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THE POSITION OF APC INITIATIVE FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE APC-IGG AND APC-IGG PROFESSORS WING ON PLANNED NATION WIDE PROTEST

THE POSITION OF APC INITIATIVE FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE APC-IGG AND APC-IGG PROFESSORS WING ON PLANNED NATION WIDE PROTEST
It is important to remember that, much like Rome, economic recovery cannot happen overnight, but it requires a solid foundation. Nigerians will agree that President Tinubu inherited an economy on the brink of collapse, characterized by a high level of indebtedness, with over 90% of revenue mortgaged to both foreign and domestic loans. Despite these challenges, the government, under the banner of Renewed Hope, has implemented measures to reshape the country’s economy since May 2023. These measures are particularly aimed at providing a brighter future for Nigerian youth.
One notable measure is the intervention and capitalization of MSMEs, including a N200 billion fund for various business segments across the country. Specifically, N50 billion in grants have been disbursed to over one million nano businesses, equitably distributed across all local government areas. Additionally, N150 billion in single-digit interest rate loans have been provided to hundreds of thousands of MSMEs nationwide. This initiative emphasises the significant role of state and local government authorities in grassroots development.
Furthermore, N75 billion in loans of up to N1 million each has been distributed, along with another N75 billion allocated to large-scale manufacturers employing up to 1,000 Nigerians per industry. These loans, offered at a single-digit interest rate with a five-year moratorium, are crucial for business intervention and development.The administration’s efforts extend to alleviating the short-term impact of fuel subsidy removal. To mitigate this, the government has invested N100 billion between July 2023 and March 2024 to acquire 3,000 units of 20-seater CNG-fueled buses. These buses will be allocated to major transportation companies based on travel intensity per capita, with participating companies accessing credit at 9% per annum with a 60-month repayment period. This responsibility also falls on state and local governments to ensure citizens benefit directly.
Moreover, the government inaugurated the Presidential Economic Coordination Council (PECC), involving a N2 trillion package with allocations for health and social welfare (N350 billion), agriculture and food security (N500 billion), the energy and power sector (N500 billion), and general business support (N650 billion).
To support indigent youths in tertiary institutions, President Tinubu signed the Access to Higher Education Act, 2023, on June 12, enabling students to access interest-free loans for their education.
Considering these efforts, it is essential to recognize that protests against the President might harm the economy. Instead, youths should focus on holding some of the state governors and local government chairmen accountable for economic failures, as most government policies are implemented through their channels.
The current administration, led by President Tinubu, has provided sufficient funds to state governors to meet their constituents’ demands. While the economy struggles, positive efforts by states can reduce the central government’s burden. Notably, the President has:
- Allocated N30 billion to each state to address food scarcity and hardship.
- Provided trailers of rice to each senator for their constituencies.
- Introduced a monthly stipend of N35,000 for federal workers.
- Distributed N430 billion among state governors.
The issue of local government autonomy is crucial to reducing neglect and poor economic management by state governors. While the new minimum wage of N70,000 is a step in the right direction, many states have yet to pay the previous N30,000 minimum wage, and youth protests on this matter have been sparse.
It is disappointing to see some of the state governors, who claim to be industrialists fail to manage state investments effectively, leading to over-reliance on FAAC and possibly subsequent bankruptcy. The President has laid a solid foundation for agricultural and electricity sector investments, yet few states have taken advantage of these opportunities. The pressure should not be solely on the President; state and local governments also play a crucial role.
In just one year, President Tinubu has made significant strides. State governors must be held accountable to support his efforts. If they do, Nigeria will undoubtedly improve.
Therefore, Nigerian youths should reconsider the path of agitation. Demand transparency and accountability from influencers and leaders. Opt for dialogue rather than protests. Nigeria’s renewed hope agenda promises a better future for all.
We however, also commend the laudable efforts of various state actors , the like of the Secretary to the government of the Federation, His Excellency Sen Dr George Akume of the skills and acumen he exhibited in mediation, negotiation and reconciliation with various labour leaders, which contributed tremendously, to the good and sustainable working relationship with the labour, as they disassociated with the protest.
That is the advantage of having experienced people in the government. Is like putting the square peg in a square hole.
Thank you.
Amb Musa Muhammed Tsoken National President, APC Initiative For Good Governance APC-IGG
THE POSITION OF APC INITIATIVE FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE APC-IGG AND APC-IGG PROFESSORS WING ON PLANNED NATION WIDE PROTEST
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NHRC Calls for Reforms in Correctional Centres, Cites Systemic Bias

NHRC Calls for Reforms in Correctional Centres, Cites Systemic Bias
By: Michael Mike
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu has called on stakeholders to reflect on the values that Nelson Mandela embodied, including justice, dignity, equality, and compassion, as the world commemorates World Mandela Day.
Dr. Ojukwu made this call in a statement on the eve of the commemoration, noting that Mandela’s legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the need to promote and protect human rights, particularly in Nigeria’s correctional centers.
According to him, the current state of Nigeria’s correctional centres, which are overcrowded, under-resourced, and lack basic sanitation and healthcare, reflects a failure of infrastructure, justice, and humanity.
He lamented that thousands of citizens are held in pre-trial detention for years due to poverty and lack of access to justice, while the rich have greater access to quality legal defense and bail, perpetuating systemic bias.
The NHRC Executive Secretary urged the Nigerian government, judicial authorities, private sector, and civil society to prioritize comprehensive reforms in detention facilities and correctional centers, including improving conditions, investing in alternatives to pre-trial detention, ensuring speedy trials, and upholding the rights of inmates.
Ojukwu emphasized the need to tackle the root causes of incarceration, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to justice, in order to build a society that values the dignity and human rights of all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status.
Nelson Mandela Day is celebrated annually on the 18th of July.
NHRC Calls for Reforms in Correctional Centres, Cites Systemic Bias
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Ondo State Government Signs MOU with Backbone Infrastructure for 500,000 BPD Oil Refinery

Ondo State Government Signs MOU with Backbone Infrastructure for 500,000 BPD Oil Refinery
By: Michael Mike
The Ondo State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Backbone Infrastructure Limited for the establishment of a 500,000 barrels per day oil refinery and development of free trade zone in Igbotiri, Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.
The signing ceremony took place at the Governor’s office in Akure.
The Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti represented the Governor, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa at the ceremony.
He described the proposed investment as timely and strategic, assuring the investors of a peaceful and business-friendly environment.
He emphasized that the project would boost the state’s economy, create meaningful job opportunities, and reduce crime.
In his remarks on behalf of Backbone Infrastructure, the Vice President, Legal & Corporate services, Barrister Wale Adekola expressed appreciation to the Ondo State Government for the opportunity to partner in the infrastructure development of the State and assured of his company’s commitment to ensure successful delivery of the two projects.
Similarly, the Managing Director / Chief Executive of Backbone Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, Engr. Henry Owonka, revealed that the two projects would be accompanied by basic infrastructure such as roads, terminal storage tanks, and other facilities that will change the landscape of the State.
According to the MOU breakdown on the Refinery, Backbone Infrastructure Limited will hold 65% equity, while the Ondo State Government will hold 20% and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) will hold 15% stake.
Meanwhile, the investors have expressed confidence in the leadership and vision of the Aiyedatiwa-led administration, citing the clarity of purpose and support they have received as the reason for choosing Ondo State as their investment destination.
The state government equally pledged its support for the project, which is expected to transform the state’s economy and create jobs.
Present at the signing of the MOU were the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti. Attorney General and commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, SAN , the ONDIPA Team while the Backbone team was led by Dr. Steve Dike, a member of the Board of Directors representing the Chairman, Senator Ken Nnamani, Managing Director/CEO Engr. Henry Owonka, the Vice President, Legal & Corporate Services, other members of the management team from the Backbone infrastructure limited among other top government functionaries.
Ondo State Government Signs MOU with Backbone Infrastructure for 500,000 BPD Oil Refinery
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Police arrest notorious gunrunners in Benue, recover rocket launcher, AK-47 rifles, thousands of ammunition

Police arrest notorious gunrunners in Benue, recover rocket launcher, AK-47 rifles, thousands of ammunition
By: Zagazola Makama
Operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID–IRT) have arrested two notorious arms traffickers and recovered a cache of deadly weapons in Abinsi town, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
Sources from the Benue State Police Command confirmed the development Thursday, describing the arrest as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal arms fueling insecurity in the North-Central region.
According to the sources, the suspects led by one Adikwu Ikwulono, a known illegal arms dealer were apprehended on Wednesday following credible intelligence.
Recovered from the suspects were one rocket launcher, five AK-47 rifles, and thousands of rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.
Police say preliminary investigations revealed that the arms were being assembled for delivery to a gang of armed herders and bandits operating around the Benue–Nasarawa border, with plans to launch coordinated attacks on several communities in Benue State.
“The suspects are currently undergoing intensive interrogation with the FID, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the arms-smuggling syndicate,” the police sources said.
Police arrest notorious gunrunners in Benue, recover rocket launcher, AK-47 rifles, thousands of ammunition
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