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Tag: Leadership

  • Tinubu Celebrates Supreme Court Verdict, Vows To Rebuild Greater Nigeria

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed his gratitude over the Supreme Court ruling that reaffirmed his election on February 25, whilst reiterating his commitment to building a stronger, united, and more prosperous Nigeria.

    Tinubu welcomed the verdict of the Justice John I. Okoro-led Panel of the Supreme Court on Thursday, which upheld the ruling of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal. The candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party had filed petitions challenging the tribunal’s decision.

    “The court has done justice to all issues put up for consideration in the petitions on the merits of the law, without fear or favor,” President Tinubu stated.

    The President praised the diligence and professionalism of the Honourable Justices who presided over the matter, affirming that the verdict solidified Nigeria’s electoral jurisprudence and constitutional democracy.

    The President’s faith in Nigeria’s judiciary remained unwavering, despite pressure and attempts at intimidation by some political actors. He lauded the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and defending humanity.

    The ruling affirmed that President Tinubu’s party, the All Progressives’ Congress, had secured the popular mandate of Nigerians, paving the way for his leadership during a transformative period in the nation’s history.

    Tinubu further underscored his commitment to serving all Nigerians, regardless of their political affiliations, tribes, or faiths.

    The President’s renewed his Hope agenda for a greater and prosperous Nigeria, saying that it has gained momentum, and pledged to work tirelessly to meet the collective aspirations of the citizens.

    “We are all members of one household, and this moment demands that we continue to work and build our country together,” he affirmed.

    President Tinubu urged Nigerians to unite in their diversity and direct their energy toward building a stronger and more prosperous nation. He expressed his hope that the spirit of patriotism would inspire support for his administration’s efforts to improve the living conditions of the people.

    Tinubu concluded by extending his gratitude to all Nigerians for the mandate to serve the country, promising to exceed their expectations in service delivery and good governance. He concluded with a prayer for the continued blessings of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    The President’s statement reflects his determination to lead Nigeria into a future marked by unity, progress, and prosperity, as the country continues on its path of transformation and growth.

    SEE FULL STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR

    IT IS TIME FOR US TO BUILD OUR GREAT NATION TOGETHER

    I welcome the verdict of the Justice John I. Okoro-led Panel of the Supreme Court on the Presidential Election petitions filed by the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party, challenging the ruling of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.

    The court has done justice to all issues put up for consideration in the petitions on the merits of the law, without fear or favour.

    There is no doubt, with the profound judgment of today, that our electoral jurisprudence and constitutional democracy are further consolidated and embedded more indelibly in our national identity because of the diligence and undaunted professionalism of the Honourable Justices who presided over the matter.

    While the verdict of today has laid to rest the agitating discourse over who truly won the 2023 Presidential election and met the constitutional requirements as laid out by law, I want to reiterate that my faith in our nation’s judiciary has never been shaken, not even for a moment, because I know that our hallowed courts of law will not fail to administer justice to all Nigerians in all matters and at all times. Despite the fusillade of pressure and attempts at intimidation by some political actors, the judiciary demonstrated its unequivocal commitment to upholding the rule of law for the upliftment and defense of humanity.

    It was affirmed once more today, that my party, the governing All Progressives’ Congress, had freely and fairly won the popular mandate of Nigerians, which has since given rise to my leadership of this great nation at a tumultuous period of unprecedented reforms in our history as a nation.

    With deep gratitude to God Almighty, I solemnly and humbly accept today’s judicial victory with an intense sense of responsibility and a burning desire to meet the great challenges confronting our people.

    The victory of today has further energised and strengthened my commitment to continue to serve all Nigerians of all political persuasions, tribes, and faiths, with honour and total respect for the diverse opinions and uniting values of our citizens.

    Our Renewed Hope agenda for a greater and prosperous Nigeria has further gained momentum and I will continue to work from morning to night, every single day, to build a country that meets our collective yearnings and aspirations.

    We are all members of one household, and this moment demands that we continue to work and build our country together. The strength of our diversity and the great citizenship that binds us must now compel us forward in directing the energy of our people towards building a virile, stronger, united, and more prosperous country.

    In the days and months ahead, I trust that the spirit of patriotism will be elevated into supporting our administration to improve the living conditions of Nigerians. I am prepared to welcome the contributions of all Nigerians to foster and strengthen our collective progress.

    I send my immense gratitude to all Nigerians for the mandate to serve our country. I promise again to meet and exceed your expectations in service delivery and good governance, working with my team and trusting in the grace of God.

    May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

  • Economy, Social Issues Top Agenda As Tinubu Presides Over 2nd FEC Meeting

    Economy, Social Issues Top Agenda As Tinubu Presides Over 2nd FEC Meeting

    The Federal Executive Council meeting is scheduled for today, Monday.

    Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, announced this to State House Correspondents.

    President Bola Tinubu will chair the meeting, with the attendance of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief of Staff to the President, and various Ministers. Other high-ranking government officials, such as the Head of Service of the Federation and Special Advisers, will also be present.

    Ngelale highlighted that this second edition of the meeting during this administration will address matters related to the president’s approvals concerning economic and social issues.

    The inaugural meeting took place in August, where new ministers received their initial briefings on their roles and responsibilities in the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) is a constitutional institution where government policies are deliberated and endorsed by Ministers.

    The President serves as the Chairman, while the Vice President serves as the Vice Chairman.

  • Let’s Support Tinubu, NNPCL – Civil Rights Group

    A conference of civil society groups for good governance (CSGGG) is calling for collective support for the progress and growth of NNPC Limited under the capable leadership of Mele Kyari.

    They have expressed concerns about the negative efforts to discredit Mallam Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, aimed at removing him from office to gain unrestricted access to state resources for personal gain.

    The group, represented by its President, Comrade Dominic Ogakwu, is responding to an unwarranted smear campaign against the remarkable achievements and ongoing progress of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) in certain sections of the media.

    He refuted the claim that there is a secret award of control of Nigeria’s pipelines to a Northern oil cabal, calling it not only baseless and a product of the imagination but also a cowardly assertion.

    According to Ogakwu, the spreading of gross misinformation and unsupported allegations regarding oil pipeline rehabilitation and surveillance contracts has become a weapon of choice for these unpatriotic elements. He emphasized that these recent attempts lack substance and are mere distractions.

    He issued a warning to those determined to undermine President Bola Tinubu’s transformative leadership, urging them to reconsider their actions and cease their meaningless agitations and threats.

    Ogakwu further explained, “To award such a contract, a transparent tendering process is required, involving public notices and invitations for qualified companies to bid. The contracts have been awarded following rigorous procedures consistent with industry norms, and each bidding company underwent a competitive tender selection process, overseen by regulatory institutions such as the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, transaction advisors, Nigeria Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (NEITI), and the Ministry of Justice.”

  • Igbo Group Knocks Peter Obi’s Remarks on Tinubu’s Certificate Case

    The Omalegwuoku Progressive Initiative, an Igbo socio-political group, has criticized Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), for his recent comments about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The group called on Obi to refrain from making divisive remarks and challenging President Tinubu to reveal his personal details.

    During a news briefing in Abuja, Ambassador Ginika Tor, the Global President of the group and a Commissioner with the Federal Character Commission (FCC), expressed her disappointment.

    She argued that the President should focus on leading the country towards progress and development rather than engaging in discussions about his background.

    Tor stated, “It is an insult to Nigeria as a nation for you to call out our president… to say he is from this state, from this country, from this region, from this locality? Does he owe us that? What the President owes us now is to take us to our destination of choice.”

    She expressed her disappointment in Peter Obi, whom she had respected and referred to as her brother. Tor urged Obi to avoid divisive statements and consider the potential consequences of his actions on the future of the Igbo people.

    “We are telling our brother, Obi, to calm down. If God wanted you to be there, He would have made you the President. He did not. There are many distractions around this President. Are you not bothered with the issues around the world?”

  • NFF Working Diligently To Ensure National Teams Attain Greater Heights – Gusau

    President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau on Tuesday disclosed that the football-governing body is working assiduously to ensure that all the National Teams perform much better in their competitions in the next one year, than they have done in the past year. He made this pledge while reviewing the activities of the NFF and the teams in one year of his Board in office, and also articulating expectations for the next one year.

    While highlighting the achievements of the past year, which included a first-ever podium finish at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, quarter-final performance of the Flying Eagles at the FIFA U20 World Cup, qualification of the Super Eagles to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and best-ever outing by the Super Falcons at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Gusau asseverated that the Board and Secretariat have worked in tandem to remove toxicity from the system and enable a more conducive environment for the game in the country.

    “One of our priorities on coming into office was to ensure that the football environment was cleansed of so much toxicity that had threatened the health of the game and made some persons feel unwelcome in the system. We have tried our best to give everyone a sense of belonging with a policy of inclusiveness.

    “Off the pitch, we are proud of the work of the Interim Management Committee that we constituted to organize the last NPFL League Season, which was commended by all stakeholders, and we also feel fulfilled about the constitution of the Boards of the NNL, NWFL and NLO with vibrant, knowledgeable and competent individuals who are capable of taking the leagues to the next level. Elections into the State FAs have also been largely peaceful and successful.”

    Gusau said his board will work assiduously and diligently with the secretariat and the Federal Ministry of Sports Development to see the Super Eagles off to a great start in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying series and to win the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire early next year.

    “We also want to see the Super Falcons reclaim their African title and return to the Women Olympic Football Tournament. Our expectations include making good progress in our plan for hostel accommodation and some playing pitches for the National Teams, through the FIFA Forward 3.0 program, and also see that the U17 and U20 Women National Teams achieve their best-ever outings at their different World Cups next year.

    “We are working already with the new NPFL Board to grow the NPFL into the product that all administrators and stakeholders desire, and also with the boards of the other Leagues to improve the state of our domestic football. To achieve all these, we need money, so we are also looking to work even harder to grow our revenue base through aggressive marketing drive.”

    The NFF boss said his team will also not allow any FIFA window for friendly matches to go unutilized. “As you can see, we have arranged two matches for the Super Eagles in this month’s window, against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique. Mozambique is in southern Africa where three of our opponents in the World Cup qualifiers, namely Lesotho, Zimbabwe and South Africa also are. Playing Mozambique is a good opportunity for the team to have a sneak preview of what to expect against these three teams.”

    Also at the parley were NFF Executive Committee Members H. E. Ali Silas Agara and Mr. George Aluo; NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi; Chairman of Anambra State FA, Chikelue Iloenyosi; NFF Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire; Director of Competitions, Ruth David and; Head of Member Associations, Ali Abubakar Muhammad.

    Abdulrahaman takes over from Adesanya as COO, Nigeria National League

    Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation has deployed Dr. Ayo Hameed Abdulrahaman to the Nigeria National League as the chief operating officer, to take over from Mr. Emmanuel Adesanya who has retired from the Federal Civil Service after attaining the age of 60 years.

    Abdulrahaman, who holds a doctorate degree in physical and health education, has robust sphere and institutional experience in football organization and administration. He is a deputy director in the Federal Civil Service.

    Before his deployment, Dr. Abdulrahaman worked as deputy director in the NFF Competitions Department. He had also worked for many years previously as chief operating officer of the NNL, and also in the same capacity in the Nigeria Women Football League.

  • Tinubu’s 100 Days: Navigating the challenges, high expectations

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu achieved his lifelong aspiration of becoming Nigeria’s president when he was declared the president-elect of the February 25, 2023, presidential election.

    On May 29, 2023, during his inauguration as the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, he wasted no time in expressing his commitment to hit the ground running.

    In his address, he humbly requested not to be pitied, emphasizing that he had actively pursued the presidency. President Tinubu’s first 100 days in office were marked on September 5, 2023.

    However, an in-depth assessment of his administration within this relatively short timeframe may not fully reflect the promises he made to the Nigerian people.

    It is essential to consider the challenges inherited from the previous administration under Muhammadu Buhari, which endured eight years of economic difficulties. President Tinubu had pledged to alleviate the burdens faced by the poor, and this commitment generated enthusiasm and high expectations among the populace.

    One notable policy shift was the sudden removal of the controversial oil subsidy without accompanying palliative measures mentioned during his inauguration speech.

    Following this move, Nigerian oil marketers and fuel racketeers swiftly increased the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from N186/ltr to N575/ltr and later to N617/ltr.

    Their rationale was that the price adjustment was a response to global oil prices and associated costs. Additionally, changes in the exchange rate led to a depreciation of the Naira against other currencies. Subsequently, Nigerians experienced increased living costs, including rising food prices, transportation expenses; rent hikes by landlords, and higher school fees, among other challenges.

    Before he assumed office Nigerians had eagerly awaited the 2023 general elections as an opportunity for change.

    Youth and political sentiment were strongly geared toward effecting a transformation in various aspects of the country’s political landscape.

    Some politicians capitalized on the public’s anger and youth mobilization, switching parties they viewed as more conducive to their political ambitions.

    It is widely acknowledged that the previous administration, led by former President Buhari, faced significant criticism for its handling of the economy.

    While promising change, the administration was perceived to have delivered misery and despair, corruption, which the government pledged to combat, appeared to flourish.

    While it is essential to address economic challenges and leadership issues in Nigeria, this article primarily focuses on the treatment of individuals who have served the nation diligently and those, who upon identifying institutional weaknesses or leadership shortcomings, have sought to enrich themselves.

    Recent developments in the political arena bring into question the treatment of individuals like Mr. Godwin Emefiele, the suspended CBN Governor, and Abdulrasheed Bawa, the suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Both face various charges, possibly related to their actions while in office during the previous administration.

    It is important to recognize the valuable contributions of these individuals during their tenure. For instance, Godwin Emefiele, as the CBN Governor, played a pivotal role in propping up the economy during times of fiscal uncertainty.

    His interventions and policies were instrumental in averting economic crises, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Similarly, Abdulrasheed Bawa demonstrated zeal and effectiveness in his role as the anti-corruption czar.

    However, they may have inadvertently crossed ethical boundaries while executing their duties as directed by the Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C) in alignment with political agenda.

    For example, Godwin Emefiele’s foray into politics and a controversial Naira redesign policy attracted political criticism, while Abdulrasheed Bawa’s aggressive pursuit of corruption cases earned him powerful enemies.

    While this discussion does not intend to justify their actions or inactions in office, it however raises questions about the treatment they currently face. Is this treatment an incentive or disincentive for individuals to serve their nation?

    President Tinubu’s administration has already made bold policy moves, although they have resulted in unexpected hardships for Nigerians.

    With the appointment of his cabinet after nearly 80 days in office, Nigerians anticipate selfless dedication from him and his team.

    Concerns have arisen regarding the inclusion of certain politicians, including former governors with underwhelming performance records, in the cabinet.

    Nigerians hope to avoid a repeat of past experiences, where ministers seemed ill-prepared, leaving the Central Bank of Nigeria to take on responsibilities beyond its mandate to prevent economic collapse.

    Given the current economic challenges, Nigerians expect President Tinubu to uphold his commitment to hold non-performing ministers accountable.

    This approach should ensure that the Central Bank of Nigeria can fulfil its constitutional responsibilities as outlined in BOFIA 2007 without unnecessary political interference. Preserving the CBN’s independence is essential for effective monetary policy and economic stability.

    In conclusion, while it is crucial to address economic woes and leadership issues, it is equally important to safeguard institutions like the Central Bank of Nigeria from unwarranted political interference.

    Nigeria’s economy depends on CBN’s stability and effective functioning, and it is essential to protect this national heritage.

    *Chisom Adindu writes from Umuahia, Abia State

  • Tinubu chairs inaugural Federal Executive Council Meeting

    President Bola Tinubu is currently presiding over the inaugural session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

    The meeting commenced shortly after noon on Monday and is attended by prominent officials, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation Sen. George Akume, and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan. Other participants comprise Chief of State to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, new ministers, and key government functionaries.

    The Federal Executive Council is established under the Ministers’ Statutory Powers and Duties Act, functioning as an advisory body to the President, who holds the position of the FEC’s chairman.

    Its role involves providing guidance to the President to determine the strategic course of the government. While the President remains the ultimate authority in executive decision-making, the FEC plays a crucial role in shaping the government’s direction.

    Serving as the federal government’s cabinet, the FEC is an integral part of the executive branch. Its members are appointed by and are accountable to the President.

    This gathering follows the recent inauguration of 45 ministers by President Tinubu, as they take up their roles in his administration.

  • Tinubu appoints NELMCO boss, Dekalu-Thomas

    President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mrs Mojoyinoluwa Dekalu-Thomas as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Electricity Liability Management Company (NELMCO).

    A statement by Mr Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, at the weekend in Abuja, said the appointment was for a term of four years.

    Dekalu-Thomas has served as the acting MD/CEO of NELMCO since the tenure of pioneer NELMCO MD/CEO, Mr Adebayo Fagbemi, ended on May 8.

    Ngelale said that her new appointment has created a vacancy at her previous position of Executive Director, Liability Management.

    He said that the President has, therefore, approved the appointment of Mr Dimla Nchinney to serve in NELMCO as the substantive Executive Director, Liability Management.

    The presidential spokesman said that the appointments took immediate effect.

  • Meet Sunday Ekedayen: Delta State’s visionary Commissioner for Economic Planning

    Meet Sunday Ekedayen: Delta State's visionary Commissioner for Economic Planning
    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori (left) in a handshake with Mr. Sunday Ekedayen

    Mr. Sunday A. Ekedayen, a Chartered Accountant renowned for his astute administrative skills, currently serves as the Delta State Commissioner for Economic Planning.

    Holding an impressive academic background, Ekedayen is an alumnus of the University of Lagos, a versatile manager of both human and material resources, and a figure seamlessly integrated into various sectors.

    His journey began in the early 1990s when he entered the finance industry, swiftly ascending the ranks within one of the national Development Finance Institutions (DFIs).

    Fondly known as Sonny, his professional prowess and kindhearted nature endeared him to colleagues and management alike. His willingness to support others made him a cornerstone of the organizations he has served.

    A significant milestone in Ekedayen’s career came with the transformation of the Bank of Industry, arising from the amalgamation of Nigeria Industrial Development Bank (NIDB), Nigeria Bank for Commerce and Industry (NCI), and National Economic Reconstruction Fund (NERFUND).

    In this transformative phase, Sonny played a pivotal role in crafting operational protocols for the reimagined enterprise, now recognized as the Bank of Industry.

    Much like a versatile utility player, Sonny showcased his adaptability by maneuvering through various units of the newly formed bank, culminating in his leadership of the Internal Control and Audit (IC&A) Department.

    His departure from each role was met with a sense of loss, and his arrival at new posts was always celebrated, a testament to his impact.

    Now in his role as the Delta State Commissioner for Economic Planning, the stage is set for Ekedayen to exhibit his trademark proactive approach. His congenial nature and reputation for quick thinking position him as a dependable ally, primed to hit the ground running.

    Ekedayen’s ability to seamlessly transition between sectors and functions underscores his capacity as a well-rounded individual.

    As he continues to serve in his new role, Delta State can anticipate a future guided by his strategic economic insights and steadfast commitment to progress.

  • Peter Obi leads LP rally for LG election in Edo

    Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Mr Peter Obi, on Monday in Benin, led a mega rally for the party ahead of the September 2 Local Government Area election in Edo State.

    Addressing the teeming party members who trooped out for the event, Obi described the local government area system as “where development, particularly of the grassroots is domiciled.

    “Local government is the nearest to the people and it is supposed to be the root for ensuring development for the people.

    “The three most critical areas of development are health, education and poverty eradication and they are responsibilities of the local government.

    “So, for the system to work, for a country to develop well, it is the local government as everything that has to do with development is domiciled in the local government.

    “That is why it is critical to our development and sustainability. As a governor, I was prevented by litigations from conducting local government election for over six years.

    “So, we are here today to support our candidates in the forthcoming local government election in Edo. We will support them with everything,” he said.

    Obi, however, tasked voters in the state to vote en mass for candidates of the party in the election, assuring them that in doing so, their future would be protected.

    Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the Labour Party, Mr Julius Abure, commended Governor Godwin Obaseki for putting modalities in place for the conduct of the election but warned, however, that the election must be free and fair.

    “We have the best candidates that can man the local government system in Nigeria, hence, the need for the people to vote for all our candidates in the coming local government election,” Abure said.

    Also speaking, Mr Olumide Akpata, governorship aspirant for the 2024 election in Edo,  urged the electorate not  to entertain fear but to go out and vote all LP candidates in the election.

    Akpata, immediate past President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) said the candidates were persons of impeccable character, who could deliver on the programmes of the LP.