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Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, on Friday said the country can only progress when those in power change their mentality and critically re-examine themselves.

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Obasanjo also described Nigeria as a country that takes two steps forward and two steps backward.

The former President spoke while receiving six lawmakers from the House of Representatives, led by Ugochinyere Ikenga, Ideato North and South Federal Constituency of Imo State.

Other lawmakers in attendance were Abdulmalik Danga, Adavi/Okehi, Usman Midala, Askira-Uba/Hawul, Peter Aniekwe, Anambra East/West, and Kama Nkemkanma, Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo.

Obasanjo noted that the lawmakers’ calls for a single-term Presidency, one-day countrywide elections and power rotation between the North and South were insufficient to set the country on the right path.

He said purposeful leadership and a solid team are the only factors capable of driving positive development in the country.

Obadanjo said, “What I know about Nigeria is that we need to get it right in terms of leadership and the team. The point is that, within two and a half years, we can overcome these challenges.”

He warned that Nigeria is sitting on a keg of gunpowder that might blow up at any moment if the country’s leaders do not take bold and immediate action to address numerous problems.

“In another 10 years, we need to consolidate what we have achieved, and in 25 years, we will be there. Our problem is that we take two steps forward and probably two steps backward, and that won’t get us anywhere.

“In the African system, we typically work through consensus. We need to join hands to make things work. If we get it right, whether we have a single six-year term Presidency or two four-year terms, we need to work on our mentality.

“We have to decarbonize our brains. Our main problem is ourselves. Until we address our own issues, the length of office terms won’t matter.

“If the same people with the same mentality are in power, nothing will change. Our starting point is ourselves,” the ex-President added.

In his remarks, Ikenga said the lawmakers were in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, to consult the former president and take advantage of his wealth of experience in development and good administration.

The legislator praised Obasanjo for the various reforms he brought about during his administration and accused succeeding governments of not expanding on his achievements for the good of Nigerians.

“If there had been consolidation of electricity reforms, foreign policies, civil service reforms and digital reforms by successive governments, we would not be facing the economic challenges we are today,” the lawmaker said.

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Politics

President Bola Tinubu will not be present at this year’s 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

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September 19, 2024

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President Bola Tinubu will not be present at this year’s 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The President has assigned Vice President Kashim Shettima the responsibility of heading Nigeria’s delegation.

President Tinubu, who arrived back in the country last Sunday following his visits to China and the United Kingdom, is prioritizing domestic matters and aims to tackle some of the nation’s pressing challenges, particularly in light of the recent severe flooding.

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Senate to amend constitution for Local Government Autonomy

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September 19, 2024

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By Henry Umoru

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, announced plans to modify the constitution to implement the Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy.

Akpabio made this statement in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, while receiving APC members loyal to Senator John James Akpanudoedehe.

“I thank President Bola Tinubu for seeking to grant local governments autonomy through the Supreme Court,” Akpabio said. “Under my leadership, the Senate will adjust the constitution to ensure the judgment is fully enforced without loopholes for exploitation.”

Akpabio reflected on his journey with the APC, noting that before joining in 2018, the party hadn’t won any councillorship seats in the state. He expressed gratitude for becoming Senate President with President Tinubu’s support.

“Change is life’s only constant,” Akpabio said. “I joined APC to connect with the center, and now I’m Senate President. God elevated me because I meant well for our people.”

Welcoming back APC members who never left the party, Akpabio prayed, “May God bless you and grant your progressive desires.”

Eteubong Alex Umoh, Obong Kufre Akpan, and Mrs. Roseline Eyang spoke on behalf of the returnees, affirming their loyalty to Akpabio and the APC. “We never left APC; we recognized you as our leader and refused to be used against you.”

The reunited group celebrated their unity, declaring the APC a single, united family.

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BREAKING: The PDP North East Zone Endorses Damagum as National Chair – Adamawa Governor, Fintiri.

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September 19, 2024

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In a statement released today by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Fintiri

He said, “The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe, Borno, and Yobe states have endorsed Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum’s leadership as Acting National Chairman.

“Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, speaking on behalf of the five states, expressed confidence in Damagum’s leadership since assuming office. Citing a Federal High Court Abuja restraining order, Fintiri stated that Damagum should complete former Chairman Dr. Iyorchia Ayu’s tenure unless the court decides otherwise.

“The Governor praised Damagum for restoring public confidence in the party and urged members to respect the court’s ruling for the party’s and democracy’s sake.

“The Governor who described the performance of the party in the North East region during the 2023 elections as unprecedented at all levels noted that the zone deserves the position of National Chairman more than any section in the North.

“A Federal High Court in Abuja had barred the National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, National Executive Committee, PDP, INEC, and affiliates from replacing, nominating or appointing any Chairman other than Ambassador Damagum, following a restraining order by the Court.”

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