Author Archives: News All Around

A Group Known as Professional for good governancen(PGG) has said With May 29, 2023 a few days away, and the inauguration of brand new State Executive Governors in 28 States of the Federation, they are concerned about the quality of leadership and the prospects before Nigerians.

Engr. Ogbonna Nwaiwu spokes person of the group while wishing the incoming Chief Executives the best and said It is trite to state that the group keenly followed the entire electoral process leading to the February 25th Presidential and National Assembly elections, and the March 18th Governorship and State Assembly elections and x-rayed the manifestos of the candidates and assessed their preparedness to improve the lot of the people, and to make their States better.

Engr Nwaiwu further stated that one of the candidates exuded an uncommon preparedness and clear-headedness throughout the period of Campaign, and has continued to inspire great hope even after the election.

He said the Governor Elect of Enugu State Barrister Peter Mbah comes to the Party with a bag full of ideas. And wished him well.

Part of the statement reads. ” Indeed, his extraordinary disposition to the task ahead was manifest from the start, from his campaign manifesto to the grasp of the issues and the challenges facing Enugu State; from his commitment to berthing a New Enugu State to the passion that saw him through the electoral process; and from his promise to light up Enugu, and provide Pipe borne within the first 180days of his stewardship, Barrister Peter Ndubuisi Mbah offers renewed hope to Ndi’Enugu.”

“There is a fervency in the land that calls for responsible and responsive watchmen at different leadership strata, it is that fervency that inspires our group to search out and align with Leaders who are ready to lead right. We are committed to supporting the prepared to do justice to the letters of their manifesto, whilst challenging those who apparently may not be very prepared to take a cue from those who like Barrister Peter Mbah shows the readiness to hit the ground running from the moment he takes the Oath of Office.”

“Clearly Ndi’Enugu are set for a new dawn, a new deal and a new day in leadership. It is palpable, we feel it, and we can see so much happening even before the Swearing-In of the incoming Governor of Enugu State Barrister Peter Mbah.”

“Are you aware that at his personal cost, facilities and materials necessary for the lighting up of strategic areas in the State, and materials relevant for the Pipe borne water he promised within his first 180 days are being assembled?”

“Are you aware that he has assembled a Team of Experts, Technocrats, Eggs heads, Professionals and Ideologues to give life and proactive strategic input to the details of his manifesto, a document he respects as proof his social contract with Ndi’Enugu?”

“Are you aware that Barrister Peter Mbah is not just a Technocrat in Politics, but a Lawyer, an accomplished Businessman and one who has the requisite governmental experience necessary to take Enugu State to a new pedestal. Are you aware that he is Competent, that he has the Capacity, that he is Credible, that he is Compassionate and that he has the Commitment necessary and relevant to build an Enugu State that works for all?”

“As the Peter Ndubuisi Mbah era beckons we wish Ndi’Enugu the best, and pray that the Almighty grant the incoming Governor the candour and the composure to deliver, and to make real the elaborate promises and projections he has on paper.”

“We wish Ndi’Enugu the best, and pray that across the States of the Federation leaders become responsible and responsive to the people.”

“As Barrister Peter Ndubuisi Mbah takes over as the Governor of Enugu State on the 29th of May, 2023, we wish him well. And say Congratulations to Ndi’Enugu.”

Mr Nkem Asogwa Spokes Person for Concern Enugu Citizens (CEC) has said the Friday 19th of May, 2023 Arise TV outing by the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Brigadier General Yushau’u Dogara Ahmed despite a 20b naira Legal Suit filed by Attorneys to the Enugu State Governor Elect Barrister Peter Mbah against the Agency and it’s Director of Corps Certification Ibrahim Muhammad smacks not only of contempt of Court and flagrant disrespect for the Rule of Law, BUT shows that the Agency is being tele-guided by political forces for political end.

Asogwa Spokes in a press statement said the NYSC must raise its operations beyond the manipulation of political interests and partisan demagogues. The NYSC and the DG in charge must understand that Nigeria and Nigerians crave a new deal in governance where the best hands are allowed to serve.

Asogwa further said the service must therefore remove from allowing manipulative forces deploy it into settling political conflicts and power debacles. The time to shield our politics from the devious control of subversive forces is now. And we must urge those who superintend Parrastatals and Agencies of Government to be above board.

Part of the statement reads “The question about the Authenticity of the NYSC discharge Certificate of Barrister Peter Ndubuisi Mbah Governor-Elect of Enugu State is before the Courts, and has become the subject of litigation, therefore the action of the DG of the NYSC is not only reprehensible but lampoon-able.”

“We are aware that sufficient investigation regarding the details of the said NYSC Certificate of Barrister Peter Mbah shows that the said certificate was validly issued by the NYSC, to have a DG who resumed office recently and has not grappled with the full details of the matter speak on National TV on a matter which is albeit sub- judice is worrisome and troubling.”

“We the forum of CONCERNED ENUGU CITIZENS hereby implore the National Youth Service Corps NYSC, her DG and the Management to stay off partisan waters and allow the Rule of Law take its course.”

“We also must state without equivocation that our Governor Elect is a law abiding citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and that his commitment to building a vibrant, prosperous and great Enugu State is unassailable.”

“Peter Mbah cannot and will not be pulled down or dragged into the ignoble list of those that have been destroyed by Politicians using the instrumentality of the NYSC as a witch-hunt.”

“The NYSC must stay true to its pristine responsibility of serving the cause of National Integration, Orientation, Brotherhood and Oneness, and must rise above the partisan debacles of devious politicians.”

“Finally, if the meddlesome-ness of the NYSC management in a matter presently before the Court does not abate, we shall be compelled to petition the Agency as well as prevail on the Courts to take serious steps to forbid the Service from further actions that border on contempt of Court.”

*Atiku’s lawyer gets thunderous applause

The Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) yesterday in Abuja, told Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN, lead counsel to Bola Ahmed Tinubu that he was citing old laws against the request by the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Abubakar Atiku for live coverage of proceedings of the court.

Chairman of the court, Justice Haruna Simon Tsammani drew the attention of Olanipekun to a portion of the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers being wrongfully cited to justify Tinubu’s opposition to live coverage of proceedings in Atiku’s petition.

At yesterday’s proceedings, Tinubu, APC and INEC had separately kicked against the request by Atiku for live coverage of proceedings of the Court to engender public trust and confidence in the court.

Atiku through his lead counsel, Chief Chris Uche SAN had cited the monumental importance of the petition nationally and internationally to back up his demand for live telecast of the proceedings.

But in his bid to justify his vehement opposition, Olanipekun had cited paragraph 4.6 of the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers which he claimed prohibited Judicial Officers from broadcasting, televising proceedings during court session

He cited the disputed law following the submissions by Chief Chris Uche SAN, that there was no law or statute barring live telecast of court proceedings.

As Olanipekun was about to read the portion of the law, Justice Tsammani cut in and told the legal luminary that he was citing a wrong law.

Justice Tsammani told Olanipekun SAN that the portion he was citing to justify his arguments against live coverage had been amended and the portion being cited had been deleted completely.

The Chairman of the Court maintained that the portion being claimed by Chief Olanipekun SAN was no longer in the new Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers and as such, not applicable.

While making a case for live broadcast of Atiku’s petition, Uche SAN had drawn the attention of the Court to Justice Oputa Panel of Inquiry that was telecast live and hailed all round in the country.

The Senior lawyer said that non of the respondents would be prejudiced if the petition is broadcast live.

Specifically, he said that there was no single law or statute against live broadcast of court proceedings adding that the fact that it has never been done before should not be misconstrued to mean that it cannot be done this time.

The submissions of Uche SAN had drawn thunderous applause from the crowd who for some minutes clapped before the court announced that clapping was not allowed in Courts.

Atiku had approached the Court hearing his case against the outcome of the February 25 presidential polls, for an order allowing live broadcast of the day to day proceedings regarding his petition because of its monumental importance.

Atiku and the PDP in the application specifically prayed the tribunal for “An order Directing the Court’s Registry and the parties on modalities for admission of Media Practitioners and their Equipment into the courtroom.”

The application filed on their behalf by their team of lawyers led by Chief Chris Uche, SAN, is predicated amongst other grounds that: The matter before the Honourable Court is a dispute over the outcome of the Presidential Election held on 25th February 2023, a matter of national concern and public interest, involving citizens and voters in the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, who voted and participated in the said election; and the International Community as regards the workings of Nigeria’s Electoral Process”.

They contended that being a unique electoral dispute with a peculiar constitutional dimension, it is a matter of public interest whereof millions of Nigerian citizens and voters are stakeholders with a constitutional right to receive.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress APC in response kicked against the request of the former Vice President
for live telecast of his petition challenging the declaration of Tinubu as winner of the 2023 presidential election.

In their separate objections, the trio insisted that solemn nature of the court would be put in jeopardy if granted.

Tinubu in his vehement objections raised by Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN on his behalf said that Atiku’s request was not only surprising but dangerous as it was capable of prejudicing the Court itself.

Olanipekun said that the request for live coverage is capable of turning the Court to a football stadium, a crusade ground a theatre or film grounds where all manners of telecast could be permitted.

The Senior lawyer said that the Court should not grant an order that cannot be enforced or supervised, adding that the present moment is not the best time for such a request to be granted.

Lateef Fagbemi SAN who opposed on behalf of APC faulted the request, adding that the facility and policy documents are not there for the application to be granted.

Fagbemi insisted that Atiku did not deserve to be granted the request

The electoral body in its own objections by its counsel, Abubakar Balarabe Mahmoud SAN said that Court room is for serious business and not a market place where anything goes adding that the request for live coverage is unnecessary and uncalled for and should not be granted.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Court, Justice Haruna Simon Tsammani has reserved ruling on the motion for a later date.

A political activist and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has urged the international community to disassociate themselves and also steer clear of the proposed inauguration of the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Frank who described such event as illegal, specifically called on the United State of America, United Kingdom, European Union, African Union and ECOWAS among others, “to as a matter of integrity steer clear from any form of preparations or attendance of the planned inauguration.”

In a statement released Monday in Abuja, Timi Frank said it will be in the best interest of the International Community to properly ascertain the mood of the country and allow for all litigations and closure on the outcome of the electoral cases in court before lending support to whomsoever is declared as the authentic winner of the recently conducted elections in Nigeria.

According to the Bayelsa born political activist, save for the voice of reason, the aftermath of the declaration of the Presidential results would have turned sour, but for the timely appeal by the various opposition leaders to their supporters in seeking redress at the courts as the only constitutional recognized means in challenging an illegality.

He said: “As last minute preparations for the inauguration of an illegality continues to dominate the political and social space in Nigeria, we are poised to advise all intending invitees especially the international community to steer clear from any of such events, as more Nigerians continue to disassociate themselves from being a part of this grand conspiracy foisted on the Nigerian people by dubious state actors, using instruments of coercion and manipulation in subverting the will of the people.

“Never have we witnessed such brazen criminality perpetrated by an electoral umpire and the ruling party in disenfranchising the majority of the people by conniving with other agencies of government to ensure victory by all means to a particular candidate.

“The hasty announcement of the Presidential results by the electoral umpire, who is also a major accomplice in this regard, came as a shock to many, when the electoral body itself failed to use its own stipulated guidelines in the declaration of results.

“By blatantly refusing to follow its own procedure in the final declarations of results as announced earlier to all Nigerians by the INEC chief, it will be safe to conclude that the last minute change of plans was the final icing on the cake in ensuring that the will of the people is subverted and truncated by any means necessary.

“In the light of the aforementioned, I would like to call on all members of the international community, especially the US, UK, EU, AU, ECOWAS and others to as a matter of integrity steer clear from any form of preparations or attendance of the planned inauguration.

“Accepting to be present for this all time charade, which is already subjudice will subsequently give credence to this illegality by the various governments which you represent. It will be in your best interest to properly ascertain the mood of the country and allow for all litigations and closure on this matter before you lend your support to whomsoever is declared as the authentic winner of the elections.

“Furthermore, the support for constitutional democracy as practiced by the US, UK and the EU states cannot be overemphasized. Therefore, the international community must disassociate itself forthwith from plans to attend any inauguration, until the will of the people is expressly determined by the judiciary.”

Frank, Frank, who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), Ambassador to East Africa and Middle East, said any form of congratulatory messages or acceptability demonstrated by representatives of various countries in Nigeria “will further suggest that indeed your governments are accomplices in disenfranchising the good people of Nigeria of a functional democracy as practiced and preached by your various governments.

“It will be foolhardy and catastrophic to join in endorsing an illegitimate process leading to the forming of a government, which is clearly not in tandem with your values.

“I will like to therefore, seek your understanding in boycotting any of such invitations aimed at undermining our hard earned democracy. Let your voices be made clear once and for all in ensuring that the proper process leading to the declaration of a winner is followed and accepted by all Nigerians in this regard.”

Santo Luka

…A Yoruba socio -political group, ‘Oduwa Frontiers’ has called on the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to follow the path of honour and justice by reversing the unsolicited, unpopular zoning proposal and allow democracy and its tenets to thrive.

The group called on the President-elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to interrogate this skewed arrangement and give direction that reflects our collective commitment to equality, fairness, and inclusivity as a basis for participatory democracy.National President, of the group, Kolawale Adediji Kazeem, made the call in a statement made available to journalist in Abuja, on Saturday.

“We join the Southern Governors Forum and other concerned Nigerians in calling on the National Working Committee of the APC to follow the path of justice.”

According to him, “As stakeholders in the affairs of the South-west and Nigeria generally, we hereby corroborate the Chairman of the Southern Governors Forum’s views and adopt all the issues raised which are very sensitive, not only to the president-elect and the APC, but also to the corporate existence of the country.

“We warn the President-elect not to wave aside the views of the Southern Governors Forum and majority of his genuine lovers in other regions, in order to avoid falling into the traps laid to set him up against other sections of the country and damage the image of his administration even before it takes off.“

“We hereby state our strong position that the manner in which the party leadership directly meddled in the affairs of the legislative arm of government, which is an independent body, amounts to an infringement on the constitutionally guaranteed legislative independence and autonomy.

“We warn that the APC cannot afford to make the mistake of allowing the repeat of what transpired in the eighth Assembly when Bukola Saraki and Yakubu Dogara emerged Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives,

” he said .Kazeem also enjoined the APC to replay its exemplary leadership of allowing open contest and level ground for the party primaries that paved the way for the emergence of the Asiwaju as its Presidential Candidate.

“It is therefore expedient for the APC to allow open contests for all interested candidates irrespective of region or geopolitical zone and allow the members of the National Assembly to vote for their leaders.”

Speaking further ,he noted that this calculated design to give the incoming administration of Asiwaju a bad name even before it takes off, is without a doubt, part of the disturbances that have been created since the emergence of a South Western presidency.In particular, the despotic move to zone the National Assembly leadership positions to suit certain vested interests with false love for the President-elect only aims to set a dangerous foundation of distrust and suspicion as traps to undermine the coming.

“Everyone knows the democratic antecedents of the Asiwaju and his unbending commitment to democratic principles of fair-play and the right of choice.“It would therefore be misplaced to believe that a man with such high commitment to democratic processes would be involved in such unconstitutional actions.”

The much anticipated prestigious National Daily Awards will hold on Friday May 12, 2023, at the Grand BallRoom of Oriental Hotels, Victoria Island, Lagos, with former President, Olusegun Obasanjo as Special Guest of Honour and keynote Speaker, under the chairmanship of Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi.

The National Daily Awards is a celebration of excellence in various sectors of the Nigerian economy and life. 

“We will be honoring outstanding achievers in public and private sectors, as well as presenting Lifetime Achievement Awards to exceptional individuals in business, politics, sports and entertainment”, reads a statement signed by Sylvester Ebhodaghe, Editor-in-Chief of National Daily Newspapers. 

The statement further said that the IGP Usman Alkali Baba, CFR, will receive the National Daily’s Man of the Year Award at the event, alongside other eminent professional individuals and organisations.

The statement reads: “Other award recipients include Prince Nduka Obaigbena CON of ARISE News/THISDAY Newspaper, to be conferred with African Media Entrepreneur Icon of the Decade Award; Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State, Governor of The Year; Governor Olusola Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Innovation and Infrastructure Governor of the Year; Engr. Ernest Ndukwe, Lifetime Achievement. 

“Leo Stan Eke, Development Icon of the Decade (ICT); Alhaji Aliko Dangote, African Business Personality of the Decade; Umaru Dambatta, Public Sector Personality of the Decade; Prof. Mike Ozekhome SAN, Hero of Human Rights Defence; Sen Ifeanyi Ubah, Lawmaker of the Year (Senate); Deputy Governor Kingsley Otuaro of Delta State, Outstanding Peace Builder of the Year; NYSC, Most Strategic Government Establishment of the Decade; LSSTF, Most Strategic Government Support Initiative of the Year (State); Allen Onyema, Hero’s Award; including 10 Outstanding NYSC Members, among others that have distinguished themselves in their trade in both the public and private sectors in Nigeria. The award would remain one of the memorable events of the year”.

The great Confluence State of Kogi is on the March again, seeking a worthy and an inclusive Governor as the Alhaji Yahaya Bello era winds down in a few months. This time the challenge before the people of Kogi State is the call for a broad-based Kogi where Christians are given a sense of belonging as well as Muslims and people of other religious bent.

Our Dear State is a Multi-ethnic, Multi-lingual and a Multi-religious one. It is the melting-pot of all that defines the Nigerian State. It is the first political capital of Nigeria, and by Jove should set the pace for genuine inclusiveness in governance.

We have witnessed a plethora of debate ranging from how many Igala people have governed Kogi to how many Ebira people or Okun people have governed Kogi. Sadly this debate has left unaddressed the major issues of Faith and Religion.

Yes the Okun people have a valid call for a shot at the Governorship, but even more compelling and challenging is the fact that no Christian has ever been elected Governor of Kogi State.

Kogi as a Multi-religious State must now live true to what it says on paper. It is time for Kogi to give to her Christians a true sense of belonging, and it is time for Kogi stakeholders and the political class to give to the Christian population a hand of fellowship.

Our call is not only about religious inclusiveness, it is about sustaining the present trajectory of Youths in governance, and above all about competency, capacity and commitment to the common good.

To the great people of Kogi we present an effective and efficient Igala son, an erudite Lawyer, and very importantly one who has the competency, the capacity, the compassion and the requisite commitment necessary to turn Kogi State around for good.

Barrister Okeme Adejo is the choice of the broadest class of the Kogi demography, the Youths, he connects with Muslims, Christians and Traditionalists being the scion of one of the most effective Women Leader in the history of Kogi State. Okeme combines a great strength of character with a deep sense of humility and respect for Elders.

Okeme holds the Labour Party Governorship Ticket, he is a foremost Obidient and a Leader in every sense of the word. Barrister Adejo Okeme is not only an Igala, he is an illustrious son of Kogi committed to building a Kogi State where all ethnicities have a true sense of brotherhood and belonging. He is a devout Christian with huge commitment to building a great Kogi where the freedom of worship is sustained and members of various faiths given the opportunity to reach their fullest potentials.

Okeme is the question-mark on the conscience of a State that must do right. He is the olive-branch ready to truly unite a State replete with people of variegated tendencies. He comes with an uncommon cord of brotherhood and love, and he will create a great Kogi where inclusiveness is of primacy. To all well-meaning and progressive minded Kogites we present Barrister Okeme Adejo.

We shall in due course present to our Dear people of Kogi State the laudable agenda and Manifesto of Barrister Okeme.

We hereby call on the high and the mighty, the low and the struggling, the women and our mothers, the Young and the old to join hands with us as we accelerate the call for the next Governor of Kogi to be a Christian of Igala descent, and above all one with great competency, character, capacity, compassion and commitment to the common good.

To Kogi State and a nation in dire need of Justice, Inclusiveness and oneness, we present Barrister Okeme Adejo.

Abubakar Haruna
Concerned Citizens For Justice And Inclusion In Kogi.

*Says 80% of corrupt politicians will be beneficiaries of Asiwaju’s presidency

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Comrade Timi Frank, has faulted Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s claim that he will make corruption unattractive, especially in the Judiciary.

Frank, who described such statement as a lie, noted that the former Lagos state governor do not possess the capacity and ability to fight corruption in the Judiciary.

Tinubu, while speaking in Port Harcourt, during the inauguration of a Magistrate Courts Complex built by the Governor Nyesom Wike administration, reportedly promised to make corruption unattractive.

Responding in a statement released on Saturday in Abuja, Timi Frank said Tinubu’s track record on corruption fights is abysmal.

According to Frank, It is an insult to the sensibility of majority of Nigerians, that Tinubu who has been linked to several corrupt practices, including the famous bullion van episode, will suddenly become the anti corruption czar.

He said: “A man who’s unable to answer questions on the activities of the Alpha Beta company and several other properties linked to him, obviously do not posses the prerequisites to fight corruption.

“It is however ironic that Tinubu, whose political career is peppered with allegations of corruption, would try to position himself as a champion of anti-corruption, only aimed at fooling the gullible.

“Of utmost importance is the caliber of persons currently hobnobbing around the president elect for one favor or another. These individuals who are busy outwitting one another, all in a bid to grab juicy government portfolios with statutory immunity, may all have a case or more to answer with the anti graft agencies. These characters who are currently vying for leadership positions in all arms of government, including the Executive, Legislature, and the Judiciary will most likely be cleared for public service, thereby joepadizing the fight against corruption ab initio.

The Bayelsa born political activist believed that the incoming administration, if confirmed by the judiciary, will habour many politicians of questionable characters giving them a safe haven to operate.

“A closer look at these individuals reveals that they are made of high net worth personalities who may have previously been convicted of crimes, or currently facing investigations or prosecution by the EFCC and other sister anti graft agencies.

“The jostle for the position of the Senate President by one of the leading contenders is a clear testimony to the fact. It is therefore pertinent to ascertain whether Tinubu’s potential administration will be comprised by these glaring associations.

“Consequently, the statement credited to the former Lagos state governor in Port Harcourt is laughable, given that the facts prove otherwise as clearly evident by the current realities.

“It’s worthy to note that Tinubu, whose ruling party campaigned on an anti-corruption mantra will suddenly drive an anti-corruption fight when even the incumbent President, who has no known history of corruption is unable to tackle the menace, rather the corruption index has risen exponentially under this administration.”

Frank who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), Ambassador to East Africa and Middle East, furthermore added that it will be difficult to take Tinubu’s words on fighting corruption seriously.

He said: “Evidence of corruption linked to his interests continues to surface, as even the recently concluded general elections were grossly compromised. Tinubu should note that he’s yet to be sworn in and should focus his attention on the pending cases challenging the legitimacy of his victory at the polls rather than making any such promises on an illegality pending before the tribunal.

“Lastly as a nation seeking a change, we must demand accountability from our leaders, regardless of their party affiliation. We cannot afford to remain silent whilst corruption continues to plague our democracy. Those who seek to lead us, must henceforth show by their actions that they are committed to a corrupt-free Nigeria.”

By Usman Dodo

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum(AYCF) has advised that outgoing Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi should be supported to emerge as Senate President in the spirit of national stability cohesion under incoming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The group, in a statement signed by its National President, Alhaji Yerima Shettima Wednesday evening, insisted that “in this national healing moment, the Southeast should be given the opportunity to take a shot at the Senate Presidency, this time around”.

“Our true position is that the Southeast needs to have a stronger sense of belonging, in the Nigerian project, by being actively involved in democratic governance. We want the mistakes of past government to serve as a lesson in democratic governance for the incoming administration.

“It is on record that Umahi is the most-perforing governor in the history of the Southeast. He has the reputation of being a gentleman per excellence. He has demonstrated these sterling qualities throughout his sojourn as a governor. This makes his candidature for the Senate quite suitable. We have no doubt in his ability to give the 10th Senate a good sense of direction. It is time to show full recognition to the leadership qualities of integrity and accountability, and these are some of the strongest attributes of governor Umahi”, the statement noted.

AYCF urged all the relevant stakeholders in the current dispensation, to rally round the Southeast for Senate Presidency, “in the spirit of forgiveness, national unity, cohesion and ending the culture of rubber stamp legislature”.

The AYCF further advised that the incoming administration should see their electoral victory as a golden opportunity to turn around Nigeria’s fortunes by allowing for the emergence of responsible leadership at all levels “and especially that of the Senate”.

AYCF, in the statement, also called on the President elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to “strive to put a legacy in place of a very suitable leadership, especially for the Senate”.

The group warned that “a very good sense of justice in the emergence of National Assembly leaders is to ensure that a nationalist, accountable Nigerian leads the Senate”.

Presidency: Why Dave Umahi is the best choice – Group

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum(AYCF) has advised that outgoing Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi should be supported to emerge as Senate President in the spirit of national stability cohesion under incoming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The group, in a statement signed by its National President, Alhaji Yerima Shettima Wednesday evening, insisted that “in this national healing moment, the Southeast should be given the opportunity to take a shot at the Senate Presidency, this time around”.

“Our true position is that the Southeast needs to have a stronger sense of belonging, in the Nigerian project, by being actively involved in democratic governance. We want the mistakes of past government to serve as a lesson in democratic governance for the incoming administration.

“It is on record that Umahi is the most-perforing governor in the history of the Southeast. He has the reputation of being a gentleman per excellence. He has demonstrated these sterling qualities throughout his sojourn as a governor. This makes his candidature for the Senate quite suitable. We have no doubt in his ability to give the 10th Senate a good sense of direction. It is time to show full recognition to the leadership qualities of integrity and accountability, and these are some of the strongest attributes of governor Umahi”, the statement noted.

AYCF urged all the relevant stakeholders in the current dispensation, to rally round the Southeast for Senate Presidency, “in the spirit of forgiveness, national unity, cohesion and ending the culture of rubber stamp legislature”.

The AYCF further advised that the incoming administration should see their electoral victory as a golden opportunity to turn around Nigeria’s fortunes by allowing for the emergence of responsible leadership at all levels “and especially that of the Senate”.

AYCF, in the statement, also called on the President elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to “strive to put a legacy in place of a very suitable leadership, especially for the Senate”.

The group warned that “a very good sense of justice in the emergence of National Assembly leaders is to ensure that a nationalist, accountable Nigerian leads the Senate”.

The Arewa Youth Forum (AYF), the Premier umbrella platform of all youth organisations in the North and FCT-Abuja, which has structures in the 19 Northern states, some Southern States and the diaspora has made a strong case for Honourable Aliyu Mukhtar Betara, ‘The Golden Boy’ to be voted as the Speaker of the 10th National Assembly.

This was contained in a statement signed by AYF President, Ahmed Mohammed Zagi, made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Thursday April 4, 2023, explaining why Honourable Betara who is representing Biu/Bayo/Shani Federal Constituency and Chairman House Committee on Appropriation was endorsed.

“The role in which Hon. Betara played in the 9th Assembly is that of a proficient and efficient administrator who was fair, just,
logical and sincere in the appropriation of resources for the improvement of the living
standard of Nigerians and the development of critical sectors of the economy.

“Despite obvious challenges, Hon. Betera was able to pass through the hard concrete wall with his
name printed in crystal gold,” AYF said.

The group said that they have been closely following with keen interest
the unfolding developments in the country, especially as relates to the buildup to the election of the leadership of the 10th National Assembly, especially the Green Chamber.

They explained further that the pivotal role that Honourable Betara played has earned him deep love, trust, respect and confidence from his colleagues in the Green Chamber.

“No doubt, and from our conclusion, that is why his ambition to become the next Speaker of the House of Representatives is receiving overwhelming support and endorsement from both returning and new members of the
parliament across political party bifurcation.

“As a person, Hon. Betara iswell known to be a humble, intelligent, and smart persona with the wisdom of the ancients,” the statement said.

According to them, “He is friendly, generous, easy going and accessible and always ensures fairness, transparency and logic in the discharge of his official
responsibility as Appropriation Committee Chairman.In short, most members of the 9th
Assembly have openly confessed on several occasions that Hon. Betara is the reason behind their success and sterling performance in their various constituencies as regards appropriation of fund (envelope) for the execution of projects in the various Committees
they represent.

“Already a veteran in both chambers of the NASS, Hon. Betara has been in the House since 2007,” the statement explained.

AYF recalls that Betara has held several strategic positions such as Chairman of the Sub committee on NDIC, Banking and Currency, Member of the House Committee on Interior and was later appointed Chairman of the Sub-committee on Customs, Immigration and Prisons Pension Office between 2007 and 2011.

“He also served as Chairman of, the House Committee on the Army in the 7th Assembly (2011 to 2015) and Chairman of the House Committee on Defence from 2015 –2019 before his current position as Chairman of, the House Committee on Appropriations (2019-2023).

“Hon. Betara has built bridges and the cultivated seed of friendship over time in the National Assembly across party, religious and ethnic lines.

“He has gathered ample legislative experience over the years and equally established a reputation for methodological versatility in the House of Representatives, which has baked and prepared him for the onerous obligation of the Speakership Position that he is contesting for,” they argued.

According to the statement, Betara’s administrative acumen, competence, credibility, and legislative experience combined
with his acceptability by the majority of the returning and newly elected members of the House of Representatives stands him out among other contestants and positioned him as the man to win the Speakership Position of the 10th Assembly once the election is
held.

They averred that the incoming administration of Asiwaju/Shettima does not need to be reminded that the hope of Nigerians is extremely high and they are expecting nothing short of excellent performance from the government.

“The executive arm of government, on the other hand, cannot function effectively without the complement and support of robust and sound
legislation and oversights from the legislature.

“Therefore, the cadre or calibre of “who” becomes “who” in the Leadership of the 10th Assembly should neither be taken for
granted nor seem as business as usual where competence and credibility are often sacrificed on the alter of zoning, religious or ethnic equation.

“The executive, judiciary and legislative arms of government are partners in the business of governance standing on a tripod. If any leg of the tripod becomes faulty through the wrong recruitment of its leadership, there will certainly be an overbearing effect and consequence on the other legs of the tripod.

“Consequent to the above, which is a tip of the iceberg on the many reasons why Hon. Betera is the man fit for the job, the AYF hereby, endorses the ‘Golden Boy’ to lead the Green Chamber as Speaker in the 10th National Assembly,” they submitted.

They further argued that, “no leader among all of those aspiring has his selflessness, integrity, fear of God as a motivating principle and a
consciousness, resolute and uncompromising drive to face the battle and national challenges with all his might and prowess.

“This resolution of endorsement was made by all structures of AYF in Nigeria and the Diaspora.
We therefore call on all and sundry especially, old and new members of the Green Chamber to support the aspiration and candidature of Hon. Aliyu Mukhtar Betara as Speaker so that Nigeria “go better for the Nigerian Citizens “through qualitative and sound legislation,” they stressed.

They said their endorsement is hinged on their patriotic zeal for Nigeria.

“As an organisation that champions the course of good governance through qualitative representations we are compelled to voice out our resolutions on who to drum our support for and endorsement to serve as Speaker in the 10th National Assembly, which is expected to be officially inaugurated in June.

“Following our deep and wider consultations as well as sampling of vital opinions that cut across the length and breadth of the country, also among members of the Green Chamber on who does the cap fit for the Speakership position, we have come to the conclusion that one personality stands out among all that person is Hon. Aliyu Mukhtar Betara, ‘The Golden Boy’;

“The experienced legislator who is tailor-made for the job. Our reasons abound!

“From the constituency front, it is a well-known fact that Hon. Betara has exceeded expectations in his constituency in terms of infrastructural development (constituency projects execution), empowerment and effective representation.

“No surprise he was given
the mandate by his people for an unprecedented fifth term to represent the constituency.

“Top experts and students of business management or financial management can speak
correctly on the importance of having a prudent and proficient “administrator” or “manager” of human/resources in an organisation”.