February 7, 2022
Press Statement
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) vehemently rejects the confirmation of a card-carrying member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Rhoda Gumus, as a National Commissioner (South South) in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) despite widespread outcry by Nigerians
The PDP describes Prof. Gumus’ confirmation as INEC National Commissioner by the APC-led Senate leadership as a “coup” against Democracy and an open invitation to serious political crisis that can derail our hard-earned democracy and lead to breakdown of law and order if not immediately reversed.
In confirming Prof. Gumus, the APC-led Senate leadership has exposed itself as anti-people and completely insensitive to the aspiration of Nigerians for credible and transparent elections in 2023.
The action of the APC-led Senate is highly provocative and incendiary because it is in violation of Paragraph 14 (2)(a) of the 3rd Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), which provides that “a member of the Commission shall be non-partisan and a person of unquestionable integrity”.
Such violent assault on the Constitution and our electoral process by the APC cannot be allowed to stand.
The media space is awash with reports of Prof. Gumus as a member of the APC in Bayelsa State with APC Registration Form No: BAY/YEN/08/58315 and reportedly as number 27 in her APC Ward Register.
In nominating and confirming an APC card-carrying member into INEC, President Muhammadu Buhari and the APC-led Senate leadership have recklessly violated the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) which they swore to uphold and defend.
This action is designed to corrupt and compromise the electoral Commission and pave way for the APC to rig the 2023 general elections.
Nigerians can recall how President Buhari had earlier sought to impose his aide and card-carrying member of the APC, Lauretta Onochie as INEC Commissioner but was stiffly resisted by Nigerians.
The APC which thrives in impunity has again nominated and confirmed Prof. Gumus, another APC card-carrying member as National Commissioner in INEC in flagrant violation of the Constitution and total disregard for the Nigerian people.
Prof. Gumus must not be allowed to be used to pollute INEC. Her mission is already exposed and our Party is ready to mobilize our members and all patriotic Nigerians across the country by taking legitimate actions to protect the integrity of the electoral body.
Our Party therefore issues a stern caution to Prof. Gumus to, in the interest of peace, steer clear of INEC as there is no way she can function in that office as a card-carrying member of the APC.
Democracy is about transparency of elections. Nigerians cannot believe in the integrity of the process with Prof. Gumus in INEC. Her entry and continuing stay in INEC will be toxic and taint the Commission with bias and manipulations ahead of the 2023 elections since her appointment and confirmation is unconstitutional.
The PDP calls on President Buhari to immediately withdraw the appointment of Prof. Gumus as INEC National Commissioner in line with his oath of office to uphold and defend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This will assure Nigerians that Mr. President is committed to free, fair, transparent and credible elections in 2023.
The PDP salutes and commends the efforts of the Civil Society which continues to remain relentless in the fight for credible electoral process from appointment of officers of INEC, processes of election as well as the collation and declaration of election results.
Our Party urges the Civil Society and all well-meaning Nigerians to continue to insist that appointments into INEC must be transparent and in line with the provisions of the Constitution and other relevant laws.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary

PRESS RELEASE

SANWO-OLU HAILS GAC MEMBER, DR OLUYOMI FINNIH AT 80

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has congratulated Dr. Oluyomi Finnih, a member of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), the apex leadership body of the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on the occasion of his 80 years birthday.

The Governor described the renowned Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, who will clock 80 years of age on February 9, as one of the few Nigerian medical practitioners who have used their wealth of experience to make a mark in both private and public health sectors during their active service and left with impeccable records.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary Mr. Gboyega Akosile on Tuesday, described Dr. Finnih as an epitome of honesty, dedication and service, adding that the GAC member has used his positions as a medical practitioner and political leader for the betterment of the people by contributing immensely to the public health sector not only in Lagos State but entire Nigeria.

“On behalf of my family, the good people of Lagos State and members of the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), I heartily congratulate our father, leader and member of the Governor’s Advisory Council, Dr. Oluyomi Finnih, on the occasion of his 80 years birthday.

“Dr. Finnih is an epitome of dedication and selflessness in public and private service. His contributions in the field of medical practice have helped with the development of the health sector at State and national levels.

“He served passionately in the Lagos State Ministry of Health and worked as Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the Lagos Island Maternity Hospital for many years before going into private practice as Medical Director/Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Finnih Medical Centre, Ikeja.

“Dr Finnih, as a member of the GAC has displayed exemplary leadership in Lagos politics, especially in APC, where he has been working tirelessly for many years as members of the progressive camp to ensure our party remains the ruling party in Lagos State in the last 22 years.

“As Dr Finnih celebrates a major milestone by joining the league of octogenarians, we pray that the Almighty God will increase him in good health and grant him fruitful years to enable him to render more service to our party, Lagos State and humanity.”

SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
08 FEBRUARY 2022
PRESS RELEASE

SANWO-OLU EXCITED AS TWO NEW LAGOS STATE-OWNED UNIVERSITIES RECEIVE OFFICIAL RECOGNITION BY NUC

•LASUED, LASUST will be reference points in years ahead, says Governor

•NUC boss commends Lagos Gov. for investing wisely in higher education

It was an exciting Tuesday afternoon for Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the National Universities Commission (NUC), gave Lagos State Government clearance certificates of operations for the two newly approved State-owned universities; Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Ijanikin and Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUST), Ikorodu, 39years after the first State-owned University, Lagos State University was established.

The certificates were handed over to Governor Sanwo-Olu by the NUC Executive Secretary, Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, at the official recognition and collection of certificates for the two new Lagos universities held at the Commission headquarters in Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja.

With the Clearance Certificates of Operation by NUC, Lagos State University of Education is now the 56th State University and 204th University in Nigeria, as well as the second University of education in Nigeria while Lagos State University of Science and Technology is 57th State University and 205th University in Nigeria.

The two Universities, which are expected to kick start operations any moment from now are in addition to the existing Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, established in 1982 by the first Civilian Governor of Lagos, late Alhaji Lateef Jakande. Lagos State now has three state-owned universities.

It would be recalled that Governor Sanwo-Olu last week assented to the bills transmitting Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu to the University of Science and Technology as well as Adeniran Ogunsanya Colleges of Education, Ijanikin and Michael Otedola College of Primary Education, Epe to Lagos State University of Education.

Speaking at NUC headquarters, Governor Sanwo-Olu, who commended the Commission for granting the operational certificates for Lagos State University of Education and Lagos State University of Science and Technology, said the creation of the two universities by his administration is not about being ambitious but doing what is proper for the people of Lagos State.

He commended the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa and state lawmakers for working with the executive arms of government and other stakeholders toward passage of the law setting up the two universities. He also appreciated the leadership of the legacy tertiary institutions for their understanding.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said converting erstwhile Lagos State Polytechnic to a University of Science and Technology will bring about innovative engineering, science invention and other innovations that are critical to the development of our country and our State, adding that the conversion of Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education and Michael Otedola College of Primary Education into a University of Education is a proper and right thing to do given the demands and the needs of students of today.

He said operation of the two additional Universities will assist in meeting the demands and needs of the teeming youths who are craving for higher education to be future leaders and reference points not only for themselves and families but for the nation.

“It is about the future of our citizens. It is about the future of our youths, who truly believe in us to do the right thing. It is about our commitment to taking tertiary education to a level that all of us would be proud of. It is all around ensuring that we give hope and opportunity to our teeming youths that believe in us to do the right thing.

“We are giving a commitment that what we have done in LASU, we will also replicate it in the two universities. We will ensure that the two great children that we are giving birth to today are not left alone. All of the various development infrastructure; human and materials that are required to make the universities one of the best in the country, Lagos State would make those resources available for them.

“We say this with every sense of responsibility, knowing fully-well what we are doing in LASU, the level of infrastructure we are putting into erstwhile polytechnic and colleges of education, we would double up those efforts at ensuring that they can turn into great citadels of higher learning and universities that would be reference points in the years ahead,” he said.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said his administration in the last three years has been investing extensively in the institutions in the State, noting that one of the legacy institutions currently has almost 60 P.hD holders as lecturers.

He said: “Education and Technology are in our economic agenda. So, it is not something that we just fell into overnight; it was something that we thought out. It is something that our people deserve and we plan that in four years, we are going to deliver to them. We thank all the stakeholders, the House of Assembly and all the various communities where these institutions would be cited and all of our other players in the private sector who are looking forward to this.

“There are over 20,000 schools in Lagos that are in a private institution that are looking for teachers; teachers in science education and other curricula of education that have university degrees. It is a ready market that we are trying to fill. So, we are excited and proud that we can take it back home today.”

Speaking earlier, the Executive Secretary of NUC, Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, pledged the commission’s total support to the two universities and urged Lagos State Government to take full advantage of the professional and technical advice that the commission would provide to the state government for the establishment and operation of their universities.

He said: “We congratulate the governor on his efforts and initiative. We congratulate your team on the vision of moving Lagos State forward. We particularly congratulate you on your decision to invest wisely in higher education.

“The Lagos State University of Science and Technology certainly would be a benefit to the position of Lagos as the hub of industries and technology in this country and West Africa. And if properly supported, this is a university that can help Lagos State’s determination to transit into a knowledge economy.

“Lagos as a state can move ahead of others based on investment in education. I know that the economy of Lagos alone is the fifth in the entire African continent. The economy of Lagos alone is more than the entire economy of Ghana and Ivory Coast put together.”

The NUC boss also disclosed that Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB), Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) had been fully notified about the operations of the two universities.

SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
08 FEBRUARY 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI: NIGERIA’S COLLECTIVE FUTURE RESTS ON ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, CONFERS NNOM AWARD ON THREE SCHOLARS
President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday in Abuja conferred the Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM) Award for years 2020 and 2021 on three Nigerians who distinguished themselves in the field of medicine and science, expressing the belief that Nigeria’s collective future rests on active participation in science and technology.
Conferring the award on the recipients, Dr. Oluyinka Olurotimi Olutoye, Medicine (2020); the late Professor Charles Ejike Chidume, Science (2020) and Professor Godwin O. Samuel Ekhaguere, Science (2021), the President said he was very proud to welcome the new Laureates to the prestigious league of highly honoured citizens.
He said the nation would continue to celebrate and trumpet the scholars’ achievements as a shining example worthy of emulation by the upcoming young men and women in the country.
”Please endeavour, at all times, to serve as beacons of hope and aspiration for the younger generation of Nigerians, reminding them that our survival and collective future as a nation ultimately rests on our being active participants in global developmental efforts, especially in science and technology,” he told the recipients.
The President noted that since the Nigerian National Merit Award (NNMA) was established 43 years ago, the addition of the three recipients would bring the total number of recipients to only 79, confirming the high standards of the Award and undeniable testimony of the strict adherence to quality and the merit-driven evaluation procedure for selecting laureates.
He added that the integrity of the Award also underscores the high expectations of the nation that the new recipients, like their predecessors, would continue to hold the banners of creativity and intellectual excellence very high.
While congratulating the three awardees, the President expressed the government’s appreciation for the patience of the 2020 Award winners, who had to wait close to two years to receive their Award due to the emergence of Covid-19 in 2020.
The president recounted that the total lockdown of the country, in 2020, made it difficult for the assessment process to hold then but was later held concurrently last year alongside with the 2021 applications.
Recognising families, friends, associates and well-wishers, who were present at the Council Chambers in State House to share the joy of the awardees, the President enjoined youths in the country to emulate the good works of the laureates by dedicating themselves to ”excellence and strive to contribute their quota to the arduous task of getting Nigeria on the top bracket of outstanding nations.”
The President also congratulated members of the Governing Board of the NNMA under the Chairmanship of Prof. Shekarau Yakubu Aku, as well as members of the Four Specialized Committees of Assessors and External Assessors for their integrity and transparency, and for the excellent work they have done.
”The noble idea of constituting the Assessors Committees, whose membership is not disclosed to the public, ensures credibility that could be emulated by other Government Agencies performing similar functions.
”The fact that transparency and love for the Nation have been the hallmark of your stewardship is well borne out by the fact that the NNOM Award is one of the enduring national legacies that are held in high regard globally and nationally and your decisions have been well acclaimed and controversy-free over the years.
”Let me assure you that the Government and People of Nigeria appreciate your efforts and I enjoin you all to keep up the good work.”
On the request of the Chairman of the Governing Board over the dwindling budgetary allocation to the Agency and how it is constraining the agency in carrying out its mandatory functions, President Buhari promised that the Federal Government would provide special intervention as was done in year 2020 to the NNMA, within limited resources available.
Acknowledging the focal place that NNMA occupy and the calibre of all laureates produced by the Agency, the President assured that the Federal Government would do everything possible to maintain and sustain the Agency.
”I wish to reassure you that this Administration is fully committed to giving the NNMA the recognition that it deserves, by immortalizing its recipients who have taken this country to greater heights both in Nigeria and in the Diaspora.
”We are a nation keen on fostering excellence across board and we will continue to celebrate those who have attained measurable levels of excellence in their professional life, ” he said.
The Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Sen. George Akume said the three intellectuals emerged winners for the 2020 and 2021 Award after the selection process, from the over 1,200 applications received by the NNOM Governing Board during the period under consideration.
”It is important to state that Prof Charles Ejike Chidume died after he was selected and recommended for approval to Mr. President and he will be given the award posthumously,” he said.
The Minister called on Nigerian universities to rise up to the challenge and continue to lead in innovative research targeted at providing solutions to the myriad of problems affecting the country, especially post COVID-19 era.
In his remarks, the Chairman NNMA Governing Board, Prof Aku announced that recipients of the prestigious award bestowed by Nigeria on its citizens for creative, intellectual and academic contributions that are of national and global importance receive a cash reward of N10 million each.
The recipients of the award are divided into four areas- Medicine, Science, Engineering and Technology, and the Humanities, including Education and Culture, Prof Aku said.
ABRIDGED CITATION OF RECIPIENTS
Prof Olutoye, recipient of the 2020 NNOM Award for science, is credited to have led a team which performed ground-breaking surgical procedures on foetuses before they are born.
In 2016, in a feat that has been hailed as the first by an African, he performed a surgical procedure on a foetus with sacrococcygeal teratoma, which is a tumour that develops before birth and grows from a baby’s tailbone.
Olutoye received his medical degree at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife) in 1988 with distinctions in anatomy and pathology, interned at the Lagos State University, before proceeding to the United States for specialised training in surgery.
He is currently the Surgeon-in-Chief at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, United States.
Prof Chidume, recipient of the 2020 NNOM posthumous Award for science, was the Acting President of the African University of Science and Technology, Abuja before his demise on October 7, 2021.
The works of the globally renowned Professor of Mathematics encompass several fields including Nonlinear Functional Analysis, Nonlinear Operator Theory and Differential Equations, Nonlinear Optimisation.
He bagged his bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 1973, M.Sc in Mathematics in 1977 from the Queen’s University Kingston, Ontario, Canada and Ph.D in Mathematics from the Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States.
Prof Ekhaguere, recipient of the 2021 NNOM Award for science, is a professor of Mathematical Physics.
He created and pioneered the theory of Quantum Stochastic Differential Inclusion (QSDIs) that has greatly improved the entire Science Community’s understanding of those pathological quantum systems whose governing equation involves discontinuous coefficient.
Prof Ekhaguere holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Physics from the University of Ibadan, 1971, DIC in Mathematics Physics from Imperial College of Science and Technology, London, UK in 1974 and Ph.D. in Mathematics Physics from University of London (Bedford College), London, UK in 1976.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
February 8, 2022
Niger Delta youths praise Akpabio, Ogiame Atuwatse III, others
• Hit out at Idjerhe monarch, dissident groups
Niger Delta youths on Sunday lauded the leadership qualities of the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, describing him as “a man of high integrity and principles”
The stance of the youths was articulated by the President, Coalition of Progressive Niger Delta Youths (CPNDY), Mr Chukwuma Nwabueze.
The youths who met in Warri applauded Akpabio for enhancing government effectiveness and transparency in the oil rich region, securing the sum of N10.4 billion from the 2021 Sovereign SUKUK Issuance for the completion of the dualisation of the East West highway project and mobilizing the RCC for necessary repairs on the collapsed portion of the road, as a stop gap measure, for easy vehicular and human movements.
‘The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio has done his work well’’
In a statement in Warri, the youths advised the Coordinator of Wailing Women of the Niger Delta (WWND), Odighonin Adienbo and the National President of Niger Delta Elders’ Forum, Chief Tonye Ogbogbuya to tame their appetite for falsehood against Akpabio.
The youths described the recent comments of Ovie of Idjerhe, Monday Arthur Whiskey, Adienbo and Ogbogbuya on Buhari and Akpabio as distasteful and provocative.
The youths said Whiskey, Adienbo and Ogbogbula were mercenaries hired by some corrupt politicians and contractors to destabilize the region.
‘’The Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, Adienbo and Ogbogbuya are officious people. They can’t be popular through baseless attacks on Buhari and Akpabio.
The statement commended Akpabio for cleaning up the mess in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and working in the best interests of the country.
The youths said even the blind can see the impressive achievements of the Federal Government in the oil rich region.
The statement underscored the worst personality traits of a king and the refusal of Whiskey, Adienbo and Ogbogbuya to observe the rules of objectivity.
Specifically, the youths praised Olu of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse III for his patriotism, leadership style and tactful politesse.
They urged Whiskey and his sponsors to emulate the Warri monarch on strategic communication, tactful presentation and wisdom.
The Olu of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse 111 recently drew Buhari’s attention to the under-utilisation of the four ports in Warri, Koko, Sapele, and Burutu, reconstitution of the NDDC board, immortalizing the first Minister of Finance of the country, Festus Okotie-Eboh, and resuscitation of the Ogidigben EPZ project.
The youths also underscored personal integrity, sincerity of Akpabio, culture of accountability and the massive steps that have been taken.

BUSINESS DIVERSIFICATION: JULIUS BERGER COMMITS TO ACHIEVING ZERO WASTE POLICY AT ITS UPCOMING STATE-OF-THE-ART CASHEW-PROCESSING PLANT.
Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Nigeria’s most innovative and leading engineering company, has made a bold diversification of its investment portfolio into the agricultural processing sector of the nation’s economy. Technically reputed for its environment-friendly policy in all of its business endeavours, the engineering pace setter has also committed to implement its highly efficient no-waste operational practice at its soon to be commissioned internationally-benchmarked and top quality-driven Cashew processing plant sited in Epe, Lagos.
Julius Berger made the pledge through its Cashew Project’s Commodity and Marketing Manager Oyindamola Asaaju during its participation at the just-concluded pioneer Agricultural Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Conference, which held at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja, recently. Oyindamola who represented Julius Berger on the Conference discussion panel as well as at the Cashew roundtable stated that, clear national occupational standard and demand-driven international product quality would define and drive the company’s operations and productivity in the cashew processing industry in Nigeria, where only 5% of Nigeria’s cashew production is currently locally processed.
A pioneer initiative between the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Delegation der Deutschen Wirtschaft in Nigeria (Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Nigeria), the conference attracted both local and international corporate and research organizations in the cashew production and processing value chain. It also attracted high government presence, including the permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and other directors and heads of departments.
A significant part of the conference was dedicated to filling observed skills gaps within Nigeria’s cashew farming and processing sector. During the Cashew Roundtable and panel discussion sessions at the conference, there was a consensus that the global cashew trade is a booming industry, with the United States’ imports alone valued at USD 1.6 million in 2018. Within the same year, amongst the cashew producing nations globally, Asian countries contributed approx. 44%, while Africa contributed 56.5% to the global production. Amongst these African producers, Nigeria remains one of the top contributors. In fact, Nigeria is the 6th largest producer of cashew in the world. According to the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Nigeria has an untapped potential of $3.4 million USD from exports of cashew kernels. The top five markets with the highest potential for exports are EU, Japan, Canada, and UAE.

However, while vocational training in cashew nuts and cultivation is a niche sector, as the private sector and international stakeholders primarily focus on a value chain approach (production, processing, market links and industry organization), specific vocational training as well as NOS (National Occupational Standards remains in need of development in Nigeria.

The conference brought stakeholders from both the private and public sector, as well as farmers themselves to discuss relevant issues. Amongst other considerations, the Conference discussed the status of Nigeria’s food and nutrition security, employment opportunities along the agricultural value chain, access to finance for innovation, agropreneurs, and smallholder farmers, quality assurance, requirements and Standards, and opportunities and challenges of international trade ( including German Supply Chain Law, EU-Import Regulations, and opportunities of AfCFTA).

The Cashew Roundtable also canvassed the benefits of bringing together stakeholders across the entire cashew value chain, matching producers with potential off-takers, promoting investments in the cashew sector, identifying skill gaps in the cashew value chain, and introducing innovative training delivery and competency based training approaches

It would be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari at a recent dinner in honour of the 2022 Committee of Business and other civil society Leaders, which held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said that a key area the administration would like to leave a legacy is “bequeathing a strong repositioned agriculture-led, diversified home-grown economy”. According to the President, “The question that should be uppermost always is: How do we leverage our business endowment for the greater good of our country?”
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Nigeria has been organizing Dual Vocational Training Conferences focusing on agriculture and other topical necessaries since 2019. The ATVET Conference 2022 is a continuation of discussions to address critical questions around food & nutrition security, as well as highlighting Nigeria’s opportunity to position herself globally as a major player.

The Head of Corporation, EU Delegation, Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Nigeria, Ms Cecil Tassin-Pelzer gave the welcome address. The first keynote address was given by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, represented by M.T. Usman, Head of Cashew Value Chain Programme in the Ministry. Dr Patrick O. Adebola, Executive Director, Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria gave the second keynote address at the conference. Issaka Mohamed Salifou of ComCashew Initiative, Anthony Lewis of Fairfood; and Olorunfemi Oloruntoyin, Country Director, USDA West Africa PRO-Cashew, also shared cashew operations field experiences.

Denis Steppuhn, Project Manager, Corporate Development, led Julius Berger’s delegation to the cashew conference.

February 7, 2022
Press Statement
Confirmation of APC’s Rhoda Gumus as INEC Commissioner, A “Coup” Against Democracy
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) vehemently rejects the confirmation of a card-carrying member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Rhoda Gumus, as a National Commissioner (South South) in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) despite widespread outcry by Nigerians
The PDP describes Prof. Gumus’ confirmation as INEC National Commissioner by the APC-led Senate leadership as a “coup” against Democracy and an open invitation to serious political crisis that can derail our hard-earned democracy and lead to breakdown of law and order if not immediately reversed.
In confirming Prof. Gumus, the APC-led Senate leadership has exposed itself as anti-people and completely insensitive to the aspiration of Nigerians for credible and transparent elections in 2023.
The action of the APC-led Senate is highly provocative and incendiary because it is in violation of Paragraph 14 (2)(a) of the 3rd Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), which provides that “a member of the Commission shall be non-partisan and a person of unquestionable integrity”.
Such violent assault on the Constitution and our electoral process by the APC cannot be allowed to stand.
The media space is awash with reports of Prof. Gumus as a member of the APC in Bayelsa State with APC Registration Form No: BAY/YEN/08/58315 and reportedly as number 27 in her APC Ward Register.
In nominating and confirming an APC card-carrying member into INEC, President Muhammadu Buhari and the APC-led Senate leadership have recklessly violated the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) which they swore to uphold and defend.
This action is designed to corrupt and compromise the electoral Commission and pave way for the APC to rig the 2023 general elections.
Nigerians can recall how President Buhari had earlier sought to impose his aide and card-carrying member of the APC, Lauretta Onochie as INEC Commissioner but was stiffly resisted by Nigerians.
The APC which thrives in impunity has again nominated and confirmed Prof. Gumus, another APC card-carrying member as National Commissioner in INEC in flagrant violation of the Constitution and total disregard for the Nigerian people.
Prof. Gumus must not be allowed to be used to pollute INEC. Her mission is already exposed and our Party is ready to mobilize our members and all patriotic Nigerians across the country by taking legitimate actions to protect the integrity of the electoral body.
Our Party therefore issues a stern caution to Prof. Gumus to, in the interest of peace, steer clear of INEC as there is no way she can function in that office as a card-carrying member of the APC.
Democracy is about transparency of elections. Nigerians cannot believe in the integrity of the process with Prof. Gumus in INEC. Her entry and continuing stay in INEC will be toxic and taint the Commission with bias and manipulations ahead of the 2023 elections since her appointment and confirmation is unconstitutional.
The PDP calls on President Buhari to immediately withdraw the appointment of Prof. Gumus as INEC National Commissioner in line with his oath of office to uphold and defend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This will assure Nigerians that Mr. President is committed to free, fair, transparent and credible elections in 2023.
The PDP salutes and commends the efforts of the Civil Society which continues to remain relentless in the fight for credible electoral process from appointment of officers of INEC, processes of election as well as the collation and declaration of election results.
Our Party urges the Civil Society and all well-meaning Nigerians to continue to insist that appointments into INEC must be transparent and in line with the provisions of the Constitution and other relevant laws.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary

NIGERIA IS BLEEDING, NEEDS RESCUE FROM SHACKLES OF APC-WIKE
Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has described Nigeria as a nation bleeding and desperately in need of rescue from the shackles of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
The governor said the precarious state of the Nigerian State , requires all well meaning Nigerians, particularly members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to come together and wrest power from the APC in 2023.
Governor Wike stated this when he visited the former governor of Kaduna State, Senator Ahmed Makarfi at his residence in Kaduna on Monday.
The Rivers State governor, who disclosed that he was not in Kaduna for political reasons, but to wish Senator Makarfi speedy recovery and thank God for safeguarding his life, urged members of the PDP to unite because Nigeria is bleeding.
“Nigeria is bleeding, and so if we are not united Nigeria will not forgive us, because every Nigerian is hoping that PDP must come and stop this bleeding. And we require everybody. This is not about who wants to run for presidency, that is not the issue. Who wants to zone presidency, that is not the issue at all. The issue here is all of you as a matter of duty must be united. If you like zone presidency to the West, if you are not united, can you win election?”
Governor Wike said it is obvious that the ruling APC is deficient of ideas and cannot provide solution to the numerous challenges facing the Nigerian State. According to him, the APC has ruined Nigeria and must be voted out of power.
“APC has finished Nigeria. There is nothing they can tell us now. They don’t have any other idea. If they have any idea, they didn’t use it. Now is what we call injure time. All promises made now cannot be fulfilled. If they had made promise for six years and didn’t fulfil it, is it one and half years left that they will fulfil it.”
Governor Wike said he and other stakeholders in the party remain eternally grateful to the former Kaduna State governor , who as acting national caretaker committee chairman of the PDP, prevented the party from being destroyed by some extraneous forces behind Ali Modu Sheriff.
“Leadership is given by God and you see, when a party is in crisis that is when you know who has leadership quality. When our party was in crisis, when Ali Modu Sheriff was to be used to kill our party, he stood firm, committed and showed braveness and said look, I have no other place to go other than the PDP. So he removed this party from the shackles of Ali Modu Sheriff.”
Governor Wike commended Senator Makarfi and PDP leaders in Kaduna for ensuring the party remains politically relevant in the State. He particularly applauded them for the remarkable performance of the PDP in the last local government election in the State, particularly at the grassroots.
Senator Makarfi in his response, expressed profound gratitude to the Rivers State governor and his entourage for the visit.
He commended Governor Wike and his colleagues for ensuring that the last PDP national convention was successful.
“I have said it, nobody can take that away from you, you are committed, you are passionate for this party. People may like your ways or dislike your ways, nobody can doubt your commitment. Your fearlessness.”
Senator Makarfi, who also acknowledged that Nigeria is bleeding, urged members of the PDP to collectively work together to rebuild the party first, and at the appropriate time, all stakeholders will meet to determine who flies the party’s presidential flag in 2023.
Governor Wike was accompanied by Senator Sandy Onor, former minister of transport, Abiye Sekibo, former PDP chairman in Rivers State, Felix Obuah and former managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Timi Alaibe.
Kelvin Ebiri
Special Assistant Media to the Rivers State Governor.
February 7, 2022.

Press Statement
Transforming Lives Of Ogoni People, My Top Priority – Rt. Hon. Dum Dekor
The lawmaker representing Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dumnamene Robinson Dekor has reiterated his commitment to improve the wellbeing of his constituents and Ogoni people in general.

He affirmed that regardless of his primary responsibility of lawmaking, the welfare of his people would remain top priority in his agenda.
The lawmaker who stated this while dolling out laptop computers, generators and cash to 400 members of his Constituency in Bori, headquarters of Khana Local Government Area on Saturday, February 5, 2022, said the gesture is part of an empowerment programme to complement their small scale businesses.
A breakdown of the disbursement showed that some of the beneficiaries received generators, some got laptop computers while other persons received N50, 000 and N30,000 each.
He told the beneficiaries which comprised men, women and youths, that aside providing adequate and effective representation, he also owes them the statutory duty of oversight function, urging them not to misuse what they have received, but put them into meaningful uses.
The lawmaker, a former Deputy Speaker in the Rivers State House of Assembly, explained that laptop computers were given out to the beneficiaries as, according to him, Ogonis must not be left behind in the digital world.
The federal lawmaker, who also once served as Works Commissioner in Rivers State, also explained that the gesture was not borne out of the norm or desire to be in the ‘good books’ of the beneficiaries, but rather to help them stand on their feet and fend for themselves and their families.
“We are looking at using the very little that is available. It could be N10,000 or N50,000. How do we apply this into our existing small businesses? Mind you, some persons, the entire goods they sell may not be more than five or ten thousand Naira. If such person has N30,000 or N50,000, it will be a leap for them to improve on their businesses.
“That’s why in some of these programmes, we try as much as we can to let it trickle down to those who actually need it. And I believe, that for the 400 persons which cut across the 36 Wards in Gokana/Khana Federal Constituency who have benefited today, even if it’s a percentage of them, that gets going, I’ll be happy”, he said.
While decrying the federal government’s neglect towards his people, the lawmaker lamented that their sources of livelihood have been badly affected due to environmental pollution.
“Everywhere around us is polluted and the level of pollution is frightening. Our major souces of livelihood has been taken from us. So, what else can we do? We can’t fish or farm anymore”, he said.
The federal lawmaker further charged the beneficiaries to take advantage of the improved security situation provided by Governor Wike and the Chairmen of Khana and Gokana LGAs, to conduct their businesses without fear of molestation.
“Our normal little activities of buying and selling have come back. What we are praying for now is how we can attract some industries into the place”, he stated.
He also expressed hope of improved power situation in Khana Local Government Area following the mandate given the Ministry of Power by Governor Wike.

“We have the population to support any business that comes here. As soon as we have improved power and security, I don’t think there will be any problem because we’ll move forward”, he declared.

RT. HON. DUM DEKOR MEDIA TEAM
PRESS RELEASE

SANWO-OLU SWEARS-IN SPECIAL ADVISERS ON PPP, AGRICULTURE
…Signs Bills Regulating Real Estate, Cooperative Societies, Prohibiting Dangerous Animals
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has sworn in Mr. Ope George and Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola as Special Advisers on Public-Private Partnerships and Agriculture (Rice Mill Initiative) respectively.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who swore in the two advisers during the weekly State Executive Council meeting at the Executive Chamber in Lagos House, Ikeja, on Monday also signed three bills into law.
The three bills were – law regulating the real estate transactions in Lagos State; law to provide for the registration of Cooperative Societies in Lagos State; and law to regulate ownership, licensing and sales of pets and to prohibit and restrict people from having in custody dangerous animals in public places.
Speaking about his new advisers, Governor Sanwo-Olu said George and Fashola are coming into the State Executive Council with a lot of experience in Public and Private Partnership and Agriculture to add value to the system and wish them the very best in their new assignments.
“We believe this addition to our cabinet will further strengthen our ability to deliver all that we promised our citizens because we need people in strategic positions. We need people that have sufficient authority to be able to dispense their responsibilities,” he said.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said the new bills he assented to will strengthen government and citizens’ engagement and relationships and for residents of the State to continue to live in an atmosphere where the rule of law is enshrined for people and to know what is expected of them.
The Governor who commended the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa and the state lawmakers for seeing the need to pass the bills into laws said the government will “continue to ensure that our citizens are happy with us and trust is further deepened in government.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu said the law to regulate the real estate transactions in Lagos State will help to protect the citizens; the unsuspecting Lagosians who fall prey to many real estate professionals, adding that the law will also help players in the real estate sector to know what is expected of them and for government to be able to track who is doing what in the sector.
“It is really about ease of doing business and ensuring that we can continue to attract private sector investments into the real estate space. We believe this law would be the very first in the country that has taken a deep dive into what is happening in that space and it further strengthens our intervention in housing through the Ministry of Housing,” he said.
He said the law to provide for the registration of cooperative societies in Lagos State will make it easy to regulate the operations of thousands of cooperative societies in the State for harmonious cooperation.
The Governor also noted that the law regulating the ownership, licensing and sales of pets, prohibiting and restricting people from having in custody dangerous animals in public places, will further strengthen all the deliverables in the Ministry of Agriculture, especially issues that have to do with pets and animals.

SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
07 FEBRUARY 2022

PRESS RELEASE

LAGOS RAMPS UP INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY ON REGULATION OF WASH SECTOR
…As LASWARCO undertakes study tour of world’s renowned National Water and Sanitation Council (NWASCO), the foremost regulator in Africa

The Lagos State Government through the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO) is poised to strengthen the regulatory framework and institutional capacity towards efficient and effective regulation of the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector with the overall objective of progressing towards universal access to water and sanitation services as enshrined in the United Nations SDG Goal 6.

To this effect, LASWARCO in collaboration with WaterAid Nigeria under the leadership of its Country Director, Evelyn Mere has embarked on a study tour of the National Water Supply and Sanitation Council (NWASCO) Zambia, in furtherance of its efforts to improve service delivery by the water and wastewater utilities.

Executive Secretary of LASWARCO, Mrs. Funke Adepoju, said the study tour to NWASCO which is reputed as a world-class regulator of water supply and sanitation services became expedient in view of the need to strengthen the institutional capacity of LASWARCO for WASH regulation in Lagos State for supervisory oversight of the Service Provider (LWC) in a manner that will improve service delivery and pave the way for significant and sustainable engagement in water supply and wastewater management while protecting the interests of consumers.

“Regulatory effectiveness is a core driver of improved water and sanitation services. Active regulation involves incremental change, extensive consultation, and testing.

“As a Commission, we have a mandate under the Lagos State Environmental Management Protection Law (2017) to protect consumers interests regarding quality, price, and reliability of services provided by both the public and private operators, to review standards of performance of services towards license utilities, set tariffs, develop guidelines or provision of WASH facilities, establish and enforce standards for water supply or sanitation services with the aim of ensuring that water supply and sewerage services are properly carried out without compromising vital ecosystems.

“The ever-increasing population of Lagos State has undoubtedly put intense pressure on the institutions providing basic social services in the State. However, the State government is sparing no effort in providing affordable and equitable access to clean and safe drinking water for all residents by the administration of Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu as he is particularly committed to the wellbeing of residents and protecting the environment as enshrined in the health and environment component of the THEMES Agenda” she said.

Giving further details, Adepoju said: “The visit to Zambia is essentially to study and understand the basic factors responsible for the rapid progress achieved in regulating the WASH sector of the country in recent times, especially how the country responded to its WASH crisis and the steps taken to turn around their water supply and sanitation crisis, including the models applied, sources of funding, challenges faced and lessons learnt.

“The visit also afforded us the opportunity to have a clear understanding of the policy statements in terms of content and context that generated a rapid positive response to reforming the WASH sector, as well as the processes and procedure that informed the positive response of both government officials and the citizenry to the reform.

“We also shared notes on how Private Sector Engagement and intervention of non-state actors is operating in the WASH sector, especially the role of government as the regulator of Private Sector Engagement at ensuring the sustainability of the system, while also discussing how regulation through NWASCO is helping to improve access to clean water and management of wastewater in the country.”
On his part, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Office of Drainage and Water Resources, Engr. Lekan Shodeinde emphasized the need for regulation towards ensuring that operators are kept on their toes to provide the best services for consumers.
“The monitors and inspectors from NWASCO are monitoring their people and ensuring that utilities are kept on their toes to do what they are supposed to do for the people. The bottom line is that the people should get the best service.
“The level of dedication from the enforcement arm is awesome as all hands are on deck. It shows that a lot can be done for the water sector in terms of getting people access. The importance, therefore, of regulation is that it positively impacts service delivery. The good thing is that Lagos State already has a Regulatory Commission and part of strengthening the institution for better utility performance is the reason for this trip,” Shodeinde said.

The visit to the Shimabala Pumping Station, Iolanda water intake and waterworks, booster Station at Chilanga, and the main Stuart Park Reservoirs in Lusaka waterworks revealed a hundred percent capacity utilization.

The Lagos State delegation, led by Shodeinde, was received by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation, Republic of Zambia, Joe Kalusa; The Managing of Director of the Lusaka Water and Sewage Company, Jonathan Kampata; the Director of the National Water and Sanitation Council (Regulator); the Director-General of the Water Resource Management Authority, and Country Director, WaterAid Zambia, Pamela Chisanga.

SIGNED
OTARU ADEGOKE
CHIEF PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER, LASWARCO
FEBRUARY 7, 2022

MEDIA RELEASE
Monday, 7th February, 2022

2023: NCFront, LEADERS OF CONSCIENCE, FLOAT THIRD FORCE MEGA PARTY TO RESCUE NIGERIA

…..SET UP JOINT TRANSITION/HARMONISATION COUNCIL TO CONSUMMATE FUSION OF PARTNERS AND STAKEHOLDERS

……TO LAUNCH MEGA PARTY THIS MONTH IN ABUJA

BEING THE COMMUNIQUE OF THE NATIONAL RETREAT OF POLITICAL LEADERS OF CONSCIENCE AND STAKEHOLDERS OF THE THIRD FORCE MOVEMENT CONVENED TO CONSUMMATE THE FORMATION OF AN ALTERNATIVE DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE’S MEGA PARTY, HELD ON SUNDAY, 6TH FEBRUARY, 2022 IN VICTORIA ISLAND, LAGOS

PREAMBLE:
Leaders of Conscience and Key Stakeholders and Partners in the emergents Third Force Movement of Nigeria met under the auspices of the National Consultative Front, NCFront on Sunday, 6th February, 2022 in Victoria Island, Lagos to consummate the various consultations and negotiations among parties and stakeholders aimed at forming a formidable alternative democratic Mega Party to drive the political rescue and salvation of Nigeria through the ballot in 2023.

ATTENDANCE:
Leaders of Conscience and Eminent Nigerians at the Retreat convened to consummate the Democratic Alternative People’s Mega Party of the Third Force for the 2023 elections include: Prof Pat Utomi, Dr Usman Bugaje, Engr Musa Rabiu Kwakwanso, Prof Kingsley Moghalu – Presidential Aspirant, Senator Saidu Dansadau, Chairman, NRM, Chief Raph Okey Nwosu, Chairman, ADC, Hadjia Najatu Mohammed, Prof Mrs Remi Sonaiya, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, Prof Osita Ogbu, Former Economic Adviser to the President of Nigeria, Dr Sadiq Gombe, Comrade Promise Adewusi, Mni, Former Deputy President of the NLC, Chief Akin Braithwaite, Arc Ezekiel Nya Etok, Lady Khadija Okunnu-Lamidi – Presidential Aspirant, Sir Olawale Okunniyi, 5 Reps of the EndSars Movement, 5 Reps of NCC- LIT Movement, among other eminent leaders of conscience at the meeting. Meanwhile, apologies from: Engr Buba Galadima, Hon Dr Olubunmi Usim Wilson, Ogbeni Lanre Banjo, Mr Segun Oshinowo, who are all unavoidably absent at the meeting.

GOODWILL AND SOLIDARITY MESSAGES:
Goodwill and Solidarity message were received from the President of the Nigerian Labour Movement through the President of NUPEG, Prince Williams Akporeha, who stood in for the President of the NLC, Comrade Ayuba Waaba.

PRESENTATION ON PARTY ADOPTION:
Therefore, in accordance with the meeting agenda, stakeholders, having received solidarity and goodwillll messages from other key partners in the fusion process, namely; Rescue Nigeria Project, RNP, Nigeria Intervention Movement, ÑIM, Strategic Elements of the Civil Society Movement and Youths’ EndSars Movement, subsequently invited presentations from the National Chairmen of National Rescue Movement, NRM and African Democratic Congress, ADC respectively on their resolve and readiness to accommodate all partners and stakeholders in a fusion arrangement.

OBSERVATIONS:
It was however observed that the presentation of one of the key allied Parties, the People’s Redemption Party, PRP, which has been in consultations with the NCFront and invited to the Retreat, could not be received as the Leadership of the Party is yet to give full clearance and approval to the terms, conditions and modalities contained in the MOU guiding the Fusion. The meeting to that mandate the Transition/Fusion Council to receive their presentation, if they are ready within the time frame given to the council to conclude its tasks

RESOLUTIONS:
Consequent upon the two presentations and the separate pledges of the two political parties to fully honour the terms, conditions and modalities contained in the Memorandum Of Understanding, MOU drafted to guide the adoption of the Coalition Party to serve as the vehicle and platform upon which the fusion shall be consummated, the meeting set up an all inclusive Transition/Harmonisation Council to practically consummate the political fusion of all stakeholders on the platform of one of the registered allied political parties as well as launch the alternative mega party, without further delay, at least within the next three weeks.

MEMBERS OF THE HIGH POWERED TRANSITION/HARMONISATION COUNCIL:
Members of the historic Transition/Harmonisation Council nominated to consummate and guide the fusion process henceforth are as follows: Prof Pat Utomi, Dr Usman Bugaje, Prof Kingsley Moghalu, Engr Buba Galadima, Senator Saidu Dansadau, Chairman, NRM, Chief Raph Okey Nwosu, Chairman, ADC, Barr Dan Nwayanwu, Hadjia Najatu Mohammed, Prof Mrs Remi Sonaiya, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, Prof Osita Ogbu, former Economic Adviser to the President of Nigeria, Hon Mrs Janet Adeyemi, Dr Chris Ekiyor, Dr Sadiq Gombe, Comrade Promise Adewusi, mni, former Deputy President of the NLC, Dr Tanko Yunusa, Barr Monday Ubani, Esq, Chief Akin Braithwaite, Arc Ezekiel Nya Etok, Lady Khadija Okunnu-Lamidi, Hon Dr Olubunmi Usim Wilson, Ogbeni Lanre Banjo, Mr Segun Oshinowo, former DG of NECA and Sir Olawale Okunniyi, who is to coordinate the Council Secretariat.

CONCLUSION:
The Council was however mandated to coopt more members, when it becomes necessary as the Secretariat of the council is expected to commence works immediately.

Signed
Ms Bilikis Bello
For: National Secretariat
National Consultative Front, NCFront