Politics
Lead Nigeria With Strategic Planning, CDD Admonishes Tinubu
The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) has called on the new administration led by President Bola Tinubu to approach its assignment with strategic planning.
According to a statement on Monday by Idayat Hassan, CDD director, Tinubu must also handle the country’s governance with “sound financial management and the support of expert advisers”.
Earlier, Tinubu was sworn-in as the new president of Nigeria. The inauguration ceremony came amid ongoing legal battles by opposition parties to challenge the outcome of the presidential election that brought him into office.
Speaking on the legal tussle, the democracy think-tank urged the judiciary “to provide a fair and impartial ruling that upholds the integrity of our democratic process” and all parties involved to “allow the rule of law take its course”.
“Today, Nigeria mark the seventh democratic transition of power – from one presidential administration to another. As this historic day in Nigeria’s democratic experience unfolds, the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) recognises the significance of the moment and the enormous challenges that lie ahead,” the statement read.
“We extend our sincere well wishes to the new administration as its leader and key functionaries navigate and confront the pressing challenges inherited from its predecessor. In the face of chronic insecurity, extreme poverty and an economy, which is bleeding in every respect, it is our hope that the new administration would approach the urgent governance tasks before it with strategic planning, sound financial management, and the support of expert advisers.
“CDD also acknowledges that the outcome of the election, which produced the new helmsman is currently being adjudicated in court. It is, therefore, crucial for the judiciary to provide a fair and impartial ruling that upholds the integrity of our democratic process. We urge all parties involved to respect the legal proceedings and allow the rule of law to take its course.
“As Nigerians move forward, it is important for all citizens to put aside their differences and focus on the collective goal of advancing our nation’s well-being. Regardless of our affiliations or preferences, we share a common aspiration for a prosperous and harmonious society. By transcending partisan lines and embracing the principles of unity, empathy, and understanding, Nigeria can build bridges that would address the gaps between us, enabling our people to forge a path towards national progress and unity.
“CDD believes that our nation’s strength lies in its diversity and the ability to come together as a united front. Now, more than ever, we must rise above our differences, putting aside personal biases and embracing the shared values that bind us together. By fostering an environment of respect, empathy, and cooperation, we can lay the foundation for a more inclusive and prosperous society.
“On this historic day, we call on Nigerians to rededicate themselves to the principles of democracy, social cohesion, and national unity. By working together, transcending divisions, and embracing our shared destiny, we can accomplish the true potential of our country. We hope that Nigerians take the necessary time to see how their individual and collective actions can help shape the future and development of Africa’s largest democracy. As we look ahead, we are optimistic that this peaceful process will be replicated in all subsequent elections taking place on the continent of Africa through the rest of the year.”
The Tide source reports that the committee, reportedly backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, is making moves to reclaim the Wadata Plaza headquarters months after it was sealed following a violent clash between rival factions of the party.
Senior officers at the FCT Police Command told our source that while they had not received an official briefing, police personnel would be stationed at the secretariat and other key locations to maintain peace.
The Acting National Secretary of the Mohammed-led committee, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, announced last week that the secretariat would reopen for official activities on Monday (today).
He dismissed claims that ongoing litigation would prevent the reopening, saying, “There are no legal barriers preventing the caretaker committee from resuming work at the party’s headquarters.”
However, the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) has fiercely rejected the reopening move, insisting that Sen. Anyanwu and his group remain expelled from the PDP and have no authority to act on its behalf.
Speaking with The Tide source, the committee’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, declared: “They are living in fool’s paradise. The worst form of deceit is self-deceit, where the person knows he is deceiving himself yet continues with gusto.
“Even INEC, which they claim has recognised them, has denied them. They are indulging in a roller coaster of self-deceit.”
Mr Ememobong further revealed that letters had been sent to both the Inspector-General of Police and the FCT Commissioner of Police, stressing that the matter was still in court and warning against any attempt to “resort to self-help.”
“The case pending before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik was instituted by the expelled members. They cannot resort to self-help until judgment is delivered,” he said.
He warned that reopening the secretariat would amount to contempt of court.
A senior officer at the FCT Police Command, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that officers would be deployed to the area to avert a repeat of the November 19 violence that led to the secretariat’s initial closure.
“The command would not stand by and allow a breakdown of peace and order by the party or anyone else. Definitely, the police will have to be on the ground,” he said.
Another officer added, “There will definitely be men present at the secretariat, but I can’t say the number of police officers that would be deployed.”
When contacted, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, said she had not been briefed on the planned reopening and declined to comment on whether officers would be deployed.
Asked to confirm whether the secretariat was initially sealed by police, she responded, “Yes,” but refused to say more about the current deployment plans.
The Kano State House of Assembly has debunked the purported impeachment plan against the Deputy Governor, Aminu Gwarzo.
The Tide source recalls that the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, recently sparked controversy during an interview session with a local radio station.
Mr Waiya called on the deputy governor to resign for failing to follow his principal, Gov. Abba Yusuf, in defecting from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, the spokesperson to the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Kamaluddeen Shawai, while addressing journalists in Kano on Saturday, described reports circulating in some media outlets about Mr Gwarzo’s impeachment as baseless and misleading, emphasising that no such plan is underway.
Mr Shawai further stated that the House remains focused on its legislative duties and oversight functions rather than engaging in speculative political manoeuvres.
The spokesperson urged members of the public and the media to verify information before sharing it, stressing the importance of accurate reporting in maintaining political stability in the state.
He said, “There is absolutely no motion or initiative within the House to remove the deputy governor.
“These reports are false and should be disregarded by the public. The deputy governor continues to serve in his capacity with full support from the House.
“Our priority is good governance and serving the people of Kano, not circulating rumours.”
She made the declaration during an interview with Nigerian football legend, Mr Segun Odegbami, during a live radio interview on Saturday.
Prof. Obasanjo, who is also former commissioner in the state, ruled out a return to the Senate, stating that her focus was firmly on the governorship race.
“So, moving ahead, I’m not going to be Commissioner. Like I said, I’m not even going back to the same party because I think that’s old and I don’t see the use of it. And I’m not going to go back to the Senate,” she said.
“Like the Americans would say, there’s no need. And this is what I told my associates, when this all started. I said, the only thing I’ll come back to do is the governorship.
“And we have started that journey. We are going to see it through. And so that’s the journey I’m on. And we are very serious about it. I mean we are very dedicated to it.”
The politician also confirmed that she recently joined the APC, explaining that her return to active politics followed persistent calls from supporters.
“Like I told you, a group of people who I did not bring together, have been working, I think, for two years now. And then they started talking to me about a year ago, saying, ‘Look, we think you are the best candidate. We want you back,’” she added.
Her declaration sets the stage for what may become a keenly contested governorship race in Ogun State ahead of the 2027 elections.
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