How Nigeria(ns) Failed Chinedu Nwadike
By Odimegwu Onwumere
The gospel singer, Prince Chinedu Nwadike’s passage on March 27, 2022, has drawn indignation from many quarters. They were all praising his “golden voice,” but none of them could help it. He has pointed out how “we” failed him.
Nwadike was not a friend of mine, but we were close. We started together as actors under the umbrella of Nollywood sometime in 1999, having purchased the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN’s) form before he left Port Harcourt, and the next big thing was that his music was everywhere.
We were not in contact and there was no need for that till I saw his video sometime in the middle of March soliciting funds to help him attend to his failing health. I was aghast. A few people I talked to about his development said, “Is he not working with the government? Why is he asking the masses to help him? “bla bla bla.
It was a time of introspection for me after I noted the mindset of humanity here again. I knew that humanity here was hardly helping because one million and one people that cheered my posts on social media were nowhere to be found some time in the past when I launched crowd funding for my book project for a year. I shared the link to the project for people to donate to, and that’s a long story.
Immediately some people saw Nwadike’s video asking for funds and how he was stooling blood, they arrogated that to something only they knew the definition of and gave him unprintable names that can’t even be given to shrewd ladies in the street. It was then that I said to myself that some men with feminine features in Nigeria are sold on the back of what they might not be. And Nwadike had some feminine gestures!
I thanked some notable Nigerians who donated to him, despite the fact that no tradition or religion says a donor to the needy should take credit for helping those in need by establishing a sort of cinema.
When a Dibia made a donation of One Million Naira (N1M), humanity here was divided into religious lines, with one uncouth pastor making a video, saying that Nwadike should pray for forgiveness for accepting the N1m from a Dibia. The irritant, called a pastor, even added that Nwadike needed more prayers than he needed money and the hospital.
Except for the money bags in Nigeria and perhaps abroad, the majority of those making blog traffic to their news platforms with Nwadike’s death were nowhere with, say, N500, as a donation to the bank account he made public, when he needed money to assist him with. Rather, when he said that the earlier pronunciation by him of having renal failure had been corrected but something was wrong with his blood, some people made videos saying “Chinedu has cashed out”, using a sickness he didn’t have as an excuse.
While in a big city like Abuja, believed to have the best hospital, the money donated for his treatment was organized for his overseas trip for medical attention. Something that tells me that anyone who is seriously ill in Nigeria should not have hope for better treatment.
We need to investigate why Nigerians rarely help each other or even allow those who want to help to do so without dismissing every call for help as a fraud. Our behavior and interactions towards the needy are always uncalled for.
Many Nigerians have a habit of not giving and won’t keep their interactions with the needy distinct. They make a mockery of any person asking for a donation, oblivious that in sane climes, startups build their businesses from what is known as “seed funding,” which is donations they get from individuals and grants. In Nigeria, it is always a different ball game.
I have on several occasions had my head shaking disappointedly given that I extended my hand to those I looked up to that would help, and they didn’t even respond to my proposal. Some who responded but could not help, did not even care to ask how I coped with the problem that made me contact them. This is where many Nigerians are faulty: they don’t value relationships when they won’t favour them. They are egocentric, not knowing that love reunites men.
My biases and judgments here might not be acceptable to some people, but they call for a common humanity in Nigeria, which we no longer have. It’s not beyond the realm of possibility that Nwadike secretly sought assistance from some of his close friends before going public with the video. His plight felt more immediate because Nigerians would prefer to make publicity stunts around someone’s predicament in lieu of helping secretly.
I suppose that we are not responsible for each other, not even in this country. Nigerians would prefer to walk away instead of lending a hand. Those who are unable to intervene will not make any attempt to persuade those who can. However, it is sacrosanct that, as individuals, we should pay attention to others around us and consider what we might do to make their lives simpler. Any gesture of kindness can brighten someone’s day.
Allow the vehicle in front of you to pass you on the highway. Many are very crude about this! We hardly hold the door or elevator open while you phone a friend to check on them. How many people check on an elderly neighbor or deliver dinner to someone who is sick or going through a difficult period?
We don’t realize that maintaining excellent relationships is actually good for our hearts, and being friendly and thoughtful can make a tremendous difference. Nevertheless, as an individual, group, or Nigeria, check yourself if you failed Prince Chinedu Nwadike. Be true to your conscience, because there are many Nwadikes around, while keeping in mind that donating money to those in need is simple and delivers as much immediate satisfaction as possible. Giving to the needy may really make the contributor happier and healthier.
- Odimegwu Onwumere writes from Rivers state. Email: apoet_25@yahoo.com
March 30, 2022
Press Statement
2023: PDP Exposes Plans by Buhari Presidency, APC to Alter Electoral Act
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) alerts Nigerians of a clandestine plot by the Buhari Presidency and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to alter the newly passed Electoral Act 2022 to introduce clauses that will compromise the 2023 general elections.
The APC, having realized that it is running out of time and cannot meet up with the already released electoral timetable now seeks to frustrate and derail the on-going electoral process.
The PDP has it on good authority that the Buhari Presidency has perfected plots to use the APC leadership in the National Assembly to orchestrate an amendment to the Electoral Act to create opening for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to alter its already released 2023 Election Timetable and Schedule of Activities to accommodate the APC.
Our Party has information about how the APC has been mounting pressure on INEC to push forward the already scheduled dates for the 2023 general elections.
The PDP vehemently rejects this plot by the APC which amounts to shifting the goal post in the middle of the game and cautions INEC to resist such heinous design against our democracy.
The election timetable has already been released, political parties have commenced processes, Nigerians have since set their minds on the election dates to vote out the APC and there is no going back on that resolve.
The PDP therefore cautions the Buhari Presidency and the APC leadership in the National Assembly to note that any attempt to alter the timetable is an invitation to serious political crisis in the country as Nigerians will firmly resist them.
While directing all PDP members in the National Assembly to be vigilant and firmly resist this plot, our Party also calls on all lovers of democracy; the Civil Society, the media, Organized Labour and the International Community to stand against this attempt by the APC to derail the democratic process.
The PDP will not hesitate to call out millions of our members, teeming supporters of our Party and Nigerians at large should the APC continue in this nefarious scheme.
The APC should have nobody but itself to blame. It must bear the full consequences of its recklessness, arrogance, disregard for rules, order and gross violation of its own constitution.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
March 30, 2022
Press Statement
Extension of Sales of Forms and Rescheduling of Screening Exercises
The National Working Committee (NWC) of our great Party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has approved the extension of sales of Nomination and Expression of Interest Forms for all elective offices in the 2023 general elections from the initial date of Friday, April 1, 2022 to a new date of Friday, April 8, 2022.
In the same vein, the last day for the return of already completed Forms as well as the Screening Exercise for both the State House of Assembly and National Assembly (Senate and House of Representatives) have been rescheduled as follows:
Last Date For Submission of Already Completed Forms:
- State House of Assembly: – Sunday, April 10, 2022 by 6pm
- National Assembly : – Sunday, April 10, 2022 by 6pm.
Screening of Aspirants:
- State of House of Assembly: -Tuesday April 12, 2022.
- National Assembly: – Thursday April 14, 2022
All other dates remain as already published.
For the avoidance of doubt, the last day for purchase of all Forms is now fixed for FRIDAY, April 8, 2022.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
Press Statement
Wike’s Declaration For Office Of President, Timely, Redemptive – Dekor
Rt. Hon Dumnamene Robinson Dekor has applauded Governor Nyesom Wike’s declaration to contest the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, describing it as most timely, to save Nigeria from further assaults from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Rt. Hon Dekor, member representing Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, and Chairman House Committee on Host Communities said the depth of economic downturn in Nigeria occasioned by the lack of vision and the ineptitude of the APC leadership has made it necessary to have a president with the capacity of Gov Wike to stop the country from total collapse.
According to the federal lawmaker, one time Commissioner of Works and Deputy Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, the antecedents of Gov Wike qualify him as the best man for the job especially in this critical time of the nation’s chequered political history.
Gov Wike’s developmental strides in Rivers State since he took oath of office in 2015, the Ogoni-born politician noted, have launched the state into the league of best democratically led and developed in the country and could be replicated in all parts of Nigeria if given the opportunity to occupy the number one seat in the country.
“Without mincing words and if we can be true to ourselves, there is every need to change the country’s present narratives. The Nigerian citizens are dying per minute per hour of hunger, hardship, frustrations and many more are lost to banditry, kidnappers, terrorist attacks, armed robbery etc due to the collapse of the nation’s security architecture. To turn the economy around and get Nigeria walking again, a man with the capacity and the political will, a detribalized and selfless leader is the person we need. In all of these, I am most convinced that the person the cap fits is His Excellency, Chief Barr Nyesom Wike,” Rt. Hon Dekor declared.
The lawmaker who wants Nigerians not to miss this golden opportunity said he welcomed Gov Wike’s boldness and submission of himself to carry the burden of rebuilding Nigeria, and also pledged his unwavering support and that of his constituents to Gov Wike’s presidential bid.
Signed
Rt. Hon. Dum Dekor Media Team
Press Statement
PDP Dissolves Kano State, LG, Ward Excos, Sets Up Caretaker Committee
Following the recent developments in the Kano State Chapter of our great Party, the National Working Committee (NWC), after careful deliberations and extensive consultations, on behalf of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and pursuant to Sections 29(2)(b) and 31(2)(e) has dissolved the State, Local Government and Ward Executive Committees in Kano State with immediate effect.
In their place the NWC has approved the appointment of the Kano State Caretaker Committee to run the affairs of the Party in the State for a period of 90 (ninety) days beginning from today, March 29, 2022, pursuant to Section 24(2) of the PDP Constitution 2017 (as amended).
The Members of the Kano State Caretaker are as follows:
- Alhaji Ibrahim Atta — Chairman
- Alhaji Ibrahim Aminu Dan’Iya — Member
- Hajiya Ladidi Dangalan — Member
- Hon. Aminu Abdullahi Jungau — Member
- Mukhtar Mustapha Janguza — Member
- Abdullahi Isa Sulaiman — Member
- Barr. Baba Lawan — Member/Secretary
The PDP urges all leaders, critical stakeholders and teeming members of our Party in Kano State to remain united and focused for the task ahead.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
NIGERIA MUST OPERATE EFFICIENT TAX ADMINISTRATION TO BOOST REVENUE, SAYS PRESIDENT BUHARI
President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday in Abuja expressed his administration’s commitment to an efficient tax administration in order to improve tax revenue in the country.
Declaring open the second National Tax Dialogue Week, the President expressed concern at the current tax system in the country, characterised by fragmented administration, multiple and sometimes, overlapping taxes.
”In most tax-efficient nations, tax administrative processes and practices are harmonised within a single system.
”One key deliverable of this year’s tax dialogue is to promote synergy in tax administration among the different tiers of government.
”Harmonising taxpayer identification across the country is a good start; but we must do more to promote ease of doing business (including ease of tax compliance) in Nigeria.
”On our part, we have started by clarifying in the 2021 Finance Act that FIRS is the sole authority to administer tax for the Federal Government.
”This clarification became necessary in order to avoid taxpayers being burdened with multiple tax compliance obligations towards different agencies of the same government.
”Multiplicity of tax administration is as undesirable as multiplicity of taxes; it creates uncertainty and instability; and above all, it is inefficient,” the President said at the Dialogue themed ”Tax Harmonisation for Enhanced Revenue Generation.’’
In the face of dwindling revenues from commodities, President Buhari told participants at the Tax Dialogue that there is an urgent need to maximise domestic revenue within the extant tax policy and laws.
He, therefore, proposed improved tax revenue for the country which will not necessarily impose new tax rates on Nigerians.
”We all know that good intentions are not enough as they simply cannot pay for infrastructure, security or social amenities. We must therefore improve tax revenue without necessarily raising new taxes.
”Revenue from commodities, including crude oil, are too volatile and unreliable. Therefore, I pledge government’s support for any viable initiative for improving tax revenue that should emanate from this dialogue,’’ he said.
On Nigeria’s Tax-to-GDP ratio, the President declared that the country also needs to do more in securing a buoyant domestic revenue base of the country that bequeaths an enduring economic foundation, political stability and social harmony to the next generation.
”According to the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), in its Revenue Statistics in Africa 2021, the average ratio of Tax-to-GDP of 30 selected African countries in 2019 was 16.6% while Nigeria recorded a mere 6.0%.
”It is obvious that much needs to be done in the area of tax revenue mobilisation.
”It is my expectation that the discussions at this 2022 National Tax Dialogue will be focused on what we must do to maximise legitimate revenue collection and massively improve the Tax-to-GDP ratio. ”
On the importance of the Tax Dialogue, which was instituted by the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, and the Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), President Buhari noted that the first edition in 2021 was very productive and integral in influencing tax policy, as well as legislative and administrative changes that were introduced last year.
He added that the most important testament to the success of the first edition is the fact that the FIRS achieved 100% of its collection target in 2021 and surpassed N6 trillion revenue threshold for the very first time.
Congratulating FIRS on the achievement, the President assured Nigerians that the present administration would continue ”to maintain prudent management of our collective resources.”
In her remarks, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed said the dialogue was designed to engage stakeholders in the Nigerian tax-space in meaningful discourse so as to glean information, ideas and experience in the aid of policy formulation and improved tax environment.
According to the minister, the main tax revenue objectives of the Federal Government include developing an economy that does not lean too heavily on resource wealth.
She explained that Nigeria’s economic history provides enough facts that resource wealth alone cannot lead to sustainable development, self-sufficiency and sustainable.
The other tax revenue objectives are:
”To institutionalise a healthy tax culture among Nigerians. The right attitude towards taxation will enable every Nigerian to become a co-guardian of the tax system and the commonwealth.
”To create a participatory system of taxation whereby the taxpayers and other stakeholders understand and accept that they have equal stakes in the tax system.”
The Chairman FIRS, Muhammad Nani, thanked the President for his directive to government agencies to enable FIRS connect to their ICT systems; noting that this singular pronouncement softened the grounds for the Service to roll-out its system for seamless acquisition of data.
”We are confident that by the time all the agencies achieve 100% compliance with the President’s directive, Nigeria shall be the envy of other countries for tax compliance and domestic tax revenue mobilization,” he said.
On the remittances of the Service to the Federation Account, the FIRS Chairman announced that h statistics from March 2022 Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting show that out of a total revenue of N803.072 billion from all revenue agencies, tax revenue contributed by FIRS was N513.522 billion (63.94%) while non-tax revenue from all other agencies amounted to N289.55 billion (36.06%).
The Chairman noted that that the average tax or FIRS contribution to FAAC in 2021 was 59.45%.
”I mentioned in my welcome address to the 2021 edition of the Tax Dialogue that the world had begun a tax race of which Nigeria must be a winner.
”The revenue profile of the country in 2021 has clearly shown that our continued survival as a nation depends on tax revenue.
”This trend is set to continue for some time to come. As such, all hands must be on deck to support the tax system and make it function efficiently.
”However, it is surprising that some people have begun to play politics with tax revenue generation.
”We humbly invite the President to step-in to dissuade political tax gladiators to sheath their swords. Tax revenue is an inherently apolitical issue; it should be treated as such by all, irrespective of their political leaning, ” he said.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 29, 2022
March 29, 2022
Press Statement
Kaduna Train Attack: Life is Near Worthless Under APC, Buhari – PDP
…Urges Nigerians to Unite to Save the Nation.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) condemns in the strongest terms the continuing insecurity and near worthlessness of the lives of Nigerians under the insensitive and cruel All Progressives Congress (APC) government as evidenced by the vicious terrorist attack on innocent Nigerians travelling in a Kaduna State-bound train on Monday, March 28, 2022.
The successful ambush of the train on the Abuja-Kaduna service by terrorists who killed many Nigerians, abducted scores of others in an operation that lasted for over an hour, again confirms PDP’s stand that the security command and control coordination structure under President Buhari has collapsed.
More alarming is the fact this particular attack took place within two days of the deadly terrorist attack on the Kaduna International Airport on Saturday, March 26, 2022 in the same Kaduna State controlled by an APC government.
The PDP insists that the complicity of silence by the Buhari administration on the Saturday’s airport attack emboldened the terrorists to assault the train; a development which also validates PDP’s position that the APC administration has conceded sovereignty over parts of our country to terrorists.
The continued silence and obvious helplessness of the Buhari Presidency on these deadly attacks on our nation’s key transportation sectors raises apprehensions of possible complicity at the very top level of the APC administration.
It is callous and unfortunate that the APC government, in its usual insensitive nature attempted to suppress information by keeping mute over 24 hours after this horrendous attack which claimed the lives of promising Nigerians among whom was a young medical doctor, Dr. Chinelo Megafu who was fatally shot in the ill-fated train travel.
Nigerians can recall the confession by a former APC leader that these assailants are terrorists brought from neighboring countries by the APC as “political mercenaries” to rig the 2019 general elections.
In 2021 over 10,366 Nigerians were killed by terrorists with over 2,900 abductions in countless terrorism related attacks in which no fewer than 964 security agents were killed, as revealed by SB Morgen (SBM) Intelligence Report published in the Guardian Newspaper of Thursday, January 3, 2022.
Those killed in 2021 represents a scary 47% increase in the 7063 massacred by terrorists in 2020.
More alarming is that the killing spree has continued in 2022 unabated. More than 536 Nigerians have been killed by terrorists since the beginning of this year. In the first three weeks of January 2022, about 486 Nigerians were killed by terrorists as reported in Premium Times of Sunday, January 23, 2022.
Again, only last week, 50 innocent Nigerians were reportedly hacked to death by terrorists in the same Kaduna State!
This is beside the hundreds of Nigerians, including students who were abducted by terrorists with many of them still languishing in their abductors’ den.
The question to ask is, how many more Nigerians can our nation afford to lose because of the recklessness and arrogance in failure of the APC? Nigeria bleeds, families are hurting, parents mourn and agonize, yet the APC government is on vacation.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
March 28, 2022
Press Statement
PDP Holds Anambra State Repeat LGA Congress, Tuesday, March 29 …State Congress to Hold On Saturday, April 2, 2022
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has slated Tuesday, March 29, 2022 for the conduct of Repeat Party Congress in 12 Local Government Areas of Anambra State to elect Local Government Area Executive Officers and one (1) National Delegate per Local Government Area.
The affected LGAs are: (1) Oyi (2) Aguata (3) Ihiala (4) Onitsha south (5) Onitsha North (6) Ayamelum (7) Anambra West ( Orumba South (9) Orumba North (10) Dunukofia (11) Anambra East (12) Ekwusigo.
In the light of the above, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP has approved the nomination of the following party members to serve in the Electoral Committee for the exercise.
The members of the Electoral Committee are;
- Chief Emmanuel Ogidi – Chairman
- Barr. Neli Ikpe – Member
- Prince Yandev Amabai – Member
- Chief Emmanuel Ibeshi – Member
- Alh. Kabiru Aliyu – Member
- Hon. George Daika – Member
- Hon. Austin Nwachukwu – Secretary
In same vein, the PDP has scheduled Saturday April 2, 2022 for the conduct of Anambra State Congress to elect new State Executive Officers for the Party in Anambra State.
The PDP urges all Party leaders, critical stakeholders and members in Anambra State to remain united as the we collectively strengthen our great Party for the task ahead.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
KADUNA TRAIN ATTACK: PRESIDENT BUHARI DIRECTS IMMEDIATE IMPLEMENTATION OF SECURITY SOLUTION; CONDEMNS INCIDENT
President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the immediate conclusion of all the processes for the implementation of the integrated security surveillance and monitoring solution for the Abuja to Kaduna railway line and that this be extended to cover the Lagos-Ibadan railway line.
He also directed the Nigerian Railway Corporation managemen
t to speedily repair the damaged lines and resume normal service without delay.
The President gave these directives in Abuja, Tuesday, after receiving briefs from the Service Chiefs led by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-General Faruk Yahaya, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Amao, the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, as well as Major General Samuel Adebayo, the Chief of Defence Intelligence and the Director General of the Department of State Services, DSS, Yusuf Magaji Bichi in the State House.
Additionally, the President charged the law enforcement chiefs to bring back all passengers kidnapped and ensure that each of the callous terrorists are hunted down and made to face justice for their heinous acts as no one or group should be allowed to make the country prostrate.
President Buhari reiterated his earlier directive that the military should deal ruthlessly with terrorists. He asked them to be more decisive and not spare anyone unlawfully wielding the AK 47 weapon.
“No one should be allowed to hold the country to ransom,” said the President.
President Buhari strongly condemned the bombing of the passenger train, describing it as a “matter of grave concern.”
According to the President, “like most Nigerians, I am deeply pained by its occurrence, the second of its type, which has resulted in the death of a yet to be determined number of passengers and others who suffered injuries.
“The attack on the train, a safe means of transport to many, is callous; and our thoughts are with the families of the deceased and prayers for the injured,” he said.
The President commended the Law Enforcement agencies for their prompt response and emergency personnel who were responsible for the evacuation and treatment of the injured persons.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 29, 2022