Mr Jungudo Mohammed, the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, made this known at a news conference on Saturday in Abuja.

He described the convention as “a defining moment that reaffirms PDP’s democratic ideals, respect for due process, and dedication to the will of the people.”

Mohammed said the committee had worked tirelessly to ensure the convention is credible, transparent, inclusive, and reflective of members’ aspirations.

“All necessary arrangements have been concluded to guarantee a smooth, peaceful, and successful exercise.

“We assure party faithful and the public that the convention complies fully with our constitution and all relevant laws.

“The PDP remains a law-abiding institution committed to strengthening democracy in Nigeria,” he said.

He dismissed contrary reports as social media fabrications, urging delegates and stakeholders to conduct themselves in an orderly and peaceful manner.

“On recent developments, including attempts by certain individuals to disrupt this process, we urge members to remain calm and focused.

“The party has extended reconciliation efforts, and that door remains open, but we will not allow progress and stability to be undermined,” he said.

Mohammed commended the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, for his support in ensuring a conducive environment for hosting the convention.

Responding to questions, he said the NCWC was unaware of any appeal or injunction from the Tanimu Turaki-led faction.

“If anything exists, it may well be on social media. We have not been served and cannot comment on unknown matters,” he said.

He distinguished the planned convention from the Ibadan gathering, which he said lacked legal backing and was restricted by a competent court.

“In our case, we have full backing of the courts, the law, and party members,” Mohammed stated.

According to him, the NCWC enjoys broad support, including from former Senate President Bukola Saraki and Sule Lamido.

“Several senators, National Assembly members, and stakeholders who had not previously identified with us will attend.

“The party has taken a direction, and anyone aggrieved has the constitutional right to differ,” Mohammed said.

The convention is scheduled for Sunday and Monday at the Velodrome, Moshood Abiola International Stadium, Abuja.

Source: NAN

READ ALSO:

Boiling Point: Utomi-Bwala face-off on Tinubu’s reforms for April 12

Yemen’s Houthis enter Iran war with attacks on Israel, while US Marines arrive in region

Troops repel ISWAP attack, neutralise 38 insurgents in Borno

NGX weekly turnover falls as market indices dip

FCT records 16,000 TB cases as treatment success hits 94%

Turaki-led PDP’s appeal at Supreme Court baseless –Wike

Osolo stool: I voted for Jimmy-Goloba, kingmaker tells court

Diaspora, diplomacy and the danger of ethnic projection

Tinubu affirms belief in credible opposition at APC convention

APC: Yilwatda re-elected as national chairman, speaks on mission

Abduction: Amotekun rescues three health workers, two others

Tinubu commiserates with El-Rufai on the death of his mother

The post PDP faction insists convention holds as planned appeared first on Frontpageng.

But in Nigeria, the healthcare system is fraught with dysfunctionality, forcing elasticity of reliability southward.  Poor health facilities, unprofessionalism, unethical standards, weak regulatory agencies, bad personnel attitude, questionable health insurance schemes, unreliable health management organisations (HMOs), mismanagement, corruption, fake drugs and obsolete equipment are incidental to lack of commitment by Nigerian leaders to efficient and quality healthcare system.

Though, this is a symptom of greater disorders in Nigeria, poor funding and non-utilisation of health facilities by the ruling elites undermine efficiency, quality and delivery capacity of the healthcare system.  Why will leaders not trust and utilize the healthcare system they have built, equipped and made available to the people through funding?  When food is served to public by a provider who has no intention of eating, there is high probability that quality and hygiene may be compromised.

In the 2025 federal government budget, only N2.56 trillion was budgeted for the health sector, representing 5.15 per cent of the country’s total budget of N49.7 trillion, which is far below the 15 per cent recommended by the Abuja Declaration, to which Nigeria is a signatory. Though, the N2.56 trillion is an increase of about 58.53 per cent of the 2024 budget of N1.62 trillion, however, when viewed in dollar terms, the amount decreased by 15.45 per cent, dropping to $1.7 billion from $2.02 billion.

Since the famous coup speech of Late General Sanni Abacha on December 31, 1983 that the country’s health services were in shambles, and hospitals had been reduced to mere consulting clinics without drugs, water and equipment, the health sector has not shown promises of improvement. Even 34 years after, the wife of Late President Muhammadu Buhari, Aisha, confirmed this in 2017 when she resorted to use of a private hospital wholly owned and run by foreigners due to dysfunctional x-ray machine and lack of syringes in the Villa Clinic.

Unfortunately, 42 years after these observations were made by the powers that were, the healthcare sector is still defined by lack of government’s commitment.  This is particularly worrisome when viewed against the background of Nigeria’s growing population, currently characterized by low life expectancy, high maternal and child mortality rates.  This means that dependable and quality healthcare provision is not a priority for government, and therefore, a mirage for Nigeria to achieve high quality healthcare in line with World Health Organisation (WHO)’s standard.

Globally, Nigeria is ranked 157th out of 191 countries by WHO in the areas of quality health delivery performance. As the largest oil producer in Africa and 16th largest in the world, it is untenable for Nigeria not to provide robust funding for the health sector, given the country’s huge earnings from crude oil sales.

Even among African countries, Nigeria is rated poorly in healthcare provision.  In a report released by The Legatum Institute, a London-based global healthcare assessment organization, Nigeria was ranked 11th out of 12 African countries with poor healthcare system.  The countries include Central African Republic, South Sudan, Chad, Lesotho, Somalia, Sierra Leone, Swaziland (Eswatini), Liberia, Guinea, Angola, Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea.

It is depressing to know that out of about 34,000 general hospitals, 21,000 primary health centres and 60 teaching hospital and federal medical centres located across the country, only about 41,000 hospitals are functional.

Despite this poor performance ranking, no concerted effort is being made by government to improve quality service delivery, as budget allocation to the health sector has been on the downward swing.  Since Nigerian leaders who determine the condition of the sector, do not utilize the facilities due to poor services, it means the Nigerian healthcare system is designed to service the health needs of the poor and common Nigerians, and not Nigerian leaders.

Put differently, the healthcare system in Nigeria is determined and conditioned by the thought process and preferences of those who do not use the services.  For example, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and his cabinet members, including the Minister of Health, together with the Senate President and members of the Legislature, who approve the nation’s tertiary healthcare budget, do not patronize services of Nigerian hospitals.

State governors and their cabinet members, as well as members of the state houses of assembly responsible for approval of budget for secondary healthcare in the country, also, do not patronize health facilities at this level. Same applies to the various local government chairmen and council members whose jurisdiction cover primary healthcare. They all seek better healthcare outside their domains.

The poor premium placed on the health sector by Nigerian leaders have obviously prevented them from knowing that there is a correlation between robust funding of healthcare system and a healthy workforce, and by extension, robust economy.  A vibrant economy is contingent upon a healthy population and a healthy workforce, as health is a critical contributory factor to economic development.  This is the reason advanced economies invest so much in healthcare services, a contrast to Nigeria’s healthcare sector that is troubled by incapacity, unable to address mounting health challenges in the country.

The healthcare delivery system in Nigeria is executed through public and private facilities.  Unfortunately, the private healthcare providers are also enmeshed in unprofessional conduct driven by pecuniary motive.  Most of them take advantage of the country’s weak systemic policies to deliver poor health services. Regulatory authorities like the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), and The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) are not doing enough to enforce professionalism and standards in the country’s healthcare system.

READ ALSO: Tinubu’s pardon and the fight against crime

I recently lost a friend to prostrate operation in one of the private hospitals in Lagos.  Prior to the operation, he walked into the hospital by himself, looking normal.  But what he took to be a proactive step to avoid future complications, ended his life.  He was admitted under a health insurance cover managed by an HMO on executive plan with full options.  But rapid deterioration of his health in the hospital triggered skepticism on whether quality of treatment was commensurate with subscribed insurance plan.

There are numerous public complaints about HMOs conniving with private hospitals to render inadequate and poor services for financial gains. Most of these hospitals deliberately delay diagnosis and treatment until approval is obtained from HMOs, notwithstanding conditions of patients and category of insurance plans. The NHIA which carries out accreditation of HMOs before approval must look beyond this process to ensure they are continually monitored during operations.

My late friend’s case reminded me of a professional colleague, Mr. Yusuph Olaniyonu, who narrated how God spared his life and given another chance to live again at 58.  His story brought to fore, the ineptitude, inefficiencies, unprofessionalism and lack of commitment and management of patients in Nigerian hospitals. His experience also proved that without connection at the top, patients can die out of share negligence and abandonment without consequence.

After undergoing six major operations and three minor procedures for prostrate, his survival was still on a cliff edge, necessitating the intervention of the Minister of Health through the help of ThisDay Publisher, Nduka Obaigbena, and former Senate President, Bukola Saraki.  This intervention notwithstanding, hopes dimmed, leading Saraki to fly him to Egypt where he underwent successful corrective surgical operations.

Olaniyonu’s case casts aspersion on the entire medical system in Nigeria, and exposed the agony voiceless Nigerians go through in Nigerian health facilities.  Trust deficit induced by poor services in Nigerian hospitals, has given rise to patronage of unlicensed and quack herbal health practitioners whose activities are damaging vital organs of innocent Nigerians, with concomitant reduction in life expectancy.

It is depressing to know that out of about 34,000 general hospitals, 21,000 primary health centres and 60 teaching hospital and federal medical centres located across the country, only about 41,000 hospitals are functional.

Government must therefore reorder its priorities to make health facilities efficient, affordable and reliable to enable both leaders and poor Nigerians alike to receive treatment in-country, as against resort to medical tourism which cost Nigeria approximately $1.6 billion annually.

*Dr. Owhoko, Lagos-based public policy analyst, author, and journalist, can be reached at www.mikeowhoko.com, and followed on X {formerly Twitter} @michaelowhoko.

The post The trouble with Nigeria’s healthcare system, By Michael Owhoko appeared first on Frontpageng.

Briefing newsmen after the meeting, the PDP acting national chairman, Umar Damagum, said that NEC also fixed its next meeting for July 23.

“As you can see, we just rose from our 100th NEC meeting. This meeting was one-agenda meeting, which was to discuss the outcome of our interaction with INEC as regards the national secretary.

“We all combined efforts. We were all together and we all agreed that Sen. Anyanwu will continue to act as national secretary and to bring the issue of convention to the next NEC, which is slated for July 23.

“At that time, we will be able to convene a proper NEC where myself and Anyanwu will sign notice to fulfil regulatory requirement of INEC in convening meetings,” he said.

Damagum said that contrary to the expectations of the detractors of PDP that the meeting would end in crisis or lead to the end of the party, he said that PDP remained the only party with mechanism to solve its internal crisis.

“You can see that all our governors attended the meeting; all members of NWC are on the same page. You will not be seeing all these press releases and counter press releases,” he said.

Speaking earlier at the commencement of the meeting, Damagum advised PDP leaders and members to stop arbitrary de-marketing of the party.

“If you so much love this party, I think it is now time for you to devote your energy in propagating the beauty of the party.

“Stop demarketing the party unless you are one of those that have been contracted to come and destroy our party. I want to say it clearly here, enough is enough,” he warned.

READ ALSO: Alleged $1bn fraud: Court rejects CBEX operators’ bail plea

The acting national chairman reminded PDP leaders that they had responsibility to the party.

He said that the initial plan was to hold an expanded caucus meeting, but after few consultations, the party leaders settled for the 100th NEC meeting to discuss a single agendum, which was the next NEC.

The Chairman, Board of Trustees of the party, Sen. Adolphus Wabara, said that PDP would never die.

Wabara commended PDP NWC members for coming together once again, urging them not to allow detractors again.

“What is happening here today will shock so many people. I’m sure they will start planning again to bring problems.

“NWCs, don’t allow a crack anymore, because once they have seen us now coming together, they will say: ‘what happened?’,” he said.

The Chairman, PDP Governors’ Forum, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, described the ability of the party to hold the 100th NEC meeting as a ‘miracle of PDP, a party with pedigree to lead Nigeria’.

Mohammed said that the gale of defections were all created to distract the party, adding, however, that the party leaders remained steadfast.

“I must tell the world that the NWC has collapsed all differences, all wrangling. What you are seeing in terms of conflicting press releases has stopped. You will not see them again. We are all on the same page.

“No excuse to m coalition. No excuse to convene any stakeholders’ meeting other than that of the NWC,” he said.

Mohammed assured the party that the forum would work with the NWC and other stakeholders to ensure it holds its NEC meeting.

In attendance at the meeting were Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo, Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Caleb Muftwang (Plateau), Umaru Fintri (Adamawa) and Duoye Diri (Bayelsa).

Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki; former PDP Secretary, Prof. Jerry Gana; BoT Secretary, Sen. Ahmed Makarfi; former Governor of Bayelsa, Sen. Seriake Dickson, and former Governor of Akwa Ibom, Emmanuel Udom also attended the meeting.

Others were Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Abba Moro, National Vice-Chairman (South), Amb. Taofeek Arapaja, Labaran Maku, Iyom Josephine Anenih, Sunday Ude-Okoye, Sen. Ben Obi and Chief Bode George.

Source: NAN

The post PDP holds 100th NEC meeting, reinstates Anyanwu appeared first on Frontpageng.

The meeting of the PDP Governors’ Forum, PDP-GF, held at the Bauchi Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, was presided over by its chairman, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State.

The governors at the meeting were those of Enugu, Zamfara, Plateau, Taraba, Adamawa, Osun and Oyo states.

Also expected to be discussed at the meeting was the party’s forthcoming National Executive Committee meeting scheduled for May 27.

READ ALSO: Backdated survey plan is scam, NIS warns

In attendance at the meeting were the party acting national chairman of the party, Urmar Damagum, Secretary of the Board of Trustees (BoT) and former Governor of Kaduna State, Ahmed Makarfi, and a former Senate President, Sen. Bukola Saraki.

Also present at the meeting was the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, who arrived at about 9.25 p.m.

Others were Sen. Aminu Tambuwal; Sule Lamido; Okezie Ikpeazu; Samuel Ortom; Gabriel Suswam; Seriake Dickson; Sam Egwu; Liyel Imoke; Achike Udenwa; Olagunsoye Oyinlola; Adamu Muazu and Idris Wada.

Members of the PDP National Working Committee, including the National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature; and the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, were also in attendance.

The post Wike, PDP governors, others meet over party’s leadership crisis appeared first on Frontpageng.

Saraki made his remark in a statement issued and made available to FrontPage on Thursday.

The defection of the governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori; his predecessor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, and other members of the PDP, in Delta State, to the All Progressives Congress, APC, was announced on Wednesday in Asaba by Senator James Manager who addressed a press after a meeting of the PDP stakeholders in Government House.

But reacting to the development, Saraki, a prominent member of the PDP, said the party was witnessing a rebirth.

He said those who wanted to leave should do so, so that the party would be left with only loyal party members.

“All we need is for those who want to stay back in PDP to show commitment and we can all work to rebuild the party,” he said.

His statement reads in full:

“Following the development in the Delta State Chapter of our party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), I have been inundated with phone calls from leaders and members of our party as well as various youths who have been active in promoting democracy and good governance in our country. Many of the callers want to know what my reaction is to the defection of top PDP leaders in Delta State and its impact on our party.

“My view is that those who want to leave the PDP should leave now and let the rest of us who want to stay concentrate on rebuilding the party and refocusing it to play the role of a viable opposition that will provide a better alternative for the good people of Nigeria.

“I am convinced that it is important for all Nigerians to work for the sustenance of democracy. And to sustain democracy, there must be viable choices for people at every point. Also, there must be a viable opposition to keep people’s hope alive and create credible alternatives to keep the government on its toes. A one-party state as being disingenuously designed by some people will not augur well for a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, multi-cultural, multi-religious, and highly diversified society like ours. It is even more dangerous when we eliminate alternatives and make people hopeless.

“Therefore, it is in the interest of Nigeria and the survival of our democracy for the opposition to be vibrant and strong enough with the capacity to replace the ruling party at any point. Thus, my charge to our party members is that the PDP is merely experiencing a rebirth. Those who want to leave the party should go and let those of us remaining have a clear view of who we are talking to and where their political loyalty lies. All we need is for those who want to stay back in PDP to show commitment and we can all work to rebuild the party.

READ ALSO: World Bank appoints Aliko Dangote to elite group

“This development has vindicated the stance of people like me who have decided to remain silent and watch events unfold. I have seen that there was no sincerity with supposed leaders of the opposition. One was not sure of the next person one was talking to.

“My appeal to PDP members nationwide is that we should know that the sustenance of democracy is not a sprint. Rather, it is a marathon. It is not a knock-out football match series. It is a league. 24 hours is a long time in politics and nobody can predict how the dynamics will evolve in the coming weeks and months. That is why PDP members across the country should not be discouraged, disillusioned, disappointed, or demoralised by the development in Delta State. We should stay strong and focus on strengthening the party. It is not necessary at this point to lament why they left.

“Our party members should also refrain from blaming our woes on the ruling party. That would be a lazy approach. They are playing politics to win elections. It is our responsibility as party members to ignore their antics and seize the moment and momentum to make our party stronger and better.

“Yes, it is unbecoming and shocking for the running mate to the standard bearer of a leading party to abandon ship to join the ruling party. This is unprecedented and nobody should try to justify such an act with the talk of being put under pressure. It is simply a sign of how low we have sunk as a polity. The country is experiencing a collapse of leadership values.

“These developments in the polity are the reason why I have always canvassed the idea that we should emphasize building and strengthening our institutions and not individuals. With the defection of the governor of Delta State, even if the party has only ten governors in its fold, the PDP is still in a good position to win the next round of elections.

“Our numerous party members should know that the PDP is better with fewer members who are loyal, sincere, determined, dedicated, and committed to its ideas, ideals, and progress than to have so many who will identify with us in the afternoon and be romancing the ruling party in the night.

“We still have about two years before the next election. That is a long time in politics. We have enough time to brace up to the challenge. There is nothing that prevents us from getting some governors from the other parties to join our ranks. My appeal to our young party members is that this defection is just a mere challenge to us to further mobilize and put our house in order. Also, our women’s wing should seize the opportunity to help in the rebuilding mission. The PDP will come out stronger from this development.

“I am very sure the various leadership organs of our party will soon make public their reaction to this development and convey the necessary meetings to strategize on how to strongly and strategically respond to it. Therefore there is no cause for alarm.

“Our party members should not lose focus, hope, or the determination to win. We should see the current development as a challenge to rebuild and refocus the party. Tomorrow is very bright.”

The post Defection from PDP: Former Senate President, Saraki, reacts appeared first on Frontpageng.

Sani, who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District in the Eighth Senate, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Abuja on Sunday.

“I was insistent on speaking truth to power, and that was why I lost my re-election bid in 2019. Former Governor Narsir El-Rufai was going for a 350 million dollar loan and we said ‘No’.

”Some of us told him that such a venture would impact negatively on our people, but he went ahead and did that, while he perceived us as his political enemies.

”This political battle with El-Rufai affected several other politicians, resulting in our leaving the party en masse.

“My own very case was that I stood up to the governor and I paid the price by losing my seat,” he said.

The popular pro-democracy activist, however, said that today, he had been vindicated.

“At that time, the governor was opposed to me; the state assembly members were opposed to me and many political figures there were opposed to me.

“Today, I am vindicated because even the governor of the state today has made it public how the finances and the economy of the state have been strangulated by that loan.

READ ALSO: FG takes over Gombe State hospital

“Many projects were littered, uncompleted and abandoned all over the state. Kaduna today has become the second highest indebted state in the country.

“So I am vindicated, even though I lost my seat,” he said.

Sani said he was satisfied with the role he played on the controversial loan at that time.

“I’m satisfied that, at least, when I die, nobody will look to my grave and say this is the person who signed an approval for the loan that we are going to pay in 100 years.

“The vindication is more important to me than my return to the National Assembly,’’ he said.

The former lawmaker attributed the failure of most members of the National Assembly to return to their refusal to be loyal to their governors.

That, he said, often resulted in high turn-out of lawmakers in each election year.

Sani, however, said that the high number of new lawmakers in national and state houses of assembly at every election year was not the best for Nigeria’s democracy.

He said that in the developed world, such as India and the United States, some lawmakers would be in the legislature for 30, 40 and 50 years.

“But in Nigeria, if you are a senator and you are fond of standing up every time to speak truth to the power, you will hardly come back to that National Assembly.

“If what you are doing or saying is particularly contrary to the interests of the governor of your state, you will not come back to the National Assembly,’’ he said.

The former senator also said that irrespective of a lawmaker’s qualifications, he could only emerge as senate president or speaker of the house if he happened to be the favourite of the executive.

“It’s only during Buhari’s time that a mistake was made in 2015 which made Buhari lose the election at the National Assembly.

“Then his adversary Sen. Bukola Saraki and Yakubu Dogara took over and you could see what happened for four years.

“So, if you are elected as a governor of a state, your life is dependent on the state assembly and you cannot allow your enemy to take over.

“So, you will bring someone whose first qualification is not that he speaks good English, second qualification is not that he is competent, third qualification is not that he is good looking and fourth qualification is not that he knows how to make laws.

“The first qualification of a person who is going to be a speaker is that he is 100 per cent loyal to the governor or the president,’’ Sani said.

Source: NAN

The post Why I lost my Senate re-election bid in 2019 –Shehu Sani appeared first on Frontpageng.

The senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, had, during an Arise Television interview accused Akpabio of sexually harassing her.

Reacting to the allegation which has generated controversy, Saraki, in a statement on his X handle, said his call for a thorough probe was to uncover the truth and uphold the integrity of the legislative body, ensuring it is not wrongly perceived as tolerating or participating in any form of lawbreaking.

“Let me make it clear without any ambiguity that I am neither stating that Akpabio is guilty of anything nor am I expressing the opinion that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is right in her actions and claims. My position is that an investigation is needed to find out the truth and protect the integrity of the Senate,” he stated.

Calling on the two parties – Akpabio and Natasha – to submit themselves to probe, Saraki said the constitution, the country’s laws, Senate rules, and parliamentary conventions and practices should be strictly followed in resolving this matter.

He called for transparency in the probe.

READ ALSO: 12 burnt to death in Benin-Auchi road crash

His words: “I have watched from afar the recent developments in the Senate involving the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Senator from Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

“This situation saddens me because of its negative impact on the integrity, sanctity, image, and public perception of the institution. I believe that everyone who has been associated with the National Assembly—whether as a leader, member, or staff—should strive to protect these values, which make the institution the foremost among the three arms of government.

“For these reasons, I believe that both parties in this dispute, as well as their supporters inside and outside the chamber, should be mindful of the impact of their actions, inactions, reactions, claims, and counterclaims.

“They must ensure that nothing is done to tarnish the institution. The constitution, the country’s laws, Senate rules, and parliamentary conventions and practices should be strictly followed in resolving this matter.”

He stated further: “The constitution, the country’s laws, Senate rules, and parliamentary conventions and practices should be strictly followed in resolving this matter. The resolution should be conducted transparently, without any bias toward either party. The goal should be to uncover the truth and uphold the integrity of the legislative body, ensuring it is not wrongly perceived as tolerating or participating in any form of lawbreaking. This is what a transparent, open, and unbiased investigation should achieve.

“At this point, with the public claims made by the Senator, the right measure to take is to institute an open, transparent, and honest investigation by the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. Both parties must submit to the investigation, fully cooperate with the committee, and stake their claims before it. ”

“We should not allow the Senate to be cast in the shroud of an institution encouraging sexual harassment, gender bias, abuse of office, flagrant disregard for standing orders and rules, and lack of orderliness,” he warned.

The post Why Akpabio, Natasha should be probed –Saraki appeared first on Frontpageng.

Don’t ever promise more than you can deliver, but always deliver more than you promise. It is true that integrity alone won’t make you a leader, but without integrity you will never be one. People may doubt what you say, but they will believe what you do. You are what you do, not what you say you’ll do.”- Lou Holtz

American former football coach

Let me stir the honey’s nest without necessarily sounding irksome or intrusive (presenting as trouble maker or) However, if that becomes the end result, then it would be the price of lining on the right side of history. Patriots are known to speak truth to power and the “Lords” who arrogate everything to themselves including the power of life and death. Men who are beclouded by passion for power, with little or no regard for those they govern. Men who in the secret chambers of their hearts and offices, deride the poor, …as helpless and hapless. They are seen as pawn in the chess broad.

Note that power at any level of governance, to these sets of people, becomes absolute. Those opportune to hold it, wield it as the sword of Damocles.  Imagining the enormity of the power conferred on them, they – consciously or otherwise – embrace the axiom that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Even in civilian or democratic garb!

Corruption must not only be seen in terms of misappropriation of public funds, it includes grabbing directly or craftily, everything or anything at one’s disposal due to greed, obsession with power and material acquisition and exotic lifestyle.  Corruption includes moral bankruptcy, dishonesty of leaders in government, in the corporate world, public service, traditional rulers. community leaders and even in our homes. As the saying goes: “charity begins at home.“

The home issue brings us to the need to start examining the domestic lives of those who put themselves forward to lead. If this is done, one would definitely realize that majority of them are morally bankrupt right from their homes. The traces of indiscipline, waywardness and abnormal practices, dot the landscape of their lives. When such people find themselves in positions of authorities, their baggage of irresponsible conducts is sure to accompany them. The effect of such defective upbringing, is what we are suffering today in Nigeria- judging by the caliber of the people who are leading a nation like ours.

Again, one major fundamental issue to examine in Nigeria, is that of money politics. As that erudite scholar and most sought-after Kenyan Lawyer Patrick Loch Oriento Lumumba highlighted during the 10th memorial lecture of Late Dr. Olusola Saraki, former Senate Leader and foremost politician of his era, Africa cannot progress until we divest from money politics and choose the noble path of choosing our leaders   based on integrity. He blamed Africa’s problem on poor and unethical leadership, warning that the continent would continue to face crisis until it resolves its leadership problem.

From Lumumba’s submission, it evident that Nigeria is not the only country in Africa suffering from leadership problem and corruption. Economic hardship in Kenya, Uganda and Nigeria is a testament to this claim. However, what marks Nigeria out is its huge population and enormous wealth that has been squandered through leaders who condone corruption. These unconscionable leaders have groomed corruption and promoted it to the level of culture now embraced by virtually all citizens. Her leaders act with reckless and impunity that seems to mock the docility ofcitizens.

Apart from this implication of this malady on the present, the impact on future generation is really foreboding. This frightful prospect alone should be enough to challenge our leaders to embrace new values and re-orientation. Our attitude to governance must unavoidably change from self-aggrandizement and corruption, to patriotic value system and selfless service. We need to shun our rent-seeking and materialistic mindset and imbibe attitudes that would encourage honesty, probity and productivity by the citizens in all spheres of life.

This write-up is not unmindful of the dust that this discourse may provoke. It should unarguably generate discussions that would engage the conscience of our leaders if still alive.  How dishonest and corrupt leaders have ruined our nation and foisted warped values on the populace. How corruption have assumed eminence in our national affairs! Impunity have assumed eminence; even as uncanny leaders unabashedly inflict avoidable  pains and anguish on hapless citizens.  They are elected to serve but they elect to suffer their people.

At this juncture, I do not consider it salutary to hold back because of fear of backlash. Rather, I have elected to speak truth to the powers that be and damn the consequence.

If at this pre-dusk of one’s existence, one is afraid to denounce the wickedness of our leaders, in light of the anguish and horror that Nigerians have to live with, then, one needs to re-examine himself.  For it is said that he that is silent about evil portrays himself an accomplice in the evil. I’ll therefore be guilty of corruption If I fail to speak the truth, which alone can liberate those who are reduced to chattel by selfish and cunny leaders who presents as democrats. For according to the scriptures, it’s the truth that makes free. More importantly, I need to enforce my fundamental right of free speech, especially when it really matters. Now to the real issue:  The hunger protests may have come and gone, but the message it conveys will continue to resonate and reecho across the land. Regardless of the scale of success, it has opened up a vistas of  critical issues that have been buried under the rubbles by those that holds the cudgel. Most worrisome was President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s supposed broadcast, which instead of offering hope, bestowed despair.  Instead of assuaging frayed nerves, he rubbed salt on the wounds and peppered the eyes. Many critical minds have scored the speech low, for glossing over the main issues, that affect the people and Nigeria as a nation.  It was simply an exercise in self-glorification and triviality.

Even those who had been on “sabbatical” seized the moment to add their voices to the burning discourse. It was evident that many were no longer at peace with their conscience and had no option than to speak up. Many challenged the President, for a somewhat belated speech, that failed to address the problems that plagued the nation.

Without aiming to sound melancholic, the verdict of all is that Nigeria is at its lowest ebb and its people on the throes of death.

In Nigeria today, there is virtually no critical sector, that has not been crippled, aside the air we breathe. The poor can hardly feed and if they do, it is to eat “food meant for swine”. Even the most basic food item such as popcorn and groundnut, mostly identified with the poor, have become a luxury.   The purchasing power of Nigerians have been so weakened, that the 1000 Naira of pre-APC government, has become equivalent to 600 Naira of today.

Parents have become ‘irresponsible’ in their homes, for lack for sources to cater for their children feeding and general welfare. Even some previous basic food items have become luxury foods in some homes, except for those who have access to public funds or have acquire riches through whatever means.

While a negligible few live in affluence, the masses, which include the working-class wallop in abject poverty. Despite this sordid state of affairs, our leaders appear not to care about the welfare of the people they claim they came to serve. Rather they Sefl celebrate ‘sustaining’ 200 million Nigerians on   questionable and impactful palliatives.

Nigerians have been putting up with this deceit, for close to four decades. The nation’s economy has been battered and its currency so devalued it now weighs close to ordinary paper, due to inept and deceitful leadership puppeteering for foreign overlords.  While the economy is kept on oxygen mask, our drunk leaders, continue to live in affluence on borrowed money. They squander the nation’s financial resources as if there would be no tomorrow.  Meanwhile, Nigerians are living on despicable crumbs that an average white man would never feed to his dogs.   The suffering of Nigerians has reached a crescendo that must compel change. It is no longer sustainable.

Courageous people in the land should come out to speak the truth to the hearing of the leaders.

As muttered in many quarters, nothing can be worse for ordinary Nigerians than the hardships they are currently going through. Nigerian lives no longer has value. Crime is at its peak, while those in authority, sit at their tables dining and whining. They must continue to eat while the masses ‘stupidly’ protest.

Interestingly, some may query my sincerity in this matter. “For aftercall he doesn’t belong in the pack of those afflicted by government policies.”  Don’t be deceived! We are all together in this ship that must sail or sink.  Hopefully it should sail because virtually all are feeling the pinch. Even the fairly rich are not totally spared.

At this point, the question we should start asking ourselves is how do we arrive at this destination as a nation?Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, while on the saddle, instituted two anti-graft agencies ICPC and EFCC, to curb the monster call corruption. These agencies, according to him, are to fight corruption and restore Nigeria’s image globally.

READ ALSO: Grid connection still cheapest, most reliable -Power minister

But let us ask ourselves again, has these agencies lived up to expectation? Have they successfully deterred corruption? To me and many others, the answer is No.  The supposedly no-nonsense EFFC poses no viable threat to our corruption-skilled politicians. Afterall, the EFCC is still under the grip of the most powerful President in the global democracy. You only need to be in the President’s good books or be a loyal party member. You are forgiven. Only go and sin no more.

Our leaders’ tolerance and love of corruption has done unquantifiable damage to our values and psyche of our young people.

Obasanjo recently said that Nigeria is sitting on the keg of gunpower. Why? Because the youth who will take over the mantle of leadership, in the nearest future have been orientated with a mindset of corruption as means of survival and success. Since people naturally look up to their leaders including parents as role model, our leaders have sown corruption into the minds of Nigerians, who have embraced corruption as a norm.

Now, because the nation is not well coordinated, the fringes continue to be in the  hands of elements whose main intentions and ambitions have made the country and the people unproductive, which is detrimental  to the development of the nation and well-being of the people as well.

Foundations of evil laid germinated within time and the spread was like harmattan fire, when Buhari took over. The so- called repentant military bigots- turned politicians came into power and stake its leprosy fingers in every facets of Nigeria’s life and brought a airtime recharge card seller into seat of power to greatly dehumanized Nigerians.

This powerful young man was so intoxicated with power, to the extent of dishing out order to Ministers and departmental heads to carry out his bidden and other sacrilegious acts, tantamount to pilfering public funds, while some of his Ministers went on as father Xmas, spending tax payers’ money, the way they like.

What is still worrisome to Nigerians, is that the man they believed with his integrity while in uniform would liberate the people, and put Nigeria into  the path of greatness by eradicating  corruption as civilian President,  became incapacitated  to act  and it was under his nose that the nation witnessed high profile corruption.

Mr. Gasikiya look the other way when the officials of the Nigeria National Public Corruption centre otherwise known as NNPC were awarding frivolous payment on crude oil not imported to their cronies, the centre was alive to its numerous games of corruptions while the corporation is bedeviled  with  award of indiscriminate salaries and contracts.

Isn’t it ironical, unimaginable and ridiculous to know that the so-called people representatives of the most impoverished people on earth – are the most renumerated parliamentarians globally? How irksome, how insulting to the sensibility of Nigerians?  How unconscientious for a Senator to receive a monthly income of N21 million Naira, while his lower house counterpart pockets N18 million monthly. This is the height of selfishness, wickedness and insensitivity!

The same goes for the states, that are running budgets of trillions of Naira yet could hardly perform up to 35 percent of the budget annually or provide the most basic amenities for its people. There are allegations that the helmsmen in most states, use  phony or real companies to siphon funds, then launder them under the disguise of investing abroad.  To add salt to injury,  public resources were carelessly expended to import grains at exorbitant prices to dish out a bowl to feed hapless Nigerians; while our leaders continue with their usual lavish spending on self and cronies. Yet, we are repeatedly asked to sacrifice for a government that lacks compassion for its people.

Many Nigerians have actually expressed dismay at such senseless importation of goods that could have been produced locally in sufficient quantity to feed the people, if only we are serious as a nation, and “cursed” with leaders who seize every opportunity to exploit their people. They brought in their Asian and Lebanese friends as contractors and award them juicy contacts on importation and duty wavers as compliments. Yet, they keep on singing to the dying masses to bear with the government.

The President, in a seeming move to appease angry Nigerians, recently trimmed the numbers of officials accompanying him on foreign trips.  How do we relate that to the large retinue that accompanied his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila to his UN trip. Who is fooling who?

Minister re not exempt. Many of them conduct spend lavishly as if Nigeria is in the Gowon era of “we have money we don’t know what to do with it” All these in a country where Professor, held in high esteem globally as the bastion of knowledge, are paid peanuts as salary. The police and other security agencies, are not barely better off and stand no comparism with their counterparts in other climes.

With this parlous state of affairs, one would know that Nigeria is in grave danger. It is to avoid the looming danger that many good-willed Nigerians have counselled President Tinubu to act now to give Nigerians the assurance that he is prepared to govern and redeem the nation from abject poverty, which has bred all forms of vices.

To cap it all, as citizens we owe it a duty to hold our leaders accountable at all levels of governance in order to  prevent further slide into self-destruction, and bring probity and accountability to the front burner in all sectors and facet of our lives.

*’Lanre Ogundipe was President, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, and Africa Union of Journalists, AUJ, and writes from Abuja .

The post Nigeria! A moment to embrace honesty of purpose and showcase good leadership appeared first on Frontpageng.

President Tinubu mourned the deceased matriarch, stating that she lived a long and fruitful life as a servant of her community, a servant of God, and a beloved guardian and mother to many.

READ ALSO: N432bn probe: El-Rufai sues Assembly over alleged breach of rights 

The president also commiserates with the entire Saraki family – Mama’s children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and everyone mourning over the loss.

The president prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed matriarch and grace to her family to bear the immeasurable loss.

The post Tinubu commiserates with Bukola Saraki over mother’s passing appeared first on Frontpageng.

Saraki said the judgement vindicated his earlier stance that the case was politically motivated and a veiled attempt to witch-hunt him because he emerged as President of the Senate against the wishes of certain forces during the Muhammadu Buhari administration.

The former Senate President stated this on Friday, June 7, in a statement signed by his Head of Media, Alhaji Yusuph Olaniyonu, and made available to newsmen in Abuja after the Supreme Court judgment.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had on April 27, 2018, secured judgment for the final forfeiture of N1.4 billion which it claimed a firm, Melrose General Services Limited, obtained from the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF, through false claims.

Melrose is allegedly linked to the then Senate President, Saraki, who was facing a political battle with some highly placed personalities within the Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressive Congress, APC, government.

Dissatisfied with the verdict of Justice Cecilia Olatoregun, and the Court of Appeal which in May 2019, resolved the four contentious issues in favour of the EFCC, Melrose General Services approached the Supreme Court for redress, asking it to set aside the pronouncement of the lower courts.

Delivering judgment on Friday, June 7, the Supreme Court panel led by Justice Akomaye Agim (SC 1519/2019) set aside the judgments of the lower courts and ruled in favour of the appellant, Melrose General Services.

Reacting to the judgement on his handle on the social media platform, X, Saraki said the ruling had revealed the truth and affirmed his earlier position of innocence.

The former Chairman of the NGF stated that the legal suit was a proxy war, aimed at persecuting him, undermining his political career, and tarnishing his reputation.

“As much as this case was between the EFCC and Melrose General Services Limited, it was a proxy war, with Melrose serving as a mere pawn in a larger scheme to victimise and persecute me. It was always clear that this case was a thinly veiled attempt by the Buhari administration to weaponise the legal system for political gain.

“The allegations of “Paris Club Fraud” were nothing more than a smokescreen designed to weaken the institution of my office, undermine my political career, and tarnish my reputation through spurious accusations similar to the Code of Conduct Tribunal, which also acquitted me of all charges.

“As I said in my first appearance at the CCT, this is a politically motivated case. The case was trumped up in the first instance because I emerged as the President of the Senate against the wishes of certain forces.

“The fact that this case was even brought to court, based on dubious evidence and procedural irregularities, is proof of the length that some people will go to manipulate the legal system for political gain. It was a disservice to the Nigerian people and a waste of our limited but valuable judicial resources,” Saraki said.

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, chieftain lauded the judiciary for ensuring that justice prevailed, and charged all to be inspired by the verdict in the fight against corruption and abuse of power promotion of Nigeria’s democracy.

“I am profoundly grateful to the Almighty Allah, the ultimate arbiter of justice, for guiding the Supreme Court to this righteous verdict. I applaud the judiciary for their meticulous examination of the evidence and adherence to due process, which has ensured that justice prevailed. I also thank Melrose’s legal team for their tireless efforts in bringing this case to a just conclusion.

“Moving forward, we all have to canvas for fairness in the fight against corruption. We should see this verdict as an inspiration to champion the rule of law, promote democracy and its institutions, and tolerate divergent views,” he stated.

The post Saraki hails S’Court verdict on Melrose case over Paris Club Fund appeared first on Frontpageng.