News

“Our Leaders must re-fix, re-set Nigeria to fulfill the dreams of June 12 heroes, heroines” – Hon. TeeJay Yusuf

Published

6 months ago

June 12, 2024

As Nigeria officially marks 25 years of her return to uninterrupted democratic governance, there is an urgent, and passionate appeal that Leadership have a responsibility to make the country function optimally, which was the aspiration of those who fought, and laid their lives for democracy.

In a statement issued in Abuja, to commemorate Nigeria’s “silver anniversary” of unbroken democratic governance, a chieftain of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, Hon. TeeJay Yusuf, paid glowing tributes to “Chief MKO Abiola; Pa Alfred Rewane; Chima Ubani; Bagauda Kaltho; and many others who were less-known but emerged as heroes and heroines of democracy as they courageously resisted, and fought every form of military dictatorship and autocratic rulership; in the ’90s which culminated in Nigeria’s return to civilian governance in 1999. One must also commend the contributions of civil society organisations; National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS); the media; semi-formal associations; labour unions; individuals; and personalities”

The former three-term federal lawmaker, and one-time NANS secretary-general; during the despotic rulership of late General Sani Abacha emphasized the strategic importance of democracy in Nigeria, “truly, the worst of democracy is better than any military government. Democracy, if properly practiced confers some positives on the citizenry and country. To a large extent, people are guaranteed legitimate freedom; promises of inclusivity and belonginess; fair and free expression of opinions are assured and many others.”

However, the Kogi-born activist-politician believes that, “though there are facts to buttress the point that in 25 years of democracy, Nigeria has recorded few achievements in certain sectors of the economy but many hurdles are ahead. Aside the corrosive economic challenges, debilitating poverty, spiral inflation, and some socio-political encumbrances that has plagued Nigeria over the years, there are some fundamentals which must be addressed, tackled, and resolved swiftly. Believability and Trust of Nigerians on the leadership; across board has being dwindling over time. As we all reflect on the lessons and legacies of June 12, it is apposite that there must be conscious, and deliberate desire and efforts by the leadership to evolve measures towards re-gaining the trust, and re-storing believe of Nigerians in every statement, policy, and programme of government. For me, Today is an opportunity for every leader; in public service, private sector, and every other strata to reflect on how well we have stimulated the consciousness and enhanced the believe and trust of those behind, and under us towards generating the required national growth and development, as well as personal advancement of others.”

Finally, while espousing the need for every citizen in positions of authority, particularly in the public service to “sustain the lofty ideals and visions of those who paid the ultimate price for Nigeria’s return to democracy,” Yusuf solicits for “continued prayers for God’s guidance, wisdom, knowledge, and direction upon all Leaders to do the right thing, and take necessary decisions towards uplifting the general well-being of the people, and ensuring meaningful growth and development of our nation.”

News

Nigeria Congratulates Qatar on National Day

Published

26 minutes ago

December 18, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The Federal Government of Nigeria has extended its heartfelt congratulations to the State of Qatar on the occasion of its National Day, celebrated on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.

In a statement signed by the Acting Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Nigeria’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, conveyed fraternal greetings to Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.

The statement highlighted Qatar’s commitment to promoting global peace and its significant contributions to humanitarian services worldwide.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria commends the commitment and strategic efforts made by the State of Qatar in the promotion of global peace; and more so, the excellent contributions to humanitarian services in different parts of the world,” it read.

Ambassador Tuggar emphasised the strong and growing relations between Nigeria and Qatar, expressing satisfaction with the collaborative efforts to strengthen ties for the mutual benefit of their citizens.

He wished Qatar peace, prosperity, and progress, reaffirming Nigeria’s enduring friendship and support.

This underscores Nigeria’s recognition of its diplomatic relationship with Qatar and its shared commitment to global cooperation and development.

News

Reps Recommends Delisting NECO, UI, Labour Ministry, 21 Others From 2025 Budget

Published

35 minutes ago

December 18, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has called for the removal of the National Examination Council (NECO), University of Ibadan (UI), Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, and 21 other federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) from the 2025 budget.

This recommendation follows their repeated failure to account for previous allocations and internally generated revenue.

During an extraordinary session on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, the Committee resolved that these MDAs should be excluded from the budget until they comply with its directives.

Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Bamidele Salam, stressed: “The Financial Regulation empowers the National Assembly to exclude any Ministry, Department, or Agency (MDA) that fails to account for their previous appropriations. As such, the listed MDAs should be excluded from the 2025 budget until they appear before this constitutional committee.”

The decision was prompted by the consistent non-compliance of these MDAs despite multiple summons issued by the Committee to scrutinize their financial operations.

Prominent institutions among those recommended for delisting include hospitals, universities, and federal development agencies. Some of the affected MDAs are:

Federal Medical Centre, Bida
Federal Ministry of Labour & Employment
Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria
Nigeria Police Force: Department of Information and Communication Technology
Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba
Federal College of Education, Yola
Federal Polytechnic Ekowe, Bayelsa State
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi
Federal University of Technology, Minna
Cross River Basin Development Authority
Nigeria Office for Trade Negotiation
National Examination Council (NECO)
Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil
Presidential Amnesty Programme
Galaxy Backbone
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals

Others include the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Nigeria Nuclear Regulatory Authority, National Space Research and Development Agency, Federal Cooperative College (Ibadan), Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority, University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, and Federal School of Survey, Oyo State.

The Committee unanimously recommended that the MDAs in question be delisted from the 2025 budget until they comply with the request for documentation and provide necessary financial clarifications.

News

Reps Call for Revival of NAPAC to Boost Transparency, Accountability

Published

44 minutes ago

December 18, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has called for the revitalization and strengthening of the National Association of Public Accounts Committees (NAPAC) to enhance transparency, accountability, and good governance across Nigeria.

Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts (PAC), Rep. Bamidele Salam, stated this at the joint sitting of Public Accounts Committees of Senate and House and inauguration of an Adhoc Committee for the reconvening of NAPAC at the National Assembly on Tuesday, emphasised the importance of collaboration among Public Accounts Committees at both federal and state levels.

Formed in 2014, NAPAC comprises 38 chapters nationwide, including the Public Accounts Committees of the Senate, House of Representatives, and all 36 State Houses of Assembly, Rep. Salam noted that the Association has been dormant in recent years, necessitating urgent action to restore its relevance.

He stated, “This Association is a pivotal platform for promoting transparency and accountability in governance. However, in recent times, the Association’s activities have been dormant, necessitating the need for a quick revitalization.

“It is in this context that we are inaugurating this Ad-hoc Committee, tasked with the vital responsibility of reconvening the meeting of NAPAC.”

Salam outlined committee’s objectives, including reviving NAPAC’s activities, adopting innovative strategies to combat corruption, and collaborating with anti-corruption agencies, civil society, and the media.

He also stressed the importance of leveraging partnerships with continental and regional associations such as AFROPAC, WAPAC, and SADCOPAC for capacity building and knowledge sharing.

“The task ahead is daunting, but with collective effort, unwavering commitment, and an unshakeable faith in our nation’s potential, I am confident that we shall succeed,” he added.

In an interaction with journalists, thr Committee chairman, stressed plans to engage with the Auditor General of the Federation and Accountant General of the Federation to address delays in submitting reports on Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

“Of course, Nigerians should expect that we’re going to have more productivity, especially in consideration of the report of the Auditor General,” he said.

He noted that only the 2021 Auditor General’s report is currently before the National Assembly, a situation he described as inconsistent with constitutional provisions. Salam expressed the committee’s determination to ensure Nigeria catches up with the 2022 and 2023 reports by next year.

He added, “We’ll also be able to bring more of these agencies of government in line to ensure that all monies appropriated by the National Assembly are spent judiciously, efficiently, and in a lawful manner.”