latest
“The Gun Hegemony: Military Interventions Have Stalled Nigeria’s Growth – Anyaoku, Amuka, Opadokun”.
Eminent Nigerians Call for True Federalism, Reflect on 1966 Coup at Opadokun’s Book Launch....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Sixty years after the January 15, 1966 aborted coup, eminent Nigerians have reflected on the event’s impact on the country’s political and socio-economic development, urging a swift return to fiscal responsibility and genuine federalism.
The reflections came at the launch of Chief Ayo Opadokun’s new book, The Gun Hegemony, held at the Agip Recital Hall, MUSON Centre, Lagos. Speakers included former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Vanguard publisher Sam Amuka, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese Matthew Hassan Kukah, and Opadokun himself.
Other dignitaries present were President Bola Tinubu (represented by his Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila), Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu (represented by Attorney General Lawal Pedro, SAN), Pa JK Randle, Senator Gbenga Daniel, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, and several former and current political and academic figures.
Sam Amuka, who chaired the event, emphasized the detrimental impact of military rule on Nigeria, describing the “gun hegemony” as a coercive force that reshaped governance. He called for a constitution that reflects Nigeria’s pluralistic nature to strengthen the federation.
Echoing Amuka, Chief Emeka Anyaoku stressed that pluralistic countries thrive when their constitutions mirror their diversity. He cited examples such as India, Switzerland, and Canada, contrasting them with nations like Yugoslavia, the USSR, and Sudan, which disintegrated due to weak federal systems. He argued that Nigeria’s constitution must reflect its diverse population and pluralism to ensure stability and growth.
Bishop Kukah warned that military intervention is not a solution to Nigeria’s challenges, stressing that good governance is the only antidote to autocratic rule.
President Tinubu, through his representative, described Opadokun’s book as a patriotic contribution, drawing lessons from Nigeria’s military era and the struggle for democracy. Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu, represented by the state Attorney General, called the book a gift to Nigerians, highlighting the importance of protecting the country’s hard-won democracy.
Opadokun, the author, recounted his experiences as NADECO Secretary during the military era and revealed previously undisclosed insights, including evidence linking Col. Odumegwu Ojukwu to the January 15, 1966 coup. He reflected on the enduring influence of military rule, noting that successive interventions and their appointees entrenched structures that shaped Nigeria’s political landscape over decades.
According to Opadokun, the military governed Nigeria for 44 of the country’s 66 years of independence, with indirect influence extending through subsequent civilian administrations. He emphasized that this legacy continues to shape governance challenges in Nigeria today.
The event highlighted the urgent need for a constitution and governance system that reflects Nigeria’s pluralism, ensuring stability, equity, and sustainable development for future generations.
latest
Isaac Fayose Sends Fresh Message To Sowore After Ekiti Attack, Urges Him To Join Peter Obi
Isaac Fayose, younger brother of former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, has called on African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore to join forces with Peter Obi and other opposition leaders ahead of the 2027 general election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Fayose argued that Sowore could not effectively challenge the government on his own, urging opposition figures to set aside their political differences and work together.
He made the appeal while reacting to the attack on Sowore in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
In a video posted on his verified Facebook page on Friday, Fayose condemned the incident and warned that it highlighted the risks opposition figures could face in the country.
The social media critic said other opposition leaders could experience similar attacks if they failed to unite against the government.
“Sowore, you can’t fight alone. You need to unite with Peter Obi and other opposition figures. What happened to you in Ekiti can happen to anyone. This government does not want opposition,” Fayose said.
The businessman also urged security agencies to identify and arrest those responsible for the attack, insisting that they must face justice.
Recall that Sowore had accused the Ekiti State Police Command and the Department of State Services (DSS) of removing CCTV footage showing the attack on him in Ado-Ekiti.
The AAC presidential candidate alleged that the removal of the footage was an attempt to conceal evidence of the incident and shield those responsible.
latest
‘Voice Of Jacob, Hand Of Esau’ – Reuben Abati Raises Alarm Over Speculations In Uzodinma’s Court Case
Former presidential aide, Reuben Abati, has questioned whether the circumstances surrounding the court judgment that nullified Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma’s candidacy for the Imo West Senatorial District election reflected what some have described as the “voice of Jacob and the hand of Esau”.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Friday, Abati examined the controversy surrounding the ruling and warned against making unsubstantiated claims about possible external influence on the judiciary.
The former presidential aide stressed that the legal battle was not yet over, pointing to the Imo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which rejected the judgment and indicated its intention to challenge the decision at the Court of Appeal.
Abati explained that the Imo APC had raised constitutional concerns relating to Section 285, particularly the provision stipulating that pre-election cases must be instituted within 14 days.
According to him, the party argued that Senator Rochas Okorocha, who challenged Uzodimma’s candidacy, failed to file the case within the constitutionally prescribed period.
He noted that the Court of Appeal would have the opportunity to review issues surrounding the procedure, timing, technicalities and evidence presented before the lower court.
Abati maintained that the legal questions raised by the Imo APC should be resolved through the appellate process rather than through speculation about the circumstances surrounding the judgment.
He said, “So the matter is not ended yet. They will go to the Appeal Court, and then, the Appeal Court will be able to look at the issues either about procedure, about timing, about technicality, about evidence, how evidence was filed, and whether the procedure should have been originating summons or another thing.
“That’s the purpose of an Appeal Court.
“Finally on that subject is the fact this is the voice of Jacob and the hand Esau, without putting on the table the implications of that caveat, because I’ve seen some people saying there are questions to be raised about some people having powers over the judiciary. But we cannot speculate in that regard.”
latest
Pat Utomi Drops Details Of Peter Obi’s Strategy To Bring Down Food Prices.
A chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Pat Utomi, has said the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, plans to strengthen the naira to ₦500 against the US dollar if elected president.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
As of Friday, the naira traded at ₦1,346.86 per dollar on the official Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), while the dollar exchanged for approximately ₦1,385 in the parallel market.
In a post on X, Utomi explained that strengthening the naira from about ₦1,350 to ₦500 per dollar would help tackle inflation, reduce poverty and improve Nigerians’ purchasing power.
He described the proposed exchange rate as a key component of Obi’s economic agenda ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Utomi projected that the price of a loaf of sliced bread could fall from ₦1,750 to ₦800, while a 50kg bag of imported rice could drop from ₦55,000 to ₦27,500.
He further estimated that a medium-sized tuber of yam could decline from ₦2,400 to ₦1,200, while a 50kg bag of maize could reduce from ₦75,000 to ₦37,500.
According to him, the price of a bunch of plantain could also fall from ₦2,500 to ₦1,250, while a whole chicken could become cheaper, dropping from ₦7,000 to ₦3,500.
The NDC chieftain also listed petrol and cement among the commodities expected to become more affordable under the proposed economic programme.
Utomi said the party was convinced that targeting a strategic appreciation of the exchange rate by strengthening the naira from ₦1,350 to ₦500 per dollar would be a winning strategy.
“We are convinced that targeting a strategic appreciation of the exchange rate by reasonably strengthening it from ₦1,350/$ to ₦500/$ as part of our manifesto is a winning strategy.
“It offers a direct, multi-faceted approach to curbing inflation, reducing poverty, and lowering the cost of living,” he said.
He added that the proposal reflects the party’s commitment to improving the living conditions of Nigerians, particularly those affected by multidimensional poverty.
“It clearly demonstrates our concrete plan to uplift the 140 million Nigerians currently experiencing multi-dimensional poverty,” he said.
-
latest1 year ago“Social Media Erupts As Jim Iyke Declares Rita Dominic Nollywood’s Most Beautiful”
-
latest3 years agoEdo Political Showdown: Oshiomhole Appears At Presidential Villa As Tinubu Hands APC Gubernatorial Flag To Okpebholo (Photos & Video)
-
entertainment3 years agoLove Knows No Age American Woman Defends Marriage To Young Nigerian Man “I’m Not 70”
-
latest3 years agoOlumide Akpata Strikes Again: Drops Killer Track, Sends Edo State Into Frenzy!(Video)
-
Politics3 years agoNigerians React As Pastor Adeboye Foresees Passing Away On A Sunday After Enjoying A Satisfying Meal Of Pounded Yam
-
latest3 years agoFG Identifies 31 States At Risk Of Heavy Flooding In 2024: See Full List
-
Politics3 years agoBREAKING: Inspector-General Of Police Summons Top Police Commanders For Crucial-Security Challenges
-
latest3 years ago5 NYSC Corpers Perish In Fatal Road Accident Returning From Camp
