As FEC Approves N621.23bn For Road Projects

by Fred Nwaozor

Penultimate week, precisely on 27th October 2021, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in its not unusual weekly meeting, approved N621.23 billion for reconstruction of 21 roads covering a total distance of 1,804.6 kilometres across the six geo-political zones in Nigeria. It’s noteworthy that the proposed projects are to be undertaken by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) through the deployment of its own tax liabilities. The development was graciously disclosed by the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola while briefing the State House correspondents at the end of the FEC meeting held in Abuja. According to the Minister, who stated that there would be no more financing problems regarding the execution of road projects across the federation, nine among the 21 roads are in North Central, particularly Niger state. The reason is that Niger State is a major storage centre for the NNPC. He said “NNPC is doing this to facilitate the total distribution of its products across the country.”

He further gave an assurance that in the South-West, the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, the Agabara Junction, Ibadan to Ilorin (Oyo-Ogbomoso section) would be fixed. Three other roads are reportedly located in the North-East, two in the North-West, and two others in the South-East. The Odukpani-Itu-Ikot/Ekpene road, the minister said, had now been fully covered to resolve the problem of financing. He stated that in the South-East and South-South, there are Aba--Ikot Ekpene in Abia and Akwa Ibom States. Then the Umuahia-Ikwuamo-Ikot Ekpene road and so on. Similarly, in the North-West, it is Gada Zaima-Zuru-Gamji road, and also Zaria-Funtau-Gusau-Sokoto road. In the North-East, it is Cham, Bali Serti and Gombe-Biu roads. It could be recalled that in July this year, the FEC approved the award of a contract to Dangote Industries for the construction of five roads totalling 274.9 kilometres at the cost of N309.9 billion, reportedly advanced by the company as tax credit. In any given clime across the global community, capital projects are invariably what well-meaning citizens clamour for whenever a call to usher in good governance is raised in the public sphere. This is so, because, it is only by establishment of such projects as good road network, creation of portable water, sound health and education systems, that the governed could feel the impact of the government.

This is the sole reason the ratio between the capital and recurrent expenditures of the annual budget of a particular nation for a certain fiscal year often tends to favour the former to the detriment of the latter. It suffices to enthuse that it has become unarguable that capital expenditures usually benefit virtually the entire occupants of the concerned clime compared to recurrent expenditures that’s targeted to favour only a few. In view of these facts, successive governments all over the world that truly mean well for the governed have overtime made frantic and genuine efforts to initiate capital projects that would stand the test of time. Those who actualize this quest invariably succeed in writing their names in bold and gold. In this part of the world, particularly Nigeria, issues pertaining to governance seem to be given a different attention and interpretation by the relevant authorities. We have hitherto observed a prevalent situation whereby a certain prospective government would rigorously embark on election campaigns with the mantra to treat capital projects as priority, but would abruptly sound differently the moment it assumed duty.

This uncalled nonchalant attitude of governments at all levels has continued unabated under our nose as if the people are a set of imbeciles. Sometimes when asked for clarification by the affected citizens, the enquiry would be regarded as unimportant by the failing government. Lest we forget; on Thursday, 10th January 2019, the Federal Government (FG) led by President Muhammadu Buhari approved the sum of N100 billion for the Federal Ministry of Works, out of the proceeds of the Sovereign Sukuk fund, to finance critical road infrastructure across the country. The fund was for the construction and rehabilitation of 28 key economic road networks as captured in the 2018 budget. The FG disclosed that the road projects were located in the six geo-political zones of the country with each zone having a total allocation of N16.67bn. This signifies that the capital projects were evenly distributed among the entire regions. Speaking at the presentation of symbolic cheque to the concerned ministry, the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed noted that “the funds will be released to the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing based on the framework agreed with the Trustees in order to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of proceeds.”

She added that “the Sukuk funding option is part of the initiatives of the government to diversify government funding sources, while also deepening the Nigerian capital market, mobilizing more savings and promoting financial inclusion.” The roads to be funded “will ease commuting, spur economic activities across the country and further close our infrastructural gap.” In his response, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing (now Ministry of Works and Housing), Mr. Babatunde Fashola stated thus, “roads are coming, those are assets that would enable business that would enable transport, movement of goods and services and assets that will last 25, 30 to 40 years. This is a good investment to make. So, for those who asked why are we borrowing, we are borrowing to build at today’s prices assets that will last us for another 30 years.” He further said “it will be more expensive to build but more importantly, where is the money going. As soon as I collect this cheque, I am going to give it to the contractors. But even, they can’t keep it; they have to give it to their suppliers because they need aggregates, they need materials and labourers but they first need suppliers.” The Minister went further to assure that the Buhari-led administration “Is committed to follow the part of greatness, build the foundation for tomorrow by investing in infrastructure. It means that for example, we have to raise money and I am very happy to learn that over 1,876 investors are already doing business because Buhari government decides to build. That is how to build an economy.”

Two years down the line, the ‘28 key roads’ as mentioned in the said contract are still reportedly undergoing rehabilitation in spite of all the assurances tendered therein. One may then begin to wonder the kind of country called Nigeria we found ourselves. In view of this omen, which has unabated been a recurring decimal in the Nigerian polity, the governed may have lost their trust in any government in power, or its allies. This is the reason the NNPC must take into cognizance that initiating a certain project is quite different from completing it, hence must consider the key steps needed to be followed towards ensuring the proposed projects are duly executed as planned. The contracts are required to be awarded to corporate bodies of proven background and antecedents. Thus, no compromise should be reached for whatever reason. The contracts ought to be implemented in line with the country’s Public Procurement Act, thus a levelling playing ground is expected to be provided among the prospective construction firms. In this regard, the memo for the proposed contracts should be made public to enable any interested firm apply for the job and due process ought to be followed afterwards in awarding the project to the deserving entities. Also, the contracts are meant to be awarded to only indigenous firms towards boosting our local content. So, the Executive Order 5 implemented by President Buhari must be adhered to.

When eventually awarded, the benefitting residents or communities should be properly made to comprehend the profile of the firms handling the respective projects with a view to making them able to alert/contact the relevant agencies whenever they observe any prank or foul play. It suffices to say that the beneficiaries must be a stakeholder in the overall implementation of the projects. As regards adequate monitoring, viable mobile teams comprising reliable personnel ought to be constituted by the concerned authority. This would enable a regular supervision as the work progresses. In the same vein, the contractors must be mandated to complete the projects within a given time frame, else, should be made to face sanctions. We are meant to acknowledge that initiating a capital project by the government is invariably the wish of the governed, but ensuring their completion remains their greatest desire. Think about it!

Tech I FUTO Agog As Physics Department Hosts 42nd NIP Conference

November 18-22, 2019 ushered in a period of intellectual harvest in the revered Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) led by eminent Prof. F. C. Eze as the institution graciously hosted the 42nd Annual Conference of the famous Nigerian Institute of Physics (NIP).





The gathering of renowned intellectuals featured three different sessions to include, the Induction of new members cum Fellows of the Institute, Keynote Addresses and Presentations from distinguished physicists as well as the Technical segment.

The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) was ably headed by the notable female physicist, Prof. C. A. Madu who is currently the Head of the Department of Physics in the University (FUTO).

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eze who is equally a physicist of note and a respected Fellow of the Institute (FNIP), thanked members and guests for finding time to grace the yearly occasion, as he recalled with nostalgia that the Conference was hosted last in FUTO in 2008 when he was the Dean of School of Sciences (SOSC), now divided into the School of Physical Sciences (SOPS) and School of Biological Sciences (SOBS).

In his words, the President of the NIP, Prof. H. O. Aboh remarked that the annual occasion was an avenue of showcasing the talents, skills, intellectuals and resources that lie within the scope of the Institute, hence informed that the body was determined to remain persistent in upholding the core mandates of the Conference.

The highlights of the event was the induction of some eminent members as Fellows of the NIP. Two renowned physicists of the FUTO extraction - in the persons of Prof. I. C. Ndukwe and Prof. B. C. Anusionwu - were awarded with the Fellowship honour.

The event was attended by high ranking physicists within the shores of Nigerian society and beyond such as the likes of Prof. P. N. Okeke whose name is synonymous with Physics in Nigeria.

The event, which precisely took place in the University's Hall of Excellence of 1000 capacity, saw the presence of thousands of respected professionals and captains of industries. Everyone reportedly left the venue fulfilled.

INDEPENDENCE I Full Text of Buhari's 59th Independence Day Speech

On 1st October 2019, the acclaimed Africa's giant clocked 59 since she gained her Independence in 1960 from the British colony.

In the early hours of the day, the country's President, Muhammadu Buhari graciously addressed the citizens via the electronic media, spending about thirty minutes on the broadcast.

The full speech of the Nigeria's number one citizen is as given below:


Dear Compatriots,

1st October each year is an opportunity for us to reflect and thank God for his endless blessings on our country.

2. It is also a time for us, collectively, to:

3. Remember the sacrifices made by our Founders and great leaders past; by soldiers, by distinguished public servants; by traditional leaders, by our workers ---- sacrifices on which Nigeria has been built over the 59 years since Independence in 1960; and How I started from mum's laptop to big job at Facebook - Nigerian man

4. Rededicate ourselves to attaining the goals which we have set for ourselves: a united, prosperous and purposeful nation in the face of 21st century opportunities and challenges.

5. In the past four years, the majority of Nigerians have committed to Change for the Better. Indeed, this Administration was re-elected by Nigerians on a mandate to deliver positive and enduring Change – through maintaining our National Security; restoring sustainable and inclusive Economic Growth and Development; and fighting Corruption against all internal and external threats.

6. This Change can only be delivered if we are united in purpose, as individuals and as a nation. We must all remain committed to achieving this positive and enduring Change. As I stated four years ago, “Change does not just happen… We must change our lawless habits, our attitude to public office and public trust… simply put, to bring about change, we must change ourselves by being law-abiding citizens.”

SECURITY:
7. Good Governance and Economic Development cannot be sustained without an enabling environment of peace and security. In the last four years, we have combatted the terrorist scourge of Boko Haram. We owe a debt of gratitude to our gallant men and women in arms, through whose efforts we have been able to achieve the present results. We are also grateful to our neighbours and allies – within the region and across the world – who have supported us on this front.

8. The capacity of our armed forces to defend our territorial integrity continues to be enhanced by the acquisition of military hardware as well as continued improvements in the working conditions of our service men and women.

9. The Ministry of Police Affairs has been resuscitated to oversee the development and implementation of strategies to enhance internal security. My recent assent to the Nigerian Police Trust Fund (Establishment) Act has created a legal framework to support our Police with increased fiscal resources to enhance their law enforcement capabilities.

10. These initiatives are being complemented by the ongoing recruitment of 10,000 constables into the Nigeria Police Force. This clearly demonstrates our commitment to arrest the incidence of armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes across our nation.

11. We remain equally resolute in our efforts to combat militant attacks on our oil and gas facilities in the Niger Delta and accelerate the Ogoni Clean-up to address long-standing environmental challenges in that region.

12. The recent redeployment of the Niger Delta Development Commission from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, to the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs underscores our commitment to enhance the living standards of our communities in the Niger Delta, through coordinated and appropriate programmes.

13. Our attention is increasingly being focused on cyber-crimes and the abuse of technology through hate speech and other divisive material being propagated on social media. Whilst we uphold the Constitutional rights of our people to freedom of expression and association, where the purported exercise of these rights infringes on the rights of other citizens or threatens to undermine our National Security, we will take firm and decisive action.

14. In this regard, I reiterate my call for all to exercise restraint, tolerance and mutual respect in airing their grievances and frustrations. Whilst the ongoing national discourse on various political and religious issues is healthy and welcome, we must not forget the lessons of our past – lessons that are most relevant on a day such as this.

15. The path of hatred and distrust only leads to hostility and destruction. I believe that the vast majority of Nigerians would rather tread the path of peace and prosperity, as we continue to uphold and cherish our unity.

ACCELERATING SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE ECONOMY GROWTH
16. This Administration inherited a skewed economy, where the Oil Sector comprised only 8% of Gross Domestic Product but contributed 70% of government revenue and 90% foreign exchange earnings over the years. Past periods of relatively high economic growth were driven by our reliance on Oil Sector revenues to finance our demand for imported goods and services. Regrettably, previous governments abandoned the residual Investment-driven Non-Oil Sector, which constituted 40% of Gross Domestic Product and comprised agriculture, livestock, agro-processing, arts, entertainment, mining and manufacturing activities that provide millions of jobs for able-bodied Nigerians and utilize locally available raw materials and labour for production.

17. To address this imbalance, our commitment to achieving economic diversification has been at the heart of our economic strategies under the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, which I launched on the 5th of April, 2017.

18. This medium-term development plan charted the trajectory for our economy to exit from recession and return to the path of sustainable, diversified and inclusive growth for Nigerians. Pursuant to these reforms, the economy has recovered and we have had 9 successive quarters of growth since our exit from recession. The exchange rate in the last 3 years has remained stable, with robust reserves of US$42.5 billion, up from US$23 billion in October 2016.

19. Learning from the mistakes of the past, this Administration is committed to responsibly managing our oil wealth endowments. We will continue to prudently save our oil income and invest more in the non-oil job-creating sectors.

20. In this regard, we are significantly increasing investments in critical infrastructure. Last year, capital releases only commenced with the approval of the Budget in June 2018. However, as at 20th June this year, up to N1.74 trillion had been released for capital projects in the 2018 fiscal year.

21. Implementation of the 2019 Capital Budget, which was only approved in June 2019, will be accelerated to ensure that critical priority projects are completed or substantially addressed. The Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning has been directed to release N600 billion for Capital Expenditure in the next 3 months.

22. To maximise impact, we shall continue to increasingly welcome and encourage private capital for infrastructural development through Public Private Partnerships. Through the Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme, which I initiated in January this year, we are giving incentives to private sector inflow of over N205 billion in 19 Nigerian roads and bridges of 794.4km across in 11 States of the Federation.

23. As we push to diversify the economy, we still remain focused on optimizing the revenues generated from the oil and gas sector. We will, working with the Legislature, soon pass the Petroleum Industry Bill and amendments to the Deep Offshore Act and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contracts Act into law, to ensure Government obtains a fair share of oil revenues, whilst encouraging private sector investment.

24. We will also continue our fight against illegal bunkering of crude oil and the smuggling of refined petroleum products across our borders, including the diligent prosecution and conviction of offenders found guilty of these acts. Whilst Nigeria remains committed to free and fair continental and international trade, we will not hesitate to take all necessary steps to tackle illegal smuggling, transshipment and other predatory trade practices that destroy jobs in our country.

25. We are resolute in reforming the power sector. In August this year, we launched the Presidential Power Initiative to modernize the National Grid in 3 phases: starting from 5 Gigawatts to 7 Gigawatts, then to 11 Gigawatts by 2023, and finally 25 Gigawatts afterwards. This programme, in partnership with the German Government and Siemens, will provide end-to-end electrification solutions that will resolve our transmission and distribution challenges.

26. The programme will also look to localize the development and assembly of smart meters as well as the operations and maintenance capabilities of transmission and distribution infrastructure.

27. I am pleased with the improved inter-agency collaboration between the Ministry of Power and the regulators in the banking and power sectors to ensure that electricity sales, billings and collections are automated and become cashless.

28. These initiatives are important to ensure that the technical and collection losses in the sector are substantially reduced. I remain confident that Nigerians will have affordable and uninterrupted electricity supply in the not too distant future.

29. Our efforts to improve the power sector will complement other infrastructure investments projects under the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund, which is investing in the Mambilla Power Plant project, as well as key economic road infrastructure such as the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Second Niger Bridge and Abuja-Kano Expressway. The first set of these projects remain on track to be completed by 2022.

30. Our journey to food security and self-sufficiency is well underway. We have made remarkable progress in almost all segments of the agriculture value chain, from fertilizers to rice, to animal feed production. We shall sustain these policies to ensure additional investments are channeled, thereby creating more jobs in the sector. We must not go back to the days of importing food and thereby exporting jobs.

31. Our commitment to achieving macroeconomic stability and economic diversification, has been underscored by the merger of the Ministry of Finance with the Ministry of Budget and National Planning.

32. This combined Ministry has the important mandate to enhance the management of domestic and global fiscal risks; coordinate policies with the trade and monetary authorities; raise and deploy revenues to fund budgeted expenditure; and integrate annual budgets and medium-term fiscal strategies.

33. With this, our revenue-generating and reporting agencies will come under much greater scrutiny, going forward, as the new performance management framework will reward exceptional revenue performance, while severe consequences will attend failures to achieve agreed revenue targets.

34. I recently constituted an Economic Advisory Council to advise me on inclusive and sustainable macroeconomic, fiscal and monetary policies. This independent body will work with relevant Cabinet members and the heads of key monetary, fiscal and trade agencies to ensure we remain on track as we strive for collective prosperity. However, we are also committed to ensure that the inconvenience associated with any painful policy adjustments, is moderated, such that the poor and the vulnerable, who are most at risk, do not bear the brunt.

35. Our ongoing N500 billion Special Intervention Programme continues to target these vulnerable groups, through the Home-grown School Feeding Programme, Government Economic Empowerment Programme, N-Power Job Creation Programme, loans for traders and artisans, Conditional Cash Transfers to the poorest families and social housing scheme.

36. To institutionalize these impactful programmes, we created the Ministry for Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development which shall consolidate and build on our achievements to date. To the beneficiaries of these programmes, I want to reassure you that our commitment to social inclusion will only increase.

37. Our population growth rate remains amongst the highest in the world, presenting both challenges as well as opportunities. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that we provide adequate resources to meet the basic needs of our teeming youth.

38. Accordingly, we shall continue to invest in education, health, water and sanitation, as well as food security, to ensure that their basic needs are met, while providing them with every opportunity to live peaceful, prosperous and productive lives.

FIGHTING CORRUPTION AND RESTORING GOOD GOVERNANCE:
39. On fighting corruption, our institutional reforms to enforce the Treasury Single Account policy, introduce the Whistle-blowers’ Initiative, expand the coverage of the Integrated Payroll Personnel and Information System as well as the Government Integrated Management Information System have saved billions of Naira over the last four years, and deterred the rampant theft and mismanagement of public funds that have plagued our public service.

40. The Ministry of Justice, the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission will continue to address this menace. We are determined to ensure that transparency and good governance are institutionalized in public service.

41. We must commit to installing a culture of Good Governance in all we do. This Administration has fought against corruption, by investigating and prosecuting those accused of embezzlement and the misuse of public resources. We have empowered teams of prosecutors, assembled detailed databases of evidence, traced the proceeds of crimes and accelerated the recovery of stolen funds.

42. Furthermore, we partnered with our friends abroad to combat tax evasion, smuggling, terrorism and illicit financial flows. In June 2018, I assented to the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act, to provide a domestic legal framework for obtaining international assistance in criminal matters.

43. This measure has already strengthened our law enforcement agencies in obtaining evidence, investigating suspects and facilitating the recovery, forfeiture and confiscation of property implicated as proceeds of crime.

44. An example is the US$300 million recently identified as part of the Abacha money-laundering case, working closely with the Government of the United States of America. The Federal Ministry of Justice is working with the US Department of Justice to conclude a Memorandum of Understanding to expedite the repatriation of these funds.

45. The P & ID Arbitral Award has underscored the manner in which significant economic damage has been caused by the past activities of a few corrupt and unpatriotic Nigerians.

46. The policies that we are putting in place today are to ensure such criminal and unpatriotic acts do not go without consequences. Our renewed partnership with the 9th National Assembly will facilitate the swift passage of enabling laws that will institutionalize these anti-corruption efforts in our criminal justice system.

47. In this connection, I call upon our States to intensify their own efforts to instill greater fiscal transparency and accountability. And to ensure greater fiscal efficiency and optimum use of our very scarce resources.

48. The blight of Corruption is fighting back. Nevertheless, this is a battle that we shall see through and this is a war, which we shall win by the Grace of God.

49. I will also call upon all Nigerians, from every walk of life, to combat Corruption at every turn. By choosing to question and confront corrupt practices, by reporting unethical practices or through whistleblowing. Together, we can overcome corruption and will no longer be a country defined by corruption.

50. Fellow Nigerians, let me reiterate my call for unity across our dear nation.

51. Nigeria will emerge from our present challenges stronger and more resilient than ever – but only if all of us join hands to entrench Good Governance, foster Inclusive Economic Development, and defend and protect our Nation from all those who would wish us ill.

52. I thank you most sincerely and wish you a happy independence anniversary. 53. May God bless you all, and may He continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria


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BREAKING I "Okorocha Didn't Handover To Ihedioha" ---- Duru

The Principal Secretary to Chief Rochas Okorocha, the immediate past Governor of Imo State, Mr. Emeka Duru had publicly disclosed that the earstwhile governor never handed over to the current government led by Chief Emeka Ihedioha.



According to our correspondent, Mr. Duru unequivocally stated this during the swearing-in ceremony conducted for the newly appointed aides of the new Executive Governor at the Sam Mbakwe Expanded ExCo Chamber, Government House, Owerri on Monday, 3rd June 2019.

It would however be recalled that the Okorocha claimed that he was leaving a total sum 42.5 billion naira in the government coffers as his take-off funds and equally informed Imolites that a formal handover had been conducted, before he left the office as the number one citizen of the State.

Governor Ihedioha had, therefore, directed the Head of Service of the State, Mrs. Ama Eluwa and the said Principal Secretary to ensure proper handover of documents and government properties from all outgoing/outgone heads of government Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) as well as all aides of the former governor within 24 hours of the directive.

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BREAKING I Ihedioha Swears in Onyeaguocha as SGI, five Others

Governor Emeka Ihedioha has graciously sworn in Chief Uche Onyeaguocha as the Secretary to the Government of Imo State(SGI) at the Government House in Owerri on 3rd June 2019.



Onyeagucha, a lawyer and an indigene of Owerri-West Local GOvernment Area (LGA) of the State, studied at the University of Calabar (UniCal) as well as Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST)where he graduated with degrees in History and Law, respectively.

He represented Owerri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives between 2003 and 2007 and has previously held the position of Special Adviser on Policy and Strategic Matters to the immediate past governor of the State, Rochas Okorocha.

Governor Ihedioha equally sworn in Chief Chris Okewulonu as the Chief Of Staff (COS) to the Governor.

Okewulonu, who was the Chairman of the Inauguration Committee of the Ihedioha-led government, is also a legal practitioner by training. He has reportedly held key positions of trust in government.

He had served as a member of the Imo House of Assembly, Commissioner in the state, as well as Secretary to the Imo State Government, respectively.

He was later appointed the Federal Commissioner, representing the South East in Fiscal Responsibility Commission, Abuja.

He was the Director-General of Ihedioha Campaign Organisation (2013 2015) and hails from Obowo LGA of the state.

The Governor equally sworn in Mr. Chima Nwana as the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor.

Nwana is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC), Maritime Law Consultant, Chartered Mediator, and governance expert.

He has diverse public service experience, previously serving variously as Special Assistant to the Federal Ministers of Commerce and Industry as well as Employment, Labour and Productivity.

He has also been a member of key Federal Government committees, including Presidential Committee on Maritime Security and Ministerial Committee on National Transport Commission.

Similarly, Mr. Chinemerem Madu was decorated as the Governor's Chief of Protocols.

Madu, holds a B.Sc. and MBA degrees from the University of Lagos and became Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ezinihitte LGA in 2009.

In the same vein, Mr. Steve Osuji and Chibuike Onyeukwu, who were the first set of appointtees of the governor, were respectively inaugurated as SA, Media and Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.

In his speech, the Governor who wished them well in their various consignments, was optimistic that the appointees would bring their vast experiences to bear in their respective positions.


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BreakingNews I Traditional Marriage Invitation

#PresidentialPoll: APC Wins PDP With 170,800 Margin @Kwara

The statistics as collated and announced by the Vice-Chancellor of FUTMinna are as follows:
APC - 308,984
PDP - 138184
Cast votes - 486,254
Rejected votes - 36578
Valid votes - 449,676

#PresidentialPoll: PDP Wins APC With 107,773 Margin @FCT

Statistics of the results as were collated and announced by the Vice -Chancellor of the University of Lafia, are as follows:

APC - 152, 224
PDP - 259,997
Votes rejected - 67,457
Votes cast - 451,408
Votes valid - 383951

#PresidentialPoll APC Wins PDP With 10,257 Margin @Osun

At Osun State the statistics of the results as was collated by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UniLag) are as follows:

APC - 347,634
PDP - 337,377
Total votes cast - 731,882
Total votes rejected - 17,200
Total valid votes - 714682

However, the INEC boss Prof. Mahmood Yakubu has instructed stakeholders to reconvene at 2:30pm on Monday, 25th February 2019.

Stay tuned to Rostrum365 for the bit to bit reportage.

#PresidentialPoll: APC Wins PDP with 68,199 Margin at Ekiti

In the ongoing results collation at the national Result Collation Centre, Abuja, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has won the People's Democratic Party (PDP) at Ekiti State by polling a total votes of 219,231. Find the statistics below:

APC - 219,231
PDP - 151,032
Total Votes cast - 393,709
Total rejected votes - 12,577
Total valid votes - 381,132

BREAKING: Buhari Appoints Adamu Mohammed Acting IGP As Idris Bows Out

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Adamu Mohammed, a former commissioner of police in Enugu state, as acting Inspector General of Police (IGP).

The new IGP before his appointment was serving at the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, near Jos.

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The Acting IGP Mohammed, who hails from Nasarawa state, was “transferred out of relevance”.

Mohammed was a deputy commissioner of police in Ekiti state and had served at the Interpol before he rose to the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG).

His appointment will douse the tension surrounding the tenure elongation of Ibrahim Idris, outgoing IGP.


There had been reports on the plots to extend Idris’ tenure but opposition parties kicked against it.

Idris will retire on today after reaching 60 years as he born on January 15, 1959 and after completing the mandatory 35 years in service.

BREAKING: Shehu Shagari Dies at 93

The Nigeria's second civilian president, Chief Shehu Shagari, whose civilian tenure was sandwiched between two military rulers in an era rocked by coups, has passed on at the age of 93.

Nigeria's current President Muhammadu Buhari, who unseated Shagari 35 years ago, said on Saturday, 29th December 2018, he mourns "the departure of a patriot, who served Nigeria with humility, integrity and diligence."

Chief Shagari's grandson, Mr. Bello Shagari in a Twitter post said, he died on Friday, 28th December 2018 in Abuja, the Nigeria's capital city after a brief illness.

Chief Shagari had an ambivalent relationship with the military, which initially favored his ascension to power but held him in solitary confinement for three years after toppling his government.

After military ruler Olusegun Obasanjo lifted the ban on political activity in Africa's most populous nation in 1978, Shagari beat regional political veterans in a hotly contested election the next year. The polls followed 13 years of military rule by four different men.

At his swearing-in ceremony, Chief Shagari said the military had "succeeded in large measure in unifying us."

It had been less than 20 years since the West African powerhouse had earned its independence from British rule, and it struggled to forge national unity within the colonial borders which tied some 250 ethnic groups together.

Those years saw a civil war, a toppled civilian government and a series of military administrations including that of Gen. Yakubu "Jack" Gowon, in which Shagari served as a civilian finance minister.

Shagari is said to have been the first boy to go to school in his northern village of Shagari in the northeastern state of Sokoto. He started out as a science teacher before entering politics. From 1954-1966 he was a member of the House of Representatives and later held a variety of ministerial posts under both civilian and military governments.

Even though the military had voluntarily paved the way for democratic rule, the threat of its interference loomed over Shagari's time in office.

The oil-rich nation's economy suffered from a sharp drop in global crude oil prices, fueling discontent. On Dec. 29, 1983, Shagari announced austerity measures in a country already suffering from high unemployment rates and general disillusionment after the oil boom of the '70s.

Chief Shagari's administration also was marred by corruption scandals. Even though the public considered him to be honest, his inability to rein in his government's avarice was sharply criticized.

On New Year's Eve in 1983, a group of military plotters toppled his government, describing Shagari's administration as "inept and corrupt." Buhari, then a military officer, took over the nation.

Chief Shagari, who had been elected a few months earlier, seemed to have seen it coming.

"My greatest concern is that democracy survives in Nigeria," he told a biographer just before the coup.

It was not until Buhari returned to the presidency in 2015 that Nigeria saw the first peaceful transfer of power from one party to another.

BREAKING: Buhari Presents 2019 Appropriation Bill Today at NASS

Amidst all uncertainties owing to the ongoing warning industrial action of the National Assembly (NASS) Chapter of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), it is now clear that the President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari will present the 2019 Appropriation Bill to the Joint Session of the NASS today being 19th, December 2018 as earlier requested by the Presidency.

The Money Bill is expected to be presented at about 11:00am.

The members of the both Chambers of the NASS comprising the Federal House of Representatives and the Senate are required to be present at the event.

Rostrum gathered from the insiders that the money bill is expected to worth about N8.7trn.

Rostrum365 promises to give you up-to date report as the occasion unfolds.

It would be recalled that the members of NASS Chapter of the PASAN embarked on a 4-day warning strike on Monday, 17th December 2018 in a bid to press home their working incentives that have reportedly been kept on hold. But the leadership of the union has announced that the president would not be prevented from presenting the appropriation bill as proposed.

BREAKING: US' Interior Secretary, Zinke Steps Down Amidst Ethics Violations

Mr. Ryan Zinke would be leaving President Donald Trump’s White House administration amid pressure to step down from the Interior Department over allegations of ethics violations.

It was originally believed the United States' (US') Secretary of Interior would announce the decision on Wednesday, 19th December 2018 but in the morning of Saturday, 15th December 2018, the president tweeted: “Secretary of the Interior @RyanZinke will be leaving the Administration at the end of the year after having served for a period of almost two years.

“Ryan has accomplished much during his tenure and I want to thank him for his service to our Nation.”



The move arrived amidst vows from Democrats to launch numerous ethics probes, which would have resulted in costly legal fees for Mr. Zinke – a factor in his decision to resign from the department, Bloomberg reported.

President Trump also tweeted that a decision about his replacement would be announced next week.

Mr. Zinke, a former Republican congressman from Montana, is leaving his post weeks before Democrats take control of the House, a shift in power that promised to intensify probes into his conduct.

It would be recalled that He played a leading part in the president’s efforts to roll back environmental regulations and promote domestic energy development.

It's noteworthy that his departure comes amid a staff shake-up as Mr. Trump heads into his third year in office. The president on Friday, December 14, 2018 named Budget Director, Mr. Mick Mulvaney as new Chief of Staff, replacing Mr. John Kelly who would be leaving his post by the new year come 2019.

The interior secretary previously declared this year he was “100 per cent confident”, hence no wrongdoing would be found in the pending investigations against him.

Mr. Zinke faces a number of probes by federal investigators, including one involving dealings between a foundation he created and the chairman of an energy company.

“I’m 100 percent confident that every investigation will always end up in the same conclusion, which is that I follow all rules, procedures and, most importantly, the law,” Mr Zinke said in a November interview. “I have no desire to leave. I know I’m effective and doing the right thing.

JUST IN: Buhari Sets Up Committee On States' Legislature, Judiciary Autonomy

President Muhammadu Buhari has constituted an implementation committee on Autonomy of state legislature and state judiciary.

Femi Adesina, spokesman to the president disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, 9th December 2018.

He said the committee would drive the actualization of the autonomy granted to the legislature and judiciary at the state level.

According to the report, the committee would be chaired by Abubakar Malami, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and has representatives of state judiciary, such as N Ajanah, chief judge of Kogi state, and K Abiri, chief judge of Bayelsa state.

Other members are Khadi Abdullahi Maikano Usman, Grand Khadi, Gombe state sharia court of appeal, and Abbazih Musa Sadeeq, acting president of the FCT customary court of appeal.

Also represented on the committee are speakers of state houses of Assembly, and the Nigerian Bar Association, among others.

Adesina said the committee will monitor and ensure the implementation of financial autonomy across the judiciary and legislature of the 36 states.

The presidential aide said the committee would be inaugurated in due course.

BREAKING: Again, Buhari Declines Assent to Amended Electoral Act Bill

President Muhammadu Buhari has once again formally declined assent to the Electoral Act Bill as was newly amended by the National Assembly (NASS).

In a letter to both chambers of the NASS, President Buhari said passing a new bill with elections close by could ‘create some uncertainty about the legislation to govern the process.’

He also highlighted some parts of the bill that he said need legislative action.

Many politicians, including leaders of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had called on the president to assent to the bill.

A hint to President Buhari’s decision to withhold assent to the bill was first given by his aide on NASS Matters (Senate), Sen. Ita Enang, who said earlier on Friday, 7th December 2018 that the president had sent the bill back to parliament.

The president had declined assent to the bill in previous times, citing “drafting issues.”

Senate Leader Ahmed Lawan last week said Mr Buhari should take time to study the bill and take a decision he is comfortable with.

It would be recalled that President Buhari had first in March this year withheld assent to the bill with reasons that the proposed law would usurp the constitutional powers of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to decide on election matters, including fixing dates and election order.

However, after a second communication from the NASS, the president again in September, 2018 declined to assent to the bill.

The letter stated among other reasons the legislative encumbrance such new act may pose for the 2019 elections which are a little over two months away.

Such encumbrance Buhari said may create room for ‘disruption’ and ‘confusion’ during the 2019 elections.

“Pursuant to section 58 (4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, I hereby convey to the House of Representatives my decision on 6th December 2018 to decline presidential assent to the Electoral (Amendment) Bill, 2018 recently passed by the National Assembly.

“I am declining assent to the Bill principally because I am concerned that passing a new electoral bill this far into the electoral process for the 2018 general elections which commenced under the 2015 Electoral Act, could create some uncertainty about the applicable legislation to govern the process. Any real or apparent change to the rules this close to the elections may provide an opportunity for disruption and confusion in respect of which law governs the electoral process.”

President Buhari was referring to 2019 General Elections just about 72 days away.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed presidential and National Assembly elections for February 16, 2019, while governorship and state assembly elections will hold two weeks after on March 2.

Noting that his decision was taken ‘in the best interest of the country and our democracy,’ President Buhari wants the National Assembly to ‘specifically state in the Bill that the Electoral Act will come into effect commencing after the 2019 General Elections.’

Asides election concerns, President Buhari also noted some legislative amendments the bill requires.

“It is also important for the following drafting amendments to be made to the Bill:

a. Section 5 of the Bill, amending section 18 of the Principal Act should indicate the subsection to which the substitution of figure “30” for figure “60” is to be effected.

b. Section 11 of the Bill, amending Section 36 should indicate the subsection in which proviso (provision) is to be introduced.

c. Section 24 of the Bill which amends Section 85 (1) should be drafted in full as the introduction of “electing” to the sentence may be interpreted to mean that political parties may give 21 days’ notice of the intention to merge as opposed to the 90 days provided in Section 84 (2) of the Electoral Act which provides the provision for merger of political parties.

d. The definition of the term “Ward Collection Officer” should be revised to reflect a more descriptive definition than the capitalized and undefined term “Registration Area Collation Officer”

The latest decline makes it the third time Mr Buhari withheld his assent to the electoral bill.

Prior to the decline, opposition and critics of the government have accused him of withholding his assent due to his fear of legalising the use of card readers for elections

INEC has been using the card reader for recent elections but the machine is yet to be incorporated into the country’s electoral law.

It's noteworthy that the NASS is yet to react to this latest development.

SAD: OPC Founder, Frederick Fasehun Dies @83

The Founder of the revered Yoruba socio-political organization Oodua Poeple's Congress (OPC), Dr. Frederick Fasehun has passed on at the age of 83.

The OPC, the Yoruba socio-cultural body known as Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE), and the lawmaker representing Lagos West in the National Assembly, Senator Olamilekan Solomon Adeola have mourned the deceased who was also the National Chairman of Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), Dr. Fasehun, who died in the morning of 1st December 2018.

In separate condolence statements, the groups and the senator described Fasehun’s death as a great loss to Nigeria and the Yoruba race especially.

They also lamented that one of the foremost agitators for Nigeria’s return to true federalism, since the military aborted the First Republic through a bloody coup in 1966, had again died without the hope of restructuring realised.

Spokesman of Afenifere, Mr. Yinka Odumakin said: “The famous medical doctor and founder of OPC was a dogged fighter, who played pivotal role, particularly in the resistance to the annulment of June 12 1993 elections and generally in all struggles for emancipation in his lifetime.

“His death at this crucial time in the life of our country was a big blow to the struggle he devoted most of his adult life to. As we cannot question God for taking him when it pleased Him, we pray that his soul will find a comforting testing place.”

Dr. Kunle Olajide, who spoke for YCE, said Nigeria has lost another irreplaceable political, social and intellectual giant.

He said: “One wouldn’t have imagined that Nigeria and the Yoruba race especially would lose a great gem at this crucial state of the nation, when we are moving towards what appears to be an unforeseen circumstances and future that would require the experiences of sages like Fasehun to tackle.

“Dr. Fasehun was a nationalist to the core, who believed in true federalism and fought for it throughout his life. Unfortunately, Nigeria was not restructured as he would have wanted until his demise yesterday.”

The YCE scribe, however, said the only good Nigerians could do to remember Fasehun’s memory was to use the next general election to elect someone with a true agenda and vision to restructure Nigeria.

The Aare Ona Kakanfo, Chief (Dr.) Gani Adams, who is also the national coordinator of OPC, said Fasehun left behind a worthy legacy.

“It was with shock that I received the sad news of the passing of our Papa and founding father of OPC,” he said. “This, no doubt, is a moment of great grief for the entire OPC family, Yoruba nation, Nigeria and the world at large. But it is also clear that the deep sense of loss over the demise of our beloved leader is shared by many like me. I hasten, therefore, to address this statement to commiserate with the immediate family over this painful bereavement.

“Papa Fasehun in his life time made outstanding contributions to the nation’s progress in many capacities, and no doubt left behind a worthy legacy through his careers as a renowned medical doctors and politician, among others.

“He exhibited very good leadership qualities, wisdom and wealth of experience, which he indeed put to use in the discharge of his responsibility, as well as upholding the institution’s tradition of excellence, while alive.”

Meanwhile, Senator Adeola, in a condolence message signed by his Spokesman, Kayode Odunaro, said the OPC founder stood for truth and also fought for human rights throughout his life.

The chairman of Senate Committee on Local Content said his senatorial district had lost a prominent Nigerian, who stood for truth and fought for the rights of his people in Nigerian federation. His role in the fight to enthrone democracy against military rule in Nigeria remains indelible in history.

In another condolence message, former Deputy National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George described Fasehun as a quintessential embodiment of principled and unswerving advocate of protecting the weak and defending the trampled.

He said: “He was a Yoruba Elder with complete attributes of the Omoluabi culture. But he was also a Nigerian patriot, who fought for justice, truth and democratic ethos. He was a restless and fearless activist, who lived a simple and incorruptible life, pursuing his mission with balanced commitment, with the purity of affection and with a broad nobility of character.”

Meanwhile, Pro National Conference Organisation (PRONACO) said it received the news in shock.

A statement signed by Wale Okunniyi said: “To us, another unfortunate political vacuum has been created in Nigeria by the sudden demise of a Yoruba nationalist, Dr. Fasehun. However, we take consolation in the fact that posterity, in our humble estimation, shall be kind to him, notwithstanding his latter days political challenges, for rising up to lead millions of Nigerians and Pro democracy activists in association with other compatriots to confront military autocracy in Nigeria, when it was most dangerous to do so.”

Dr. Frederick Usiotan Fasehun was born on September 21, 1935 to the illustrious family of High Chief Columbus Akindojutimi Fasehun, the Lomofe of Ondo Kingdom, and before his demise, the High Chief Odunwo designate of Ondo Kingdom, and Madam Olakuojomu, a scion of the Jomu Warlord family of Ondo Kingdom.

He attended St Stephen’s Primary School, Ondo and Ondo Boys High School, Ondo. Dr. Fasehun also attended the University of Aberdeen, where he bagged his MB.ChB. He later became the first African to bag a PhD in the Chinese medicine of Acupuncture from the University of Nankin, China.

He was Nigeria’s foremost anaesthesiologist, the first to supervise a surgery without putting the patient to sleep at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital in 1977.

He was a Fellow of Royal College of Surgeon, Fellow of West African College of Surgeon, a teacher and mentor of many Professors of anesthesia. He was the author of ‘The Complete Book of Acupuncture.’

BREAKING: George Bush Passes On @94

The 41st President of the United States of America (USA), Mr. George Herbert Walker Bush died Friday, 30th November 2018 at the age of 94.

Former President George W. Bush, who happens to be the deceased son, released a statement saying for himself and his siblings, "Jeb, Neil, Marvin, Doro, and I are saddened to announce that after 94 remarkable years, our dear Dad has died."

"George H.W. Bush was a man of the highest character and the best dad a son or daughter could ask for," he said of the 41st president. "The entire Bush family is deeply grateful for 41's life and love, for the compassion of those who have cared and prayed for Dad, and for the condolences of our friends and fellow citizens."

George H.W. Bush's Wartime Experience Shaped His Approach To Politics

There were fears that after his wife, Barbara, died in April, Bush might die too. He was admitted to the hospital with a blood infection on April 23, one day after the funeral for the former first lady, and remained there for 13 days. He also spent time in the hospital in May and June, but lived to be the first former president to reach the age of 94.

Rostrum365 reliably gathered that Bush was the patriarch of a political dynasty that included one son who served as president, another as a governor and a grandson who currently holds statewide office in Texas.

President Ronald Reagan greets President-elect George H.W. Bush at the White House on Nov. 10, 1988.
Charles Tasnadi/AP

The senior Bush had a lifetime of public service before he became president — as a young Navy pilot in World War II, Texas congressman, CIA director and faithful vice president to Ronald Reagan.

"His loyalty to Ronald Reagan was legendary," said biographer Timothy Naftali. "He did not always agree with Ronald Reagan. And he was so secretive about those moments where he disagreed, we don't even have good documentation — at least not available yet — on when he disagreed."

Bush famously disagreed with Reagan when he ran against him in the Republican primary of 1980. Bush branded Reagan's supply-side faith that government could slash tax rates without losing revenue as "voodoo economic policy."
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History would prove that assessment right. Reagan later had to reverse some of his tax cuts in the face of mounting deficits. But by the time Bush ran to succeed Reagan, he knew what it took to win the confidence of conservative Republicans.

"Read my lips," Bush pledged at the 1988 GOP convention. "No new taxes."

Bush trounced Democrat Michael Dukakis that year to win the White House. But he ultimately backtracked on his lip-reading promise. During 1990 budget negotiations with Democratic congressional leaders, Bush, like Reagan before him, agreed to a tax increase.

Bush talks with Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev during a signing ceremony at the White House on June 1, 1990. Bush and Gorbachev signed the foundation of a treaty for the first-ever cuts in nuclear missiles and a pact to slash chemical weapon stockpiles.

His press secretary, Marlin Fitzwater, recalled a budget meeting where the deal was presented.

"The minute I saw it, I looked around the table and the Democrats looked like the cat who ate the canary," Fitzwater said. "They knew they had negotiated a winner."

The tax hike cut the deficit, but it cost Bush dearly with conservatives. Years later, he would receive a Profile in Courage award from John F. Kennedy's grandson, who said, "America's gain was President Bush's loss."

Bush's most notable accomplishments in the White House came in the area of foreign policy. While Reagan is often credited with winning the Cold War, it was Bush who successfully navigated the aftermath. His low-key approach avoided inflaming communist hard-liners and allowed for the peaceful breakup of the Soviet Union.

"The soft landing that occurred, which was not inevitable, is in large measure due to George H.W. Bush's diplomacy," said Naftali.

Bush, who served as U.S. envoy to China as well as a globe-trotting vice president, had a thick Rolodex and plenty of experience working the phones. His lifetime of foreign contacts also came in handy when Iraqi troops invaded Kuwait in 1990. Bush methodically assembled an international coalition to push them back.

Bush poses with soldiers during a stop at an air base in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, on Nov. 22, 1990.
J. Scott Applewhite/AP

A five-week bombing campaign was followed by a 100-hour ground assault that routed the Iraqis from Kuwait. Some wanted allied troops to push on to Baghdad and topple Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein. But Bush said no.

"The president's decision was we are not going on to Baghdad," the late diplomat Lawrence Eagleburger recalled. "If we do, we will have violated the agreement we have with our allies, which was to bring Saddam out of Kuwait. It was not to bring Saddam down. And in addition, it will tie us into an area where we cannot be sure how soon we can withdraw."

Bush with (from left) his son Neal Bush; wife, Barbara Bush; daughter-in-law Laura Bush; and son former President George W. Bush at a reception in honor of the Points of Light Institute at the White House on Jan. 7, 2009.
Ron Edmonds/AP

Bush's son George W. would revisit that decision a dozen years later, with costly results.

The first Gulf War was a clear victory for U.S. forces. As commander in chief, George H.W. Bush saw his approval ratings soar to nearly 90 percent. His lock on a second term seemed so solid that many national Democrats opted to sit out the 1992 election, leaving it to the governor of a small Southern state to challenge him.

Bill Clinton of Arkansas had one big advantage, though: the economy, stupid. As the country sank into recession, Bush's popularity sank with it. There was no parachute or soft landing this time. He lost a three-way race in the November election, carrying just 38 percent of the vote.

More than two decades later, George W. Bush, who experienced his own roller-coaster ride in the polls, wrote an affectionate portrait of his father, titled 43 on 41.

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"I want people to better appreciate George Bush, as not only a great person but a very successful president," the younger Bush said.

Bush was also the linchpin of a political dynasty that now spans four generations — including a second son, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who ran for the White House and lost in the 2016 Republican primaries as Donald Trump became the dominant force in a GOP that had evolved far from where it was when the 41st president was in office.

Whatever the senior Bush's political shortcomings, hindsight has cast his presidency in a kinder, gentler light.

President Trump praised George H.W. Bush on Twitter as someone who "led a long, successful and beautiful life."
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From 2014: George W. Bush On His Common Enemy With His Father, Saddam Hussein

"Whenever I was with him I saw his absolute joy for life and true pride in his family," Trump tweeted. "His accomplishments were great from beginning to end. He was a truly wonderful man and will be missed by all!"

The White House also issued a statement saying, "Melania and I join with a grieving Nation to mourn the loss of former President George H.W. Bush, who passed away last night."

The statement also referenced George H.W. Bush as a president who "guided our nation, and the world, to a peaceful and victorious conclusion of the Cold War."

Bush was the definition of establishment success: Yale graduate. Prosperous business career. Forty-first president of the United States.

But to one admittedly biased observer, the elder Bush has always been shortchanged.

"As a result of him being a one-term president, historians hadn't paid much attention to him," George W. Bush told NPR in a 2014 interview. He called his father "one of the greatest one-term presidents in the nation's history."

JUST IN: Buhari Leaves Abuja For Poland Over UN Summit

President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday, 1st December 2018 departed Abuja for Katowice, Poland where he is expected to attend the 24th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP24) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Rostrum365 gathered that the summit, which will take place between December 2 and 4, 2018, will be held at the International Conference Centre in Katowice, Poland.

According to the statement issued by the president's Special Adviser (SA) on Media, Mr. Femi Adesina, the organisers say the conference is expected to finalize the rules for the implementation of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change under the Paris Agreement Work Programme (PAWP) – the rule book for implementation.

President Buhari who will be in Poland till December 4, will join 29 heads of government to speak at the summit opening on Monday, 3rd December 2018.

He will deliver a national statement highlighting Nigeria’s commitment to addressing climate change by implementing the goals set out in its National Determined Contributions.


Also, the president will use the occasion to accentuate Nigeria’s willingness to work with international partners to reverse the negative effects of climate change in Africa and the world over, while expecting that developed nations scale up their emission reduction activities in order to limit the increase in average global temperatures to well below two degrees centigrade between now and 2020.

The Leaders’ Summit is expected to adopt a ‘‘Declaration on Solidarity and Just Transition Silesia,’’ – named after the region of Poland.

As a member of the Committee of the African Heads of State on Climate Change – a group of 10 African countries that meets and takes positions concerning issues of climate change on behalf of the continent – Nigeria has been at the forefront of advancing policies and initiatives aimed at addressing significant challenges occasioned by climate change such as reviving the Lake Chad, halting and reversing desertification, flooding, ocean surge and oil spillage.

President Buhari will continue to champion these pressing issues at COP24 in Katowice, among others, as well as reiterate Nigeria’s position on the need for African countries to access financial resources, especially the Green Climate Fund to draw up climate change adaptation policies and actions for implementation.

The Nigerian delegation will also showcase the policy measures and actions of the Federal Government at ensuring environmental sustainability and effectively combating climate change through several side events within the Nigerian pavilion.

While in Poland, President Buhari will hold an interactive session with the Nigerian community in the country.

He is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with the President of Poland Andrzej Duda and Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.

Accompanying him on the trip are Governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu, Yahaya Bello of Kogi and Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger.

Others on his entourage include the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, the Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu, and the Minister of State for Environment, Ibrahim Jibrin.

OSUN: Aregbesola Out, Oyetola In

Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola was on Tuesday, 27th November 2018 graciously sworn in as the governor of Osun State of Nigeria in the West African region.

Mr. Oyetola, who won the September 22 governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) took the oath of office at the Osogbo City Stadium in the state capital.

The Chief Judge of the State, Oyobola Adepele-Ojo, administered the oath of office on Mr. Oyetola at about 1:02 pm.

It's noteworthy that his deputy, Benedict Alabi equally took the oath of office at about 12:55 pm.

Mr. Oyetola took over from Mr. Rauf Aregbesola who came into power on November 27, 2010.

Mr. Aregbesola came to power after the Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan sacked his predecessor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola who had spent three and a half years of his second term in office.



In his goodwill message, President Muhammadu Buhari urged Mr. Oyetola to rule with a human face and with the fear of God.

The president represented by Boss Mustapha, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) also enjoined the new governor to be a governor for all.

Mr. Buhari said the peaceful transition from one government to another was a demonstration that Nigeria democracy had matured.

The president commended the people of the state for conducting themselves peacefully during the governorship election in spite of the hitches, adding that the victory was for the people.

Mr. Buhari also commended Mr. Aregbesola for steering the ship of the state in the right direction in the last eight years and for handing over power to another APC governor.

The president went further to disclose that the Federal Government (FG) of Nigeria was committed to the completion of various infrastructure projects in the state.

He said the FG had supported the state in the area of health, housing, water, economy and education.

Also speaking, Bola Tinubu, a national leader of the ruling APC, commended the outgone governor Mr. Aregbesola for his achievements while in office.

He said “Aregbesola earned a progressive mandate for eight years, developed progressive programmes and handed over to another progressive governor.

“This is not a mere achievement, and we pledge our total support, both of us in office or out of office for the continuity of the progressive government established by President Muhammadu Buhari.

“And we are not going back to greed, selfishness, and corruption that held back our progress.”

Mr. Tinubu, however, urged Mr. Oyetola to embark on the same path that gave him the honour to become the governor, adding that the party was solidly behind him.

In his speech, the new governor said his administration marked a new beginning in the state. He said he would ensure that the people of the state felt positive effects of the progressive government in the state.

He also said that his administration would ensure prompt payment of workers’ salaries.

Mr. Oyetola also disclosed that he would increase the revenue base, job creation, boost agriculture and food security as well as accessible education and health.

While thanking President Buhari for his support for the state and the party, Mr. Oyetola stated that Osun State was ready for the “next level”.

He further promised to deliver Osun for the president in 2019.

“My administration will promote growth, job creation, social protection and upgrade the standard of living of the people,’’ Oyetola said.

Mr Oyetola, a former Chief of Staff to Mr Aregbesola for eight years, is a native of Iragbiji in Boripe Local Government Area of the state.

Born on September 29, 1954, Mr Oyetola bagged Bachelor of Science degree in Insurance in 1978 from the University of Lagos, and a Master of Business Administration in 1999 at the same University.

Rostrum365 political crew gathered that Mr. Oyetola, a native of Iragbiji, defeated the candidate of People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Ademola Adeleke during the governorship election.

It further learnt that Mr Oyetola scored 255,505 votes to defeat Mr Adeleke, who polled 255, 023 votes. Mr Adeleke is currently in court to challenge the polls which were marred by widespread irregularities.

The journey of Mr Oyetola to the governorship seat started on July 20, 2018 when he won the party’s governorship ticket.

He scored 127,017 votes to defeat other 16 aspirants in the APC who participated in the direct primary held in Osogbo.

Rostrum365 equally gathered that the APC governors at the event were Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos, Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo, Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano, Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti, Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo, and Yayaha Bello of Kogi.

Also present were Adams Oshiomole, the APC National Chairman of the APC; Bola Tinubu, a National Leader of the party, and his wife, Oluremi Tinubu; Olusegun Osoba, a former Ogun State governor; Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Alafin of Oyo, Lamidi Adeyemi; among many others.

Congratulations, Mr. Oyetola!