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TODAY’S SUPREME COURT VERDICT SAYS IT IS TIME TO FIND SUPPORT AND COLLABORATION FOR TINUBU’S PROMISE OF RENEWED HOPE

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TODAY’S SUPREME COURT VERDICT SAYS IT IS TIME TO FIND SUPPORT AND COLLABORATION FOR TINUBU’S PROMISE OF RENEWED HOPE

By Moses Okezie-Okafor

The victory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Supreme Court of Nigeria earlier today (Thursday, 26th October, 2023) calls for congratulations to Mr. President. Although today’s outcome was entirely expected, given my more than 23 years of experience as a lawyer and my direct involvement in the Renewed Hope Campaign, it is still highly gratifying. One thing is sure, this judgment is a significant milestone for both our president and our nation, Nigeria. By confirming his election as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and putting an end to all judicial challenges by his opponents, the apex court of the land has removed all lawful impediments for the President to continue with the task of governing Africa’s largest economy and most complex polity.

While I enjoin all persons of goodwill to extend sincere felicitations to Mr. President, even if only in the spirit of good sportsmanship, I am also quick to remind our president that every constituency in Nigeria, down to the smallest polling unit, is now eagerly anticipating accelerated and proportionate development of the country under his leadership. This expectation is neither unreasonable nor surprising, after all President Tinubu made promises of renewed hope and a future assured to Nigerians when he applied for the job. He committed, through his Renewed Hope Manifesto (a document that I personally consider one of the most comprehensive governance templates by any presidential candidate ever) to do his utmost in the best interests of Nigeria. It is safe to assert that the entire world, not just Nigerians, holds him accountable for these promises.

I will now provide a summary of some of the President’s most outstanding promises to Nigerians, for the records and to emphasize the importance of keeping these promises. I will also be calling on all Nigerians before the end of this article to put aside partisan divisions and give him a genuine opportunity to keep his word.

The president pledged to build a Nigeria where ample employment opportunities with respectable remuneration would enhance the quality of life, especially for the youth. He undertook that the country would manufacture, create, and invent more of the goods and services we require. This implies that his administration will facilitate the necessary conditions to achieve this goal, with the aim of making Nigeria known as a nation of creators, not just consumers. The Renewed Hope Manifesto also commits to enhancing exports and reducing imports, which would fortify both the Naira and our way of life. These two promises, in particular, ring with an urgency that cannot be overemphasized, especially now that his removal of fuel subsidy and harmonizing of the exchange rate has seen the Naira facing significant forex headwinds with little to no support from domestic production, which, admittedly, the President inherited at a very low ebb.

The Renewed Hope Manifesto consists of interconnected commitments, one linked to another. To fulfill the aforementioned promises, the President must also uphold others alongside them. His commitment to transforming Nigerian agriculture into a potent force is a quick-win objective that became long overdue the moment it was made due to carryover expectations from previous administrations. Nigerians are now counting on him to provide the necessary political will to support our ‘ever-toiling farmers’, as he affectionately refers to them, with the practical policies and enlightenment as well as the agricultural tools and inputs to finally succeed. This support is required to boost productivity, secure decent incomes, sustain their families, and feed the nation. The President is well aware that if we can provide the promised assistance to the 70% of our people engaged in subsistence agriculture, they will lift themselves and their families out of poverty, ideally within the four years it takes to complete a first term as president of Nigeria.

The President’s electoral promises also encompass his intention to modernize and expand public infrastructure and utilities so that the rest of the Nigerian economy can piggyback on it for optimal and accelerated growth. This commitment underscores his understanding that inadequate infrastructure and nonexistent utilities lie at the heart of poor domestic production, a key contributor to the country’s balance of trade challenges. Now that the Supreme Court has relieved him of the uncertainty of judicial outcomes concerning his continued stay in office, no doubt Mr. President and his ministers in the relevant sectors are ready to commence the construction of the promised infrastructure and utilities.

The time has also come to uphold another significant promise, namely, the much-anticipated commitment to empower and support our young entrepreneurs of all genders who have embarked on the challenging path of entrepreneurship and are ensnared in a demanding operational environment. Nigeria’s youthful entrepreneurs can be likened to small vessels carrying precious cargo stranded in a fierce storm on a rocky shoreline in pitch-dark night. Mr. President must now devise methods and strategies to deploy his administration like a tugboat and send it into those storm-tossed seas to rescue these struggling vessels and guide them to a safe harbor of his design and defense. This is the only way that emerging sectors led by these young entrepreneurs, such as the digital economy, entertainment, culture, tourism, and others, will have the opportunity to thrive and help us construct the Nigeria of tomorrow, today.

An implication of such targeted investments in these sectors by the administration is that the President’s other commitment to train and offer economic opportunities to the poorest and most vulnerable among us will also be fulfilled. With some time and sustained support, earnest efforts in agriculture and these emerging sectors have the potential to equip sufficient Nigerians with the self-help abilities to lift the 133 million people believed to be in multidimensional poverty out of the wretched state that has confined them. Mr. President has expressed the aspiration of creating a Nigeria where no parent is compelled to send a child to bed hungry, anxious about what the future holds. I emphasize: uphold these promises, sir, and witness these concerns essentially address themselves.

In addition to the promises outlined in the Renewed Hope Manifesto, President Tinubu’s administration has recently articulated eight priority areas through which it intends to realize the electoral commitments of its principal. Mr. President himself enumerated these areas in his speech during the opening ceremony of the 29th NESG Summit this week as food security, poverty eradication, economic growth, job creation, access to capital, inclusion, rule of law and fighting corruption. To my mind, this 8-point agenda presses all the right buttons and it is commendable that Mr. President’s focus remains on these key areas, meaning that he is taking tangible steps to translate words into actions.

As I have advocated on numerous occasions, I firmly believe that this Administration is well-positioned to be a Super Administration, and I am using ‘super’ as an acronym to represent Security, Unity, Prosperity, Equity, and Reconciliation (S.U.P.E.R). Nigerians demand actions and I believe we can get so much mileage out of a few action areas, hence the acronym. Each of these words represents a substantial source of concern for Nigerians, and the President must urgently transform each of them into a tangible reality, accessible in every part of the country, if he aims to alleviate the suffering of his people and deliver the dividends of democracy.

Security is number one and remains paramount. The President must ensure the security of lives and property in the country. He must adequately equip and motivate the security agencies to execute their duties effectively. Marching in double quick time, the President must address the menace of banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism that has become both endemic and devastating in every part of the country, but particularly the South East and North East.

Unity comes a close second and is no less a critical objective for a diverse nation like Nigeria. Our diversity of ethnic groups and religions is undoubtedly one of our greatest assets, but it is a most challenging one. The President’s Muslim-Muslim ticket with Vice President Kashim Shettima raised concerns for many non-Muslims, and the President must work to build trust. Nigeria needs a ‘civil or civic religion’, also known as the shared values of a nation as expressed through public rituals and symbols. They are the bond that unites a people who live under the same laws and rules and help to provide a sense of inclusion, belonging, identity, unity, structure, worth, confidence, transcendence, purpose and pride in the nation. The President must reawaken this long lost ethos for Nigeria while cementing unity and inclusivity in his administration by ensuring that every Nigerian feels a sense of belonging in the country and a shared ownership of her.

Prosperity is a pivotal goal, considering Nigeria’s economic woes despite her abundant natural resources. The President must see to it that these resources are effectively harnessed for the benefit of all Nigerians. He pledged ‘shared prosperity,’ and he must deliver on this promise. The masses must experience his benevolent influence in their livelihoods and overall standard of living. Our President must cultivate an enabling environment for businesses to thrive and create jobs for the vast population of unemployed youths.

Equity is crucial, and the President must ensure that every Nigerian is treated fairly and justly. There should be no discrimination based on ethnicity, religion, or gender. Meritocracy must be the guiding principle for appointments and promotions. The President must confront the issue of inequality head-on, particularly addressing the cries of marginalization and ensuring that every part of the country is included in the development agenda. He must also take decisive steps to combat corruption, which has hindered the country’s progress.

Reconciliation is a pressing need in a country plagued by ethnic and religious conflicts. Ethnic and religious nationalism has gone out of hand in many places and must be reined in. Political campaigns since 2015 have been particularly divisive and Nigerians have left deep wounds on themselves from vicious hatchet-jobs. It is now the President’s unenviable responsibility to craft deliberate policies and initiatives that will facilitate reconciliation and healing in the country. He must ensure that every Nigerian feels a sense of belonging, is treated with respect and dignity, and that social justice is upheld while the rule of law is enforced.

President Tinubu must fulfill his promises to Nigerians. He must provide leadership that propels the country forward. I am one of those who firmly believe that if we in the All Progressives Congress (APC) adhere to the core principles of our manifesto in our interactions with citizens, Nigerians will undeniably witness and recognize the transformational leadership and good governance for which President Tinubu is renowned. These principles form the foundation of our contract with the nation as a governing party and we have no room for foibles or failure.

While it is essential to hold the President accountable and offer constructive criticism when necessary, we must also grant him the benefit of the doubt and support his efforts to propel the country forward. The Supreme Court’s judgment today affirming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s election, not only put a burden on him to keep his electoral promises to us, but it also signifies that it is time for us to unite and support him in delivering on his promises to Nigerians.

He has pledged to renew hope in Nigeria, create jobs, promote unity, and ensure that every Nigerian is treated fairly and justly. He has also committed to prioritizing security, prosperity, equity, and reconciliation. However, President Tinubu cannot accomplish these things alone. He requires our support, trust, and cooperation. Let us therefore set aside our differences and work together to construct a better Nigeria for ourselves and future generations of Nigerians. Together, we can achieve our goals of Renewed Hope and Future Assured.

Moses Okezie-Okafor, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) writes from Abuja.

TODAY’S SUPREME COURT VERDICT SAYS IT IS TIME TO FIND SUPPORT AND COLLABORATION FOR TINUBU’S PROMISE OF RENEWED HOPE

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Chieftaincy dispute causes chaos in Muye village in Niger

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Chieftaincy dispute causes chaos in Muye village in Niger

By: Zagazola Makama

A renewed chieftaincy tussle in Muye village, Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State, has sparked violent confrontations between rival supporters, prompting swift intervention by security operatives.

Zagazola Makama gathered that the crisis began around 6:20 p.m. on Thursday when the deposed village head, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulkadir Maigari II, forcefully returned to Muye and broke into the palace.

The incident provoked tension among residents, especially after supporters of the current Dakachi confronted the deposed monarch. The situation was immediately brought under control by a team of security personnel from Lapai.

However, Zagazola learnt that the situation escalated on Friday morning when supporters of both camps clashed again, leading to a free-for-all fight that disrupted public peace in the community.

Security sources were swiftly deployed to Muye to restore normalcy.

“The combined security teams have brought the situation under control. Monitoring and surveillance operations are ongoing to prevent further breakdown of law and order,” the source said.

No casualties or arrests have been officially confirmed as of the time of filing this report.

Chieftaincy dispute causes chaos in Muye village in Niger

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Eid-el-Kabir: IPCR Calls on Nigerians to Peace, Harmony

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Eid-el-Kabir: IPCR Calls on Nigerians to Peace, Harmony

By: Michael Mike

Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has called on Nigerians to promote peace and harmony in their communities, recognizing that peace is essential to national development and progress.

The advice was given by the Director General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, in his message on Eid-el-Kabir.

The Institute, while extending warm greetings to Nigerians, wished them a joyous and peaceful celebration, marked by love, compassion, and unity.

The Institute while noting that Sallah is a significant occasion in the Islamic calendar, symbolizing the values of sacrifice, gratitude, and community, emphasized that the spirit of Sallah should guide Nigerians in their interactions with one another, fostering a culture of peace, tolerance, and understanding.

The IPCR urged Nigerians to promote peace and harmony in their communities, recognizing that peace is essential to national development and progress, while
encouraging individuals to embrace the values of Sallah, including forgiveness, empathy, and kindness, in their daily lives.

According to IPCR, peace is critical to promoting national stability and cohesion.

The Institute also urged Nigerians to use this period of Sallah celebration to address conflicts and promote dialogue, which could help to build trust and understanding among Nigerians and also contribute to a more peaceful society.

It recognized that the country’s many ethnic and religious groups can work together to build a more harmonious society, celebrating their differences and promoting a culture of tolerance.
End

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Community Leader Seeks Tinubu’s Urgent Intervention in Incessant Plateau Killing

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Community Leader Seeks Tinubu’s Urgent Intervention in Incessant Plateau Killing

By: Michael Mike

A community leader and the Waziri Mushere of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, Chief Yohana Margif has expressed dismay over the incessant killing of innocent citizens of the community.

Margif made this known in an interview with journalists on Thursday in Abuja.

He called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene to halt what he described as genocide against the people, which he said was being perpetrated by suspected herdsmen.

Margif also called on Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, and other security chiefs in the country, to rein in the alleged culprits.

He said: “I would like to draw the attention of the topmost leadership in Nigeria to the deteriorating dire security situation in Plateau, particularly in Mushere Chiefdom of Bokkos LGA.

“I urge President Tinubu to take immediate decisive action to halt these endless and senseless killings, protect lives and properties, and secure the future of the Mushere people, and other victims of obvious genocide against the people.

“Herdsmen are killing our innocent people, burning their homes, looting their foodstuff, property, livestock, and taking over their ancestral lands,” he said.

According to the Abuja-based real estate mogul, the attacks and attendant killings have intensified recently since the onset of this year’s farming season.

Margif further said that the people had been displaced from their villages and ancestral homes and were forced to become internally displaced persons in the country.

He emphasised that the situation required immediate intervention by all stakeholders in order to prevent further escalation and inflict an irredeemable harm by wiping out the entire community from the surface of the earth.

He lamented that: “Since President Tinubu’s administration began, Plateau State has witnessed an unprecedented escalation of violence and loss of lives.

“This is the current sad reality. Our people are constantly under the threat of the enemy’s bullets and can’t sleep with two eyes closed due to the perpetual unleashing of violence against them by external forces.

“Something urgent must be done to stem the tide of violence and end this war against the people in order not to
harm this administration’s reputation,” Margif said.

In the past couple of days, suspected herdsmen militia killed no fewer than 35 people in the localities of Hokk, Pangkap, Fokoldep, Kopmur, Margif, Horop, Mbor, Mushere and Kwahas localities in Mushere Chiefdom.

Chairman, Bokkos Community Peace Observers, Kefas Mallai, who confirmed the killings to newsmen, said the victims included a 70-year-old Pastor of COCIN LCC Kwakas-Mushere, Mimang Lekyil, who was attacked and killed in the church.

He said that the pastor’s wife was also shot in the leg and was admitted at the Jos University Teaching Hospital for treatment, he said.

“Bokkos has never been this insecure, with the people being butchered as we are currently witnessing,” Lilian Madaki, from the Mushere community told journalists.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Emmanuel Adesina, also confirmed the incident in a statement saying security forces including police and military personnel, had been deployed in the affected communities.

Community Leader Seeks Tinubu’s Urgent Intervention in Incessant Plateau Killing

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