On Monday, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, sacked a powerful ad hoc committee probing NNPC Limited after weeks of infighting among members.
In the past couple of weeks, the House had been divided between lawmakers supporting the Group Managing Director of NNPC Limited, Mele Kyari, and the anti-Kyari team, forcing the leadership to take action.
The joint committee, co-chaired by Ikenga Ugochinyere and Henry Okojie, had become powerful due to the tasks it was given by the House.
Worst still, the committee became tainted with allegations bothering on inducement prior to the inauguration of the House’s standing committees.
Until its unceremonious disbandment, the Committee was investigating the alleged importation of adulterated petroleum products, the acquisition of Oando’s assets by NNPC Retail, the dispute between Dangote Refinery and NNPC Limited, and other issues.
However, the responsibility of probing NNPC Limited became the Waterloo of the Committee, with many lawmakers backing Mele Kyari.
“The Dangote vs NNPCL probe gave the committee so much power,” a lawmaker, who did not want to speak on the record, told TVN.
How it all started
In April, the House resolved to investigate fuel scarcity in the country and invited the Minister of Petroleum Resources to brief the House on the reasons for the fuel scarcity.
However, the day after the resolution, before the minister could be summoned, Ugochinyere and Okojie briefed journalists that their initial findings revealed that “petroleum products are available” and that the regulators and NNPC Limited had assured them that the scarcity was temporary.
Two months later, the scarcity resurfaced in July. Consequently, the House, following another motion, resolved to conduct a “forensic” probe into the downstream sector following the fuel scarcity in Abuja, Lagos, and other parts of the country.
Messrs Ugochinyere and Okojie’s committee was asked to conduct a legislative forensic probe into the allegation of the importation of substandard products and high-sulphur diesel into Nigeria, the sale of petroleum products below fair market value, and the impact on downstream and local refineries.
Earlier in February, Ugochinyere’s Committee was given the task of probing the acquisition of the OVH assets by NNPC Retail.
It would be recalled that a different committee had earlier conducted the probe and submitted a report to the House. However, a group of young lawmakers, led by Philip Agbese, launched an attack on the report during its consideration by the House. The referral was later given to Mr Ugochinyere’s committee.
Despite the majority of the referrals having a timeline of four weeks, TVN learnt that the committee did not act on those two referrals.
Weeks ago, the Committee got another powerful referral when tasked to investigate the dispute between the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Dangote Group over the operation of the multi-billion-naira refinery in Lagos.
It would be recalled that NNPC Limited and NMDPRA had been in a battle with Dangote Refinery over the control of the petroleum downstream sector. The Chief of NMDPRA, Farouq Ahmed, had in one of his press briefings alleged that Dangote Refinery had inferior products, while Aliko Dangote also accused senior government officials of owning petroleum blending plants in Malta, a small European country.
Amid the crisis, the House waded into the saga and resolved to investigate the allegations.
The Speaker had earlier announced the setting up of an ad hoc committee to probe the matter, but it was later given to Ugochinyere and Okojie’s committee to probe.
It would be recalled that the leadership of the House, led by Speaker Abbas, had visited the refinery in Lagos and promised the billionaire, Dangote, their intervention.
Days after the referral, some lawmakers close to Mr Ugochinyere launched a campaign for the sack of the GMD of NNPC Limited, Mele Kyari. Philip Agbese, the deputy spokesperson of the House, led the effort for the removal of Kyari.
“The House of Representatives will not hesitate to call for the dismissal of Mele Kyari if the attempt to destroy the refinery project, a national asset, does not stop immediately,” Mr Agbese had said.
A source told TVN that the comment by Agbese gave the impression that the deputy spokesperson was carrying out orders from the leadership who had earlier promised to help Dangote.
Following the comments, another group loyal to Mr Kyari launched massive support for the NNPC boss. The group, led by Billy Osawaru, condemned the call for the sack of Kyari.
The condemnation was said to have stemmed from the fact that the committee was set to sit on the matter and couldn’t have taken any decision either way.
TVN findings revealed that for days, the two camps were lobbying members to join their respective sides.
“The two camps wanted to have as many lawmakers on their sides as possible. Meetings, phone calls, and lobbying of caucus leaders to influence members became the order of the day,” a source in the House told TVN.
On Saturday, advertorials were also launched in major national dailies; however, many later distanced themselves from the advert, stating that they were not consulted.
Aside from the advertorial, there were also accusations and counterclaims by both sides.
Mr Ugochinyere was accused of boasting to have paid $1.7 million to get the Committee; he was also accused of threatening to rock the boat in the House should he be relieved of the Committee.
However, he denied the allegations, describing it as an attempt to “divert attention from endemic corruption in the oil and gas industry”.
Ugochinyere said, “The allegation is a belated nonsensical, childish, and unprofessional fiction work aimed at creating division in the House to aid some criminal elements that are long overdue for the prison to think they can escape justice which is impossible as the demand for transparency and reform is a task that will be pushed.
“Only a childish mind will believe the poorly scripted work that Speaker was given 1.7m dollars for something that is not worth a penny. We will not dignify the cheap attempt to distract and divert attention from the House investigation on the corruption from our Oil industry.”
But many close to the committee informed this paper that some lawmakers in the ad hoc committee disagreed with how Mr Ugochinyere controlled the entire committee and made decisions unilaterally.
His alleged control of the committee was also given as reason for the reported resignation of Okojie and other members a few hours to its dissolution.
TVN reported that in a letter Okojie co-signed by the Deputy chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources, Midstream, Hon. Engr. Sagir Ibrahim Koki, addressed to the Speaker, they dissociated “from all allegations and counter allegations concerning the ongoing investigation on the above subject matter by the Joint House Committees on Petroleum Resources (Midstream) and (Downstream) set up by the House of Representatives.”
The two lawmakers, however, stated on behalf of their committee that,” we are ever ready to carry out any assigned responsibility to us without making any compromise to the detriment of the House of Representatives, the Rules and indeed the Constitution which we have all sworn to uphold.”
Meanwhile, the same source in the House told TVN that, “You know that Ugochinyere has become very powerful in the House. During the election of the Speaker, he set up a campaign office by renting an entire suite at the Wells Carlton Hotel in Asokoro for Abbas/Kalu, and that was why he got that powerful committee despite being a first-timer in the House.”
Also, Mr Ugochinyere’s profile has risen significantly in the House with the fight against the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike. Ugochinyere was able to mobilise lawmakers in support of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who is in a fight with Wike.
Abbas’ intervention fuel speculation of rift with Kalu
Following the massive division that rocked the House, Speaker Abbas called for an emergency session on Sunday to prevent further damage in the House. The leadership resolved to limit the number of lawmakers speaking to the press and ordered the dissolution of “unauthorised groups in the House”.
TVN obtained the details of the meeting. In the minutes of the meeting, the House resolved that only authorised members should speak to the press.
“Unauthorised media engagements by Members are considered unparliamentary and unethical. Speaking on behalf of the House is reserved exclusively for the House Spokesperson, Deputy, and Leadership. Recognised caucuses may only address matters related to their specific geo-political zones,” it said.
In a surprise move, the Committee was dissolved by the House. This happened some hours after the Deputy Speaker delivered an opening remark at the inaugural sitting of the committee, fuelling speculation of a rift between Abbas and his deputy.
Mr Ugochinyere is seen by many in the House as a close ally of the Deputy Speaker.
So far, the House seems to have hit a break on tearing apart, but tensions are still high pending the announcement of another ad hoc committee to replace the disbanded one.
Meanwhile, the House leadership is also rattled over the bribery-for-committee allegations.
In a statement issued by House Spokesperson, Akin Rotimi Jnr on Wednesday, he said that the recent dissolution of the Joint Ad Hoc Committee adhered to the 1999 Constitution and the House’s standing rules.
“At no point did the House leadership or any individual receive inducements for committee appointments.
“The Selection Committee, which included members from all states of the federation, diligently executed these appointments between June and July 2023.”
One of the Nigerians dissatisfied with the happenings in the House amid the ongoing probe is Dr. Reuben Abati, a veteran journalist and former Senior Adviser on Media and Publicity to former President Goodluck Jonathan.
This is as he dismissed the call by some members of the House for Kyari’s sack.
Abati, the lead anchor in the popular Arise TV breakfast talk show, Morning Show, described the call as “unfair, wrong, and unreasonable, noting that it was wrong for the legislators to ascribe the problem of the Nigerian Oil & Gas industry to just one man.
“The problem with the oil and gas industry in Nigeria is not Mele Kyari. The problem is the way we have run our affairs as a country. Leadership is what is required to address these issues, not crucifying an individual.
“I think the bigger story is that we have seen some people in the media saying Kyari is the problem with the Nigeria Oil and Gas industry.
“We have seen people put up an advertisement for and against the sack of Mele Kyari. No, Mele Kyari is not the problem.
“There are fundamental issues with the Oil and Gas industry in Nigeria, which has been there since the 70s and no government has been able to address it.
“So, it is not about crucifying an individual. What Kyari, in my own understanding, is trying to do is to make an effort to solve the problem. But to assume that one man is the cause of the problem will be a very unfair, wrong and unreasonable way to go.
“So, the members of the National Assembly who are saying they want to take Kyari’s head, no, they have their own heads in the wrong place. He is not the cause of the problem.”
NNPCL, Dangote rift probe: Bribery allegations unsettle Reps
NNPCL, Dangote rift probe: Bribery allegations unsettle Reps
Security operatives raid NLC secretariat in Abuja, labour union kicks
The Nigeria Labour Congress has confirmed that its national office in Abuja was invaded by security operatives, believed to be from the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force on Wednesday night.
According to a statement by NLC spokesperson Benson Upah, late on Wednesday, the operatives arrested the security guards, forcing them to hand over keys to the offices on the second floor.
The operatives then broke into the floor, ransacked the bookshop, and stole hundreds of books and publications.
The NLC condemned the invasion, stating that it was illegal and a violation of democratic principles.
The organisation demanded an international inquiry into the incident and the return of the stolen materials.
The invasion occurred just hours after the NLC’s National Executive Council meeting, where members condemned the high-handed manner in which security agents handled protesters during the #EndBadGoverance protests.
The NLC has directed its staff to stay away from the office until further notice and warned that if the harassment continues, it may call on its members to stay home until their safety and security are assured.
The statement read “This evening at about 8.30 pm long after the close of work, a troop of heavily armed security operatives invaded the Labour House, Central Business District, Abuja which serves as the National Headquarters and secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress.
“The security operatives, some from the Nigeria Police Force, some wearing black tee-shirts presumably from the Department of State Services and others on outright mufti swooped on the 10th Floor of the NLC and arrested the security operative on duty and then commandeered him to the second floor where he was asked to produce the keys to the offices.
“When he told them that he had no such keys on him, they broke into the floor and ransacked the bookshop on the 2nd floor carting away hundreds of books and other publications. The invading troops claimed that they were looking for seditious materials used for the #EndBadGoveranance protests.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress condemns in its entirety this new low in security operations in Nigeria. The armed security operatives showed no legal document permitting them to invade the premises of the Nigeria Labour Congress in the ungodly hours of the night. Even in the dark days of military rule, NLC secretariats were never invaded and ransacked by security agents. Today is indeed a very sad day for our democracy.”
Ogunsanya crashes out of wrestling
Nigeria’s Christianah Ogunsanya crashed out of the women’s freestyle 53kg wrestling event at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris on Wednesday, The According reports.
Ogunsanya lost 1-3 to Mongolia’s Khulan Batkhuyag in a round of 16 bout at the Champ-de-Mars Arena on Wednesday. The 22-year-old struggled to gain momentum, ultimately falling to her Mongolian opponent in the first period.
This setback marks Nigeria’s second loss in the wrestling event, following Blessing Oborududu’s earlier.Oborududu had reached the semi-finals but failed to secure a medal, also losing in the bronze medal match on Tuesday.However, Ogunsanya did not have such a luxury, as she exited the campaign in the quarterfinals.Ogunsanya’s early exit raises concerns for Nigeria’s wrestling team, which faces an uphill battle in the remainder of the competition.The team tutored by Purity Akuh had high hopes for a successful campaign, buoyed by the silver medal won by Oborududu at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Despite the early setbacks, other Nigerian wrestlers, including three-time Commonwealth Games champion Odunayo Adekuroye and top-ranked wrestlers Esther Kolawole and Hannah Reuben, still have opportunities to secure medals for the country in the coming days.
Coach Akuh has expressed confidence in the team’s preparations and potential for success, emphasising the extensive technical and strategic work done ahead of the games.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.
Contact: [email protected]
CRC Credit Bureau wins fourth CFI award
For the fourth consecutive time, CRC Credit Bureau has won the Best Credit Bureau Nigeria 2024 award by Capital Finance International.
Celebrating the achievement in a statement made available to The According on Wednesday, the CRC Credit Bureau said the award reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and leadership in the financial information sector.
The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer at CRC Credit Bureau, Dr ‘Tunde Popoola, said, “We are honoured to receive the Best Credit Bureau Nigeria award from CFI for the fourth year running. This achievement underscores our dedication to pioneering solutions that elevate industry standards and empower financial decision-making across Nigeria.”
Also, the Group Chief Operating Officer at CRC Credit Bureau, Mrs Jelilat Kareem, added, “Our success is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our team, whose relentless pursuit of excellence continues to drive CRC’s leadership in the credit information industry. We extend our heartfelt thanks to CFI for this prestigious accolade and remain committed to delivering innovative solutions that shape the future of finance in Nigeria.”
The bureau revealed that it had embarked on transformative initiatives aimed at fortifying infrastructure, expanding service capabilities, and ensuring robust security measures for its valued clients.
According to the firm, key advancements include the implementation of a state-of-the-art Cloud Web Application Firewall and the adoption of a hybrid cloud strategy leveraging AWS Local Zone, enhancing scalability and operational efficiency.
CRC also introduced innovative services like the CRC B-C-B API and CRC RAAS (Reseller as a Service), facilitating secure data access and seamless integration of credit services for our partners.
“These initiatives complemented our commitment to enhancing the user experience through continuous optimization of our core application, SB2. Beyond technological advancements, CRC expanded its institutional network significantly in 2023, welcoming approximately 200 new members. Educational webinars on credit awareness further underscored CRC’s commitment to financial literacy and empowerment,” it added.
With over 15 years of experience, CRC Credit Bureau has emerged as a leading data company in the industry, catering to diverse information needs cutting across data and analytics, credit management and consulting services, financial education and training, and rental screening services.
DCLM launches ‘Change Makers International’ to drive social impact
The Deeper Christian Life Ministry has begun moves for a positive change and social impact in society aimed at reshaping moral standards across the country.
Additionally, the church said its General Superintendent, Pastor Williams Kumuyi, has put together an inter-denominational and non-religious movement called ‘Change Makers International’.
The Rivers State Overseer of the ministry, Pastor Andrew Osagie, stated this during a sensitisation meeting in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
Pastor Osagie explained that the team will drive the change mission, carrying out the vision of providing solutions to the various problems plaguing society, beginning with the heads of families.
To achieve the mandate of positive change in the society, he said the team would hold a six-day maiden conference in Port Harcourt, between August 15th and 20th, 2024 at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in the Rivers State capital.
Pastor Osagie said that the conference would focus on personal growth, leadership, social impact, and building a legacy of integrity for the country.
He said, “Among the vehicles to effect these changes and bring social impact, is the hosting of Men’s and Women’s Global Conferences, where seminars and panel discussions would be carried out.”
Noting that the world is facing a global crisis and needs revival, Osagie, expressed sadness that parents are not paying enough attention to their children, as many of them have lost moral values, which he said has largely contributed to the current decay being experienced in the society daily.
The cleric stated, “In our country and state, we have had a fair share of similar and other challenges. Poverty and hunger have adorned the faces of our fellow citizens. Moral decadence, dishonesty and corruption are the order of the day.
“We believe that these crises can be traceable to the breakdown of family values, hence their solution would begin with the family heads, as charity, they say, begins at home.”
He said the conference will feature engaging speakers, interactive workshops, and meaningful discussions designed to empower men and women to lead lives of purposeful impact, integrity and influence.
Rivers State Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Minaibi Dagogo-Jack, said the country is plagued with numerous challenges, saying children neither have respect for parents nor leaders or elders.
Dagogo-Jack added, “The academics who are supposed to impact the moral values in our education system are corrupt. We need to rejig ourselves even as parents.”
He emphasized that the church and other faith-based organizations need to make spirited efforts to bring the youths back on track.
Representatives of various Christian bodies, the Islamic faith and other groups agreed to be part of the ‘Change Makers International’.
Our correspondent reports that participants were asked to indicate the group they could best function during the conference and thereafter
Lawal begins weightlifting medal hunt
Rafiatu Lawal will Thursday (today) kick-start Nigeria’s campaign in the weightlifting event of the 2024 Olympic Games, competing in the women’s 59 kg weight class at the South Paris Arena in France, According Sports Extra reports. Rafiatu qualified for the Olympics after getting the needed points in various championships she attended and will make her Olympic debut at this edition.
The 27-year-old lifter is a two-time African Games champion in 2019 and 2023 in Morocco and Ghana, respectively, as well as a Commonwealth Games champion in Birmingham 2022.
She will compete against 10 other weightlifters from around the globe for medals at stake in the women’s 59 kg.
The weightlifter will be up against reigning Olympic champion and China’s Chun Hsing Kuo, 30, a bronze medallist at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
Shifang Luo of China, who at just 23 years old is the current world record holder in the weight class with a lift of 248 kg, is another strong contender Nigeria will face.
Speaking with the Nigeria Wrestling Federation Media, Lawal said she hopes to make the most of her Olympic debut.
“I have prepared very well for this and am eager to give my best in Paris, France. It is my personal wish to do my best in the competition,” Lawal said.
“It is my Olympic Games debut, but I am not a greenhorn because I have taken part in many competitions that have equipped me for moments like this. I am going to the competition with the high hopes of giving my all to defend my fatherland.”
The President of the NWF, Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, charged Lawal to go all out and aspire to finish in the medal zone.”We in the NWF know what Rafiatu can do, and we are solidly behind her as she competes in the women’s 59 kg on Thursday,” Abdul said.
“We have prepared her for the Olympic Games in the best way possible, and we expect her to give a good account of herself in Paris.”
Tinubu appoints governing councils for six education colleges
President Bola Tinubu has appointed 30 persons to serve on the governing councils of six federal colleges of education in Kebbi, Benue, Edo, Ebonyi, Bauchi and Sokoto states.
The Presidency announced the appointments on Wednesday in a statement signed by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, titled ‘President Tinubu appoints governing councils of Federal Colleges of Education.’
At the Federal College of Education (Technical), Yauri, Kebbi State, he appointed Ismaila Gadaka as chairman of the governing council. Members include Abdulhakeem Adegoke, Pam Ishaya, Abubakar Fakai and Zara Usman.
At the Federal College of Education (Technical), Isu, Ebonyi State, Tinubu named Mohammed Takori as chairman while Dauda Onipede, Victor Danzaria, Solomon Ayuba and Mario Owumi will serve as members.
Baba Homsuk will now serve as the chairman of the governing council of the Federal College of Education, Odugbo, Benue State, as Kayode Ajiboye, Rex Ogbonna, Jude Ngaji and John Viko become members.
Tinubu also named Aisha Tahir as the chairwoman of the governing council of the Federal College Of Education, Jama’are, Bauchi State. The council members are Dorren Udechukwu, Bar Yaji, Mustapha Shehu and Joshua Adewale.
At the Federal College of Education, Gidan Madi, Sokoto, he appointed Abdullahi Adamu (as chairman) and Olatunji Akinbiyi, Mohammed Malala, Saleh Audu and Lami Oguogho as members.
The Federal College of Education (Technical), Benin City, Edo State, also got Tukur Jikamshi as chairman of its governing council. Members are Abdullahi Loko, Asimiyu Alarape, Abubakar Bello and Christopher Okaeben.
The President anticipates that the new members of the boards of these institutions will “serve with dedication and commitment to improving the standards of learning in the nation’s federal colleges of education,” the statement added.
Ofili switches focus to relays, says job not done
Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili has shifted her focus to the women’s 4x100m relay after finishing sixth in the women’s 200m final at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Ofili, who competed from lane nine, clocked 22.24 seconds, just 0.04 seconds behind bronze medallist Brittany Brown of the USA.
The 21-year-old took to social media to express her thoughts on the race.
“Tried to be mentally ready regardless of the shocking news I took a few days back. I gave it my all from lane 9. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it,” she wrote.Ofili thanked her coach, Dennis Shaver, for his support during the competition.
“Thank you, Coach Shaver. Having you around made everything a lot easier for me,” she added.Despite the disappointment, Ofili remains focused on the upcoming 4x100m relay event.
“Next 4×100. On God,” she declared, signalling her determination to secure a medal for Team Nigeria.
Ofili will join teammates Justina Eyakpobeyan, Olayinka Olajide, and Tima Godbless in the relay.
The team qualified for the Olympics by winning the World Relays in the Bahamas, with Ofili recording the fastest time of 10.04 seconds.
The sprint sensation had earlier missed out on the 100m event due to an administrative error, which raised concerns among Nigerian sports enthusiasts.
As Ofili prepares for the relay, she carries the hopes of millions of Nigerians, aiming to help the country’s medal chances at the Paris Olympics.
The Paris 2024 Olympics have seen Ofili make history as the first Nigerian to compete in the 200m final since Mary Onyali in Atlanta ‘96. She continues her journey that is marked by resilience and determination, with her sights firmly on the relay, looking to make a significant impact and achieve Olympic glory.
FG rice can’t solve hunger problem – Edo
The Edo State government, on Wednesday, said it received some trucks of rice from the Federal Government early this year but described them as a drop in the ocean.
“Twenty trucks of rice? We are close to seven million people in Edo State. How does that help?”Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, queried on Wednesday.
Nehikhare, who addressed a press conference in Benin on Wednesday, said the clarification followed the insistence by the state All Progressives Congress, former governor Adams Oshiomhole and the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Abubakar Momoh, that Edo State collected truckloads of rice from the Federal Government.
The commissioner said, “On the issue of the Federal Government giving us rice, I will tell you, a few months ago, maybe early this year or late last year or mid-this year, they brought some few trucks of rice.
“They (the rice) were distributed according to the formula which they sent to us. The rice went to IDP camps, to different people, to orphanage homes. You people should do the investigation.
“Edo State Government did not touch one of them. It went straight to the local government and then to where it was designed to be given out. The Edo State Government does not keep rice.
“So if a misguided minister in Abuja is echoing the voice of propaganda of Edo State APC talking about rice, let them know that we have spent N2.2bn to feed our people. Twenty trucks of rice? We are close to seven million people in Edo State. How does that help?”
Nehikhare alleged that PDP had uncovered a plot by the APC to cause civil unrest in Edo State ahead of the September 21 governorship election.
“Our attention has been drawn to plans by the APC to orchestrate civil unrest and cause mayhem in the state under the guise of protests and rallies to advance their obnoxious political agenda.
“The APC is resorting to this devious plan because they have realised the folly of presenting an unlettered and incompetent candidate for the office of a governor.
“Their candidate, Monday Okpebholo, has continued to embarrass the party and his handlers in private and public fora with his poor grasp of basic concepts and intellectual immaturity, consistently displaying an inability to articulate and coherently sell his vision to the electorate and other key stakeholders,” the commissioner said.
But the Director of Publicity, Edo APC Governorship Campaign Council, Orobosa Omo-ojo, countered the accusation, describing it as incessant noise meant to cover up Governor Godwin Obaseki’s alleged economic corruption.
Omo-ojo said, “The continued rehash of phantom puny stories by Governor Godwin Obaseki is a reflection of their fear of reprisals from Edo State people who recently capitalised on the #Endbadgovernance protest sponsored by Obaseki against President Bola Tinubu, to search for the hidden palliative rice which the governor stored in the houses of PDP leaders.
“Edo people will recall how the governor organised the anti-Federal Government protest at Oba Ovoranmwen Square, all in his bid to demonise Tinubu and APC and punish Edo people who he has deprived of their palliative.
“But contrary to Obaseki’s expectation, while he was addressing his PDP members and political aides he gathered as protesters, the real protesters heeded the call by the APC to locate their rice and other palliative items hidden at the Edo State government warehouses and houses of PDP members.
“The real protesters who were present at Ovoranmwen Square hurled sachets of water at Obaseki. Since our charge to Edo people to take back their rice, over four warehouses and private homes have been busted by hungry men and women to collect what rightly belongs to them.”
Omo-ojo said the fear of losing the entire hidden grains led to Obaseki’s hatred for the organisers of the protest, who he now referred to as hoodlums and thugs.
“This allegation of violence is an incessant noise to cover up for the grand economic corruption the governor has committed against the Edo people.
“It is also a panic measure to curry support in the face of impending disqualification of the PDP and its candidate by the Independent National Electoral Commission over the forging of voter card.
“Finally, the APC in Edo is using this medium to notify our people that Obaseki, on Tuesday, applied and got the approval of the Edo State House of Assembly to borrow N8.55bn for the purchase of his imaginary CNG buses.
“We reject the fresh loan on the heels of N11.1bn Obaseki received from the Federation Account in June,” he said.
Western democracy not working for Nigeria – Al-Mustapha
The late Gen. Sani Abacha’s Chief Security Officer, Maj. Hamza Al-Mustapha, says Western democracy is not working for Nigeria.
According to him, Nigeria must develop a system of government that suits its purpose rather than copy what is being practised in America.
Describing himself as a democrat now, Al-Mustapha also condemned those calling for a coup in the country, saying the military government was no longer fashionable.
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Action Alliance spoke with journalists in Abuja on Wednesday against the backdrop of the nationwide hunger protest, which turned violent in the North, with some rioters waving the Russian flag and demanding that President Bola Tinubu step down.
Al-Mustapha said, “In a debate, in our presentation in the past, I said I am against the presidential system in Nigeria and the examples I gave is the fact that two close countries, the closest to us, the United Kingdom and the United States, one is operating the parliamentary system, the other is operating the presidential system, all has to do with their historical backgrounds, with conveniences of the people and Nigeria is simply a copycat. We copied the parliamentary system, we later changed to the presidential system. Both systems are strange to our culture, to our history, to our background, to our understanding as a people. How can you bring the same system and adopt it as yours? It would not work, it would be repulsive.”
He said though some politicians were not comfortable with his views, he remained convinced about them.
“Some politicians came to me and said, ‘You need not say that in the open, allow us to continue to operate the way we are’, but I cannot be a part of cheating. What did I say? I said the United States is a country where immigrants who became citizens have laws protecting them and the question I asked was, in Nigeria, who is an immigrant and who is an indigene? How can you have more laws and a system of governance that is protective of immigrants? Who is an immigrant in Nigeria? We are all citizens. So, we need to chart our own course, we have to have the domestic type of democracy that will suit us and suit our future. That is what I am calling for but the issue of military is a no” Al-Mustapha said.
Condemning the clamour for a military takeover of government, the retired military officer said it was no longer fashionable.
He said, “I am, by definition today, a politician. I am looking at this country today from a democratic sense. We have invested in it and we are investing in it. Our research is all towards the investment of democratic excellence in Nigeria.
“Military subordination to democracy is a clear direction as the world is today. My advice to them (coup mongers) is that military professionalism is what they should canvas for. Military subordination to democracy is what they should invest in and put all their energies there for.”
Al-Mustapha said the military should concentrate on securing the nation’s sovereignty, particularly as it had become overstretched as a result of insurgency and banditry.
He said, “Remember, prior to the protest, Nigeria was totally enveloped, the military is overstretched, trying to provide solutions or to contend Boko Haram, contend with banditry, contend other numerous abuses, kidnapping and the rest of it and all the other social vices that have bedeviled Nigeria.
“The problems are more than the police and today, the military is overstretched and these things have continued to linger.
“If you care to investigate to see the scale of crime in Nigeria, you would realise that there is a buildup rather than a decline and that is most disturbing.
“That is to say the capacity in our military has actually been overstretched. So what is expected of Nigeria and Nigerians is to first help the military to either increase in strength and rather than give them a task that is scientifically proven in numerous other countries that have contended insecurity.”
