News
Ex-Presidents’ wives lament disrespect after husbands’ tenure
Wives of former presidents of African countries have lamented that they suffer systemic neglect, find themselves abandoned, stripped of their resources and dignity and relegated to obscurity after their husbands leave office or pass away.
The ex-presidents’ wives rendered these lamentations when they converged on Conakry, Republic of Guinea, for a conference aimed at having a formidable Former Presidents’ Wives Coalition.
From one former President’s wife to the others who spoke, it was similar tales of struggle and loss that they suffered, attributing it to a systemic issue that required urgent attention.
Championing the cause, Andre Toure, widow of Guinea’s late President Sekou Toure, said the coalition aimed to revive the aspirations of former Presidents’ wives and ensure they do not fade into oblivion after their public service.
“The coalition is to challenge the stigma and neglect faced by former Presidents’ wives, advocating their dignity and respect in society; to create a historical narrative that honours their contributions by establishing a museum dedicated to their lives and legacies, thus ensuring their stories are documented and remembered,” Toure said in a statement made available to The PUNCH.
Toure said the coalition’s vision is shared by former Presidents’ wives, Fatmata Momoh (Sierra Leone); and Isabel Vieira (Guinea-Bissau).
“We are here to combat the unfortunate reality that many former Presidents’ wives face after their husbands leave office.
“These women, who once held esteemed positions, often find themselves abandoned, stripped of their resources and dignity, and relegated to obscurity.
We are united by our shared experiences and our commitment to change this narrative.
“We are not just figures from the past; we have played significant roles in our nation’s histories, and we deserve recognition and respect. But, we are treated with indifference and disrespect after our husbands’ political careers end,” Toure said.
The tales of the struggle and loss of the widow of late President Samuel Kedo were also relayed at the conference.
Though she noted that the coalition’s impact waned over time due to disappointments and lack of sustained commitment from potential allies, she said the former Presidents’ wives were now dedicated to empowering their members and advocating for their rights.
As part of the efforts, Toure said the coalition would embark on a tour across various African nations, introducing their initiative to other former Presidents’ wives and seeking support from international partners.
She said, “The coalition’s mission is not only about advocacy; it’s a call for international partners, governments, and civil society to recognise the vital roles these women have played and to support their initiatives aimed at creating a more equitable and dignified existence for former Presidents’ wives across Africa.
“Their journey is a collective effort to reshape the narrative around women in leadership roles and to ensure that the sacrifices and contributions of these women are honoured and preserved for future generations.”
Credit: PUNCH
President, Bola Tinubu has appointed two new Permanent Secretaries to fill vacancies in the Federal Civil Service.
The announcement was made by Eno Olotu, Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, in Abuja on Wednesday confirming Adeladan Olarinre and Mukhtar Muhammed, represent Oyo State and the North-West geopolitical zone, respectively.
According to reports, the appointments followed a thorough and open selection process, ensuring that the administration’s focus on merit, competence, and excellence in the civil service was maintained.
The new Permanent Secretaries are expected to bring their knowledge and experience to their new positions, contributing to the improvement of public service delivery and supporting the government’s development goals.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu on Monday also approved the appointment of Martins Imonitie as the chief executive officer (CEO) of the Nigerian Mining Corporation.
The announcement came after the federal executive council (FEC) meeting, which was presided over by the president.
A newly released report by the Ministerial Task Force on Illegal Private Charter Operations has exposed a staggering N120 billion revenue loss for the Nigerian government over the past decade.
The losses stem from a combination of illegal charter operations, regulatory gaps, and lax enforcement by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo and reviewed, paints a picture of widespread security vulnerabilities, interagency coordination failures, and outdated policies crippling the aviation sector.
“Over the past decade, Nigeria lost an estimated N120 billion in statutory revenue from the sector due to regulatory loopholes,” the report stated.
It further named prominent entities such as Arik Air Ltd, BUA International Limited, Dominion Air Limited, Executive Jets Services, Max Air Ltd, the Rivers State Government, Julius Berger Nig. Ltd, and Nestoil Plc as involved in charter operations.
To address the crisis, the task force recommends a series of corrective measures, including the immediate closure and overhaul of the General Aviation Terminal in Abuja to rectify critical security deficiencies.
The controversial 22-year aircraft age limit, widely seen as hindering industry growth, is also slated for repeal.
The report further calls for a significant strengthening of the NCAA’s oversight capabilities to ensure strict compliance with aviation regulations. A new licensing framework for air charter brokers is also proposed to increase transparency and accountability within the sector.
“By implementing these measures, Nigeria can restore regulatory integrity, enhance safety, and position its aviation sector for long-term sustainability and global competitiveness,” the report concluded.
However, the task force’s findings and proposed solutions have drawn sharp criticism from aviation experts who question the government’s ability to enforce meaningful change.
John Ojikutu, aviation security expert and CEO of Centurion Security Limited, dismissed the task force’s efforts as “a waste of time,” placing the blame squarely on the NCAA’s failure to enforce existing regulations.
“Most of these charter aircraft are owned by political office holders or people who have something to do with it. It’s an indictment on the NCAA. When you’re talking about enforcement of regulation, it’s the NCAA,” Ojikutu asserted.
He also raised serious concerns about the regulation of foreign-registered aircraft operating within Nigeria.
“Most of these charter flights are foreign-registered aircraft. Have you been able to identify them? Who brought them in? What is the regulation on foreign-registered aircraft operating in this country? In my days, they could not operate for more than three months. There were specific airports they had to go to. If you brought them in, they had to stay at the customs airport. That was the law in those days,” he explained.
Ojikutu reiterated that powerful figures are shielding illegal flights, making effective enforcement a daunting challenge. “They are being protected,” he emphasized.
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