TOP STORIES:Tinubu Sends Ministerial Lists to DSS, EFCC.

Tinubu Elected ECOWAS Chairman 41 Days after Swearing in as President.

President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, emerged the new chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), exactly 41 days after his inauguration as President of Nigeria.

Tinubu, also warned that the threat to peace in the West African sub-region had reached alarming proportions, with terrorism and an emerging pattern of military takeover as major contributors.

The president said this at the 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS held in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau. Tinubu, following his emergence as the new chairman of ECOWAS, said the situation demanded urgent and concerted action.

The Nigerian leader maintained that insecurity and creeping terrorism were stunting the progress and development of the sub-region. He sought private sector-led economic growth, and called for collective action from member-states, pledging that under his leadership, frameworks would be harmonised to actualise the dream of ECOWAS.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) congratulated Tinubu on his emergence as ECOWAS chairman.Addressing the West African leaders, Tinubu said, “On peace and security, the threat has reached an alarming level, and needs urgent actions in addressing the challenges. Indeed, without a peaceful environment, progress and development in the region will continue to remain elusive.

“In this regard, we must remain committed to the utilisation of all regional frameworks at our disposal to address the menace of insecurity.”He noted that ECOWAS had developed a security architecture, which he noted, “covers a wide range of areas that involved kinetic and non-kinetic operations, including preventive diplomacy.

There is also the Regional Plan of Action on Fight against Terrorism 2020-2024 as well as the operationalisation of the ECOWAS Standby Force on Fight Against Terrorism.

“I will ensure that we immediately harmonise these plans and mobilise resources as well as the political will towards the actualisation of the initiatives. As terrorists do not respect boundaries, we must work collectively to have an effective regional counterterrorism measure.

”On his emergence as ECOWAS Chairman in his first participation at the summit, Tinubu stated that he was humbled and honoured by the trust to assume the leadership of the regional body, and pledged his commitment to serve the interest of the community.

The president said, “Indeed, I’m humbled and honoured by this trust, and want to assure you of my unalloyed commitment to provide the necessary leadership with dedication to serve the interest of the community.

”To underscore his commitment towards regional integration, the Nigerian president declared that he would prioritise political stability, peace and security, regional economic integration and strengthening of the ECOWAS institutions, declaring that democracy and good governance remain the abiding cornerstone of peace and sustainable development.

While decrying the emerging pattern of coup d’etat in West Africa, where soldiers toppled the popular mandate of the people through the barrel of the gun, Tinubu charged ECOWAS to stand firm in defence of democracy.He stated, “We must stand firm on democracy. There is no governance, freedom and rule of law without democracy. We will not accept coup after coup in West Africa again. Democracy is very difficult to manage but it is the best form of government.

“There is no one here among us who did not campaign to be a leader. We didn’t give our soldiers resources, we didn’t invest in them, in their boots, in their training to violate the freedom of the people.“To turn their guns against civil authorities is a violation of the principles upon which they were hired, which is to defend the sovereignty of their nations. We must not sit in ECOWAS as toothless bulldogs.”

The president added, “You will all agree with me that democracy and good governance are the cornerstones of peace and sustainable development of every society. I’m fully committed to deepening democracy and good governance in the region.“We must strengthen our democratic institutions and ensure the respect for human rights and the rule of law.

“I will enhance engagements with the countries in transition to ensure their quick return to democratic rule.”The new ECOWAS chairman called for improved private sector participation in the effort towards the economic development of member states as well as their social integration.

He stated, “We would work collectively to pursue an inclusive economic integration, which will be significantly private sector driven, in order to unlock the vast economic potentials of our region. We would actively promote trade, investment, and business cooperation among member states by addressing the barriers impeding intra-regional trade, as well as creating a conducive business environment.“We must encourage economic partnerships to raise the level of trade and investments in our region, hence facilitating employment creation and sustainable development and prosperity for our citizens.

“To this end, we must look inward and work with our regional economic facilitation platforms, such as the Federation of West Africa Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FEWACCI) as well as ECOWAS Trade Organisation Network to attain our desired goals.”Tinubu assured the regional leaders of the immediate implementation of his vision for the body, declaring, “In furtherance of my vision for our region’s economic recovery and growth, Nigeria intends to convene an ECOWAS Extra Ordinary Summit on Trade and Investment in October 2023.

“The event will provide opportunity for Member States to showcase their potentials and encourage match-making, in order to evolve business cooperation among the various organised private sector within the region.”He called for strengthening of the ECOWAS institutions, stressing, “In the area of strengthening our organisation’s institutions and ensuring effective performance, we underscore the need for the conclusion of the on-going institutional reforms of the organisation.

“Given that community levy remained the biggest source of generating funds to run our organisation, we must ensure that our citizens being taxed must be positively impacted by the programmes and projects of ECOWAS.

This is in line with the shift of ECOWAS slogan from ‘ECOWAS of State’ to ‘ECOWAS of People.’”Tinubu appreciated the Authority of Heads of State and Government and citizens of the Community for trusting him to lead the West African body.

He said, “Your Excellencies, let me conclude by once again deeply appreciating the Authority of Heads of State and the citizens of the Community for your trust in me. Together, we can shape a brighter future of shared values of peace, democracy, and economic prosperity of our region.”

In his welcome address, the outgone ECOWAS chairman and President of Republic of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Mokhtar Sissoco Embalo, saluted his fellow leaders for sustaining the vision of the organisation despite the global economic headwinds and trouble spots within the region.Embalo cited Mali, Burkina Faso, and Republic of Guinea as countries, where the constitutional order had been distorted.

He congratulated Nigeria and Sierra Leone for sustaining constitutional order through democratic process with the recent successful elections.

Buhari, NACCIMA Felicitate Tinubu as New ECOWAS Chairman.

Ex-President Muhammadu Buhari congratulated President Bola Tinubu on his emergence as Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

In a statement issued by his erstwhile spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu, Buhari said he was elated to hear that Tinubu was elected ECOWAS chairman at the 63rd Ordinary Session of the regional bloc held on Sunday in Bissau, capital of Guinea-Bissau.The former president stated, “West Africans have entrusted our new leader with an enormous responsibility, and it will be our task as citizens to support him to not let them down.

“I pray the Almighty will make his tenure as Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government see to the restoration of ECOWAS as the bastion of democracy, good governance and a leader in fighting terrorism and climate change on the continent.”On his part, NACCIMA, in a statement by its president, Dele Kelvin Oye, said regarding Tinubu’s new position, “Your appointment is coming at a time when ECOWAS region is positioning its Member States ready to be well integrated into African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

“Nigeria is expected to play a vital role in the region (ECOWAS) as well as in the continent, being the largest economy in Africa. The country’s leadership role in both economic integrations is very vital.

A lot is expected from Nigeria now more than ever in the history of the country among its peers in Africa.“We are aware of your credentials as a seasoned politician and astute administrator, with an enviable track record in governance and leadership. We are fully confident that you will bring your wealth of experience and expertise to bear on the challenges currently facing the region.”

Two State Police Commands get new Commissioners of Police [CPs].

The Police Service Commission has approved the appointment of new Commissioners of Police for Bayelsa and Borno states.

The new Commissioners are; CP. Alausa Hakeem Tolani for Bayelsa State and CP. Yusuf Mohammed Lawal for Borno state.Spokesman of the PSC, Ikechukwu Ani said, “The Commission approved the appointments at the continuation of it’s 21st Plenary Meeting currently going on at its Corporate Headquarters in Jabi, Abuja.

Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Solomon Arase (IGP Rtd) charged the new Commissioners to ensure that the vision of Mr President for improved national security is accorded the required attention.

Arase said the war against terror and terrorism in Nigeria must be won and called on state Command CP’s to re-strategise and take over the public space currently being distorted by non-state actors.

He noted that the Commission will continue to create the enabling environment for the Officers to give off their best, adding that the security of Nigeria and Nigerians must remain a priority for our national growth.

The Nigeria Police Force Management Team deliberates on effective policing in Nigeria (PHOTOS).

NPF cross-fertilise ideas for improved internal security.

Disquiet In APC, National Assembly As Akpabio, Abbas Concede 50% Committee Chairs To Opposition.

Some lawmakers elected on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the National Assembly are reportedly against moves by the leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives to give 50 per cent of the chairmanship slots of various committees in the two chambers to lawmakers elected on the opposition platforms.

APC is set to equally share committee chairmanship with the major opposition platforms, especially the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) and Young Peoples Party (YPP).

Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, had allegedly agreed to concede 50 per cent to the opposition lawmakers ahead of their elections on June 13. It was gathered that the sharing formula would touch on the various categories of committees, designated as Grades A, B and C.

The move, according to sources, was meant to serve as a measure of reward for the support from the opposition lawmakers and provide stability valves for the new leadership, while also dousing tension in the National Assembly, especially in the Senate where Akpabio battled strongly and fierce opposition to emerge.

Senators and members of the House elected on the platform of the APC were not comfortable with the sharing formulae which placed their fate at par with their counterparts elected on opposition platforms. An APC Senator, who did not want his name mentioned, said, “The leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives have conceded 50 per cent of the chairmanship seats in both chambers to our colleagues elected on the platforms of the various opposition platforms.

“The leaders of both chambers, Senator Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, had this arrangement with the opposition lawmakers before their elections.

“We thought it was just a gimmick to lure the opposition lawmakers to vote for them before the election but surprisingly Senator Akpabio and Rt. Hon. Abbas has at different meetings with the opposition caucus after their elections, renewed their commitment to honour the agreement.”

He continued: “This arrangement cuts across all categories of committees. It means APC will share grades A, B and C committees with them at equal proportion. It is an unfair arrangement to those of us from the ruling party. “How can APC lawmakers share these slots at par with their colleagues in the opposition parties? It’s never done and this is unprocedural.

They are not even reserving a substantial number of the grade A (juicy committees) committee for those of us from in the ruling party. “Even if we agree with them that such moves can help to ensure peace and stability in the Senate and House, the sharing shouldn’t have been at equal proportions.

What do we enjoy as a ruling party? If the reverse was the case and the APC lost in the February 25 presidential election, are they saying either PDP or LP, which are strong contenders in the race, would have shared the chairmanship slots in the National Assembly with the elected APC members equally?

“The answer is no. Our leaders are just bothered about their interests – how to preserve their exalted seats. They are not bothered about the interest and survival of APC. What happens when you load the opposition parties with juicy and grade A committees? It means we are strengthening the opposition parties to clip the wings of and cripple the APC in various constituencies.

“They are ultimately plotting the weakness of APC. Quite honestly, members of the majority caucus in both chambers are grumbling and disenchanted about this arrangement. The leaders are surely and assuredly setting a stage for crisis in the National Assembly because we are going to resist any attempt to weaken APC as a ruling party.”

Also, another lawmaker, who attended a meeting held with the Reps Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, stated that the representative of Obio/Akpor federal constituency in the House gave a detailed account of his recent meeting with Abbas at the forum.

He stated that aside from the information provided on the sharing formulae of the 50 per cent of the chairmanship of the committees in favour of the caucus, Chinda disclosed that all members of the House, with the exception of those to be appointed into the appropriation committee, would be appointed as chairman and vice chairman of the various committees in the House.

Chinda, according to one of our sources, also hinted that all “parliamentary friendly bodies” in the House would be upgraded to committee status to pave the way for the creation of additional chairmanship slots.

The source said, “The minority caucus met at Room 304 in the National Assembly complex shortly after the plenary on Wednesday, during which our minority leader, Rt. Hon. Kingsley Chinda, briefed us about the recent developments in the House, especially his recent meetings with the Honourable Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, as it affects our wellbeing and the fate of the members of the minority caucus in the scheme of things.

“First, Hon. Chinda implored us to put our house in order. He said the minority caucus should work in harmony with the government for things that are good and in the public interest. He stated that the leadership of the House had no choice than to carry every member along since there was no contest in the election of June 13th. Consequently, since everyone voted for him, Mr Speaker has offered to carry everyone along.”

Another of our sources who spoke on condition of anonymity said, “Hon Chinda further disclosed to us at the meeting that Mr Speaker told him that the chairmanship slots of the various committees would be shared in equal ratio between those of us elected on the platform of the opposition parties and the ruling APC.

“That it will be 50 per cent for the majority of APC and 50 per cent for the minority. That was his promise to us before we supported his election and we are glad that he has renewed that commitment and expressed his readiness to keep that promise.

“The minority leader also said that every 360 members, excluding those to be appointed into the appropriation committee, will either emerge as chairman or vice chairman in the emerging dispensation in the House. Clearly, he said anyone who finds himself in the appropriation committee will not serve as chairman or vice chairman in any other committee.

“He said the elimination of members of the appropriation committee, which is a major grade A committee, is meant to create opportunities for more members to emerge as either chairman or vice chairman of the various committees.

“To further brighten the chances of more members to clinch either chairman or vice chairman of a committee, all parliamentary friendly bodies, including inter-parliamentary, are to be upgraded to committee levels, primarily to satisfy everybody” leadership.

Despite Hardship, El-Rufai Says Tinubu’s Govt Changing Nigeria for Good.

Despite widespread hardship in the country, immediate past Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai, says the President Bola Tinubu-led federal Government is changing Nigeria for the good of all.

Speaking at the launch of an autobiography and retirement programme of Ishaq Akintola, a professor at the Lagos State University (LASU), El-Rufai noted that the culture of citizens-centred governance should be encouraged in the country to drive even development.

El-Rufai, who was the keynote speaker and awardee at the event, said Tinubu’s administration is on the right path to make Nigeria work with its decisions so far. The APC chieftain noted that the sound footing with which the administration started has deflated those who did not see any good in the same faith ticket.

“As a people, the earlier we distil ourselves from the primordial ethnoreligious perception of things, especially as it concerns national leadership, the better for us,” El-Rufai said.

“The way with which the present administration at the centre is changing things for the common good of the Nigerian people within a short period shows that leadership should be hinged on merit and not entitlement basis.

“We must de-emphasise religion and ethnic colouration to build a society where no one should be discriminated upon based on ethnic nationality, religion or political leaning.

El-Rufai stated that as members of the two major religious groups in Nigeria, citizens who find themselves in public positions should ensure they practice the basic principles of leadership as guided by their faiths.

The former governor noted that both Islam and Christianity espouse the culture of good leadership, but some individuals tend to do that which is at variance with the scriptures.
Politics Nigeria recalls that Akintola recently retired from the university after attaining the statutory age of 70.

CCB Speaks On DSS Raiding Its Offices For Documents Against Tinubu.

The Code of Code Bureau (CCB) has refuted reports that the Department of State Services (DSS) raided its offices to cart away alleged incriminating documents on President Bola Tinubu.

In a statement on Sunday by its spokesman, Daniel Okafor, the Bureau described the reports as false and misleading, adding that the DSS never raided any of its offices for incriminating documents on the President and his allies.
It also stated that at no time since the Tinubu government assumed office did it receive any directive to cover up any matter regarding the President and his associates.

The CCB, therefore, reassured the Nigerian people that as a foremost anti-corruption agency, it will continue to discharge its functions as contained in the Constitution.

‘This Is Height Hypocrisy’ – Atiku’s Aide Roasts Tinubu, Keyamo, Fani-Kayode, Others.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has warned supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, from disrupting proceedings at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.

Atiku gave the warning in a statement on Sunday signed by his Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.

According to Shaibu, the warning had become imperative following the sponsored protest that Tinubu’s supporters staged at the European Union head office in Abuja after the release of the EU Observer Mission report which revealed how the election failed the credibility test.

Recall that the EU report had scored the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) low over the handling of the election. However, Tinubu’s allies, including his spokesman, Dele Alake; former Minister Festus Keyamo; and Femi Fani-Kayode, who had also been implicated in the report, rejected the findings.

A group of APC supporters subsequently stormed the EU headquarters and were given full police protection to carry out the demonstration.

PSC Demotes Commissioner Of Police, Retires ACP, Dismisses Three ASPs.

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the dismissal of three senior Police officers over cases of misconduct and abuse of office.

This was made known in a statement on Sunday by the commission spokesperson, Ikechukwu Ani.

The PSC also approved the reduction in rank of a Commissioner of Police (CP) to Deputy Commissioner of Police and eight other officers. Ani said the Commission took these decisions at the continuation of its 21st Plenary Meeting which began at its Corporate Headquarters in Jabi, Abuja on Thursday July 6th 2023.

It was presided over by Justice Clara Bata Ogunbiyi, retired Justice of the Supreme Court and Hon Commissioner representing the Judiciary in the Commission who stood in for Commission’s Chairman, Dr. Solomon Arase retired Inspector General of Police. The commission, however, did not disclose the names of the dismissed or sanctioned officers.

Buhari Returns To Nigeria.

The immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari has returned to Nigeria after his trip to London, United Kingdom.Buhari arrived at the Katsina International Airport around 11:00 am and was received by his aides and officials of the Katsina State Government.

Buhari, who has been in London for the past month on vacation, left the country days after leaving office on May 29.
While in the UK, the former president received his successor, Bola Tinubu and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, at his London residence.

2023 Presidency: I Supported Tinubu, Worked 100% Against Atiku – Fayose.

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose has confirmed that he worked for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election.

Fayose, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) added that he worked totally against the party’s candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

Speaking during Channels TV Sunday Politics programme, the former Governor submitted that it was wrong of the PDP to have given its ticket to Atiku who is a northerner since Muhammadu Buhari who is also a northerner was just completing eight years in the seat of power.

He added that it was time for the South to take over, hence his decision to support Tinubu. Fayose also stated that the PDP has not been fair to him.

DSS Speaks On Arresting Senator Yari, Raiding ICPC, CCB, Carting Away Files.

Nigeria’s secret police, the Department of State Services (DSS) has dismissed reports that it arrested a former Governor of Zamfara State, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, for refusing to pick the call of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The DSS in a statement on Sunday by its Public Relations Officer, Peter Afunanya, also denied raiding the offices of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and carting away certain files from them.

The agency said it it petty to report that Yari was invited for refusing to pick the President’s call, stressing that this is the height of junk journalism.

Fayose Speaks On Taking Ministerial Appointment From Tinubu.

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose has denied nursing any plan to accept a ministerial position from President Bola Tinubu.

According to Fayose, he is not interested in any ministerial appointment.

Speaking on Sunday during an interview on Channels TV, the former Governor urged Tinubu to apportion 40 percent of his cabinet members to people above 60 years of age and 70 years of age, 30 percent to women, and 30 percent to young people.

On the trial against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Fayose said he is not visiting President Tinubu for him to intervene in the matter.

Fayose, who met with Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja, on Thursday, July 6, 2023, said the President does not have the power to stop his trial by the EFCC.

Soludo Directs Mmesoma To Undergo Immediate Counseling, Therapy.

Governor Charles Chukwuma SoludoCharles Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has directed 16-year-old Mmesomma Joy Ejikeme to undergo counselling and therapy for falsifying her Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

Soludo gave this directive in a letter signed by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, and addressed to the Principal of Anglican Girls Secondary School in Nnewi, where Mmesoma is a student.

The Anambra governor ordered that Mmesoma be handed over to the State Guidance Counselor and Professor of Clinical Psychology for evaluation.

According to the letter, the governor said the directive followed one of the recommendations of the panel constituted to investigate the matter, following the parading of the fake results which elicited interest, generated controversy and misgivings to the general public.