NEWS
Atiku, Baraje Interpret PDP Constitution Differently on Zoning of Party Positions
From Alfred Babs, Ilorin
Former National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Kawu Baraje has disagreed with former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar and 2023 presidential aspirant on PDP platform.
Baraje who lent his voice to the controversy about zoning while responding to questions from journalists in his residence in Ilorin yesterday said that zoning of political positions was clearly supported by the PDP’s constitution.
Former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar had earlier said that zoning was not part of the PDP’s Constitution adding that the party’s presidential candidate can emerge from any part of the country.
Baraje who also served as the PDP Acting National Chairman stated that “Zoning of political posts is clearly stated in our amended constitution.
“His excellency, our leader, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar was saying the right thing but he has forgotten that constitution of PDP has been amended, and I believe some of us will remind him that, it’s not in the constitution of PDP before in years back, but it is now clearly stated in the PDP constitution that zoning should be respected and there is a caveat in the constitution which says that zoning should be respected for the purpose of giving sense of belonging to all members of the party and for all inclusiveness except and only when a resolution of the National Executive Council (NEC) decides otherwise.
“It is stated in black and white in the constitution, It was reviewed in the constitution sometime around 2011. Although, before then, it was an oral tradition of PDP and it was even as good as being written. I met it like that when I took over as National Secretary in 2008. Even when it was an oral tradition of the party, it was highly respected.
“It was formally included in our party constitution in 2011 when we were reviewing the party constitution before I left in 2011”, he said.
Baraje, however said, he was not sure that former Vice president, Atiku, was talking of party constitution adding, “I think what His Excellency, Alhaji Atiku, was even talking about was Nigeria constitution not PDP, if I got him right, he said “zoning is not in the Nigeria constitution.”
Former PDP, chairman also shared opinions that it is time for North central to produce President of the Country, having not produced number one citizen before, since independent, however warned that the campaign for zoning should not be over-flogged in order not to further divide the country.
On the chieftancy titlle of ‘Tafida of Ilorin’ which the Emir’s of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari will confer on him on Friday, Baraje said, “it’s a great honour and fulfillment to been recognized in one’s hometown. Although, It came to me as a surprise, because I never expected it. After the announcement, I went to do my research on who is Tafida and the role expected of the holder, and I discovered that it emanated from North Africa, Egypt precisely, and it was later adopted by Hausa/Fulani tradition and my research also revealed that the full title is ‘Tafida Aiki Seriki’ simply means, one is a co-traveler of Emir. Therefore, that title is bestowed on an individual that is close to the Emir, understand the tradition and gives his life to the service of the community.
“I later came back to the Emir that; sir, what is the meaning of Tafida? You are a renowned retired Judge, Emir said, I expect you to come and ask me, because you are a Teacher too and as a Teacher you are always learning, fortunately, Emir explanation is not different from my research and I humbly asked him that why me? Then he replied that, you deserved it because of your various voluntary contributions to the humanity and community.
“As if that was not enough, I got a call from Sultan of Sokoto, two days ago, congratulating me and said “ you are welcome into the inner circle of traditional council, note, that henceforth you will be consulted on issues on tradition, culture, not only politics. indeed it is a fresh call for one to do more in terms of service to humanity and community development”, Baraje said.
By Mike Odiakose, Abuja
Opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it described as an “excessive foreign travel culture” that has left him absent from the country for nearly a quarter of his presidency. In a statement by Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, the party noted that President Tinubu has spent about 181 days abroad since assuming office 26 months ago and this latest trip is the 40th in 26 months, a new record for any Nigerian or African leader in recent memory.
The party describes the trips as wasteful, in the absence of any tangible economic or diplomatic gains from the president’s previous travels, and also disturbing as it fuels potentially damaging rumours.”The African Democratic Congress (ADC) wishes to once again draw the attention of all Nigerians to the alarming frequency with which President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is absent from the country, at a time when leadership at home is needed more than ever.”Today, President Tinubu will depart Abuja for yet another foreign tour. By public records, this will be the President’s 40th foreign trip since assuming office, spending a cumulative total of around 181 days abroad, the equivalent of almost six full months. “This means that in the 26 months he has been President, nearly 25 percent of his time has been spent outside the country. “During this trip, President Tinubu is on track to make his 41st international stop before setting foot in most Nigerian states. “Since inauguration, President Tinubu has only visited 13 out of 36 States, but has visited more foreign countries during the same period. This is not good. “Moreso, considering that there are no real economic gains for the junkets despite the billions of Naira spent per day and per trip.”Set against the growing insecurity that claims the lives of an average 30 Nigerian each day, and widespread poverty that have left majority of citizens in misery, this frequent flier presidency stands in stark contrast and as a testament to a government that no longer cares what the people think or feel. “From Benue to Zamfara and other parts of our country, taxes are being imposed by bandits, citizens are being slaughtered in their homes, millions are facing economic hardship and the population of malnourished children has continued to grow. “Nigerians expect their President to be on ground to provide leadership, empathy, and direction. “However, it would appear that the President thinks that there are more serious problems for him to solve outside the country or he believes the solutions to the many troubles we face at home could actually be found on these trips abroad. “It is important to note that since August 1, 2025, the President had disappeared from public view for more than a week. This had sparked widespread rumours that the President was sick. “Fortunately, the presidency issued a statement, assuring the nation that the President is as fit as a fiddle. But this is not enough. “Rumour of a sick president, or even mere conversations that could raise doubts about the state of the President’s health are potentially damaging to the economy, could discourage potential investors, further embolden our enemies. “Therefore, it is not good enough to say the President was working hard from home or from any secret hideouts. “Whenever a president drops out of sight without an explanation, it gives rise to all kinds of damaging rumours. And a one-day cameo appearance that looked stage-managed, followed immediately by yet another foreign trip, without a clearly stated date of return is not going to help in quelling such rumours. “Perhaps, if the President had heeded our persistent call to him to appoint ambassadors he would not have a need to accept every invitations or to personally attend every meeting. “For avoidance of doubts, all these meetings, even with the best of intentions, are not likely to yield any real benefits to Nigeria without ambassadors to follow up on agreements reached. “In this regard, the ADC wishes to reiterate that: Nigeria deserves a President who is present. While millions of our citizens are suffering, our leaders cannot afford to treat governance like a part-time job.’
By Tony Obiechina Abuja
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu on Thursday explained that the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, recently launched by President Bola Tinubu, is designed to ensure that the people experience the benefits of the ongoing economic reforms.
The minister stated this during a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja by the President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Dr Haruna Nma Yahaya. He said that the plan, which would engage over 10 million economically active persons across the 8,809 wards nationwide, aims to go beyond palliatives to achieve genuine empowerment by directing development efforts at the grassroots level.“Each of our 8,809 wards is unique—with people fishing, farming, mining and food processing—but they are limited by access to capital and support. If we can unlock entrepreneurship at that level, the benefits of reform will be more evenly shared,” Bagudu further explained.The minister emphasised that this would boost economic activities at the grassroots, catalyse the federal government’s drive to increase revenue and achieve the $1 trillion economy target by 2030.He stated that the reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda aimed to address the country’s economic stagnation, which resulted from decades of underinvestment in vital sectors of the economy.”Our current reality is that we are not where we want to be, and Mr. President has made that clear. But instead of playing the blame game, we are making long-overdue choices—difficult decisions similar to what accountants make when restructuring troubled companies. It’s no different with a country,” Bagudu stated.He called for private sector support for the reforms, noting that the nation’s long-term plan, Nigeria Agenda 2050, which involves all levels of government and the private sector, aims for a $33,000 per capita income by 2050. Achieving this, he explained, will require over $100 billion in annual investments, 86% of which should come from private entities.The Minister emphasised that reaching this vision will require more than just government effort. He described ICAN’s support as vital — not only for technical contributions but also for helping to communicate reforms to Nigerians and fostering broad-based trust in the reform process.“The ability to mobilise all stakeholders—especially those who understand complex issues through training, like your members—is what gives reforms their staying power,” he said, explaining, “We need you to help us communicate these reforms to citizens. People want quick results, and it’s our collective duty to explain that some of the changes we’re making today are foundational for the prosperity we seek tomorrow.”Bagudu appreciated ICAN’s consistent engagement with the ministry and welcomed the call for support and partnership from the Institute, while noting that the economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu could not have been achieved without the backing of institutions like ICAN.Speaking earlier, ICAN President Yahaya praised the minister for his exemplary leadership in guiding the ministry, noting that during his tenure, the ministry had achieved significant progress in budget implementation, including the expansion of infrastructural development across the country.He requested a partnership with the ministry to provide capacity building and technical assistance through robust financial and strategic management tools, as well as programmes for Accounting Officers focusing on ethical governance and anti-corruption.
By Ene Asuquo, Calabar
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has pledged his administration’s full collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to unlock the economic potential of Calabar Port and fast-track the development of the proposed Bakassi Deep Seaport.Speaking in Calabar while receiving the Governing Board of the NPA, led by its Chairman, Senator Adedayo Adeyeye, who came for a curtesy visit, Otu said the State’s strategic location made partnership with the Ports Authority “a natural marriage” capable of delivering benefits not only to Cross River but to Nigeria as a whole.
“I welcome you, Mr. Chairman, and members of your board, on behalf of all Cross Riverians, to your maiden visit to our State. You were right to have chosen Cross River for your inaugural meeting,” the Governor said. “God has placed us in a position that aligns naturally with the NPA. We must build this friendship and collaboration so that our State and our country benefit.”The Governor noted that Nigeria’s economy had suffered from years of under investment in port infrastructure, citing the gap between the country and peers such as South Africa and Brazil in marine trade. He stressed that increasing maritime capacity was key to boosting national trade volumes and GDP.On the Calabar Port, Otu acknowledged long-standing issues such as dredging and low vessel traffic but expressed optimism that with renewed commitment, the facility could regain its commercial viability. He also reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to the Bakassi Deep Seaport project, which is being developed under a Public-Private Partnership.“We have taken time to study the commercial viability of the Bakassi Deep Seaport and anchored it around agriculture and other export potentials,” Otu said. “By the time the port becomes operational, it will be a commercial success.”Governor Otu assured the board of his administration’s readiness to work closely with the Authority to achieve these goals, adding: “Your coming here at this critical moment is for you to change the narrative. Let us justify this visit with actions that will stand the test of time.”Earlier, NPA Board Chairman Senator Adeyeye commended Cross River’s support for maritime development, describing Calabar Port as a “vital national asset” with potential to serve the South-South, South-East, and North-Central regions.Adeyeye disclosed that the Authority, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, was working on a dredging programme for the Calabar channel to boost vessel access. The Board Chairman also praised the State Government for funding preliminary studies for the Bakassi Deep Seaport, which is undergoing approval processes at the Federal Executive Council.The NPA chairman outlined priority areas for collaboration with the State, including tackling community disruptions to port operations, rehabilitating key federal roads, revitalising Tinapa Resort, promoting structured export of agricultural and mineral resources, resolving land encroachment issues, developing port-adjacent industrial parks, strengthening security against smuggling and piracy, and positioning Calabar as a cruise tourism destination.“We believe that with stronger collaboration between the NPA and the Cross River State Government, the Calabar Port can reach its full potential as a catalyst for trade, economic growth, tourism development, and industrial transformation,” Adeyeye said.
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