By Victor Danjuma

Aggrieved members of National Union of Agricultural and Allied Employees (NUAAE) on Tuesday staged a peaceful protest against the continues stay in office of an alleged suspended National President of the union, Comrade Simon Anchaver.

Speaking to Journalists in Abuja, the National Treasurer of NUAAE, Comrade Obafemi Oyenubi said ” we came here to conduct our meeting at the National Secretariat but we discovered that the policemen that are here don’t want to allow us to enter saying that they haven’t receive a Directive about our coming and immediately we received invitation from the area commandant which we obliged to and he advised us to be law abiding which are used to doing.

According to him the Area Police Command reschedule their meeting with the Anchaver group to 5th May, 2023 to find lasting solution to the lingering crisis.

He said ” our demand is that Comr. Anchaver is on suspension therefore he dares not parade himself to conduct meeting of this union longer. And beside he’s a retiree from Benue state therefore we’ll not accept him as our leader any more and also to allow us use our offices at the headquarters.

According to him the Federal Ministry of Agriculture is aware of the lingering crisis in the union as they have their delegates from there too.

In a related Development, Comr. Oyenubi that he (Anchaver) has written illegal letter terminating the leadership of Kwara state Executives of Lower Niger Rivers Basin Development Authority which is against the rules and regulations stipulated in their union constitution.

He has appealed to the relevant authorities to disregard and reverse such purported letter arguing that Comr. Anchaver is suspended therefore he doesn’t not have legal right to write the management of the Basin in ilorin, kwara state capital.

On his part, the Acting President of NUAAE, Comrade Comrade Aniedi Ekpo said ” the crisis rocking the union can just be summarised as selfishness and greed by the esrtwhile National President of the union, Cmr. Anchaver who was suspended since Dec 4th, 2021 but he still holds unto power with some individuals he can manipulate their benefits.

“In so doing he’s bringing down the reputation of the union however we’re moving forward with legal backup to show up that we’re sincere in this course.

He stressed that they expecting Comr. Anchaver will be in the next meeting next month for them to resolve the crisis.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Lower Niger Rivers Basin Forum, Comrade Mudi Olayinka said ” the issue started last year where we made corruption allegations against the Management of lower Niger Rivers Basin Development Authority ilorin.

” the forum made and we reported to the Ministry of water resources on mismanagement of the Managing Director but the Ministry failed to do the needful.

He noted that comrade Anchaver had invited him on the issue which he explained to him and the next step was a letter suspending him which is against their constitution.

Several calls and texts messages sent to the contact of Comrade Anchaver at the time of filing this report was not responded to .

The highlights of the meeting was that the aggrieved members of the union were seen chanting solidarity songs at the front of their headquarters at Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory ( FCT) Abuja.

The Special Assistant on Public Communication to Atiku Abubakar, Mr. Phrank Shaibu has called on the National Assembly to publish a report of its investigation on the N52bn Special Works Programme implemented by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mr. Festus Keyamo.

Shaibu said this in a statement, while reacting to Keyamo’s acquisition of a house in the United States at the cost of over $300,000.

Recall that in 2021, the Federal Government had in a bid to ameliorate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, approved the sum of N52bn for the hiring of 774,000 Nigerians across all the local government areas in the country for three months.

The 774,000 Nigerians were hired to take on menial jobs such as clearing of drainages, sweeping of markets, cutting grass and other community services.

Keyamo had specifically orchestrated the sacking of the Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Nasiru Argungu, insisting that he was in charge of the N52bn project which the National Assembly noted was a flop.

Both the Senate and the House of Representatives had stated that many of the beneficiaries of the funds did not get anything, while others who got did not do any job. They, therefore, questioned Keyamo’s running of the programme and promised to launch an investigation into the matter.

Reacting to Keyamo’s claim that he owns several houses in the US, Shaibu said: “The National Assembly had described the special works programme as a sham and also questioned how the funds were spent. Keyamo had, for the last two years, defended the shambolic implementation of the programme.

“With his open confession that he has acquired houses in the US, I hereby call on the National Assembly to publish its report on the failed project. I also call on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately probe the finances of Festus Keyamo, who only became a senior advocate two years before becoming a minister.

“It is public record that Keyamo was an activist and a prosecutor for the EFCC, doing mostly pro bono cases before taking public office. However, he now boasts of being a real estate mogul after becoming a minister. This is laughable and an insult to the sensibilities of Nigerians.

“In any case, Keyamo’s time as minister of state for labour and employment witnessed the highest level of unemployment, which KPMG says is about to hit 40%. Under Keyamo, universities also witnessed prolonged strikes, as ASUU proceeded on 10 months strike in 2020 and eight months industrial action in 2021. Keyamo clearly failed as a minister but grew wealthier in the process through his so-called real estate business. He thus needs to be investigated with immediate effect.”

Keyamo had said that by letters dated March 6, 2019, before he was appointed a Minister, he wrote to the relevant government agencies, informing them of the closure of his foreign accounts and the repatriation of his funds to the country since Nigerian law does not allow public officials to operate foreign bank accounts.

He further stated, “My assets declaration is there for all to see. Some of us don’t need government funds or patronage to get by. Whatever we do and whoever we support is out of our deep convictions.”

Reacting, however, Shaibu dared Keyamo to publish his asset declaration form as submitted to the Code of Conduct Bureau in 2019.

He said since Keyamo had boasted many times about being an EFCC prosecutor and an anti-corruption champion, he ought to be bold enough to make his asset declaration forms public to prove that he was telling the truth.

Shaibu said, “Keyamo has one month left on his tenure as minister, which means he will need to declare his assets before the CCB next month. Let him make public his asset declaration forms, before and after office, to prove to Nigerians that he did not steal.

“The truth about Keyamo is that he is a hypocrite, a rabble-rouser who pretends to be on the side of the masses but is only after his stomach. He started as a disciple of the great Gani Fawehinmi but has since strayed from Gani’s ideals by serving as Spokesman for a man who was an anathema to Gani and who Gani had accused of forgery and fraud – Bola Tinubu.”

Amidst uncertainty over the zoning of the speakership of the 10th Assembly , The All Progressives Congress (APC) Support Group has raised the alarm over alleged plot by the opposition to foist a speaker on the next House of Representatives. 

Alluding to outcomes of clandestine meetings being held in and outside the  country,  the group accused the opposition of plotting to not only destabilize the APC but further embarass the ruling party at the inauguration of the 10th Assembly. 

Alh. Ali Kangiwa Dankira, a member of the Katsina State chapter of the APC Support group, while speaking on the matter, alleged of plans by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, headed by outgoing governor of Sokoto State, Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal to rally opposition House members – elect to support his ally and an APC Reps member- elect from Katsina State, Hon. Sada Soli, for the speakership of the 10th Assembly without recourse to zoning arrangements or input of the APC. 

Dankira alledged of plans to reenact  the Saraki/ Dogara National Assembly leadership scenario in 2015 where the ruling APC was embarassed by party stalwarts in conjunction with opposition elements.

” Hon Sada Soli, member -elect, Kaita, Jibia Federal Constituency, Katsina State was the Chief of Staff to Tambuwal from 2011 to 2015, just as they had been coleagues in same House from 2007 to 2011 as Reps then under the PDP. 

” Hon Soli, some members and outgoing governor Tambuwal have been holding meetings on how Soli would emerge as the 10th Assembly speaker with direct implementation of the strategies that  led to the Saraki /Dogara scenario in 2011 which Tambuwal helped in marshalling out.

“Our fear is that given the diversity in the composition of the the 10th Assembly as regards members-elect, if there is no clear cut intervention by the party leadership and chieftains, the APC will be embarassed by opposition elements working in cohort with some of our members. This will ultimately hamper the smooth running and success of the incoming Bola Tinubu administration,” Alh. Dankira lamented. 

He called on the APC National Working Committee, President Muhammadu Buhari, the President- elect and his vice, APC leaders and party stalwarts to immediately liaise with its members-elect to reach encompassing resolutions as to their stand on the current leadership position to avoid a repeat of the past, noting that a stitch in time saves nine. 

The CEO manna group, Mr Chima Nnaedozie has congratulated the Muslim ummah the world over for the successful completion of the month of Ramadan with the celebration of the Eid- El- Fitr 2023.

In a special sallah message on Friday, he urged Nigerians to use the celebration to pray for the peace, progress and unity of the country

” I congratulate Muslims the world over for a successful Ramadan and wish them all wonderful Eid- El-Fitr celebration

” May we use the lessons and blessings of Ramadan and pray for peace, process and unity of our country and the world at large” he added

• don’t Compromise merit, NCYP task President Elect

As Nigerian Muslims join the rest of the Muslim Faithfuls in marking Eid El Fitri celebration, President – Elect, Bola Ahmad Tinubu have reminded that Nigerians voted for him based on his track record during his tenure as the Governor of Lagos State, therefore, he should not compromise his sterling leadership quality .

The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) in a goodwill message to the President- Elect which was signed by its national leader, Isaac Abrak and made available to media house,used the occasion to extend its heartfelt greetings and felicitations to President Elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The statement furthers states

“As we celebrate with Tinubu, we remind him that he was elected by Nigerians because of his legacy as Lagos state governor, where he provided good governance to all the people of Lagos. Tinubu transformed Lagos into one of the biggest economies in Africa because he assembled a team of people who understood his God-given call for service to humanity. This cabinet was made up of Nigerians drawn from all ethnic and religious backgrounds based on merit.

“We strongly remind the President Elect not to compromise on this standard as he chooses his kitchen cabinet, advisers, and other government principals. This standard is what Nigerians voted for in him, and they do not expect anything less but even better.

The group also task the incoming President to be mindful of the security and economic hardships that have bedeviled Nigerians while urging him to hit the ground running with policies aimed at ameliorating these hardships with the help of carefully assembled team members

“The NCYP recognizes that Tinubu’s presidency is coming at a time when the Nigerian people have been stretched by economic and security hardships to the highest limit. As such, the country cannot afford to be stretched beyond its elastic limit.

“Thus, only a team with the character of selfless service and spirit of patriotism like that of Tinubu’s days in the Lagos government can hit the ground running, improving the living conditions of all Nigerians, uniting the country, and setting it on the path of transforming into the great nation envisioned by our founding fathers.

The Member-Elect, Jema’a/Sanga Federal Constituency, Daniel Amos has tasked the Muslim Ummah to use the lessons learnt during the Holy Month of Ramadan in praying for the unity of the country.

In a Sallah Goodwill message he personally signed and made available to newsmen in Kafanchan, Dan Amos congratulated the entire muslim community for witnessing this year’s celebration.

He called on them to use the celebrations to pray for the current and incoming leaders in the country, so that they will be fair and equitable in the discharge of their duties.

The member-elect also urged the Muslim Ummah to continue to pray for those facing turmoil and calamity the world over and to ensure they reach out to those in need.

END

*Says evidence at PDP’s disposal will nail APC

Following the controversies that met the declaration on winner of the February 25, 2023 presidential election, the SA Youth to the Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Ambassador Aliyu Bin Abbas has told Nigerians to be hopeful as the party and candidate have all it takes to reclaim their mandate in court.

Ambassador Abbas expressed this in a statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen on Thursday April 20, to felicitate Muslim faithful on the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

“We are all aware of all the intrigues that came with this year’s general election. The double standards displayed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the declaration of a winner under controversial circumstances.

“The declaration unlike in the past, saw no celebration on the streets, Nigerians were surprised and shocked to their marrows, bringing about deep reflection on the issue.

“My message to all Nigerians this Sallah is that hope is not lost. Alhaji Atiku Abubakar GCON will reclaim the mandate freely given to him by Nigerians if all ethnicity and religions. The courts will not be blind to all the facts that the PDP will be arguing with,” he said.

He congratulated Muslims for completing the mandatory Ramadan Fast, while praying that their prayers in the holy month will be speedily answered by Almighty Allah.

Rilwanu Adamu

A rather taciturn and seemingly laid back figure, Lt Col Agbu Kefas (rtd) is now the ultimate leader of Taraba state politics. You doubt this at your perils. Don’t be fooled by that serene appearance. He holds all the aces and it is doubtful if any one can upturn that dominance in its form and essence. Among the many things Kefas can do now is also determine who eventually takes over from him after his two tenures for two tenures he shall surely do. It is the most important power of a Chief Executive of a state: the ability to manage the transition and become a godfather. Many believe Kefas has what he takes to pull that off. The election that produced him gave him an edge in the political history of the state. It was a poll that tested the strength and weaknesses of the state’s fault lines. At the end, it was very clear that the ruling PDP would remain the party that can constantly produce a Governor for the state.

Beyond this is what has clearly emerged as the peculiar appeal of the Kefas brand: fresh and very promising. He’s young and enchanting and has carried the youth force of the state behind him at the campaigns. He’s clearly their product and would remain so for long.

Moreover, with his party controlling the legislative arm, it is doubtful if any other party would outgrow the PDP. This on its own is a testimony to the capacity of the ruling party in the firm vice like hold of Kefas.

Consequently, with the current governor out of the equation having failed to make it to the Senate, Kefas becomes the direct inheritor of what remains of the Darius political structure. It is a structure Kefas will fuse into his own and make it more formidable.

Meanwhile, it would be difficult for any party to reach a place where it can favorably compete with the PDP. The main APC is greatly punctured. The NNPP may fizzle out at the end. Erstwhile political gladiators would be easily wooed by the very appealing Kefas who has a knack for making opponents relaxed around him.

On a personal level, the former military intelligence boss, is regarded as a super sleuth whose uncanny ability to read situation is second to none. How he negotiated his way to the top almost noiseless has become a major factor in the power profiles of the state.

Kefas comes to office with a wealth of connections from within and outside the country. Calm and collected, he’s not your regular politician. Watchers believe that with sterling performance, he will continue to enjoy his rather rock star appeal into the coming years. Taraba finally found the Ultimate “babban Taraba”

Adamu is a political commentator based in Gassol

Are Renewed Killings in Benue, Southern Kaduna, Taraba, Buhari’s Parting Gift, Northern Christian Elders Lament

Worried by the recent spate of killings in Benue, Taraba and Southern Kaduna, the Northern Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari and the various security agencies to take decisive action against perpetrators.

NOSCEF expressed this in a statement on Monday April 17, signed by its Chairman, Engineer Oyinehi Ejoga Inalegwu, made available to newsmen in Kaduna, in which the group wondered if the renewed onslaught by terrorists is Buhari:’s parting gift to the affected areas.

“NOSCEF is worried that the recent increasing wave of unchecked and persistent killings in Benue, Taraba and Southern Kaduna by bandits/ herdsmen is seeming to look like the parting gift, of the Buhari administration, to our people as it rounds up its 8-year rule,” they said.

The group expressed shock that, “with the security architecture in place, such wanton killings, in such magnitude, can be perpetuated without any counter from the security forces”.

They therefore, called on the security forces to checkmate the ugly trend and go after those terrorizing, killing, maiming people and destroying properties of citizens.

“We also appeal to all Nigerians to pray for God’s intervention in bringing to an end the new wave of killings” across the states, the statement said.