Sen. Ireti Kingibe and Mr Nyesom Wike

By Ebere Agozie

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mohammed Ndarani, has urged all stakeholders in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), both elected and appointed, to cooperate with one another for the territory’s development.

Ndarani made the call on Sunday in Abuja during an interview, while reacting to the rift between the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike and the Senator representing the FCT, Sen. Ireti Kingibe.

It will be recalled that Wike and Kingibe have not had a cordial working relationship since they assumed offices as Kingibe had repeatedly accused Wike of sidelining her in spite being the senator representing the FCT.

Ndarani said that if Wike and Kingibe worked together they would bring positive change for the greater good of Nigeria.

“It is imperative for all stakeholders, both elected and appointed, to work together and abide with guiding rules of their different offices to strengthen one another as one big family’’, the senior lawyer said.

He said Nigeria could not achieve greater success without support for another among its leaders, and craved the indulgence of all `warring parties“ to let peace reign.

“They should sheath their swords, put their differences aside and work for the common good of the people of the FCT.

“Wike was appointed to serve the people of the FCT, Kingibe was elected to serve the people of the FCT. So, they should work together and think about the greater good of the people.

“The people of FCT look up to them to bring succour to the challenges they are facing but when two elephants fight, the grass suffers,’’ he said.

He noted that although the two leaders were not from the same political party, previous elective and appointed officers of the FCT from different parties had always found a way of working together.

Ndarani, equally pointed out that they have different roles to play in their respective positions, but all aimed ultimately to deliver the dividend of democracy to the people.

“Section 302 of the 1999 constitution, says: “The President may, in exercise of the powers conferred upon him by Section 147 of this Constitution, appoint for the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, a Minister who shall exercise such powers and perform such functions as may be delegated to him by the President, from time to time.

“While Ireti’s office as provided under Section 48 of the 1999 constitution make laws for the peace and good governance of the people of Nigeria including the FCT.

“The functions and duties of the two offices are distinct but they must work together for the common good of the people of Nigeria and the FCT’’.

“Actually, Wike is not answerable to the senator, just like the senator is not answerable to the minister either, they are both answerable to the president and the citizens of Nigeria.

“To me, Wike’s developmental strides in the FCT are very commendable and he ought to be encouraged to do more with the cooperation and support of the distinguished senator.

“The ultimate goal here is the people, no minister has ever reported to any senator. Past FCT ministers and senators did not come from the same party, but they worked in synergy.

“Media war will not bring development to the people, cooperation is the key’,’ he said.

He enjoined them to drop their differences and concentrate on delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.

Wike had on Monday tackled Kingibe, who had consistently accused him of sidelining her in the affairs of the territory such as those relating to budget.

Kingibe also complained of how Wike has overlooked the priority needs of the bulk of FCT people partly due to a lack of communication between her and the minister.

Angered by Kingibe’s utterances, Wike challenged Kingibe to test her popularity again at the 2027 election, vowing that he would ensure she did not return to the upper chamber of the legislature. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu has paid tribute to Alhaji Surajudeen Tokunbo Ayilara, his aide, who died on July 1.

In a tribute personally signed by the President, released on Monday, he said Ayilara lived a life of unwavering dedication, loyalty, and service.

He said that despite his frailty towards the end, he refused to give up, demonstrating his unyielding spirit and determination to carry on until his very last breath.

“Ayilara lived a life of remarkable achievement, one marked by hard work, endurance, and perseverance.

“He was selfless, loyal to his work, and a dedicated public servant. His commitment to serving Lagos State and humanity knew no bounds.

“Our paths crossed when I was elected governor of Lagos State. He was a top official in the state’s civil service, serving as Director of the Abuja Liaison Office.

“Prior to that, he had worked in the military administration of Colonel Buba Marwa as Sole Administrator of Agege Local Government.

“One of his earliest assignments was to complete the then-abandoned Lagos Liaison Office in Abuja, which he accomplished within six months,” said the President.

He said Ayilara’s career in the Lagos Civil Service was distinguished by his exceptional leadership skills and dedication.

Tinubu said that Ayilara rose through the ranks and eventually became a Permanent Secretary, excelling in matters of protocol and administration.

“After retiring from public service, I appointed him as my Special Adviser. He continued to serve in this capacity even after my tenure as governor.

“Throughout my political journey, including the formation of our progressive political parties, Action Congress and Action Congress of Nigeria, Ayilara was a constant presence.

“He played a key role in registering both parties in Abuja and was an authoritative voice on those events,” Tinubu said.

He stated that as a true progressive at heart, “Ayilara believed in our shared vision for Nigeria. He was an integral part of my presidential campaign team, visiting numerous campaign stops with me and serving as my liaison with influential political figures.

“His primary responsibility was managing our campaign accounts during the intense campaign period.

“To describe Alhaji Ayilara as merely a staff member or Special Adviser would be to significantly underestimate his importance to me. He was a trusted associate, friend, brother, and dependable partner.”

The President expressed gratitude for Ayilara’s services to Lagos State and to his family, as well as his unwavering support throughout his political career.

“It is possible that many of our achievements would not have been possible without his guidance and partnership.

“Ayilara was equally devoted to his family and friends, spending most of his life serving others and giving generously to those in need. He was a humanitarian who embodied the spirit of selflessness,” Tinubu said.

He said he would never forget Ayilara, nor would Lagos State or anyone who knew him.

“May I, on behalf of myself, my family, the government and all the good people of Nigeria offer heartfelt condolences to his loving wife and children.

“I also extend my condolences to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the people of Lagos State on the loss of this outstanding public servant.

“May Almighty Allah grant Alhaji Surajudeen Tokunbo Ayilara Aljanna Firdaus,” the President said. (NAN)

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

By Chiazo Ogbolu
Operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and other emergency responders have recovered the body of a female biker trapped under a loaded containerised truck in Lagos.

This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Taofiq Adebayo, Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, on Monday in Lagos.

The statement said the incident occurred at about 6:15 a.m., at Sifax inward, Iganmu Bridge, Lagos.

It said that the driver of the loaded containerised truck lost control while on motion and fell on the female biker, while descending Iganmu Bridge.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the truck driver, who was on speed, lost control and caused the truck to fall on the female biker.

“The driver fled the scene upon realising the severity of the accident.

“Immediately after the incident, LASTMA personnel called on other emergency responders, including the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Response Unit (LRU), for rescue operation,” it said.

It said that the deceased’s body was taken away by personnel from the Lagos State Ambulance Service, and the containerised truck was evacuated to clear the way for free vehicular movement on Iganmu Bridge.

“Police officers from Ijora Badia provided security during the rescue operation,” it said.

While expressing condolences to the family of the deceased, the statement warned truck drivers to adhere to speed limits both within and outside the state.

It also advised motorcycle operators, both commercial and private to obey traffic rules and regulations as stipulated in the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

=============
Edited by Remi Koleoso/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu has been re-elected as the Chairman of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government.

The President’s mandate was extended at the 65th Ordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, on Sunday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this followed the decision of the leaders to ensure continuity and consistency in meeting targets on security, reconciliation, and development.

President Tinubu was first elected to the position in Guinea-Bissau on July 9, 2023.

In his acceptance speech, the President said he would focus on consolidating the values of democracy and upholding the interest of the regional body, which would clock 50 years in 2025.

The Chairman of ECOWAS appointed the President of Senegal, Mr Bassirou Diomaye Faye, and the President of Togo, His Excellency, Mr Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, as Special Envoys to Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Republic.

“I have appointed the President of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, to please become our Special Envoy to Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Republic, along with the President of Togo, Faure Gnassingbé, to do around the clock work with our brothers in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic, and to coordinate with me and the ECOWAS Commission, where necessary.

“I have accepted to continue the service to the great members and the great minds that are committed to democratic values and our journey in the region.

“I will continue to serve our interest and build on democratic values and the structure that we inherited. Thank you very much,’’ the President said.

Tinubu had earlier called on Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS to work towards the establishment and sustenance of a regional standby force for the security and economic advancement of the community.

The President emphasised the expediency of a standby force in the face of growing security threats in the region. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu has called on Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS to work towards the establishment of a regional standby force for the security and economic advancement of the community.

He made the call during the opening of the 65th Ordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government on Sunday, in Abuja.

Tinubu, who is the Chairman of the regional bloc, also highlighted the expediency of a standby force in the face of growing security threats.

”The Regional Action Plan against Terrorism has enhanced cooperation on training, intelligence sharing, and humanitarian interventions.

”In addition to this, the Ministers of Finance and Defence met recently in Abuja to raise funds for activating the ECOWAS Standby Force to boost counter-terrorism efforts.

”Member countries are also displaying their commitment to combating insecurity by individually increasing their defence budgets in order to acquire necessary equipment and ensure preparedness,” the President said.

He urged member states to commit more to providing the needed resources for securing the region.

”Let me underscore that a peaceful and secure society is essential for achieving our potential.

”As we move to operationalise the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF) in combating terrorism, I must emphasise that the success of this plan requires not only strong political will but also substantial financial resources.

”We must, therefore, ensure that we meet the expectations and recommendations set forth by our Ministers of Defence and Finance, in order to counter insecurity and stabilize our region,” the President added.

Tinubu advised ECOWAS leaders to leverage the capabilities of Nigeria’s National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), which has been widely acknowledged as one of the best on the continent.

The President said his government had decided to make the NCTC a regional centre to enable all ECOWAS member states to benefit from capacity building and other related opportunities it offers.

He also advised the management of ECOWAS to re-align and reposition its priorities by reducing overheads and setting up in-country steering committees.

”Difficult economic conditions and inconsistent payment of financial commitments to ECOWAS have contributed to the current plight.

”To ensure ECOWAS has adequate resources for its programmes and activities, I urge all member states to ensure full compliance with the Protocol on the Community Levy.

”Nigeria, under my leadership, is committed to leading by example in remitting its collected levies to the organisation,” he said.

He added that the ECOWAS management must also reduce its overhead expenditures and focus on programmes and activities that directly impact the lives of citizens of the region.

”I am aware of the progress report on the implementation of the ECOWAS Institutional Reforms.

”I, therefore, call on the President of the ECOWAS Commission to resume and expedite the conclusion of the second phase of the Institutional Reforms, aimed at reducing the organization’s operational costs,” Tinubu said.

He also welcomed a new member of the Authority, Senegalese President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

”Allow me to further extend warm congratulations to the Government and people of the Republic of Senegal for their steadfastness in the consolidation of democratic governance.

”Their recently concluded presidential election has been widely adjudged as free, fair, transparent, and credible.

”This achievement is a testament to our region’s commitment to the principles of democracy, good governance, and rule of law,” the President stated.

Tinubu said the 65th session would review the concerns in the region, adding: ”We are aware of the enormous challenges, including terrorist activities and violent extremism threatening to spread from the Sahel region towards the coastal states.

”The political landscape still remains fragile in some member states, especially those that witnessed unconstitutional changes of government.”

While calling for unity within the community, the President emphasised that to elevate the people from poverty to prosperity, ECOWAS must develop innovative approaches to unleash the region’s vast economic potential.

”We must continue to identify and develop partnerships that promote investment in key sectors and promote regional trade.

”Furthermore, we must invest in our infrastructure and cultivate a conducive business environment to empower our communities to stimulate growth and build resilience against external shocks.

”Together, we can pave the way for a prosperous future for all of West Africa,” the President said.

He also called for support in re-electing Ambassador Bankole Adeoye as AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security in February 2025.

In his remarks, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray, thanked President Tinubu for his purposeful leadership, affirming that ECOWAS should not be defined by conflicts, elections, and coup d’états, but by development.

Touray said the exiting of ECOWAS by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger would affect citizens of the countries, and other ECOWAS countries, following the need for visas, and the review of all trade and development agreements, including ongoing ECOWAS projects in those countries. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dianabasi Effiong

By Gregg Mmadukolam

The Ghenerhocia Foreign Language Academy Gwarinpa, on Saturday partnered with the Chinese Cultural centre in Abuja for easy understanding of a Chinese language, called Mandarin.

Ms Akpore Oghenemarho, a Chinese teacher, said during the launch of the book “Mandarin Chinise” in Abuja that her love for the Chinese language inspired her to establish the Academy which started to train Nigerians on Mandarin, in April 2022.

According to her, Mandarin language will assist Nigerians and other foreigners to learn the language, especially when dealing with the Chinese business community.

“I also  wrote a book titled `Mandarin Chinese’  which was launched on Saturday; now there are over two billion Chinese who speak the language.

“I was, however,  inspired to write the book because many Nigerians conduct businesses with Chinese and there are  over 218 Chinese firms in Nigeria,” she said.

She further said that the Academy had trained over 60 Nigerians and foreigners since it started with its graduates doing very well in their careers.

Mr Lui Ping, Deputy Director China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, said the new book, ‘Mandarin Chinese’ is an introductory book for learning Chinese.

‘‘The book is very helpful for our Chinese-learning beginners to understand and speak Mandarin well.

Liu described the new book as an achievement to not only the author’s learning but also to the learning and teaching of Chinese.

He added that it would also foster cultural exchange and friendship between China and Nigeria.

‘‘I hope this new book will help more Chinese learners get the easy way to teach, learn and use Chinese very well,’’ he said.

The Deputy Director extolled the virtues of Oghenemarho, saying that she studied Chinese for six years, and was enthusiastic about the cultural exchanges between China and Nigeria.

Earlier, the book reviewer, Mrs Blessing Ikenna, said that the book was quite encompassing, covering a variety of things like how to greet, how to count numbers, colours and different places in Chinese language, among others.

She advised that the learners of Chinese language in Nigeria, including foreigners, should buy the book because it would enable them to understand the language seamlessly.

Fang Fang, a Chinese and a teacher at the Chinese Cultural centre in Abuja, explained that Mandarin is the language of government and education spoken by the majority of Chinese Mainland and Taiwan.

The chairman of the launch, Mr Samson Eyekosi, commended Oghenemarho for her work, adding that the book would strengthen the ties between China and Nigeria.

Eyekosi added that understanding of the Chinese language, especially Mandarin, would enhance Nigerians doing business with Chinese and also improve the nation’s economic development.

The chairman of the book launch also noted that Chinese, being the most populous country in the world, learning of Mandarin by Nigerians would engender commerce and good cordial relationships between Nigeria and China.

The event was graced by many Nigerians and Chinese, while the Alheri dancing group entertained the audience. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

By Salisu Sani-Idris

President Bola Tinubu has implored public servants to live up to expectation by upholding public trust where they must all be accountable to the citizens.

Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, made the call on Saturday at the Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS) ceremony held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He restated his administration’s determination to creating an environment where merit was rewarded, and where every public servant felt valued and motivated to give their best.

Tinubu urged them to always be guided by the fact that the nation’s public institutions were not personal enterprises, and that, as public servants, they were employees of the Nigerian people.

He said the event was not just about the awards ceremony, but about embedding a culture of recognition and reward in the ethos of the country’s public service.

Tinubu noted that some loopholes were still being exploited by those saddled with the nation’s trust in spite of the institutional measures put in place to prevent any form of irregularities in the public service.

“More than ever, our public service must live up to its expectation as a public trust where every official must account to the people, and ours is to create an ecosystem where they not only stand out but stand apart from those who sabotage us.

“Even though we have set in place institutional measures to forestall any form of dysfunction in our public service, there are still cracks often exploited by those given the trust of the nation.

“But what we must never get tired of doing is reminding ourselves that our public institutions are not personal enterprises and, for that, each of us is an employee of the Nigerian citizen,” he said.

While underlining the significance of the Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS), a private sector initiative in partnership with the office of the Secretary to Government of the Federation, Tinubu gave the initiative his full support.

He said that it was strategic to inspire the bulk of the nation’s workforce to set benchmarks and create a ripple effect of positive change throughout our society.

According to him, reward and recognition are the very markers of every thriving institution, and indeed, nation.

He noted that the essence of any successful entity, whether a private enterprise or public institution, was in its ability to honour those who work to uphold its values and drive its progress.

“Our labour force remains the ultimate reflection of our principles, as practised by men and women who rise every day with a commitment to building a better future for all citizens.

“We, therefore, owe these silent architects of our national progress more than just a debt of gratitude.”

The President, who showered praises on Nigerian public servants, maintained that their place must be remembered in order to motivate them to inspire others and make clear “that excellence is not an orphan”.

Tinubu said NEAPS also played a crucial role of introducing more role models to a nation in search of mentors and to tell the awardees that, “we see them, and the excellence with which they have served the nation”.

“The 44 persons we are here to honour set in motion a chain of actions to build a culture of hard work and commitment to noble principles in our public service.

“We must also strive to make sure that the values that have set them apart are deeply ingrained in our culture.

“There’s no better way to water this forest of high performance, integrity, and accountability than our collective refusal to underplay the efforts of those who labour day in and day out to hold our nation together.”

Earlier, Sen. George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, said NEAPS, a private sector-driven initiative, recognised and rewarded innovation, purposeful leadership and hardwork by exceptional individuals and organisations in the country’s public service across all levels of government and the private sector.

He explained that the process of selecting the honourees was based on empirical facts and figures that were verifiable.

The SGF gave the assurance that efforts would be made to ensure the initiative was maintained as a regular feature in order to motivate and encourage excellence in the country’s public service.

He urged recipients of the awards not to relent in their efforts toward making Nigeria a more prosperous and progressive country.

Among the 44 persons who clinched the NEAPS were retired Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (Peace Building award) and President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio (Parliamentary Excellence award).

Others are: the Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas (Parliamentary Excellence award); and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila (Leadership and Administration award).

Also, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia, bagged the Administrator par Excellence award.

Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State was also recognised, and among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Salif Atojoko

The Federal Government says it will drag the Daily Trust Newspapers to the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) over its publication on the Samoa agreement.

Mr Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, who gave this hint on Saturday in Abuja, said that government would also approach the court over the report he described as “fake and mischievous.”

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the information minister spoke at a press conference to react to the report believed to have the potential to spark up religious and social tensions in the country.

NAN also reports that Idris addressed the press along with his budget and planning counterpart, Malam Atiku Bagudu.

In the report, the medium had claimed that the Federal Government had signed an agreement with clauses requiring Nigeria to endorse the rights of Lesbians, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex(LGBTQI+) people.

It also said that Nigeria would collect 150 billion dollars for endorsing the deal.

The said agreement, generally referred to as the Samoa agreement, was signed at the Organisation of Africa, Caribbean and Pacific States(OACPS) Secretariat in Brussels, Belgium, on June 28.

Details of the agreement indicated that the partnership is between the European Union and its member states on one hand, and members of OACPCS on the other.

Negotiations on the agreement began in 2018 and was signed on Nov. 15, 2018 by all 27 EU member-states and 47 of the 79 OACPS states.

The African Regional Protocol on the matter consists of two parts – framework for cooperation and areas of cooperation that include inclusive and sustainable economic growth, environmental and human rights protection, among others.

Reacting to the medium’s report on the matter, the minister described it as gross falsehood.

He said it followed a pattern that Daily Trust had become used to since the Bola Tinubu administration came on board.

While noting that Tinubu had maintained a good relationship with the media in line with his philosophy as an avowed democrat, he said it was “disheartening that some elements are abusing this free environment guaranteed by the government.”

“We are alarmed by the level of reckless reporting and statements by some media organisations and individuals that border on national security and stability.

“While we sometimes view and treat those occasional reporting as part of media’s normal work, we have now seen a pattern that is difficult to be wished away as normal journalism.

“The insidious and inciting publications by the Daily Trust these past months have come across as nothing but a deliberate effort to brush the government with a tar.

“On many occasions, we have restrained ourselves from believing that this was the case but the consistency of the mischievous publications leaves us with no option.

“In the aftermath of the coup in Niger Republic, Daily Trust championed a jaundiced narrative that the Federal Government was driving the country into a war and twisted it with regional sentiment to cause disaffection.

“The same newspaper gave a banner headline to a baseless accusation that the Government was working on siting foreign military bases in the country.

” Neither Daily Trust nor originators of that imaginative allegation provided any shred of evidence.

“Then just two weeks ago, Daily Trust concocted and popularised a lie that the Federal Government had renamed the Murtala Mohammed Expressway in Abuja to Wole Soyinka Way.

“In all those instances, all that the paper depended on were falsehood and hearsays. They also showed no remorse or the humility to recant.

“We, however, did not envisage that Daily Trust and people behind it could decend to the reckless level of attempting to set the country on fire by falsely accusing the government of signing a deal to promote LGBTQI.

“We found that despicable and wicked because the allegation is nowhere in the document signed.

“Surprisingly, the paper put forward no evidence nor provided the agreement allegedly signed to prove their point.

“The baseless and sensational story unfortunately formed a basis for khutba (sermons), by some of our respected imams who were misled by the story, thereby raising tempers,” he said.

He said, however, that government would continue to toe the path of civility by restraining itself from seeking self-help or adopting draconian measures.

“While past governments clamped down on the media for infractions much lower than this, we are, however, toeing the path of civility and the rule of law,” he said.

The minister said that the Federal Government would drag the medium to the NPAN Ombudsman “on this irresponsible reporting.”

In addition, the Federal Government will use every lawful means to seek redress in the court of law, he added.

Idris restated government’s friendly policy toward ethical media and free speech, but warned that it would not accept fake news and disinformation that could injure the peace of the nation and hurt national security.(NAN)
(Edited by Mufutau Ojo)

By Sunday John

The Federal Government has sought the cooperation of Cross River, Ebonyi, Kogi, Benue and Nasarawa state governments to fast track construction of a superhighway linking the states with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Sen. David Umahi, Minister of Works, stated this during a meeting with the state governors, on Saturday in Lafia, Nasarawa.

He said the superhighway, initiated under the Renewed Hope Legacy Infrastructure project, goes beyond road construction, describing it as an investment that would serve as a catalyst to revive Nigeria’s economy.

Umahi listed the 700 kilometre Lagos-Ondo-Edo-Delta-Bayelsa-Rivers-Akwa Ibom-Cross Rivers; Sokoto-Kebbi-Niger-Kwara-Oyo-Ogun-Badagry, and Cross Rivers-Ebonyi-Benue-Kogi-Nasarawa-Apo routes as the legacy projects of the Bola Tinubu’s administration.

According to him, these projects will bring significant benefits, particularly to the states involved.

“I urge you to support Mr President, who still has several years to deliver these projects. We believe that within the remaining years, these three legacy projects will be completed,” he said.

The minister said the road projects would be constructed of reinforced concrete, capable of lasting up to 50 years before requiring maintenance.

“Each section will consist of six lanes, with integrated train tracks and solar streetlights,” he said, adding that the Sokoto-Badagry route alone would feature 53 dams.

He said the Federal Executive Council (FEC), had directed the prioritisation of long-standing federal government projects across the country for completion.

In their seperate remarks, stakeholders and governors of the affected states lauded President Tinubu for the initiative.

Gov. Abdullahi Sule, who chairs the North-Central Governors’ Forum, pledged support to facilitate successful execution of the project.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dianabasi Effiong

Samoa
Abuja, July 6, 2024(NAN) The Federal Government has dismissed a newspaper report claiming that the Samoa partnership agreement signed June 28 has endorsed the rights of Lesbians, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer(LGBTQ), people in Nigeria.

It also rejected the claims that Nigeria would receive 150 billion dollars for entering into the deal.

Mr Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and planning, made the clarification at a press conference in Abuja on Saturday.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the minister, along with his information and national orientation counterpart Mohammed Idris, had called the conference to react to a report by the Daily Trust Newspapers.

NAN also reports that in the report, the medium claimed that the Federal Government signed an agreement with clauses requiring Nigeria to endorse the rights of LGBTQI people.

It further said that the populous African nation would pocket 150 billion dollars for endorsing the deal.

The report has sparked off social, religious and cultural tension with the allegations becoming the topics for most sermons in Mosques and Churches.

The minister recalled that the agreement, generally referred to as the Samoa agreement, was signed at the Organisation of Africa, Caribbean and Pacific States(OACPS), Secretariat in Brussels, Belgium, on June 28.

Details of the agreement indicated that the partnership is between the European Union and its member-states on one hand, and members of OACPCS on the other.

Negotiations on the agreement began in 2018 and it was signed on Nov. 15, 2018 by all 27 EU member-states and 47 of the 79 OACPS states.

The African Regional Protocol on the deal consists of two parts – framework for cooperation, and areas of cooperation that include sustainable economic growth, environment and human rights protection, among others.

Reacting to the medium’s report on the matter, Bagudu said that there was no iota of truth in it.

He said that there was nowhere in the document where 150 billion dollars was mentioned.

He also said that the agreement made no reference to LGBTQ or the rights of people involved in such activities.

He declared that President Bola Tinubu was a proud Nigerian and would never sign any document that could hurt its laws and constitution.

He said that the agreement was seeking to foster cooperation between EU’s 27 members and OACPC with 79 nations.

“The partnership is about trade agreements, human rights and environmental promotion,” he said.

He said Nigeria signed after extensive reviews and consultations by the interministerial committee convened by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and that of
justice.

He said Nigeria had made it clear that any provision that is inconsistent with the laws of Nigeria shall be null and void, and that is, thus, what government has to say on the issue of same-sex marriage.

“There is an existing law against that since 2014.

“It is necessary to assure Nigerians that Tinubu’s administration, being a rule-based government, will not enter into any international agreement that will be detrimental to the interest of the country and its citizens,” he said.

He pointed out that Nigeria had entered into many other agreements most of which had benefited the country in the areas of water, sanitation, education, agriculture, among others.

According to him, the Samoa agreement is focused on economic development, security, environment, migration, mobility and climate change.

Other areas included investment opportunities, sustainable development and mutually beneficial cooperations, among others.

He said that no article supported rights of LGBTQ, declaring that everything signed was in tandem with Nigeria’s laws.

“President Tinubu is non-apologetic about his respects for our diversities and wouldn’t want to do anything that will hurt anyone.

“President Tinubu did not authorise any agreement that can undermine our constitution or laws.

“We did not sign anything that has a clause that challenges our laws.

“We are always conscious of our sovereignty; we respect our two religions,” he declared.

He urged the media to be truthful and patriotic in the handling of reports so as to protect national interest.

Bagudu reminded the media that development partners were also sensitive to media reports.

“Let us not ridicule ourselves and scare international investors. Nigerians should be allowed to know the truth,” he said.

He reminded the media that there were hardworking Nigerians helping the nation to secure foreign investments, support and cooperation.

“We should not undermine their efforts and discourage them from putting in their best for the nation,” he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
PAT/ETS