Personality
Timi Frank warns Akpabio against provoking Kenyan-style revolt in Nigeria
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, should not provoke a Kenyan-style uprising in the country through his highly condescending and degrading comments, former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Monday, has warned
Frank’s warning is coming in reaction to Akpabio’s recent comments where he gave parliament’s anticipatory approval to President Bola Tinubu for a new presidential aircraft worth billions of Naira.
Akpabio had while reacting to social media reports that he had allegedly vowed to approve the purchase of new aircraft for the president despite excruciating hardship, denied that there was any such request before the Senate.
He however added that if such a request is made, the Senate will approve it in order to forestall the kind of air mishap that claimed the lives of the President of Iran and Vice President of Malawi.
According to Frank, Akpabio has been talking recklessly adding that he has been talking down on Nigerians and making mockery of the Senate and National Assembly.
He said: “One of the cardinal role of the parliament is to serve as a check and balance on the other arms of government but Akpabio has derailed by deciding on and goading the executive on what expenditure to make irrespective of the economic plight of taxpayers.
“His effrontery and audacity in turning legislative procedures upside down notwithstanding, his verbiage at times rudely assaults our democracy, denigrate Nigerians as a public official in a position of trust and a mockery of the hallowed chambers of the National Assembly stands for.
“Akpabio can choose to be President Bola Tinubu’s cheerleader, praise singer and errand boy, but he must not reduce the National Assembly to an organ extending anticipatory approvals for requests yet to be made by the executive and justifying same.
“Akpabio must learn to limit his actions to those within the ambit of his constitutional role by ensuring diligent scrutiny of money bills before the Senate to prevent profligacy and waste and equally refrain from talking down on Nigerians and taxpayers who own the office he now occupies.
“Above all, he must be mindful of the uprising in Senegal that led to the election of 44 years youthful opposition Bassirou Diomaye Faye and the ongoing one in Kenya where the youths invaded the parliament to stop lawmakers from considering an anti-people Finance Bill and the attendant killings of scores by security forces which has sparked a call for President William Ruto’s resignation despite his hasty withdrawal of the Bill.”
He noted that according to reports in the media, the Presidential Air Fleet currently consists of six aircraft, namely, Boeing 737, Gulfstream G550, Gulfstream GV, Two Falcon 7Xs and a Challenger CL605. Also in the PAF are six helicopters made up of two Agusta 139s and four Agusta 189s.
According to him, media reports show that the average budgetary allocation for the maintenance of the Presidential Air Fleet in Nigeria from 1999 to 2024 amount to N214billion, as follows: 1999 to 2000 – N7billion, 2011 – N17.98billion and N3.54billion, 2013 – N7.5billion, 2014 – N7.97billion and 2015 – N5.19billion.
Others are: 2016 – N3.6 billion, 2017 – N4.37billion, 2018 – N7.26billion, 2019 – N7.297billion, 2020 – N8.51 billion, 2021 – N12.55billion, 2022 – N12.48billion, 2023 – N25.7billion, and 2024 – N20.5 billion.
He said: “It’s important to note that the age of an aircraft does not necessarily determine its safety or airworthiness. Aircraft are subject to regular maintenance and inspections to ensure they are safe to operate, regardless of their age. So the question is: What happened to the about N214billion allocated in annual budgets for maintenance of the Presidential Fleet from 1999 till date?
“So why can’t Akpabio launch an investigation into how the N214billion was spent or recommend that some of the aircraft or helicopters be sold to augment the cost of buying new ones instead of waiting for a hefty proposal from the executive for express approval?
“Akpabio must realise that being a Senate President is not a right but a privilege and being a privilege he must guard it with decency and decorum by doing the work of Senate President according to law with at least a modicum of respect and consideration for ordinary Nigerians on behalf of whom he claims to be there.
“He should not also forget that if not for a compromised Judiciary, he would not have had a seat in the 10th National Assembly. Nigerians are no fools! He must know that elected government officials are expected to serve the people and not to oppress them.”
Former Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections in Nigeria, Peter Obi has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Professor Humphrey Nwosu, former Chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC).
Obi described him as a “true democrat” and a pillar of Nigeria’s democratic history.
In a heartfelt statement, while writing on his X-Handle, Obi described Nwosu as an outstanding academic and a courageous defender of democratic principles, particularly during his tenure as NEC Chairman from 1989 to 1993.
Obi emphasized Prof. Nwosu’s pivotal role in organizing and upholding the 1993 presidential elections, a process widely regarded as one of the fairest in Nigeria’s history.
“For his role in that election, Prof. Nwosu’s name will remain indelible in the history of Nigerian democracy,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor however lamented the state of Nigeria’s current electoral process, noting that despite the resources and technology now available, the integrity and commitment to democracy exhibited by Nwosu under less favorable conditions have not been replicated.
Obi praised Nwosu for his adherence to truth and electoral transparency, contrasting it with the current challenges in Nigeria’s democratic system.
“Unlike today, when professors are sometimes procured to aid electoral malpractice, Prof. Nwosu applied the principles he taught as an erudite professor of Political Science, conducting an election that remains a benchmark for integrity,” Obi said.
Obi called for more leaders like Nwosu, who he described as willing to risk their lives for the sake of democracy.
He also prayed for God’s forgiveness for Nwosu’s shortcomings and for strength for his family and all those mourning him.
“May God Almighty grant Nigeria the likes of Professor Humphrey Nwosu in future elections,” Obi concluded, reaffirming his belief that a new and better Nigeria is possible.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has extended his heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Akwa Ibom State following the tragic death of Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, wife of Governor Umo Eno, who passed away on Thursday.
In his message, Governor Ododo expressed deep sorrow and noted the pivotal role Mrs. Umo Eno played in supporting her husband’s administration.
Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Ismaila Isah in a statement quoted him to have highlighted her dedication as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, whose numerous charitable initiatives, particularly her work with women and the less privileged, made a lasting impact on the lives of many in Akwa Ibom.
Governor Ododo prayed for the peaceful repose of her soul and offered his deepest sympathies to the bereaved family, as well as the people of Akwa Ibom State, as they mourn this immense loss.
Mrs. Patience Umo Eno passed away at the age of 57 after a brief illness.
The prestigious International Accounting Bulletin (AIB) in its recent 2024 Country Survey of Accounting firms in Nigeria has rated GBC-Reanda as the 11th local Accounting firm in Nigeria.
In its previous year’s rating, the organization was ranked 16th. This year’s improved ranking is a demostration of GBC-Reanda’s steadfast dedication to providing outstanding services and exceeding client expectations.
Mrs Damilola Akindele ACA, Principal Manager, Mr Emmanuel Ogiaga FCA , Engagement Partner, Sir Gbenga Badejo FCA ,KJW Managing Partner and
Mrs Abimbola Alao ACA Manager, Audit&Assurance, GBC-Reanda International.
The ranking process started with the Bulletin’s invitation of Accounting firms in Nigeria to present their organizations and evidence of their compliance with best global practice in Accounting profession an assessment which was in conformity with IAB World Survey data.
According to the publication “We are delighted to share that your firm climbed up to rank 11th in Nigeria, according to the 2024 Nigeria Survey of IAB. Congratulations”
GBC, now GBC-Reanda International, was established in 1996 and has continued to provide qualitative value added services to its diverse, ever growing clientele in different sectors of the economy. The firm is endowed with highly competent and experienced professionals with a wide exposure to all aspects of Accounting, Financial Management and General Business Administration.
According to Managing Pattner of the firm, Sir Gbenga Badejo, FCA, KJW, “we are a composite one stop professional & consulting firm providing Professional Services, Business Consulting & Financial Advisory Services to clients in various sectors of the economy. The firm is principally driven by sound professional and business principles geared towards providing value added services through highly experienced and well-trained professionals.”
He revealed that in the firm’s over 28 years of existence, over 250 Accounting Professionals have been trained, who are all out in various Sectors to add value within the Consulting and Accounting chain of the Global economy.
Sir Gbenga Badejo sees a better future of impact and value in the organization’s continuous drive towards professional excellence.
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