Uncategorized
Our Next Vice President
By Dakuku Peterside
In the race to breast the tape of the presidency in 2023, the most consequential decision as to who would fly the flag of the major parties is made by delegates – a new set of power brokers, thanks to section 84(8) of the amended Electoral Act.
PDP delegates chose Atiku Abubakar, and APC delegates will select one from a pack of 13 ”shortlisted” aspirants shortly.
The other parties, often referred to as fringe parties, will also choose presidential candidates.The next most consequential decision would be outside the purview of these “new gods of presidential nomination” called delegates. And it will be made by the nominated presidential candidates in consultation with a handful of party leaders.
I am referring to the choice of presidential running mates, one of whm would be our next Vice President.The choice of the vice-presidential candidates made by the presidential candidates is not always a straightforward affair depending on the maturity of the democracy. In advanced democracies, the prominent basis for choosing a vice-presidential candidate is geopolitical electoral balancing or partnership that culminates in a qualified candidate to help the presumptive president run the state.
The vice president, although having a limited constitutional role compared with the president, plays a vital role in leading the country. But most importantly, he must be very presidential as he is a heartbeat away from the president under emergency, for example, when the President is incapacitated, resigns or dies.
Even though the first US Vice President, John Adams said the position was “the most insignificant invention ever contrived by man”, the position has come a long way since the 18th century.
The selection of a running mate is complex, with all sorts of consideration outside the severe issues of a candidate’s suitability based on presidential qualities and capacity to lead. Whether in the APC, PDP, Labour, or any of the other parties in Nigeria, five things are topmost in choosing a vice president, and none of these affects the quality of governance.
The first is ethnic or geopolitical balancing. It is an unwritten rule that the president and the vice will not come from the same region, zone, or ethnic group. There is a North/South divide in this case, where if the president comes from the North, the vice president will come from the South and vice versa.
The second primary consideration is religious balancing, often Christian versus Muslim and vice versa. Rarely will both the presidential and vice-presidential candidates be of the same religion. The case of Abiola/Kingibe in 1993 is an exception . The third and fourth factors are intra-party group interest; and the ability of the vice president to raise money to prosecute the election because presidential elections are very capital intensive.
The fifth consideration is the ability of the vice president to win votes in the presidential elections. This is considered by looking at the political structure of the VP candidates or their popularity and electability.
For now, PDP has produced a presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. However, he is playing a cat- and-mouse game, waiting for APC to choose its flag bearer first before deciding on a running mate. This has not stopped clandestine manoeuvres, speculations, high-wire politicking, and intrigues. In the APC, the potential running mate is a matter of conjecture, permutation, and strategic positioning by all those who are interested.
I advocate that we have a paradigm shift in choosing VPs in Nigeria. Although the factors considered above in selecting a VP emanate from our peculiar political circumstances and history, and although some of them make sense and may be logical considerations, we must make them peripheral and auxiliary factors in choosing a VP candidate by the presidential candidates.
At the bottom of the issues that will influence the choice of a running mate who is a potential vice president, in our clime , is the capacity to function as president. The potential VP must have a deep understanding of policies and economic issues in the country.
He must understand and buy into the vision of the likely president and how he fits in with executing policies and projects to achieve that vision. Another important consideration would seem to be that of compatibility between the president and his deputy. Our next VP must have a demonstrable and proven ability to be a provider of solutions to national problems.
It is becoming increasingly apparent that the club of governors in APC and PDP have emerged as the most crucial bloc in deciding who a potential running mate should be. My primary concern is not where the VP candidates come from but their suitability.
Even the electorate does not pay much attention to who the vice-presidential candidates are. Often, the issue of VP is reduced to ethnic or regional sentiments. The common misconception that VPs do not matter in the political equation and are powerless in the scheme of things is wrong and must change with time.
In the absence of linking the potential VPs to the quality of input and output of governance, three key issues stare us in the face as parties and presidential candidates choose VP candidates. First, Nigerians should demand to know our potential VP as much as we want to know our presidential hopefuls so we can make an informed decision.
Second, there are certain minimal qualities a potential VP must possess for the joint ticket to earn our confidence. And finally, a VP is a president in the waiting, so he must share his idea of how he can turn around the country with the Nigerian people. The choice of a VP candidate should send a signal on what matters to our presidential candidates.
Is it politics, mundane governance issues, economy, or new thinking on how to salvage Nigeria? We must acknowledge our time and realise that we need our best hands to bring us out of the political and economic quagmire. VP candidature is not a souvenir but a call to salvage the nation at a time of national economic and security crisis.
The net effect of my proposition is that in the presidential democratic system, the executive at the centre of government is embodied in the president. As the executive head of the government, the president appoints and assembles all other members of the executive to collaborate with him to execute and enforce the law and lead the people to prosperity.
One person the president must choose and run within the election is his VP. The VP is a critical stakeholder in the presidency and, as such, must be selected carefully. The choice of the VP must transcend parochialism and pedantic reasoning. The VP candidature is serious business and must be treated as such.
I must argue that the choice of a president’s VP says a lot about the psychology and direction of the presidency if the presidential candidate wins. One can extrapolate, albeit unscientifically, about the presidency’s mood, feel, and impact. If the presidential candidate gets his first choice of appointment (the VP) wrong, how can we trust him to get other essential appointments to the executive arm of government right?
Peterside is a policy analyst
By David Torough, Abuja
The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has reaffirmed its commitment to the successful implementation of the Agro-Climate Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, as stakeholders convened for a mid-term review meeting in Kaduna.
Speaking at the meeting on Thursday, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Terlumun Utsev, emphasized the ministry’s continued dedication to advancing the project’s objectives.
Utsev, who also serves as Co-Chairman of the ACReSAL Steering Committee, highlighted the ministry’s role in watershed management, flood forecasting, and the development of sustainable water infrastructure.He noted that agencies under the ministry, including River Basin Development Authorities and Hydrological Services, would remain central to strengthening early warning systems and ensuring water resource sustainability for both present and future generations.
The minister described the mid-term review as a critical milestone, providing stakeholders with an opportunity to evaluate progress, assess the effectiveness of interventions, and identify operational challenges that may be limiting the project’s impact.
He added that the meeting would also help deepen collaboration across sectors and institutions, a key factor in achieving the project’s long-term goals.
Utsev outlined priority areas for the project moving forward, including integrated water and landscape management, improved access to reliable hydrological and climate data, and the sustainability and scalability of ongoing interventions.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, acknowledged the positive impact of ACReSAL on communities nationwide.
He urged state governments to enact supportive legislation to sustain the project’s gains beyond its lifecycle.
The meeting featured presentations from representatives of the Kaduna State Government, including those representing Uba Sani, as well as the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, and the World Bank’s ACReSAL Technical Team Leader, Joy Agene.
The ACReSAL project is a multi-sectoral initiative aimed at building climate resilience in Nigeria’s semi-arid regions through sustainable land and water management practices.
From Ene Asuquo, Calabar
The Governor of Cross River State, Prince Bassey Otu, has been conferred with an honorary doctorate degree (Honoris Causa) in Political Science by the University of Calabar (Unical).
In the same vein, Rear Admiral Garba Sadeeq Abubakar (Rtd) was also conferred with an honorary doctorate degree in Peace and Conflict Resolution.
They received the awards at the Godswill Akpabio International Conference Centre, UNICAL, during the 38th Convocation Ceremony for the award of Postgraduate and Honorary Degrees.
The Chancellor of Unical, His Highness, Sarkin Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, described the award as deserving, citing the invaluable contributions of the duo to national development.
He eulogized Governor Otu for his transformative leadership in Cross River State and Rear Admiral Abubakar for his distinguished service in the Nigerian Navy, emphasizing their commitment to public service and nation-building.
The Chancellor noted that the honorary degrees recognize not just their achievements, but their dedication to uplifting communities and promoting peace, making them exemplary role models for the graduating class.
He stated that UNICAL is proud to confer these awards on such outstanding individuals.
Speaking shortly after being robbed in an academic regalia, Otu said he feels honoured to receive the award, describing it as a testament to the character, discipline, and excellence Unical instilled in him as a student.
He pledged to continue partnering with tertiary institutions, especially Unical, to drive development and foster academic excellence.
Governor Otu charged graduands to dream big, stay focused, and get prepared to lead, urging them to make meaningful contributions to the society.
By Laide Akinboade, Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mandate Secretary, of women Affairs secretariat, Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi on Monday said the registration of every child born in Abuja would give them the important legal identity they deserve.
The Mandate Secretary Women Affairs Secretariats stated this at the mobilisation of residents for birth registration, through the traditional rulers in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).
At the Palace of Sapeyi (Chief) of Garki, Alh. Usman Nga-Kupi, in Abuja, said the exercise is meant for all children from Zero to five years.
Benjamins-Laniyi, said the social mobilisation was to ensure all children between the ages of zero to five years were registered and issued a birth certificate as a legal means of identification.
She stressed that the move is to ensure that no child is left behind in the efforts to ensure absolute protection of all children.
She said that the birth registration campaign was being coordinated by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu across the country.
She said that the mobilisation of the traditional leaders and community members began on March 28 in Abaji Area Council and extended to the remaining five area councils of the FCT.
The mandate secretary said that the women affairs secretariat and its partners had received the blessing and cooperation of the royal fathers in the 17 Chiefdoms of the FCT.
According to her, “Through this partnership, we have taken the message of birth registration into palaces, homes, and communities across the FCT.
“Together, under the watch of our royal fathers, we are restoring the dignity of our children by ensuring that every child in the FCT is seen, counted, registered and protected.
“When a child is registered, the child is recognised; and when a child is recognised, the child can thrive,” she said.
She said that the mobilisation was being implemented with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in collaboration with the National Population Commission (NPC) and National Orientation Agency.
She identified other partners as the National Identity Management Commission, FCT Primary Healthcare Board, FCT Area Council Secretariat and the Association of Local Government Employees of Nigeria.
The Director, Child Development in the secretariat, Dr. Idris Attah, explained that the mobilisation was to scale up birth registration in all the nukes and crannies of the FCT.
Attah added that the move was to ensure immediate issuance of the new digital birth certificates to children between ages zero to one year and ages between ages one to five years.
According to him, the registration is free to all children under five years in the FCT.
Child Protection Officer, UNICEF, Charlse Awuna said that the social mobilization for the birth registration would ensure that every child in the FCT has a legal identity.
According to Awuna, without a birth certificate, the child is not counted as a member of the community and as a citizen of the country.
“This is in line with the Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, and this is why we are partnering with FCT women affairs secretariat to ensure that all children are captured in the population database.”
Also, Alh. Sulaiman Gada, NPC Director, FCT, noted that FCT was left behind in the birth registration of children under five years and commended FCT Administration for the efforts.
Gada stressed the need to effectively use traditional structures in every community “to ensure that every child is reached, registered and issued with a birth certificate.
He advised caregivers against laminating the certificate to prevent loss of data when uploading the document but preserve and protect the legal document.
Giving his royal blessings, Nga-Kupi welcomed the development and promised to mobilise all ward, village and district heads to ensure that all children in their domain were registered.
The success of the mobilization was highlighted by the immediate registration of King David Agazor, a three-month-old infant. His mother, Uchechukwu Ikechukwu, expressed her delight at the ease of the process.
“I’ve been trying since the first day that I gave birth… but my husband has been procrastinating about it.
“When my neighbor told me that they are giving it for free, I rushed here—even without bathing the baby—and it was just easy. I’m very happy”, she shared
Joseph Undu Bags National Safety Personality Award in Lagos
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja Award-winning Nigerian journalist and security analyst, Joseph Saater Undu, has been shortlisted for the prestigious Safety...
FG Reaffirms Commitment to ACReSAL Project at Mid-Term Review in Kaduna
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has reaffirmed its commitment to the successful implementation...
Mutfwang Holds Close Door with Former State Governors
ShareFrom Jude Dangwam, Jos Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang has convened a strategic meeting with former governors of the state towards addressing the security challenges bedevilling the state. The meeting held...
Lobi Stars Trim Squad to Push for Promotion
ShareThe Nigerian National League (NNL) side, Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi, has trimmed its squad and retained a few quality players to push for promotion to the...
Pope Criticises ‘Tyrants’ Who Spend Billions on Wars after Trump Spat
SharePope Leo has criticised leaders who spend billions on wars and said the world was “being ravaged by a handful of tyrants” in unusually forceful comments during a...
Nigerian Men Scared of Bold, Confident Women, Phyna Claims
ShareFormer Big Brother Naija winner, Josephine Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, has claimed that she is still single because Nigerian...
Residents Decry Persistent Power Outage in Abuja Community
ShareBy Raphael Atuu, Abuja Residents of Waru District in Apo, within Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, are raising the alarm over what they...
2027: Tinubu Meets Coordinators, Renews Plea for Unity, Rule of Law
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja President Bola Tinubu has called for unity, resilience and renewed commitment to nation-building, urging Nigerians to...
Gunmen Abduct 14 UTME Candidates in Benue Enroute Exams Centre
ShareFrom Attah Ede, Makurdi A wave of concern has trailed the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) nationwide following the...
Army Honours Fallen Heroes as Brig. Gen. Braimah, Others Laid to Rest in Maiduguri
ShareFrom Muhammad Muhammad Al-amin, Maiduguri The Nigerian Army has conducted a solemn burial ceremony for Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, Captain...