Politics
Nigeria Can, Will Work With Collective Action – Cleric
A pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Sola Fabunmi, has called on Nigerians to demonstrate commitment and dedication towards the growth and development of the nation.
Pastor Fabunms who is the Senior Pastor of the City of Faith Church, RCCG, Gaithersburg, MD, USA, explained that the recent protests by citizens, especially the youths, has sent strong message to those in authority on the need to listen to the yearnings of the people.
In a statement on Saturday tagged ‘Nigeria Is Not A Monster: Play Your Part And Make It Work ‘ the cleric maintained that for the country to be great and overcome its challenges, the citizens must be ready to play their parts and stop usual blame games.
The statement read: “Now that the dust of the nationwide protest has settled, the voice of the people has clearly been heard across the land and has resonated in the corridors of power—even before the protest. This is evident in the many interventions of the government before, during, and after the protest. The message is clear: the citizens are weary, and they demand change.
“But it is also time to recognize that the responsibility for the future of Nigeria does not rest solely on the shoulders of a few in power, especially the President; it is a collective burden we all must carry if we truly love this country. Nigeria is not a monster. It is our home, our hope, and our future, and we all must play our part to make it work.
As citizens, we must undoubtedly understand that the true power of change lies within us. We, all 200 million-plus, are the people called Nigeria—not just the few in power among us.
“Mr. President, it is understood that the weight of leadership is a heavy burden, and I want to sincerely acknowledge the efforts you are making to steer this ship of state through turbulent waters. Change is never easy, and the road to recovery is long and fraught with challenges. This also is evident in all of your efforts so far, and it is my prayer that the Lord will continue to divinely equip you with wisdom and strength.
“But remember that leadership is not a solo journey. You have a nation blessed with people willing to support you if you earn their trust and engage them in meaningful ways. Reach out to Nigerians in the diaspora. They are a vast resource, rich in experience and expertise, and many of them still hold a deep love for their homeland, Nigeria. Encourage them to invest in their communities of origin, to share their resources, knowledge, and skills, and to contribute to the nation’s growth. Their contributions, though small in the grand scheme, can collectively ease the burden on the government. No government, no matter how well-intentioned, can do it alone. Collaboration is key.
“Nigeria is not a monster to be feared or loathed. It is a nation brimming with potential, talent, and promise, but it needs genuine help. And it will only rise if each of us does our part. We citizens should speak life into our country and act with integrity. Mr. President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, lead with vision and seek the help of all Nigerians. To those who steal, if you cannot resist, at least reinvest in the land you take from. And to the church leaders, be the pillars of empowerment that your followers need.
“Nigeria can and will work, but only if we work for it. Let us cast aside the blame game, the cynicism, and the apathy. Let us rise, together, to build a nation that we can all be proud of. The future of Nigeria is in our hands. Play your part, and let us make it work.”
Former Senior Special Assistant to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on Domestic Matters and Social Events, Dr Waripamowei Dudafa, has praised the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri on his formal defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Dr Dudafa, who is also a former member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and one time commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Development, described the governor’s decision as a wise and well-considered move that aligns the State with the centre for accelerated development and greater political inclusion.
“Governor Diri’s decision reflects his pragmatic leadership style which has always been guided by consultation, inclusiveness, and the pursuit of the common good.
“Your Excellency, your decision to work in harmony with the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu which is in synergy with your ‘Assured Prosperity’ vision will undoubtedly bring about the needed transformation and development for the people of Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta at large.
“Since assuming office, your guiding principle has been clear and consistent — to consult widely, act in the public interest, and deliver measurable development outcomes. That same principle has informed your latest political alignment, and it will continue to serve as a compass for your Assured Prosperity Administration”, he said.
He further praised the governor’s performance in office, stating that Gov. Diri’s administration has been characterized by purposeful governance and tangible results, reaffirming his continued loyalty and support for the governor, while also assuring that he and his associates will keep identifying with the Gov Diri’s administration in the collective effort to sustain peace, unity, and progress in the state.
While restating his continued solidarity with the governor’s leadership in the state, Dr Dudafa promised to lend his support to ensure that he finishes strong.
“Governor Diri’s political maturity and developmental focus have repositioned Bayelsa for a brighter future”, he added.
The Tide further learnt that Dr Dudafa once served as Special Adviser to a former governor of the State on Youth Mobilization and Empowerment.
“I want to again commend the governor for his courage and vision. His alignment of the State with the federal government under the Renewed Hope Agenda is a step toward ensuring inclusive governance and attracting more federal presence to the state”, he said.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
A publication circulating online had quoted Alhaji Sheriff as saying, “It’s not me; it’s Shettima who created Boko Haram.”
But in a statement issued on Saturday, Alhaji Sheriff dismissed the report as a “complete fabrication” aimed at misleading the public and stirring political discord.
“The said story is a complete fabrication, devoid of truth, and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public, malign the person of Senator Sheriff, and sow discord within the nation’s political landscape,” the statement read.
Alhaji Sheriff said he never granted any interview or spoke to any journalist on the matter, adding that the falsehood was designed to undermine his long-standing commitment to peace and national unity.
“This false report is not only mischievous but also a dangerous piece of fake news aimed at undermining years of Senator Sheriff’s contributions to peace, national unity, and development, both in Borno State and across Nigeria,” the statement added.
The former governor urged members of the public and the media to disregard the publication, noting that he had directed his legal team to identify and pursue those behind the story.
“Senator Sheriff has instructed his legal team to take immediate steps to identify all individuals, bloggers, or media outlets responsible for the dissemination of this defamatory material.
“Should the false publication not be retracted and taken down forthwith, the Senator will not hesitate to seek full legal redress under the law”, his media office said.
Alhaji Sheriff reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s security, stability, and democratic values and vowed to ensure that the spread of misinformation does not go unpunished.
Politics
Anambra Guber: I’m Not Impressed, LP Candidate Says …As Observers Lament Vote-buying, Low Voters Turnout
Mr Moghalu spoke to journalists on Saturday shortly after casting his vote at Uruagu Ward 1, Nnewi.
He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to rise to its responsibility of making the process credible.
He also alleged voter apathy, attributing it to people’s lack of confidence in the electoral process.
Mr Moghalu said that even though it was too early to say whether the process was free, fair, and credible, he was not impressed.
“I am not impressed; there were no issues of glitches, at least for now. As we go along to monitor the process, we’ll confirm. In terms of voting, there’s an improvement over previous elections.
“I can’t say it’s free and fair because if you monetise a process, you weaponise poverty. What’s free about it? There’s no doubt there’s low voter turnout, and that has been the trend,” he stated.
The LP’s flag bearer stated that it was incumbent on INEC to continually improve the process, as voter apathy is a manifestation of a loss of confidence in the people.
Reports from Yiaga Africa, European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) II, and other partner organisations indicated that voter turnout was low in most polling units across the 21 local government areas of the state.
Speaking to journalists in Awka, the Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Mr Samson Itodo, identified vote-buying and low turnout as recurring issues observed in the thematic areas of the election.
Also, Asabe Ndahi of the Kukah Centre decried logistical challenges, including the late arrival of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security officials in high-risk areas, such as Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Ihiala, Ogbaru, and Nnewi South.
She added that incidents of vote-buying and voter intimidation were recorded in several local government areas.
that votes were being traded for between N15,000 and N30,000.
“It is sad that bad governance is fuelling vote buying and selling.
“For an unemployed youth who sells his vote for ?30,000, what will he be paid next month when there is no election?
“By selling your vote, you are saying no school, no hospital, no jobs and selling away your future. This is worrisome”, he said.
He called on journalists to play an active role in exposing and curbing the menace.
The former presidential candidate also described all the hopefuls in the governorship race as his friends.
“Whoever wins, let him serve the people. Nigeria needs service now. We need to pull our people out of poverty,” he said,
Earlier, Mr George Moghalu, LP governorship candidate, said despite the heavy deployment of security personnel for the election, he had received reports of widespread vote-buying.
He also described the trend as “most unfortunate”, and warned that the crime undermines the integrity of the electoral process.
Mr Moghalu added that he remained optimistic on the outcome of the election, as he had campaigned extensively and presented his manifesto to the electorate.
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