Clement Nwabuko

Total Post: 253

2023 : Hon. Ogene Lampoons APC for Leaving South East Out ot Calculations, Urge Igbos to chart Common front

2023 : Hon. Ogene Lampoons APC for Leaving South East Out ot Calculations, Urge Igbos to chart Common front

….Argues PDP Remains Best Option for Ndigbo if left out in power equation

FCT (Abuja) – A former member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Hon. Victor Afam Ogene, has called on Igbo leaders across political divides to urgently convoke a summit of Ndigbo, if the zone is not to be left outside the power loop for yet another eight years.

“The eight years of the current All Progressives Congress, APC-led federal government – most of which the Igbo spent lamenting its near obliteration from the country’s power calculus – is gradually coming to an end, yet there is neither an indication that the situation would be redressed, nor is there a concerted attempt by Ndigbo to avert a repeat of the status quo,” Hon. Ogene said in statement released today.

A chieftain of the APC, Hon. Ogene who served as Director, Media and Publicity in the Party’s 2021 gubernatorial campaigns in Anambra State, stated that “it was particularly irksome that in the clamour for the rotation of the presidential stool to the South, APC leaders appear to have deliberately refrained from specifically zoning the position to the South East, in the spirit of equity, fairness, good conscience and precedent.

“For those who are wont to hide under a finger, by citing the less than admirable acceptance of the party in the region, providence and precedent offers a simple answer: there once was a President who emerged in spite of electoral rejection by his ward, local government, state and region.

“Now that Ndigbo find themselves in similar situation, why would the rules of engagement change suddenly? Are the power brokers who despite everything else resolved the 1999 quagmire in favour of the preservation of national unity no longer alive to apply the same balm of inclusivity in order to accommodate Ndigbo?

“Today’s APC stands in the gap as the behemoth People’s Democratic Party, PDP at the time it took the largely unpopular but historic decision to support a candidate from the South West to emerge as President. With a country bursting at the seams by feelings of alienation, wouldn’t an affirmative action initiative offer some form of panacea, if not outright healing, for the many disparate agitators who struttle the landscape?

“For every cursory observer of the ferocious politicking currently going on in the APC, however, it would be akin to wanting the sun to stand still, should one crave a Presidential ticket from the party for a South Easterner.

“Speaking realistically, once the position is zoned to the South and a candidate emerges from either the South West or South South, that forecloses the possibility of getting a Vice Presidential slot for Ndigbo. And in the event that the Party triumphs in the 2023 election, its exclusion from the power loop would be stretched by another eight years.

“This, therefore, is a wake-up call on all Igbo leaders of note to gird their loins and seek negotiations and accommodation for the greater political interest of the South East.

“Not too long ago, Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi, in a barely disguised pursuit of personal interest, left the PDP for the APC, on the excuse that Ndigbo won’t be available for a Vice Presidential slot under the PDP. Today, with the possibility of getting even that in the APC a mirage, Igbo leaders, including Umahi, may well begin to positively reconsider that offer – unless, of course, if the APC weans itself off it’s seeming anti-Igbo stance and do what is right.

“In deed, let’s face it, the only reason former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo are considered serious contenders for the Presidency is their hands-on experience on the top job, as former and sitting Vice Presidents.

“In deed, with the APC almost certainly going South, and the PDP, North, Ndigbo ought to commence an urgent process of political re-engineering – one which would attract greater political capital for the people of the region.

“Only two days ago, in a unique display of brinkmanship, three aspiring presidential candidates of the PDP met and resolved to forge a common front through a consensus agreement. A close look at the dramatis parsonae involved in the consensus talks would easily reveal that besides personal ambition, what is at stake is the greater interest of the entire North.

“With Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal(North west), Bala Mohammed(North east), and former Senate President, Bukola Saraki(North central), leading the charge, anyone with a mere passing interest in Nigerian politics would understand that the presidential train is about leaving the station.

“In deed, I can vouchsafe that the Sokoto State Governor, Tambuwal, widely acknowledged as the ‘Unifier,’ is a true friend of Ndigbo, and would not let people of the area down in the current permutations.

“While 2023 may appear to be a long shot in the presidential quest of the South East, 2031 would certainly not be – especially if it forms part of the demands in the negotiations leading up to the emergence of presidential candidates, and ultimately the country’s next president.”

Three PDP Presidential Aspirants Meet In Bauchi, Agree To Step Down For One Person (Photos)

Three PDP Presidential Aspirants Meet In Bauchi, Agree To Step Down For One Person (Photos)

Abuja (Nigeria) – Three presidential aspirants under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Sunday met in Bauchi and have agreed to achieve a consensus amongst them.

The three aspirant are the immediate past president of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki and Governors of Bauchi and Sokoto states, Senator Bala Mohammed and Rt Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal respectively.

The trio while reaching the agreement said though each of them has indicated an interest in becoming the next President of Nigeria, but also believe this is the time to place the interest of millions of Nigerians above personal interest.

President of the 8th Senate, Bukola Saraki disclosed this on Sunday in a statement he released via his Facebook page.

The statement reads in full:

This afternoon, I was in Bauchi State to meet with my brothers, the Governors of Bauchi and Sokoto States, Sen. Bala Mohammed and Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, to discuss the state of the nation and deliberate on what our joint response should be on the search for solutions as we approach 2023.

We agreed that our country is in a very dicey situation and that we should work together to provide good leadership. We believe that the ruling party which is so embroiled in crisis and is unable to manage its affairs, cannot effectively administer the country. Therefore, going forward, Nigerians are eagerly looking towards the PDP to bail out the country. We believe this is the time to place the interest of millions of Nigerians above personal interest.

Therefore, even though each of us has indicated an interest in becoming the next President of Nigeria, the three of us have resolved to achieve a consensus amongst us, as a first step, and then hold further discussions with others within the party. We will continue to update party members and the public on further developments as we hold more meetings. This is a process that we are determined to follow to a successful conclusion.

I thank my brothers, Governors Mohammed and Tambuwal for their patriotism and sincerity.

We will continue to give hope to our people and work in the interest of our dear country. May Allah help us.

Recall that Governor Bala Mohammed who declared his intention to contest the 2023 presidential election when he paid a visit to former President Goodluck Jonathan in company of Prof Udenta Udenta last month, assured Jonathan that he will only not contest if he (Jonathan) decides to contest under any political platform.

Political pundits are of the view that with the agreed consensus kick-started by these three aspirants and their intention to hold further discussions with other aspirants within the party, the PDP may in the final analysis, adopt consensus option as the best method to select flag-bearer in the 2023 general election.

Ugwanyi @58: Agric Entrepreneur Advises S/East Governors To Adopt Enugu Blueprint

Ugwanyi @58: Agric Entrepreneur Advises S/East Governors To Adopt Enugu Blueprint

Abuja (Nigeria) – An Enugu born agriculture entrepreneur, Hon. (Amb.) Peace Patrick, has enjoined governors from the south east region of Nigeria, to emulate the security, green revolution and other agricultural policies of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwanyi of Enugu State.

Hon. Patrick, in a massage of congratulations on the ocassion of the birthday of Governor Ugwanyi on Sunday, said the people of Enugu were satisfied with the leadership qualities of the Governor, especially in the area of agriculture and security.

Governor Ugwanyi celebrated his 58th birthday on Sunday.

Hon. Patrick, who is the Head of Partnership and External Relationship of Nigeria’s foremost indigenous agriculture technology promoter, Agrichainx Innovative Technology; lauded Governor Ugwanyi for his record-breaking interventions in the agricultural sector, which has made farming attractive to everyone in Enugu State.

“The primary aim of every government is to protect lives and property of the citizenry. This is what Governor Ifeanyi Ugwanyi has done. You will never see or hear of those crime and banditry that have been ravaging some communities in other states.

“This has also given the rural dwellers confidence to access their farms and cultivate their farm produce without fear of any attack. This is in addition to other agricultural policies of the Governor and many interventions like distribution of fertilizer, hybrids and encouragement of mechanized farming in the state.

“This is worthy of commendations and I urge other governors, especially the Ndigbo, to emulate Governor Ugwanyi and make the entire South East an agricultural hub of Nigeria”, she said.

While wishing the Governor a happy prosperous birthday celebration, Hon. Patrick, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), assured Ugwanyi of her continued support in his government and future endeavours.

Ortom denies alleged move to defect to APC

Ortom denies alleged move to defect to APC

…says he has never met Philip Agbese

Abuja – Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has dismissed claims by one Philip Agbese that he would  return to the All Progressives Congress (APC) soon, insisting that, “I have never met that young man  in my life.” 

One Philip Agbese had claimed in a newspaper report that Governor Ortom confided in him to plead with the wife of an APC leader in Makurdi that he (Ortom) be accepted back into the APC fold. 

Ortom’s reaction was contained in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Nathaniel Ikyur made available to Peionews on Sunday in Abuja.

According to the Governor, “I have never met that young man who calls himself Philip Agbese, so there is no way I would have whispered to him on any issue. Not to talk of returning to the APC. And why should I return to the APC? What will I be doing in a party that has destroyed Benue, wrecked Nigeria to its knees. In any case, why should I confide or whisper to someone I have never met?” 

He went on: “If that young man wants to use my name to climb to wherever he wants to go, then he has failed. I am an enigma. I cannot condescend to the level of engaging with people who are going about looking for crumbs just to fill their stomach against the general well being of the people.” 

Governor emphasised; “That young man is a serial liar who wants to draw attention to himself using my name. There is no truth in that claim. Whoever thinks that I Governor Samuel Ortom will dump the Peoples Democratic Party now when I am part of the leadership of the party mapping up plans to rescue Nigeria from the APC led by General Muhammadu Buhari administration must be joking.” 

“Let me make it clear. I am not contemplating of rejoining the APC at any time. I am in the forefront, working with other leaders of the PDP to ensure that the party rescues Nigeria from the cluelessness of the APC to win the presidency and other states as well as retains power here in the state”.

2023: Atiku to declare for Presidency Wednesday, writes political leaders

2023: Atiku to declare for Presidency Wednesday, writes political leaders

Abuja – Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party in the 2019 general election and former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has written to political leaders in Nigeria informing that he will on Wednesday, 23rd March, 2022 declare formally for 2023 presidential race on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

His formal declaration is at the backdrop of wide consultations with all relevant stakeholders within and outside the party on his intention to contest.

In a letter which was sent to political leaders and sighted by newsmen on Sunday in Abuja, the declaration event has been slated for Wednesday, 23rd day of March, 2022 in Abuja at 11.00am.

The ex-Vice President is currently the leading presidential aspirant in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party.

The letter which was signed by the chairman, Technical Committee of the Atiku 2023 Presidential Project, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, reads in part:

“It is with great delight and respect that the Technical Committee, TEECOM cordially invites you to the official declaration for the Office of the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2023 by His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar, GCON, Wazirin Adamawa, Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999-2007).

“The historic event will hold at the International Conference Centre, Abuja on Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at 11AM. Your presence will certainly add colour to the event as we expect your presence at the ceremony.”

It would be recalled that a few hours after the Office of the National Organizing Secretary of the PDP, commenced sale of nomination forms for all elective offices in the 2023 general election last week, a group, North-East Business Forum, stormed the party’s secretariat and obtained the Presidential expression of interest and nomination forms for the former Vice President at a combined sum of N40 million.

Peionews recalls that Atiku Abubakar who is well known across political parties as a master-political strategist and political heavyweight came a narrow second behind the incumbent president Muhammadu Buhari who won the 2019 presidential election.

I’ve No Intention To Contest For Political Office – ITF DG, Ari says

I’ve No Intention To Contest For Political Office – ITF DG, Ari says

Abuja –  Director General Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Sir Joseph Ari, has said he has no political future ambition to contest for any political office in the future.

Dr. Ari also called the attention of security operatives to what he called attempts by opposition party and disgruntled elements to smear his image.

Peionews recalls that there have been insinuation and rumors that Sir Joseph Ari, was warming up to run for elective office in plateau state.

The DG in a statement he read while briefing newsmen over the weekend, described the insinuation as not only ” false ” but as ” part of the series of attempts to distract him from carrying out his mandate as the Director General of ITF.

The statement reads in full:

TEXT OF A PRESS CONFERENCE BY SIR JOSEPH N. ARI, KSM, KSS, DIRECTOR-GENERAL/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE INDUSTRIAL TRAINING FUND (ITF), ON SATURDAY, 19TH MARCH, 2022 AT THE NIGERIAN UNION OF JOURNALISTS (NUJ) PRESS CENTRE, JOS.

PROTOCOL
I am very delighted to meet with you today, in order to shed light on matters of great concern for me as an individual and in my capacity as the Director-General/ Chief Executive of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF).
Ladies and Gentlemen, since my appointment as the Director-General/ Chief Executive of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), I have invested all energies in ensuring that the institution achieves the vision and aspirations of its founding fathers. Therefore, under my watch, the Industrial Training Fund has hit lofty heights, fulfilling its onerous mandate of developing the Nation’s human resource, while also partnering the Federal Government to actualize the objectives of the President Buhari Administration especially with regard to poverty reduction, job and wealth creation.
Under my leadership, the ITF has been at the forefront of instilling in Nigerians the need for the country, like other developed nations of the world, to embrace Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a real alternative to paper qualification and white-collar jobs, and the most sustainable solution to the seemingly intractable problem of unemployment and poverty. In doing this, our efforts have received plaudits and commendations of governmental and non-governmental organisations.
Gentlemen of the press, although Warren Buffett may not have thought of my current experiences when he said “Greatness inspires envy; envy engenders spite; spite spawns lies,” his expression aptly captures what has transpired in the last few days. As journalists, some of you may perhaps, be aware of the activities of unscrupulous elements that are bent on pulling me down. What has come to my attention is that in their desperate attempts, they have printed campaign posters suggesting that I am aspiring for an elective position, and also canvassing support for the aspirations of some candidates that are vying for elective positions in our great party, the All Progressive Congress (APC) in upcoming APC National Convention. I have also been reliably informed that these disgruntled elements plot to flood the convention venue with these posters in order to breed mistrust and disharmony and thereby generate rancor for their own selfish purposes as I have never contemplated and not contemplating on vying for any elective position in the nearest future, as I am presently busy and fully engaged with the onerous responsibility of deploying the mandate of the ITF to equip Nigerians with skills for employability and entrepreneurship.
To this end, the public is therefore, advised to disregard any campaign poster to the effect that I, Sir Joseph N. Ari, is running for any elective positon, or in support of the ambition of any candidate during the upcoming APC convention as it is false, unfounded and not deserving of any attention. I have, therefore, reported the matter to the security agencies for their further necessary action.
In conclusion, my advice to the mischief-makers is for them to heed the words of Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu in his homily of Friday, 18th March, 2022: “If you do not celebrate the gifts of others; no one will celebrate yours. If you try to pull people down, you will forever remain down. None of us is cheated by God. No human being is without special gifts and abilities. God has planted a vineyard in you and He expects to see your fruits. Watch out when you begin to criticize others continuously, you may simply be playing out your envy.”
On a final note, I have taken the pains to bring what has transpired to the public glare, as it will be difficult to convince anyone after the deed has been done.
I, appreciate you all for honouring our invitation in spite of the short notice and for your unflinching support and collaboration always.
Thank you for listening and God bless us all

How Lagos Police Boss Averted Crisis At Trade Fair Complex

How Lagos Police Boss Averted Crisis At Trade Fair Complex

By Chibuike Nwabuko

Abuja – What would have led to a major crisis at the ever busy, Balogun Business Association, (BBA) International Center for Commerce(ICC) at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, Lagos was recently averted.
This was sequel to the wisdom and professionalism which the Commissioner of Police Lagos State, Mr Abiodun Alabi deployed to douse the brewing tension created by a factional group of Balogun Business Association led by one Chief Okechukwu Ezeibe,a former President of the association.

The ICC is run by Balogun Business Association, (BBA) which was incorporated in 1990 under the leadership of its first President,Chief Leonard Ogbonnia,and subsequently registered with the Corporate Affairs with a Board of Trustees currently led by Tony Obi.

Activities at the complex were peaceful until sometimes in 2021 when Chief Okey Ezeibe who was the second President of the association with his group attempted to forcefully take over the leadership of the complex with his cronies contrary to the Constitution of the association and subsisting judgments and decisions of both the Federal High Court and the Lagos State High Courts.

It was reliably gathered through our sources that he had allegedly tried to use the police to install a new leadership for the association last year which caused severe tension in the ICC. A similar use by him of the police during another crisis some years ago led to casualties.

Presently the Board of Trustees led by Tony Orbih and the Caretaker Committee of the association under the leadership of Honourable Anselm Dunu have secured several judgments and decisions of the courts against Chief Ezeibe and a few members of the Association that are behind him.

The Inspector-General of police and other top ranking police officers including the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State and the Corporate Affairs Commission are parties to some of the lawsuits, judgments and decisions of the courts.

The Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja directed the Inspector-General of Police and all the officers joined in the case including the Commissioner of Police Lagos Command to stay clear from further harassment and intimidation of the officials of the association.

The court equally stressed the need for all the parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the substantive suit to avoid breakdown of law and order in the premises.

Chief Ezeibe’s group again sought to drag the Police into a collision course with the courts by seeking the help of the Police to illegally install his cronies as new executive officers of the association. The group had purportedly claimed that new officers had emerged in an illegal election held in contravention of the judgments and orders of both the Lagos State High Court and the Federal High Court in a hotel outside the association’s ICC premises.

They did not bring to the attention of the new Commissioner of Police of Lagos State command the existence of these judgments,decisions and order of the courts but instead tried to mislead the new Police Commissioner of Lagos State, Mr Alabi by asking for police protection from the command to help them swear-in those of their men purportedly elected in the illegal election that violated judgments,orders and decisions of the courts.
They told the commissioner that certain individuals who lost out in the election were bent on stopping their so called newly elected officials from assuming office.

Unfortunately for them, the Commissioner of Police allowed wisdom to prevail by choosing to invite all the parties to a meeting during which he advised them to be guided by the pronouncements of the courts on the matter pending the final determination of the suits.

He warned them of the consequences of resorting to self help adding that since all of them had access to judiciary, they should wait for the outcome of the pending suits.

The results of sampling of the opinions of a wide range of the membership of the association showed that the members were satisfied with the position taken by the State Command of the police and they generally lauded the wisdom and professionalism of the Lagos State Police boss in calming the tension at the complex and averting crisis.

Stop backstabbing your colleague, Buhari warns APC Governors

Stop backstabbing your colleague, Buhari warns APC Governors

Abuja (Nigeria) – President Muhammadu Buhari has cautioned the Progressive Governors and other leaders of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) against backstabbing their Colleague, ahead of the March 26 national convention.

The President was apparently referring to the recent outing in the media by some Governors, who resorted to name calling and use of ungentlemanly words against one of their own, Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State.

Buni is the current Chairman of the Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), who is being embattle by his colleagues.

Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, had on Wednesday, during a Channel Television program, lambasted Buni for working to scuttle the proposed national convention of the party.

Arakunri Rotimi Akeredolu, the Governor of Ondo State also took his turn, referring to some Governors and other supporters of Buni as “Yahoo Yahoo Boys”.

In a strong worded statement through the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media, Garba Shehu, on Saturday, Buhari warned of the consequences of such outing in the media by leaders of the party.

“President Muhammad Buhari warns the leaders (and membership) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to desist from name-calling and backstabbing ahead of the oncoming March 26 Convention, remain steadfast and maintain its unity if the party is to continue in the path of victory and its dominance at all levels throughout the country”, the statement reads in part.

Buhari drew the attention of the Governors to the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who was in power for 16 years, to learn from their activities.

“President Buhari asks the members to look at the once-powerful, ”main opposition” Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) now enfeebled and adrift and learn lessons in disunity, mismanagement and corruption”, it said.

The President also warned that, “parties splintered by competing egos destine themselves to the worst possible fate”.

He recalled that the APC started out with a confidence of victory and the party today enjoys that confidence in nearly two-thirds of the 36 states.

Yet, he noted, “this is a party that has been in existence barely for eight years, becoming the dominant party because it has thrown open its doors to defectors from other parties, big and small.

“This alone, addition to the fact we didn’t start on the note of arrogance of power, nor see government as a vehicle for self-aggrandizement, to be held at all costs, but a vehicle to bring development to all without discrimination-political, ethnic or regional to our dear country made this success possible”.

The party, he went on to note, “is proud of the fact that in its short period of existence, it has won two general elections decisively and despite losing a few states in 2019, it steadfastly expanded its pan-Nigerian outlook with significant defections of the opposition Governors and parliamentarians into its fold.

”Given all that is at a stake, we can expect contests into offices as we are now faced with to be heated although candidates and their promoters for party offices are not so much debating policy differences but differences of management, personality, character, and suitability for the most important leadership roles in our country and therefore the continent.’

“It is equally clear that over the last week or so, the internal management affairs of the APC have been afforded generous media coverage – over and above its importance to the voters of Nigeria.

“It is important to ask what benefits the poor are getting during the period of intense negative coverage.

“When precisely the party’s convention is held and who is the party’s chairman is hardly a matter for the average voter: vastly more important is who convention delegates will elect as the party’s flagbearer in the coming weeks to take forward the party’s platform to the people in the general election in February next year.

“It is therefore important for the media to put such matters into perspective. No one is debating policy differences here. That is for the general election. None of the declared aspirants and any of those that may step forward will change because of who may be in the party in the chairman’s seat. It is essentially the same party.

“Of course the media are welcome to comment on the content of the character of the potential APC candidates; discuss their suitability for leadership; scrutinize their offer to the membership. But to focus on the routine internal divisions and magnify them into what they have become today is a waste of everyone’s time, amounting to no more than a discussion over seating arrangements”.

This is not what Nigerians talk of in their communities. They have an inclination only for things that matter.

Hon Nnaji’s motion spurs House leadership to wade into Jet-A1 crisis

Hon Nnaji’s motion spurs House leadership to wade into Jet-A1 crisis

Abuja (Nigeria) – The House of Representatives leadership has waded into the prevailing aviation fuel crisis that is almost crippling air travel in the country.

At the plenary on Thursday, the House resolved to summon the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, (NCAA), Captain Musa Nuhu the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, (NNPC) Mele Kyari, Oil marketers, and Airline Operators of Nigeria, (AON) for meeting withe the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Ahmed Idris Wase and the Chairmen of of Committees on Aviation, Petroleum Upstream and Downstream for a meeting on Thursday to to seek for solution to the crisis.

The development was sequel to a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Honourable Nnolim Nnaji, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Aviation.

The motion was tittled, “Urgent Need To Investigate / intervene on The Sudden Scarcity And High Cost Of Aviation Fuel Which Has Created An Existential Threat To Airline Operations And Requires Immediate Intervention By The Federal Government.”.

Presenting the motion before the House during the plennary on Wednesday, Honourable Nnaji observed that the current crisis in Eastern Europe has created so much global tension and has raised the cost of crude oil to over $125.

He further noted that the situation has been worsened by the fact that, “Nigeria imports Jet-A1, ( aviation fuel) used by airlines for their flight operations and it’s astronomical hike can impede on airlines’ services”.
Honourable Nnaji equally disclosed that the product which was sold for N190 a litre in 2021 had risen to above N600 a litre, adding , ” to make matter worse, the oil marketers are alleged to be demanding for upfront cash payments from the airlines”.

The Aviation Committee Chairman also note that if urgent steps were not immediately taken to ameliorate the situation, airlines and passengers would continue to suffer several consequential economic and travel crises that might lead to total shutdown of air transport services.

200 NGOs converge in Abuja, drum support for NYSC Trust Fund

Abuja (Nigeria) – Peionews witnessed that no fewer than 200 Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), on Wednesday, converge in Abuja, the nation’s capital, to drum support for the Bill for an Act to establish the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Trust Fund.

The Bill, which was subject to public hearing by the House of Representatives Committee on Youth and Sports, on Thursday, 24th February, 2022; is being sponsored by Rep. Mayowa Akinfolarin (APC, Ondo).

During the public hearing at the National Assembly, the Bill received a total of 450 memoranda, with the whole memos submitted and presented in support of the establishment of NYSC Trust Fund.

At a public symposium organized by Nigeria First, in Abuja on Wednesday, leadership of various NGOs across the country, appraised the submissions, presentations, debates and the consensus that was reached at the public hearing on the Bill.

The symposium was also used to commend Members of the House of Representatives, the NYSC and other stakeholders for the overwhelming support during the public and the progress made so far by the Lawmakers.

Participants also called on President Muhammad Buhari, to consider speedy assent to the Bill when passed, while urging the lawmakers to give their overwhelming votes during the third reading and final passage.

The NGOs also reiterated confidence in the track record of the NYSC over the years to effectively manage the Trust Fund without political interference.

Giving his keynote address, A University Don, Dr Okpe Okpe, said the urgent assent to the Bill would serve as a panacea for insecurity and national disintegration, adding that it will assist in curbing incessant cases of ritualism in the country.

Okpe said the fund when in place will address financial constraints in training, orientation camp development, provision of sundry welfare and also mitigate the problem of employment in the country through the provision of capital to the corps members to establish their businesses.

“Let me sieze this opportunity to commend the current director-general of the NYSC Maj. Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim for initiating the idea of the Trust Fund, the fund will provide a sustainable source of funds for the NYSC, skill acquisition training and provision of start-up capital to corps members, train and retrain the personnel of the NYSC, develop camps and the NYSC formations and provide facilities therein.

“NYSC Trust Fund when passed into law will also improve the general welfare of not only corps members but the general youth and unemployed Nigerians by extension, which will help in promoting national unity, integration, self-reliance and accelerated development of the national economy”, Okpe said.

Nigeria First Convener, Richard Augustine, in his welcome address, said the nation needs to build an economic model where business ideas will not be killed but nurtured into business empires; where men and women of skills shall realise their dreams and potentials.

He stressed that the youth have to be encouraged to strive collectively to end poverty, hunger and deprivation in the land using instruments such as the planned Youth Fund.

“NYSC Trust Fund, on its final stage of becoming an Act, it is actually meant to address inclusive growth in Nigeria and this fact was well canvassed during the public hearing on the Bill held on Thursday, February 24, 2022”, he added.