November 9, 2023

Press Statement

It is no longer news that the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, the Final Court in National Assembly Election Petition cases, in its judgement delivered on Saturday 4th November, 2023, on Petition No. EPT/AB/SEN/02/2023, voided the return of Darlington Nwokocha of the Labour Party as winner of the Abia Central Senatorial District election by INEC and declared Col Austin Akobundu rtd of the PDP as the authentic winner of the election.

As you may recall, the judgment of the Court of Appeal elicited spontaneous jubilation not only in Abia Central Senatorial District, but also in the entire Abia State and various parts of our nation; a signal that it is in tandem with the Will and aspiration of the people of Abia Central at the February 25, 2023 National Assembly election in the State.

However, our Party the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has uncovered a surreptitious plot by certain top leaders in the All Progressives Congress (APC) to pressure the Court of Appeal for a review and reversal of the Court’s judgment wherein it declared PDP’s Col Austin Akobundu(rtd) as the rightful winner of Abia Central Senatorial District election.

We have also been made aware of pressure on the President of the Senate, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio to undermine the judgement of the Court and stand down the swearing in of Senator-elect Austin Akobundu.

Information at our disposal indicate that this furtive plot against the Justices of the Court of Appeal and indeed the Institution of the Judiciary came as a result of a secret pledge allegedly by Darlington Nwokocha to join the APC if the said APC leaders succeed in intimidating, cajoling and coercing the Court of Appeal to review its final judgement, overule itself and return him to the Senate.

Part of the plot was the recent hiring, at huge costs, of some misguided members of the public to abuse, insult and accuse the Appeal Court.

There are also allegations that large sums of money have been paid to emissaries in an attempt to blackmail, coerce and mount pressure on the Lord Justices to reverse the Judgment even when it is clear by our laws that the judgment is final and that the Court of Appeal has become Functus Officio in the matter.

The PDP in very strong terms condemns this despicable act of desperation and unpardonable assault on the Institution of the Judiciary in utter and flagrant abuse of Court Process for selfish reasons that amount to a wild goose chase.

For emphasis, the pronouncement of the Court of Appeal as a Court of Final adjudication in the matter is clear in ordering the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw the Certificate of Return issued to Darlington Nwokocha, the same having been voided; and issue a fresh Certificate of Return to Col Austin Akobundu rtd as the authentic winner of the election.

For the avoidance of doubt, by virtue of Section 246(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the decisions of the Court of Appeal in respect of States and National Assembly election matter shall be final.

The Supreme Court, with regards to Section 246(3) 1999 Constitution, had since held in the case of Ekwunife vs Victor Umeh, that “the decision of Court of Appeal is Final. Once the Court of Appeal delivers its judgement on a National Assembly Election Petition Appeal,the judgement becomes Final.There must be an end to Litigation”.

Moreover, the pursuit of a review by Darlington Nwokocha is a futile venture as he would be asking the Court of Appeal to do the impossible given that there is no window within the Constitutional lifespan of the Court of Appeal Panel for such.

The Supreme Court had since held in the case of Mohammed Buba Marwa Vs Admiral Murtala Nyako Sc/141/2011 delivered in January 2012 that the time fixed by the Constitution is like the Rock of Gibratar or Mount Zion which cannot be moved; that it cannot be expanded or elongated or anyway enlarged.

The PDP calls on the Senate President, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, being an experienced lawyer and legislator not to allow anybody to drag the Senate, a prominent Institution of Democracy which he leads, into an unnecessary and avoidable conflict with the express pronouncement and Order of the Court of Appeal and the provisions of the Constitution.

The Senate President must protect the integrity of the Senate as a law-abiding institution by swearing in Senator-elect Col Austin Akobundu as ordered by the Court of Appeal, being the Final Court in the matter.

The PDP again congratulates Senator-elect Col Austin Akobundu on this victory for democracy and the Will of the people which he represents, bearing in mind that he will bring to bear his capacity, experience and competence for outstanding quality and people-centered representation in the Senate.

Our Party commends the Institution of the Judiciary with particular reference to this matter, for its courage in upholding the provision of the law.

Signed:

Hon. Debo Ologunagba

National Publicity Secretary

ICPC Partnership with Stakeholders Critical to the Success of Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Initiative

The collaboration between the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission(ICPC) and various stakeholders has been crucial to the favourable outcome realised in the Constituency and Executive Project Tracking Initiative (CEPTI).

This was stated by Mr Jimoh Sulahiman, Deputy Director, Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Division (CEPTD) in the ICPC, while delivering a goodwill message at a policy dialogue on parliamentary succession and constituency projects held in Abuja on Wednesday.

Mr Jimoh noted that the sharing of information and data on abandoned or shoddily done projects between ICPC, BudgIT, and other stakeholders has been invaluable to the successes recorded with CEPTI.

He underlined the crucial role BudgIT has been playingas a member of the Project Steering Committee, which is saddled with the responsibility of selecting projects to be tracked nationwide.

The Deputy Director stated that the commitment of ICPC towards good governance necessitated the creation of CEPTI, whose major objectives include curbing corruption, guaranteeing value for money, recovery of public funds, and improving service delivery.

He noted that the recovery of assets worth billions of naira and the return of various equipment to communities for whom they were originally meant, underscored the importance of the initiative, adding that the tracking should not be exclusive to ICPC, but rather a collective responsibility for every well-meaning citizen of Nigeria.

According to Jimoh, “the fight against corruption cannot succeed without the full support, active participation and collaboration of key stakeholders and the society in general”.

He implored participants to pool efforts to monitor the implementation of government projects in their community to entrench transparency and accountability in all sectors of the country.

On his part, the founder of OrderPaper Advocacy, Mr Oke Epia, stated that the policy dialogue was convened to discuss the policy framework surrounding issues of succession and continuity in the legislative sphere and how it affects the execution of projects across constituencies.

He further stated that the dialogue was held to bring attention to the good work of certain members of the legislature who may be unfairly stereotyped due to the perceived inadequacies of their underperforming counterparts.

The policy dialogue, which was organised by OrderPaper Advocacy Initiative in conjunction with Budgit Foundation was declared open by the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, represented by hisSpecial Assistant Media, Mr. Usman Mudashiru.

The Deputy Senate President said the dialogue was crucial in helping the legislatures, CSOs, stakeholders and the electorate resolve the challenges that mitigate the seamless and appropriate execution of Zonal Intervention Projects in Nigeria.

Saudi Arabia to sign deals with Nigeria, Senegal, Chad and Ethiopia – Finance Minister

The Saudi Fund for Development will sign agreements worth 2 billion riyals ($533 million) with African countries, Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan said on Thursday during the Saudi-Arab-African Economic Conference in Riyadh.

“We are working with partners to support Ghana and other countries regarding their debt,” Jadaan added.

Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih later said at the same conference the kingdom’s over $700 billion wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund, will make some “game changing” investments in Africa.

Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, also at the conference, signed preliminary agreements with African countries including Nigeria, Senegal, Chad and Ethiopia on energy-related cooperation.

HOW NLC AND TUC GROUNDED ACTIVITIES AT THE NNAMDI AZIKIWE INTERNATIONAL

Members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) on Thursday grounded activities at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International in Abuja. 

The move is part of actions by the unions following an attack on the president of the NLC Joe Ajaero in Imo State.

But what started as a state issue has now taken a national undertone as the protesting unionists stormed the venue around 8:58 a.m., grounding aviation activities in one of the country’s busiest airports.

They were at the airport to halt flights going to Owerri, the Imo State capital. While security operatives prevented them from entering the airport, the protesters blocked the airport’s entry and exit routes, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded. Many of them abandoned their vehicles and instead trekked.

The development is the latest in the faceoff between labour and the Imo State government which the unions had accused of using police officers to assault the NLC chief.

While police authorities in the state have denied involvement in the assault with the government accusing Ajaero of meddling in politics, organised labour declared a nationwide strike for November 14th, 2023.

Critics and observers say the move would throw an ailing economy into more turmoil, but the NLC and TUC insist it would go ahead with the industrial action if the government failed to meet its demands, which included the resignation of police officials.

“We are worried that it has become criminal for workers in Nigeria to gather for a peaceful protest,” they said.

Recent strikes have had a mixed turnout. Last month the unions agreed to call off a planned strike in protest over rising living costs after the government offered a package of measures to cushion the impact of its economic reforms.

The NLC, an umbrella group of trade unions, had planned a demonstration in the Imo state capital Owerri on Wednesday over “non-payment of salaries and pensions for 44 months and violation of other labour rights,” spokesman Benson Upah told journalists.

But state police said the protest had been banned.

The unions said “police personnel” attacked Ajaero after a crackdown on the demonstration.

The union leader was taken to a police hospital and treated at the city’s Federal Medical Centre, the NLC said. It has since shared pictures showing Ajaero with a bruised face and a neck brace.

Leader of the opposition Labour Party Peter Obi condemned the attack, saying it “shows the level of lawlessness, impunity, criminality, and rascality that have engulfed our dear country”.

Vote APC, Tiamiyu urges Kogi electorate

                … Says Alhaji Ododo right man for the job

A Lokoja-based businessman and Chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Jimoh Fancy Tiamiyu, on Thursday called on the people of Kogi State to come out en masse and vote for Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the candidate of APC in the governorship election holding on Saturday, November 11, 2023 in Kogi State.

Tiamiyu, a grassroots mobilizer who is the Director General (DG) of the APC Campaign Organisation for Alhaji Ododo in Lokoja Local Government Area, said his party’s candidate remains the only contestant that can be trusted to take Kogi to the next level, continuing from where the outgoing Governor Yahaya Bello would stop.

According to the APC stalwart, “The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, is obviously the candidate to beat in the Kogi governorship election taking place on Saturday. He has been in the government of the outgoing governor, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, holding key positions of authority. Therefore, he clearly understands the process of governance better than any of the other persons seeking to occupy the Kogi gubernatorial seat after Governor Yahaya Bello.

“Alhaji Ododo has the leadership qualities and everything it takes to govern Kogi and bring the dividends of democracy to the good people of the state. We have no doubt that Kogi will be better under Ododo’s watch as he is the only one that can ensure judicious and prudent application of available resources to transform the state. He is the only candidate that can sustain the developmental efforts of the outgoing governor to take Kogi to greater heights.

“I therefore call on eligible voters in Kogi State to come out in large numbers to vote massively for the APC candidate, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo. Don’t be deceived by those who have nothing to offer, those who do not have the capacity, experience and leadership acumen to govern a state. It would be a disaster to place Kogi in the hands of such persons. Ododo is well-groomed to govern Kogi effectively and efficiently in the interest of the people. Let’s give him our votes and we will definitely not regret it.”

Top opponents of Ododo in the guber contest include Alhaji Murtala Ajaka of Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Senator Dino Melaye of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Tinubu arrives Riyadh Saudi Arabia

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived early today in Riyadh Saudi Arabia. He was received by the Deputy Governor of Riyadh, His Royal Highness, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Abdulaziz and Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ambassador Yahaya Lawal, ahead of the Saudi-Africa summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS PRESIDENTIAL AIDE ON DISABILITY MATTERS

In his determination to ensure that every segment of society is sufficiently catered to within the ambit of the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration, President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mr. Mohammed Abba Isa to serve as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Disability Matters.

Mr. Mohammed Abba Isa is a distinguished champion of persons with disabilities with over a decade of experience in local and international advocacy on matters concerning persons with disabilities.

The new presidential aide is a graduate of Public Administration with honours from the University of Maiduguri where he would go on to earn a Masters in Public Administration at the same institution in 2017.

The President tasks the new appointee to proactively create avenues of opportunity for inclusion through the inculcation of PWD requirements and perspectives in the policies and programmes of all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of the Federal Government while working closely with sub-national authorities to build a national consensus on PWD-friendly policy and environmental conditions in collaboration with the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD).

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

November 9, 2023

Boosting intra-Africa trade through implementation of the AfCFTA Agreement key to eliminating poverty and inequality in Southern Africa

Gaborone, Botswana, 8 November 2023 (ECA) – Southern African countries should take collective action to accelerate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement which is strategic to reducing poverty and inequality in a region classified as one of the most unequal in the world today.

Opening the 29^th Meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee of Senior Officials and Experts of Southern Africa (ICSOE), Mmusi Kgafela, Botswana Minister of Trade and Industry, said Southern Africa was facing multiple challenges that have exacerbated poverty and inequality, making it imperative to accelerate trade and industrialization to boost the region’s economic growth.

Citing the COVID-19 after-effects, the geopolitical tension in Europe and the effects of climate change which have combined to undermine the regional development agenda, Mr. Kgafela said Southern Africa had no option but move a gear up on industrialization and boost trade in the context of the AfCFTA.

“Boosting intra-Africa trade through the AfCFTA will generate immense benefits for our regional economies,” Mr. Kgafela said, highlighting the gravity of the challenges of poverty and inequality in Southern Africa and how trade and industrialization could create jobs and raise incomes.

“Collaborative efforts of governments and the private sector, supporting innovation and technology development can lift Southern Africa out of poverty particularly through capacitating our Micro Small and Mediums Enterprises, youth and women-owned businesses, “ said Mr. Kgafela, imploring regional governments to think innovatively about supporting the growth of regional economies.

The 29^th  ICSOE Meeting is to consider and endorse the annual report on the work of ECA in Southern Africa, review economic and social conditions in the region, and review a report on the implementation of regional and international agendas and other special initiatives in Southern Africa.

In an address to the meeting, ECA Deputy Executive Secretary and Chief Economist, Hanan Morsy, said poverty and inequality remain entrenched in Southern Africa and continue to pose a challenge towards the achievement of a prosperous society and “the Africa we want”.

Ms. Morsy, in remarks delivered by Director, ECA Sub-regional Office for Southern Africa, Eunice Kamwendo, said the Southern Africa region faced overlapping challenges that hinder its ability to  leverage its comparative advantage and endowments to drive economic development while  addressing poverty and inequality.

“The opportunities created by the AfCFTA will stimulate increased trade and investment, promote value addition, foster innovation and productivity growth, both at national and regional levels, and consequently contribute to the reduction of poverty, vulnerability, and inequality,” said Ms. Morsy,  calling for the expeditious implementation of the AfCFTA Agreement by regional member States.

While Ms. Chileshe Kapwepwe, Secretary General of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) said COMESA, as one of the eight Regional Economic Commissions recognized by the African Union as “building blocks” towards successful implementation of the Agreement,  was committed to continental integration and specifically implementation of the AfCFTA.

Concurring that the level of inequality and poverty in Southern Africa was unsustainable and undermined the region’s socioeconomic developmental aspirations, Elias Magosi, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Executive Secretary, highlighted that addressing the two challenges was not only a moral imperative but a strategic necessity to achieve inclusive development in the region.

David Claude Pierre, Africa Union, Permanent Representative for the Southern African Region (AU-SARO) noted that if the region is to succeed in leveraging the AfCFTA for poverty and inequality reduction, there should be no business as usual. He asked, “How can we effectively deal with poverty eradication and inequality if we do not  give the youth and women of Africa their rightful place in societies across Africa and continue to treat women as lesser beings than men?”.

-Ends-

Building a Blue Economy Strategy for the East African Community

Mombasa, Kenya, 08 November 2023 – The blue economy is a vital area of activity for the East African Community (EAC), as it offers opportunities for sustainable economic, social and ecological development and growth. To harness its full potential, the EAC needs a coherent and coordinated strategy and action plan that aligns with the African Union’s strategy, the national priorities and aspirations of its partner states, along the other overlapping regional commitments of the latter.

The office for Eastern Africa of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the EAC organised a two-day regional consultation meeting in Mombasa, Kenya, on 30-31 October 2023, to discuss the Roadmap for an EAC Blue Economy Strategy and Action Plan. The meeting brought together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from the EAC partner states.

The objectives of this regional meeting were to acquire a baseline understanding of the blue economy in EAC, including its, challenges and opportunities, agree on how to harmonise existing continental, regional and national blue economy strategies with the EAC Blue Economy Strategy, ensure coherence, complementarity, and synergy; note the global best practices in blue economy strategy and implementation; and attain a common regional understanding of how to proceed with the formulation of the EAC Blue Economy Strategy and Action Plan, including the vision, goals, objectives, indicators, and implementation mechanisms.

Ms. Mama Keita, Director of ECA in Eastern Africa, applauded the participants of the meeting for the quality of presentations and discussions. She expressed her confidence that the Roadmap for an EAC Blue Economy Strategy and Action Plan has been set on strong grounds of common understanding and that the resulting Strategy and Action Plan will be an important document that will guide the EAC in developing a robust and inclusive blue economy agenda. She also reaffirmed ECA’s commitment to support the EAC in this endeavour.

Mr Jean Baptiste Havugimana, Director of Productive Sectors, East African Community commended this consultation exercise which serves to ensure that the upcoming EAC Blue Economy Strategy and Action Plan is in line with the established AU’s Africa Blue Economy Strategy and that the present varied level of engagement with the blue economy of its partner states are also taken into consideration. With the roadmap for this process being established and the priorities of the strategy being preliminarily identified, he is confident that the EAC Blue Economy Strategy and Action Plan will be a document which will have strong ownership by partner states who will be committed to its operationalisation.

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU: ACCURATE POPULATION DATA ESSENTIAL FOR TAILORED, INNOVATIVE, AND PERMANENT SOLUTIONS TO NATION’S CHALLENGES

President Bola Tinubu says accurate information on the size, characteristics, and distribution of the nation’s population is imperative both for planning and for the effective delivery of public services to Nigerians.

Speaking at the launch of the Digital Civil Registration and Vital Statistics System, and the National Geospatial Data Repository at the State House, on Wednesday, President Tinubu said Nigeria’s population remains the greatest asset the nation wields in the broader mission to become one of the largest economies in the world.

He said the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) system is the basic building block of an identity ecosystem, adding that, “it will help to improve service delivery to all Nigerians and shall ultimately become a vital source of identity data across federal agencies such as NIMC, NIS, Road Safety, INEC, Police, EFCC and other security outfits.

“The system will also improve the ability of our federal agencies to generate vital statistics on important population events and migration, further enabling the government to design well-tailored, effective and efficient policies that are capable of meeting the specific needs of the Nigerian people.

“It is my hope that the current drive to re-position this vital registration system will provide the basis for the 100% attainment of our Year 2030 SDG targets in respect of real-time identity management and population data.

“Our population remains the greatest asset of the nation in the development process. Collecting accurate and reliable information on the size, distribution, composition, and characteristics of the population is an essential governance activity that is also consistent with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration. The Commission will therefore be supported in the conduct of the next census,” the President affirmed.

Commending the National Population Commission (NPC) for the initiative, President Tinubu asked the commission to deploy its cutting edge technology, especially the geo-spatial data that has been collected through the Enumeration Area Demarcation in implementing the eCRVS.

“Coming at a time when the Commission has made substantial progress in its quest to deliver the first digital population and housing census, it is my hope that the result of the census will provide the nation with much-needed data for development planning and the enthronement of good governance.

“It is, therefore, my great pleasure to launch the VITAL REG system and the National Geo-Spatial Data Repository to the greater glory of God, our unity, and the collective prosperity of our great country.

“I am also pleased to inaugurate the National Coordination Committee of CRVS under the Chairmanship of the National Population Commission, which is composed of stakeholders across relevant federal ministries and agencies,” the President said.

President Tinubu further implored members of the Committee to demonstrate maximum commitment and hard work in ensuring a huge success of the new electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (eCRVS) system for the progress, peace and development of the country.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media and Publicity)

November 8, 2023

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU SET TO ATTEND SAUDI-AFRICA SUMMIT IN RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA

President Bola Tinubu will, on Thursday, depart Abuja for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to attend the Saudi-Africa Summit, which is scheduled to take place in Riyadh on November 10, 2023.

At the Saudi-Africa Summit, the President will underscore Nigeria’s commitment to attracting more Foreign Direct Investment and expanding business partnerships, which are strongly reinforced by his administration’s ongoing domestic economic reforms.

Discussions at the first Saudi-Africa Summit will revolve around supporting joint action, enhancing political coordination, addressing regional security threats, facilitating economic transformation through research and the local development of new energy solutions, all while bolstering cross-sectoral investment cooperation.

The President will be accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar; Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman; Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun; Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu; as well as the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu.

Others are the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Amb. Ahmed Rufai Abubakar; and the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Mallam Jalal Arabi.

President Tinubu will return to Abuja following the conclusion of the Saudi-Africa Summit.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media and Publicity)

November 8, 2023

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS TWENTY FEDERAL COMMISSIONERS OF THE NATIONAL POPULATION COMMISSION (NPC)

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of twenty (20) qualified Nigerians to serve as Federal Commissioners in the National Population Commission (NPC) with nine current Federal Commissioners being appointed to a second term in office:

(1) Hon. Emmanuel Trump Eke — Abia

(2) Dr. Clifford Zirra — Adamawa — Reappointed

(3) Mr. Chidi Christopher Ezeoke — Anambra — Reappointed

(4) Barr. Isa Audu Buratai — Borno — Reappointed

(5) Bishop Alex Ukam — Cross River

(6) Ms. Blessyn Brume-Ataguba — Delta

(7) Dr. Jeremiah Ogbonna Nwankwegu — Ebonyi

( Dr. Tony Aiyejina — Edo — Reappointed

(9) Mr. Ejike Ezeh — Enugu — Reappointed

(10) Mr. Abubakar Damburam — Gombe — Reappointed

(11) Prof. Uba Nnabue — Imo — Reappointed

(12) Ms. Sa’adatu Dogon Bauchi Garba — Kaduna

(13) Dr. Aminu Ibrahim Tsanyawa — Kano

(14) Hon. Yori Afolabi — Kogi

(15) Hon. Olakunle Sobukola — Ogun

(16) Hon. Temitayo Oluseye Oluwatuyi — Ondo

(17) Sen. Mudashiru Hussain — Osun — Reappointed

(18) Ms. Mary Ishaya Afan — Plateau

(19) Mr. Ogiri Itotenaan Henry — Rivers

(20) Mr. Saany Sale — Taraba — Reappointed

The President charges the new and returning NPC Federal Commissioners to successfully implement all measures taken by his administration to produce and effectively appropriate accurate population data with which lasting solutions to Nigeria’s socio-political and economic challenges can be conclusively developed and executed.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

November 8, 2023

PRESS RELEASE

LAGOS, ENTERPRISENGR TAKE CENTER STAGE IN LONDON

• Sanwo-Olu, Aig-Imoukhuede lead delegation to Lord Mayor’s Show to attract foreign investment

Arrangements have been concluded by the Lagos State Government and EnterpriseNGR; an advocacy group that promotes the growth and development of Nigeria’s Financial and Professional Services (FPS) sector as a catalyst for economic development, to take part in the Lord Mayor’s Show in London.

The decision of the Lagos State Government and EnterpriseNGR to take part in the Lord Mayor’s Show holding in London this week was disclosed at the weekend during a press conference by the Lagos International Financial Center (LIFC) Council chaired by Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and co-chaired by EnterpriseNGR’s Chairman, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CON.

Speaking at the press conference, Governor Sanwo-Olu, who had earlier signed an Executive Order Three to inaugurate the Lagos International Financial Center Council, symbolising his administration’s commitment to making the state a global financial hub, said Lagos State and EnterpriseNGR, are poised to make history as the first African participants invited to join the prestigious Lord Mayor’s Show’s 805th procession in London.

The ground-breaking collaboration between Lagos State and EnterpriseNGR, strengthened by the inauguration of the Lagos International Financial Centre Council in partnership with EnterpriseNGR, is built on their shared goal of positioning Lagos as Africa’s premier financial centre to attract foreign investments.

During the Lord Mayor’s Show, Lagos, represented by Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State and other members of the Lagos International Financial Center Council, will engage in strategic one-on-one and bilateral meetings with key United Kingdom-based businesses, investors, government officials, and Nigerians in the diaspora, all with one message: “Lagos is open for business. Come and invest in Africa’s economic powerhouse.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who is the Chairman of the LIFC Council, said the objective of the Council is to work collaboratively to provide financial services, drive investment structure, and create a conducive environment to ensure transformation and align with the Federal Government on its economic recovery plans.

He said his administration had been proactive in collaborating to catalyse infrastructural development and it would be the first African city that would be participating in the Lord Mayor’s Show in the United Kingdom to attract foreign investors to Lagos State.

Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasised that the key objective of the historical participation of Lagos and EnterpriseNGR in the Lord Mayor’s Show in London is to showcase the investment potential of Lagos and to elevate the State as a global investment destination.

He said: “Lagos is not just going to London for the parade and pageantry; this visit has a more strategic purpose. This is a prime opportunity to showcase Lagos on a global platform. The newly inaugurated LIFC Council signifies not just an institutional milestone, but a commitment to a bold vision—positioning Lagos as the beacon of financial innovation in Africa.

“The Lord Mayor, Professor Michael Mainelli’s invitation stands as a resounding endorsement of Lagos State’s commitment to excellence, as well as recognition of its increasing economic prominence. This invitation aligns harmoniously with the council’s mission to establish Lagos as a global financial hub, attracting investments that will fuel sustainable economic development.

“Lagos and Nigeria’s enduring history with the United Kingdom reflects a proud Commonwealth partnership since gaining independence in 1960. Nigeria remains dedicated to fostering diplomatic and economic ties, presenting abundant investment opportunities in sectors such as oil, finance, technology, agriculture, healthcare, and infrastructure. This resilient partnership, combined with Nigeria and Lagos’s commitment to growth, creates a promising landscape for United Kingdom investors eager to contribute to and benefit from the nation’s dynamic and expanding economy.

“As a strategic partner in the historic delegation to the Lord Mayor’s Show in London, EnterpriseNGR aligns its mission with the broader objectives of the LIFC Council, highlighting the indispensable role of such partnerships in driving sustainable development and investment.

Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, who is the Co-chairman of the LIFC Council, congratulated Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration for all the achievements recorded, saying the collaboration between the Lagos State Government and EnterpriseNGR is an innovation that will transform Lagos and Nigeria into a financial powerhouse.

He said: “EnterpriseNGR stands as a catalyst for transformative change in Nigeria’s Financial and Professional Services sector. Our vision extends beyond advocacy; it is a commitment to incentivise investments that go beyond financial gains. As we embark on this historic delegation to showcase Lagos on the global stage, we recognise the profound significance of attracting investments.

“Investment isn’t merely a transaction; it’s a catalyst for job creation, driving sustainable development and fostering a symbiotic relationship between investors, the State, and the communities at large,” he said.

Also speaking, the CEO of EnterpriseNGR, Ms. Obi Ibekwe, said “EnterpriseNGR’s participation in this historic delegation to the Lord Mayor’s Show underscores the critical role we play in driving transformative change within Nigeria’s Financial and Professional Services sector.

“Our participation at the Lord Mayor’s show is an extension of welcoming hands to not just the United Kingdom audience but the world at large with a clear message that Lagos is Open for Business. This delegation is a testament to our unwavering dedication to the larger vision of a prosperous and interconnected ecosystem and a Greater Lagos.”

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

08 NOVEMBER 2023

Uzodinma financed Ahmed Lawan, rejected Tinubu, says Salihu Lukman

The immediate past national vice chairman (Northwest) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Salihu Lukman, has alleged that some party leaders who were opposed to the emergence and presidential aspiration of President Bola Tinubu are now being appointed into key positions in government.

He particularly cited the Imo state governor, Hope Uzodinma, whom he alleged financed the attempt to manipulate the emergence of former Senate president, Ahmed Lawan as the APC consensus presidential candidate against Tinubu, but eventually became the chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF).

Lukman made this observation in a lengthy statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, November 8, titled: “Agonising Experience of Being APC Member; Message to APC leaders”.

The former Director General of the PGF noted those close to the alleged leaders have since been hostile to him following his past recommendations and opposition to their antics.

Lamenting over the development, Lukman noted that the sets of party leaders who were boisterously opposed to the presidential ambition of President Tinubu are today appointees in the federal government.

He said: “When, for instance, party leaders who were boisterously opposed to the Presidential ambition of President Tinubu are today appointees in the federal government, and in the case of Governors such as Sen. Hope Uzodinma, who financed the attempt to manipulate the emergence of Sen. Ahmed Lawan as the consensus Presidential candidate of APC, emerging as the Chairman of Progressive Governors beat the imagination of every founding leader of APC, and in every respect heartbreaking.”

“Pushing for the entrenchment of party supremacy, the former APC zonal leader strongly advised the ruling party to avoid becoming a replica of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).”

He emphasized that many party leaders and members expected that the emergence of President Tinubu as the successor to former President Muhammadu Buhari would lead to the party’s reform and return it to its founding vision of becoming a progressive party.

Lukman noted: “APC emerged in 2013 with the historical mission of changing Nigerian politics such that our parties are internally democratic. Incontestably, both former President Buhari and current President Tinubu gave us the needed leadership to inspire Nigerians into believing and committing their votes to the APC.”

He warned that the party should not derail from the promised goals and objectives of reforming the country’s democratic culture and values which endeared Nigerians to the party at its inception 10 years ago.

Lukman, however, observed that “instead of reforming the APC to return it to its founding vision, we are consolidating and emerging as a malfunctioned and despotic party organization, which is increasingly becoming a replica of the PDP by every passing day.

He added: “We can deceive ourselves to imagine that we can continue to succeed in emerging victorious in elections and successful leaders surround themselves with sycophants who only tell them what they want to hear, it will not change the reality of betrayal and it will not protect leaders.

“As loyal party members, we will continue to campaign for the reform of APC and party politics generally in the country.”