Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South in the National Assembly, has expressed grave concerns regarding the pervasive corruption in Nigeria, highlighting how those involved in corrupt practices are often celebrated rather than penalized.

During a press briefing in Kano on Sunday, Ndume stated, “Our major challenge in this country is corruption. As of now, we lack effective laws that can proactively or reactively tackle corruption.”

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He emphasized that in Nigeria, it seems common for individuals who embezzle funds to operate without fear of repercussions, noting, “If you find someone in our political or governmental system who is not corrupt, that person is either exceptionally lucky or God-fearing.”

He criticized the societal acceptance of corruption, saying, “People in these positions are often lobbied and revered, even when it’s clear that their wealth is ill-gotten. It is not uncommon for someone who was financially struggling last week to suddenly flaunt wealth, buying luxury cars and jets, with family members celebrating as if they have been divinely blessed.”

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Ndume revealed that he has made multiple attempts to introduce legislation targeting unexplained wealth in Nigeria, but these efforts have repeatedly failed to gain traction.

He recounted his efforts to seek support from a former head of state for an executive bill addressing this issue, which was ultimately declined.

“To date, there is still no law on unexplained wealth in Nigeria, nor any Executive Order addressing it,” Ndume lamented.

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The senator also highlighted the pressing issue of hunger in Nigeria, advocating for increased agricultural production to combat food scarcity.

“There is hunger in the land, and we have yet to cultivate even five percent of our arable land. Nigeria is endowed with vast fertile land that remains largely untapped,” he asserted.

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has publicly ridiculed supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara who have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Peoples Party (APP) in anticipation of the upcoming local government elections on October 5.

Following a recent congress that solidified Wike’s influence within the PDP in Rivers State, Fubara reportedly directed his loyalists to contest the forthcoming elections under the APP banner.

At a reception hosted by the Ijaw Peoples Assembly in Port Harcourt, Wike expressed disbelief at the defections from his party.

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He declared, “It’s surprising to see PDP members contemplating joining APP. This isn’t about money; it’s about capacity. You can have all the resources in the world, but without the capability, you won’t succeed.”

Wike continued, emphasizing his past victories against opponents: “We have defeated them multiple times, and if the opportunity arises again, we will do so once more. We have not even begun to engage in politics yet. When the time comes, we will show them how it’s done. They should keep their party ready; we are prepared to teach them what real politics is.”

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Addressing claims that the Ijaw people were in conflict with him, Wike dismissed such notions, attributing the unrest to a small number of ungrateful individuals within the community.

He asserted, “I am too significant to be diminished by a few people. Anyone who fails to recognize my stature is simply misguided. Together, my opponents cannot withstand me.”

Boma Iyaye, the Director of Finance and Administration at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), also spoke at the event, apologizing on behalf of the Ijaw community and urging Wike to overlook the negative behavior of certain individuals.

He encouraged Wike to maintain his relationship with the Ijaw people.

The reception was attended by notable figures, including the Minister of State for Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, and former governors from the G5, including Samuel Ortom of Benue, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu, and Okezie Ikpeazu, among others.

The Enugu State chapters of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the Young Progressives Party (YPP) have distanced themselves from an endorsement made by Obioma Nnamani, the state chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, and Dr. Afam Ani, the Secretary, regarding the credibility of the just-concluded Local Government elections in Enugu State.

Hon. Obioma Nnamani and Dr. Afam Ani serve as the state chairman of the Boot Party (BP) and the Action Peoples Party (APP), respectively.

In a statement made available to DAILY GAZETTE on Sunday, APGA State Chairman, Ekene Uzodinma described the endorsement as “misleading and unrepresentative of the true state of affairs” concerning the elections.

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According to Uzodinma, APGA, as a party that actively participated in the elections, witnessed numerous irregularities and electoral malpractices that undermined the integrity of the whole process.

“While their endorsement of the election’s credibility is concerning, it contradicts APGA’s values and commitment to free and transparent democratic processes,” Uzodinma remarked.

He expressed disappointment that the Boot Party and APP, which, according to him, did not participate in the council elections, issued such a statement, given the concerns raised by political parties that actively contested the polls.

Uzodinma accused Nnamani and Ani of being compromised, rather than fulfilling their roles as Chairman and Secretary of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), respectively.

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He noted that their affirmation of the election’s credibility, despite the evident issues, called into question their impartiality and credibility.

Uzodinma urged the people of Enugu State and the public to disregard the statement made by Nnamani and Ani and reassured APGA supporters that the party remains committed to upholding democratic principles.

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He emphasized that APGA would continue to advocate for free, fair, and transparent elections in Enugu State.

On his part, the Chairman of the Young Progressives Party in Enugu State, Engr. Tony Udeani, said the statement issued by Nnamani and Ani, who serve as IPAC Chairman and Secretary, was particularly troubling.

“Neither of their parties participated in the LG election. So, they have no moral right to endorse the election process without consulting parties that were directly involved,” Udeani said.

“IPAC is an umbrella body consisting of 19 political parties, including the Boot Party and APP, but many of the parties that took part in the election have since expressed concern over the irregularities,” Udeani added.

Udeani alleged that the election was marred by the absence of result sheets in many polling units and a lack of elections in several areas.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has confidently stated that no one, including his political opponents, can defeat him, asserting that he is too powerful for anyone to challenge.

Speaking at a civic reception held in his honor by the Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress in Port Harcourt, Wike dismissed claims that the Ijaw people were against him in the ongoing political dispute involving Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

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Wike clarified that the Ijaw nation remains firmly behind him, despite contrary reports.

He explained that although some Ijaw individuals had opposed his decision to name Fubara as his successor in 2023, the broader Ijaw community supports him.

“It is not true that the Ijaw people are fighting me,” Wike said.

“A father may have 12 children, and one may go astray, but it doesn’t mean the entire family is in conflict. Those attacking me on television were absent when we made an Ijaw man governor.”

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Wike went on to boast about his political strength, saying, “I am too big for anyone to fight. All my opponents, put together, cannot defeat me.”

He also warned politicians from other states to stay away from Rivers State politics, emphasizing that the state is “very special” to him.

Addressing concerns about violence, Wike claimed that an attempt had been made to sabotage the reception event by sending individuals with dynamite to bomb the venue.

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“They were arrested by the police. We will not tolerate crime or violence in Rivers State,” Wike said, stressing that such actions were harmful to the state’s reputation and investor confidence.

He also spoke about his ongoing projects, highlighting the ring road project he initiated in Rivers State, criticizing those who now take credit for it, saying, “Go to Abuja, I am repeating what I did in Rivers State.” Wike stated that he had no intention of turning away investors due to political violence.

Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, Chairman of the PDP Elders Council in Rivers, also praised Wike, calling him the “most celebrated Rivers politician on the national stage.”

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Wike was joined at the reception by key members of the G-5, also known as the integrity group, including former Governors Samuel Ortom of Benue State, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu state.

Other notable attendees included Adamawa State Governor Umaru Fintiri and Minister of State for Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri.

Despite a boycott by other parties, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has cleared all chairmanship and councilorship seats in the Anambra State Local Government Election held on Saturday.

The results, officially announced by the state’s Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC), revealed that APGA candidates swept through all 21 local government areas in the state.

APGA, a dominant force in Anambra State politics for years, secured victories in both rural and urban areas, defying predictions of a more competitive contest.

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DAILY GAZETTE reports that the election witnessed low voter turnout, as several parties in the state chose to boycott the election.

Some residents expressed their support for APGA candidates, citing improved governance and development under Governor Soludo’s administration.

The voting exercise, which commenced late at many polling units across the state due to the late arrival of ANSIEC ad-hoc staff and election materials, was predominantly conducted by APGA members.

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This indicated an obvious boycott by members of other political parties, some of which are currently in various courts challenging the validity of the council polls.

Voter apathy marked the 2024 Local Government Elections in Anambra State, as residents of Onitsha, the state’s commercial hub, largely abstained from voting.

Observers noted that while people were seen within their neighborhoods, they showed little interest in heading to polling stations on election day.

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This local government election, the first in Anambra in 11 years, failed to attract significant public engagement, with commercial drivers openly flouting the state-imposed restriction on movement.

They continued their regular operations, transporting passengers and goods across the city despite the official directive.

Several residents cited past issues with the credibility of the electoral process as their reason for staying away.

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Mrs. Chinyere Olisa, who spoke to a NAN correspondent, recalled her frustration in the 2023 presidential election when her name was missing from the voter roll despite having traveled home specifically to vote.

“I wasted my time and money,” she lamented, stating she had no intention of going through the same ordeal again.

Mrs. Gloria Effiong, a food vendor, noted that there was little election-related campaigning, leaving many unaware that the polls were even taking place.

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“There was no house-to-house campaign, and no one reached out to inform me about the election,” she said, adding that she was focused on earning a living and wouldn’t be remembered by elected officials even if they won.

Samuel Chidi, a tricycle operator, expressed skepticism about the integrity of the elections, claiming that the results were predetermined by the electoral authorities.

“The people’s votes no longer count,” he said, emphasizing his lack of confidence in the process and stating that he had no intention of voting.