Accessprenuer: Over 50 Corps members win Access Bank Business Empowerment Grants across Nigeria

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Accessprenuer: Over 50 Corps members win Access Bank Business Empowerment Grants across Nigeria

Access Bank Plc has rewarded and empowered corps members through the Access Bank Accessprenuer competition in collaboration with the NYSC.  

A total of 54 corps members emerged as beneficiaries on Thursday, at the FCT Permanent Orientation Camp, Kubwa, Ebony, Enugu, Benue and Rivers states where the competition took place simultaneously. 

A total of N15,250,000 was given out to corps members with exceptional entrepreneurial ideas across the country.

The overall winners were awarded N1 million each while the first runner-ups and second runner-ups were rewarded with N700,000 and N400,000 respectively.

Other Corp members who participated in the competition were also rewarded with consolation prizes ranging from N200,000 to N50,000. 

Adaeze Ume, Unit Head, Consumer Banking, Access Bank Plc, who spoke at the event said the Accessprenuer initiative was  introduced to encourage and reward National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members who were young entrepreneurs with feasible dreams and business goals.  

“At Access Bank, in line with our sustainability ethos, we are committed to improving the lives of people, and supporting the growth and development of our host communities, as such we have partnered with the scheme’s Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Department (NYSC-SAED) to encourage young and emerging entrepreneurs. 

“Our partnership with the NYSC-SAED, would help facilitate the training and mentoring of Nigerian youths in skill acquisition and entrepreneurship development for self-reliance.  

“As an institution, we understand the role that young people play in the community and the nation, and we are committed to supporting their aspirations. We believe that the youths represent the future and hope of our nation, and we will do all we can to support their innovative ideas. 

” Research has shown that lack of access to finance is one of the major reasons why businesses fail, particularly start-ups. We have decided to solve this problem by supporting some young entrepreneurs here today with finance to fund their business ideas through the Access Bank All4One scheme. 

“We hope that through this financial support and mentorship program, the winners and beneficiaries of Accessprenuer competition can run profitable businesses and through the implementation of their innovative ideas, positively impact lives and ultimately the economy, she said. 

 

Obasi Favour Onyinyechi emerged as the winner of the grand prize of N1,000,000 at the FCT Permanent Orientation Camp, Kubwa. Meanwhile, Awe Rebecca emerged as the first runner clinching the second prize of N700,000  

Obasi who was visibly excited noted that with the grant her business dream was on its way to becoming a palpable reality, and she thanked Access Bank Plc for changing her life on the go via the initiative. She noted that the grant would expedite the growth process of her fish farming business by getting a good number of healthy fingerlings, feeds, and treatments for them.  

The Accessprenuer empowerment scheme by Access Bank Plc has over the years empowered thousands of Nigeria corps members, granting impetus and vitality to kickstart business dreams in the embryo and expand those that have already begun operations.  

So far, the Accessprenuer competition has impacted over 400 corps members with over N200 million in seed capital.

They also created a Facebook community for all Accessprenuer winners to be able to interact freely amongst themselves and inspire other young people with similar aspirations. The Facebook community has about 5,000 members. 

 

NERC: Halting estimated billing in Nigeria is possible when customers are absent

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NERC: Halting estimated billing in Nigeria is possible when customers are absent 

Estimated billing can be halted if customers are not around. This was said by NERC officials during the November 27 capacity strengthening session for distribution companies (DisCos) on communication and responsiveness to customers, which was organized by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). 

According to NERC, many estimated billing customers are not aware that there is a regulation that requires them to inform their DisCo when they will not be around so that their billing can be halted during that period of their absence as their electricity is not in use.  

Although many estimated billing customers may not be aware of the regulation highlighted, there are some customers’ rights highlighted by NERC via their official website, which point to sensible billing by DisCos on estimated billing customers across the country.  

According to NERC, all new electricity connections must have meters installed before being connected.

They are entitled to a safe and reliable electricity supply and the installation of a properly functioning meter.  

The Commission also insists that customers should be informed and educated about their electricity service, with transparent billing applied to all and un-metered customers should receive bills based on NERC’s estimated billing methodology.  

According to NERC, written notice is mandatory before any disconnection, and customers have the right to refunds if overbilled, meanwhile, complaints about electricity supply or billing can be directed to the nearest DisCo business unit for prompt investigation.  

If unsatisfied, customers can escalate issues to the NERC Forum Office or appeal decisions by petitioning the Commission.

NERC says that customers can contest incorrect electricity bills and in disputes over bills, un-metered customers are not obliged to pay the disputed amount but only the last undisputed bill while the issue undergoes NERC’s dispute resolution process.  

The Commission also points out that customers or communities are not responsible for purchasing, replacing, or repairing electricity infrastructure like transformers or poles used in the supply process. 

However, it is important to note that several customers who spoke to Nairametrics reveal that settling complaints regarding estimated billing charges and payments is a herculean task as DisCos are putting a lot of customers under undue pressure by refusing to resolve complaints or implement regulatory directives as stipulated by NERC yet face no consequences.  

Imoh Heavens, a resident of Akwa Ibom state, shared his experience as a customer with the Port Harcourt Distribution Company (DisCo). He expressed to Nairametrics that DisCo charges un-metered customer rates exceeding the price cap, regardless of the circumstances.  

This situation has caused considerable concern among residents who are already grappling with challenging economic conditions.

Despite their complaints, there hasn’t been any relief or resolution to alleviate their financial burdens. 

Glo hosts stakeholders to evening of razzmatazz as Asake, Chike, Gordons, others thrill

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Glo hosts stakeholders to evening of razzmatazz as Asake, Chike, Gordons, others thrill

Digital and telecommunications services company, Globacom, on Saturday, November 25, hosted captains of industry, high networth customers and business associates, to an exquisite event at Eko Hotels & Suite, Victoria Island, Lagos, tagged ‘An Evening with Glo”.

At the event, the company’s new communication direction, “Powering Your Ambition”, was formally unveiled. The campaign showcases the preparedness and capability of Globacom to support businesses and individuals with the right tools and services to enable them to set ambitious personal and business targets and realize them to the full.

Executive Vice Chairman of Globacom, Mrs Bella Disu, paid tribute to Glo subscribers, partners, stakeholders and all those who have been with the company every step of the way for their support since inception. “Your contributions have been essential to Globacom’s success story over the past two decades, and our story would be incomplete without you. This event is special for many reasons, one being that Globacom celebrated its 20th anniversary this past August. We’re incredibly proud of this feat, which symbolises two decades of our commitment to excellent service delivery, quality, innovation, and outstanding communication strategies. This remarkable journey and the heights we’ve reached are all thanks to the visionary leadership and tenacity of our founder and Chairman, Dr Mike Adenuga Jr.”, she stated.

L-R: Chief Technical officer, Roll Out, Globacom, Mr. Remi Makinde; Director of Customer Care, Catherine Bomett, Executive Vice Chairman, Globacom, Mrs Bella Disu, and Managing Director, Huawei Nigeria, Mr. Chris Lu, at “An Evening with Glo” event held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, on Saturday.

Mrs Disu noted that the current pace of digital transformation was far quicker than what it was when Globacom started. “What was once deemed impossible is now the norm. As a digital solutions provider, we embrace these unlimited opportunities to serve our customers by constantly investing in the latest tools and technology.

She explained that the new communication direction focuses more on powering and driving ambition, while ensuring success for Glo’s existing and future customers and commended the Marketing Communications team for the creatives. She added, however, that “The creative genius steering us and whipping up most of these ideas is none other than the great guru himself, our Chairman, Dr Mike Adenuga Jr. I’m not sure he would have wanted me to share that, but after 20 years of his creative direction, I think it’s fair to let the cat out of the bag!

“We are excited about the next 20 years of serving our customers by pre-empting and fulfilling their needs in ways that help them achieve their ambitions. We count on you all to be by our side as we write tomorrow’s success stories”, Mrs Disu concluded.

Showcasing the new commercials for the company’s new communication direction, Globacom said that every new business innovation, product and service the company deploy brings its customers one step closer to their goals, “‘Powering Ambition’ is much more than just a proposition, describing it as a promise which has seen Globacom partnering with its customers in delivering cutting edge digital transformation of their businesses and innovative ideas”.

“We amplify the voice and entrepreneurial spirit of that business start-up via Glo SME in A Box. We also accelerate the pace of that next tech giant and strengthen that already accomplished local businessman”. The company said.

According to Globacom, “Nigeria’s Unlimited Potential is forged in the Ambition of the Nigerian Spirit, it is only right that Nigeria’s one and only Unlimited Network is at the heart and forefront of Powering the Ambition of our great nation. Your ambition is Nigeria’s greatest resource, and we’re here to power it, so that it catapults us all from the realm of ideas into the plane of reality”.

This we achieve through our diverse enterprise and e-commerce offers, with super high way access to the internet via our high capacity Submarine Cable to the UK and an extensive national fibre optic backbone infrastructure, LTE advanced ultra high-speed streaming quality experience and huge investments in constantly ugrading our network.

It was also an evening of fun and entertainment with award-winning comedian, Godwin Komone (Gordons), anchoring the show which was attended by captains of industry, business executives, government officials, entertainment stars and Nollywood legends. There were also performances by master saxophonist Yemi Sax, humour merchant, Arinze Baba, and tap dancers from South Africa who all ensured it was an all-round fun for guests who filled the venue to the brim.

The climax of the show was the electrifying performances by Glo ambassadors and music stars, Asake and Chike. They had the audience on their feet, signing along with the artistes and dancing into the early hours of Sunday to Chike’s “Osondi Owendi”, “If you no love”, and “Roju” as well as “Sungba “Joha” by Asake.

Asake could have felt anything but lonely on the night as his hit track “Lonely at the top” sent the audience into wild ecstasy as many surged forward to show him love as he literally brought down the roof with his performance.

Earlier, Globacom hosted the media at a press conference held at the company’s headquarters, Mike Adenuga Towers, Victoria Island, Lagos where it expressed gratitude to the media for its massive support in the last two decades.

The company’s outstanding contributions to the nation’s telecoms industry since its rolled out services in 2003 was clearly showcased, thus setting the tone for another achievement-filled decade, as the digital services company marches confidently towards its 30th anniversary.

E-GRÉ MUSIC COMPETITION WINNER MCKENZIE WARRINER RETURNS TO BRANDON FOR PERFORMANCE

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E-GRÉ MUSIC COMPETITION WINNER MCKENZIE WARRINER RETURNS TO BRANDON FOR PERFORMANCE to

 

After wowing the audience and the jury with her performance this spring at the Echkardt-Gramatté National Music Competition (e-Gré) at Brandon University (BU), McKenzie Warriner returns to conclude her winner’s tour with a pro series performance on Tuesday, Nov. 28.

The Saskatchewan born-and-raised soprano, who is now based in Toronto, will perform with pianist Danielle Guina at 7:30 p.m., at the Lorne Watson Recital Hall. Guina also accompanied Warriner in April’s 46th e-Gré competition. Part of the winner’s prize was an 11-stop Canadian tour, which has included concerts in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba an Ontario.

“The e-Gré competition introduces us to some of Canada’s most dynamic young artists, and McKenzie is a worthy addition to that tradition of excellence,” said Greg Gatien, Dean of BU’s School of Music. “It’s always fascinating and rewarding to see how the winner’s artistry grows between the competition and the conclusion of the tour, and I’m excited to welcome McKenzie back to BU, along with Danielle, who we know very well through her affiliation with the School of Music and our Conservatory.”

The program will include works by Olive Senior and Keith Hamel, whose composition Breath was commissioned for this year’s competition, as well as David McIntyre and more.

The e-Gré competition has been held annually at BU since 1976, promoting Canadian musicians and composers to new audiences. The competition rotates each year between voice, piano and strings.

Admission for Tuesday’s performance is $20, and tickets will be available at the door. Please contact the School of Music at Music@BrandonU.ca with any accessibility considerations.

Please note that seating in the Lorne Watson Recital Hall is limited and that programs are subject to change. For an up-to-date listing of pro series and student performances, please visit Events.BrandonU.ca/Events/Category/Music.

The School of Music gratefully acknowledges the generous support of the Canada Council for the Arts, and the Manitoba Arts Council.

ABOUT MCKENZIE WARRINER:

McKenzie Warriner is a Saskatchewan-born and raised/Toronto-based soprano acclaimed for her interpretation of music spanning from the Baroque to the Avant-garde. Particularly committed to singing the works of living composers, McKenzie performed at the 2023 Aldeburgh Festival as a Britten Pears Young Artist, premiering works by Marcus Rock and Beatrice Ferreira. Other recent credits include Messiah (Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra), Le portrait de Manon (Vancouver Opera), Abigail Richardson-Schulte’s Alligator Pie (Regina Symphony Orchestra), and performances in elementary schools across Vancouver as a Vancouver Opera Yulanda M. Faris Young Artist. In 2021, McKenzie and composer/performer Tristan Zaba founded Slow Rise Music, a Toronto concert series producing cutting edge new vocal works. She is also featured on an album of Zaba’s compositions with pianist Paul Williamson. McKenzie earned her Master of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music and her Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Manitoba.

ABOUT DANIELLE GUINA:

Canadian collaborative pianist, Danielle Guina, received her Master of Music degree in Piano Accompanying and Chamber Music at the Eastman School of Music under the direction of Dr. Jean Barr. Active in vocal and instrumental areas, Danielle has performed in concert and in festivals internationally in Canada, Italy, and the United States. She is a co-founder of the trumpet and piano duo Power of Two, and also works closely with soprano, McKenzie Warriner, to create diverse and representative concert programs of works by Canadian, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ composers. Danielle is a staff pianist at Brandon University, and is a teacher of piano, voice, theory, and history, at the Eckhardt-Gramatté Conservatory of Music. She has worked with composers Jake Heggie, David McIntyre, and Diego Vega, as well as participated in masterclasses with renowned artists Margo Garrett, Lydia Brown, Alan Louis Smith, Malcolm Martineau, Graham Johnson, Kevin Murphy, Alexandra Nguyen, Andrew Harley, Hila Plitmann, Nicole Cabell, Murray McLachlan, Andrei Pisarev, Douglas Finch, Futaba Niekawa, the Cecilia String Quartet and more.

2023 elections brought Nigeria’s worst court judgements – Bwala

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2023 elections brought Nigeria’s worst court judgements – Bwala 

Spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Presidential Campaign Council, Daniel Bwala

Daniel Bwala, spokesperson for the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar said the 2023 elections have brought about Nigeria’s worst court judgements in recent years.

Bwala said this in an interview with Arise Television on Monday,

According to him, the electoral tribunals of the 2023 presidential and gubernatorial elections led to the most inconsistent and worst judgements that the courts have delivered.

He expressed dissappointment over the sack of the Plateau State governor, the PDP’s Caleb Muftwang, by the Appeal Court in Jos.

Bwala said, “In 2023 elections, we have had the worst judgement of courts. We have not had so much of conflicting decisions by one tier of government, because if you look at the election tribunal this year;

“…you will notice that there were inconsistencies in one or two tribunal cases at the trial level, and probably at the Supreme Court, one or two complaints, but at the Court of Appeal is where almost all of these conflicting judgements have so far been experienced.”

Bwala further stated, “The court of Appeal is one court, so the court in Abuja can be relied on as the same court in Lagos, and as such, one will expect the court to be able to keep abreast of its judgements and keep consistent and constant judgements.

“The judgement by the court of Appeal in Plateau State that removed the governor, the appellate court dealt into the merit of a pre-election matter, and they said it also qualified as a pre-election and main election, and they delivered the judgement. 

“The same court of Appeal in Ebonyi state, the case of pre-election was canvassed. The court of Appeal in Ebonyi said it’s a pre-election matter, we do not delve into pre-election.”

Bwala said the decision taken in Ebonyi state was also taken in Benue state, as the Appeal Court refused to delve into pre-election matters.

He noted that in the case of the 2023 elections, the Supreme Court had made it clear that opposition members of a political party are not allowed to bring up a case of pre-election matters of other political parties to the courts.

The lawyer said that several retired justices have always, in their judgements, classified the decisions by lower courts that did not follow the judgement of the Supreme Court as “Judicial Rascality.”

He added that they are embarking on their own frolics contrary to the constitution that says the judgement of the Supreme Court binds all other courts together.

He said, “I have no doubt in my mind that the Court of Appeal decision in Jos, when it goes to the Supreme Court, that like the way, when we say ‘All eyes are on the judiciary,’ the people seem to think that you’re blackballing the judiciary. No, when you say ‘all eyes are on the judiciary,’ you’re saying our hope now lies on how they will interpret.

“So, this case of Plateau State, when it goes to the Supreme Court, it will be a case of the Supreme Court vs the court of appeal. It has more to do with the sanctity and integrity of that Supreme Court itself;

“…because Supreme Court will have to determine whether that judgement they delivered in Presidential election tribunal is to be carried out by subordinate courts in Nigeria. Because they made it clear that a decision by the final court is called a settled law. 

“Once a law is not determined by the final court, it is not a settled law. But once it is determined by a final court, it is cast in stone. So, the Supreme Court will have to determine whether the Appeal court is above it, or it is above the Court of Appeal.”

Source: Vanguard

Tinubu To Present Proposed 2024 Budget In Few Days — Abbas

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Tinubu To Present Proposed 2024 Budget In Few Days — Abbas

 

President Bola Tinubu will, in the next few days, present the proposed 2024 budget (Appropriation Bill) to a joint session of the National Assembly, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has said.

Abbas, who disclosed this at a one-day capacity-building retreat for chairmen and deputy chairmen of House Standing Committees in Abuja on Monday, also said the Green Chamber will convene a town hall meeting with stakeholders on the 2024 budget.

The Speaker asked chairmen and deputy chairmen of standing committees of the House to consider and finalise the budget within two weeks without compromising the integrity of the process by engaging in haphazard and superficial considerations.

He said: “As we expect to receive the 2024 Appropriation Bill in a few days, I wish to state that the House will convene a Budget Town Hall Meeting to enable citizens to make inputs into the 2024 Appropriation.

“It is the first time such an engagement is planned at the national level. I invite our partners to work with us in preparing for a vigorous and all-inclusive budget process.

President Bola Tinubu will, in the next few days, present the proposed 2024 budget (Appropriation Bill) to a joint session of the National Assembly, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has said.

Abbas, who disclosed this at a one-day capacity-building retreat for chairmen and deputy chairmen of House Standing Committees in Abuja on Monday, also said the Green Chamber will convene a town hall meeting with stakeholders on the 2024 budget.

The Speaker asked chairmen and deputy chairmen of standing committees of the House to consider and finalise the budget within two weeks without compromising the integrity of the process by engaging in haphazard and superficial considerations.

He said: “As we expect to receive the 2024 Appropriation Bill in a few days, I wish to state that the House will convene a Budget Town Hall Meeting to enable citizens to make inputs into the 2024 Appropriation.

“It is the first time such an engagement is planned at the national level. I invite our partners to work with us in preparing for a vigorous and all-inclusive budget process.

 

“To ensure speedy passage of the 2024 budget, I charge all committees to double their efforts and finalise all considerations in two weeks.

“However, this does not imply haphazard and superficial consideration of the budget. Rather, it is a challenge to you to deploy all resources and make the needed sacrifices to ensure we pass the budget in good time for the good of all Nigerians.”

Abbas reminded the committee chairmen and their deputies that the legislature is central to the nation’s democracy, emphasising that a strong House was integral to ensuring that governance is conducted in an open, accountable, and representative manner.

“As chairmen and deputy chairmen of various committees, we must ensure that the House delivers on its Legislative Agenda. All Committees should study the relevant sections of the Agenda and incorporate them into their work plans. You are encouraged to rely on the Agenda and generate Bills, Motions and other legislative interventions.

“The success of the Agenda hinges on the efficiency, effectiveness, and integrity of our committees. In order to encourage compliance, we established the Committee on Monitoring and Evaluation of Standing and Ad-hoc Committees for the first time in the history of the Nigerian legislature. Its mandate is to ensure that all Committees live up to their mandates and operate effectively.

“The Committee will submit regular reports to the House and Leadership on the activities of all committees. I wish to encourage Committees to operate as ‘teams, consisting of chairmen, deputies, and all their members, not just a few individuals.

“To be effective, Committees must hold regular meetings, develop and adhere to annual work plans, report regularly, and engage with the public. However, the general effectiveness of Committees is contingent on a clear understanding of your mandate and objectives,” he said.

While lamenting the challenges that impede overall effectiveness of the committees and the legislature as a whole such as the high turnover rate, Abbas said: “the 10th House of Representatives has recorded the highest attrition rate since the return to democracy in 1999. As a result, critical knowledge and expertise have been lost in the process.

“Other factors that limit the effectiveness of our Committees include insufficient resources, particularly inadequate funding, staffing, and resources, all of which limit their ability to conduct thorough analysis and research. Despite the widely held belief, the House and its Committees are grossly underfunded, making it nearly impossible for them to function optimally.”

He also noted that the theme of the retreat: ‘Improving Legislative Performance through Effective Committee Management’ was deliberately chosen to provide a comprehensive understanding of the tasks ahead, especially for many of those who were taking up the legislative responsibilities for the first time.

He stated: “The legislature is central to our democracy, and a strong House is integral to ensuring that governance is conducted in an open, accountable, and representative manner.

“As chairmen and deputy chairmen of various committees, we must ensure that the House delivers on its Legislative Agenda. All committees should study the relevant sections of the Agenda and incorporate them into their work plans. You are encouraged to rely on the Agenda and generate bills, motions and other legislative interventions.”

In his remarks, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, said committees of the House were the engineroom of legislative oversight, playing a pivotal role in scrutinising government policies, investigating public misconduct, and ensuring that the executive branch remains accountable to the people.

He said, “As Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen of these committees, you bear immense responsibility. Your leadership, your expertise, and your dedication are essential in steering the legislative agenda, shaping public policy, and upholding the principles of good governance.”

In his goodwill message, the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, also said the Federal Government’s budget would be presented to the National Assembly “in a matter of days.”

The former Speaker of the House urged heads and members of standing committees to synergise while scrutinising the budgetary proposals during defence sessions.

Gbajabiamila also noted that committees were key to the legislative process, urging the chairmen and their deputies to work harmoniously.

He said: “The legislature is the engine room of a democratic

government, and you, the chairmen and deputies, are the gears that

keep that engine running. It is a high honour and a profound

responsibility.

“More than at any other time in the nation’s history, all of us who hold office in government must put our best foot forward every day so that by our joint endeavour, we can advance the cause of our nation.”

Ex-PGF DG Lukman says Fubara at risk of emasculation with dissolution of Rivers APC exco

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 Ex-PGF DG Lukman says Fubara at risk of emasculation with dissolution of Rivers APC exco

Salihu Lukman

Former Director General of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF), Dr Salihu Lukman has sounded a note of warning to the Rivers State Governor, Mr Siminalaye Fubara, of an impending move to undermine him following the dissolution of the executive members of the Rivers state chapter of the All progressives Congress (APC).

 

Lukman, in a piece titled: “End of Progressive Politics” argued that argued that If dissolution stand, stage managed congresses will be organised to produce new party executives at all levels who will be loyal to the Minister of the Federal capital territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

Lukman who was the immediate past National Vice Chairman North of the APC envisaged that by 2027, Wike who has already fallen apart with Fubara would produce the APC Governorship candidate for Rivers State.

He claimed that APC under the leadership of President Tinubu, as it is constituted today, wasn’t the APC the founding fathers sold to Nigerians both in 2015 and 2023.

Lukman contended that with a garrison brand of progressive politics being played with Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje at the helm of affairs of the party, problems of political divisions in the country will be entrenched.

He noted: “The strategy of APC in Rivers State for 2027 will be to further fragment the people of the state. Rather than working to unite political leaders in Rivers State, based on which APC being an envisioned progressive party will be seeking to unite Chief Amaechi and Barr. Wike to be members of APC, President Asiwaju Tinubu’s garrison politics will only seek to take advantage of the current division between Chief Amaechi and Barr. Wike.

“In addition, Barr. Wike will have to incur the political cost of separating from his political godson, Chief Fubara. Even if Chief Fubara achieved all that needs to be achieved as Governor of Rivers State, President Asiwaju Tinubu’s garrison politics will emasculate him.

“For all these to be imagined under the leadership of President Asiwaju Tinubu, who is regarded to be a progressive politician and a descendant of Chief Awolowo will make Chief Awolowo to turn in his grave. Even Chief M. K. O Abiola have difficulty relating with many of the political decisions taken by President Asiwaju Tinubu in the last six months.

“At this rate, President Asiwaju Tinubu is practically pushing Nigerians to bid bye bye to progressive politics. With such reality, it simply means, the structures of APC in FCT will also be dissolved to produce new APC leaders at all levels of the party who will be loyal to Barr. Wike.

“And any state where APC is led by people who might have opposed President Asiwaju Tinubu will similarly be dissolved. Once the circle of imposing stooges as APC leaders at all levels is completed, which started with imposing Dr. Ganduje as National Chairman, the next level of imposition will spread to all other democratic institutions to guarantee the supremacy of garrison politics, which will then affirm all the political choices of APC under the leadership of President Asiwaju Tinubu, whatever that means.”

Continuing, he argued: “Something must be done urgently to arrest the current drift towards garrison politics in the name of progressive politics. It is either APC leaders take the needed steps to call both Dr. Ganduje, the APC NWC and President Asiwaju Tinubu to order by restoring constitutional order and returning the party to its founding vision of progressive politics, which should be about unity of party leaders and Nigerians, or the party can as well declare an end to progressive politics in Nigeria.

” So long as the decision of the NWC to dissolve all party executives in Rivers State at all levels is allowed to stand, it simply means that anyone who is alleged to have worked against President Asiwaju Tinubu during the 2023 elections is expelled from the party.

“With such declaration, the culture of imposition of candidates at all levels will take over APC. Consequently, elections will not be about the votes of citizens. Winners in elections will only be produced through rigging, vote buying and other manipulative strategies.

“The earlier every genuine APC leader come to terms with this new reality and begin the process of mobilisation both within the party and at wider levels of national political mobilisation, the better for the survival of democracy in country. A stitch in time, saves nine!”