Politics
Anyone without license will no longer drive Nigeria – Obi
The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, has stated that it is time for the country to be rescued from the leadership failure which has continued to dwarf its growth and development over the years.
Speaking at Jamie Pajoel International Leadership Conference in Owerri, yesterday, Obi likened the leadership failure in Nigeria to inexperienced and unlicensed drivers trying to drive a vehicle. He said that such a venture will only end in disaster. He explained that the retrogression that is witnessed in almost every sector of the nation is because there is no true leadership in the country.
“Take for example, our power sector that is not generating enough capacity to power the nation. It has been proven that every 1000 megawatts of electricity generated in a developing country, adds as much as 1% to their GDP. So if we had invested our borrowed funds to generate additional 15,000 megawatts, our GDP would have increased by 15%. By so doing, manufacturing would have moved higher from below 7% level where it is today, enabling us to create at least 4 million jobs,” he said.
Reiterating his stand that the vast landmass in the North remains one of the best assets of the nation, Obi said that it is unfortunate that such treasure is left unexplored, while the country blindly depends on oil revenue. He argued that a visionary leadership would invest in agriculture and put the rich vast lands of the North to good use.
“Borno State is 70900 km in landmass, yet, they have lands that are not yielding anything to the country. Sambisa forest, a vast farmland in Bornu State, is twice the size of Israel, which is just about 22,000km2. Israel produces enough food for its population and for exports, while Nigeria can hardly feed the people.
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“Borno State is twice the size of Netherlands, which is about 33,000km2 in landmass excluding water. Last year, Netherlands exported agricultural products worth of $120 billion. Here the entire country cannot yet feed itself. If Bornu State had achieved 1% of what Netherlands did in agriculture, that would have given the State $1.2 billion, which when converted to naira at the prevailing exchange rate, will comfortably fund the State’s budget, with so much surplus left.
“The difference in all of these is true leadership, which is evidently lacking in Nigeria. That is why I am submitting that from next year, we will no longer allow this vehicle called Nigeria, to be driven by drivers without license. If you must ‘drive this vehicle,’ we must see your license,” Obi submitted.
Concluding, Obi encouraged Nigerians to see the 2023 elections as an opportunity to select capable leaders who can pilot the affairs of the nation. He urged them to eschew all forms of tribal and religious sentiments while choosing capable leaders for the nation. He said”In the coming elections, we refuse to be divided along ethnic and religious lines. I have severally argued that hunger and suffering knows no tribe. There is no where Christians buy bread cheaper than Muslims. The hike in price of diesel, high level of insecurity and every other challenge, is affecting all Nigerians equally, irrespective of tribe and religion. We must then unite as one and rally behind capable leaders with verifiable track records of success, for the sake of our collective interest.”
The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has officially announced that Governor Yusuf remains under suspension, amidst their preparations for a pivotal stakeholders meeting in Abuja later this month aimed at addressing urgent internal challenges.
In a statement released on Sunday, National Secretary Oginni Olaposi Sunday revealed that leaders and elders from across the nation will convene to deliberate on crucial party matters.
Key agenda items include firm decisions on the expulsion of prominent figures such as Presidential Candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso, Buba Galadima, and the entire national working committee led by Ahmed Ajuji.
According to Sunday, the NNPP’s constitution holds paramount importance for all members, respecting the foundational principles of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He underscored the meeting’s crucial role in shaping the party’s future and preparing for the upcoming 2027 general elections, highlighting its significance in advancing democratic processes.
The statement reads “The personal commitment of all stakeholders and elders in terms of capacity and participation shall be of great advantage to the success of the meeting.
“All members, most especially those holding very sensitive positions of great responsibilities, are compulsorily mandated to attend this coming meeting.
“All elected members on the platform of NNPP should equally understand the consequences of anti-party activities ahead of 2027 general election if they boycott the meeting.
“And for the records, Kwankwaso, Galadima and the entire members of the Former National Working Committee led by Dr Ahmed Ajuji remain expelled from the NNPP. Also the Governor of Kano State, Abbah Yusuf remains suspended till December.
“It is our hope that INEC would take responsibility to respect the essence of internal democracy and inherent objectives for growth and sustenance of democracy in Nigeria, ” It added
Infrastructure upgrade has been identified as a strong condition for the alleviation of rural and urban poverty in Nigeria.
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke made the declaration at Asaba, Delta State capital, on Thursday, while commissioning a bypass road.
He used the occasion to express his thoughts that provision of hard infrastructure would facilitate economic growth, ease business processes and enhances livelihood of both rural and urban residents.
According to Gov Adeleke, good roads, updated health and school facilities as well as soft infrastructures would empower the citizens to engage in productive economic and social activities which in turn would enhance the state’s capacity to lift the populace out of poverty.
READ MORE: https://biztellers.com.ng/i-only-answer-to-tinubu-on-projects-wike/
Gov Adeleke said, “I rejoice with my brother, the Governor of Delta, Rt Honourable Sheriff Oborevwori, for the successful completion of this major bypass which promises to positively transform the economic lives of residents of Ibusa and Okpanah. I listened to the anticipated expectations of leaders from both towns. The residents expect this Infrastructure to uplift their lives and ease their burden in both transportation and business transactions.
“Dubai and Qatar among other Gulf nations achieved accelerated growth because of their upgraded infrastructure. That is why in Osun State, I launched out early enough with a 100 days infra programme and later with a multi-billion naira infra plan. Our government has turned Osun into a huge construction site the same way my brother in Delta is doing.
“I know of the great job the Delta Governor is doing in Warri and across the Senatorial districts. I am happy to be part of this historic event. We are Governors delivering hard and soft infrastructure for our people.
“I call on Deltans to reinforce their support for my brother. His performance within such a short period confirms the correctness of the popular choice of Deltans. We Governor’s cannot do it alone. We need the total support of our people.”
On his part, the host, Gov Oborevwori narrated the commitment of his administration to bridging the infra gaps and complete the greater Delta agenda he inherited from his predecessor.
According to the Gov Oborevwori, Delta is on the path of accelerated growth flowing from increasing actions on completion of old projects and commencement of new ones for the common benefits of all Deltans.
Bitter Reactions have surged as the hashtag #TinubuMustGo erupted across all social media platforms, transforming them into arenas of intense discontent.
It appears Nigerians are increasingly frustrated with the pervasive influence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government, which has ignited a storm of criticism and strong agitation for change.
Netizens accused President Tinubu of corruption and political strong-arming, which have significantly marred his legacy.
A poster with the tag “End Bad Governance In Nigeria 2024. Nationwide Protest Every Tribe, Religion And Region Now #ENDBADGOVERNANCE2024”
However, these issues merely scratch the surface of a broader dissatisfaction.
The implementation of policies aligned with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), strongly advocated by President Tinubu, has been blamed for exacerbating economic woes.
Critics argued that these measures, rather than fostering growth, were stifling the Nigeria’s economic potential.
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The daily lives of Nigerians had marked by escalating living costs, rampant unemployment, and increasing insecurity.
Many were questioning the rationale behind enduring policies perceived as favouring a select few at the expense of the general populace.
Government expenditures also came under fire.
The allocation of N21 billion to renovate the Vice President’s residence and N90 billion to sponsor Hajj trips, amidst widespread economic hardship, were highlighted as blatant disregard for the struggles of ordinary Nigerians.
Particularly disillusioned are the youth, who view President Tinubu as emblematic of outdated politics that hinder national progress.
The fervour of #TinubuMustGo reflects a broader call for accountability, transparency, and a fresh approach to governance.
One Twitter user wrote, “We didn’t vote for Tinubu, let him pack his things and leave Aso Rock. If I meet for that Aso Rock him no go like me oh”
Another user tagging INEC official page wrote, “Good morning @inecnigeria unfortunate greetings to you all. I’m here to tell you that if you don’t give us free and fair elections, we we’ll take it by force. We will crush anyone in our way. We will not be going through the corrupt court system.”
In the same vein, @sacobi5 wrote “I am ready to lead this protest in my area”
This movement is not just a transient trend; it encapsulates a profound desire for a new era.
The message resonates clearly: Nigerians are weary of the status quo and are demanding substantive change.
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