Politics
2023: Wike Backs Bauchi Governor for Presidency
By Edozie Obasi-Eze
The Executive Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has expressed the opinion that the Peoples Democratic Party would have a better chance of winning the 2023 presidential election with the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, bearing the party’s flag.
Wike bared his mind on Saturday in Bauchi, while answering questions from journalists, and averred that God would not forgive the PDP, if it failed to heed the yearnings of Nigerians to return to power.
In his words, “I’ll prefer that if God makes it that the ticket falls on him (Bala Mohammed), it means our chances are very, very bright.”
On the rationale for his determination, he said, “One of my resolutions for the year 2022 is to make sure that Nigeria is better than what it was last year. It is also to make sure that the PDP is united because if the PDP makes the mistake of not listening to Nigerians, it will be very difficult for God to forgive the PDP.
“This is an opportunity to save Nigeria. We Christians know that when the Israelites were in problems, God had to bring Moses to lead them. Nigeria is in serious problems now and it is the PDP that will lead Nigeria out of these problems. So, we must take that responsibility.
“This insecurity, this is not the kind of Nigeria we want, it is not the Nigeria where every day you wake up in the morning, the newspaper says, ‘40 people have been killed…’ These deaths are caused by the inability of the so-called government to protect us.”
He described Mohammed as amply qualified to become the next President of Nigeria, citing the antecedents and achievements of the Bauchi State governor in over two years in office as evidence that he could lead Nigeria effectively.
“My brother, Bala, has gathered a lot of experiences. He was a director in the ministry; he became a Senator, then a minister and now a governor. And with these alone, he is qualified to be president.
Then, you’ll also look at what he is doing in Bauchi; look at his pedigree, as a first time governor. I was here to flag off projects, many of my colleagues were also here to do the same, how many first time governors do you see doing that?
“So, the call for him to become President is not misplaced at all. Bala is someone who is qualified to run for President of this country.
He is overqualified. In any ramification you want to look at it from, his relationship with people is second to none, so people calling on him to run for President have seen the qualities in him,” Wike said.
In the same vein, Mohammed expressed high regards for Wike, whom in his opinion has demonstrated strength of character, which made him the face of the PDP for which many were looking up to him as a leader.
He said, “Wike is always full of pleasant surprises and today’s visit has exhilarated a feeling in me that I have more than a brother in the Rivers State governor.
“I have always looked up to him. He is a leader not because he is a governor or because he has money, but the stuff he’s made up of.”
Wike lamented that Nigeria was in a serious crisis as a result of insecurity, stating that it was time for the PDP to return to power and salvage the country.
Politics
US Election: Cardi B Expresses Nerves
Grammy-winning rapper, Cardi B has shared her intense feelings about the upcoming U.S. presidential election, admitting that her nerves are so high she feels as though she’s running for president herself.
With the election only a day away, Cardi B took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to express her anticipation, telling her 36 million followers, “I don’t know why I’m so nervous for tomorrow. I feel like I’m running for president.”
The Bronx-born rapper and cultural icon recently made headlines for her passionate endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic Party’s candidate, at a rally in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Friday. Speaking to a crowd of supporters, Cardi B gave a rousing speech, highlighting her concerns about the Republican Party’s candidate, former President Donald Trump. She criticized Trump’s stance on women’s rights, calling him “a hustler who is trying to hustle women out of their rights and hustle Americans out of their money.”
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The rapper, known for her outspoken political views, did not hold back, asserting that Trump is “selling more than watches and sneakers” and accusing him of promoting “bigotry, misogyny, division, chaos, and confusion.” Her words resonated with supporters, many of whom see Cardi B as a voice for younger voters who care about issues like women’s rights, racial equality, and social justice.
Addressing rumors circulating online, Cardi B also clarified that she was not paid to endorse Harris, dispelling speculation that financial incentives were behind her appearance at the rally. “I did this because I believe in the future that Kamala Harris stands for, not for any money,” she tweeted.
Cardi B has been vocal about her political stance throughout the election season, using her platform to encourage her fans to vote and make their voices heard. Her support for Harris has added significant star power to the Democratic campaign, especially among younger and minority voters. As the election approaches, her rally speech and social media statements have brought renewed attention to the high-stakes issues on the ballot.
With her passionate stance, Cardi B has become one of the most influential celebrity advocates in this election cycle, drawing both praise and criticism. As Americans prepare to vote, her message continues to reverberate across social media and beyond, emphasizing the rapper’s commitment to political engagement and advocacy for her beliefs.
Politics
Nigeria’s Debt Service Ratio Falls To 65% As Tinubu Tackles Economic Woes
In an effort to reduce Nigeria’s debt burden and stabilize the economy, President Bola Tinubu announced on Monday that the country’s debt service-to-revenue ratio has fallen from 97 to 65 percent over the 17 months since he took office.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony for seven new ministers at the State House, Abuja, Tinubu emphasized the government’s progress in stabilizing the economy despite challenging conditions.
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“For us, it was a challenge when the nation was servicing its debt with 97 percent of its revenue. It was nothing but the edge of the cliff,” Tinubu said.
“But today, I can report to you that we have brought that down to 65 percent, and we have never defaulted in meeting all obligations, both foreign and domestic.”
His remarks follow Afreximbank’s recent projection that Nigeria’s debt service-to-revenue ratio could reach 110.4 percent by 2024.
Afreximbank’s 2024 Nigeria Country Brief warned of a troubling upward trend in debt servicing, which could see the ratio surge from 33.8 percent in 2017 to a projected 110.4 percent next year.
However, with continued reforms, the report suggested the ratio might decline to 62.6 percent by 2025.
In the first nine months of 2023, debt servicing consumed 66.9 percent (₦5.79 trillion) of Nigeria’s total revenue, a slight improvement from 99.3 percent (₦4.23 trillion) during the same period in 2022.
Tinubu, while optimistic about economic recovery, acknowledged the ongoing struggles faced by Nigerians due to a sharp increase in the cost of living triggered by recent economic reforms.
“We have taken the bull by the horns,” the President asserted. “We have stopped the scavengers. We will fully put an end to the profiteers and smugglers of our resources across the country. We are not shirking our responsibility; we are confronting it head-on.”
He further expressed confidence that Nigeria was on a “good path” toward recovery, emphasizing that the government remains committed to re-engineering the economy.
He cited the introduction of a new minimum wage as one measure aimed at mitigating rising living costs.
Monday’s ceremony also saw the swearing-in of seven new ministers, part of a recent cabinet reshuffle.
In two batches, ministers including Idi Maiha (Livestock Development) and Dr Jumoke Oduwole (Industry, Trade, and Investment) took their oaths.
The reshuffle, which saw 10 ministers reassigned, five discharged, and seven new appointments confirmed by the Senate, reflects Tinubu’s stated commitment to reshaping his cabinet to meet Nigeria’s evolving challenges.
As the administration continues to implement reforms, President Tinubu emphasized a long-term vision for economic sustainability, not only for the current generation but also for future ones.
“Despite the challenges, we must undertake the job of re-engineering and retooling this country’s economic path,” he said.
Politics
Edo Deputy Gov, Omobayo Ordered To Court Over Refusal To Vacate Office
A Federal High Court in Abuja has mandated that Godwins Omobayo, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, appear in person on November 26, 2024, following allegations of contempt of court stemming from his failure to comply with a previous ruling.
Justice James Omotosho issued the order on Monday, asserting that Omobayo, described as the alleged contemnor, must be afforded a fair hearing in accordance with Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
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The court action was initiated by Philip Shaibu, who was reinstated as Deputy Governor after the court invalidated his impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly on July 17.
Justice Omotosho ruled that the impeachment proceedings lacked due process and that the grounds for Shaibu’s removal did not constitute gross misconduct.
Shaibu’s suit targets several parties, including the Inspector-General of Police and the Edo State House of Assembly, seeking enforcement of the court’s judgment and demanding that Omobayo vacate the deputy governorship position.
Omobayo assumed office on April 8, following Shaibu’s impeachment.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Omobayo was served legal documents but failed to appear.
In response, Shaibu’s attorney, Ayotunde Ogunleye, SAN, urged the court to compel Omobayo’s attendance, citing the need to uphold judicial authority.
In delivering his ruling, Justice Omotosho adjourned the case until November 26 for further proceedings.
He directed that hearing notices be served to the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th defendants involved in the charge.
“In the interest of justice and to provide the alleged contemnor with an opportunity to defend himself and receive a fair hearing, in accordance with Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), I hereby order that the alleged contemnor appear in court in person on November 26, 2024,” the judge stated.
It is noteworthy that the current tenure of the state government is set to conclude on November 12.