Politics
NDSCO Passes Confidence Vote On Jonathan
ANon-Governmental Organisation, the Niger Delta Solidarity Coalition (NDSCO) has unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Jonathan having reviewed his developmental achievements and contributions to the Niger Delta region.
NDSCO which comprises professionals and academicians from the Niger Delta region came up with this resolve during its monthly appraisal meeting Thursday, in Port Harcourt.
Speaking with The Tide on Sunday, shortly after the meeting, the spokesman of the organisation, Dr Ngboawaji Daniel Nte said the vote passed on Dr Goodluck Jonathan was a reflection of the unflinching that in his ability to assist Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua deliver the dividends of democracy to all Nigerians and for installing relative peace in the Niger Delta region through the amnesty deal initiative.
Dr Nte remarked that Dr Goodluck Jonathan credentials when combined with those of Yar’Adua will produce a near perfect match that will consolidate the socio-economic development programme of the outgone administration.
He reiterated that the pairing of Dr Jonathan with President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua was a good omen for the Niger Delta region, as it is a modest attempt by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party to assuages the tension in the region.
In a related development the spokesman of the NGO, Dr Nte equally recognises the emergence of some Niger Delta leaders who have acted as stabilsing force in the various states within the region.
He noted that in Delta State, the role of elder statesmen, Chief Edwin K. Clark has been recognised and highly commendable as he strived to doggedly projects the Niger Delta cause through non-violent means.
In Bayelsa State, Dr Nte observed that Chief Asara A. Asara has also wittingly played a stabilizing role in the crises in the state and have assisted immensely in rallying support for Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. While in Rivers State the vocality of Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe was also appreciated by various groups.
In view of the Evaluation Dr. Nte expressed optimism that the roles of these personalities will certainly help to nurture a new generation of leaders that can position the region in the Nigerian equation.
He used the medium to advocate for periodic account of stewardship by the political office holders in the region to ensure effective resources management and utilisation as this will help to curb waste and corruption and enhance rapid development of the Niger Delta region.
The Senate yesterday received the 2026-2028 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper from President Bola Tinubu, marking the formal launch of the 2026 federal budget cycle.
In a letter addressed to the upper chamber, Tinubu said the submission complies with statutory requirements and sets out the fiscal parameters that will guide the preparation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill.
He explained that the MTEF/FSP outlines the macroeconomic assumptions, revenue projections, and spending priorities that will shape Nigeria’s fiscal direction over the next three years.
The letter was read during plenary by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North), who urged lawmakers to expedite consideration of the document.
“It is with pleasure that I forward the 2026 to 2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper for the kind consideration and approval of the Senate.
“The 2026 to 2028 MTEF and FSP were approved during the Federal Executive Council meeting of December 3, 2025, and the 2026 budget of the Federal Government will be prepared based on the parameters and fiscal assumptions therein,” the President stated.
Last week, the Federal Executive Council approved the fiscal projections, pegging the oil benchmark price at $64.85 per barrel and adopting a budget exchange rate of ?1,512/$1 for 2026—figures expected to significantly shape revenue forecasts and expenditure planning.
After reading the President’s letter, Jibrin referred the document to the Senate Committee on Finance, chaired by Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East), with a directive to submit its report by Wednesday, December 17.
The Senate adjourned shortly after to allow committees to commence scrutiny of the fiscal framework and continue the ongoing screening of ambassadorial nominees.
Tinubu’s communication to the Senate came less than 24 hours after he transmitted the same MTEF/FSP documents to the leadership of the House of Representatives.
The letter was read on the House floor by the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, who also urged timely legislative action as required by law.
The MTEF and FSP are statutory instruments mandated by the Fiscal Responsibility Act and serve as the blueprint for Nigeria’s annual budgets.
They outline the government’s fiscal stance, macroeconomic assumptions, revenue frameworks, projected deficits, and sectoral priorities over a three-year period.
The Tide reports that approval by the National Assembly is a prerequisite for the executive to present the Appropriation Bill for the next fiscal year.
In a statement on Saturday, the former Senate Leader stated that the allocation of nominees across states and geopolitical zones falls short of the constitutional requirement for fair representation in the composition of the Federal Government.
The ex-Senate Whip warned that allowing the list to pass could deepen ethnic suspicion at a time when the administration should be consolidating national unity.
He highlighted disparities in the spread of nominees, noting that while some states have three or four slots, others have none. He also cited the inclusion of Senator Adamu Garba Talba from Yobe, who reportedly died in July.
“The entire North-East states have seven nominees in the list. Further checks revealed that the South-West geo-political zone has 15 nominees, while North-West and South-East have 13 and 9, respectively.
“North-Central region has 10 nominees in the list of career and non-career ambassadorial nominee while South-South parades 12 nominees,” Senator Ndume said.
According to him, such imbalances could heighten tensions and undermine Section 14(3) of the Constitution.
“My sincere appeal to President Tinubu is to withdraw this list. At this critical juncture in his administration, he should avoid missteps that could undermine national unity and foster ethnic distrust.
“I know him to be a cosmopolitan leader who is at home with every segment and stakeholder in the country. He should withdraw that list and present a fresh set of nominees that will align with the spirit of the Constitution on the Federal Character Principle,” Senator Ndume added.
He accused the legislators of undermining the sanctity of the legislature and acting as instruments of destabilization.
“The members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have, by their actions since they assumed office, shown that they are political puppets and a clog in the wheels of democratic progress,” Comrade Ememobong stated, adding that “They will go down in history as enemies of democracy and those who made mockery of the legislature.”
“So the easiest way to describe their action is a defection from APC to APC,” he said.
Comrade Ememobong announced that the party would deploy constitutional provisions to reclaim its mandate from those who have “ignobly and surreptitiously” abandoned the platform on which they were elected.
“Consequently, the PDP will take legal steps to activate the provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999 as amended) to recover the mandate gained under the banner of our party which these people have now switched to another platform,” he said.
He urged party members in Rivers State to remain calm and steadfast.
“We urge all party members in Rivers State to remain faithful and resolute, as efforts are underway to rebuild the party along the path of inclusiveness, fairness and equity,” Comrade Ememobong assured.
-
Politics4 days agoSenate Receives Tinubu’s 2026-2028 MTEF/FSP For Approval
-
Sports4 days agoNew W.White Cup: GSS Elekahia Emerged Champions
-
Sports4 days agoAllStars Club Renovates Tennis Court… Appeal to Stop Misuse
-
Sports4 days ago
Players Battle For Honours At PH International Polo Tourney
-
News4 days agoRSG Lists Key Areas of 2026 Budget
-
Sports4 days ago
NFF To Discuss Unpaid Salaries Surrounding S’Eagles Coach
-
News4 days agoDangote Unveils N100bn Education Fund For Nigerian Students
-
News4 days agoTinubu Opens Bodo-Bonny Road …Fubara Expresses Gratitude
