News
Atiku Advocates Two-Party System
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar yesterday called for the adoption of a two-party system, saying that it would address some of the political challenges confronting the nation.
Atiku, who spoke at the 2012 Leadership Newspapers Annual Conference and Awards in Abuja, also called for a review of the present federal structure.
He said that the review would give room for the states to be more resourceful and be prepared for the country’s transformation into a great nation.
He said such a review should address issues such as minimum wage, state police, control of resources and institutions, among others.
“Our states and regions have different revenue endowments and varying costs of living.
“So, it will be misguided for labour leaders to think that a uniform wage across the country will be in the interest of the workers.
“Employers, including the state governments that have the capacity to pay more, should be able to do so, and it can spark competition for the best talents and may raise the wage level and the standard of living.
“Minimum wage structure should be set by states and regional governments,’’ he added.
Atiku said that a more active and vibrant judiciary would help the country’s development.
“The judiciary, at all levels, should be made to be more resourceful and result-oriented by reviewing its present structures.’’
He held that the judiciary, as currently constituted, was ineffective and unable to deliver justice at all levels.
The former vice president said that Nigeria would be better off if the review was pursued sincerely and in the interest of national development.
Earlier, the Chairman, Leadership Newspapers, Mr Sam Nda-Isaiah, said that the awards were in recognition of the efforts of some distinguished Nigerians.
He said the newspaper was out to contribute its quota to encouraging Nigerians in different fields to do more for the development of the nation.
Nda-Isaiah stressed the need for Nigerians, irrespective of their socio-political affiliations, to unite for the growth of the country.
He said that no nation would achieve greatness without unity and peace among its leadership at all levels.
In his comment, Leadership Person of the Year, retired Lt.-Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, stressed the need for Nigerians to be united in the interest of national rebirth.
He said the media should lead the campaign for unity, peace and development of the country.
“Journalists must begin to engage in activities that will promote peace and unity and emphasise issues that unite rather than divide Nigerians.”
He also urged youths in the country to re-examine themselves and eschew ventures that would jeopardise their future.
On his philanthropic activities, Danjuma said the yearnings of a community he first visited in 1996 spurred him into providing succour to the less- privileged.
He said the leadership award would motivate him to do more for those in dire need of assistance.
Danjuma called on Nigerians to cultivate the habit of helping the less-privileged, saying that much of the country’s problems could be solved if people learned to assist each other.
He stressed the need for individuals to embark on philanthropic activities, saying that government and foreign donors alone could not solve the country’s numerous problems.
Responding on behalf of the awardees, Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State said the awards would spur them to greater service, adding that “there is a need for the political class to redefine the concept of leadership.”
“Leadership must promote replicable values and restore hope in our country.
“We must move away from the belief in the end justifying the means,” he said, adding that “we must empower, rather than dis-empower our people and this must not be done in an isolated manner.”
Fayemi was honoured with the Governor of the Year award.
Others include the Politician of the Year award which went to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, and Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Business Person of the Year.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
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