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Shift to Parliamentary system: Ex-President Obasanjo tells proponents it should reflect ‘Afro Democracy ‘
By Gloria Ikibah
Ex-Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has advocated for an admixture of local content if Nigeria must shift from presidential system to Parliamentary.
Obasanjo also expressed support for the ongoing call for a shift from presidential democracy being currently practised by Nigeria.
Obasanjo made this disclosure during a meeting with the group of House of Representatives members, who are at forefront of the campaign, on Tuesday also stated that the adopted western liberal democracy has failed to deliver, and even failing its originators, urging the lawmakers to adopt something like ‘Afro-Democracy’ as an alternative.
The former president also cautioned that lawmakers that they should not be too hopeful in getting fast results for their ongoing efforts, as doing so will end up disappointing them.
He said “We statrted on a faulty base, and what is a faulty base; western liberal democracy. Our problem started from what we inherited from our colonial masters, so it is up to us to do what you are trying to do. Western liberal democracy brought in opposition, and what’s opposition? Enemy.
There’s nothing in western liberal democracy that is African, Nothing.
“For a long time, we should have sat down and say yes. Even the people who we inherited it from, it is no longer serving them the purpose”, stressing that what Nigerians were known for was “Communalism”, where there was mutual relationship, and decisions made through consensus. “That’s our life. That’s our way of life”, he submitted.
The former leader noted that if Nigeria had wondered away, and realised that it was a mistake in adopting western liberal democracy which has failed to deliver, “nothing is wrong in coming back home like the prodigal son. It can be done. It should be done”, advising the group to adopt a name outside “parliamentary system” for something more afrocentric, to wade off undue opposition.
To the group of lawmakers on the ongoing move, he said “don’t expect results tomorrow. Don’t expect results tomorrow, if not, you’ll be disappointed”, as he gave them his word that “I will join you…we’re in the same boat”.
Speaking earlier, leader of the group, and Minority Leader of the House, Rep Kingsley Chinda, argued that the presidential system of government as being practiced in Nigeria today “is so burdensome. It is so difficult for us as a nation, make that move that we require with this heavy loads on our shoulders, and so we are thinking on how to contribute our own quota to this nation.
“We’ve listened to leaders like you, that are actually role models. We are saying that a home-grown system of government that will be more accountable, a system that will make leaders more responsive and accountable to the people. Having studied this deep, we felt that something close to parliamentary, but a home-grown one, not the British parliamentary system but something that will emerge from within, to reduce the burden of government, to make it more responsible and accountable” was what they were canvassing.
Also, spokesman of the group, Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki while appreciating the former president for honouring their invitation, disclosed that a national dialogue on the subject matter is up for early July in the group’s bid to gather wider inputs, as well as an essay competition for Nigerian students both within and outside the country.
“Based on that, just a week ago, we put out an essay competition for all students that are in universities all across the globe, to participate in what they think is best for Nigeria. We tagged it home-grown parliamentary system, but with your advice today, I believe we are going to have a meeting to reconsider the proposal.
“As we are moving, we are learning new things everyday. As at today, I can tell you, we have almost 500 essays that have been written on that platform by persons interested in making Nigeria a better nation”, Dasuki disclosed.
He used the opportunity to appeal to Obasanjo to honour the National Discuss billed for July 1st, 2024.
By Gloria Ikibah
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has reiterated its commitment to adding value across various sectors and communities in the country.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement with the National Assembly Press Corps on Saturday in Abuja, the company’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye,emphasised the crucial role of the oil sector in Nigeria’s economic and social growth.
He assured that NNPCL was dedicated to more than just supplying fuel but also contributing to national development.
Shoneye stated: “I’m glad to have you here again at this stakeholder engagement proudly sponsored by NNPC.
“It is truly heartwarming to see how it has brought us together. At NNPC, we believe in fueling not just vehicles but also meaningful moments like this. Tonight is another night that NNPCL will successfully power laughter and great partnerships”.
Reaffirming NNPCL’s dedication to national progress, Soneye showcased various initiatives aimed at improving lives across the country.
He pointed to the impact of the NNPC Foundation, which recently facilitated 1,000 free cataract surgeries in the Southwest, restoring vision to many beneficiaries.
He also revealed NNPCL’s partnership with Afreximbank to finalize the African Medical Center of Excellence (AMCE), a 500-bed facility focused on oncology, hematology, cardiology, and advanced medical training for Nigerians.
“We are set to perform another 1,000 surgeries in the North and an additional 1,000 in the Southeast and South-South before the end of the second quarter of 2025.
“This strategic investment aims to enhance access to specialized healthcare, ensuring that Nigerians receive world-class medical treatment. The AMCE is scheduled to commence operations in June 2025,” Soneye disclosed.
NNPCL provided an update on its Medical Hospital in Abuja, which treated 122,483 patients in 2024 alone. The facility has been crucial in delivering emergency care to accident victims and offering essential medical services, including radiology, physiotherapy, maternity care, dental and eye treatments, and life-saving surgeries.
“Across Nigeria, NNPC hospitals continue to play a pivotal role in improving healthcare access and saving lives. This is a direct demonstration of how NNPC is utilizing oil revenues to positively impact the lives of Nigerians on a daily basis”, he added.
Shoneye emphasised that oil is not just a commodity but the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, driving industrialization, employment, and national development.
He further highlighted the vital role of oil in everyday life, from powering homes and transportation to serving as a foundation for industries such as plastics, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture.
“For nations like Nigeria, oil fuels transportation, powers industries, and generates revenues that support national growth.
“Without oil, modern life as we know it would be vastly different,” he added.
He reaffirmed NNPCL’s commitment to energy accessibility and economic stability, he stressed the company’s focus on responsible resource management.
Shoneye therefore urged stakeholders to drive policies and innovations that will secure Nigeria’s future.
“At NNPC Ltd., we remain committed to ensuring energy accessibility, economic stability, and fostering global partnerships that strengthen the oil industry for the benefit of our people.
“Together, we must continue to drive policies and innovations that secure the prosperity of our dear country,” he stated.
The event provided a platform for discussions on the oil industry’s role in national development and NNPCL’s social impact initiatives
By Gloria Ikibah
The Speaker House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, has restated the commitment of the 10th House to ensuring transparency and accountability in managing public funds.
Speaking at a public hearing organized by the House Committee on TETFUND and Other Services, on Friiday in Abuja, Speaker Abbas, who was represented by the House Leader, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere highlighted the significance of the proposed amendments to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) Act (2011).
Abbas noted that TETFUND, established by an Act of the National Assembly in 2011, serves as an intervention agency supporting public tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
According to him, the agency focuses on providing educational infrastructure and facilitating capacity-building initiatives for academic staff.
In her address, the Committee Chairman, Rep. Mariam Onuoha, stated that the proposed legislation aims to address the challenges of poor project implementation, which have raised concerns about the actual use of funds in tertiary institutions.
She noted that, in response to complaints and controversies from stakeholders, the Speaker recommended amendments to Section 7 of the Act to strengthen guidelines for accessing and utilizing the funds.
Onuoha assured that stakeholders’ views and submissions would be carefully considered in the final report after the hearing.
The Executive Secretary of TETFUND, Sonny Echono, who highlighted ongoing efforts to ensure effective management of the fund, criticized the unchecked establishment of tertiary institutions, particularly by state governments relying solely on TETFUND without proper financial plans.
According to him, to promote fairness, only one university, one polytechnic, and one college of education per state was eligible for funding each year.
He therefore urged lawmakers to prioritise expanding existing institutions instead of creating new ones, to ensure better allocation of resources.
President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, called for ASUU’s reinstatement on the TETFUND board and advocated for an independent monitoring committee to oversee projects from inception to completion.
Prof. Osodeke also warned that ongoing tax reforms could threaten TETFUND’s operations, stressing that the fund is crucial to sustaining Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Barely 48 hours after distributing Ramadan packages, Senator Haruna Manu of Taraba Central Senatorial District embarked on another massive distribution inMutum-Biyu
Through a program dubbed “House to House,” Manu distributed Ramadan packages to less privileged families in Mutum-Biyu.
The event, designed to alleviate some of the burdens faced by vulnerable populations during the holy month of Ramadan, was spearheaded by the Taraba State Commissioner, Hon. Muslim Aruwa, along with Hon. Ubale Gambo, the Personal Assistant to Senator Manu. Together, they visited numerous households, ensuring that essential food items and other necessities were delivered directly to those in need.
Senator Manu Haruna expressed his heartfelt commitment to supporting the disadvantaged members of the community, especially during this sacred period of reflection and giving. He emphasized the importance of compassion and generosity, stating, “Ramadan is a time to come together and extend a helping hand to those who are less fortunate. It is our duty to ensure that everyone can partake in the blessings of this season.”
The initiative not only brought smiles to the faces of the recipients but also fostered a sense of unity and hope within the community. Local leaders and beneficiaries expressed their gratitude for the efforts made by Senator Manu and his team, highlighting the positive impact of such charitable gestures.
Recall that, few days ago Senator Manu Haruna Distributed over 30,000 Bags of rice, Millet and sugar respectively across Taraba Central Senatorial District as Ramadan packages.
NNPCL Reaffirms Commitment to National Development
Speaker Abbas Reaffirms Commitment to Accountability in Public Funds
RAMADAN! Senator Manu embarks on another distribution of packages(Photos)
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