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Stakeholders at a one day legislative media symposium organised in Abeokuta by the Forum for Governance, Leadership and Values have decried the subservient nature of the legislative arm to the executive arm of the government in the country.

 

They insisted that this undemocratic posture is a major hindrance to good governance and desired democratic growth in the country.

 

The symposium with the theme “Enhancing The Value Of The Legislature In Nigeria’s Democratic Process” also featured the decoration of the Senator representing Ogun West, Solomon Adeola as the Legislative Icon in Nigeria.

 

Lawal Orisadare, while speaking on behalf of the Forum on Sunday, emphasised that deliberate effort is needed and must be made to strengthen the independence of the legislative arm of government, which has almost become a beggar in the hands of the executive arm.

 

He explained that the theory of separation of powers, which gave birth to the three arms of government, the executive, the judiciary and the legislature, is to prevent abuse of power and promote accountability and good governance.

 

The lawyer, however, lamented that the legislatures have not fared so well in this regard, having been almost pocketed by the executive arm of the government.

 

He said that the legislature must be able to exercise the power to make laws that will address the needs of Nigerians and promote good governance.

 

Orisadare added that “The law must enhance the legislature’s ability to represent the interests of Nigerians, particularly marginalized groups and hold their executive accountable for their actions.

 

“The Legislatures must be strengthened to conduct effective oversight monitoring of the executive activities and ensure transparency and accountability in governance.”

 

Delivering his lecture on the theme of the symposium, Professor of International Relations, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Moshood Omotosho lamented that corruption and lobbying by powerful political mafias are major obstacles to effective lawmaking in Nigeria’s legislative arm.

Prof. Omotosho listed the challenges facing the legislature to include political gridlock, corruption, and the influence of special interest groups.

 

“The legislature’s ability to make effective laws can be affected by factors like political gridlock, corruption, and the influence of special interest groups, i.e., lobbying by powerful political mafia in the state, major power brokers, and political cabals.

 

“The relationship between the executive and legislature can be strained, leading to conflicts that hinder effective governance due to differing priorities and power struggles,” Prof. Moshood explained.

 

The university lecturer has however urged the legislators not to compromise their crucial roles of the legislature in stabilizing democratic governance through law-making and promoting good governance, amongst others, despite the challenges.

The Federal Commissioner, Public Complaints Commission, Morakinyo Akinleye who represented Senator Olamilekan in his submission at event, described the Ogun West Senator as a thoroughbreds legislator who has remained committed to using the instrument of lawmaking to expand frontiers of good governance not only in Ogun State but across the country.

 

He said, “The legislators are representatives of the people at the grassroots. Senator Solomon Adeola fondly called Yayi should be commended for managing the committee’s responsibilities. He knows the people and knows what they want.”

 

Also, the convener of the event, Bolaji Adeniji disclosed that the purpose of the symposium was to have a conversation on how the legislature can add value to society, calling for support for legislators for effective representation.

 

Adeniji said “We are here today to have a conversation on how the legislature can add value to society.

 

“There has been a lot of backlash against the legislature as being in cahoots with the executive, but we know that the legislatures are doing well and their roles cannot be underestimated.

 

“What we need to do is to support them to do the right thing for the people. We are happy that somebody like Senator Adeola Olamilekan, a key pillar of the National Assembly, is being honoured here today. Not just for his contribution to the national assembly but for the people he represents”.

 

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje, has strongly dismissed claims that he intends to join the opposition Peoples Democratic Party.

 

Ganduje stated that the PDP was dead while the APC is gearing up for a decisive victory in the 2027 elections.

 

This was in response to a claim by the former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, that the APC would collapse and former PDP members like himself would return.

 

Lamido on Sunday said, “I’m confident that all those who left the PDP will return, including Ganduje, because very soon, the APC will burst and split into factions, having accommodated people with different mindsets.

 

“I said it, and I repeat: within six months, all those who defected to the APC will come back, and the PDP will rise with full force to wrest power in 2027.”

 

In a statement in Abuja on Monday by his Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, the APC National Chairman dismissed the claim as unfounded and irrational.

 

Ganduje said instead of rejoining the PDP, it was Lamido who would soon join the APC.

He stressed that he has no reason to leave the ruling party for what he called a “failing opposition.”

 

The statement read, “Ganduje predicted that the PDP will go into extinction by the end of 2025, based on the internal squabbles in the party.

 

“It is evident to any discerning observer that under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC continues to gain momentum, with prominent political figures across the country defecting to the party in large numbers.

 

“With such overwhelming national support, the APC remains focused on consolidating its achievements and preparing for a resounding victory in the 2027 general elections.

 

“In fact we will soon receive Sule Lamido because very soon he won’t have where to go, the PDP is dead.”

Ganduje expressed pride in his role as APC leader and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening internal democracy and advancing good governance.

 

He urged Lamido to concentrate on fixing the PDP’s internal issues rather than spreading baseless claims.

 

President Bola Tinubu has bagged the Lifetime African Achievement award from the Millennium Excellence Foundation based in Ghana, NAN reports on Monday.

 

Tinubu, while receiving the award, commended the patron of the Foundation, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, for the invitation extended to him and the success of the event put together by the foundation.

 

The President, represented by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, received the award as special guest of honour during the 25th anniversary of the Millennium Excellence Prize in Kumasi, Ghana.

 

Tinubu said, “I salute the visionaries who have nurtured this institution for a quarter of a century and also celebrate the values of honour, integrity, service, and excellence that underpin its work.

 

“Specifically, the organisers for identifying and celebrating Africa’s shining lights, individuals whose lives and work had lifted the continent and inspired generations.

 

“It is no small achievement to have honoured such illustrious figures as the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Prof. Wole Soyinka, President Cyril Ramaphosa and Dr Mo Ibrahim, among others.”

 

He charged the young generation of Africans to rise with courage towards contributing their quota to make the African continent a more united, peaceful, and prosperous one.

He emphasised the need for such contribution to be carried out in the area of science, technology, education, governance, entrepreneurship and arts.

 

He further called on Africans to always work closely together in shaping their shared destiny, while urging the event organisers to continue to inspire excellence, uphold values of leadership with service and invest in the youth to foster collaboration across borders.

 

“The award ceremony, from inception in 1988, remained a beacon of inspiration and recognition across the continent.

 

“Its mission of identifying, celebrating and supporting those who had distinguished themselves in the pursuit of African development resonated deeply with the aspirations of Nigeria and indeed, all African nations,” he added.

 

The event featured the presentation of the Lifetime African Achievement Prize to Tinubu, the global intra-African trade excellence in Africa to the President/Chairman, African Export-Import Bank (AFREXIM), Dr Benedict Oramah.

 

Also, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, received the Lifetime Africa Achievement Prize for Governance and Public Service, the Founder/Chairman, BUA Group, Alhaji AbdulSamad Rabiu, received African Excellence in Business, while Mr Dumo Lulu-Briggs received the African Traditional Leadership and Business Excellence award.

 

Some city returnees who are currently undertaking rainy season farming in the South-South region have decried lack of support from the government.

 

The farmers made the expression while responding to a News Agency of Nigeria survey on the challenges being faced by wet season farmers in South-South region.

 

The farmers who spoke in separate interviews with NAN also urged the state governments in the region to support them with funds and farm inputs.

 

They further urged the governments to quickly address the security challenges in some communities to enable farmers to cultivate without fear.

 

NAN observes that some unskilled workers residing in the cities are currently returning to their communities to embark on rainy season farming.

 

One of them, Mr Richard Ndoma, an indigene of Ikom in Cross River, said that lack of funds and seeds was a major challenge to his interest in establishing a large cassava farm in his community.

 

“I am interested in cultivating a large cassava farm, but I don’t have the needed funds and other basic inputs. The government should support us with loans and grants as they are doing for other farmers.

 

“Many of us do not have the money to cultivate our small farms, let alone venture into large-scale farming. We need money to hire manpower, farming requires many hands, and the cost of hiring workers is so high,” he said.

 

Also speaking, Mike Ewa, from Boki, said that the current economic situation in the country had affected his plan for massive investment in farming during the rainy season.

 

“People may look at us as very small-scale farmers, but we need the same inputs as the large scale farmers. We need fertilisers and pesticides too, but where is the fund to procure these items,” he said.

 

Elijah Ugani, from Yala, shared similar views with Ndoma and Ewa, and joined the call for government support.

 

“By leaving the city to work in the farm, we are promoting the call for food security. Apart from feeding our families, our produce are also sold in the markets to those who may not have the time to cultivate, so we need the support of the government,” Ugani said.

 

When contacted, the Commissioner for Information in Cross River, Dr Erasmus Ekpang, said that the Bassey Otu-led government was committed to supporting all categories of farmers in the interest of food security and sufficiency.

 

“Our government has been supporting farmers with inputs, we are committed to do more. Those who have yet to get our support should exercise patience,” he said.

In Rivers, the farmers also called for government support, and described wet season farming as a great opportunity to eliminate hunger and poverty.

 

The farmers who described the wet season as the best for crop yield stated that the benefits of rain to the soil and crops were numerous and should not be undermined.

 

The President, Etche Farmers Cooperative Union, Mr Godwin Akandu, said that the rains provided a ‘rich opportunity’ for non-mechanised farmers to cultivate their crops.

 

Akandu, who cropped mainly cassava, yam, cocoyam and vegetables, said that although the rains could boost plant growth and yield, excessive rainfall could erode soil nutrients.

”In the event of excessive rainfall, soil nutrients are bound to diminish due to erosion, this development has the tendency to affect crop yeild,” he said.

 

Mrs Imelda James, from Abua, stated that excessive weed was a huge challenge to rainy season farming, saying:” tackling weeds can be strenuous; money is required to hire workers. Let’s not forget that crops and weeds cannot stay together”

 

James, who said that Abua was known for the production yam, plantain, banana, and vegetables among others, said that the lack of fertilisers had negatively affected crop yield.

 

“We cultivate our farms on the same land for several years without applying fertilisers. We also do not use pesticides because the soil here is blessed with natural nutrients, but these nutrients wither away after some time, making the soil to require fertilizers.

 

“To summarise it all, our challenges during wet season farming are weeds, lack of fertilizer and pest control agents. We need the support of the government to surmount these challenges,” she said.

 

In Akwa Ibom, the farmers, said that although wet season farming was capital intensive, it could be very rewarding if the right measures were taken.

 

Mr Akpan Inem, from Ibiono, said that wet season farming should be seen as a serious economic activity, and not a venture for the frustrated in society.

 

Inem said that the government at all levels should provide support to citizens who show interest in wet season farming in order to boost local food production.

 

He said that it took serious discipline and a sense of commitment for people to leave the cities to cultivate farms during the rainy season, adding,” it shows hard work and commitment to be self-reliant. So such persons need to be supported”

 

A Civil Servant in Ikot Ekpene, Mr Aniedi Edet, said that his interest in wet season farming had been plagued by lack of funds to invest.

“From the beginning to the end, farming requires money. You must acquire land, buy seedlings, hire labour, get fertilisers and pesticides, these things are not given for free.

 

“I take my leave every year to cultivate my farm during the wet season, sometimes I am over-worked because I can’t hire workers. My crops die sometimes because I don’t have access to improved seeds and pesticides, the challenges are numerous” he said.

 

Speaking at a recent public function, Dr Owoidighe Ekpoattai, the Special Adviser to Gov. Umo Eno on Agricultural Development, said that the state government was willing to support anyone who was genuinely ready to go back to the farm.

 

“This government has encouraged rural farming by ensuring grassroots access to farming inputs.

 

“As a government, we believe that as long as the earth remains, seedtime and harvest shall not cease. Farming guarantees food security, financial stability and employment. Everyone needs to return to agriculture,” Ekpoattai said.

 

NAN reports that governments across the world are encouraging their citizens to indulge in farming as a way of boosting food sufficiency.

 

Experts say abundant rainfall supports increased crop yield, reduces water scarcity, and provides natural irrigation for soil moisture and germination.

 

Some bank users in Abuja have declared they will opt for electronic mail alerts from their banks to cut costs and reduce charges on their accounts.

 

Some of them who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday said they would deactivate the Short Message Services transaction alert linked to their accounts.

 

Mrs Dorathy Azinge, a customer of GTCO, described the increase in SMS charges as exploitative.

 

Azinge said that in spite of various transaction charges debited from her bank account on a daily basis, the bank still increased SMS charges.

 

”This move of increasing SMS charges is very exploitative even though they cited telecommunication charge.

 

”What about all the numerous unwarranted debits that I get from my account, and they are using telecommunication increase as yardstick to increase theirs.

 

”GT will remove different charges from my account until they give me minus balance,” she said.

 

Another customer, Ms Elizabeth Abu, said she would visit her bank to opt for her transaction alerts to be sent to only her e-mail address.

 

Abu who complained about the reduction in her capitalised interest on her account, said the numerous debits were becoming frustrating.

 

” It does not make sense for the bank to charge me for a transaction I did and also charge me for the alert they sent.

 

” It means that customers are the ones paying heavily for all these services.

 

” These charges are reflecting on the profits declared by these banks, and we are the ones paying for this,” she said.

 

Mr Clement Arubu, a customer with First HoldCo Plc, said he received various transaction debit alerts from his bank totalling N1, 050 monthly.

 

Arubu said the debits were huge, especially when calculated between 10,000 customers of the bank.

” Most customers receive these alerts and neglect them because to them, the money is small but when you debit the same money from about 10,000 customers then, you can be sure that the money is huge,” he said.

Mrs Catherine Itoha,, said a bank had yet to reverse over N20,000 debited from her account through various failed Point of Sale transaction since about 11 months.

 

Itoha urged some banks and their staff to adopt principles of fair practice in handling their customers.

 

” Customers are the reason why banks are in existence so, we deserve to be treated fairly.

 

”GTB debited me in about four different transactions that I did but up till now, they did not reverse any of these monies.

 

”I visited the bank, filled forms, spoke to their staff personally but still the issue was not resolved since last year.

 

”If this money did not go to a staff, it means it is part of their profit,” she alleged.

 

Mrs Esther Arthur, a Fidelity Bank customer alleged that some of the banks were making profits from charges on customers for their transactions.

 

Arthur described the situation as sad and frustrating, recounting,”I withdrew N10,000 from a First Bank Automated Teller Machine and the machine showed me that I will be charged N100 because it wasn’t my bank.

 

”When I finished the transaction, to my greatest surprise an alert came into my phone and when I checked it, it was an alert of N630.00 against the N100 on-site ATM charges that the Central Bank of Nigeria instituted.

 

”This is so sad,” she said.

 

Mr Augustine Ode, a Zenith Bank customer, appealed to the CBN to check excesses of some banks that were allegedly defrauding customers.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that GTCO had informed its customers of the SMS transaction alert fee increase from N4 to N6 per message.

 

The bank had said that the adjustment was due to a recent increase in telecom rates.

GTCO also informed its customers who preferred not to receive transaction alerts via SMS, to update their preferences by completing the transaction alert form on the bank’s website and send to gtbankmailsupport@gtbank.com.

 

The Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi, has said the only way to make Nigeria and Africa work is to dismantle corruption and rascality in governance.

 

He stated this on his X handle on Sunday.

 

According to him, Nigeria must also prioritise investment in the critical areas of development.

 

“I shared insights from my political journey, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that come with serving the public. I maintained that Nigeria, and indeed Africa, can work for all if we dismantle corruption and rascality in governance.

 

“Yesterday, at the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom, I was honoured with an invitation to address African youths in the African Together Conference tagged ‘The Making of Africa’s Future Presidents.”

 

“I was delighted to interact with these youths drawn from different African countries and passionate about making a positive difference in society. I was inspired by the energy and determination of these young leaders, and I remain committed to empowering them to shape Africa’s future.

“Our discussion centred on the pathway to dismantling corruption and building a better future for our continent. I reiterated how investing in the critical areas of human and national development, education, health, and pulling people out of poverty can drive immeasurable growth and development in any nation and continent.”

 

He pointed out that drawing examples from comparable nations such as China, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the continent of Asia, he highlighted how committed leadership can turn around any country and continent by prioritising investments in these areas.

 

“With competent, committed, and compassionate leadership, Nigeria can become a beacon of hope, and Africa will rise to become a global economic powerhouse.

 

“I thank the African Society, University of Cambridge, for hosting this important event, and I also appreciate the young leaders who participated with such enthusiasm and dedication.

 

“As we strive to build the New Nigeria, we all must get involved in this important process of nation-building by ensuring that only competent, capable, committed leaders with character and integrity are elected into public offices,” he averred.

 

In a strategic move to uplift grassroots women entrepreneurs, wife of the Member representing Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency, Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki, Hajiya Jamila Wada-Dasuki, has launched a N10 million trade support grant aimed at boosting small businesses across the constituency.

 

The empowerment initiative officially kicked off in Tambuwal town on Sunday with a symbolic disbursement ceremony, where 400 women drawn from all wards in Kebbe and Tambuwal local government areas received N25,000 each in the first phase.

 

The beneficiaries are engaged in various micro-enterprises such as tailoring, spice production, goat rearing, and small-scale farming.

 

Speaking at the launch, Hajiya Jamila described the programme as a strategic investment in women-led businesses, emphasizing the vital role of women in driving community development.

 

“This is not just financial assistance, it’s a recognition of the important role women play in sustaining our communities. These women are already entrepreneurs. Supporting them will trigger a ripple effect that benefits entire households and communities,” she said.

She noted that while the initial disbursement reflects current financial capacity, it marks the beginning of a broader vision to reach more rural women, particularly in districts like Romon Sarki and Sanyinna.

 

“Charity begins at home. This is just the start, we are committed to expanding this support to even more underserved areas,” she added.

 

Hajiya Jamila urged the recipients to utilise the funds judiciously, expressing optimism that the programme would yield visible and lasting impacts.

 

“We hope to return in the near future and see thriving businesses and improved livelihoods. From here, we aim to grow stronger,” she concluded.

 

The initiative has been widely praised as a timely and impactful step toward enhancing economic opportunities for women in the constituency.

 

The Forum of Southern Kaduna Professors has expressed strong support for recent federal and state government initiatives aimed at boosting infrastructure, education, and healthcare in the region.

 

Speaking during a press conference held at Epitome Hotel Event Centre, Barnawa, Kaduna, on Sunday, the group commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, and the Federal Medical Centre, Kafanchan.

 

Chairman of the Forum, Professor John Laah, described the projects as “foundational interventions” that mark a turning point in the economic and political inclusion of Southern Kaduna.

 

He noted that such initiatives had long eluded the region due to years of systemic neglect.

 

“We affirm that these institutions will equip our youths with the vocational skills and healthcare support necessary for long-term development,” Laah said.

 

FOSKAP praised Vice President Kashim Shettima for championing Southern Kaduna’s cause and recognized Governor Uba Sani’s commitment to inclusive governance since assuming office in May 2023.

The group also applauded Senator Sunday Katung for sponsoring and pushing through the bill that established the university, and pledged continued support for his legislative efforts.

 

“We want to assure the Distinguished Senator that for these sterling achievements, we shall continue to watch his back. He will never walk alone,” the Forum stated.

 

FOSKAP acknowledged the contributions of other federal and state lawmakers, notably Dan Amos and Amos Magaji, for facilitating educational and health infrastructure.

 

On security, the forum lauded the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, for establishing a new military command at Samaru Kataf and for sustained efforts to restore peace in the region.

 

They also credited Southern Kaduna’s royal fathers and local communities for maintaining resilience and commitment to peaceful coexistence during challenging times.

 

The Forum announced that it would soon hold a strategic retreat aimed at strengthening its role in regional development and national cohesion.

 

An Air Peace aircraft was grounded at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, after it collided with a large antelope while taxiing on the runway.

 

The impact decimated the animal and rendered the aircraft on the ground, causing flight disruptions.

 

Confirming the incident, the Director of Public Affairs & Consumer Protection at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Michael Achimugu, on Sunday, via his official X account, clarified the implications of such occurrences.

 

According to him, “Monitoring reports yesterday indicated that an Air Peace aircraft ran into a large antelope, decimating the animal and leaving the aircraft AOG (aircraft on ground).”

 

He added that as a result of this incident, flights meant to be operated by this aircraft would naturally be disrupted, even though engineers are on the ground to assess and fix the plane. Passengers waiting would naturally be infuriated.

“Incidents like this are literal illustrations of the disruptions NOT caused by the airlines (domestic or international),” he said.

 

Achimugu emphasized that while such events are beyond the control of the airline, they do not absolve operators from their responsibilities to passengers.

 

“This explainer is for illustration purposes, not to excuse airlines when they fail to do their duties to passengers,” he said.

 

“Even with situations like this, the airline still owes its passengers the information, refund, and other forms of care they are entitled to, and can still be sanctioned if they fail to provide the same,” Achimugu added.

 

The agency also noted that efforts are currently underway to repair the aircraft and resume normal operations.

 

The Federal Ministry of Works has assured Nigerians that the Akure-Ikere road dualisation project will be ready for inauguration by President Bola Tinubu in December.

 

The Federal Controller of Works in Ondo State, Engr Olajide Hussein, gave the assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Akure.

 

Hussein explained that the 15-km Phase 1 of the Akure-Ita Ogbolu-Iju-Ikere road dualisation will be completed and inaugurated in December by the President.

 

According to him, the Phase 1 of the road project cost N19 billion, while the Phase 2 is expected to gulp N23 billion

 

He explained that it was the policy of the ministry to always do projects in phases so that road users will have unhindered access to one lane while contractor starts work on the second lane.

 

Hussein praised the Minister of Works, Engr Dave Umahi for being resilient to ensure that the project is delivered on scheduled.

 

“Phase one covers 15-km single carriageway from Akure to Ekiti State border with some gaps; a gap of 3-km in between. The length of the road from Akure to Ikere, Ekiti State boundary is 18.438-km.

 

“Now the phase 1 of this project is 15-km, meaning the Phase 1 is not expected to cover the whole stretch of 18-km, though we expect the contractor to complete these 18 km by December and for President Bola Tinubu to inaugurate it.

“So, that there will be a smooth unbroken traffic between Akure and Ikere before coming back to the other lane, which is the Phase 2.

 

“You know when we have a single carriageway and the road is dualised, the policy of the ministry is to construct one lane first; not to do both lanes simultaneously.

 

“This is to solve the problem of traffic first before you now think of constructing the other carriageway,” he explained.

 

Hussein, who praised the quality of work done by the contractor, said the only challenge faced in the process of construction of the road was obstructions by buildings; temporary and permanently structures.

 

He, however, commended the affected property owners for removing their structures in collaboration with the state governments.