Connect with us

Featured

We’ve Surrendered Electoral Power To Courts -Jonathan

Published

8 years ago

on

Former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, in Otuoke, Bayelsa State, said the Nigerian people have surrendered their power to elect leaders of their choice to the courts.
Jonathan, who spoke at his country home, when he received the Governor Seriake Dickson Peace and Reconciliation Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said the time had come for the people to take back their power. He condemned the rush to court at the slightest provocation when political solutions could be proffered.
This is coming at a time the Dickson committee is said to be seriously considering an out-of-court settlement on all the pending legal cases as the only solution to the long-winding crisis in the party.
If the said persuasion of the warring parties to withdraw the cases in court succeeds, the committee would have crossed the biggest hurdle standing in the way of peace and reconciliation in the PDP.
Jonathan, who lamented the rising number of cases at the election petition tribunals, contended that Nigerians had surrendered the power to choose their leaders to the judiciary.
“Here in Nigeria, we have surrendered the power to choose to the courts. We must return the power of electing our leaders back to the people,” he said, clarifying that his position on the need to allow people choose did not amount to disrespect for the judiciary and presiding judges.
He added: “I respect the judiciary and judges. They are credible men and women. They have decided to serve the people. They also starve themselves to semi imprisonment. The average judge does not socialise to maintain their integrity. When we go and enjoy ourselves, they don’t. They are respected. We (just) want our votes to count.
“Not that after voting, a judicial panel will upturn the vote. I am calling on Nigerian youths to call for a close review of the election process to hand over the power of choice to the people,” he said, adding that the resort to the courts have increasingly limited the people’s participation in the electoral process.
“After voting, it is 10 million votes for governors or president. Your mandate may be upturned by a few judges and this is anomalous in Nigeria. They (political leaders) may be distracted. They will not sit in the office and start going to court. And they are not supposed to be distracted. If a governor or president is sitting and facing litigation costing millions, his performance will be limited”, he posited.
While commending Dickson and his team for going round the country to meet with key stakeholders and leaders of the party in order to return PDP to the path of peace, he expressed the hope that the peace committee would finally put to rest, the protracted crisis in PDP, and therefore called on all members to work towards peace and stability in the party.
He implored PDP members to always explore political solutions to problems before rushing to the courts, noting that “I have always believed that political differences should be resolved outside the courts. Unfortunately, we are already involved in it. It has even gone up to the Supreme Court. But we are hopeful of a political solution. Party politics is supposed to be a family affair and ought to be resolved amicably without resorting to the courts,” Jonathan said.
He observed that while court cases would usually result in a winner-takes-all situation, deploying the tools of politics, including negotiations and compromise, would give better outcomes.
“I believe a political solution remains the best means of resolving the crisis in the party and that’s why the Dickson committee must be commended. No two parties go to court and come out smiling, especially for a political party like the PDP that’s in the opposition,” he said.
Before presenting the committee report to Jonathan, Dickson expressed Bayelsa’s indebtedness to the PDP, insisting that it was a thing of pride to work to ensure that the crisis in the party was finally resolved.
Meanwhile, the Dickson committee has recommended among other measures, the coming together of the feuding parties to hold unity national convention, a suggestion feasible only when the parties pull out of court as being suggested by the committee.
The committee also recommended that all national officers still laying claims to active tenure beyond the proposed convention date should be persuaded to discard such claims in the collective interest of the party.
Also, for the purpose of the convention, the committee contended that all officers elected at the ward, local, state and zonal levels before the first Port Harcourt convention of 21st May of 2016 would be deemed validly elected except for the elections declared inconclusive in some states by the NEC of the party.
It is worthy of note that for the first time since the peace initiative was floated, it was accorded some measure of recognition across board, when one of the parties in the dispute, the National Caretaker Committee headed by Senator Ahmed Makarfi, agreed to work towards a political solution to the crisis.
Apart from the caretaker committee, other key organs of the party, the leadership of the National Assembly PDP caucus and the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) also assured members of the party that the report would be considered.
The Tide correspondent gathered at the weekend that following the positive responses the reconciliation committee got from stakeholders, especially from unexpected quarters – it is now considering the next stage of engagement to further consolidate on the peace process.
According to a reliable PDP source, one of the steps being considered by the peace committee is to work out measures that would see to the withdrawal of multiple court cases involving the party.
But the Spokesman of the National Caretaker Committee, Dayo Adeyeye said such an arrangement could only be possible after both sides to the dispute have made necessary undertaking, including acceptance to resign from offices.
The caretaker committee had rejected the Court of Appeal ruling in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, which restored Senator Sheriff as the national chairman of the PDP and had since appealed against it at the Supreme Court.
Since then, both sides had engaged each other in battle of wits, including media war, whilst trying to win the support of stakeholders of the party. But with the signing of an undertaking for ceasefire last Thursday, many party faithful heaved a sigh of relief that the crisis might be over soon.
Adedayo, however, on Friday corrected the impression that they had resolved their differences with Senator Sheriff. He said they only signed agreement before the Governor Dickson Reconciliation Committee to stop further media attacks on officers, elders and other stakeholders of the PDP across the internal political divide.
He said what was agreed upon between their side and the representatives of the Sheriff-led PDP leadership was actually meant to stop them from dissipating energy on needless verbal attacks.
Speaking to newsmen, he said although no such discussion had taken place, the court case could only be withdrawn after both parties had reached deal on settlement out of court.
“No, we don’t have to withdraw cases in court until everything is resolved. We can reach that stage when everybody has agreed to a solution and it is acceptable to all concerned and an undertaking to that effect is presented to the court.
“Before then everything has to be agreed upon: all those that are expected to resign have resigned and an agreement deposited at the court. That is when the cases could be withdrawn but we have not gotten to that stage yet,” he said.
Adeyeye, a former minister under Jonathan, who claimed there were some other cases still pending in the courts, apart from the one at the Supreme Court, expressed the support of the caretaker committee to reconciliation process being pursued by the Dickson committee.
On his part, the Deputy National Chairman of the Sheriff leadership of the PDP, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh said his side was very much open to peaceful dialogue, adding that all workable suggestions towards the proposed unity national convention would be welcomed.
Ojougboh, who also spoke tour correspondent in a telephone conversation yesterday, reiterated that the party leadership would welcome the idea if aggrieved stakeholders agreed to embrace the political solution and withdraw from further litigations to enable genuine reconciliation take place.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Featured

Rivers A Strategic Hub for Nigeria’s Blue Economy -Ibas  …Calls For Innovation-Driven Solutions

Published

2 days ago

on

July 18, 2025

By

The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd.) Ibok-Ete Ibas, has emphasized the need for innovation-driven strategies, strategic partnerships, and firm policy implementation to fully harness the vast potential of the blue economy.

 

 

 

Speaking during a courtesy visit by participants of Study Group 7 of the Executive Course 47 from the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) at Government House, Port Harcourt, on Monday, Ibas highlighted the importance of diversifying Nigeria’s economy beyond oil by leveraging maritime resources to create jobs, enhance food security, strengthen climate resilience, and generate sustainable revenue.

 

 

 

The Administrator, according to a statement by his Senior Special Adviser on Media, Hector Igbikiowubo, noted that with coordinated efforts and innovative solutions, the blue economy could serve as a catalyst for inclusive growth, economic stability, and long-term environmental sustainability.

 

 

 

“It is estimated that a fully developed blue economy could generate over $296 million annually for Nigeria, spanning fisheries, shipping and logistics, marine tourism, offshore renewable energy, aquaculture, biotechnology, and coastal infrastructure,” he stated.

 

 

 

“We must transition from extractive practices to regenerative, inclusive, and innovation-driven solutions. This requires political cohesion, intergovernmental collaboration, robust infrastructure, and institutional capacity—all of which must be pursued with urgency and intentionality,” he added.

 

 

 

Ibas urged sub-national governments, particularly coastal states, to domesticate the national blue economy framework and develop tailored strategies that reflect their comparative advantages.

 

 

 

He stressed that such efforts must be guided by disciplined planning, regulation, and investment to maximize the sector’s potential.

 

 

 

Highlighting Rivers State’s pivotal role, the Administrator outlined its strategic advantages as follows:

 

 

 

•Nearly 30% of Nigeria’s total coastline (approximately 853km)

 

 

 

•Over 40% of Nigeria’s crude oil and gas output

 

 

 

•More than 33% of the country’s GDP and foreign exchange earnings

 

 

 

•416 of Nigeria’s 1,201 oil wells, many located in marine environments

 

 

 

•Two of Nigeria’s largest seaports, two oil refineries, and the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) terminal in Bonny Island—one of Africa’s most advanced gas facilities

 

 

 

Despite these opportunities, Ibas acknowledged challenges such as pollution, coastal erosion, illegal oil refining, unregulated fishing, inadequate infrastructure, and maritime insecurity.

 

 

 

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to institutional reforms, coastal zone management, and inter-agency collaboration to build a governance structure that supports a sustainable blue economy.

 

 

 

“Sustainability must be embedded in our development models from the outset, not as an afterthought. We are actively exploring partnerships in maritime education, aquaculture development, port modernization, and renewable ocean energy. We welcome knowledge-sharing engagements like this to refine our strategies and enhance implementation,” he said.

 

 

 

He urged the NIPSS delegation to ensure their findings translate into actionable recommendations that address the sector’s challenges.

 

 

 

Leader of the delegation, Vice Admiral A.A. Mustapha, explained that the visit aligns with their strategic institutional tour mandate on the 2025 theme: “Blue Economy and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges, and Opportunities.”

 

 

 

The group is engaging stakeholders to deepen understanding of policy efforts and institutional roles in advancing sustainable development through the blue economy.

 

 

Continue Reading

Featured

INEC To Unveil New Party Registration Portal As Applications Hit 129

Published

1 week ago

on

July 11, 2025

By

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it has now received a total of 129 applications from associations seeking registration as political parties.

The update was provided during the commission’s regular weekly meeting held in Abuja, yesterday.

According to a statement signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, seven new applications were submitted within the past week, adding to the previous number.

“At its regular weekly meeting held today, Thursday 10th July 2025, the commission received a further update on additional requests from associations seeking registration as political parties.

“Since last week, seven more applications have been received, bringing the total number so far to 129. All the requests are being processed,” the commission stated.

The commission revealed the introduction of a new digital platform for political party registration. The platform is part of the Party Financial Reporting and Auditing System and aims to streamline the registration process.

Olumekun disclosed that final testing of the portal would be completed within the next week.

“INEC also plans to release comprehensive guidelines to help associations file their applications using the new system.

“Unlike the manual method used in previous registration, the Commission is introducing a political party registration portal, which is a module in our Party Financial Reporting and Auditing System.

“This will make the process faster and seamless. In the next week, the commission will conclude the final testing of the portal before deployment.

“Thereafter, the next step for associations that meet the requirements to proceed to the application stage will be announced. The commission will also issue guidelines to facilitate the filing of applications using the PFRAS,” the statement added.

In the meantime, the list of new associations that have submitted applications has been made available to the public on INEC’s website and other official platforms.

 

 

 

 

Continue Reading

Featured

Tinubu Signs Four Tax Reform Bills Into Law …Says Nigeria Open For Business 

Published

3 weeks ago

on

June 27, 2025

By

President Bola Tinubu yesterday signed into law four tax reform bills aimed at transforming Nigeria’s fiscal and revenue framework.

The four bills include: the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill.

They were passed by the National Assembly after months of consultations with various interest groups and stakeholders.

The ceremony took place at the Presidential Villa, yesterday.

The ceremony was witnessed by the leadership of the National Assembly and some legislators, governors, ministers, and aides of the President.

The presidency had earlier stated that the laws would transform tax administration in the country, increase revenue generation, improve the business environment, and give a boost to domestic and foreign investments.

“When the new tax laws become operational, they are expected to significantly transform tax administration in the country, leading to increased revenue generation, improved business environment, and a boost in domestic and foreign investments,” Special Adviser to the President on Media, Bayo Onanuga said on Wednesday.

Before the signing of the four bills, President Tinubu had earlier yesterday, said the tax reform bills will reset Nigeria’s economic trajectory and simplify its complex fiscal landscape.

Announcing the development via his official X handle, yesterday, the President declared, “In a few hours, I will sign four landmark tax reform bills into law, ushering in a bold new era of economic governance in our country.”

Tinubu made a call to investors and citizens alike, saying, “Let the world know that Nigeria is open for business, and this time, everyone has a fair shot.”

He described the bills as not just technical adjustments but a direct intervention to ease burdens on struggling Nigerians.

“These reforms go beyond streamlining tax codes. They deliver the first major, pro-people tax cuts in a generation, targeted relief for low-income earners, small businesses, and families working hard to make ends meet,” Tinubu wrote.

According to the President, “They will unify our fragmented tax system, eliminate wasteful duplications, cut red tape, restore investor confidence, and entrench transparency and coordination at every level.”

He added that the long-standing burden of Nigeria’s tax structure had unfairly weighed down the vulnerable while enabling inefficiency.

The tax reforms, first introduced in October 2024, were part of Tinubu’s post-subsidy-removal recovery plan, aimed at expanding revenue without stifling productivity.

However, the bills faced turbulence at the National Assembly and amongst some state governors who rejected its passing in 2024.

At the NASS, the bills sparked heated debate, particularly around the revenue-sharing structure, which governors from the North opposed.

They warned that a shift toward derivation-based allocations, especially with VAT, could tilt fiscal balance in favour of southern states with stronger consumption bases.

After prolonged dialogue, the VAT rate remained at 7.5 per cent, and a new exemption was introduced to shield minimum wage earners from personal income tax.

By May 2025, the National Assembly passed the harmonised versions with broad support, driven in part by pressure from economic stakeholders and international observers who welcomed the clarity and efficiency the reforms promised.

In his tweet, Tinubu stressed that this is just the beginning of Nigeria’s tax evolution.

“We are laying the foundation for a tax regime that is fair, transparent, and fit for a modern, ambitious Nigeria.

“A tax regime that rewards enterprise, protects the vulnerable, and mobilises revenue without punishing productivity,” he stated.

He further acknowledged the contributions of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee, the National Assembly, and Nigeria’s subnational governments.

The President added, “We are not just signing tax bills but rewriting the social contract.

“We are not there yet, but we are firmly on the road.”

 

 

 

 

Continue Reading

Trending