"Before We Crucify Hon Gbajabiamila," Philip Agbese

Before We Crucify Hon Gbajabiamila

By Philip Agbese 

What is grace? This is a question that I have been battling with for a while. I have looked at some of the recent happenings in the country concerning some individuals, and one of them is the Rt Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President. 

Gbaja as he is fondly called could pass for a man with nine lives. He has been around for a while. He has had his share of good, bad, and ugly times. He has been accused, and he has been commended. Interestingly, he kept his cool in all these, and grace continued to work for him. 

I recall that in the 8th Assembly, he aspired to be the Speaker of the House of Representatives. He worked hard but didn't get it. He didn't despair. He was loyal and waited for his turn. And guess what? Grace turned up for him. He was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives in the 9th Assembly, and those who worked against him went on their knees seeking forgiveness and patronage. 

He was calm as usual and did what he knew how to do best. He was on top of his game. I recall an incident in the twilight of his tenure as the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The Deputy Speaker challenged his grace, and the rest is history. 

He served out his term successfully, and another assignment came calling. This time around, the opposition was fierce. Many thought his grace was over, and they rejoiced. They sang to the high heavens, dancing to the imminent fall from grace of Femi Gbajabiamila. 

But grace turned up again. He smiled and moved on. He was appointed the Chief of Staff to the President. Those who felt he would be a hard nut to crack in their desire to call the shots within the presidency went to work. But they failed. And they didn't stop. 

It is an era of slander and blackmail. They churned out invective against him. He was to blame for everything that emanated from the presidency. They went as far as insinuating issues that only existed in their imaginations. All was geared towards making the President uncomfortable with him and ultimately showing him the way out. 

But they forgot that when grace speaks, protocols are suspended. And indeed, the grace has been sufficient for Femi Gbajabiamila. I do not envy him, but I salute his mien and ability to stay calm. That is one of the qualities that endeared him to the President. 

You can't predict his next move. He keeps you guessing until you run out of steam. He allows you to exhaust your arsenal, no matter how dangerous. It is a very risky enterprise, but it has worked for him and is still working. 

Femi Gbajabiamila reminds me of the phrase, "Touch not my anointed. Maybe he is the anointed one. Perhaps the chosen one or the special one. Whichever you choose, you are right. Love him or hate him; he stands tall at all times. 

Very brilliant and analytical. He smiles at you even when he is supposed to wear a frown. He encourages you to do more. What a daring person. But he watches you closely with the eyes on the eagle. I wonder what runs through his mind when he comes under mindless attacks from some vested interest. 

Does he blink in his closet? I doubt it because his composure does not give him away. Someone said Femi Gbajabiamila is an enigma that is worth studying. Someone also said he waits for you at the end of the road to welcome you from your vicious journey. If you are lucky, he will offer you a bottle of water. Would your conscience allow you to drink the water? Only those in that boat can answer the question. 

What sort of grace does Femi Gbajabiamila exude? The grace that beats human understanding. The grace that runs faster than the speed of lightning. The grace that strikes like a thief in the night. The grace that is confusing to the human eyes, and the grace that warns you to retrace your steps in the slander and blackmail enterprise. 

A word is enough for the wise. What is his offense that some want his head? For being a gentleman and a leadership guru or a political strategist? The former number four man in the leadership hierarchy of the country is not mediocre, and one that does not play to the gallery. 

He has seen it all in leadership, and when some allegations are made against him, it only smacks of mockery of commonsense. Most times, these allegations need to be better thought out. The promoters are always in haste and, in the process, make a mess of themselves. 

Before we crucify Femi Gbajabiamila, let us pause and think it through. He is a patriot who is devoted to his principal and the country. He has demonstrated capacity and love for the country. You don't have to like him. But commonsense would suffice that the grace of God surrounds some individuals. Femi Gbajabiamila is one, and let those with ears hear this—my two cents.

Agbese MHR is thr Deputy Spokesman, 10th House of Representatives, the member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency.

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Reps Deputy Spokesperson, Hon Agbese Bags Prestigious Doctorate Award From Weldios University

 

A philanthropist and Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has bagged the prestigious Weldios University Honorary Doctorate Degree (PhD Honoraris Causa) in Political Leadership. 

The award was bestowed on him at a the second edition of the All-Africa Students Union (AASU) and Weldios University annual Symposium held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre Abuja on Wednesday, September 20, 2023. 

The Member of the 10th House of Representatives, representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency at National Assembly, is popularly known as "Okanga Agila", and a young Nigerian politician and humanitarian. 

In his acceptance speech, the Reps member said that the award will spur him to do more for the society and for the young people of Nigeria. 

He described the award as an opportunity to rededicate himself to the service of God humanity. 

He said, “I believe that as much as I cherish this Honourary Doctorate Award today, I'm going to continue to do everything humanly possible to uphold the virtues, the principles and philosophies for which the award was bestowed on me today. 

“I am happy and for the girl child and every other African child, it is important to note that education remains the only solution to the problems of Africa and it is through education that the breakthrough we're yearning for will truly.”

Hon. Agbese then appreciated Weldios University for the award. 

As thoroughbred Civil Society Activist by antecedence he been associated with impactful organizations, serving at the Centre for Social Justice, Equity, and Transparency from 2012 to 2015; Principal Partner at Preventive Diplomacy in Geneva, Switzerland; contributing immensely to conflict resolution efforts. 

He established Global Amnesty Watch in London in 2015 and subsequently founded The Nigerian News Group, a media organization, in 2016. 

His influence extends to the realm of literature, with his contributions as an author of numerous books and articles, both locally and internationally. 

So far, his Legislative Agenda have reflected his core strengths and interests emphasizing Defence, National Security, Education, Human Rights, Communication, and Sustainable Development Goals. 

As one of the youngest parliamentarians in

history, he committed to championing youth interests and concerns. 

Beyond politics, Agbese is known for his philanthropic endeavors, particularly in his constituency and the North Central region. 

His contributions have earned him the traditional title of Okanga Agila in his homeland, in Benue State.

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Joint Northern Action Groups Reject Fictitious Call for the Sack of Kyari, Zahra, Wunti

 

The Joint Northern Action Groups has rejected what they described as fictitious call for the sack of the Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kolo Kyari. 

They also rejected the call for the suspension of the Executive Vice President (Upstream), Adokye Tombomieye, the Managing Director, Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) Ali Muhammed Zahra and Managing Director, and National Petroleum Investment Management Services and Bala Wunti. 

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, the Spokesperson of the groups, Comrade Abdulhameed Enaji, noted that they were challenging “the dubious protest staged in Abuja by some fictitious groups calling for the sack and probe of Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).” 

They stated that “the obscure groups Northern Youth Advocacy for Good Governance Initiative and Arewa Youth Forum also called on the federal government to suspend the Executive Vice President (Upstream), Adokye Tombomieye, the Managing Director, Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) Ali Muhammed Zahra and Managing Director, National Petroleum Investment Management Services and Bala Wunti. 

“We note with deep concern the ongoing campaign by sponsored groups of individuals masquerading as members of fictitious Northern Nigerian Youth groups calling for the removal of Mele Kyari as the Group Chief Executive of NNPCL. 

“We are however happy that most discerning Nigerians and of course, the Federal Government appear to dismiss the protest as it was orchestrated by individuals who were only interested in advancing their own selfish interests, and not the collective good of Nigerians”, the groups said. 

According to the Joint Northern Action Groups, “By now everyone, but chronic detractors, must be aware that NNPCL under the leadership of Mele Kyari has recorded enormous achievements in the oil sector. 

“These achievements have been beneficial to Nigerians and have propelled the Nigerian economy forward.

One major achievement is the reduction of environmental pollution. 

“NNPCL has put strategic measures in place to ensure that the environment is safeguarded and preserved. As a result, the levels of pollution have drastically reduced which has made the environment safer for Nigerians. 

“Another significant achievement recorded by NNPCL is the absence of black soot over Port Harcourt in recent times. This is a result of NNPCL's commitment to environmental safety which has resulted in cleaner air for the people of Port Harcourt.

“Foreign ships coming to steal crude oil from Nigeria waters have been drastically reduced following the stringent measures put in place by NNPCL under Mele Kyari. This has resulted in a significant drop in illegal crude oil sales and has helped the Nigerian Government in generating more revenue. 

“Furthermore, Nigeria's crude oil production has gone up under the leadership of Mele Kyari which has seen Nigeria regain its spot as Africa's top crude oil producer from Angola. This has been beneficial to Nigerians as it has helped in boosting the Nigerian economy and increasing foreign reserves. 

“Additionally, Nigeria's foreign reserves are growing as a result of the income generated from crude oil sales. This has helped attract more investment to the oil sector, which has resulted in renewed investment in the Nigerian oil sector. 

“The creation of jobs by Tantita, a subsidiary of NNPCL, has helped reduce the attacks on pipelines by militants and improved the security of oil installations in Nigeria. 

“NNPCL under Mele Kyari has shown great performance and service delivery in the oil sector and is committed to continually safeguarding the environment and providing Nigerians with quality service delivery. 

“Under the leadership of Mele Kyari, NNPCL has achieved significant accomplishments. These include generating revenue through the award of oil pipeline surveillance and security to Tantita, which has helped every state in Nigeria. 

“Prior to this contract, Nigeria's production had fallen to its lowest in 40 years, forcing the country to borrow with no hope of repaying. However, NNPCL recently announced that production has reached 1.6m barrels again. 

“Another achievement is improving national security and territorial integrity. The Niger Delta was once becoming ungoverned because of oil thieves bringing vessels at any time. This was a threat to Nigeria's territorial integrity. 

“NNPCL has contributed to reducing pollution and its subsequent social impact. It's essential to protect the environment as it's the single greatest resource of any society. Any destruction can lead to social crises. 

“Under his watch, the NNPCL has made significant strides in the development of the Nigerian petroleum industry. We call on him to continue to do his best in the interest of Nigerians. 

“We would like to state categorically that this so-called protest is the handiwork of selfish individuals who are only interested in advancing their own interests, and not the interests of Nigerians. We reject these individuals in their entirety and call on all Nigerians to disregard their call for the sack of Mele Kyari. 

“As patriotic Nigerians we also commend outstanding leadership of NNPCL and call on him to continue to do his best in driving the growth and development of the Nigerian petroleum industry. 

“We call on Nigerians to remain vigilant and reject any attempt by selfish individuals to use the guise of civil society to advance their own interests”, the groups stated.

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2023!! WHAT WENT WRONG? WHY ARE NIGERIANS STILL ANGRY AND UNHAPPY?

 

All we want is justice that is rooted in truth, justice that is based on what really transpired on the day of election when INEC changed the goal post in the middle of the match, Mahmood Yakubu Promised Nigerians realtime transmission of election results from polling units using the BVAS to capture and transmit the results to the IREV portal in order to eliminate fraud and uphold the integrity of our electoral process and INEC failed woefully to ensure that the election results were accurate and consistent with their promises.

The independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) claimed the commission’s failure was as a result of the glitched is suffered during the cause of the election but as a public institution that should be accountable to the people, it never gave full disclosure of the nature, cause or the extend of the glitches that occurred.

The electoral act gave INEC powers to determine the methods of transmission of the election results and INEC officially recognized the dual transmission and accreditation system where in addition to the paper trail they were required to use the BVAS and IREV as stipulated in their own written manual for the conduct of 2023 General Elections.

The failure of INEC to adhere to his own established principles of engagement in itself was a major setback for the country’s drive towards democracy and electoral integrity.

High Chief Peter AMEH

- 2019 Presidential candidate 

- Former National Chairman inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC)

- National Secretary - CUPP

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"Now you're talking", South-South Youth hails Tinubu for nominating Matawalle as Minister

The South-South Youth Solidarity Group has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for including the former Zamfara State Governor, Bello Muhammad Matawalle in the second ministerial nomination list, describing it as the wisest choice. 

The Solidarity Group which said it was initially alarmed when the Matawalle's name was missing from the first list, said however, that they are now reassured of the President’s commitment to inclusive governance. 

A statement by the Group's Secretary General, Ekanem Cyrus said Matawalle's nomination has proved that the quality of Tinubu’s appointees in terms of competence, capability and fitness for purpose would enable Nigerians to know the actual quality of his own mind. 

"We'll like to congratulate former Zamfara State Governor, Bello Muhammad Matawalle his nomination for ministerial appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

"This is a well-deserved honour for the youth of Nigeria in recognition of Matawalle's many contributions to the Youth as a Governor, public servant, mentor and exemplary statesman. 

"In his role as a Governor, guardian and mentor, Matawalle has shown generations of Nigeria the value and results of hard work and determination, all while maintaining a great sense of humour and compassion. 

“To this day, Matawalle remains a strong advocate for the youth and continues to help all youths understand the complex history and challenges of northern traditions and values," Cyrus said.

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Northern Elders Forum Distances Self From Hakeem Baba-Ahmed's 'Advise To Tinubu Administration'

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has dissociated its from a publication credited to Dr Hakeem Baba Ahmed, the Director of Publicity of the NEF, titled, "Advise To The Tinubu Administration" and dated 31 July 2023. 

The group distanced itself from the publication and all its

ramifications in a statement signed by the Director General of the NEF, Prof. Doknan DD Sheni, OON. 

Consequently, the NEF categorically stated that the said “write up and the contents were not the views of the Directors of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), and therefore does not represent the views of NEF on the Administration.”

The statement reads: 

“The attention of the directorate of Northern Elders Forum (NEF has been drawn to a publication credited to Dr Hakeem Baba Ahmed, Director of Publicity, titled "Advise To The Tinubu Administration" dated 31 July 2023. 

“We wish to state categorically that the write up and the contents were not the views of the Directors of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), and therefore does not represent the views of NEF on the Administration. 

“This was a personal opinion of Dr Hakeem Baba Ahmed. NEF has a procedure of approving such press releases. 

“The acceptable position is that any such statements must first be subjected to scrutiny by the Directorate after which it would be forwarded to the Convener for ratification. 

“This procedure was not

followed in this case. 

“Therefore NEF hereby distances itself from this publication and all its

ramifications”, the statement concluded.

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Subsidy Removal: Don't Trust Labour Unions, Take Your Destiny In Your Hands — CNPP Tells Nigerians

 

Conference Of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has urged the Nigerians to take their destiny into their hands rather than trust the Nigerian Labour unions to lead them against the incessant increment in pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) otherwise known as petrol since 2015. 

The umbrella association of all the registered political parties and political associations in the country in a statement signed by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, James Ezema, noted that the labour movement cannot be trusted. 

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and its affiliates is planning a nationwide strike scheduled to begin on Wednesday to protest the hardship occasioned by the fuel subsidy removal. 

However, the CNPP noted that “It is unfortunate, but true, that the labour movement in Nigeria has consistently failed to defend the masses who constitute majority among their membership. 

“Nigerians in the past have had their hopes dashed each time the labour unions led negotiations with government on their behalf on any issues bordering on their well-being or pains. 

“The CNPP believes that only the Nigerian masses who bear the brunt of economic hardships as well as the increasing pains of long the long years bad leadership that can decide their own faith by taking their destiny into their hands. 

“Like they have done each time they claimed to stand up for the masses, the labour unions will certainly betray the trust of the working class”,the statement said.

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