Politics
Buhari Doesn’t Deserve A Second Term -N’Delta Agitators
A coalition of ex-Niger
Delta agitators has said that President Muhammadu Buhari does not deserve a second term, accusing him of tribalism and lack of political will to end killings in some parts of the country.
The ex-militants in a statement made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt accused the president of shielding members of his government allegedly found culpable in corrupt offences.
The statement was signed by General John Duku, for the ‘Niger Delta Watchdogs’/Convener, ‘Coalition of Niger Delta Agitators’, General Ekpo Ekpo on behalf of ‘Niger Delta Volunteers,’ General Simple Benjamin for the ‘Bakassi Strike Force’ and eleven other militant groups.
The groups also slammed dreaded militants: “The Reformed Niger Delta Avengers” (RNDA) for adopting President Buhari for re-election in 2019, saying such decision is self-serving and did not represent the opinion of the Niger Delta people.
The Tide recalled that the RNDA had recently endorsed President Muhamadu Buhari for re-election in 2019, claiming that he has performed better for the Niger Delta than any of his predecessors.
But the coalition of ex-agitators said, “While we acknowledge the right of the RNDA to adopt, support and vote for any candidate of their choice, we want to state categorically clear that the RNDA did so in their own selfish and pecuniary interest.
“It is not in the overall interest of the Niger Delta people or militants as they did not consult or seek opinion of the people that matters in Niger Delta struggle before their hasty adoption of a person who has divided the country along the ethnic lines than he met it.”
They said the incumbent federal administration has reneged on many of its promises, including the lack of infrastructure in the country.
The statement reads, “We want to ask the RNDA and the federal Ggvernment the following questions: where is the much publicised coastal rail Line they promised that would link the Niger Delta states with Lagos? Where are the modular refineries they promised? Why is it so hard for President Buhari to implement the 16-point demand of the PANDEF that led to our cease-fire in 2016 till now?
“How many years would it take the federal government to complete the East-West road? Why are the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, NDDC and the Amnesty Office underfunded? While we acknowledge that Dr. Goodluck Jonathan did not do much for the Niger Delta people, we commend him for the massive projects he executed in the North: his fair distribution of appointments, respect to the rule of law and upholding the unity of the country when it matters most.
“The present administration under Buhari is a total failure without any infrastructure, the country’s debt profile under him has skyrocketed within three years and killings across the country has become a norm.
“With all sense of responsibility, President Buhari does not deserve a second term and should be shown a way out. The recent appointment of a retired officer from the North, Mr. Yusuf Magaji Bichi, in preference to Mr. Matthew Seiyefa, a Niger Deltan, is a case in point.
”The treatment of indicted members of his government found culpable in various corrupt and criminal offences as sacred cows has also proven the President as very tribalistic and self-centered.”
The ex-militants however called people of the Niger Delta to remain calm, focused and disregard the endorsement by the RNDA, saying “At the
Appropriate time we shall consult widely and adopt a candidate that shall ensure that the resources of the Niger Delta people are properly utilized and fairly distributed for the overall benefit of the region.
”A person that has the mental capacity, charisma and political will to bring Nigeria out of the present failure, “it concluded.
Dennis Naku
The state chairman of the party, Dr Babandi Gumel, disclosed this in a statement signed and made available to journalists on Saturday.
According to the statement, the Jigawa PDP received news of Alhaji Lamido’s suspension with “profound shock and disappointment”.
The statement added that the suspension, which was reportedly based on allegations that Alhaji Lamido attended meetings capable of undermining party unity, amounts to an affront to justice, internal democracy and the reconciliation efforts recently championed by the PDP leadership.
The party stressed that the exercise of legal and constitutional rights within the party should not be interpreted as an act of disunity. It recalled that Alhaji Lamido approached the court after he was allegedly denied the opportunity to purchase a nomination form to contest the position of National Chairman of the PDP.
The statement further noted that the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, ruled in Alhaji Lamido’s favour by restraining the PDP from proceeding with its national convention until his right to contest was determined.
The Jigawa PDP argued that the suspension appeared to be a punitive action against Alhaji Lamido for seeking judicial redress over an issue on which the court had already found merit.
The party also faulted the decision of the BoT for contradicting recent public statements by its chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, who had emphasised reconciliation within the party, admitted past mistakes and appealed to aggrieved members to return fully to the PDP fold.
However, it maintained that suspending a founding member who sought justice through legal means runs contrary to the spirit of reconciliation and healing publicly advocated by the party leadership.
The chairman said the suspension was premature and prejudicial, as the matter remains before the courts. He also described Alhaji Lamido as one of the few founding fathers of the PDP who has remained loyal to the party without defecting, warning that punishing such loyalty sends a negative signal to other committed members.
The party further argued that the action undermines party unity at a time when the PDP requires cohesion to effectively challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). It also insisted that there is no provision in the PDP constitution that allows for the suspension of a “life member”.
The party called on the BoT to immediately and unconditionally withdraw the suspension of Alhaji Lamido.
It also demanded that the BoT publicly affirm the right of all party members to aspire to leadership positions in line with the party’s constitution and the laws of the country, without fear of victimisation.
It further urged the BoT to retrace its steps, align its actions with its reconciliation agenda, and tender an apology to Alhaji Lamido.
The Jigawa PDP reaffirmed its commitment to a united, democratic and law-abiding Party.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, CISLAC warned that if proven, such actions would amount to a serious breach of constitutional order, legislative integrity, and public trust.
The organisation noted that Nigeria’s law-making process is clearly defined by the Constitution, stressing that any alteration of a bill after parliamentary passage undermines democratic governance and the principle of separation of powers.
CISLAC further emphasised that taxation has direct implications for citizens, businesses, sub-national governments, and the overall economy. It stated that uncertainty or a lack of transparency in tax legislation could erode investor confidence and raise concerns about accountability and the possible abuse of executive power.
The organisation described the situation as particularly troubling given the rare inclusive, and thorough public consultation that shaped the law’s final provisions prior to its passage.
“This process brought together taxpayers, civil society groups, professional organisations, the private sector, labour unions, local governments, and technical experts, ensuring that diverse viewpoints were considered and carefully balanced.
“Any unilateral changes to these agreed-upon provisions, made outside the established legislative process and without renewed public engagement, not only breach public trust but also violate the fundamental tax principle of representation, which holds that citizens must have a meaningful voice in shaping the laws that govern how they are taxed. Such actions undermine democratic accountability, weaken the legitimacy of the tax system, and risk eroding public confidence”, it noted.
CISLAC expressed particular concern that uncertainty surrounding the authenticity of the tax law, coming at a time when a new tax regime is expected to take effect, could exacerbate the economic hardship already faced by many Nigerians.
It observed that citizens are contending with rising living costs, inflationary pressures, declining purchasing power, and reduced access to basic services, warning that implementing a disputed tax framework under such conditions, risks deepening inequality, discouraging compliance, and fuelling public resentment.
The organisation stressed that tax reforms must be anchored in clarity, legality, fairness, and social sensitivity, cautioning that any tax system introduced without full transparency, adequate public communication, and legislative certainty undermines voluntary compliance and weakens the social contract between the state and its citizens.
As part of its recommendations, CISLAC called on the Presidency to urgently publish the exact version of the tax law assented to, alongside the authenticated copy passed by the National Assembly, to allow for public and institutional verification.
It also urged the leadership of the National Assembly to promptly exercise its oversight powers to determine whether the assented law reflects the will of the legislature, including a review of the enrolled bill process.
The organisation maintained that any discrepancy discovered should be treated as unconstitutional and addressed through lawful means, such as the re-transmission of the correct bill or judicial interpretation where necessary. It further called for an independent review of the process by relevant institutions, including the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and, where required, the judiciary, to establish the facts and assign responsibility.
CISLAC noted that the controversy highlights the urgent need to strengthen safeguards at the legislative and executive interface. It recommended measures such as digital tracking of bills, public access to enrolled legislation, and more transparent assent procedures.
CISLAC emphasised that the issue is not about partisan politics but about safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic institutions. It warned that allowing any arm of government to unilaterally alter laws passed by another sets a dangerous precedent and weakens constitutional democracy.
The organisation urged all parties involved to act with restraint, openness, and fidelity to the Constitution, noting that Nigerians deserve laws that reflect due process, the public interest, and the collective decisions of their elected representatives.
CISLAC added that it will continue to monitor developments and engage relevant stakeholders to promote accountability, transparency, and the rule of law in Nigeria’s governance processes.
