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01/01/2025

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27/12/2024

13/12/2024

Local:
FG threatens to demolish illegal structures on Lagos shoreline

The Federal Government has warned developers on the Lagos shoreline to regularise their projects or face revocation and possible demolition.

This was disclosed in a statement on Thursday by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Salisu Haiba.

The ultimatum was delivered by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, following his inspection of the Lagos Lagoon Estates and other shoreline fronts on Thursday.

Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, and senior officials from the ministry, Dangiwa expressed concern over the increasing number of irregular developments on the lagoon’s shoreline.

He said these developments, which include unauthorised land reclamation and building, are taking place without the necessary documentation and approval from the Federal Government.

“There is no room for haphazard developments on the Lagos shoreline. We are working closely with the Lagos State Government to address these anomalies and ensure that all developments are in line with the law,” he said.

The minister’s inspection tour included a boat trip with officials from the Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority to assess the situation firsthand.

During the visit, they observed that some developers had filled parts of the shoreline with sand and begun construction without securing proper titles from the Federal Government, in violation of established regulations.

In a joint agreement with the Lagos State Government, Dangiwa outlined plans for collaborative efforts to regulate development on the shoreline.

According to the minister, the Federal Government will not tolerate such unlawful actions, and developers have been given a one-month deadline to regularise their projects. Failure to comply will result in revocation and demolition of the illegal structures.

“The Federal Government is in the process of documenting its assets nationwide, and we are particularly focused on ensuring that our shoreline properties are properly regulated,” Dangiwa explained.

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development holds the authority to issue titles on the shoreline under the Land (Title Vesting) Act of 1975. Furthermore, the Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority is responsible for granting permits for dredging along the shoreline.

On the other hand, the Lagos State Government controls physical development in the area.

Dangiwa also visited several other Federal Government sites in Lagos, including the Ogbogbo Housing Project in Ikorodu and the Ikorodu Low-Cost Housing sites.

The minister’s visit will culminate in a stakeholder engagement scheduled for Friday, December 13, 2024, where further discussions will be held on the future of shoreline development in Lagos.

13/12/2024

Health:
High Healthcare Costs Push 150m Africans Into Poverty–WHO

A new report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) regional office for Africa has revealed that high healthcare costs are driving millions into poverty across the continent.

The report, released yesterday in commemoration of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day, underscored the heavy reliance on out-of-pocket payments to fund health services in Africa, which continues to be a significant barrier to achieving UHC.

The data shows that over 200 million people in Africa face financial strain due to out-of-pocket health payments, with more than 150 million individuals being pushed deeper into poverty as a result.
Half of the people impoverished globally by such payments live in Africa, highlighting a growing crisis in the region, the report stated.

WHO regional director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, explained the ripple effect of these costs, stating, “Having to pay for medicines and other health-care costs out of their own pocket can instantly bend the trajectory of someone’s life toward financial hardship and ill health. Such payments force many to spend less on other basic needs such as food and housing, worsening their conditions.”
The report found that between 2000 and 2019, the number of people making catastrophic out-of-pocket payments, spending more than 10 percent of their household income on health, rose from 52 million to 95 million.

According to the report, while some progress has been made in reducing the number of people pushed into poverty by such payments, the rate of improvement in Africa lags far behind global trends.
Highlighting the key findings, the report shows that in 2019, out-of-pocket payments accounted for over 25 percent of health spending in 31 African countries, exceeding 50 percent in 11 countries and 70, percent in three others.
While the global number of people impoverished due to health costs dropped by over 75 percent between 2000 and 2019, Africa saw only a 50 percent decrease.
Medicines and outpatient care were identified as the primary drivers of financial hardship while vulnerable populations, such as rural households, older adults, and those living in multigenerational homes, were most affected.

Despite these challenges, the report revealed that countries with greater government investment in health services reported lower rates of financial hardship from out-of-pocket payments.
It called for urgent action to protect populations from financial hardship, including exempting poor people from healthcare fees, expanding government-funded health services, and introducing health insurance schemes.

13/12/2024

Crime:
Kogi’s Notorious Kidnapper Arrested In Kwara

A combined team of operatives of the Kwara State Police Command and the Nigerian Army Forward Operation Base (FOB), Egbe, Kogi State, has arrested a notorious kidnapper, Mohammed Bello a.k.a Dandolo.

The spokesperson of Kwara State Police Command, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, in a statement on Thursday, said that the arrest of the suspected kidnapper was made possible following an actionable intelligence received from Egbe, Kogi State, indicating that the suspect had fled to Patigi in Kwara State, to evade arrest.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) said that Bello is suspected to have been involved in a series of kidnapping operations in Egbe, Isanlu, and their surrounding areas in Kogi State.

“Upon receiving the information, the command immediately deployed a surveillance team to track the suspect’s movements,” she said.

Ejire-Adeyemi, who said that a thorough search of various locations was conducted, including hotels in Patigi, Kwara State, added that the suspect was eventually apprehended at an undisclosed location.

She added: “This operation was carried out in collaboration with the Nigerian Army Forward Operation Base (FOB) in Egbe, Kogi State, led by Lieutenant Isah.

“The suspect has been transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Ilorin for further investigation.

“Mohammed Bello has confessed to several kidnapping incidents along the Omu-Aran-Ilofa-Osi-Eruku-Egbe Road in Kwara State; and also kidnap incidents along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

“The CP, Victor Olaiya, assures the public that a discreet and thorough investigation will be conducted to ensure that justice is served. The command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents in Kwara State and its environs.

“The Command extends its appreciation to members of the public and our security partners for their cooperation and swift action on this matter. We encourage citizens to continue providing timely information to assist in combating crime.”

13/12/2024

Local:
Wike Donates Vehicles To Security Agencies, Warns On Land Grabbing

Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has donated 50 Hilux vehicles to security agencies in the nation’s capital.

This initiative aims to enhance the fight against insecurity in Abuja, which has seen alarming reports of criminal activities in recent months.

During the distribution, Wike emphasised the importance of security, saying, “We have no excuses. We are building roads, yes! When people are not alive, who will use the roads? So people have to be alive before they will use the roads.”

He stressed that the core function of any government is to protect its citizens’ lives and property, adding, “The government that cannot take care of its people has no business being in government.”
The minister also addressed the issue of land grabbing by construction companies.

“We will stop anybody who thinks that they can obtain government land without formal approval. We will not look at your face,” he said.

He criticised those attempting to use media and public pressure to claim government land, affirming the need for formal documentation and legal processes. “No amount of blackmail can stop us,” he declared.
Wike recounted a specific case involving Julius Berger, saying, “Recently, we told Julius Berger to quit from the central business area. That site does not mean it belongs to Julius Berger. They have to quit the land.”

13/12/2024

Just In:
Kano Governor Scraps CoS Office, Drops SSG, Reassigns Commissioners

In a major cabinet shake-up, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, has scrapped the Office of the Chief of Staff (CoS) which was occupied by Bala Sagagi and dropped the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Baffa Bichi, due to health challenges.

The changes also affected the Deputy Governor Abdussalam Gwarzo, who was moved as commissioner for local government to higher education.

Announcing the shake-up in his office yesterday in Kano, the director-general of media to the governor, Sunusi Dawakintofa, said the rejig of the cabinet was to ensure optimum performance.
Five other commissioners affected in the exercise were those of special duties, finance, rural and community development and information.

He said, “In a major political decision, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has announced a reshuffle of the State Executive Council (SEC) to effect pragmatic political realignment of his administration.

“Those affected in the major shake-up are the Chief of Staff (CoS), Alhaji Shehu Wada Sagagi, whose office is now scrapped, and the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Abdullahi Baffa Bichi dropped on health grounds.

“Governor Yusuf removed some cabinet members and reassigned others to enhance administrative performance and political retool.

“Those who retained their positions are the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Haruna Isa Dederi; Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Danjuma Mahmoud; Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran; Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning, Hon. Abduljabbar Mohammed Umar; Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Hon. Musa Suleiman Shannon and Commissioner for Works and Housing, Engr. Marwan Ahmad.

“Also retained are the Commissioner for Solid and Mineral Resources, Sefiyanu Hamza; Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Sheikh Ahmad Tijani Auwal; Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso; Commissioner for Investment and Commerce, Adamu Aliyu Kibiya and that of Internal Security and Special Services, Major General Mohammad Inuwa Idris (rtd).

“Those reassigned are the Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulssalam, who is moved from the Ministry of Local Government to Higher Education, Hon. Mohammad Tajo Usman moved from Science and Technology to the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim Kofar Mata from Higher Education to Science, Technology and Innovation.

“Others on the reassignment list include Hon. Amina Abdullahi from Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation to the Ministry for Women, Children and Disabled, Hon. Nasiru Sule Garo, from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change to the Ministry of Special Duties.”
The Commissioner for Project Monitory and Evaluation, Hon. Ibrahim Namadi moves to the Ministry of Transport, while Hon. Umar Haruna Doguwa of the Ministry of Education moves to the Ministry of Water Resources.

On the reassigned list are Hon. Ali Haruna Makoda, who moves from Water Resources to the Ministry of Education, Hon. Aisha Lawal Saji, from the Ministry of Women, Children and Disabled to Tourism and Culture, and Hon. Muhammad Diggol from Transport to the Ministry of Project Monitoring and Evaluation.

Governor Yusuf dropped five members of the cabinet who included Ibrahim Jibril Fagge, of Finance Ministry; Ladidi Ibrahim Garko, Culture and Tourism; Baba Halilu Dantiye, Information and Internal Affairs; Shehu Aliyu Yammedi, Special Duties and Abbas Sani Abbas, Rural and Community Development.

Also, the governor has directed the chief of staff and the five commissioners who were dropped to report to his office for possible reassignment.

13/12/2024

Just In:
6 Feared Dead In Ebonyi Renewed Communal Crisis

No fewer than eight persons were said to have been killed in a clash between the people of Ogwor village in Ishiagu and Umobor village in Akaeze community, all in Ivo local government area of Ebonyi State.

The people of Umuobor, Akaeze and their neighbours, Ogwor in Ishiagu, have been in a lingering communal crisis over a land dispute for decades now, with several lives lost and properties worth millions destroyed by both warring communities.

It would be recalled that early last month, six persons were killed by the warlords who have continued to block the ever-busy Ishiagu/Okigwe express road, killing innocent people.

A resident of the area, one F.N. Igwe in a WhatsApp post, wrote, “Thank you your excellency,

“Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, our peace loving Governor, for your golden silence and great efforts towards ensuring lasting peace and justice prevails between the warring communities of UMOBOR & OGWOR in IVO LGA.

“Just yesterday, a total of 4 persons were killed in Umobor Akaeze. Extra 2 co**ses recovered today and taken to the Army checkpoint in Akaeze.

“Your excellency’s silence and remote actions have continued to achieve more gains with more killings, maiming and abduction of innocent people of Akaeze and Ishiagu communities, and even non-Bbonyi people.

“We also wish to appreciate our stakeholders for their efforts in keeping the numbers on the increase. “It’s pertinent to appreciate all those who contribute handsomely towards the orchestration of more crisis, for their grave quest. Posterity shall be kind to everyone.”

In an interview , a member of the Local Government Vigilante outfits, James Okoro, accused the two warring communities of hiring machinery to attack innocent people in their different farmlands, adding that the warlords now attack and kill people who do not have any business in the land dispute.

“About 3 weeks ago, the council chairman, Emmanuel Ajah, convened a meeting of all the stakeholders of the Ivo local government area, and part of the resolution was that there must be a permanent peace between the warring communities of Umobor village in Akaeze and Ogwor village in the community all in Ivo local government area.

“The stakeholders went back and informed their people that the two communities have resolved to give peace a chance. The next morning, the people believing that peace have returned, went to the farm only for them to be ambushed, attacked and killed by the warlords of the two communities.

“The suspected machinery employed by the two warring communities invaded a village called Amamaeze which has no business with the crisis and attacked the people there and killed innocent farmers.

“The machineries were said to have attacked the people of Umobor from the Ugwueke axis because the people of Ugwueke and Umubo have a common boundary. They invaded the farm and used machetes to cut the people’s farm. At the time they left, about 4 innocent people who did not have any link with the crisis had been killed.

“A man who was returning to his village after spending 3 months in the hospital having undergone an operation was attacked and killed. He was killed alongside the mother and the commercial motorcyclist that was conveying them back to the village.

“Unfortunately, some of the people who are being killed are not indigenes of the villages involved in the land dispute. On Monday when a search party was sent to the farm, two other dead bodies were recovered from the farm.

“People who are not even from the area are now scared of going to the farm including road users because what they do is to block the road and kill anyone they see along the axis.

“The Umubo people had accused Ugwueke people of allowing the Ogwor people to attack them through their village. The Ugwueke people, in response, revealed that the attackers came with sienna Vehicles, which they parked along the road and moved into the farmland where they attacked the innocent farmers.

“The people of Ugwueke also alleged that a top politician from Ishiagu had approached them to help them to fight the people of Umobor but they declined insisting that they and the people of Umobor does not have any crisis or dispute. From the look of things, the recent killing might be a sponsored attack,” he said.

Another community leader from the area who spoke on grounds of anonymity blamed the stakeholders of the local government for the continued killings and urged the state governor to intervene in the lingering crisis

When contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) DSP Joshua Ukandu said that he was called concerning the killing but was informed that the co**ses of those killed were taken to the Army Checkpoint.

“I am yet to get the details of the killings but once I am availed of the information, I will disclose it to the media immediately,” he said.

11/12/2024

Just In:
Tension rises as second Okuama leader dies in military custody

The Okuama community in the Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State, is gripped with fear and anger following the death of its 81-year-old treasurer, Dennis Okugbaye, in military detention.

Okugbaye’s demise comes barely six days after the community’s President-General, Pa James Oghoroko, reportedly died in similar circumstances in military detention.

Pastor Akpos Okugbaye, the son of the late community treasurer, tearfully announced his father’s passing on Tuesday, sending shockwaves through the already mourning community.

Both leaders, alongside others including Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Mrs. Mabel Owhemu, and Mr. Dennis Malaka, were arrested by the military between August 18 and 20, 2024.

The arrests followed the March 14 killing of 17 soldiers on a peace mission aimed at resolving a dispute between Okuama and the neighboring Okoloba community.

The military had responded to the soldiers’ deaths with a violent raid on Okuama, reducing the town to ruins and forcing residents to flee to an internally displaced persons camp in Ewu Kingdom, established by the Delta State government.

The death of Pa Okugbaye has reignited community protests.

Aggrieved Okuama youths and women, on Tuesday, renewed their seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government and the military, demanding the release of all detained leaders and the return of Pa Oghoroko’s co**se.

“After the seven days, this river will be blocked. Let the soldiers and Tinubu come and kill us so that we know Okuama is wiped out entirely,” protesters declared on Sunday.

Elder Ohwotake Otiero, speaking on behalf of the protesters, condemned the deaths in detention and called for immediate action:

“We want the co**se and those detained to be released immediately. We will take the laws into our hands because we have been pushed to the wall. Why should our P-G be killed through torture?”

Despite repeated attempts, military authorities have not provided any comments on the situation.

Human rights groups and civil society organisations have also joined in demanding justice.

At a joint press conference in Warri marking International Human Rights Day, advocacy groups, led by Pastor Edewor Egedegbe of Value Rebirth & Empower Initiative , and Sir John Ebireri of Ewu Clan Development Forum, condemned the prolonged detention of Okuama leaders without trial.

“These individuals have been in detention for over 113 days without any charge brought against them. This is a clear violation of their fundamental human rights as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution. Their detention breaches the principles of democracy and the rule of law,” they stated.

The groups demanded an investigation into the deaths of Pa Oghoroko and Pa Okugbaye and urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene.

“We demand that you (President Tinubu) order the immediate and unconditional release of Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Mr. Dennis Okugbaye, Hon. Belvis Adogbo, Dennis Amalaka, and Owhemu Mabel, as well as any other detained Okuama indigene. We also demand the establishment of a special commission of inquiry to investigate the March 14 crisis, the military’s reprisal, and the burning of Okuama.”

Also, the Urhobo Media Practitioners and Advocacy Group condemned the military’s actions, describing them as a gross violation of human rights and the dignity of Okuama residents.

“This incident is a gross violation of human rights and an affront to the dignity of the Okuama people,” the group said in a statement signed by Mr. Okpare Theophilus Onojeghen, Chief Omafume Amurun, and Comrade Shedrack Onitsha.

The group urged international human rights organizations to intervene and called for an unbiased investigation into both the killing of soldiers and the subsequent military reprisals.

“As a body of media practitioners, we’ll continue to condemn the gruesome and unjustified killing of the 17 military personnel. While we console the grieving families, we demand an unbiased and holistic probe into the tragic incident,” the group added.

Tensions remain high in Okuama as the ultimatum nears its expiration, with residents vowing to take drastic measures if their demands are not met.

11/12/2024

Just In:
Minimum wage: FCT workers kick over January date

The strike led by the Nigeria Labour Congress in the Federal Capital Territory has entered its 11th day, with negotiations between the labour unions and Area Council Chairmen at a standstill over the implementation timeline for the N70,000 minimum wage.

Speaking to our correspondent on Tuesday, the FCT Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees, Abdullahi Kabir, revealed that the Area Council Chairmen proposed a January 2025 implementation date, which the unions rejected, demanding the new wage commence in December 2024.

“As I’m talking to you now, there is a discussion ongoing with the Area Council Chairmen. The Council Chairmen are appealing to the union that we should leave the issue of implementation till January. Meanwhile, the union is saying that the implementation should start in December. So that’s where we are. They are appealing that they will pay in January, and we are saying that they are going to pay in December,” Kabir said.

The unions argued that delaying implementation to January would increase arrears to five months, whereas starting in December would reduce it to four months.

“The basic issue is the chairmen are appealing that they want to implement in January. We are saying let them implement it in December. Because if they implement it in January, then the arrears will have been five months. But if they implement in December, the arrears will be four months.”

That is where we are,” Kabir explained.

He also highlighted other grievances, including the lack of peculiar allowances for local government workers compared to FCTA staff, discrepancies in pay, and delays in implementing the 25% CONHESS and CONMESS allowances and wage awards.

“It is not only the issue of minimum wage we are talking about in the FCT. There is the issue of peculiar allowances. The FCTA has gotten their own; we are going to the same market, we pay the same rent. A lot of things like that. There is 25% CONHESS and CONMESS. There is the wage award. All these allowances have not been given to local government workers,” Kabir said.

He further emphasised the unique status of the FCT, noting that the FCT Minister acts as a stand-in for President Bola Tinubu, who serves as the de facto Governor of the FCT.

“The FCT is different from other states. The FCT minister is standing in for President Bola Tinubu as the Governor of the FCT. President Bola Tinubu is the President of the FCT. So we are supposed to benefit from all these things,” he stated.

Kabir reaffirmed that the strike would continue until the NLC provided a counter-directive.

“The strike has not ended until the NLC calls us and says this is the MoU or the agreement. Then we will know how to sort ourselves,” he stated.

Efforts to reach the FCT Council Chairman of the NLC, Stephen Knabayi, for comments were unsuccessful as he did not respond to phone calls or messages as of the time of filing this report.

11/12/2024

Politics:
2027 presidency: Atiku, Obi alliance can’t unseat Tinubu, declares APC

The ruling All Progressives Congress has warned that no alliance of the opposition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra Governor Peter Obi, will be potent enough to stop President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

The warning was given by the National Publicity Director of APC, Bala Ibrahim, in an exclusive interview with The PUNCH on Tuesday.

Ibrahim was reacting to a statement by Atiku’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe, that both his principal and his Labour Party counterpart had learnt their lessons in the last general elections and would unite to kick out the “incompetent and clueless” administration of the APC.

According to him, the combined votes of the two leaders, which would have amounted to 12 million, should have been enough to stop the President and prevent the hardship he has meted out to Nigerians.

Reactions have trailed the interview with major opposition agreeing that a coalition of forces or merger could indeed defeat the APC in the same manner as the one witnessed in 2015 when former President Muhammadu Buhari defeated a sitting President, Goodluck Jonathan.

When contacted, Obi’s media aide, Umar Ibrahim, emphasised that his principal was committed to a better Nigeria and would be willing to collaborate with anyone who shared his vision, as long as their desire isn’t state capture.

Ibrahim said, “This dedication stems from his unshakeable optimism in the country’s potential and his focus on the welfare and prosperity of all citizens. Regarding Paul Ibe’s statement about Atiku’s willingness to unite with Obi, it’s clear that both leaders are open to working together to save Nigeria from the APC-led administration’s tyranny.

“However, Obi’s commitment to collaboration isn’t limited to any particular individual or party.”

On its part, the opposition political parties in Nigeria under the aegis of the Coalition of United Political Parties and the Social Democratic Party have expressed concerns, saying the country needed more than a coalition between the 2023 presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party.

CUPP and SDP stated that to defeat the APC, Nigerians must demand credible elections and form a coalition of trustworthy leaders to spearhead a rescue movement that served the nation’s collective interest.

In an exclusive interview , CUPP National Secretary, Peter Ahmeh acknowledged that a coalition could aid opposition parties in defeating the APC.

Ahmeh emphasised that the key coalition needed at this time was one focused on ensuring free and fair elections.

He stated, “Our country has its ways. Atiku is a wonderful leader in Nigeria. That is very important. But the fact is there will be some sentiments that will come into play if you don’t put a person from southern Nigeria on the ballot. If you don’t do that, the idea that the northerners have taken over their eight years will now become part of the discussion across southwestern, southeastern, and South-South Nigeria.

“So, what we should do is believe that at the end of the day, these two leaders and other leaders will find common ground, where they will put the interest of Nigeria before their personal interests, allowing us to win this election and determine the future of Nigeria in a way that will benefit all Nigerians.”

Reacting to the possibility of a coalition between Atiku and Obi’s group to defeat the APC, he stated that in addition to a coalition, Nigerians must demand that elections be decided and concluded at the polling unit.

He added, “Yes, a coalition can help the opposition party defeat the APC. There’s no doubt about that. It will also facilitate the easy defeat of the APC.

“But the most important coalition we need at this moment is one that ensures elections are free and fair. Because if we do that, even when people form a coalition, we still face the problem of draconian leadership that can cause glitches in the server, or manipulate election results without proper authority behind it. The solution is that our elections should be decided by the polling unit.

“The Republic of Ghana has shown this. If you look at the commission chairperson, votes are cast at the polling unit, votes are recorded at the polling unit, and winners are announced at the polling unit. We should do away with these coalition centres, which are fraudulent centres for the manipulation of results.

“We still believe that when the people are determined and stay true to their convictions, the electorate will go to the polling unit and make their decision. But a coalition will only facilitate and make it easier for the opposition to reach the Presidency.”

The National Chairman of SDP, Shehu Gabam, stated that a coalition may not be the right solution at this time.

In an exclusive interview on Tuesday, Gabam explained that political parties had struggled to unite over a long period, resulting in a trust deficit that affects most parties, with only a few exceptions.

He stated, “The coalition will not do much right now. The decay is extremely bad, and the loss of gravity in the political space is another point of concern. What people are looking forward to is the assembly of credible individuals to form a rescue movement that is credible and has a solid base; this has nothing to do with the coalition of political parties.

“The parties, over a long period of time, could not galvanise themselves. The trust deficit has enveloped the various political parties, apart from a few. Even if you merge all the parties, the roles of individuals who are good, credible, and have been tested will draw people, not the roles of the political parties.

“There is a trust deficit, and this may lead to a crisis among various political parties. What the people are looking for are individuals who have a record of service and the ability to be creative.

Regarding Atiku and Obi, he said, “All I know is that every hand is needed to be on board to salvage the situation. We are talking about salvaging Nigeria. And the knowledge required to do that is not domiciled in a single individual. We have a multitude of talents in the country, with the energy and capacity to turn things around for good; it’s just that they have not been organised.

“So, for me, what is critical is to focus on the individuals, the energy sector, and their intellectual base to harness the strength in our diversity for the benefit of all.”

Similarly, the All Progressives Grand Alliance said it was ready to form an alliance with other progressive political forces across party lines to build a Nigeria that citizens could be proud of.

The National Chairman of APGA, Sly Ezeokenwa, made this known while briefing newsmen in Abuja, echoing similar sentiments expressed by the party’s National Leader and Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo.

Ezeokenwa stated that with the party’s internal leadership tussle resolved by a Supreme Court judgment affirming his chairmanship, APGA was now poised to reclaim its position in Nigeria’s political landscape.

“APGA proudly has elected representatives within and outside the South East. We are ready and willing to work with all other progressives to build Nigeria because we believe in our country.

“As part of our commitment to reconciliation, we have granted amnesty to party members who are genuinely repentant, irrespective of which side they supported during the crisis,” he said.

But Bala Ibrahim laughed at the thought of both Atiku and Obi, who he described as strange bedfellows, coming together with the sole aim of stopping Tinubu in the 2027 election.

The APC spokesman also said no potential from the opposition, who he said are enmeshed in crisis, can seriously pose any serious threat to the ruling party.

He said, “It is a dream gone wrong. All over the world, you don’t add up the total votes in an election and hope to use it to topple the votes of the winner. No! You don’t do that. A smart winner always capitalises on that to create a crack within the opposition. This is because each candidate is aspiring to win.

“It’s a case of the simple majority providing the winner so far as he meets the requirement and whatever percentage is needed. So, if this is what they are relying upon, then we start celebrating 2027 because they are going to be defeated again. They will be severely beaten.

“We are happy they are learning lessons from the superior antics of the ruling APC. Now that they have admitted they are learning from those lessons, they should wait for new tutorials in 2027. As a matter of fact, the APC has opened a Progressive Institute where they can come with their books and biro to learn more about progressivism.”

Also, in an exclusive interview with one of our correspondents on Tuesday, the PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, explained that both the former Vice President and the former Governor of Anambra State were partly to blame for the hardships Nigerians were currently facing.

Osadolor called the potential unity between Atiku and Obi an illusion, noting that neither has demonstrated a commitment to collaborating.

“Atiku and Obi coming together is still illusionary because they have not committed themselves to coming together.

“If they go ahead and come together, they will provide a viable alternative to this APC-failed administration.

“The truth is that Atiku has paid his dues, and Obi has also paid his dues. Both of them contributed to where we are now. If they had united in the last election, Nigeria and Nigerians would not be in the current pain we are in now.

“But for 2027, anybody with his head on his shoulders will be better than President Bola Tinubu. Atiku and Obi will be a welcome development if they agree to work together and manage their egos. But I believe there will be more viable options that we can pick from.

“Atiku brought Obi to the light in 2019, so what Obi searched for and couldn’t find in 2023, he may also want to search for the same thing in 2027. So, for me, it is an ego issue. If Obi can manage his ego and if Atiku can open his heart more, they stand a chance, but I will not foreclose Nigeria’s liberation on them.”