked his first 100 days in office: “This event underscores our administration’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the effectiveness, efficiency and capacity of our security agencies to respond to any security alert or acts of criminality in the state,” he stated. He emphasized the importance of synergy among all security stakeholders, as that collaboration is critical to tackling the security challenges facing the state.Good enough, this philosophy runs in sync with his administration’s development blueprint, tagged: OUR EASE, which prioritizes the safety of citizebs. It would be recalled that in July 2024, the state government distributed 25 units of Toyota Hilux vehicles to security agencies, highlighting the new presentation as a continuation of that That is exactly what Sam Walton refers to as one of the secrets of success; hinged of course, on the constancy of purpose.

 

 

Such practical demonstration of the power of partnership on combating insecurity was also enhanced during the Yemie Fash’s Online News platform 3rd Interactive Session, during which Aiyedatiwa and other stakeholders called for synergy among security agencies. The governor was represented by his deputy,

Dr. Olayide Adelami; the Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; and the Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip, as well as members of the Ondo State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, political appointees, heads of security agencies, top government functionaries, and other dignitaries.

 

 

As the governor has reiterated through different fora, and reinforced by practical efforts the South-West Amotekun has come to stay. The concept of State Police which he is championing will eventually free the people from the ineffective federal security structure which has gulped humongous sums of tax payers’ money with little to show for it. By his rapid response to the cries of the farmers in Akure North who staged protest against attacks from armed herders, placing curfew on two communities and lifting it after thorough appraisal and putting preventive measures firmly in place he has walked the talk on state security.

 

 

So, what matters in all of these engagements is the holistic approach adopted by the government because everyone would be enlightened to play his part to ensure that there is sustainable security in the state. That would form the foundation to build other structures related to employment generation which the governor has promised different youth organizations and is putting into practice with the vast and varied industrialization landscape through the Deep Sea port, agribusiness companies as well as the infrastructural development to attract visitors from across the world to the globally recognized Idanre Hills and other destinations of alluring, scenic splendor..

 

These are lasting lessons for other states and geopolitical zones to learn from, adapt and implement in the interest of the people they are elected and paid to serve.

Tinubu abolishes 5% telecom tax, offers relief to millions of Nigerians

Posted on by admin50

 

Millions of telecom subscribers across Nigeria have received welcome news as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially scrapped the planned 5% excise duty on telecommunications services.

 

The levy, introduced under the 2020 Finance Act, had long faced backlash from industry stakeholders and consumers, who argued that it would worsen the already high cost of living and stifle access to communication services.

 

Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, the Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, confirmed that the excise duty which had previously been suspended has now been completely abolished.

The excise duty, it was the five per cent or so, that is no longer there,” Maida told journalists. “Before it was suspended, but now the President has been magnanimous to remove it entirely.”

 

The controversial levy, introduced under the Muhammadu Buhari administration, was intended to boost government revenue but was widely criticised by consumer groups and industry stakeholders. Opponents argued that it would not only increase the cost of calls and data but also worsen the financial strain on households already grappling with inflation and high living costs.

 

In July 2023, Tinubu issued an executive order suspending the duty, citing concerns over its impact on both businesses and ordinary Nigerians. This latest move marks a definitive end to the policy.

Reacting to the announcement, the President of the National Association of Telecom Subscribers of Nigeria (NATCOMs), Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo, described the development as “soothing news.”

 

According to him, the removal means there will be “price stabilisation” and prevents further tariff hikes by operators, who had already been granted a 50 per cent increase in January 2025.

 

“If the Federal Government had allowed the five per cent, it means there would have been another round of tariff hikes on data and calls soon,” Ogunbanjo said.

 

“The NATCOMs executives will now finalise plans to withdraw our case from the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, because this is a good one for the over 170 million active subscribers in the country.”

Ogunbanjo, however, urged the NCC to review the January hike downward from 50% to 35%, which had been the original agreement with stakeholders earlier in the year.

 

The Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo, welcomed the news but noted that operators would study the details to ensure the removal was not offset by new taxes elsewhere.

 

“We hope it won’t be that a five per cent was removed from one part but another seven per cent added somewhere else,” Adebayo said.

 

He added that telcos are still waiting for the implementation of Tinubu’s broader tax reform laws, which were signed in June and will take effect in January 2026.

The reforms are expected to streamline Nigeria’s cumbersome tax regime, abolish dozens of minor levies, and provide relief to both businesses and consumers.

 

While subscribers welcomed the tax relief, consumer associations like ATCIS-Nigeria and NATCOMs reiterated concerns about declining quality of service (QoS). Complaints of dropped calls, fast data depletion, and failed airtime top-ups have continued to dominate public discourse.

 

ATCIS-Nigeria President, Sina Bilesanmi, accused the NCC of “pretending all is well” while subscribers suffer:

 

“I have been inundated with complaints about low service quality. This is coming at a time when telcos are demanding more tariff hikes. There is no justification for poor service when consumers are already stretched.”

The NCC, however, insists it is tackling these issues. Maida revealed that the Commission has launched a joint task force with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and banks to resolve failed recharge and top-up complaints.

 

He also disclosed that new service improvement plans are being reviewed, with operators committing to fresh investments in network expansion.

 

Maida stressed that the Commission is updating outdated policies from the early 2000s, when telecom services were largely voice and SMS-based. Today, he said, the focus must shift to internet connectivity and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and augmented reality.

“The policy did not fail, but we must evolve for new realities,” he said.

 

For now, the scrapping of the 5% excise duty is being seen as a welcome reprieve for Nigeria’s 172 million telecom subscribers, even though the larger battle for affordable, reliable, and high-quality service delivery remains unresolved.