News Agency of Nigeria
Constitution review: Senate pledges to correct structural imbalance
Politics

Constitution review: Senate pledges to correct structural imbalance

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By Adekunle Williams and Oluwatope Lawanson
The Senate Committee on 1999 Constitutional Review has promised far-reaching constitutional reforms to correct long-standing structural imbalance in the federation and deepen Nigeria’s democracy.
Sen. Jibrin Barau, the Chairman of the Committee, made the pledge at the South-West Zonal Public Hearing on the 1999 Constitution Review, in Lagos on Friday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that public hearing is taking place simultaneously across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones.
It is taking place in Enugu, Kano, Jos, Ikeja, Ikot-Ekpene (Akwa Ibom) and Maiduguri.
Barau, represented by Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, Senate Majority Leader, said the review was important since some fundamental issues remained unresolved.
Barau, the Deputy Senate President, said that the National Assembly had a duty to address citizens’ calls for amendment of the constitution.
According to him, in response to growing demands, the 10th Senate constituted the 1999 Constitution Review Committee to address citizen’s calls for amendments to the constitution.
“We have received hundreds of memoranda addressing key issues that were not resolved by previous amendments, mainly due to lack of national consensus and evolving dynamics of modern governance.
“Key issues which need to be addressed include electoral reforms and adjudication; judicial reforms focused on case management and administration; enhancements to local government administration,” he said.
The senator listed the other issues to include involvement of the traditional institution in contemporary governance, and ensuring gender equity and inclusion in governance.
“Others are the devolution and distribution of power; the structure of our federation; and concerns related to security and policing,” he said.
Barau said that the issues had continued to dominate public discourse, with many Nigerians advocating a legislative action to address them.
Barau urged stakeholders present at the public hearing to see their participation as a contribution to the advancement of democratic practices and shaping of national destiny.
He said the committee’s mandate was to foster a broad national consensus rather than echo the voice of a powerful minority.
Dr Abiola Akiode-Afolabi, speaking on behalf of civil society organisations, called for a deliberate policy to implement the 35 per cent Affirmative Action for women in government.
Akiode-Afolabi, the Executive Director of Women Advocates Research and Documentation Center, said there was need to implement the affirmative action.
She urged the President Bola Tinubu administration to assent to the National Gender Policy to agree on the 35 per cent affirmative action.
NAN reports that the event was attended by stakeholders from the South-West Geo-political Zone.
They include Lagos Deputy Gov. Obafemi Hamzat, senators, members of civil society organisations, traditional leaders and community leaders. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Ijeoma Popoola
Reps advance bill to ensure free access to internet in public places
Politics

Reps advance bill to ensure free access to internet in public places

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By EricJames Ochigbo

A bill for an Act to provide legal framework for free internet access programme in selected public places in Nigeria and for related matters has scaled second reading in the House of Representatives.

The bill, which seeks to ensure free access to internet services for the underserved and disadvantage citizens especially in rural areas, was sponsored by Rep. Abubakar Kusada at plenary on Thursday.

Moving the motion earlier, Kusada recalled that the bill passed first reading on October 3, 2024.

He said that the bill seeks to establish a clear and sustainable legal foundation for the provision of free internet services in selected public locations across the country.

He said that as the digital connectivity becomes increasingly vital to national development, the bill seeks to institutionalise and regulate free internet access programmes that will enhance access to internet.

“This bill provides a structure that enables collaboration between government, institutions and private sector partners while ensuring the security, accessibility and responsible use of public internet infrastructure.

“The need for this legislation cannot be overstated, in today’s global landscape, internet access is not just a communication tool. It is an essential resource for education, employment, innovation and civic participation.

“Unfortunately, millions of Nigerians, especially in rural and low-income communities, remain digitally excluded due to high data costs, limited infrastructure and lack of public access points.

“This digital divide not only perpetuates inequality but also undermines national productivity and social mobility.

“Providing internet services in public places offers a powerful way to bridge this gap, students will be able to access educational resources, conduct research and participate in online learning.

“Job seekers could apply for opportunities, take online courses and connect with professional networks. 

“Small businesses owners and entrepreneurs will have a platform to promote their goods and services, engage in digital marketing and expand their customer base,” he said.

Speaking against the bill, Rep. Kingsley Chinda (PDP-Rivers), said that he does not feel very comfortable with the provisions of the bill.

He said that internet provision has been privatised which implies that governments will need to pay for the services.

Chinda argued that provision of free internet should not have a legal framework to make it compulsory but should be more of a policy.

“Once we have a law such as this, what it means is that if government fails to provide it, government is going against the law that we have made.

“If this has come as a way of motion to ask that free internet should be provided in certain public places, it would have been better.

“So, I will pray that the sponsor looks at it again, to bring this by way of motion, rather than passing a bill into law, making it compulsory for free internet provision,” he said.

Also speaking, Rep. Wole Oke (APC-Osun), said that Internet provision had been concessioned to service providers and it came with a cost.

He said that public places such as airport, parks, gardens among others in many countries and in some parts of Nigeria, enjoy free access to internet, but someone bears the cost on behalf of users.

Similarly, if you go to some high institutions, both within Nigeria and outside this country, people also enjoy free internet services. But it comes at a cost.

“So, it is a good, noble idea but the issue is this: Who bears this cost? Who is going to pay? Yes, public places, parks, where you enjoy free internet services.

“But I can tell you that the costs of such are already built into certain bills. When you enter a park, you pay and when you pay, you enjoy free internet.

“You might think it is free, but actually somebody is bearing the cost to promote their businesses,” he said.

On his part, Rep. Dennis Agbo (LP-Enugu), suggested that the cost should be shared among the internet providers and with the government.

He said that it could be subsidised to ensure access to internet becomes available to people even at such rural places.

In his ruling, the Speaker of the house, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, referred the bill to the relevant committees for further legislative consideration. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Francis Onyeukwu 

Reps to hold national summit on nutrition, food security July 8-10
Politics

Reps to hold national summit on nutrition, food security July 8-10

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By EricJames Ochigbo

The House of Representatives will, from July 8-10, organise a 3-day national summit on nutrition and food security, to address malnutrition in the country.

The Chairman, House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, Rep. Chike Okafor (APC-Imo), made this known at a news conference in Abuja on Thursday.

He said that the theme of the summit is, “Curbing Malnutrition and Food Insecurity Through Effective Synergies.”

The lawmaker said that in spite of decades of national policies and sectoral programmes aimed at improving nutrition and food systems, Nigeria continued to grapple with alarming rates of malnutrition and food insecurity.

According to him, children under the age of five, pregnant and nursing mothers, and vulnerable populations in rural areas bear the brunt of this crisis.

Okafor said that the situation was exacerbated by factors such as climate change and environmental degradation, persistent insecurity across food-producing regions and high inflation.

He also said that cost of living as well as inadequate infrastructure for food storage, processing, and distribution, equally constituted challenges.

“The summit is designed as a multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholders engagement platform; it will bring together relevant actors from the Executive and Legislative branches across federal, state, and local levels, as well as key development partners and the private sector.

“The core objectives are as follows: to harmonise legislative, policy and pragmatic responses to nutrition and food security challenges across all tiers of governments.

“The summit will enable them to examine innovative and sustainable financing mechanisms for nutrition.

“It will equally engender public-private partnerships and to formulate strategies for building resilient and inclusive food systems, particularly in the face of climate shocks, economic disruptions, and insecurity.

“To strengthen parliamentary oversight and accountability frameworks in the implementation of nutrition-related programmes and budgets and to align development partner interventions with national legislative priorities, ensuring coordinated and impactful support,” he said.

The chairman said that the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima would be the special guest of honour and the Speaker, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, the chief host.

He said that Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo and Gov. Mohammed Bago of Niger, all Service Chiefs and heads of relevant federal and state agencies will attend the summit.

He said that other expected stakeholders include members of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), development partners, such as UNICEF, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

Others are Gates Foundation, civil society 0rganisations and private sector among others.

“The expected outcomes include strengthened legislative frameworks for nutrition and food security at federal and state levels.

“Improved budgetary appropriations and tracking of nutrition funding, clear recommendations for policy reform and inter-agency coordination and enhanced synergy between development partners and legislative stakeholders among others,” Okafor said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Francis Onyeukwu

Jason Miller outlines Trump’s Africa trade vision
Economy/Business , Politics

Jason Miller outlines Trump’s Africa trade vision

182 total views today

 

 

By Vivian Ihechu

Africa is poised to become an economic superpower but its full potential hinges on making strategic choices about its trade partners and internal reforms,  Jason Miller, former Senior Advisor to President Donald Trump says.

Miller, a Communication Strategist, spoke during a conversation with Viswanathan Shankar, CEO of Gateway Partners, at the 32nd Afreximbank Annual Meetings (AMM2025) on Thursday in Abuja.

 

 

The AAM2025, with the theme, “Building The Future On Decades Of Resilience”, is from June 25 to June 28.

Speaking to an audience of policymakers and financiers, Miller broke down U.S. evolving trade posture and its implications for the continent.

He painted an “optimistic vision” for U.S.-Africa trade relations, contrasting America’s approach with what he termed “debt diplomacy” from other global players.

He said Africa’s rise is inevitable but cautioned that realising its potential hinged on strategic choices..

“This is Africa’s century,” Miller said, projecting that by 2050, Africa would surpass Europe as the world’s third-largest economic bloc, with Nigeria among the top 10 global economies.

By 2100, he added, sub-Saharan Africa would host four of the world’s most populous nations, positioning the continent as an economic superpower.

He, however, cautioned that  “If these opportunities aren’t seized strategically, Africa risks being taken advantage of again.”

Miller frowned at the decades of exploitative practices by outsiders who “took, took, took, leaving broken promises.”

According to him, U.S.’s engagement is built on strategic partnerships anchored in private capital, not debt traps, military occupations, or hollow rhetoric.

He outlined key demands for nations seeking U.S. partnership:

Firstly, Africa “must demand tangible value over empty deals, avoiding unsustainable debt disguised as aid.”

“Partnerships should prioritise foreign direct investment in future-proof infrastructure like roads, ports, data centers, and clean energy.’’

Miller highlighted Africa’s critical minerals and youthful workforce as crucial for dominating the Artificial Intelligence supply chain, a shift he likened to the Industrial Revolution.

Secondly, accelerating business climate reforms is essential.

“Enforcing contracts, stabilising currencies, and rooting out corruption are not just suggestions but the price of admission for attracting U.S. pension funds and private capital.”

While commending Nigeria’s “gutsy” currency reforms, he urged faster, broader action across the continent.

Thirdly, Africa must “choose allies wisely.”

Miller drew sharp contrasts between China’s record of “unregulated fishing, environmental disasters, and crippling debt” and U.S. contributions such as PEPFAR’s HIV/AIDS support and security cooperation.

He said: “True friendship  respects sovereignty and borders without exploitation.”

On U.S. policy, Miller discussed the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), set to expire in September,  suggesting an uncertain future.

“Why renew one-way preferences, If African nations impose tariffs on U.S. goods or favour Chinese partners?”

He advocated for proactive renegotiation focused on reciprocity.

Miller defended Trump’s tariffs as multipurpose tools, protecting strategic industries and forcing fairer trade terms.

He said the U.S. Development Finance Corporation (DFC) was a key catalyst for Africa, deploying profit-driven investments.

“This is revenue-generating capital, not debt,” he emphasised, urging reforms to attract major institutional investors.

Offering candid advice for African leaders, Miller stressed the importance of preparation.

He advised following  Trump on Truth Social to understand his priorities and urged leaders to engage with “specific asks and solutions, no photo-ops.”

He also encouraged them to persuade chief executive officers and investors, not just bureaucrats, to amplify Africa’s economic narrative globally.

Miller called for Africa’s potential to translate into “provable partnerships.”

He also advocated for renegotiating AGOA, fast-tracking business reforms, demanding infrastructure-for-minerals deals, and proactively engaging the DFC. “Above all, champion stability, the bedrock of investment.”

Miller urged  African leaders not to settle for lip service.

“Don’t settle for lip service. Demand partnerships. That’s how Africa becomes powerful, wealthy, and great – on its own terms.”

Viswanathan Shankar, CEO of Gateway Partners, revealed Miller’s appointment as Senior Advisor to Gateway Partners, a role Miller pledged to use to “bring American capital to Africa’s future industries.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

Tinubu support group dismisses ADC coalition 
Politics

Tinubu support group dismisses ADC coalition 

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By Adeyemi Adeleye

 

The Tinubu Media Force (TMF), a support group for President Bola Tinubu, says Nigerians will reject the opposition coalition and their new platform, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in 2027.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that opposition figures and aggrieved APC leaders have adopted the ADC as a platform to unseat Tinubu in 2027.

 

Reacting, TMF National Coordinator, Mr Gbenga Abiola, said on Wednesday the coalition was born from desperation, not conviction or a genuine desire to serve Nigerians.

 

He said: “The resurrection of the ADC is not based on principle, but is a desperate coalition of displaced politicians seeking lost relevance.

 

“It is neither visionary nor purposeful — just a forced alliance of familiar faces trying to revive their political careers without real solutions.”

 

According to him, the ADC is not a third force, but a weak version of the second — driven by frustration, not direction or unity of purpose.

 

“It is a patchwork held together by shared grievances, not shared goals or national interest.

 

“Nigerians must reject alliances offering only recycled chaos, unrepentant ambitions, and no clear path to progress or stability,” he said.

 

He said the coalition consists of two camps — ex-PDP powerbrokers and displaced APC elites from the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration.

 

He said the latter failed to hijack President Tinubu’s focused governance and thus chose to align with their former rivals.

 

“These individuals once wielded enormous influence and power under Buhari, controlling patronage and amassing vast wealth.

 

“However, Tinubu’s refusal to serve old interests or maintain outdated political structures has unsettled them deeply.

 

“Now, these power seekers stand with their former PDP rivals — under the ADC banner, craving control again,” he said.

 

Abiola said the name ‘ADC’ is phonetically similar to ‘APC’, a deliberate attempt to confuse unsuspecting voters.

 

“It is a low-effort strategy aimed at deception, but Nigerians are now more politically aware and discerning.

 

“We can see through the mimicry. This is not a movement — it’s a recycling hub for failed political ambition,” he said.

 

He said Tinubu’s government continues to deliver calm, focused, and policy-driven leadership across key sectors.

 

“From economic stabilisation to structural reforms, this administration is pursuing accountability, innovation, and national recovery.

 

“While the opposition distracts with noise, Nigerians are beginning to notice the difference sound leadership can make,” Abiola said.

 

He reaffirmed support for Tinubu’s vision and urged citizens to focus on lasting progress, not political distractions.

 

“We need builders of the future, not looters of past influence,” he added.

 

NAN recalls that ex-Senate President David Mark and ex-Governor Rauf Aregbesola were named ADC Interim Chairman and Secretary, respectively, on Tuesday.

 

On Wednesday, Mark officially launched the ADC as the platform for the National Coalition of Political Opposition Movement.

 

Prominent opposition figures present included Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Datti Baba-Ahmed, and Rotimi Amaechi.

 

Others included Nasir El-Rufai, Abubakar Malami, Aminu Tambuwal, Ireti Kingibe, Liyel Imoke, and Bolaji Abdullahi.

 

Also in attendance were John Oyegun, Gabriel Suswam, Tunde Ogbeha, Mohammed Abubakar, Emeka Ihedioha, and Oserheimen Osunbor.

 

Victor Umeh, Celestine Omehia, Abdulfatah Ahmed, Bindow Jibrilla, Babachir Lawal, Aishatu Binani, and Dele Momodu also attended.

 

Sen. Dino Melaye, Prof. Olushola Eleka, and Sen. Ishaku Abbo were likewise present at the event. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh/Kamal Tayo Oropo

PDP remains united, intact- Chairman
Politics

PDP remains united, intact- Chairman

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By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, says the party remains united and intact despite its challenges.

Damagum said this after the meeting of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) on Wednesday in Abuja.

The PDP chairman, who noted that the party could not be conquered, said that it had mastered the art of conflict resolution.

“We know our problems, and we solve them within ourselves. As you can see, we are all here as the NWC of this party.

“We remain united despite all the challenges. We have sat down to discuss all thorny issues and thrashed them out today.

“The National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled from July 23 to 25 will still hold, so PDP members contemplating leaving the party should reconsider their plan.

“There is no place that will be as accommodating as the PDP. But if they feel otherwise, I will wish them good luck. But I know they will run back to us.

“To our members, I want to bring good tidings that your party is intact,” he said.

Damagum also warned members to stop demarketing the party.

“We will watch them and take appropriate actions at the right time.

“If you believe in this party, you should be an ambassador that protects the fortunes that this party has given to the citizens of this country when in power,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Victor Adeoti/Ayodeji Alabi

Plateau speaker, Dewan resigns, Naanlong emerges assembly’s leader
Politics

Plateau speaker, Dewan resigns, Naanlong emerges assembly’s leader

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Blessing Odega

In a new political move, the Speaker, Plateau House of Assembly, Gabriel Dewan, on Wednesday, resigned from the position of leader of the 10th assembly.

Meanwhile, Mr Daniel Naanlong (APC/Mikang Constituency) was unanimously chosen by his colleagues to lead the 24-member legislature.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that Dewan submitted his resignation letter on Wednesday during an emergency plenary, after which the election took place.

The emergency plenary that led to the emergence of the new speaker was presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Gwotta Ajang.

The motion for the election of Naalong was moved by Mr Nanbol Listick (LP, Langtang North Central) and was seconded by Mr Abdul Yanga (APC, Mangu North East).

NAN reports that the new speaker was the majority leader in the 9th Assembly.

The former speaker Dewan is a lone member of his party, the Young Progressives Party (YPP), in the assembly.

NAN reports that Dewan’s resignation is seen as part of a broader effort to stabilise the political climate in Plateau.

The outgone speaker is from the same senatorial zone as Gov. Caleb Mutfwang. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore

Africa needs special forum on natural resources – Abbas Tajudeen
Politics

Africa needs special forum on natural resources – Abbas Tajudeen

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By EricJames Ochigbo

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has recommended a special African Parliamentary Forum to ensure natural resources are harnessed responsibly to serve and empower the people.

Tajudeen made the recommendation on Wednesday at the opening of the Eighth Conference of Network of African Parliamentarians for Defence and Security Committees (REPAM-CDS) in Abuja.

The conference is titled:  “Security Governance of Natural Resources in Africa: Parliamentarians Confronted with New International Security Dynamics.”

Tajudeen said  the parliamentary special forum will monitor regions with resource conflicts, collaborate with regional legislative bodies to collect data, recommend safeguards, and support community-led development initiatives.

He said the struggle for peace is also a struggle for responsible stewardship of Africa’s natural endowments.

According to him, illicit mining, opaque oil contracts and unregulated timber corridors generate revenue streams that arm insurgents, corrupt institutions and deny communities the dividends of growth.

“Where resource governance is weak, violence takes root; where it is transparent and accountable, prosperity and stability follow. Nigeria’s recent reforms illustrate the point.

“I recommend that our parliaments form a special forum to monitor regions with resource conflicts.

“Let us unite with unwavering resolve to strengthen our committees and harness our natural resources responsibly, ensuring they serve and empower our people,” he said.

Tajudeen called for a continent-wide agreement on digital sovereignty, to help countries protect their cyberspace and financial systems without infringing on civil rights.

He said that Africans are watching their parliamentarians and wanted them to turn debates into real action, to match words with results, and to protect democracy, dignity, and our shared heritage.

The speaker said the National Assembly remained ready to help by sharing expertise, creating centres for legislative drafting, strengthening intelligence cooperation, and supporting a free press that promoted accountability.

In his remarks, the Chairman, House Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Rep. Ahmed Satomi (APC-Borno), said that parliamentarians played crucial roles in ensuring effective oversight, transparency, and accountability in the management of natural resources and security forces.

Satomi said that through legislative instruments, lawmakers should ensure sustainable and credible governance processes for natural resources borne out of the specific circumstances taking place on the local stage and broader agenda for governance across the globe.

“We must work together to develop durable and people-centred security solutions, aligning constitutional provisions with evolving threats and realities on ground.

“I am delighted that the fundamental objectives of our network have strongly and strategically positioned us to undertake these responsibilities.

“Let us, therefore, work together to address these pressing security challenges and ensure that our natural resources contribute to the prosperity and stability of our great continent,” he said.

The Deputy Speaker of The Gambian Parliament, Mr Seedy Njie, said that security matters concerned every stakeholder, saying members of parliament want citizens of Africa to live in peace and harmony.

He tasked security chiefs across the continent on protection of territorial integrity and sovereignty of African nations.

“I urge all service chiefs in Nigeria and beyond to work tirelessly to ensure that our people live in peace and harmony.

“The issue of fear, terrorism, bandits and armed robbery is becoming common in Sub-Saharan Africa and we need to do everything possible, to take our responsibility seriously and defend our territorial integrity and sovereignty of our nations,” he said.

He assured that the parliamentarians are willing to work with the Federal Government in the advancement of the social-economic wellbeing of Africa.

Also speaking, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, said the competition for resources had led to conflicts between communities, herders, and farmers, exacerbating existing tensions in several countries.

Represented by the Director, Defence Affairs, retired Maj.-Gen. Peter Malla, Ribadu said the mismanagement of natural resources had led to economic instability, corruption, and poverty.

According to him, the extraction of natural resources has also posed security threats, including terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.

“We must come together to address the challenges we face, we need a comprehensive approach that includes.

“We need to share intelligence and coordinate efforts to prevent and counter security threats related to natural resources extraction.

“We need to secure our borders to prevent the smuggling of goods and the movement of terrorists and bandits.

“We need to leverage technology to detect and neutralise threats before they materialise and engage with local communities to raise awareness and prevent radicalisation that fuels terrorism,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

Senate passes Bitumen Development Commission Bill
Politics

Senate passes Bitumen Development Commission Bill

174 total views today

By Naomi Sharang

The Senate on Wednesday passed a bill seeking to establish the Bitumen Development Commission, marking a significant legislative step towards harnessing the country’s vast bitumen resources.

Its passage followed the presentation and adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development, which conducted a review of the bill.

The report was presented by Sen. Diket Plang (APC-Plateau) on behalf of the chairman of the committee.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bill was sponsored by Sen. Jimoh Ibrahim (APC-Ondo).

The bill aims to create a dedicated regulatory body that will oversee the exploration, exploitation and management of Nigeria’s estimated 42 billion tonnes of bitumen reserves.

Nigeria has the second largest deposit of bitumen in the world, after Canada.

Presenting the report, Plang said the committee held a well-attended public hearing where stakeholders from across the mining and energy sectors unanimously supported the passage of the bill.

He said the establishment of the Bitumen Development Commission was widely endorsed as a critical step towards diversifying the economy, reducing dependency on crude oil.

“And enhancing infrastructure development through the domestic production of bitumen for road construction.

“The bill among others seeks to make Nigeria’s exportable raw materials attractive in international markets through value addition,” he said.

He added that it would strengthen local manufacturing sector, reduce dependency on import and ensure sustainable economic development through the promotion of local processing of raw materials.

“Stakeholders agreed that the commission is long overdue considering the strategic importance of bitumen in national development.

“And the fact that Nigeria continues to import bitumen in spite of having one of the largest reserves globally”.

He further noted that the commission, once established, would help coordinate investment in bitumen development, standardise production processes, ensure environmental safety, and attract foreign and local investors to the sector.

In his remarks, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, commended Sen. Jimoh Ibrahim for sponsoring the bill and lauded the Committee on Solid Minerals Development for its diligence.

Akpabio described the bill as a “development-driven initiative” that aligns with the Federal Government’s efforts to unlock the potentials of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

“This is a landmark development. We must begin to look beyond oil and this commission will create the framework for Nigeria to finally tap into its bitumen wealth and grow our economy in a sustainable way,” Akpabio said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Editted by Abdulfatai Beki and Benson Iziama

2027: Mark unveils ADC, says coalition beyond gaining political power
Politics

2027: Mark unveils ADC, says coalition beyond gaining political power

187 total views today

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The interim National Chairman of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Sen. David Mark, on Wednesday officially unveiled the party as the political platform for National Coalition of Political Opposition Movement.

Mark, while speaking at the occasion in Abuja, said that the coalition goes beyond gaining political power in 2027.

According to him, the party is determined to offer Nigerians a path to security, prosperity, peace and progress.

The former senate president also said that the coalition was for all Nigerians, irrespective of their age, social and economic status.

He described the coalition as a concerted effort to rebuild the pillars of Nigeria’s democracy and prevent Nigeria’s descent into one-party state.

Mark stated that the coalition, after extensive deliberations and discussions over several months, decided to adopt ADC as the vehicle for what he described as a historic journey.

“Having adopted ADC, we commit ourselves to building and transforming it into a strong political party, not merely as another electoral vehicle but as a fortress and platform of our revived democracy.

“It will be the harbinger of democracy where members of the party will reign supreme; a party that obeys its rules and constitution in the best democratic traditions.

“It will be a party of equal stakeholders, equal joiners and equal owners. It is the great house into which all patriots are invited.

“It will be a party that recognises the experience of the old and the energy of the youth. To all Nigerians, we say here is the new big tent into which all patriots are invited,” he said.

Mark described the coalition arrangement as a bold and new path of unity over division, service over slogans, action over excuses, compassion over inhumanity, transparency over opacity, inclusion over nepotism, performance over empty promises, rule of law over impunity and justice over inequity.

“Our mission transcends any electoral calendar.

“It is a commitment to rebuild the guardrails of our democracy, to anchor power once again in the will of the people and to hand to our children a nation worthy of their talents and their dreams,” he added.

The former senate president said that the adoption of ADC marked the beginning of what they believed would be a long, difficult and tedious journey.

“However, it is a journey that we are prepared to undertake, united in our collective belief that no price or sacrifice is too high in the service of our fatherland,” he said.

He said that all of them remained firmly united under the ADC banner for the 2027 general elections and beyond.

Earlier in his remarks, the party’s immediate past National Chairman, Raph Nwosu, said that the event was not seeking power, but moving Nigeria to global reckoning.

“ADC has always been about building Nigeria and African continent,” he said.

Nwosu, who recalled that the journey had started about 18 months ago, said that the party’s NWC members decided to step down for Mark as the interim national chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as the protem National Secretary.

“With Mark, we all decided to resign so that he can take us to the villa. We also approved Aregbesola as the national secretary of the party.

“Look at the two of them; when you see their commitments to this country, you will see that it is a new beginning,” he said.

Nwosu assured Mark and the coalition leaders of his team’s support, maintaining that anyone speaking against the coalition arrangement was not part of ADC.

NAN reports that highlight of the event was the presentation of ADC membership cards to Mark and Aregbesola.

Some of the opposition figures at the occasion included: former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, his running mate, Datti Baba-Ahmed and a former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.

Others were former Gov. Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, former Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, former Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, Sen. Ireti Kingibe, former Gov. Liyel Imoke of Cross River and former Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi.

Former APC National Chairman, John Oyegun, former Gov. Gabriel Suswam of Benue, Sen. Tunde Ogbeha, former Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, former Gov. Emeka Ihedeoha (Imo) and former Gov. Oserheimen Osunbor (Edo) were also in attendance.

Others included former Chairman of APGA, Victor Umeh, Former Gov. Celestine Omehia (Rivers), former Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), former Gov. Bindow Jibrilla (Adamawa), former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, Sen. Aishatu Binani and Chief Dele Momodu.

Sen. Dino Melaiye, former Deputy Governor of Ekiti, Prof. Olushola Eleka and Sen. Ishaku Abbo also graced the occasion. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

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