Newsline.ng

Plot to sponsor a Protest against the Chief of Staff Uncovered

A group, the Asiwaju Tinubu Mandate forum, has accused some desperate Politicians of an attempt to sponsor a former Senate President of the National Association of Nigeria Students, Edward Smart, to stage a protest against the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Gbajabiamila.

The group, in a statement by its National Coordinator, Com. Adelowo Oluwasesan accused Smart of allowing himself to be used as a tool to destabilize the Government of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The statement said those desperate to paint Gbajabiamila black in the eyes of Nigerians see him as a stumbling block against their plans to hijack the government for their selfish interests.

“After sponsoring many pointless articles and propaganda on the pages of newspapers against Rt. Hon. Gbajabiamila, our findings revealed that these desperate politicians are a cabal against the subsidy removal, tax reform and currency rate unification agenda of this administration. They do not mean well for this administration and have devised another means of policy sabotage by organizing a protest using Com. Edward Smart, to call for the sack of the Chief of Staff to the President.”

While we acknowledge the right of citizens to a peaceful protest, we condemned in totality the one sponsored to bring down a man who has been a stabilizing factor to the current administration of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and the renewed hope agenda of the ruling party” the statement read.

The group called on security agencies to monitor the situation closely, as any protest now can be hijacked by the hoodlums.
“We emphasized that groups or persons who engage in actions that could lead to civil unrest or destruction of properties should not be spared, and the full wrath of the law should be applied accordingly.

We urged Com. Smart to call off his selfish impending protest, as it will yield no result. The present administration is committed to the development of the country and her citizens, and all hands should be on deck; this action that can jeopardize the Government must not be allowed, the group warned.

Incorporate Space Technology in fight against insecurity; Foundation urges Security agencies

African Space Foundation has urged security agencies in the country to incorporate space technology in the fight against insecurity across Nigeria.

The organisation said the adoption of space technology in the security architecture of advanced countries has helped them to tackle emerging security threats.

Speaking during an event held in collaboration with the National Space Research and Development Agency to commemorate the World Space Week in Abuja on Thursday, the Director General of the organization, Ayo Fasanya said with the vast nature of the country, space could guarantee the security of Nigerians.

He said, “The world is ahead talking about space. Africa must not lag in space development. when you talk about space, the first thing that comes to your mind is safety and security. Space can be used to secure our environment. It can used in areas where we have insurgency.

” If we look at the security architecture of countries like the USA, and Canada among others you would see that they have incorporated space into their systems, which has helped them. Space must be an intricate part of our security element. I believe space is the solution to solving our security issues. Nigeria has a vast landmass, if we utilise the advantage space technology has to offer. “

Speaking on the importance of space technology, Lt. Com. Yakubu Tegina who represented the Navy said the Nigerian Navy has adopted space to secure Nigerian waters.

He said, “Space technology is integral to naval operations. Its application to naval operations creates a great capacity for any littoral nation to manage its waterways effectively as it relates to national security.

“Some of these applications include communication, navigation and positioning, communication on the move, and UAV range extension. Others are telemedicine remote sensing images and data, and geographic information system mapping amongst others.”

He urged the government to invest in education and research, effective communication and information sharing as well as advocacy in other to leverage on space technology.

The Special Adviser to the Chief of Staff, Ibrahim Balogun urged the youths to tap into the potential of space technology.

The event witnessed competition among secondary school pupils on space technology.

Alli-Balogun Congratulates Ministerial Nominees, Thanks President Tinubu

The immediate past Senior Special Assistant on Youth Affair to the Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Ibrahim Alli-Balogun, has congratulated Dr Jamila Bio Ibrahim and Mr. Ayodele Olawande on their nominations as Minister of Youth and Minister of State for Youths, respectively.

Alli-Balogun also thanked His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the honor accorded to Nigerian Youths with ministerial nominations

In a statement he personally signed in Lagos on Sunday, the ministerial nomination of the duo of Dr Jamila Bio Ibrahim and Mr. Ayodele Olawande is a reward for their commitment, integrity, loyalty, dedication, and hard work.

“I am happy that your loyalty, commitment, and hard work to the actualisation of the renewed hope mandate has finally paid off. I am confident you will be a blessing to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and particularly the youth.”

Progressives e-group Celebrates the Celebral Administrator, H.E Adegboyega Oyetola as he turns 69

At progressives e-group, We reckon and celebrate H.E Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola,CON Hon. Minister of Marine and Blue Economy on the occasion of his birthday and to commend him for outstanding contributions to democratic values in the State of Osun and Nigeria at large.

His Excellency is a man of valour, who despite his countless achievements, has stayed very simple and humble. We thank him for his efforts in our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), the State of Osun and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, at large.

His contributions to economic growth and national development in Nigeria are tremendous and will be a reference point for many years to come.

We salute his steadfastness and commitment to the ideals of justice, democracy and good governance which he demonstrated as Governor of Osun State.

We join family, friends, associates and admirers of the Blue Economy minister in wishing him a blessed birthday and many more years in good health and robust energy so he can continue to render useful service to our country and humanity.

Signed:
Taoheed Ademola Omo-Omi
Coordinator,
Progressives e-group.

Abdulmalik Afolabi, Esq.
Publicity Secretary,
Progressives e-group

Akinwemimo, Ojo, Aremo And Others Called For Unity Among APC Members At Osun APC Youths Tour In Ede

…As Ede South APC Youths drum support for Lawal’s led APC Exco in the State.

Osun State APC Youth Leader, Com. Olagoke Akinwemimo has urged members of the All Progressives Congress, APC in the State to take cognisance of the importance of unity in the party in order to return back to power in 2026 in grand style.

Com. Akinwemimo made this call at a program tagged “OSUN APC YOUTH TOUR” held at Ede South APC Party secretariat, Ede on Wednesday.

According to Com. Akinwemimo, the strength of the party lies in the ability of the members to remain united in the face of adversity.

“Despite the challenges we are facing as an opposition party in the State, we must remain resilient and united in our pursuit of the interest of the party at all times”.

Com. Akinwemimo said the tour was put in motion to appreciate members efforts so far and to thank them for standing by the Party against all sorts of intimidationsn and harassment from the ruling Party and to prepare them ahead for the future tasks, as the Party will not loose any chances of coming back to power in Osun State in the next election.

In his welcome address, Ede South LG Youth Leader – Mr. Sikiru Etewo expressed his happiness over the decision of the organizer to chose Ede South as the first Local Government to be visited in Osun West Senatorial District. He added that this singular step will go a long way to build confidence in the minds of Party members that they are neither neglected nor forgotten. He urged party leaders at the State level to always remember both Ede North and South Local Governments when it is time for sharing of federal appointments because of their peculiarity being the Local Governments where the current Governor of the state hails from.

Also speaking, former Member of Ede South State Constituency in the Osun State House of Assembly Hon. Johnson Ojo tasked faithful Party members most especially the youths to work as an effective and constructive opposition in the State. He also urged them to restrategise on how they could drive the party and the nation toward a prosperous future and development.

In his own remark, Aremo Adegboyega Lateef who is immediate past Special Adviser on Youths and Sports to Governor Oyetola said that members in the opposition must be united and work in consent with the Party. He assured them that all leaders of the party in the State are fully committed to strengthening the party in the State starting from the grassroots levels.

“There is need to be united because a divided people cannot develop as much as a united people and I want advise that brotherly love and unity must continue to reign in Ede South LG and State in general” Aremo Adelabu said.

Other Party leaders who also spoke at the event are; Senior Special Assistant to the immediate past Governor of Osun on Federal Matters Hon. Bello Abimbola Luqman, Local Government Party Chairman, Alh. Kaseem Oluogun, All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Ede South State Constituency in the last election, Hon. Raji Taoheed Sijuade (Zobo Lotto), Leader in the Local Government, Alh. Muraina Koyejo. Deputy State Youth Leader, Hon. Ibraheem Wasiu Ayinde, Hon. Imran Mojeed (West Senatorial Youth leader) among others.

FCC Chairman’s Scandal: Commissioners Eschew Chairman

The Federal Character Commission has been in the news for the last two months following the alleged scandals rocking the commission which are allegedly perpetrated by the Executive Chairman of the Commission.

The Commissioners representing various states in Nigeria in the Federal Character Commission, in a bid to uphold their truth, have in the past three years allegedly reported the Chairman Muheebah Dankaka to the President through the then secretary to the government of the Federation Boss Mustapha, Chief of Staff Ibrahim Gambari, ICPC Boss, Antoney General, and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, etc.

The commissioners who insist that justice is done and the rule of law reign supreme have written their no-confidence vote on the Chairman, They have also refused to honor any meeting invited by the Chairman while they continue to do their normal official activities.

The Commissioners have alleged the Chairman of corruption, high-headedness, incapacity, impunity, and acrimonies against the commission, Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, FCC establishment act, rule and regulation of the commission. They said the Chairman has no immunity in the constitution and should be brought under the discipline capacity of the President to ensure she faces the wrath of the law as required, as she has deliberately desencrate the Commission by her autocratic lawless rule.

The commissioners have accused the Chairman of irregularities in the budget of the commission, award of contracts, and purchase of operational vehicles of the commission, where she ” opined that the balance of the budget of the vehicles is between her and the former SGF,” She refused to allow the committee selected by the commission to do the assignment allotted to them. She went ahead alone to purchase ‘Toyota Rush’ instead of ‘Toyota Prado’ that was approved by the plenary but she purchased for her self a Land Cruiser and a V8 Prado. She continued to expend Commissions’ funds alone without report to the Commission.

Recently, Some of the Commissioners who reported the scam to the House of Representatives Committee on IPPIS and job racketeering in public services, Barr. Abdurazaq Adeoye representing Osun State and Ginnika Florence Tor representing Enugu State have some deadly attacks on them within Abuja metropolis. A petition was written to the Inspector General of Police on ‘SOS’ asking him to look inward to unearth the person following to Kill the Commissioners for saying something under oath.

The Commissioners have eschewed her invitation for plenary and with information available to this media, they have prepared and written the Chairman that until she gives the reports of the Commission in the last three years under her sole rule against the constitution of Nigeria, she has no moral ground to preside over them. The Chairman has also been unable to give reports of the recruitment made so far and how she expended the commission fund. Her illegalities has continued unabated up till now

The Commission which is under the President is expected to lead away in the right direction for constitutional operations which the Chairman alone has corrupted
It is however expected of this government to move away from the former lackadaisical processes and allow the rule of law to prevail on the Chairman of the Commission.

Nigerians are keenly awaiting the government as heavy allegations available in the public domain are being evaluated to see the seriousness of the government, which is hoped to be the one to renew the hope of the people

How Tinubu’s Visionary Qualities Influenced His Choice Of Chief Of Staff

Insider details are now emerging from sources close to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu shedding more light on the “meticulous process, ” behind his choice of Chief of Staff, from a retinue of interested and qualified associates of his.

President Tinubu’s knack for selecting capable individuals for key positions has been widely praised. His history of successful appointments, from President, Vice President to Governors, Ministers, legislative leaders among other highlights his deep understanding of Nigeria’s political landscape, observes say.

According to an inside source, President Tinubu had articulated his vision for the ideal Chief of Staff before publicly declaring his interest to run. He was determined to select an individual who possessed a unique blend of qualities to navigate the complexities of Nigerian politics successfully.

The source emphasized that President Tinubu, often described as a visionary leader himself had recognized the significance of the Chief of Staff role in his administration. He was keenly aware of the intricate terrain of Nigerian politics, particularly after the late Abba Kyari’s “influential tenure” in the position.

Tinubu, also known for his decisiveness and thorough consideration of key appointments, “was seeking a Chief of Staff with a specific set of qualities. Experience and a proven track record were non-negotiable criteria. He had no intentions of entering the presidency with a Chief of Staff who was still learning the ropes of how to support a President in running a nation.”

The source pointed out that President Tinubu closely observed the performance of Femi Gbajabiamila during his tenure as Speaker of the House of Representatives. Gbajabiamila’s experience managing various national challenges, including handling national strikes and negotiating with unions, made him stand out among contenders for the role.

“None of the other contenders came close to the level of nation-building experience that Gbajabiamila had acquired during his time as the No. 4 man in the country,” the source emphasized.

Furthermore, President Tinubu was not swayed by how long someone has been around him but rather focused on capacity, posture, and competence when selecting his Chief of Staff. This commitment to competence and experience showcased his determination to hit the ground running and effectively lead Nigeria.

The conversations regarding the Chief of Staff appointment reportedly gained momentum after the removal of the fuel subsidy, a move that initially stirred concerns about national stability, and the President’s resolve to find a perfect fit became more urgent as he needed someone that is both loyal and is also able to support the president in maintaining calm and peace during this challenging time.

Two other factors that Presidential Villa sources disclosed influenced the decision was hardwork and ability to use government resources to support the people.

The sources said Gbajabiamila was always with the President during the campaign, many times travelling late at nights putting in a lot of hardwork during what was a dicey campaign.

Besides, the sources added that President Tinubu was impressed by the timing of the Students Loan Bill which he signed to the applause of many in the country because of the wide appeal for the legislation by many Nigerians. The signing of that bill orchestrated by Gbajabiamila gave huge political capital to the President.

In all according to the source ” the meticulous process behind President Tinubu’s Chief of Staff selection underscores his commitment to delivering effective leadership to Nigeria. His vision for a strong, competent, and experienced Chief of Staff reflects his determination to navigate the complex political terrain and address the nation’s pressing challenges.”

OPINION: FCC Chairman’s 3 years in office; a specimen of Institutional failure under Buhari

By Ade Kola

The debacle that befell the Federal character Commission in the past three years by the actions of the chairman of the commission who rules with disdain and disregards to the rule of law is an exhibition of constitutional and institutional failure in Nigeria.

The Commissioners patriotically, after identifying that the chairman lacks capacity, experience and patriotism for the job, decided to join hands with her to run a credible commission for Nigerians, but she ambushed the whole commission with disdain and impunity.

The situation that made the Commissioners to call for an in-house road map in line with the rule of law but she snubbed all due processes and ruled with the greatest disdain and impunity ever, she disregards the constitution, establishment act, rules and regulations of the commission.
The institutional failure

The commissioner took a due process to report to the concerned authorities. For instance, they reported to the President through the then Secretary to the government of the federation SGF Boss Mustapha, the Chief of staff to the President, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, the Chairman ICPC and the various committees of National assembly.

The issue of her shoddy certificates and others were also reported to EFCC as received by video coverage by the testimony in the national assembly. Instead of investigating her, according to Dankaka in a confession at the House of Representatives Committee, she connived with the former Chairman of the EFCC, AbdulRasheed Bawa to recruit over 300 personnel without advertising in National dailies. This is against the rules of the commission which stipulates recruitment above 100 people should be advertised.

The institutional failure under President Mohammadu Buhari APC lead government allows the impunity and disdain that occupied the Federal Character Commission in the last three year as was reported by the commissioners.

The commissioners having opined from initial I.e just two months in office as clearly stated in the plenary memo of 2020 revealed the acrimony going on and allowing such for the period of three years, shows the failure in our institutions and spell doom for the nation.

If institutions are to show lackadaisical attitude to national issues, and were allowed without anyone calling them to order or sanctioning the individual accordingly, then our nation is in serious mess in all facets

The present government must take the bull by the horn and ensure constitutional orderliness, so that national institutions will work for Nigerians in accordance with rule of law.

The atrocities perpetrated to the nation and the commission by the Chairman and co- institutional collaborators should be brought to book to serve as deterrent to others.

The Nation can only move forward under respect for the constitution , acts and rule of law. It is hope that institutional failure will end and Nigeria will work in accordance with the rule of law.

The hope of every citizen from this administration.

Ade Kola writes from Maitama, Abuja.

Job Racketeering: FCC Chairman Disgraced by Commissioners

In sustaining the vote of no confidence passed on the Chairman of Federal Character Commission, Dr. Muheeba Farida Dankaka by the Commissioners representing various states in the Commission , the Commissioners have refused to honour any of her invitations to meeting or plenary.

The latest is an emergency plenary she called for which was slated to come up on 31/8/2023. (See attached invitation memo) The commissioners refused to attend the plenary, the information available to our correspondent shows that only five Commissioners were present, as the commissioners said those who attended were either not in tune with the reality or maybe her partners in the crime of derailing the FCC mandate.

It should be noted that in the last three weeks, about 30 Commissioners wrote the President that they have no confidence in her leadership due to impunity, corruption, and acrimony.

She has been involved in recruitment scandals since the assumption of office more than 3 years ago. She recently appeared at the House of Representative investigation committee that is investigating IPPIS and recruitment racketeering in public service.

Dankaka’s former aide, Haruna Kolo under oath testified against Dankaka’s job selling, the postulation that was collaborated by the evidence provided against her by the Commissioners.

Dankaka also lied under oath before the investigation committee, as she claimed not to know where Haruna Kolo, whom she facilitated his recruitment together with her family members into AMCOM works.

The statement given by the FCC Director of Human Resources before the committee testified that the Chairman, Muheeba Dankaka approved Kolo’s secondment, which clearly states that her denial of not knowing where he is, is a blatant lie.

The nation however awaits the President to act as appropriate to save the commission for Nigerians from her strangulation.