Politics
Timi Frank insists, Tinubu’s Government can’t fight corruption, criminality
***Tackles senate over take a ‘bow, go’ ministerial screening exercise
Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Tuesday, insisted that the President Bola Tinubu’s administration does have the capacity to fight corruption and criminality in the country.
Frank who made this assertion in a statement in Abuja, also condemned in the strongest terms the ongoing “charade” termed ministerial screening by the Godswill Akpabio-led 10th Senate.
He described the appointment of Mr Jim Obazee as a Special Investigator to probe the activities of the CBN as another waste of time as it only signals the impending serial witch-hunt of opposition party members.
Frank said: “The recent appointment of Jim Obazee as a Special Investigator to probe the activities is another waste of time as it only beckons serial witch-hunting of opposition members.
“It is clear that there is no credibility, zeal or reputation from the ruling party to fight corruption but rather an opportunity for looters and criminals to have a field day again.
“Mr President must be aware that since he is only holding the Commonwealth of the nation albeit temporarily, every decision concerning the Nigerian state must be done with utmost decorum and sincerity to the Nigerian People. The world is watching diligently and history will hold us accountable for our actions and inaction.
“We would like to urge the Judiciary to expedite their verdict on the PEPT and save the country the embarrassment of foisting an illegitimacy as this will only bring about nothing but misery and pain to the nation at large. Their decision must be sacrosanct and decisive in this regard.”
Frank, who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and Middle East, also called for urgent halt to the ongoing ministerial screening exercise by the Senate.
Frank said: “The ongoing ministerial screening in the National Assembly has been nothing short of a national shame and disgrace orchestrated and supervised by a Senate President bent on reinforcing the old order of this sham of an exercise to the bewilderment of Nigerians.
“It is clear from the foregoing in the Red chamber as to the direction of the country under the APC led government.
“The ongoing screening of ministerial nominees is a joke taken too far and an insult to the sensibilities of reasonable Nigerians who are aghast as to the shambolic routine of ‘take a bow and go’ without any cross examination as to the pedigree and competence of these individuals nominated to serve the country.
“What is more amusing is the fact that this charade of an exercise is being supervised by a Senate President who is currently being investigated for various corrupt practices, and therefore is of no obligation in ensuring that the right processes of due diligence is carried out on these individuals to the benefit of the country at large.
“Perhaps it will be safe to opine that even if a known kidnapper or criminal is sent to the NASS for clearance, he will most likely be cleared as the Senate President seems to be highly complacent and compromised in this regard.
“It is highly regrettable that nominees who have pending criminal cases and those who have appeared with questionable certificates and discrepancies in their resume are being told to bow and go without any probing questions as to their sincerity of purpose, notwithstanding the magnitude of the exercise.
“Therefore, I urge the Senate President to discontinue the screening on live television and stop the wastage of tax payers monies to continue with this show of shame on national television.
“Unfortunately this may only be possible because perhaps most of the legislators are aware they didn’t come to the Senate legitimately and hence the constant acts of undermining the Nigerian people consistently whilst making a mockery and caricature of the citizens.
“This singular act by the Senate is a pointer to one of the very reasons why several West African countries have recently suffered military take over to the admiration and cheer of the populace having taken the people for a fool for a long time.
“Therefore Mr President, must invoke his veto power by appointing persons of merit, rather than sending them to the Senate which is of no use in the long run.”
Politics
Peter Obi in solidarity with Ondo LP candidate, stands firm on democracy
Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party(LP) in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi has once again pledged his commitment to democracy in Nigeria, despite ongoing challenges with the electoral process.
Obi traveled to Ondo State on Monday to campaign alongside LP’s governorship candidate, Hon. Sola Ebiseni, describing him as a capable leader with the necessary competence to effectively govern the state.
Obi highlighted Ebiseni’s work as the Secretary of Afenifere, where he has consistently advocated for fairness, equity, and justice.
Obi urged the people of Ondo to reject transactional politics, which he believes has contributed to misgovernance and poor leadership.
He stressed the importance of choosing leaders who are focused on long-term solutions for the state and the nation.
He concluded with a message of hope: “A new Nigeria is POssible!”
Politics
Kogi State PDP applauds Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s milestone in office
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State has celebrated the achievements of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as she marks her one-year anniversary in office. The party praised her dedication to transformative leadership and her efforts to uplift the lives of her constituents.
In a statement issued by the State Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Tijani Umoru, the PDP highlighted Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s commitment to good governance and the delivery of democratic dividends.
“Senator Natasha exemplifies the values of the PDP through her dedication to the welfare and development of her people,” said Tijani. “In just one year, her work has shown how effective representation can positively impact the lives of her constituents.”
Tijani described her as a “distinguished leader” who has brought meaningful changes to the Kogi Senatorial Zone. He noted that her service has reaffirmed the PDP’s role as a driver of progress and prosperity in Kogi State, adding that her leadership promises a new era of development for the entire state.
The party also expressed its confidence that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s efforts will continue to foster hope and progress across communities, reinforcing the party’s vision for a brighter future.
The PDP concluded its statement by reaffirming its commitment to democratic values and good governance, as well as its belief in a prosperous future for Kogi State under its leadership.
Politics
Atiku Abubakar outlines what he would have done for Nigeria’s Economic Reforms
***Calls for Strategic Planning and Empathy
Former Vice President of Nigeria and 2023 Presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) Atiku Abubakar has shared his vision for a reformed Nigerian economy, detailing what he would have done differently to address the country’s current economic challenges.
Responding to public interest in his approach, Abubakar outlined a detailed strategy focused on economic stability, institutional reforms, and social protection for vulnerable Nigerians.
Speaking through his chief spokesperson Mr. Paul Ibe, the former vice President emphasized the need for better planning and strategic reform implementation.
“Rather than focusing on me, Nigerians should be asking what President Tinubu can do now to alleviate the pain caused by his economic policies,” he stated. However, he expressed hope that some of his ideas might inspire solutions for Nigeria’s economic struggles.
Reeling out his strategy that included Comprehensive Economic Planning and Sequencing of Reforms, Abubakar underscored the importance of a well-coordinated reform strategy.
He argued that implementing major fiscal changes, such as fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate adjustments, all at once was too abrupt for Nigeria’s economic environment. “We would have sequenced our reforms to achieve fiscal and monetary alignment and avoid overwhelming the economy,” he explained.
He also dwelled on the need for transparent communication and public engagement highlighting the need for open communication with the public, stressing that public trust is essential for successful reforms. “Transparent communication with the public is essential to build public trust, which is important to ensure that citizens understand what the government is doing,” he said.
“One of Abubakar’s priorities would have been to establish robust social protection programs to shield low-income Nigerians from the impact of economic reforms. “Our reforms would have a human face,” he stated, outlining plans for a social safety net that would provide financial support and economic opportunities for the most vulnerable.
On specific Measures to Boost Economic Development Abubakar proposed the creation of $10b Economic Stimulus Fund to support small businesses across Nigeria.
The fund, he said, would empower MSMEs and support youth employment through targeted skills-to-job programs.
Abubakar’s plan included creation of an Infrastructure Development Unit directly under the presidency to coordinate infrastructure projects across the country.
“The IDU would work with ministries to oversee a $25 billion Infrastructure Development Fund to speed up projects in transportation, energy, and communication.
“To address Nigeria’s currency challenges, Abubakar advocated for a managed-floating exchange rate, rather than a fully flexible rate.
He argued that such an approach would help maintain currency stability while avoiding the pitfalls of a fixed rate system.
Abubakar reiterated his stance on subsidy removal, arguing for a gradual, phased approach that would allow the economy to adjust. He proposed reinvesting the funds saved into healthcare, education, and rural infrastructure, while increasing domestic refining capacity to reduce dependency on fuel imports.
In conclusion, Abubakar expressed hope that President Tinubu’s administration would consider some of these ideas to address the nation’s economic issues, emphasizing that Nigerians deserve leadership that prioritizes their well-being. “I believe that our sacrificial investments today will form the foundation for tomorrow’s development strides,” he said, affirming his commitment to a vision of “a New Nigeria.”
Culled from Everyday.ng
-
Crime1 year ago
Police nabs Killer of Varsity Lecturer in Niger
-
News10 months ago
FCT-IRS tells socialite Aisha Achimugu not to forget to file her annual returns
-
Appointment1 year ago
Tinubu names El-Rufai, Tope Fasua, others in New appointments
-
News From Kogi1 year ago
INEC cancells election in 67 polling units in Ogori-Magongo in Kogi
-
News From Kogi1 year ago
Echocho Challenges Tribunal Judgment ordering rerun in 94 polling units
-
News1 year ago
IPOB: Simon Ekpa gives reason for seperatists clamour for Biafra
-
Metro8 months ago
‘Listing Simon Ekpa among wanted persons by Nigeria military is rascality, intimidation’
-
News10 months ago
Kingmakers of Igu/ Koton-Karfe dare Bello, urge him to reverse deposition of Ohimege-Igu