A New Enugu Beckons As Peter Mbah Is Set To Hit The Ground Running – Group

A Group Known as Professional for good governancen(PGG) has said With May 29, 2023 a few days away, and the inauguration of brand new State Executive Governors in 28 States of the Federation, they are concerned about the quality of leadership and the prospects before Nigerians.

Engr. Ogbonna Nwaiwu spokes person of the group while wishing the incoming Chief Executives the best and said It is trite to state that the group keenly followed the entire electoral process leading to the February 25th Presidential and National Assembly elections, and the March 18th Governorship and State Assembly elections and x-rayed the manifestos of the candidates and assessed their preparedness to improve the lot of the people, and to make their States better.

Engr Nwaiwu further stated that one of the candidates exuded an uncommon preparedness and clear-headedness throughout the period of Campaign, and has continued to inspire great hope even after the election.

He said the Governor Elect of Enugu State Barrister Peter Mbah comes to the Party with a bag full of ideas. And wished him well.

Part of the statement reads. ” Indeed, his extraordinary disposition to the task ahead was manifest from the start, from his campaign manifesto to the grasp of the issues and the challenges facing Enugu State; from his commitment to berthing a New Enugu State to the passion that saw him through the electoral process; and from his promise to light up Enugu, and provide Pipe borne within the first 180days of his stewardship, Barrister Peter Ndubuisi Mbah offers renewed hope to Ndi’Enugu.”

“There is a fervency in the land that calls for responsible and responsive watchmen at different leadership strata, it is that fervency that inspires our group to search out and align with Leaders who are ready to lead right. We are committed to supporting the prepared to do justice to the letters of their manifesto, whilst challenging those who apparently may not be very prepared to take a cue from those who like Barrister Peter Mbah shows the readiness to hit the ground running from the moment he takes the Oath of Office.”

“Clearly Ndi’Enugu are set for a new dawn, a new deal and a new day in leadership. It is palpable, we feel it, and we can see so much happening even before the Swearing-In of the incoming Governor of Enugu State Barrister Peter Mbah.”

“Are you aware that at his personal cost, facilities and materials necessary for the lighting up of strategic areas in the State, and materials relevant for the Pipe borne water he promised within his first 180 days are being assembled?”

“Are you aware that he has assembled a Team of Experts, Technocrats, Eggs heads, Professionals and Ideologues to give life and proactive strategic input to the details of his manifesto, a document he respects as proof his social contract with Ndi’Enugu?”

“Are you aware that Barrister Peter Mbah is not just a Technocrat in Politics, but a Lawyer, an accomplished Businessman and one who has the requisite governmental experience necessary to take Enugu State to a new pedestal. Are you aware that he is Competent, that he has the Capacity, that he is Credible, that he is Compassionate and that he has the Commitment necessary and relevant to build an Enugu State that works for all?”

“As the Peter Ndubuisi Mbah era beckons we wish Ndi’Enugu the best, and pray that the Almighty grant the incoming Governor the candour and the composure to deliver, and to make real the elaborate promises and projections he has on paper.”

“We wish Ndi’Enugu the best, and pray that across the States of the Federation leaders become responsible and responsive to the people.”

“As Barrister Peter Ndubuisi Mbah takes over as the Governor of Enugu State on the 29th of May, 2023, we wish him well. And say Congratulations to Ndi’Enugu.”

10th NASS Leadership: Remain Impartial, Group Tells Tinubu,APC Leadership

Auwal Usman

….

South East Unity Movement has implored the President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to be neutral in the selection process of the principal officers of the National Assembly.

The group also cautioned politicians against uttering insidious remarks capable of causing ethic division and violence.Its Chairman, Godwish Kuruma Obi, in a statement, yesterday, noted that the South East would not fold its arms and watch, those he called ‘greedy politicians’ stock unnecessary regional tensions that would potentially affect our investments all across the country.

“The South-East Unity Movement is deeply worried by the direction the country is being pushed by power hungry regionalist politicians over the issue of selection of leaders and officers of the 10th National Assembly.

“We find it unfortunate that people who are supposed to be distinguished gentlemen and women trusted with mandates by their constituencies would find it difficult to form leadership for themselves and by themselves without unnecessary interference by vested interests.

“The South-East, in spite of the strident cries of marginalisation in the way the nation is structured and operated is however more committed to sustainable peace than all the other sections of the country.

“This implies that the South-East would not fold its arms and watch greedy politicians stock unnecessary regional tensions that would potentially affect our investments all across the country.“We therefore urge politicians to tread with caution and play by the rules with fairness to all sections of the country devoid of dangerous preconditions and sinister motives.

“We call on political party structures particularly the party in power to allow the three organs of government to exercise their constitutionally demarcated roles unhindered.“The National Working Committee of the APC is therefore cautioned against continuous meddling with the leadership affairs with the constitutionally and democratically independent and autonomous legislative arm of government.

“We also caution the President-elect not to be dragged into counterproductive, self-serving conflicts over the NASS leadership. He should take the path of honour by maintaining neutrality and insisting on democratic processes,” he said.

Timi Frank To International Community: Disassociate, Steer Clear Of Tinubu’s Inauguration

A political activist and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has urged the international community to disassociate themselves and also steer clear of the proposed inauguration of the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Frank who described such event as illegal, specifically called on the United State of America, United Kingdom, European Union, African Union and ECOWAS among others, “to as a matter of integrity steer clear from any form of preparations or attendance of the planned inauguration.”

In a statement released Monday in Abuja, Timi Frank said it will be in the best interest of the International Community to properly ascertain the mood of the country and allow for all litigations and closure on the outcome of the electoral cases in court before lending support to whomsoever is declared as the authentic winner of the recently conducted elections in Nigeria.

According to the Bayelsa born political activist, save for the voice of reason, the aftermath of the declaration of the Presidential results would have turned sour, but for the timely appeal by the various opposition leaders to their supporters in seeking redress at the courts as the only constitutional recognized means in challenging an illegality.

He said: “As last minute preparations for the inauguration of an illegality continues to dominate the political and social space in Nigeria, we are poised to advise all intending invitees especially the international community to steer clear from any of such events, as more Nigerians continue to disassociate themselves from being a part of this grand conspiracy foisted on the Nigerian people by dubious state actors, using instruments of coercion and manipulation in subverting the will of the people.

“Never have we witnessed such brazen criminality perpetrated by an electoral umpire and the ruling party in disenfranchising the majority of the people by conniving with other agencies of government to ensure victory by all means to a particular candidate.

“The hasty announcement of the Presidential results by the electoral umpire, who is also a major accomplice in this regard, came as a shock to many, when the electoral body itself failed to use its own stipulated guidelines in the declaration of results.

“By blatantly refusing to follow its own procedure in the final declarations of results as announced earlier to all Nigerians by the INEC chief, it will be safe to conclude that the last minute change of plans was the final icing on the cake in ensuring that the will of the people is subverted and truncated by any means necessary.

“In the light of the aforementioned, I would like to call on all members of the international community, especially the US, UK, EU, AU, ECOWAS and others to as a matter of integrity steer clear from any form of preparations or attendance of the planned inauguration.

“Accepting to be present for this all time charade, which is already subjudice will subsequently give credence to this illegality by the various governments which you represent. It will be in your best interest to properly ascertain the mood of the country and allow for all litigations and closure on this matter before you lend your support to whomsoever is declared as the authentic winner of the elections.

“Furthermore, the support for constitutional democracy as practiced by the US, UK and the EU states cannot be overemphasized. Therefore, the international community must disassociate itself forthwith from plans to attend any inauguration, until the will of the people is expressly determined by the judiciary.”

Frank, Frank, who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), Ambassador to East Africa and Middle East, said any form of congratulatory messages or acceptability demonstrated by representatives of various countries in Nigeria “will further suggest that indeed your governments are accomplices in disenfranchising the good people of Nigeria of a functional democracy as practiced and preached by your various governments.

“It will be foolhardy and catastrophic to join in endorsing an illegitimate process leading to the forming of a government, which is clearly not in tandem with your values.

“I will like to therefore, seek your understanding in boycotting any of such invitations aimed at undermining our hard earned democracy. Let your voices be made clear once and for all in ensuring that the proper process leading to the declaration of a winner is followed and accepted by all Nigerians in this regard.”

10th NASS: Oduduwa Frontiers Urges Democracy In Leadership Selection

By Usman Ogboji

10th NASS: Allow Democracy To Thrive, Oduwa Frontiers Tells APC, NWC

…A Yoruba socio -political group, ‘Oduwa Frontiers’ has called on the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to follow the path of honour and justice by reversing the unsolicited, unpopular zoning proposal and allow democracy and its tenets to thrive.

The group called on the President-elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to interrogate this skewed arrangement and give direction that reflects our collective commitment to equality, fairness, and inclusivity as a basis for participatory democracy.National President, of the group, Kolawale Adediji Kazeem, made the call in a statement made available to journalist in Abuja, on Saturday.

“We join the Southern Governors Forum and other concerned Nigerians in calling on the National Working Committee of the APC to follow the path of justice.”

According to him, “As stakeholders in the affairs of the South-west and Nigeria generally, we hereby corroborate the Chairman of the Southern Governors Forum’s views and adopt all the issues raised which are very sensitive, not only to the president-elect and the APC, but also to the corporate existence of the country.

“We warn the President-elect not to wave aside the views of the Southern Governors Forum and majority of his genuine lovers in other regions, in order to avoid falling into the traps laid to set him up against other sections of the country and damage the image of his administration even before it takes off.“

“We hereby state our strong position that the manner in which the party leadership directly meddled in the affairs of the legislative arm of government, which is an independent body, amounts to an infringement on the constitutionally guaranteed legislative independence and autonomy.

“We warn that the APC cannot afford to make the mistake of allowing the repeat of what transpired in the eighth Assembly when Bukola Saraki and Yakubu Dogara emerged Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives,

” he said .Kazeem also enjoined the APC to replay its exemplary leadership of allowing open contest and level ground for the party primaries that paved the way for the emergence of the Asiwaju as its Presidential Candidate.

“It is therefore expedient for the APC to allow open contests for all interested candidates irrespective of region or geopolitical zone and allow the members of the National Assembly to vote for their leaders.”

Speaking further ,he noted that this calculated design to give the incoming administration of Asiwaju a bad name even before it takes off, is without a doubt, part of the disturbances that have been created since the emergence of a South Western presidency.In particular, the despotic move to zone the National Assembly leadership positions to suit certain vested interests with false love for the President-elect only aims to set a dangerous foundation of distrust and suspicion as traps to undermine the coming.

“Everyone knows the democratic antecedents of the Asiwaju and his unbending commitment to democratic principles of fair-play and the right of choice.“It would therefore be misplaced to believe that a man with such high commitment to democratic processes would be involved in such unconstitutional actions.”

Obasanjo, IGP, others for National Daily awards

The much anticipated prestigious National Daily Awards will hold on Friday May 12, 2023, at the Grand BallRoom of Oriental Hotels, Victoria Island, Lagos, with former President, Olusegun Obasanjo as Special Guest of Honour and keynote Speaker, under the chairmanship of Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi.

The National Daily Awards is a celebration of excellence in various sectors of the Nigerian economy and life. 

“We will be honoring outstanding achievers in public and private sectors, as well as presenting Lifetime Achievement Awards to exceptional individuals in business, politics, sports and entertainment”, reads a statement signed by Sylvester Ebhodaghe, Editor-in-Chief of National Daily Newspapers. 

The statement further said that the IGP Usman Alkali Baba, CFR, will receive the National Daily’s Man of the Year Award at the event, alongside other eminent professional individuals and organisations.

The statement reads: “Other award recipients include Prince Nduka Obaigbena CON of ARISE News/THISDAY Newspaper, to be conferred with African Media Entrepreneur Icon of the Decade Award; Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State, Governor of The Year; Governor Olusola Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Innovation and Infrastructure Governor of the Year; Engr. Ernest Ndukwe, Lifetime Achievement. 

“Leo Stan Eke, Development Icon of the Decade (ICT); Alhaji Aliko Dangote, African Business Personality of the Decade; Umaru Dambatta, Public Sector Personality of the Decade; Prof. Mike Ozekhome SAN, Hero of Human Rights Defence; Sen Ifeanyi Ubah, Lawmaker of the Year (Senate); Deputy Governor Kingsley Otuaro of Delta State, Outstanding Peace Builder of the Year; NYSC, Most Strategic Government Establishment of the Decade; LSSTF, Most Strategic Government Support Initiative of the Year (State); Allen Onyema, Hero’s Award; including 10 Outstanding NYSC Members, among others that have distinguished themselves in their trade in both the public and private sectors in Nigeria. The award would remain one of the memorable events of the year”.

Timi Frank To Tinubu: You Lack Capacity To Fight Corruption In Judiciary

*Says 80% of corrupt politicians will be beneficiaries of Asiwaju’s presidency

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Comrade Timi Frank, has faulted Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s claim that he will make corruption unattractive, especially in the Judiciary.

Frank, who described such statement as a lie, noted that the former Lagos state governor do not possess the capacity and ability to fight corruption in the Judiciary.

Tinubu, while speaking in Port Harcourt, during the inauguration of a Magistrate Courts Complex built by the Governor Nyesom Wike administration, reportedly promised to make corruption unattractive.

Responding in a statement released on Saturday in Abuja, Timi Frank said Tinubu’s track record on corruption fights is abysmal.

According to Frank, It is an insult to the sensibility of majority of Nigerians, that Tinubu who has been linked to several corrupt practices, including the famous bullion van episode, will suddenly become the anti corruption czar.

He said: “A man who’s unable to answer questions on the activities of the Alpha Beta company and several other properties linked to him, obviously do not posses the prerequisites to fight corruption.

“It is however ironic that Tinubu, whose political career is peppered with allegations of corruption, would try to position himself as a champion of anti-corruption, only aimed at fooling the gullible.

“Of utmost importance is the caliber of persons currently hobnobbing around the president elect for one favor or another. These individuals who are busy outwitting one another, all in a bid to grab juicy government portfolios with statutory immunity, may all have a case or more to answer with the anti graft agencies. These characters who are currently vying for leadership positions in all arms of government, including the Executive, Legislature, and the Judiciary will most likely be cleared for public service, thereby joepadizing the fight against corruption ab initio.

The Bayelsa born political activist believed that the incoming administration, if confirmed by the judiciary, will habour many politicians of questionable characters giving them a safe haven to operate.

“A closer look at these individuals reveals that they are made of high net worth personalities who may have previously been convicted of crimes, or currently facing investigations or prosecution by the EFCC and other sister anti graft agencies.

“The jostle for the position of the Senate President by one of the leading contenders is a clear testimony to the fact. It is therefore pertinent to ascertain whether Tinubu’s potential administration will be comprised by these glaring associations.

“Consequently, the statement credited to the former Lagos state governor in Port Harcourt is laughable, given that the facts prove otherwise as clearly evident by the current realities.

“It’s worthy to note that Tinubu, whose ruling party campaigned on an anti-corruption mantra will suddenly drive an anti-corruption fight when even the incumbent President, who has no known history of corruption is unable to tackle the menace, rather the corruption index has risen exponentially under this administration.”

Frank who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), Ambassador to East Africa and Middle East, furthermore added that it will be difficult to take Tinubu’s words on fighting corruption seriously.

He said: “Evidence of corruption linked to his interests continues to surface, as even the recently concluded general elections were grossly compromised. Tinubu should note that he’s yet to be sworn in and should focus his attention on the pending cases challenging the legitimacy of his victory at the polls rather than making any such promises on an illegality pending before the tribunal.

“Lastly as a nation seeking a change, we must demand accountability from our leaders, regardless of their party affiliation. We cannot afford to remain silent whilst corruption continues to plague our democracy. Those who seek to lead us, must henceforth show by their actions that they are committed to a corrupt-free Nigeria.”

Timi Frank urges Presidential Election Petition Tribunal Justices to uphold integrity

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Friday, urged the Justices of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) to be guided by integrity, truth and fear of God in the discharge of their crucial national assignment.

Frank in a statement in Abuja reminded the five Justices of the court to be mindful of the great expectation of Nigerians who see them as the last hope in redressing discontent that emanated from obvious manipulation and rigging of the February 25, 2023, Presidential election.

He urged them to painstakingly sift the petitions before them, examine arguments for and against made by petitioners and defendants and unbiased reach a decision based on facts and unassailable truth.

He warned them against resort to legal technicalities in taking their final decisions, saying such an action is capable of completely eroding the confidence reposed in the judiciary by the oppressed and marginalized petitioners whose electoral mandates have been brazenly stolen.

Frank said: “As the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal begins its hearing and determination of suits brought before it, it is noteworthy that the enthusiasm and expectation of Nigerians is at an all-time high, which signifies a renewed hope in the judiciary as an unbiased arbiter.

“The five Justices who have been selected for this arduous task are aware of the magnitude of the assignment before them, and therefore, must ensure that they uphold the high sense of integrity expected of them as Justices of the Court of Appeal.

“The overall consideration and subsequent decision of the tribunal must be seen to reflect the basis for judicial decisions, which are the products of two fixed elements: the facts and the rule of law.

“Therefore all the features of a good judgment are expected to be demonstrated by the Justices in an accurate, succinct, factual and vivid manner.

“The Justices must be reminded that the fate of the nation is currently in their hands, and the least responsibility expected by Nigerians is their unalloyed loyalty to the people and their oaths of allegiance to the Nigerian Constitution.

“They must resist any form of pressure from whomsoever whether within or without. The Justices must display utmost uprightness as Nigeria will be in the spotlight of international stakeholders and citizens eager to follow the proceedings.”

Frank, who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), Ambassador to East Africa and Middle East, insisted that expectations of Nigerians who feel disenfranchised should be the main cause of worry for the Justices.

According to him, “the total disregard by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in adhering to its set procedures and denying same is a shame to say the least, notwithstanding the earlier position of its National Chairman affirming to follow the electoral guidelines.

“It is rather appalling that several months after the conduct of the Presidential elections, we’re still confronted with unuploaded results on the IREV Portal. Therefore utmost importance to details rather than technicality must be the bedrock in determining the conduct of the 2023 General elections.

“The Presidential Tribunal must adhere to strict compliance with the timeframe for the tribunal’s sitting as stipulated in the revised Electoral Act, as so much time has already been expended unnecessarily.

“The call for a speedy judgement before the May 29th 2023 handover date is sacrosanct and must be respected. We want to remind the Honourable Justices to do their own part in delivering a just judgement, while we look up to the Supreme Court for its final ruling.

“We do not expect anything less, otherwise the Nigerian people will hold the Justices liable for any eventuality.

“Furthermore, we urge all friends and stakeholders of the Nigeria project to also lend a voice in ensuring that the judiciary upholds the dignity and integrity expected of them.

“We are hopeful that there is a more sense of reasoning, rather than technicality that will aid in the final determination of the various Appeals.

“Let the Justices also remember as stated in the book of Psalms that they can stand boldly on the truth and have confidence that no matter how big the mountains or the giants are, with God they are surmountable!

“He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings shall you trust: His truth shall be your shield and buckler.” – Psalm 91:4

Senate Presidency: Dave Umahi is the best Placed For The Post  – Northern Group

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum(AYCF) has advised that outgoing Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi should be supported to emerge as Senate President in the spirit of national stability cohesion under incoming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The group, in a statement signed by its National President, Alhaji Yerima Shettima Wednesday evening, insisted that “in this national healing moment, the Southeast should be given the opportunity to take a shot at the Senate Presidency, this time around”.

“Our true position is that the Southeast needs to have a stronger sense of belonging, in the Nigerian project, by being actively involved in democratic governance. We want the mistakes of past government to serve as a lesson in democratic governance for the incoming administration.

“It is on record that Umahi is the most-perforing governor in the history of the Southeast. He has the reputation of being a gentleman per excellence. He has demonstrated these sterling qualities throughout his sojourn as a governor. This makes his candidature for the Senate quite suitable. We have no doubt in his ability to give the 10th Senate a good sense of direction. It is time to show full recognition to the leadership qualities of integrity and accountability, and these are some of the strongest attributes of governor Umahi”, the statement noted.

AYCF urged all the relevant stakeholders in the current dispensation, to rally round the Southeast for Senate Presidency, “in the spirit of forgiveness, national unity, cohesion and ending the culture of rubber stamp legislature”.

The AYCF further advised that the incoming administration should see their electoral victory as a golden opportunity to turn around Nigeria’s fortunes by allowing for the emergence of responsible leadership at all levels “and especially that of the Senate”.

AYCF, in the statement, also called on the President elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to “strive to put a legacy in place of a very suitable leadership, especially for the Senate”.

The group warned that “a very good sense of justice in the emergence of National Assembly leaders is to ensure that a nationalist, accountable Nigerian leads the Senate”.

Hon Betara An Efficient Administrator Deserves To Be Next Speaker – Arewa Youth Forum

The Arewa Youth Forum (AYF), the Premier umbrella platform of all youth organisations in the North and FCT-Abuja, which has structures in the 19 Northern states, some Southern States and the diaspora has made a strong case for Honourable Aliyu Mukhtar Betara, ‘The Golden Boy’ to be voted as the Speaker of the 10th National Assembly.

This was contained in a statement signed by AYF President, Ahmed Mohammed Zagi, made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Thursday April 4, 2023, explaining why Honourable Betara who is representing Biu/Bayo/Shani Federal Constituency and Chairman House Committee on Appropriation was endorsed.

“The role in which Hon. Betara played in the 9th Assembly is that of a proficient and efficient administrator who was fair, just,
logical and sincere in the appropriation of resources for the improvement of the living
standard of Nigerians and the development of critical sectors of the economy.

“Despite obvious challenges, Hon. Betera was able to pass through the hard concrete wall with his
name printed in crystal gold,” AYF said.

The group said that they have been closely following with keen interest
the unfolding developments in the country, especially as relates to the buildup to the election of the leadership of the 10th National Assembly, especially the Green Chamber.

They explained further that the pivotal role that Honourable Betara played has earned him deep love, trust, respect and confidence from his colleagues in the Green Chamber.

“No doubt, and from our conclusion, that is why his ambition to become the next Speaker of the House of Representatives is receiving overwhelming support and endorsement from both returning and new members of the
parliament across political party bifurcation.

“As a person, Hon. Betara iswell known to be a humble, intelligent, and smart persona with the wisdom of the ancients,” the statement said.

According to them, “He is friendly, generous, easy going and accessible and always ensures fairness, transparency and logic in the discharge of his official
responsibility as Appropriation Committee Chairman.In short, most members of the 9th
Assembly have openly confessed on several occasions that Hon. Betara is the reason behind their success and sterling performance in their various constituencies as regards appropriation of fund (envelope) for the execution of projects in the various Committees
they represent.

“Already a veteran in both chambers of the NASS, Hon. Betara has been in the House since 2007,” the statement explained.

AYF recalls that Betara has held several strategic positions such as Chairman of the Sub committee on NDIC, Banking and Currency, Member of the House Committee on Interior and was later appointed Chairman of the Sub-committee on Customs, Immigration and Prisons Pension Office between 2007 and 2011.

“He also served as Chairman of, the House Committee on the Army in the 7th Assembly (2011 to 2015) and Chairman of the House Committee on Defence from 2015 –2019 before his current position as Chairman of, the House Committee on Appropriations (2019-2023).

“Hon. Betara has built bridges and the cultivated seed of friendship over time in the National Assembly across party, religious and ethnic lines.

“He has gathered ample legislative experience over the years and equally established a reputation for methodological versatility in the House of Representatives, which has baked and prepared him for the onerous obligation of the Speakership Position that he is contesting for,” they argued.

According to the statement, Betara’s administrative acumen, competence, credibility, and legislative experience combined
with his acceptability by the majority of the returning and newly elected members of the House of Representatives stands him out among other contestants and positioned him as the man to win the Speakership Position of the 10th Assembly once the election is
held.

They averred that the incoming administration of Asiwaju/Shettima does not need to be reminded that the hope of Nigerians is extremely high and they are expecting nothing short of excellent performance from the government.

“The executive arm of government, on the other hand, cannot function effectively without the complement and support of robust and sound
legislation and oversights from the legislature.

“Therefore, the cadre or calibre of “who” becomes “who” in the Leadership of the 10th Assembly should neither be taken for
granted nor seem as business as usual where competence and credibility are often sacrificed on the alter of zoning, religious or ethnic equation.

“The executive, judiciary and legislative arms of government are partners in the business of governance standing on a tripod. If any leg of the tripod becomes faulty through the wrong recruitment of its leadership, there will certainly be an overbearing effect and consequence on the other legs of the tripod.

“Consequent to the above, which is a tip of the iceberg on the many reasons why Hon. Betera is the man fit for the job, the AYF hereby, endorses the ‘Golden Boy’ to lead the Green Chamber as Speaker in the 10th National Assembly,” they submitted.

They further argued that, “no leader among all of those aspiring has his selflessness, integrity, fear of God as a motivating principle and a
consciousness, resolute and uncompromising drive to face the battle and national challenges with all his might and prowess.

“This resolution of endorsement was made by all structures of AYF in Nigeria and the Diaspora.
We therefore call on all and sundry especially, old and new members of the Green Chamber to support the aspiration and candidature of Hon. Aliyu Mukhtar Betara as Speaker so that Nigeria “go better for the Nigerian Citizens “through qualitative and sound legislation,” they stressed.

They said their endorsement is hinged on their patriotic zeal for Nigeria.

“As an organisation that champions the course of good governance through qualitative representations we are compelled to voice out our resolutions on who to drum our support for and endorsement to serve as Speaker in the 10th National Assembly, which is expected to be officially inaugurated in June.

“Following our deep and wider consultations as well as sampling of vital opinions that cut across the length and breadth of the country, also among members of the Green Chamber on who does the cap fit for the Speakership position, we have come to the conclusion that one personality stands out among all that person is Hon. Aliyu Mukhtar Betara, ‘The Golden Boy’;

“The experienced legislator who is tailor-made for the job. Our reasons abound!

“From the constituency front, it is a well-known fact that Hon. Betara has exceeded expectations in his constituency in terms of infrastructural development (constituency projects execution), empowerment and effective representation.

“No surprise he was given
the mandate by his people for an unprecedented fifth term to represent the constituency.

“Top experts and students of business management or financial management can speak
correctly on the importance of having a prudent and proficient “administrator” or “manager” of human/resources in an organisation”.

N1.17trn allocation for health Sector in 2023 budget still below 15percent AU adoption for public health financing – NUAHP

By Matthew Denis

In a bid to commemorate the Workers Day Celebration, the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) has disclosed that the N1.17trillion budget allocation for the health Sector in the 2023 budget is still below the 15 percent budgetary allocation recommended for public health financing to African countries adopted by the African Union (AU).

This was disclosed during an interview with the National President of NUAHP, Dr. Ogbonna Obinna Chimela in Abuja on Monday.

He said ” We observed that even though the N1.17trillion budget for the health Sector in 2023 was a significant improvement compared to the 2022 budget, it is still 5.7 percent of the total budget of N21.83 trillion. This however below the 15 percent budgetary allocation recommended for public healthcare financing to African countries adopted by African Union (AU).

” We demand a more proactive commitment to adequate funding of healthcare in Nigeria to meet up with the provision of effective, accessible and affordable healthcare for the citizens. “

According to him the alarming braindrain in the health Sector and its consequences on the healthcare delivery in Nigeria is worrisome as this disturbing trend has led to acute human resources shortage and could cripple the entire health Sector in the country.

Dr. Ogbonna stressed that the union as a matter of urgency wants the federal and State governments address issues causing this mass Exodus of best brains in the health Sector to other countries.

He said ” the government to embark on mass recruitment of health professionals across primary, secondary and tertiary health care facilities in the country.

” We’re calling on the government at National and subnational levels to address Adjustment of Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) which has been overdue since 2014.

” FG should pay withheld salaries of our members in Jos Teaching Hospital (JUTH), Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Owerri, and Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) lagos.

” Implementation of all collective agreements reached with health workers in 2017. Total overhauling of public health Infrastructures with state of the art facilities nationwide.

” We seek implementation of Pharmacists Consultant cadre. Upward review of retirement age of health workers from 60 to 65 years and that of consultant Health Professionals to 70 years Among others related issues.