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Tinubu Colloquium: Democracy Not Only About Election – Rodrik, Harvard Professor

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A Ford Foundation Professor of International Political Economy at Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, Dani Rodrik, has provoked a fresh debate about democracy saying it is not only about elections but protecting the rights of the minority, including the rights of the ethinic and religious minorities.

He also identified the lack of social and national cohesion as a challenge for economic growth in Nigeria, but however said that it was not a problem in Nigeria or Africa but also in advanced democracies as Africa only suffers more because of its ethnic-religious and linguistic differences.

Rodrik said these in his keynote address delivered during the 12th Annual Bola Tinubu Colloquium, which held on Zoom with the theme: “Our Common Bond, Our Common Wealth: The Imperative of National Cohesion For Growth and Prosperity”, where he also spoke on the subject of social cohesion in divided societies.

A copy of his speech and transcription of the questions and answers session was sent to journalists on Wednesday.

He said, “It is important to emphasise that democracy is not only about elections. It is about protecting the rights of the minority including the rights of the ethinic and religious minorities.

“On the average, participatory democracies produce greater economic stability and (perhaps) higher economic growth. They are better at avoiding large mistakes and they respond to external shocks better, especially in divided societies.”

Using the example of how democratic countries had responded better to the COVID – 19 pandemic than authoritarian regimes, Rodrik argued that democracy remained the best way to ensure national cohesion.

While answering the question, “Is diversity a curse?” he said the countries that were much more diverse or fragmented in terms of ethinic and linguistic groups tended to perform worse in terms of economic development.

He said, “The general message is that counties that are more fractionalised in terms of ethnic groups or with much more ethnic heterogeneity tend to have high levels of poverty and deprivation and low levels of economic growth and productivity. Many African countries fall in this group.

“There is evidence that ethnic-religious-linguistic divisions leads directly to racism, discrimination, low trust, poor social outcomes, under-provision of collective, public goods, inequality, low growth ethno-national chauvinism, divisive politics, nativist (right-wing) populism and bad politics.”

President Muhammadu Buhari in his address, said despite reccuring tensions in the country characterised by ethnic and religious differences, Nigerians were better off and stronger together.

The President said Asiwaju Bola Tinubu remained a unifying factor, despite the nation’s diversity in religion, tribe and politics.

Buhari said, “This has been a constant factor in his outstanding political career, from the time he served in the short-lived Senate of the Third Republic to his involvement in the struggle for the actualisation of the June 12 mandate of late Chief MKO Abiola, to his much-acclaimed period of service as Governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007.

“The ranks of Asiwaju’s political collaborators, whether as party members, comrades in the struggle, members of his cabinet, or his advisers, assistants and political associates, have always reflected a pan-Nigeria attitude.

“I believe all of us here can also confirm that the same outlook of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and other like-minded Nigerians eventually made possible the coalition of four political parties into what we now see as our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).”

President Buhari said that the theme of this year’s colloquium was apt and timely.

He said, “I can also relate personally to the ideals of one Nigeria. As a military officer, I have served with great comrades from all the nooks and crannies of our country. I have seen over and over again that their goodness or failings did not depend on ethnicity or religion.

“More importantly, I fought for the unity of Nigeria during the civil war of 1967 to 1970, and I saw first-hand the unspeakable horrors of war, not just on fellow soldiers on both sides, but on the civilians: innocent children, women and elderly citizens that they left behind. As we all know, the peace-building, recovery and reconstruction that followed could also not have succeeded under an atmosphere of inter-ethnic animosity.”

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo stated that the 12th Colloquium presented a golden opportunity to “increase the numbers of a new tribe of Nigerians,” which he described as “a tribe of men and women of all faiths, tribes, and ethnicities, committed to a country run on high values of integrity, hard work, justice and love of country.”

According to him, despite the various socio-economic challenges worsened by the fallouts of a global pandemic, Nigeria should avoid stoking tendencies, viewpoints and opinions that threaten the federation and our unity.

“The colloquium as usual bets on Nigeria and its creative and resilient people. Our theme this time – Our Common Bond, Our Common Wealth – focuses on peace building and national cohesion. We intend to interrogate from a National and regional perspective innovative strategies for sustaining peace, and prosperity in a heterogeneous society”, he said.

The Vice President also stated that the Colloquium, which is being hosted in Kano – outside Lagos or Abuja for the first time – was a pointer that Nigeria’s diversity is better harnessed as strength to further unite Nigerians.

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Buhari Congratulates Tinubu On His 72nd Birthday

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Buhari Congratulates Tinubu on his 72nd birthday

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has extended birthday greetings to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, wishing him good health and long life in order for the country to benefit from his “excellent leadership.”

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In a message to mark the 72 birthday of the President, Muhammadu Buhari commended Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for making “sustained efforts to overcome the many problems of the country,” while wishing him many happy returns of the day.

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“My family and I pray to God that you remain healthy and happy and continue to work for the betterment of the country. Happy birthday to you!” he said.

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More Drama At Kogi Guber Tribunal As SDP Witness Testifies

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Kogi SDP witness

The testimony of a witness of the Social Democratic Party at the Election Petition Tribunal on the Kogi State governorship election went awry, on Thursday as the witness’ statement before the Tribunal contradicted the documents submitted.

The petitioners had delved away from BVAS, after their star witness claimed he was not in Kogi State during the said election, and alleged that the All Progressives Congress candidate, now the Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, forged his age declaration affidavit.

The witness, one Dan Musa Williams from the FCT High Court, in Abuja, who had said the document did not emanate from the Court, upon cross examination, could not substantiate his claims.

When asked whether he checked the record of the registry to ascertain that it was a forged document, he said he just looked at the date, being a Saturday and concluded that it could not have been from them.

It was, however, found that the “declaration of age” affidavit was sworn in Okene, Kogi State, and not in FCT, but the witness claimed that a lawyer forwarded the one he was talking about to him.

Confusion, however, set in when the witness claimed that he also concluded that the affidavit submitted by the APC candidate was fake because it did not have the name and picture of the deponent on it.

At this point, the attention of the SDP witness was drawn to the fact that the affidavit with INEC, which he also annexed, had both the picture of the deponent and name, and that it was sworn in Okene and not FCT.

The contradictions between what the witness said in court and the documents he (the same witness) presented to the court, seemed to have damaged his testimony beyond repair, as he could not give further defence after the discrepancies were pointed out.

Sitting was thereby adjourned to March 30, 2024 for continuation of hearing.

Pius Akubo, SAN, represented the petitioners, while Kanu Agabi SAN, JB Daudu SAN, and DC Denwigwe SAN represented the Respondents.

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Forgery: Senator To Be Kept In Kuje Pending Bail Perfection

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Senator Benson forgery

A High Court of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Thursday ruled that Senator Benson Konbowei (PDP Bayelsa) be remanded in Kuje Prison pending the perfection of the N50m bail bond over a forgery case filed against him.

Konbowei, who represents  Bayelsa Central Senatorial, was earlier arraigned on a three – count charge bordering on forging the National Youth Service Corps exemption certificate among others.

The counsel for the police, Mr Reuben Egwaba, had opposed the bail application for the defendant.

He noted that the defendant would interfere with his trial if granted bail.

“While the charge was filed, the defendant took several steps to interfere with the matter.

” He also wrote a lot of petitions against me to truncate the matter. We urge my lord to refuse the application” he urged the court.

The counsel for the defendant, Mr Gordy Uche , SAN urged the court to grant his client bail, assuring the court he would not jump bail if granted one.

Ruling on the bail application, the trial judge, Justice Christopher Oba, said the defendant must provide two sureties in the like sum who must have a landed properties in the Federal Capital Territory.

Oba said the Certificate of Ownership (C of O) of the sureties must be confirmed to be authentic.

He, however, ordered that the senator be remanded in Kuje correctional facility pending the perfection of his bail conditions.

“The law is settled that bail is at the discretion of the court. Taking a look at the matter it is not a capital offence.

The judge then declined an oral application moved by the defendant’s lawyer to write an undertaken to produce the senator in court till he perfects his bail.

He subsequently, adjourned the matter until June 24, for hearing.

Earlier, a former senator Moses Cleopas, while being led in evidence by the prosecution counsel admitted to writing the defendant’s primary school and discovered some inconsistency in his certificate.

Egwaba sought to tender the letter and the response as exhibits, but the defendant’s lawyer objected.

” This document is not relevant to the charges preferred against the defendant. Count one deals with fraudulent forgery of the exemption certificate.

” There was nowhere his first school leaving certificate was mentioned. Sections 4, 5 7, and 9 of the Evidence Act have settled this. Also, these documents were not signed and not dated.

” An unsigned document is worthless in law. It doesn’t pass the test of admissibility. It also has no name of the officer who signed it. It contains no evidence that any money was paid to get the certified copies of the documents” he told court.

But Egwaba said the documents set to be tendered were a response to a letter the former senator wrote.

“There are original copies of a letter addressed to Moses, a private individual. A letter issued from a public office to an individual cannot be certified. A photocopy can be tendered if the foundation is laid for it.

”Attached to the letter were private documents. It does not need to be certified. Count three is relevant to the document we seek to tender. He lied on oath to INEC.

” Also, the primary school certificate was frontloaded in their process and also included in their proof of evidence. We will amend our charges. We urged me to discount his objections. This document shows that he is a serial forger” he told the court.

The trial judge overruled Uche and admitted the documents as exhibits. (NAN)

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Labour Party Denies Existence Of BoT, Says Ejiofor, Ajaero Not Financial Members

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Labour Party BoT

The Julius Abure led tendency in Labour Party has dismissed the takeover of the leadership of the party by the Board of Trustees, BoT as amusing saying that the party does not have a functional body as such described.

Reacting to the takeover announcement as convened by Comrade SOZ Ejiofor, the first chairman of the party who described himself as the chairman of the BoT in the takeover announcement on Wednesday, the Abure leadership said that Ejiofor has no evidence of membership of the party.

In the statement issued by Obiorah Ifoh, the National Publicity Secretary, the Abure tendency also accused the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC president, Comrade Joe Ajaero of fueling the crisis in the party despite not having a membership card of the party.

The statement read in part:

While noting the success of its convention in Nnewi, Anambra State, the party said:

“Despite this huge success, It came to the leadership of the party as a huge surprise of a statement trending in the social media purportedly from one Comrade SOZ Ejiofor on behalf of the Board of Trustees of the party claiming that he has taken over the leadership of the party.

“Amusing as that will sound, but with the greatest respect to the former leader of the party, we sympathise with the Comrade who has since left the political scene more than a decade ago only to be energized, briefed and drafted into this unnecessary tussle by the disgruntled elements in the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC.

“First, ever since Ejiofor stepped down as the first National chairman of the Labour Party over two decades ago, he has neither attended any meeting or played any noticeable role as a member of the party. He is not even known in his ward and has not paid a single dime as membership dues which qualifies him as a member. It is surprising therefore that after he was “visited” by some leaders of NLC, he suddenly woke up from his slumber.

“The point here is that the Labour Party is not aware of the existence of any Board of Trustees. Recall that NLC has continued to propose for the reconstitution of the BoT as well as the convocation of the National Convention. Over 90 percent of persons being suggested to form membership of the proposed BoT have since left the party to join other political parties, some even contested various political positions on the platform of other political parties while some others featured prominently in the presidential campaigns of the other political parties even when Labour Party equally featured a candidate in the 2023 general election.

“This is what desperation in the ranks of the NLC can cause. Why not let the man enjoy his retirement, why drag him into your mess. Let Comrade Ejiofor show evidence of one meeting he convened in the last one decade of his so-called BoT.

“Enough of all these political muscle flexing, Barrister Julius Abure has just been elected by the convention for the first time as the National Chairman of the Labour Party, we urge our detractors to please sheathe the sword and join us to salvage the nation.”

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Tension As Ningi Gives Akpabio 7-Day-Ultimatum To Revoke ‘Illegal’ Suspension

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Ningi give Apkabio 7-day-ultimatum to revoke his suspension

Suspended Bauchi lawmaker, Senator Abdul Ningi has given the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, a seven-day ultimatum to revoke his suspension from the upper legislative chamber.

In a letter dated March 27 and addressed to Akpabio through his counsel, Femi Falana, Ningi said he would approach a federal high court for his reinstatement if the suspension is not revoked within seven days.

Recall that GWG.ng earlier reported that Ningi was suspended for three months after he alleged that the 2024 budget was padded by N3 trillion.

Godswill Akpabio said Ningi’s accusation will cause many Nigerians to lose trust in the upper legislative chamber.

In his letter challenging his suspension, Ningi described his suspension as “unconstitutional and illegal”. The senator’s lawyer said though Akpabio was indicted in the budget padding allegation, he presided over the proceedings of the senate that suspended Ningi.

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“It is on record that you were the accuser, the prosecutor and the judge in your own case in utter violation of the provisions of section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended and article 7 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act Cap A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004,” the letter reads. 

“Apart from violating our client’s fundamental right to a fair hearing, the Senate violated the right of the entire people of the Bauchi Central Senatorial District to representation in the Senate for three months. 

“This is a breach of section 111 of the Constitution and article 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights Act.”

The letter further stated, “As you are no doubt aware, the Federal High Court had struck down the suspension of some members of the Senate and the House of Representatives who had accused the leadership of both houses of corruption or abuse of office.

“Specifically, the court declared the suspension of the affected legislators illegal and unconstitutional. 

“As a senior lawyer, you ought to have drawn the attention of the members of the Senate to these decisions and several others where the high courts of some states and the Court of Appeal have held that no parliament in Nigeria has the power to suspend or expel a legislator.

“In view of the foregoing, you will agree with us that the suspension of Senator Ningi and the denial of his entitlements are illegal and unconstitutional in every material particular. “We are compelled to request you to ensure that the said suspension is lifted forthwith.”

Ningi warned of approaching the Federal High Court if Apkabio refuses to grant his request.

“However, if you fail to accede to our request within seven days of the receipt of this letter, we shall not hesitate to pray the Federal High Court for the reinstatement of our client. 

“We shall equally report you to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee for treating the judgments of the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal with disdain,” the letter stated.

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More Problems As INEC Rejects Labour Party Convention

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INEC Rejects national convention of LP

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disassociated itself from the Labour Party (LP) National Convention held in Nnewi, Anambra state on Wednesday.

Sources in INEC electoral body claim that the commission was not involved in the convention hence, cannot acknowledge it.

GWG.ng earlier reported that the embattled chairman of the party, Julius Abure, was re-elected as chairman of the party during the Nnewi convention.

Speaking to newsmen before the convention, the LP National Legal Adviser, Kehinde Edun, claimed the party executive had duly informed INEC about the change in venue and date.

“No, it is holding in Anambra. Nnewi to be precise, not Umuahia in Abia State again. In fact, Umuahia was not even the first venue we chose.

“Benin was the first choice before we changed to Umuahia and now Nnewi. So, we are at liberty to pick any venue of our choice. We only need to inform INEC about the change in venue and the time” Edun said.

Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022 states that political parties shall give INEC at least 21 days’ notice of convention, congress, conference or meeting.

This includes the convention or meeting convened for the purpose of “merger” and electing members of its executive committees, and other governing bodies or nominating candidates.

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Six Prominent Lawmakers Resign From Labour Party

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Six members of the Enugu State House of Assembly elected under the platform of the Labour Party, LP, have taken the decision to resign from the party and at the same time defected to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

They announced their defection during the Assembly’s plenary on Thursday.

According to the defectors, their defection is as a result of the “existence of irreconcilable division, incessant crisis within the labour party at the national level and across all the state chapters.”

https://gwg.ng/2024/03/28/lis-of-countries-with-the-lowest-salary-incomes/

They claimed that, “regrettably, the party has evolved into state of perpetual discord with various factions embroiled in legal battles thereby undermining its ability to effectively serve the interest of the people.

“The Labour party once a beacon of hope for progressive ideas have regrettably become synonymous with internal squabbles, thereby reducing its capacity to fulfil the aspirations of electorates.”

They cited the cases of Abure and Apapa factions, as well as the national treasurer and their parent body, NLC as some of the divisions within the party.

https://gwg.ng/2024/03/28/breaking-binance-executives-drag-nsa-efcc-to-court/

They expressed hope that the PDP will give them the platform to continue to serve the interests of their people and thanked the leaderships of Labour Party for their supports.

The defectors who decided to resign from Labour Party include the Chief Whip of the House and member representing Igboeze North I, Hon. Ejike Eze; the leader of the House and member representing Enugu North, Hon. Johnson Ugwu and the member representing Enugu South Rural, Hon. Princess Ugwu.

Others are: member representing Nsukka East, Hon. Pius Ezeugwu, member representing Igbo-Etiti West, Hon. Amuka Williams and member representing Oji River, Hon Osita Eze.

The motion for their defection to be accepted was moved by Rt. Hon. Iloabuchi Aniagu and was seconded by Rt. Hon. Jane Eneh.

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Cameroon Re-Elects 89-Year-Old Marcel Niat Njifenji, As Senate President

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owgUQPwTlRI?si=QfS0i4RqBVIYIQZS

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https://gwg.ng/2024/03/27/19-year-old-teenager-allegedly-kills-parents-brother-in-knife-attack/

 

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Wike’s Men Mum As Fubara Garners More Support In Rivers

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Fubara Garners More Support in Rivers

Amidst the ongoing conflict between Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara and his Godfather, Nyesom Wike, a family support group in the state has pledged support for the governor.

GWG.ng reports that the Family Support Group, which is an assemblage of Rivers youths, women and men drawn from the three senatorial districts and 23 local government areas, on Wednesday, declared their support for the governor while they were on a solidarity visit to the Government House in Port Harcourt. 

This was also disclosed in a statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi.

According to the statement, the group was received on Fubara’s behalf by the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. George Nwaeke.

Governor Fubara said, “The whole land of Rivers State stands in affirmation that we won the election fairly, and deserve to serve out our full tenure. There is not going to be anything that will cut short the popular mandate that you all gave to this administration.”

Nwaeke said he recalled that just  within weeks of assuming office, Fubara flagged off the Port Harcourt Ring Road project “that will transverse six local governments.” 

He said though the project was meant to be within 36 months, the delivery day might even be shorter “because the progress of work we have seen is beyond what we were thinking.”

“The Trans-Kalabari Kalabari Road, very soon, the official main Trans-Kalabari Road will start and will begin from Port Harcourt. That road, a lot of plans have been done, very soon, you will see contractors on site, and Rivers State will be opened.

 “Just yesterday, you heard in the news also that the governor has commenced the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road. That road was initially done with one lane, but now, he is going to dualise it. The government has already awarded the contract,” he added.

 Nwaeke urged the people of Rivers State to continue to defend Fubara. Remain unshakable. Keep your word of defending him at all times.

“When you hear anything outside, be bold, defend the governor, and tell the people the things you know about him. Tell them what you know he has done to develop the state and the people,” he added.

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In his address, the President General of Family Support Group, Mr Henry Abraham, recalled that during the 2023 elections, they were encouraged to vote and defend their votes because the process was violence-free and credible.

Abraham said, “When we defend our votes, we will also defend the man we voted for. We are a Family Support Group, Rivers State belongs to all of us. Rivers State is not a personal estate of one man, it’s for all Rivers people.

“Sir Siminalayi Fubara, stand firm. The Family Support Group is with you. All the wards’ coordinators are with you. All the wards’ executives are with you. All the LGA coordinators are with you. All the officers of the National Executive Committee are with you. All our leaders are with you, and the PDP is with you.”

Consequently, the governor vowed to do everything legally to improve and protect the collective aspirations of the people, saying he deserved to serve out his tenure.

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