COVER
Buhari Administration Making Nigeria more Divided – Ayu
Former President of Senate in the botched Third Republic, Dr Iyorchia Stu in a rare interview speaks on Nigeria’ s journey to nationhood since Independence in 1960. Ayu, a radical Academic, who also served as Minister at four different times similarly opened up on his tenure as Senate President, the performance of the Buhari administration and more.
How will you assess our level of development so far?
it depends on where you are taking off, if you are somebody who experienced the state of nigeria in the fifties, you can say we have moved forward, because development has so many parameters, there is physical development, manpower development and cultural development.
There are so many other areas that Nigeria has moved forward, even though we haven’t moved as fast as people expected because if you take the first development plane 1962 to 1966, which was modified later to 1968, you will find out that we started at the same level if not better than the Asian Tigers, particularly a country like South Korea.
Today, south Korea, whether in the area of manufacturing, manpower development quality has moved ahead of us so we have every reason to lament. We went through a very difficult civil war, 30 months and killed many Nigerians, not many countries would have survived that type of experience but will survived it.
There is a good and bad and ugly in the last 60 years of our life and I think in the last ten to eight years, we have gone through another traumatic experience of terrorists, who are literally destroying Nigeria, many of them come from outside the country, the disintegration in the North Africa and have infiltrated Nigeria and recruited a lot of people like if you go to the North-East today or even the Northwest, places like katsina and Zamfara you will find out that the people are completely terrorised ,they can’t sleep so many people have been killed, its literally as if we are in a civil war, the same thing in the North Central and other places.
Psychologically, Nigeria has never been as divided as we are today, the leadership is incompetent, particularly the current government, many Nigerians have called on President Buhari to be more decisive in dealing with the security situation, the platform whom he was selected and it’s almost unanimous that he has failed woefully, he has not handled the security situation not even in his own State.
So it has given the impression that, and some of his policies for example nearly all the appointments, you have to be a muslim to be in government, it has never been like this before. For example, of 28 ministers in the northern part of the country, only two are Christians and with inconsequential ministries, special duties and women affairs, the rest are muslims.
Names of security personnel when they’re anounced is always a muslim and this has given Nigeria the impression that there’s no future and I think is likely because of bad leadership but my plea to Nigerians is that this bad leadership will not be there for ever that is the beauty of democracy.
In a democratic setting, whether you like it or not you will go at a particular point and another leadership will take over and I believe they’re a lot of good Nigerians who will provide qualitative leadership to this potentially great country, and lift it forward, because even if you look at the industrialization, with the founding fathers of Nigeria started in the 50s and 60s and even president Shehu Shagari pushed it forward, what you find is complete destruction of that base.
Even in the petrochemical industry, whether in the automobile industry in every industry, because if you don’t have a visionary leadership that knows what to do, a leadership that’s clear a leadership that sees every Nigerian as a brother or sister, a leadership that is myopic can not move us forward it has to be a leadership that’s all inclusive , so I believe that there is still Hope for this country.
As a one time Senate President, how Will you assess the functions of the legislature in Nigeria since the Independence?
The Legislature has gone through a lot of trauma given our peculiar political history you know very well that at anytime the military takes over the first line of attack is the scraping of the legislature, so the legislature has not grown the way it should have grown, for the last 50 years, a small group of military officers dominated and manipulated the development of this country largely negatively and what has suffered mostly is the legislature.
I remember that, when I was elected Senate President in 1992 the military hardly allowed us to do anything the only thing will did during that period was fighting the military in all their attempt to curt us and make sure that they stayed in power permanently.
We resisted it and that led to my removal as president of the Senate because I refused to be party or collaborate with the military to deny president Abiola his victory. I believe the legislature as currently constituted is very young , it has only been there in any stretch of time for about 20years.
It is not perfect, its not doing the best it should do but it’s better than military decree coming from one individual. Nigeria has a certain degree of representation, a number of them are very very serious about the development of their individual areas and I have seen the number of them have ensured that the projects go to their communities.
So, much as Nigerians will be frustrated with the legislature, I don’t think giving the short time they have been there, is gradually a learning process. I think over time it will improve and should never go back to the period where one individual sit with an unelected people and give us decrees, we should try to improve the legislature rather than trying to scrap democracy, because when you talk of democracy, the real democracy is the legislature.
There have been calls for reduction of cost of government, one such way should be by making nigeria unicameral legislature instead of presenting two chambers for them, what’s your take on this giving Nigeria’ s economic situation?
It’s ignorance, largely because people don’t understand that entire amount of money you spent on the legislature does not compel to one single ministry spent either ministry of Works or Ministry of Defence, which is controlled by the executive, the cost of government is not just the legislature, the cost of government is actually the way the executive arm of government spend the resources of the country year in year out.
I can give you the specific example. Lagos -Ibadan road, every year billions are budgeted for Lagos – Ibadan road, nobody ever sees the completion of that road and nobody sees the development of the road where does the money go to? And if you compare what the legislature always does and the amount spent on the legislature, is very tiny amount compared to the total expenditure, so if you want to control the cost of governance, we have to be more transparent, everywhere make sure that the resources budgeted for specific projects go for those projects, then Nigerians will not complain about the cost of the legislature because I don’t believe that the legislature spends money.
There is no where in the world that the legislature is cheap even in the united state that we keep citing, the legislature is expensive because you are dealing with a large number of people who are elected and you have to make sure they do their work.
By David Torough, Abuja
Zenith Bank Plc has assured its teeming customers of exceptional service delivery and improved customer experience following the successful completion of its Information Technology Infrastructure Upgrade.
The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive of the bank, Dr.
Adaora Umeoji in a statement expressed her immense gratitude to all customers of the bank for their patience and support during its recent IT infrastructure migration to a new and more robust operating system.Umeoji emphasized that the bank was committed to delivering unparalleled service experience, saying “We undertook such an extensive endeavor in other to better position Zenith Bank Plc for improved service delivery to all our valued customers and provide memorable banking experiences at all our touchpoints,” adding that the bank now has one of the best technology infrastructure in the Nigerian banking industry, and is well positioned to ensure customers experience exceptional service delivery going forward.
Zenith Bank has continued to distinguish itself in the Nigerian financial services industry through superior service offering, unique customer experience and sound financial indices.
The bank has remained a clear leader in the digital space with several firsts in the deployment of innovative products, solutions and an assortment of alternative channels that ensure convenience, speed and safety of transactions.
The bank’s track record of excellent performance has continued to earn the brand numerous awards including being recognised as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for the 15th consecutive year in the 2024 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking, published by The Banker Magazine. The Bank was also awarded the Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards for 2020 and 2022; and Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria 2023 and 2024 in the International Banker Banking Awards.
Further recognitions include being recognised as Best Bank in Nigeria for the fourth time in five years, from 2020 to 2022 and in 2024, in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards; Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria for four consecutive years from 2021 to 2024 in the World Finance Banking Awards. Additionally, Zenith Bank has been acknowledged as the Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria, in the World Finance Corporate Governance Awards for three consecutive years, from 2022 to 2024, ‘Best in Corporate Governance’ Financial Services’ Africa for four consecutive years from 2020 to 2023 by the Ethical Boardroom.
The Bank’s commitment to excellence saw it being named the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in the Banker Magazine Top 500 Banking Brands for 2020 and 2021; Bank of the Year for 2023 and 2024, and Retail Bank of the Year for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022 and in 2024 at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards. The Bank also received the accolades of Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria and Best
Innovation in Retail Banking, Nigeria, in the International Banker 2022 Banking Awards, Bank of the Decade (People’s Choice) at the ThisDay Awards 2020, Bank of the Year 2021 by Champion Newspaper, Bank of the Year 2022 by New Telegraph Newspaper, and Most Responsible Organisation in Africa 2021 by SERAS Awards.
By David Torough, Abuja
The death of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja has thrown the nation into mourning, casting a heavy pall over official functions at the Presidency and the security services.
The Presidency yesterday announced Lagbaja’s death following what many attributed to his protracted battle with cancer.
A statement by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said Lagbaja, 56, died on Tuesday night in Lagos, “after a period of illness”
“President Bola Tinubu expresses his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time.
He wishes Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honours his significant contributions to the nation,” the statement read.According to the statement, Lagbaja, who was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment throughout his service.
He had previously served as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion among other sensitive positions.
Incidentally, President Tinubu had, last weekend Wednesday, appointed Major General Olufemi Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff, to stand in for Lagbaja who had been away on medical treatment.
The President had, last Tuesday, gone ahead to decorate Oluyede as Lieutenant General, deepening speculations that Lagbaja was not being expected back anytime soon.
Following the death of the late COAS, the Presidency postponed the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting scheduled for yesterday in honour of the fallen COAS.
The President also directed that Nigeria’s national flags be flown at half-mast across the country for seven days.
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) was also caught in the sombre atmosphere. A joint statement mourning the demise of the COAS was issued by Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; and the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ibrahim Kana.
The MOD expressed shock over the sad news recalling Lagbaja’s contribution to the Army and his dedication to duty.
The statement said, “He exhibited the spirit of camaraderie and cooperation with us in the discharge of our mandate.
“The late Chief of Army Staff contributed in no small measure to the internal security operations across Nigeria and also exhibited a high level of professionalism.
“He will be greatly missed by the family, the military and the nation as he served the nation with commitment and dedication.”
Similarly, there was palpable grief at the Defence Headquarters over the loss with the leadership expressing deep sorrow of the development.
It noted that the COAS, until his death, demonstrated exemplary leadership. He was credited with spearheading the establishment of the Nigerian Army Aviation Wing and also playing critical roles in multiple military operations across the country.
On its part, the Nigeria Police Force announced the cancellation of all non-essential personal and social engagements for two days. The Force also suspended non-urgent commitments in honour of the late COAS.
In a statement by Force spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police authorities described Lagbaja as a highly respected figure, known for his tireless efforts in combating insurgency, armed banditry, and violent extremism.
“His dedication to the Nigerian Army and the nation earned him great admiration. The Inspector-General’s gesture reflects the deep respect and appreciation for General Lagbaja’s remarkable service.
“The Nigeria Police Force extends its heartfelt condolences to Mr President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and General Lagbaja’s family, colleagues, and loved ones during this difficult time. His legacy and commitment to Nigeria’s security will never be forgotten,” the statement said.
President Bola Tinubu and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar yesterday joined other leaders across the globe in congratulating America’s President-elect, Donald Trump.
The world leaders sent their congratulatory messages hours before Vice President Kamala Harris conceded defeat to Trump.
Tinubu expressed his eagerness to strengthen the ties between Nigeria and the United States amid the complex challenges and opportunities of the contemporary world.
The Nigerian President’s message was conveyed through a statement yesterday by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu said, “Together, we can foster economic cooperation, promote peace, and address global challenges that affect our citizens.
”According to him, Trump’s victory reflects the trust and confidence the American people have placed in his leadership.
The Nigerian leader congratulated the American electorate on their commitment to democracy.
“President Tinubu believes that, given President Trump’s experience as the 45th President of the United States from 2017 to 2021, his return to the White House as the 47th President will usher in an era of earnest, beneficial, and reciprocal economic and development partnerships between Africa and the United States,” the statement said.
Tinubu also acknowledged the United States’ influence, power, and position in determining the trend and course of global events, trusting that President Trump will bring the world closer to peace and prosperity.
Atiku, in his message, described Trump’s victory as “a lesson in the art of rising after every fall,” apparently seeing possibilities of his own victory in future elections amid a string of past losses.
Atiku, who contested in the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), lost to Tinubu and his All Progressives Congress (APC).
He has recorded a string of losses in previous election cycles on different political party platforms.
Atiku commended the process that led to the outcome of the US presidential election, hailing the American citizens for their unwavering faith in the power of democracy and the sanctity of the ballot.
He appealed to Trump to stand resolute in ensuring free and fair elections in Nigeria and the world in general.
“I closely followed the presidential election in the United States of America, watching with bated breath as the nation decided its future.
“It is with even greater satisfaction that I now reflect on the result, which heralds a resounding victory for President Donald J. Trump and the Republican Party.
“This triumph, without a doubt, will stand as an enduring testament to the resilience and vitality of the democratic process – a timeless reminder that democracy, with all its trials and tribulations, remains a force for good in the world.
“The narrative of President Trump’s political journey, marked by his struggles and triumphs, shall serve as an inspiring parable of courage in the face of adversity — a lesson in the art of rising after every fall, and ultimately, emerging victorious.
“As the world rejoices in the euphoria of his remarkable comeback, it is to be hoped that President Trump will continue his resolute advocacy for credible elections worldwide and remain steadfast in dismantling anti-democratic forces wherever they may lurk.
“The lesson for us in Nigeria is the integrity of the process that ensures a credible outcome. It is the expectation of every Nigerian that the Trump administration will stand resolute in ensuring free and fair elections in Nigeria and other places in the world.
“I also extend my warm congratulations to the people of the United States, whose unwavering faith in the power of democracy and the sanctity of the ballot has once again shown the world the true might of the people’s voice”, he said.
Meanwhile the US Vice President, Kamala Harris, has called Trump to congratulate him on winning the presidential election.
Associated Press (AP) report quoted a campaign aide of Harris’ as having had a discussion with Trump on the importance of a peaceful transfer of power and being a president for all Americans.
Harris was billed to make a public concession speech later Wednesday night, which would be her first appearance since she lost the election to Trump.
Further report said she would be delivering her speech at Howard University, Washington DC.
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