PRESS RELEASE
5th July, 2024
Protocol
The Young Progressives Party (
. It has come to our attention that the incumbent government is exploiting its power and control over state resources to undermine opposition parties through a political merchandising strategy. This tactic is designed to weaken and absorb opposition structures, thereby jeopardizing the integrity of our democratic process.
Central to this alarming situation is the alleged collapse of the Socialist Democratic Party (SDP) into the incumbent’s camp. Such political maneuvering betrays the principles of fair competition and undermines the fundamental tenets of democracy upon which our nation was founded. The Young Progressives Party views these actions as contrary to democratic values and a dangerous precedent threatening to erode the foundations of governance in our state.
It is regrettable that opposition politics in Ondo State is being reduced to a commercial venture, where principles are sacrificed for expediency and power. Our founding fathers, who envisioned a Nigeria where leaders like Chief Obafemi Awolowo, MKO Abiola, and Pa Adekunle Ajasin could rise above partisan interests to champion the people’s cause, would be disheartened by the current state of affairs.
Chief Obafemi Awolowo once said, “The worst form of evil is democracy without liberty.” This serves as a powerful reminder of the need to steadfastly uphold true democracy. The commercialization of our political landscape threatens to strip away our liberties and diminish our democratic rights.
The Young Progressives Party unequivocally condemns the practice of commercializing opposition politics. It catalyzes totalitarianism and regression in governance, stifling dissenting voices and subverting the people’s will. Elections should be a solemn exercise where citizens freely choose their leaders based on merit, integrity, and vision for development.
As a party committed to the ideals of democracy and good governance, the YPP reaffirms its dedication to the people of Ondo State. We are resolute in our mission to offer a viable alternative rooted in serious, people-oriented, and development-driven governance. Our candidacy in the upcoming gubernatorial election on the 16th of November represents not just a political ambition but a pledge to uphold transparency, accountability, and inclusivity.
We call upon all citizens of Ondo State to remain vigilant and steadfast in defending our democratic values. The future of our state and the progress of our people depend on our collective ability to resist attempts to subvert the democratic process. Let us unite to ensure that the upcoming election is conducted with fairness, transparency, and respect for all citizens’ democratic rights.
Chief Obafemi Awolowo also said, “It is not life that matters, but the courage you bring to it.” With these words, we are reminded of the courage needed to defend our democracy. The Young Progressives Party stands firm in its commitment to lead Ondo State towards a future where governance serves the best interests of all its people, irrespective of political affiliations. Together, we can build a state where opportunity thrives, justice prevails, and prosperity is shared by all.
Signed:
Ayodeji Oluleye
Director General,
Akinmurele/Ayo Obe 2024 Gubernatorial Election Campaign Council
Ondo State
+2349121548321
LG Elections And PDP’s Unique Campaign In Delta
By Fidelis Egugbo
POLITICS, all over the world, is about group interest and the people of Ndokwa ethnic nationality have generally reaffirmed their belief and unalloyed commitment to the affairs of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Granted that, Delta is literally PDP and PDP is Delta State, but one area that has been regarded as a no-go -area to any other political party other than the PDP, is Ndokwaland comprising Ndokwa West, Ndokwa East and Ukwuani local government areas of Delta State.
From the days of the defunct Midwest through then Bendel and now Delta State, the Ndokwa people have always asserted themselves confidently and with pride, especially politically. Why not? The area boasts of some of the largest oil and gas deposits in this part of the world and plays host to critical national assets like the Independent Power Plant, IPP, Okpai, which supplies a significant percentage of the power emptying into the national grid.
Coming back home to Delta, the area is one of the most strategically located parts of the state and Nigeria at large. This is because, it is the only ethnic nationality that cuts through the state sharing boundary with Rivers, Bayelsa and Anambra on one side and with Edo State on the other side. Moreover, aside the large landmass, the area is equally blessed with a huge population and vast fertile land, which make the people to boldly demand for Ndokwa State whenever the issue of State creation is raised in the country – protagonists hold that an Ndokwa State to say the least, could be one of the most viable in the country if such comes into fruition. Today, Delta North Senatorial District largely boasts of huge oil and gas deposits primarily because of Ndokwaland.
Of recent, the member representing Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Prince Ned Nwoko, rekindled hopes in the agitation of an Anioma State coming into fruition and one point that he appears to be using to make his case is Ndokwa. His agitation is worth supporting by all Deltans as it will bring development closer to the people. Imagine the governorship position rotating between Ndokwa, Ika and Aniocha/Oshimili; more so, more seats will be created for the House of Representatives and the Senate. Ndokwa, naturally, will have a Senator representing it, not to talk about the fact that the core Delta being agitated by some persons will automatically come to fruition with Warri, Ughelli and potential places becoming capital of state.
Of course, more local government areas will be created and one may have to see an Osubi, Onicha-Ukwuani, Ebologu, Ufuoma, Ubulu-Okiti, Cable Point and more local government areas coming out of the new states, thereby, creating more political space for elective positions and getting government closer to the people.
All Deltans and Nigerians of goodwill should throw their weight behind Senator Nwoko of the PDP for an Anioma State to be born.
Making an Anioma State part of South East would even speed up the development of the Anioma State because most of our communities are dominated by our brothers and sisters from South East. In short, the people of South East are more comfortable living in Asaba and its environs than the South East geopolitical zone, and most of the successful businesses in Asaba can be linked to South Easterners.
My friend will also, ask, “What is in a name?” Certainly, we will fare better as a people in South East than what we had in Mid-West and Bendel unless someone is telling me that the River Niger would be sand-filled after placing Anioma to make up the states of the South-East region.
Therefore, all Ndi-Igbos, all Deltans, including their governments, should support Senator Nwoko for such to materialize as it may be the only state that may be coming the way Bendel State was also created – without military fiat.
Over the years, the governorship position has eluded the people of Ndokwa right from the days of Midwest but the people have not rested on their oars as they believe that he who joined in cooking the food should be among those to decide who eats from it when is being shared.
It was, therefore, a thing of joy that, in 2023, their agitation to be on the dining table paid off when a renowned educationist, a tax czar, a financial crime buster, a revenue mobilizer, a philanthropist par excellence and a grassroot political juggernaut, Sir Monday Onyeme, FCA, was chosen as the Deputy Governor of Delta State.
The euphoria of producing the number two citizen of the state is still in the air in Ndokwa land as the people believe that even if it will take another 16 years, for such to be achieved, there is hope that one day, the people will not be crying about marginalization as they will decide the “sharing formula.”
As we were about embarking on campaign for the PDP candidates for the forthcoming local government elections, a chief who is also a successful businessman asked me at Kwale, “Fidelis, what are we going to campaign with?”
Obviously, his focus was on physical infrastructure and my mind went to the multi-billion naira bridge which the Delta State Government is constructing across the Ase Creek which had brought to an end the use of Pontoon- with its attendant risks across the river ferrying the equipment of oil companies that hardly give back to their host communities.
Again, within the past one year, a road leading to Ibabu, the home town of Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme, had been completed, among other several projects.
One of the major areas that people hardly look at as a dividend of democracy is job creation. Within the past one year, more than 3,000 teachers and others have been employed by the administration of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori. The multiplier benefit of employing qualified teachers, especially for the primary schools is enormous – that is where the character of individuals are moulded and their mindset prepared for the future.
Also, the Oborevwori administration is reputed to have assisted a lot of persons to be positively engaged through different empowerment programmes. Above all, there is relative peace in the state with more measures in place to ensure that investors in the state get quick returns on their investments. In this regard, Nedogas Processing Plant and the Kwale Gas Gathering Facility, were recently inaugurated at Kwale which was a clear evidence that investors are seeing Delta as a safe haven for their investments.
So, on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, the people of Ndokwa ethnic nationality came out to attend PDP rallies at Aboh, Ndokwa East Local Government and Kwale, Ndokwa West Local Government Area. The excitement was palpable and the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, FCA, was beaming with smiles that his people were happy with the administration of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.
Ordinarily, it was expected that, in Ndokwaland, it would be PDP all the way. This is because, apart from Deputy Governor Onyeme, Chief Godwill Obielum, Rear Admiral Mike Onah, OON, Chief Fidelis Okenmor Tilije, Dame Esther Uduehi and such personalities as Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi, Hon. Charles Emetulu, Chief Festus Ochonogor, just to mention a few, are people who speak and the generality of the people will listen.
Sir Onyeme, during the campaigns, thanked the people of Ndokwa and all other Deltans for supporting Governor Oborevwori, and, by extension, the PDP.
He underscored the fact that the administration of Governor Oborevwori was doing a lot for the state through the execution of the MORE Agenda and urged the people not to relent in their support for the state government.
Chairman of the PDP in the state, Olorogun Kingsley Esiso, expressed surprise at the huge turnout of people at the rallies, noting that “Ndokwa is truly, home to PDP.”
Chief Obielum, who recently lost his mother, Mrs Victoria Ossai Obielum, to the cold hands of death, left his residence in Asaba despite the fact that sympathisers from different parts of the world were visiting to condole with him, to attend the rally and, in his speech, he said that the rally was a formality as the people will vote massively for the party.
Some of those who spoke at the rallies included Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi, Dr Kingsley Ashibogwu, Barr. Sam Osasa, Ogbuefi Lucky Okuji, among others.
It would be recalled that Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme attended the PDP rallies at Obiaruku, Isiokolo, Asaba and several other places, and, this weekend, he went local, joining the Ndokwa West local government campaign train at Ndemili, Etua, Utagba-Uno. And on Saturday, the Ward-to-Ward campaign was capped with a rally at the Deputy Governor’s Ward, Onicha-Ukwuani, Ward 5, where he categorically expressed confidence that his people and Deltans in general would give 100 per cent votes to the candidates of the PDP in the July 13, 2024 local government elections in the state.
It is instructive to note that while the PDP is moving from one local government area to another, ward to ward and unit to unit campaigning, looking out for dissenting voices to convince them to vote for the PDP, there is no evidence that there is any other political party equally stridently campaigning for their candidates for the local government Council polls in the state. Hopefully, when the party emerges victorious, the opposition should abide by the advice of the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori when he said that all politicians should simply play by the rules.
As the governor puts it, “as the state moves towards the forthcoming local government elections, we should play politics according to the rules and be tolerant of all divergent views no matter how diametrically opposed they may be to those we hold so dear.
“The beauty of democracy is that it has in-built mechanisms to address all real or imagined cases of injustice.
“We should use all the institutional frame work offered by democracy to handle our differences.”
Governor Oborevwori spoke on Friday, during the presentation of Staff of Office to Pa Edward Isama Ofuezuem, the Okpala-Uku of Obikwele, Ndokwa East Local Government Area of the state. He was represented at the occasion by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, FCA.
The advice by the governor was very timely, about one week to the local government elections and we believe that all Deltans, especially, the gladiators, will play by the rules.
Election is not a do- or- die affair, and, according to former President Goodluck Jonathan, a political office is not worth the life of anybody. So, the clarion call us that it should be devoid of any form of violence or undemocratic practices.
Collectively, we can make the state better; it is not a state that belongs exclusively to Governor Oborevwori or Sir Onyeme to govern. We are all stakeholders and if the state is good because we are encouraging the government to succeed, all of us will have reasons to thank God, a state of our dream is achievable; it is for us to think positive and engage in positive activities for our common good.
With Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and Sir Monday Onyeme delivering on the MORE Agenda for Deltans, it can only be better.
God bless Delta State.
The writer, Comrade Fidelis Egugbo is the Senior Special Assistant, Media to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State.
Court orders Buhari’s minister to account for N729 billion
The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, in a landmark judgment, has ordered Ms Sadia Umar-Farouk, former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disasters Management and Social Development to account for payments of N729bn to 24.3 million poor Nigerians for six months.
The court also ordered the former minister to provide the list and details of the beneficiaries who received the payments, the number of states covered and the payments per state.
The judgment was delivered last month by Hon. Justice Deinde Isaac Dipeolu following a Freedom of Information suit number: FHC/L/CS/853/2021, brought by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP). The certified true copy of the judgment was obtained last Friday.
In his judgment, Justice Dipeolu held that, “The former minister is compelled by the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act to give information to any person including SERAP. I therefore grant an order of mandamus directing and compelling the minister to provide the spending details of N729 billion to 24.3 million poor Nigerians in 2021.”
Justice Dipeolu ordered the minister to “provide SERAP with details of how the beneficiaries have been selected and the mechanisms for the payments to the beneficiaries.”
Justice Dipeolu also ordered the minister to “explain the rationale for paying N5,000 to 24.3 million poor Nigerians, which translates to five percent of Nigeria’s budget of N13.6 trillion for 2021.”
Justice Dipeolu also stated that, “The minister did not give any reason for the refusal to disclose the details sought by SERAP. SERAP has reeled out the relevant sections of the Freedom of Information Act 2011 that the minister contravened and has in line with sections 20 and 25(1) of the Act prayed this Court for an order of mandamus to direct and compel the minister to provide the information sought.”
Justice Dipeolu dismissed the objections raised by the minister’s counsel and upheld SERAP’s arguments. Consequently, the court entered judgment in favour of SERAP against the minister.
Justice Dipeolu’s judgment, dated 27 June, 2024, read in part: “where a statute clearly provides for a particular act to be done or performed in a particular way, failure to perform the act as provided will not only be interpreted as a delinquent conduct but will be interpreted as not complying with the statutory provision.”
“The minister filed a preliminary objection to this suit dated the 4th of October 2022 and a counter-affidavit to SERAP’s motion on notice. I will first deal with the minister’s preliminary objection because it bothers on the jurisdiction of this Court to entertain this suit.”
“The grounds upon which the preliminary objection was filed are: whether this suit is not incompetent having not been commenced within 30 days after SERAP’s request for information was deemed to have been denied.”
“Having not complied with the provision of section 20 of the Freedom of Information, whether this Court can assume jurisdiction to entertain SERAP’s application.”
“As arguments on both issues, the minister’s counsel submitted that by the provision of section 4,7(4) and 20 of the Freedom of Information Act, subject to lawful exceptions within the Act, a public institution has 7 days to grant a request for information, failure of which would be deemed denial.”
“SERAP’s request was deemed denied on 6th July, which is the expiration of 7 days. Therefore, SERAP has 30 days pursuant to section 20 of the Act to apply to this Court.”
“SERAP’s 30 days within which to bring this suit expired on 5th of August 2021, whilst the motion on notice was filed on the 9th of November 2021, outside the 30 days stipulated by the Act. Consequently, this suit is statute barred.”
“In response, SERAP’s counsel argued that this suit was not commenced via the motion of notice dated 8th November 2021. This suit was initiated by a motion exparte dated 13th July 2021 but filed on the 15th of July 2021, after the expiration of the 7 days period required of the minister to respond to the FOI request by SERAP.”
“This is in compliance with section 20 of the Freedom of Information Act and Order 34 Rule 3(1) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019.”
“The above are the submissions of counsel as regards the preliminary objection by the minister. I agree with SERAP’s counsel that the minister did not carry out a proper search of the casefile before filing the preliminary objection.”
“It is obvious that SERAP commenced this suit via a motion exparte dated 13th of July 2021 but filed 15th of July 2021, which is well within the time to file this action after the denial of the information requested from the minister.”
“SERAP complied with section 20 of the Freedom of Information Act in filing this suit. Therefore, this suit is not statute barred and I dismiss the minister’s preliminary objection. I so hold.”
SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare said: “This ground-breaking judgment is a victory for transparency and accountability in the spending of public funds.”
“Justice Dipeolu’s judgment shows the urgent need for the Tinubu government to genuinely address the systemic allegations of corruption in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disasters Management and Social Development and other ministries, departments and agencies, as documented by the Auditor-General of the Federation.”
“We commend Justice Dipeolu for her courage and wisdom, and urge President Bola Tinubu to immediately obey the court orders.”
Femi Falana, SAN said on the judgment: “SERAP deserves the commendation of all well-meaning people that have agonised over reports of systemic corruption in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disasters Management and Social Development and in other MDAs.”
“This is one of the most patriotic public interest litigation ever undertaken in Nigeria. We call on the Tinubu government to use the judgment as the basis for comprehensively addressing cases of corruption in the ministry and bringing to justice those suspected to be responsible as well as recovering proceeds of corruption.”
In the letter dated 6 July 2024 sent to President Bola Tinubu on the judgment, and signed by SERAP deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization said, “We urge you to demonstrate your expressed commitment to the rule of law by immediately obeying and respecting the judgment of the Court.”
SERAP’s letter, read in part: “We urge you to direct the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disasters Management and Social Development and the office of the Attorney General of the Federation to immediately compile and release the spending details of the N729 billion as ordered by the court.”
“The immediate enforcement and implementation of the judgment by your government will be a victory for the rule of law, transparency and accountability in the governance processes and management of public resources including the N729 billion.”
“By immediately complying with the judgment, your government will be demonstrating to Nigerians that it is different from the Buhari government, which persistently and brazenly defied the country’s judiciary, and sending a powerful message to politicians and others that there will be no impunity for grand corruption.”
“Immediately implementing the judgment will restore trust and confidence in the independence of Nigeria’s judiciary. SERAP urges you to make a clean break with the past and take clear and decisive steps that demonstrate your commitment to the rule of law, transparency and accountability in the governance processes.”
“SERAP trusts that you will see compliance with this judgment as a central aspect of the rule of law; an essential stepping stone to constructing a basic institutional framework for legality and constitutionality. We therefore look forward to your positive response and action on the judgment.”
The suit was filed against the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disasters Management and Social Development. The suit followed the minister’s decision in January 2021 to “pay about 24.3 million poor Nigerians N5,000 each for a period of six months to provide help to those impoverished by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
7/07/2024
Lagos, Nigeria
Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org
Twitter: @SERAPNigeria
Website: www.serap-nigeria.org
For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202
Samao Agreement: Nigerian Govt blasts Daily Trust for fake, divisive, inflammatory news
Remarks by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, held on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at the National Press Centre, Abuja.
The Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has maintained an open arms relationship with the media. It is in line with the philosophy of the President as an avowed democrat who spent a lifetime fighting for the entrenchment of democracy and human rights.
This administration has remained very tolerant of media criticism and guaranteed citizens’ rights to freedom of expression. It is disheartening that some elements are abusing this free environment guaranteed by the Government. We are alarmed by the level of reckless reporting and statements by some media organisations and individuals that border on national security and stability.
While we sometimes view and treat those occasional reports as part of media’s normal work, we have now seen a pattern that is difficult to be wished away as normal journalism.
The insidious and inciting publications by the Daily Trust these past months have come across as nothing but a deliberate effort to brush the government with tar. We have often restrained ourselves from believing this was the case, but the consistency of the jejune and mischievous publications leaves us with no option.
In the aftermath of the coup in the Niger Republic, Daily Trust championed a jaundiced narrative that the Federal Government was driving the country into a war and twisted it with regional sentiment to cause disaffection. The same newspaper gave a banner headline to a baseless accusation that the government was working on citing foreign military bases in the country. Neither Daily Trust nor the originators of that imaginative allegation provided any shred of evidence.
Then just two weeks ago, Daily Trust concocted and popularised a lie that the Federal Government had renamed the Murtala Mohammed Expressway in Abuja to Wole Soyinka Way. In all those instances all that the paper depended on were falsehood and hearsay. They also showed no remorse or the humility to recant.
We however did not envisage that Daily Trust and the people behind it could descend to the reckless level of attempting to set the country on fire by falsely accusing the government of signing a deal to promote LGBTQ. We found that despicable and wicked because the allegation is nowhere in the document signed. Surprisingly, the paper put forward no evidence nor provided the agreement allegedly signed to prove their point.
The baseless and sensational story unfortunately formed a basis for khutba (sermons) by some of our respected imams who were misled by the story thereby raising tempers.
On the part of the government, we continue on the honourable path of civility by restraining ourselves from taking self-help or draconian measures. While past governments clamped down on the media for infractions much lower than this, we are, however, toeing the path of civility and the rule of law.
This afternoon, I have the Honourable Minister of Budget and National Planning to provide more clarity on this issue.
But beyond this, the Federal Government is lodging a formal complaint to the NPAN Ombudsman on this irresponsible reporting.
In addition, the Federal Government will use every lawful means to seek redress in a court of law.
The Federal Government once again restates its friendly policy towards ethical media and free speech. We would, however, not take fake news and disinformation that would injure the peace of our country and its national security lightly.
We once again thank you for your support and cooperation.
The True Story About the Samao Agreement
Text of the Press Statement on 6 July by Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu
- Background
The partnership between Nigeria and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) dates back to the Georgetown Agreement of 1975, which brought together countries in Africa, Caribbean
and the Pacific for the establishment of a framework for trade and development cooperation with the European Union (EU) as one of its objectives.
- The OACPS – EU Cotonou Agreement facilitated the commitment of about €1.7bn in grant aid alone to Nigeria through the 9th, 10th and 11th European Development Fund (EDF) during the period from 2000 – 2020. A recent survey shows that over 5000 water, sanitation, energy, education, health and other micro-project interventions were executed in about 4,800
communities in Nigeria over the course of the Agreement.
- The OACPS in 2018 launched the processes for negotiation of a successor Partnership Agreement ahead of the expiration of the Cotonou Agreement in
- At its 107th Session in Lome, Togo, the OACPS Council of Ministers adopted a Negotiating Mandate and appointed the Minister of Foreign Affairs
of the Republic of Togo, Prof. Robert Dussey, as the Chair of the OACPS Central Negotiating Group (CNG).
Key Objectives and Priorities in the Negotiation
- In launching the process for formal negotiations in the sidelines of the 73rd United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the essence of the new partnership was to contribute to the attainment of sustainable development in all OACPS countries through strengthened and deepened political and
economic partnership, with the OACPS as a more effective global player.
The following thematic areas constituted the Pillars of the negotiation:
- Human rights, democracy and governance in People-Centred and
Rights-Based Societies;
- Peace and security;
iii. Human and social development;
- Environmental sustainability and climate change;
- Inclusive sustainable economic growth and development; and
- Migration and mobility.
- Technical Negotiation of the New Partnership Agreement
- The finalised texts for a new Partnership Agreement between the OACPS and the EU which was initialed on 15th April, 2021, comprises a common Foundational Compact and three Regional Protocols, namely: Africa –EU; Caribbean-EU and Pacific-EU Regional Protocols with each regional Protocol addressing the peculiar issues of the regions. The negotiations and outcomes
of the Agreement were largely based on universally accepted international laws, conventions and treaties applicable to the Parties.
III. Consultations and Nigeria’s Inputs to the Negotiation Process
- The Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning (FMBEP) in close collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and Federal Ministry
of Justice (FMOJ) duly followed-up on the negotiation of the Samoa Agreement since September 2018 and confirms that the outcome is in line with the:
➢ Global conventions, which Nigeria subscribes to and relevant for advancement of multilateralism; and
➢ Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and measures for deepening the development cooperation with the EU and OACPS.
- In addition to the National Development Blueprints, the views of stakeholders for National positions on issues in the Negotiation process
through the following notable engagements:
- Inter-Ministerial Meeting on the Nigeria – ACP/EU Partnership on Wednesday, 28th March, 2018;
- Sensitization Workshop on Negotiation of the OACPS – EU Post-Cotonou Agreement on 17th– 19th September, 2018;
iii. Inter-Ministerial Meeting on the Draft Evolving Text of the Post –
Cotonou Agreement on 30th November – 1st December, 2020; and
- Seminar on the New Framework and Instruments of the European Union Development Cooperation held at the Reiz Continental Hotel Abuja on Friday, 8th March, 2024 [Participants included, CSOs, NGOs,
and religious bodies].
- Signing of the Post – Cotonou (Samoa) Partnership Agreement
- At the event for signing of the new Partnership Agreement in Apia, Samoa on 15, November, 2023 by 47 out of 79 OACPS countries endorsed the Agreement. Ahead of the 30th June 2024 deadline for the Parties, Nigeria signed the Agreement on Friday, 28th June, 2024 at the OACPS Secretariat in Brussels, Belgium, after the last consultative meeting with Civil Society
Organisations (CSOs), religious bodies and other interest groups was convened. All the OACPS. Nigeria’s endorsement was accompanied with a Statement of Declaration, clarifying the understanding and context of the Agreement.
- The Samoa Agreement is a vital legal framework for cooperation between the OACPS and the European Union, with the aim of promoting sustainable development, fighting climate change and its effects, generating investment opportunities and fostering collaboration among OACPS member States at the international stage. The EU and all its 27 Member states signed the Samoa Agreement on 15th November 2023. Out of the 79 members of the OACPS, 74 signed before the deadline of 30th June, 2024.
The OACPS members that are yet to sign are Equatorial Guinea (Africa) Cuba and Trinidad and Tobago (Caribbean) and Nauru and Tuvalu (Pacific).
Recommendations Next Steps
- In preparation for the operationalization of the Samoa Agreement, the next steps of action include:
- Ratification of the Agreement after due consideration/approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), National Executive Council (NEC), and
National Assembly;
- Launch of the Regional Compacts (Africa – EU; Caribbean – EU; and Pacific – EU);
iii. Effective participation at the forthcoming OACPS – EU Joint Council of Ministers meetings and other governance systems of Partnership; and
- Institution of structures for follow-up in the implementation of the Agreement in collaboration with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and
other interest groups.
Conclusion
- The Samoa Agreement is a veritable instrument for Nigeria’s development cooperation with the EU beyond aid. The OACPS – EU Partnership is one of the most diverse and multifaceted development pact in
the international system. It is therefore pertinent for the Public to consult the relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for clarity on the far-reaching issues relating to multi-sectoral provisions of the Agreement
Samoa Agreement Signed in the Interest of Nigeria – FG
On 28 June 2024, Nigeria signed the Samoa Agreement at the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) Secretariat in Brussels, Belgium. The partnership agreement is between the EU and its Member States, on one hand, and the members of the OACPS on the other.
Negotiations on the agreement started in 2018, on the sidelines of the 73rd United Nations General Assembly. It was signed in Apia, Samoa on the 15th of November 2018 by all 27 EU Member states and 47 of the 79 OACPS Member states.
The agreement has 103 articles comprising a common foundational compact and three regional protocols, namely: Africa –EU; Caribbean-EU, and Pacific-EU Regional Protocols with each regional protocol addressing the peculiar issues of the regions.
The African Regional Protocol consists of two parts. The first is the Framework for Cooperation, while the second deals with Areas of Cooperation, containing Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth and Development; Human and Social Development; Environment, Natural Resources Management, and Climate Change; Peace and Security; Human Rights, Democracy and Governance; and Migration and Mobility.
Nigeria signed the Agreement on Friday 28 June 2024. This was done after the extensive reviews and consultations by the Interministerial Committee, convened by the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning (FMBEP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and Federal Ministry of Justice (FMOJ). It was ensured that none of the 103 Articles and Provisions of the Agreement contravenes the 1999 Constitution as amended or laws of Nigeria, and other extant Laws.
In addition, Nigeria’s endorsement was accompanied by a Statement of Declaration, dated 26th June 2024, clarifying its understanding and context of the Agreement within its jurisdiction to the effect that any provision that is inconsistent with the laws of Nigeria shall be invalid. It is instructive to note that there is an existing legislation against same sex relationship in Nigeria enacted in 2014.
It is necessary to assure Nigerians that the President Bola Tinubu Administration, being a rule-based government will not enter into any international agreement that will be detrimental to the interest of the country and its citizens. In negotiating the Agreement, our officials strictly followed the mandates exchanged in 2018 between the EU and the OACPS for the process.
The Samoa Agreement is nothing but a vital legal framework for cooperation between the OACPS and the European Union, to promote sustainable development, fight climate change and its effects, generate investment opportunities, and foster collaboration among OACPS Member States at the international stage.
Mohammed Idris
Minister of Information and National Orientation.
July 4, 2024
July 4, 2024
Press Statement
Edo Guber: Ighodalo Remains Candidate – PDP
…Says Primary Election Followed Due Process, No Eligible Delegate Excluded
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says that its candidate in the September 21, 2024 Edo State governorship election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo remains validly in the race, contrary to erroneous interpretative media reports of the ruling by the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The PDP states that the Court did not make any Order nullifying the Primary election of Dr. Asue Ighodalo as the Party’s candidate for the Edo State Governorship election as there are no grounds whatsoever for such.
The Party affirms that the Congresses and subsequent Governorship Primary that produced Dr. Asue Ighodalo as the winner and Party’s flagbearer were duly and legally conducted in strict compliance with the provisions of the Constitution and Electoral Guidelines of the PDP, the Electoral Act, 2022 and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
The PDP maintains that no eligible delegate was excluded from participating in the Primary election which accreditation, polling, counting of ballot, collation and declaration of results were publicly conducted, monitored by officials of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and relevant security agencies at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City which exercise was also duly broadcasted live on national TV stations and multiple Social Media platforms.
Moreover, the PDP holds that pursuant to the provisions of Section 84 (14) of the Electoral Act, 2022, the case is even of no moment as the plaintiffs have no locus to question the outcome of the Primary election not being aspirants in the exercise.
Additionally, it must be noted that the reliefs sought by the plaintiffs do not include the disqualification and/or nullification of the Primary election of Dr. Asue Ighodalo as the winner of the Edo State Governorship Primary election of the PDP. The Court is not a Father Christmas.
The PDP urges the public especially the people of Edo State to disregard the report and remain focused on their solidarity and support for the PDP and its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
Asue’s candidacy: CTC reveals no order invalidating Edo PDP primary election.
The Certified True Copy (CTC) of the ruling by Hon. Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Abuja Federal High Court in Suit No FHC/ABJ/CS/165/2024 has revealed that the Hon. Judge gave an order for the inclusion of 378 delegates as part of the 3 Ad-Hoc Ward Delegates to participate in the February 22 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary election.
The Judge made no pronouncement on the validity or otherwise of the candidature of the PDP, Dr. Asue Ighodalo and his running mate, Osarodion Ogie Esq, as against media reports which misled the public on the validity of the primary election.
The CTC document puts to rest the confusion that had emanated from the judgment delivered by Hon. Justice Inyany Ekwo, clearing all misinterpretations of the ruling.
In his ruling as seen from the CTC document, the judge declared that “the Plaintiffs and the other 378 delegates, whose names and election results appear on Exhibits BID 8A to 8L were elected and to allow the Plaintiffs and the 375 other lawfully elected delegates participate in the primary election of February 22, 2024.”
According to him, “A Declaration is hereby made that by virtue of the provisions of Article 50 (3) of the Constitution of the 2nd Defendant (as amended in 2017), the Plaintiffs together with the other lawfully elected delegates, whose names and election results appear on Exhibits BID 8A to 8L herein, are the lawfully elected Ward Congress Delegates in their respective wards and by virtue of which the Defendants cannot exclude them from participating as 3 Ad-Hoc Ward Delegates at the Governorship primary election of Edo State slated for the 22nd of February, 2024 or any other date.”
He continued: “An Order is hereby made directing the Defendants who are bound by the provisions of Section 82 of the Electoral Act, 2022 and Article 50 (3) of the 2nd Defendant’s Constitution (as amended in 2017) to abide by the outcome of the 3 Ad-Hoc Delegates Ward Congress of February 4, 2024, at which the Plaintiffs and the other 378 delegates, whose names and election results appear on Exhibits BID 8A to 8L were elected and to allow the Plaintiffs and the 375 other lawfully elected delegates participate in the primary election of February 22, 2024.
The Judge added: “An Order of Mandatory Injunction is hereby made restraining the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Defendants from unlawfully excluding the Plaintiffs and the other lawfully elected delegates whose names and election results appear on Exhibits BID 8A to 8L herein, from participating as 3 Ad-Hoc Ward Delegates in the Governorship election primaries of the 2nd Defendant slated for the 22nd of February, 2024 or any other date.”
It confers no advantage on the plaintiffs, neither does it harm the defendants.
President Tinubu has Failed Nigerians.
The Tinubu administration’s bad leadership has plunged Nigerians into unimaginable hardship, exacerbating the country’s already precarious economic and social conditions.
Since assuming office in 2023, the APC led administration’s policies and actions have only served to worsen the lives of Nigerians.
One of the most significant hardships faced by Nigerians is the escalating cost of living.
The administration’s economic policy has led to a surge in inflation, making it difficult for Nigerians to afford basic necessities like food, healthcare, fuel, education, etc. The prices of staple foods have skyrocketed, leaving many families struggling to make ends meet.
Another area where the administration’s leadership has failed Nigerians is in the provision of basic infrastructure.
The country’s power sector remains in shambles, with frequent blackouts and a lack of reliable electricity supply.
This has not only hindered economic growth but also made life difficult for citizens who rely on electricity for their daily needs.
The administration’s handling of the fuel subsidy crisis has also added to the hardship faced by Nigerians.
The purported removal of the subsidy has led to a significant hike in fuel prices, making transportation and other essential services unaffordable for many Nigerians.
This has had a ripple effect on the entire economy, leading to increased prices of goods and services.
Furthermore, the administration’s failure to address the country’s security challenges has left Nigerians feeling vulnerable and unsafe.
The rising incidence of terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping has made life difficult for citizens, who live in constant fear of attack or abduction.
The healthcare sector has also suffered under the Tinubu administration, with a lack of adequate funding and resources leading to a decline in the quality of healthcare services. This has resulted in unnecessary deaths and suffering for many Nigerians who cannot afford basic medical care.
In conclusion, the hardship faced by Nigerians under the Tinubu administration is a direct result of bad leadership and poor governance by the APC government.
The administration’s policies and actions have only served to worsen the lives of ordinary Nigerians, who are struggling to make ends meet. This administration has failed in its promises to Nigerians and has failed to address the problems caused by its party in the eight years of the Buhari administration.
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES UK LABOUR LEADER, SIR KEIR STARMER, ON ELECTION VICTORY
President Bola Tinubu extends his warm congratulations to Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, on the victory of his party in the United Kingdom general election.
As a former leader of the opposition in Nigeria, President Tinubu specially notes the determination and courage the incoming Prime Minister of the United Kingdom demonstrated throughout his years in the opposition and as the leader of the Labour Party.
The President states that the party’s ability to reform, mobilize, and position itself for victory after 14 years clearly affirms the leadership qualities of Sir Starmer.
President Tinubu also congratulates the citizens and the government of the United Kingdom, describing the Kingdom as an abiding model of democracy and Nigeria’s long-standing partner.
The President looks forward to deepening relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom in mutual areas of interest and in strengthening democratic institutions, as well as in building a safer and more prosperous future for the people of both countries.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 5, 2024