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President Tinubu Addresses 78th UNGA, Calls for Equitable Global Partnerships and Resource Respect

by Quicktell News
written by Quicktell News

Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, took the global stage on Tuesday as he addressed world leaders at the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

In his inaugural speech, President Tinubu, also the Chairman of the Authorities of Heads of States of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), spoke on behalf of Nigeria and the entire African continent.

The theme of the event, “Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress, and sustainability for all,” provided the backdrop for President Tinubu’s address.

In his speech, President Tinubu expressed the readiness of Nigeria and other African nations to engage with genuine foreign partners who are willing to collaborate on an equitable basis. He emphasized the importance of respecting the will of Africans and putting an end to the exploitation of the continent’s resources by more economically powerful nations and corporations.

President Tinubu stated, “The question is not whether Nigeria is open for business. The question is how much of the world is truly open to doing business with Nigeria and Africa in an equal, mutually beneficial manner.”

He highlighted key areas of cooperation sought by African nations, including direct investment in critical industries, opening up of ports to accommodate a wider range and larger quantity of African exports, and meaningful debt relief. These measures, President Tinubu asserted, are essential components of the collaborative efforts African nations are eager to engage in to achieve mutual prosperity and progress.

The president’s address at the UNGA underscored the importance of equitable partnerships and respect for African nations’ sovereignty and resources on the global stage. It also signaled a call to action for the international community to work together towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals while fostering peace and sustainability for all.

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Special Features

Egypt Air Addresses The Tragic Passing Of Nigerian Passenger En Route To London

by ONUAH YVONNE
written by ONUAH YVONNE

In a somber turn of events, Egypt Air has responded to the untimely death of a young Nigerian woman identified as Remilekun Toyosi Meshioye during her journey aboard an Egypt Air flight bound for London, United Kingdom.

According to reports, Remilekun embarked on her journey from Nigeria to London aboard Egypt Air MS 876 flight, with a layover in Cairo, departing from the Murtala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos. Tragically, it was during this flight that the young lady passed away, and the airline purportedly offloaded her remains in Cairo, the capital of Egypt.

In response to this unfortunate incident, Egypt Air issued an official statement on Friday, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the passenger’s journey and her tragic demise. The airline clarified that the passenger’s intended route was from Lagos to London via Cairo on September 4, 2023, the date of her untimely death.

The airline’s statement reads as follows: “Upon the passenger’s arrival at the transit area, she reported feeling unwell. Subsequently, the airport’s quarantine department was promptly summoned to assess her condition, determining that she required immediate hospitalization.”

Continuing, the statement added, “Airport authorities duly cleared and stamped her entry into the country, after which she was promptly transferred to a local hospital for necessary medical attention. In accordance with protocol, the Nigerian Embassy in Cairo was immediately informed of the situation, with Tarek from the public relations department acting as the point of contact.”

The airline went on to note, “Further details and the subsequent procedures for repatriating the deceased passenger’s body will be coordinated through the Nigerian Embassy in Cairo.”

This tragic incident serves as a poignant reminder of the uncertainties that can sometimes accompany air travel, with Egypt Air and relevant authorities taking the necessary steps to handle the situation with care and professionalism. The airline expresses its condolences to the family and loved ones of Remilekun Toyosi Meshioye during this difficult time, while efforts continue to ensure the respectful and proper handling of her remains in coordination with the Nigerian Embassy in Cairo.

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Special Features

Nigerian Diplomatic Missions Worldwide Grapple With Financial Crisis Due To Delayed Government Funding

by VIVIAN JENSEN
written by VIVIAN JENSEN

In a concerning development, 109 Nigerian Diplomatic Missions around the globe are currently facing severe financial challenges. The root cause of this crisis is the Federal Government’s failure to disburse their overhead allocation for the second quarter of the year, a disbursement that was due since June.

These missions, comprising 97 Embassies and 12 Consulates, are now struggling to meet their financial obligations to their staff members and local contractors.

Sources from within some of these embassies have disclosed that mounting financial pressures are taking a toll. Unpaid bills for essential services like electricity, water, and sanitation are piling up, jeopardizing the functioning of these missions.

Reports indicate that staff members stationed in Europe, Asia, and other regions are sending distress signals to their counterparts at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Abuja. The situation has escalated to the point where some diplomats face the threat of eviction from their rented accommodations.

One Foreign Service officer (FSO) revealed that the Federal Government has yet to release the capital vote for his mission. This has placed staff members in precarious situations, as they risk eviction due to unpaid rents. Some missions have opted to provide funds directly to their staff for rent and children’s tuition fees, but this crucial support has been delayed due to the government’s failure to disburse the funds.

The FSO, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, explained the challenges, saying, “Staff accommodation rent and their children’s tuition were meant to be paid from the overhead vote, but this has not been done because the government has failed to release the money.” He further revealed that some staff members had to borrow money from friends and family in Nigeria to avoid eviction, as they had already issued post-dated rent cheques.

Furthermore, it has come to light that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) released $270,000 for personnel overhead to a mission in Asia for the period from January to June. However, the mission received only $164,000 for the second half of the year, representing a 41% reduction. The reasons for this shortfall have not been officially disclosed, but speculation suggests it may be linked to exchange rate fluctuations.

An official from the ministry expressed concerns about the inadequacy of funding for Nigerian Missions, stating, “The truth remains that Nigerian Missions are not properly funded, but even the gross inadequate funds provided in the 2023 Budget are now affected by the new exchange rate policy of floating the naira introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria.”

This crisis has significant implications for the financial well-being and reputation of Nigerian diplomatic missions. With insufficient funds, embassies and consulates abroad may struggle to pay salaries, entitlements, and obligations to locally recruited staff members and contractors. Additionally, they may face difficulties in covering rent, school fees for staff members’ children, as well as utility bills such as electricity, water, telephone, and security.

In response to the inadequate overhead allocation, some missions have been forced to allocate personnel funds towards staff accommodation and education costs, further exacerbating their financial strain.

The situation calls for urgent attention and action from the Nigerian government to prevent further financial embarrassment to its diplomatic missions and protect the country’s image on the international stage.

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Special Features

Peter Obi To Challenge Election Outcome At Supreme Court

by Quicktell News
written by Quicktell News

In the aftermath of the recent Presidential Election Petition Tribunal’s decision, Peter Obi, the candidate representing the Labour Party in the 2023 presidential election, has declared his intention to contest the outcome of the election at the Supreme Court.

Obi expressed his determination to seek justice after his petition against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was dismissed by the tribunal.

The presidential tribunal rendered its verdict on Wednesday, September 6, wherein it dismissed Obi’s petition and upheld the declaration made by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding the February 25 election results. In his petition, Obi had vigorously pursued a declaration of victory for himself while also seeking Tinubu’s disqualification on various grounds, all of which were ultimately rejected by the tribunal.

In a press conference held in Onitsha, Anambra State, on Thursday, Peter Obi made it clear that he would not back down in his pursuit of justice. The former Governor affirmed his determination to appeal the tribunal’s decision, indicating that his quest for fairness and transparency in the electoral process remained unwavering.

The stage is now set for what promises to be a significant legal battle as Peter Obi takes his case to the nation’s highest court, the Supreme Court, in his continued efforts to challenge the victory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election.

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Vice President Kashim Shettima Represents President Tinubu at Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal

by ONUAH YVONNE
written by ONUAH YVONNE

Vice President Kashim Shettima arrived at the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) today, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is currently in New Delhi, India, attending the G20 Summit.

As the tribunal gears up to make a pivotal ruling on the petitions challenging the declaration of President Tinubu as the winner of the February 25 presidential election, Vice President Shettima made his presence felt. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had initially declared President Tinubu, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the victor in the closely watched election.

However, this outcome faced legal opposition as both Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, who were presidential candidates of the Labour Party (LP) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), respectively, contested the results in court.

The atmosphere outside the Court of Appeal premises was charged with enthusiasm as supporters of President Tinubu, organized under the banner “Niger Delta for Tinubu,” gathered to show their unwavering support for the incumbent president.

Vice President Shettima’s presence added a new layer of intrigue to the proceedings, drawing attention not only from the legal community but also from political observers across the nation. His representation of President Tinubu, who is currently abroad, underscores the significance of this tribunal ruling in the nation’s political landscape.

The Nigerian populace now waits with bated breath for the tribunal’s decision, which is poised to have far-reaching implications for the country’s political future. As the proceedings unfold, the eyes of the nation remain fixed on the outcome of this pivotal moment in Nigeria’s electoral history.

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Special Features

Seven Ministers Whose Unexpected Portfolios Under President Tinubu Have Taken Nigerians by Surprise

by ONUAH YVONNE
written by ONUAH YVONNE

In a recent move that caught many Nigerians off guard, President Bola Tinubu has unveiled his list of ministerial nominees, along with the surprising portfolios he has assigned to them. The appointments have sparked speculation and discussion across the nation as to the motivations behind these choices and the potential implications for their respective ministries.

One notable nomination is that of Adedayo Adelabu, a seasoned banking and finance professional with a wealth of experience at the Central Bank of Nigeria. Many anticipated that Adelabu’s background made him a suitable candidate for the Ministry of Finance or Trade and Investment. However, to the surprise of many, President Tinubu has appointed him as the incoming Minister of Power. This unexpected decision has left experts and citizens alike curious about the potential changes Adelabu might bring to the power sector.

Another eyebrow-raising selection is Dele Alake, a veteran journalist who served as Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Lagos State during Tinubu’s gubernatorial tenure. Given his extensive experience in the field of information management, it seemed logical for Alake to be placed in charge of the Ministry of Information. Instead, he has been tasked with overseeing the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development. This unanticipated move has led to widespread speculation about the President’s motivations and expectations for this ministry’s future trajectory.

Lola Ade-John, a seasoned Information and Technology expert with a background in the banking industry, also found herself in an unexpected role. Despite the Senate’s probing questions tailored toward banking and information technology during her screening, President Tinubu surprised many by appointing her as the Minister of Tourism. This unconventional placement has left many Nigerians curious about the potential synergy between her expertise and the tourism sector’s needs.

The nomination of Festus Keyamo, a lawyer by profession and former Minister of State for Labour and Employment, as the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has stirred its fair share of discussions. Some speculate whether this appointment was an afterthought or a calculated move. As aviation remains a sensitive ministry, the public is eager to see how Keyamo’s background will impact the rejuvenation of the sector.

One of the more contentious appointments is that of Abubakar Momoh as the Minister of Youth. At 63 years old, his selection has sparked debates about the appropriateness of having an older politician in charge of a ministry aimed at youth affairs. As a career politician, Momoh’s plans and strategies for engaging with Nigeria’s youth population remain to be seen over the course of the next three years.

The surprising selection of Nyesom Wike, who invested considerable energy in Tinubu’s presidential campaigns, as the Minister of Federal Capital Territory has raised eyebrows. Many had anticipated his assignment to the Ministry of Niger Delta due to his background, making this choice all the more unexpected. Wike’s role in this new position is of keen interest to Nigerians, who will be watching closely to see how he manages this crucial portfolio.

Lastly, the appointment of Bello Matawalle as the Minister of State for Defence has ignited debates about the president’s strategy in the fight against terrorism. Matawalle’s previous tenure as a governor in Zamfara State was marked by struggles to combat banditry and criminal activities. As Nigeria continues its efforts against these threats, the public is watching to see how Matawalle’s appointment will contribute to the ongoing security challenges.

President Tinubu’s ministerial nominees and their allocated portfolios have sparked intrigue and speculation throughout Nigeria. The unexpected nature of these appointments has left citizens and experts alike pondering the potential impacts on various sectors and the nation as a whole. As the new ministers assume their roles, all eyes are on their actions and decisions in the coming years.

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Special Features

PARIS SUMMIT: PRESIDENT TINUBU SCORES HIGH ON FIRST FOREIGN TRIP

by Oche Echeija Egwa
written by Oche Echeija Egwa

Timing matters in everything. Less than twenty-four hours in office, two directives by Nigeria’s newly sworn-in President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, set the tone for emerging change, reverberating across the country and the world. Albeit, initially greeted with consternation and skepticism, steadily and inevitably, the doubt has given way to applause.

On President Tinubu’s first foreign trip, June 20th, 2023 – June 24th, 2023, to attend the Summit on New Global Financing Pact in Paris, France, the two master strokes of removing the age-long fuel subsidy and streamlining the dual exchange rates, paved way for new friendships, partnership deals and an inspirational presence on global stage. The President was attending his first international conference.

The historic decision on May 29th, 2023, to re-align the economy in his inaugural speech, completely altered the trajectory of Nigeria’s financial fortune, redefined trade and diplomatic relations, and showcased the President’s image as a reformist and a listener. Other actions on security, financial regulations, signing of bills, that directly impacted lives, also projected President Tinubu to the world for being a people-first leader.

The two decisions taken on the nation’s economy made President Tinubu a toast of world leaders and financial institutions at the Summit. The ovation by economic and financial experts for the courageous steps revealed more for the future, with the World Bank projecting, after the meeting in Paris, that Nigeria will save about $3.9 trillion in 2023, and N21 trillion between 2023 to 2025.

The seriousness and quick engagement of critical stakeholders in the economy, like trade unions, oil marketers, depot dealers, the NNPC Ltd by the administration was also taken by the foreign institutions as a deliberate attempt, and not political convenience, to take the country to a new height, as well as various initiatives and measures being out on the drawing board to alleviate the impacts.

The two-day Summit, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, was aimed at repositioning the global financial
architecture to reconsider less developed countries, who are dealing with debilitating debt hangovers, struggling through energy transitions, and still reeling from effects of climate change and Covid-19. President Tinubu seized the moment to start a new conversation about Nigeria.

A plethora of sideline meetings were lined before he arrived in Paris, and the President was careful in making the right choices for Nigeria’s economic prosperity. President Tinubu met with French President, Macron at the Elysée, President of Swiss, Alain Berset, at Palais Brongniart, President of Benin Republic, Patrice Talon, Director General of World Trade Organization, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, President of the African Development Bank, Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of African Export-Import Bank (Afrexim), Prof. Benedict Oramah and President of European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Odile Renaud–Basso.

The President also held meetings with Senior Vice President of Airbus/ATR, Public Affairs, Laurent Rahul Domergue, on aviation matters and a two-hour marathon interaction with the Nigerian community based in France, where he outlined his vision for the economy, starting with a roadmap on palliatives to soothe the burden of subsidy removal. He sought “family” support for more inclusive growth, especially with technical expertise.

Every speaker at the forum thanked the President for taking the bull by the horn, and getting the “elephant’’ out of the way.

“You have shown we have a committed and competent leader. You are the first President of Nigeria, who has no godfather. You are your godfather. We are impressed with the removal of subsidies and streamlining of foreign exchange. We will wait for the palliatives,’’ Prof. Emmanuel Iga, a Nigerian in France, said.

The meeting with the Nigerian community was facilitated by Dele Alake, Special Adviser to the President, Special Duties, Communication and Strategy, who highlighted achievements of the administration within three weeks, assuring of better days for Nigerians.

“We are ready for business, and prepared to welcome investments,’’ President Tinubu said, while receiving the President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of AfreximBank, and President of European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
The President assured the delegation of AfreximBank Executives led by Dr Oramah that the Federal Government will continue to stimulate the economy with policies that support investments in areas of Nigeria’s competitive advantage, particularly agriculture.

“We need reforms for national survival,’’ he added, noting that it would take sacrifice and audaciousness to reposition the economy, calling for more collaboration to consolidate and solidify. “We must stimulate recovery for the growth and prosperity of our people, which will not be far away. Nigeria is ready for global business and our reform is total. Nigeria is blessed with human and material resources.’’

The President of AfreximBank commended President Tinubu for the valiant steps in stopping the fuel subsidy and unification of the exchange rate, assuring the Nigerian leader of the full support of the financial and development institution on the ongoing reforms.Oramah said the bank was already building the first African Specialist Hospital in Abuja, and an Energy Bank, pledging to inject more money into the economy to further build confidence of investors. He listed areas of interventions to buoy the economy, like infrastructure, health, energy and agriculture.

An elated investor, Renaud-Basso said it would be a mistake for the development bank not to invest in Nigeria, after considering six potential economies for investment. She explained that the focus of the development bank would be on the private sector, especially Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs).

President Tinubu welcomed an investment of $520 million in specialised agro-processing zones by the African Development Bank (AfDB), praising the leader of the multilateral institution, Dr Adesina, for further opening up the economy for investments that provide job opportunities and reduction in poverty. The Nigerian leader said the agro-industrial project strengthens an area of advantage as he listed the priorities for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), including women and youth empowerment, infrastructure development, with stable electricity.

Dr Adesina thanked President Tinubu for the daring initiatives that had repositioned Nigerian economy in three weeks and stimulated appetite of investors from different parts of the world; removal of fuel subsidy and correcting the distortions of the exchange rate.

“First and foremost, it was a great opportunity for me to see His Excellency to personally commend him for the thoughts and ideas he has brought to the Summit in Paris. We discussed many things and I commended him for his boldness, his vision and determination to having macroeconomic stability in Nigeria.’’

“All these are right signals which the President is sending, which investors and the international community like and will attract investors,’’ Adesina added, “No bird can fly with its wings tied behind.’’

Senior Vice President of Airbus/ATR, Public Affairs, Laurent Rahul Domergue, assured the President that the company was prepared to invest in the aviation sector, particularly in supplying planes, maintenance and training.

President Tinubu and Talon agreed on creating a new platform of joint patrols and surveillance by the Customs, that will check importation of illegal goods into Nigeria, through the neighboring country, and they further reviewed the trade relations that will benefit the West Coast, and Africa. Talon pledged his support, saying “whatever is forbidden in Nigeria is forbidden in Benin.’’

To further demonstrate his seriousness on tightening the borders and controlling smuggling, the President told Talon that he had appointed a new acting Comptroller General for the Nigerian Customs Service, Adewale Bashir Adeniyi.

The Summit, attended by more 50 world leaders, including a rarely seen Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia,
Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, was largely participatory, with syndicate sessions, and leaders of the developing countries challenging the host, and the more privileged leaders to “walk the talk.’’

The President’s every hug, and pumping of handshakes with members of the international community in Paris was followed with felicitation on the valorous step of removing the overdue subsidy on fuel, and streamlining of the exchange rate that had enriched a few for many years, enabled smuggling and impoverished majority of Nigerians.

Nigeria’s former Minister of Finance and Economy, Dr Okonjo-Iweala, had over many years called for removal of the subsidy, alongside multilateral institutions, like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and economic experts, which cost about $10 billion annually.

Reviewing the outcome of the Summit, she said “there was an unprecedented frank but constructive dialogue between leaders from the south and north leading to a consensus on action against interlinked challenges of poverty, climate and inequality
and an action plan to solve them.”

An elated President Tinubu left Paris after the Summit with a promise to do more, especially in tackling poverty.

Oche Echeija Egwa is an Assistant Director in the Office of the Special Adviser to the President, Special Duties, Communication, and Strategy

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PoliticsSpecial Features

Why Odds Favour Abbas, Kalu As 10th Reps Speaker, Deputy

by IFEANYI MBAAMA
written by IFEANYI MBAAMA

Barely two weeks to the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly, there are inescapable signals of victory that points in favour of Honourable Tajudeen Abbas and Benjamin Kalu as lawmakers who will emerge as the two lead principal officers of the House of Representatives when the legislators meet to elect their leadership on 13th June, 2023.

While Abbas who hails from Kaduna State north central is seeking to be elected as the next Speaker, Kalu who represents Abia State southeast is contesting for the position of Deputy speaker in the Green Chamber.

At the center of the race for the next leadership of the National Assembly are issues of competence, ranking, and zoning, already agreed by the lawmakers as set criteria for the election of the principal officers to guarantee justice in terms of balancing the political equation of the country and ensure a peaceful tenure for the current administration.

With Bola Tinubu as Nigeria’s President from the South-west and his running mate, Kashim Shettima from North-east, the thinking of political stakeholders is that the presiding offices in the parliament should be shared among the remaining four geopolitical zones – a reason why Abbas and Kalu also threw their hats in the ring.

Before President Tinubu was sworn-in on 29th May, himself, and the APC leadership at a meeting, precisely on Monday May 8th this year, reportedly endorsed Abbas and Kalu as speaker and deputy speaker respectively. For the Senate, the party was said to have announced Senator-elect, Godswill Akpabio and Senator Barau Jibrin as preferred choices for Senate President and Deputy Senate President respectively. This development obviously ignited stiff opposition from a few ranking APC lawmakers who vowed to challenge the party’s decision.

As things stand, especially with the current Speaker of the House of Representatives Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, now appointed as Tinubu’s Chief of Staff (CoS), both Abbas and Kalu could be smiling home in strong hope for victory when the Green Chamber meets on June 13th. The reason is not far-fetched. They now have a dependable ally on the corridors of power to lobby and influence issues in their favour. At the vantage point and with presidential backing, the current speaker could seamlessly reach out to several colleagues, mobilize them, even across party lines to get their buy-in on the Abbas, Kalu project.

Reliable sources also confirm that President Tinubu’s handlers are not taking anything for granted in galvanizing support for these two lawmakers who remain the APC preferred choice. This is in realization that President Tinubu is already comfortable with the candidature of the duo whom he believes have noteworthy track records to lead the House in such a manner that will help achieve the objectives of his government’s “Renew Hope Agenda.”

When the two frontline candidates for the House of Representatives plum jobs met with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Thursday, no one was left in doubt of their mission. After two hours of a closed-door session, the legislators told reporters that they were in the Villa to congratulate Tinubu on his inauguration as the 16th President of Nigeria.

Responding to specific questions on their ambition to lead the Green Chamber, Abbas explained that himself, Kalu, relevant stakeholders of caucuses in the House and the APC were working hard for unity of purpose. According to him, having served Nigerians in the ninth National Assembly which is the best that has had harmonious relationship with the executive arm of government, himself and Honourable Kalu intend to lead the 10th House in the interest of Nigerians to help address some national issues challenges such as insecurity facing the country. We have always had autonomy in the National Assembly and that will continue under our leadership,” Abbas noted.

A member of the House of Representatives who does not want to be quoted in print explains that aside presidential support, this is first time that opposition lawmakers are openly supporting a ruling party’s candidate in selection of leadership in the National Assembly. “It what has never happened in the history of the National Assembly. There is the joint task made up of members elect from all the eight political parties that will be in the 10th Assembly. Majority of these group is working to support Abbas and Kalu”, he added.

There is a group called the Minority Parties Forum – led by a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Ebonyi State that is also drawing support for the APC’s preferred choice. This is another plus for the Abbas, Kalu team. Many lawmakers on the opposition side have also openly shown support for the Abbas, Kalu project. In the middle of the race, some candidates for the House contest withdrew from the race to support these two lawmakers, a further indication that they may have a smooth sail during the election on 13th June.

Fielding questions from reporters, Honourable Kalu said, his emergence and that of Abbas as leaders of the House of Representatives on 13th June will bring about balancing of the inequality that exists with the country. Nigerians should rest assured that innovation, transformation, and reforms are going to be introduced by us. We believe that nation building should a joint task involving the input of the executive and the contribution of the legislature,” he said.

Unlike former President Mohammadu Buhari who did not show interest in the composition of the 9th National Assembly leadership, President Tinubu, as a core politician and a parliamentarian himself, obviously seems to have taken the Abbas, Kalu ambition as his personal project and may only be working for their emergence behind the scenes.

Whether the election of Honourables Abbas and Kalu will further enhance the democratic principles of the separation of powers or not, is a question on the lips of many Nigerians as they await Tuesday 13th June when the lawmakers cast their ballot on the floor of the Green Chamber.

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Special Features

OBI-Datti: Tinubu Petitions NBC To Sanction Channels TV Over Datti Recent Interview

by Yvonne ONUAH
written by Yvonne ONUAH

The President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has petitioned the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, to sanction Channels Television for breaching the Nigerian Broadcasting Code during an interview with the Vice Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Datti Baba Ahmed.

In the petition dated 30th March, 2023 and signed by the All Progressive Congress presidential campaign council Director of Media and Publicity, Bayo Onanuga, the president-elect had said:

“In line with Section 14.0.1 of the Nigerian Broadcasting Code 6th edition stating the duty of the commission to accept complaints from aggrieved persons, bodies or members of the public and investigate as well as apply sanctions where necessary, the APC PCC hereby petitions the commission on breaches by CHANNELS TV on its programme ‘Politics Today’ last week.”

Tinubu accused Baba Ahmed of making several comments attacking the integrity of the 25th February 2023 Presidential elections. In the interview, he faulted the emergence of the former Lagos governor as the President-elect and categorically requested the Chief Justice of Nigeria and President Muhamadu Buhari not to swear him in.

”The guest on the programme in question, Datti Baba-Ahmed, said President Muhammadu Buhari should not swear in the President-elect because he did not score 25% of the vote in the FCT, being one of the prerequisites for being declared the winner. This is a subversive comment since the matter is among the issues submitted in their petition before the tribunal for adjudication. Therefore until the court rules otherwise, the status quo is the INEC position as declared in the final results.

”The guest Datti Baba Ahmed’s comments about LP winning the presidential vote undermine constituted authority given to INEC in the 1999 Constitution as the body vested with the powers to conduct and announce national general elections results in Nigeria. Any figures aside, this will have to be certified by a tribunal as the authentic one.

According to the petition: ”Therefore, Mr Datti’s statements that the INEC certificate of return issued to Tinubu is a “dud cheque” and is null and void is not only divisive and subversive but also inciting and inflammatory.

” The Code states in Section 3.8.1(b) that ‘A Broadcaster shall ensure that no programme contains anything which amounts to subversion of constituted authority or compromises the unity or corporate existence of the nation as a Sovereign state’.

”The comment by Mr Datti later on the same programme that if ‘President Buhari should hand over to the President-elect by 29th May, that would be the end of democracy’ is another case of unguarded statement and breach of Section 5.3.3(b), which states that – ‘A Broadcaster shall avoid divisive and inflammatory matters in its provocative form in using political material’.

” Furthermore, Section 3.0.2.1 said that no Broadcaster shall encourage or incite crime, lead to public hate, disorder or repugnant to public feelings’ materials that cause disaffection.

” We, therefore, urge NBC to invoke the necessary sanctions on Channels Television for the breaches enumerated above.”

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The Life and Times Of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI 

by Yvonne ONUAH
written by Yvonne ONUAH

Following the announcement of the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on Saturday at the age of 95, here is a look at his life and times.

Pope Benedict XVI, was born at Marktl am Inn, Diocese of Passau (Germany) on 16 April 1927 (Holy Saturday) and was baptised on the same day.

His father, a Police Commissioner, belonged to an old family of farmers from Lower Bavaria of modest economic resources. His mother was the daughter of artisans from Rimsting on the shore of Lake Chiem. Before marrying, she worked as a cook in a number of hotels.

His youthful years were not easy. His faith and the education received at home prepared him for the harsh experience of those years during which the Nazi regime pursued a hostile attitude towards the Catholic Church. The young Joseph saw how some Nazis beat the Parish Priest before the celebration of Mass.

It was precisely during that complex situation that he discovered the beauty and truth of faith in Christ; fundamental for this was his family’s attitude, who always gave a clear witness of goodness and hope, rooted in a convinced attachment to the Church.

From 1946 to 1951, he studied philosophy and theology in the Higher School of Philosophy and Theology of Freising and at the University of Munich.

In 1953, he obtained his doctorate in theology with a thesis entitled “People and House of God in St Augustine’s Doctrine of the Church”.

From 1962 to 1965, he made a notable contribution to Vatican II as an “expert”, being present at the Council as theological consultant of Cardinal Joseph Frings, Archbishop of Cologne.

His intense scientific activity led him to important positions at the service of the German Bishops’ Conference and the International Theological Commission.

Among his many publications, special mention should be made of his Introduction to Christianity, a compilation of University lectures on the Apostolic Creed, published in 1968; and Dogma and Preaching (1973), an anthology of essays, sermons and reflections dedicated to pastoral arguments.

His address to the Catholic Academy of Bavaria on “Why I am still in the Church” had a wide resonance; in it he stated with his usual clarity: “one can only be a Christian in the Church,not beside the Church”.

His many publications are spread out over a number of years and constitute a point of reference for many people, especially for those interested in entering deeper into the study of theology. In 1985, he published his interview-book on the situation of the faith (The Ratzinger Report) and in 1996 Salt of the Earth. On the occasion of his 70th birthday the volume At the School of Truth was published, containing articles by several authors on different aspects of his personality and production.

Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, also known as Pope Benedict XVI was elected on 19 April 2005 as the 265th Pope. He was the oldest person to be elected Pope since 1730, and had been a Cardinal for a longer period of time than any Pope since 1724.

On 11th of February 2013, during the Ordinary Public Consistory for the Vote on several Causes for Canonization, Benedict announced  his decision to resign from the Petrine ministry with these words:

“After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the certainty that my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry. I am well aware that this ministry, due to its essential spiritual nature, must be carried out not only with words and deeds, but no less with prayer and suffering. However, in today’s world, subject to so many rapid changes and shaken by questions of deep relevance for the life of faith, in order to govern the barque of Saint Peter and proclaim the Gospel, both strength of mind and body are necessary, strength which in the last few months, has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to me. For this reason, and well aware of the seriousness of this act, with full freedom I declare that I renounce the ministry of Bishop of Rome, Successor of Saint Peter.”

After his resignation took effect, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI lived within the Vatican in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery until his death.

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