Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, on Saturday, lamented that the foundation of election in Nigeria is corrupt while calling on Christians to participate in politics to make it clean.

Obasanjo, speaking at the 57th annual convention and 67th anniversary of The Gospel Faith Mission International (GOFAMINT), held at Gospel City, Ogunmakin, Ogun State, said politics should not ordinarily be dirty, adding that those who participate in politics make it dirty.

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Speaking on the theme, ‘The roles of the church in nation building at a time like this,’ the former president, who congratulated the church on the successful hosting of the convention, said Christians must stand out among the corruptive tendencies and influences of the world, particularly in politics.

He told the audience that as believers, they must stick to the values of Christ and ask themselves all the time, ‘What will Christ do if He finds himself in the circumstances that I find myself in?’

He said at a time like this in the country, when there is insecurity, hopelessness, poverty, depression, a time that is not conducive to living, the church must rise to the occasion as the salt of the world.

“We are in the world, yet we are not of the world. We are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. We are to be like Jesus who, when He was in the world, did not belong to the world,” Obasanjo told the congregants.

He urged the church to demand justice, fairness and equity in the country’s social, political and economic aspects.

Speaking further, he said, “Food without salt is stale. The church is meant to flavour it’s environment. A church that cannot play its role has lost its saltiness. Christ has chosen us to bring forth fruits and that our fruits should abide.”
He described the task of nation-building as endless, a journey and not a destination, as he tasked believers to stand out and remain exemplary anywhere they are.

Above all, Obasanjo admonished Christians to bear the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

“Living in the world is not a bed of roses. Christ had told us there will be tribulations and hardships so that we can prepare ahead and just as he came out as a conqueror, we also will come out as conquerors,” he concluded.

Earlier, in his welcome speech, the General Overseer of GOFAMINT, Pastor (Dr) E. O. Abina, had recalled that during a visit to Aso Rock Chapel when Obasanjo was president, he met him teaching Sunday School, adding that when they both spoke on his arrival at the convention ground, the former president told him to his astonishment that he is still teaching Sunday School.

The Niger Delta Youth Parliament (NDYP) has called for the overhaul and resuscitation of all the nation’s refineries as part of plans to revive the country’s ailing economy, saying this would also help to create jobs and provide basic infrastructural needs of the country.

The NDYP who stated this while honouring the lawmaker representing Akoko North East/ North West federal constituency and Minister- designate, Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, with the Niger Delta most outstanding Legislator award’

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The group who described the Minister designate as a national asset and as a reliable Youth Ambassador from the Niger Delta region of the country.

The Speaker, Niger Delta Youth Parliament (NDYP), Rt. Hon. Ifon Daniel Samuel while adopting the motion to confer the award on Tunji-Ojo, said the group has passed a vote of confidence on the Ministerial nominee of for his patriotic service to the people and the country.

Samuel said Tunji-Ojo excellent service and commitment to the advancement through the constant development of young adults in the region has helped to reshape the youths not only in the region but in the country.

The group said the decision of President Tinubu to nominate Tunji-Ojo as a Minister is indicated that the President gives priority to competence assuring that the ministerial nominee will not disappoint Nigerians.

The group however, urged “the Federal Government as a matter of urgency to resuscitate all the moribund refineries in Nigeria and issue new license to individuals or group of individuals to build more refineries across all the geo-political zone in the country.

“That President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should embrace liberalisation and encourage establishment of local modular refineries, hence engage illegal local refiners for international training, stressed that approval of local modular refineries in oil producing communities would usher in a rapid development of a new Nigeria we dreamed of”

The NDYP commended the Federal Government over the bold step taken by President Tinubu on the removal of fuel subsidy, saying it will go a long way to reposition the nation’s economy.

“While it is one thing to remove fuel subsidy, it is another thing if not the most important thing to follow up and actualize the said purpose why it was removed.

“Hence the NDYP hereby call on the Ministry of Petroleum to monitor day-to-day activities of all the personnel saddled with the responsibility of executing President Tinubu’s policies in the oil sector with a view to ensuring effective service delivery and proper implementation.

Comrade Philip Shaibu, the deputy governor of Edo State has those he described as mischief makers and political jobbers of making a concerted effort to widen the gulf between him and Governor Godwin Obaseki, thereby destabilise the peace in the state.

Reacting to a ‘shocking’ statement by Governor Obaseki where he alleged desperation and a coup to oust him, Shaibu while speaking to his aides in Benin on Saturday, said political jobbers sold the dummy to the governor whom he referred to as ‘elder brother’ with a view to provoking more crisis so they can benefit from it.

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According to him, it is preposterous to contemplate a coup to a man who has given him too much latitude.

The Deputy Governor, who denounced the allegations, stated categorically that these claims are not only baseless but also malicious attempts by political jobbers hell-bent on misleading the governor with the singular aim of damaging his reputation and sowing seeds of discord “between me and my brother governor.”

Shaibu reiterated his unwavering loyalty to Governor Obaseki and the principles of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to which they both belong.

He stated further that it is a privilege to serve as Governor Obaseki’s Deputy, adding that he has consistently within the last seven years demonstrated his commitment to the advancement of a shared vision for Edo State. Shuaibu described insinuation that he harbours ulterior motives or seeks to undermine the Governor’s leadership as nothing short of a fabrication.

He maintained that he believes in the power of teamwork and collaboration. As a testament to this, the deputy governor added that he has worked tirelessly with Governor Obaseki to deliver on the promises they made to the good people of Edo State with achievements in various sectors, including; education, healthcare, infrastructure, and job creation.

Continuing, Shuaibu noted that as Deputy Governor, his role is to support and complement the Governor’s agenda, not to undermine it.

“I have consistently advocated for policies and initiatives that align with this administration’s goals and aspirations. It is disheartening to see such baseless allegations being propagated, as they only serve to distract the administration from its primary objective of serving the people of Edo State,” he said.

He reiterated his resolve to remain an unrepentant democrat who believes in the democratic process and respects the mandate given to Governor Obaseki and himself by the people of the state. He, however, described the insinuation that he would consider a coup to overthrow a democratically elected government as not only absurd but also deeply offensive.

The deputy governor urged the media and the public to approach these allegations with the skepticism they deserve. He encouraged all to focus on the issues that truly matter to the people of Edo State — improving their lives, providing quality education, ensuring accessible healthcare, and creating employment opportunities.

Shuaibu concluded by stressing that Governor Obaseki and himself are united in their determination to build a prosperous and inclusive society, likewise committed to the continued development of Edo State.

He called upon all well-meaning individuals to reject these divisive narratives and join in the quest to transform the state into a model of sustainable development and good governance, urging Edo state PDP politicians to embrace peace and seek unity to fight the common enemy.

According to our source, the Governor had sent his deputy, on that day, to proceed to Edo North to resolve some political crises. He was on his way when the Chief of Staff to the Governor called that the governor needed his attention in Benin.

The Deputy reportedly informed the CoS to inform the governor that he was already close to the Afuze axis to address the issue the governor directed him to do, which Governor Obaseki allegedly acknowledged.

Sources revealed that the Deputy has always appreciated his elder brother the governor wherever he gives him tasks. According to him, the appointment of political office holders is the prerogative of the governor, therefore, “if governor decides to allow his deputy to nominate candidates to fill any position is a privilege.”

The source said that political jobbers who also include hack writers have generated more lies from the pit of hell, saying that Comrade Philip Shaibu has perfected plans to rejoin the All Progressives Congress (APC) next week. “There is no iota of truth in this,” he said.

“To further put a lie to this, the spin doctors claimed that the APC National Working Committee, NWC is set to receive him in Abuja. The question here for the discerning minds is that, is it the NWC of a party that receives a decampee into the party? Shaibu has never minced words, vowing to sink and swim with his principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki. This, he has said severally at public fora,” he added.

According to him, these evil men acting as agents of evil have come up with unbelievable accusations like coming late to State Executive meetings, attempting to slap the Secretary to the State Government, being the brain behind feuds between Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and governor, Former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and Obaseki, Dan Orbih and Obaseki and many others.

“In view of this, I plead with these characters bent on driving a wedge between Comrade Philip Shaibu and his boss, Governor Godwin Obaseki to put the Edo project and the people far above their own selfish interest,” he added.

Recall that Governor Obaseki claimed on Friday that Shaibu, will explore every avenue to achieve his governorship ambition, including plotting a coup to oust him (the incumbent) from office.

The governor said this during a meeting with elders and leaders from Etsako West, East and Central Local Government Areas of the State, held in Jattu, Etsako West council as part of campaigns for the September 2, 2023, local council election.

He said, “My Deputy Governor has become so desperate to take over and is ready to do anything, including carrying out a coup d’etat to ensure he kicks me out and becomes the governor of Edo State.”

Some protesters have taken to the streets in Kano State to kick against the imminent use of force to resolve the Niger coup crisis.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) had directed military forces of the member states to be on standby.

The protesters on Saturday embarked on the demonstration to show their displeasure at the planned military invasion of Niger Republic.

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While moving in a procession, they were chanting “Nigeriens are our brothers, Nigeriens are also our family.

“Niger is ours, we don’t want war, war against Niger is injustice, a plot by the western forces.”

They displayed Nigeria and Niger’s flags alongside placards, chanting anti-war catchphrases.

This followed an intense call from different quarters, especially Northerners who believe that Nigeriens are neighbours with whom they share things in common.

The newly appointed Enugu State Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Engr. Prince Lawrence Ezeh, FNSE, COREN, resumed at his duty post Friday, with a promise to work assiduously to ensure that the State attains greater economic stability.

The Commissioner, who arrived the ministry at exactly 4:.27pm, was ushered in by the entire staff who were visibly cheerful and elated as they expressed their desire to cooperate with him while in the ministry.

Prince Ezeh in office 

He was immediately escorted into the building by the Permanent Secretary, Rev. Sr. Josephine Aniagolu, and other directors.

At a meeting with the staff shortly after his resumption, the Commissioner charged staff of the Ministry to perform their duties selflessly with integrity and to see their work as service to the State in line with Governor Peter Mbah’s mandate.

“With the Governor’s marching order to expand the State’s IGR, I urge you to work hard to exceed the target. That is one way to justify the confidence that he reposed in all of you”, he said.

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“In line with Governor’s vision, the State must generate revenue that can settle workers’ salaries without waiting for the monthly Federal Allocation, His Excellency the Governor has directed all the revenue-generating agencies to prioritise the compelling need to have more revenue for the state to ensure the state’s overall economic growth.”

He charged them to deliberate on strategies to shore up the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from the ministry by leveraging on the Governor’s planned digitalization of the ministry with a view to stimulating the economy and good governance in the State.

He said “We have very serious revenue challenges and it is up to us to make sure we shore up the revenue base of the State. The Governor has a lot of confidence that we can do this if we work together. You are working for the Governor and at the end of the day you are working for the benefit of Ndi Enugu,”

The new commissioner promised to establish a sustainable land information system that will ease up the means of acquisition of land rights, structures and procedures of registration, economic empowerment as well as poverty eradication.

He promised to operate a smooth land administration system that is people-friendly and one that is capable of enhancing and promoting the socio-economic growth of the State.

For the purpose of centralizing and consolidating system, he promised to digitalize the ministry whereby existing title documents are secured and archived into data base that will ensure proper indexing of documents.

He said with the deployment of the planned-digitalization on land system and urban development, preparation of Certificates of Occupancy (CofOs) will be made very transparent, devoid of corruption and also made very clear to people.

He said “I will work very well with you and especially the Permanent Secretary to ensure that His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah succeeds.”
Prince Ezeh promised to run an inclusive administration.
The Permanent Secretary appreciated the Commissioner’s vision and assured him of his full support.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the permanent secretary had told the Commissioner that, “We are also ready to give you all the support to succeed”.

The ministry officials warmly welcomed all the commissioner’s new initiatives and gave their full support for their implementation. They also assured the Commissioner of their commitment to Governor Peter Mbah administration.

Senator Abdul Ningi, the lawmaker representing Bauchi Central senatorial district, has revealed that some of his colleagues have received the N2 million recess allowance.

Before adjourning plenary on Monday, Senate President Godswill Akpabio had told members of the upper legislative chamber of the National Assembly that a token had been sent to them to enjoy their holidays.

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“In order to enable all of us to enjoy our holidays, a token has been sent to our various accounts by the Clerk of the National Assembly,” Akpabio had announced to his colleagues forgetting that the proceeding was being captured live.

His remark has sparked reactions among Nigerians, as many faulted it as insensitive as at the time the masses were grappling with poverty.

Days after Akpabio’s remark, Senator Ningi, a senator of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), confirmed that some lawmakers got the allowance.

Ningi made this known while appearing as a guest at the Channels Television’s Politics Today.

“Nothing has come to my account yet. I heard that some people got N2m but for me, nothing yet. Hopefully [I would get], when they tidy up things,” he said.

He also criticised Akpabio’s comment, describing it as unprecedented.

“Some of these things, if they happen, you don’t broadcast it the way he did,” the lawmaker added.

“I think it is a huge embarrassment to the Senate President as a person and to the institution of the National Assembly. The Senate President should have gone further to say what the allowances are for. How did he come about the allowances? Who gave the allowances? Is it part of the remuneration?”

Senator Ningi admitted that people are bitter about the comment and he finds it “difficult to take” just like many Nigerians.

“I don’t know what N2m would do for a holiday. I find it very difficult to understand what this money is for,” the Bauchi Central lawmaker noted.

According to him, when the senators return to work, they need to know what the money is for since the lawmakers do not get recess allowance.

Nasir El-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna State, has jetted out of the country after withdrawing his interest in ministerial appointment.

Sources told Daily Gazette that El-Rufai was off to Europe, but will be in Egypt first.

The senate had last week approved the appointment of 45 out of the 48 ministerial nominees submitted by President Bola Tinubu.

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El-Rufai, and two other nominees; Stella Okotete (Delta) and Danladi Abubakar (Taraba) were not confirmed as the senate said they were awaiting security clearance about them.

Sunday Karimi, senator representing Kogi west, had presented a petition against el-Rufai during his screening last week.

The former governor met with Tinubu at the presidential villa in Abuja, on Tuesday, but the outcome of the meeting was not made public.

But Premium Times quoted presidency sources as saying El-Rufai told President Tinubu that he was no longer interested in becoming a minister, but would continue to contribute his quota to the development of Nigeria as a private citizen.

“He also told the president that he needed time to focus on his doctorate programme at a university in The Netherlands,” the online newspaper quoted another source to have said.

Another source was quoted as saying the former governor suggested a new ministerial nominee — Jafaru Ibrahim Sani — for Kaduna.

El-Rufai also reportedly told the President that since he would no longer be in the federal executive council, he would return the next day with his team to present the preliminary work done so far on the energy sector.

The online platform said the team that accompanied the former governor to make presentations to the president on Wednesday includes Eyo Ekpo, a former commissioner at the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC); Hafiz Bayero, a former commissioner and administrator of the Kaduna Capital Territory Authority; Tolu Oyekan of the Boston Consulting Group and Ayodele Oni, a lawyer.

When contacted, Muyiwa Adekeye, spokesman of El-Rufai, did not respond to comment.