Opinion
As IPAC Chairman, Yusuf Mamman Dantelle, Adds Another Year
BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF
In life and it’s activities, it is better late than never , as Alhaji Yusuf Mamman Dantelle, Chairman , inter party advisory council IPAC who doubles as the vibrant National Chairman, Allied People’s Movement APM clocked another year as at October, 25, 2024.
The celebration which started in house at the party level metamorphosed into other areas with prayers and supplications for continuous protection of the current IPAC Chairman, whose intentions is to turn around democratic governance in the country is unwavering.
Born with silver spoon and a privileged average Nigerian with no sign around him , Dantelle a successful business man , entrepreneur, farmer ,politician of high repute read sociology from the Bayero University, Kano over two decades ago .
As an entrepreneur he had on several occasions delved into the business of petroleum, production of packaged water , with aged long production of local or “Red oil” production at commercial rate spanned for over four decades.
He is running the only successful private oil company in the North Central of Kogi State that had divested into not only production of “Red natural oil “, but packaged for local consumption and export .
He has promoted the high yield farming of palm fruits that graduated from local farming many decades, that had expanded the production of the main stable “Red oil” been consumed for domestic purposes in the country and exportation abroad.
Four decades down the line , he had diversified and rejuvenated the company that had engaged many Nigerians and created job opportunities and outlets for self reliance and self sustenance.
At the National level , a two time Chairman of Allied People’s Movement APM and current Inter Party Advisory Council IPAC Chairman canvassed for popular participation and promotion of sane democratic governance in the country.
Dantelle less than one year in office had repositioned IPAC through the presentation of position papers on burning national issues to the National Assembly, organized a world class National discourse without fear or favour, but for the betterment of the country on the way forward for the current democratic dispensation achieved in 1999.
He frowned against electoral heist , confronted both the ruling and opposition parties , as well as took a position and swipe on the electoral body , the CSOs, NGOs on the best way forward to continue to promote Nigeria’s democracy as the giant of Africa, rather than using it for self aggrandizement and personal gains.
The successful repositioning of APM, his party and IPAC, the umbrella body both in private and public fora had become a veritable tools for stable democracy and success story of his few months in office as Chairman , inter party advisory council, IPAC.
He had within one year down the line built more understanding, synergy and good working relationship within the parties , INEC and other local relevant and global bodies in the country.
His efforts for sustenance of democratic governance, public outcry against conducts of elections both at local , state and federal level had placed Nigeria’s democracy at the global focus with a lot of dignity before the international communities.
This was far away from the efforts of the previous leadership of IPAC that subjected the council as an organ under the whims and caprices of the ruling party, and had brought good leadership into the fore front in Nigeria.
As you mark additional year in your life’s sojourn , your selfless services, national and global engagements and sacrifices will continue to manifest in all your endeavors.
Congratulations once again and Happy Birthday Day , Alhaji Yusuf Mamman Dantelle, Chairman , Allied People’s Movement APM and current Chairman , Inter Party Advisory Council IPAC, wishing you many more years .
Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF.
National Publicity Secretary NPS, Allied People’s Movement APM.
Ken Nnamani, a former president of the senate, says he did not beg Elisha Abbo, a former senator representing Adamawa north, on behalf of any judge after the ex-lawmaker lost his election case in court.
In October 2023, the court of appeal sacked Abbo and declared Amos Yohanna, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the winner of the Adamawa north senatorial election.
Appearing on Channels Television on Wednesday, Abbo said he was a victim of “miscarriage of justice”.
The former senator said Nnamani pleaded with him on behalf of a judge after he lost his election case in 2023.
Reacting in a statement, the former senate president described Abbo’s claim as “blatant lies”.
“My greatest surprise was to hear him state that Senator Ken Nnamani visited him to plead with him on behalf of a judge for the miscarriage of justice. This statement is a blatant lie. I do not know how Senator Abbo can boldly fabricate an event that never happened to buttress his allegation of judicial miscarriage against him,” he said.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I have never visited Senator Elisha Abbo at his house or anywhere. Up to this moment, I do not know where he lives. I have never discussed with him about his case, or any case pending or decided by any court of law in Nigeria.
“The only time I met with him was when he visited me in my house. It was more of a social visit by him. At this meeting, we never discussed his case or any case. I recall that when the matter of his political career came up, I advised him to avoid controversies as a young politician.
“The statements Senator Abbo made regarding me and his case are all fabrications. I believe I have had a sterling and distinguished public service career. I am determined to maintain my integrity and commitment to excellence till the end of my life.”
Heineken Lokpobiri, minister of state for petroleum resources, says the federal government plans to commence implementing the drill-or-drop provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Section 94 of the PIA gives operators a period of three years to begin oil production or relinquish the assets to the federal government.
Speaking during the Cross Industry Group (CIG) meeting held on Tuesday in Florence, Italy, Lokpobiri said it is in the best interest of the country that all inactive wells go to work.
He said the federal government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has provided every necessary incentive to ensure international oil companies (IOCs) in Nigeria run smoothly and profitably.
“Now, it is imperative for these industry players to match the government’s efforts with increased investment by announcing final investment decisions (FIDs),” he said.
Furthermore, Lokpobiri discussed “the challenges, expectations, and measures to enhance the sector’s contributions towards domestic energy needs and regional expansion across Sub-Saharan Africa”.
He emphasised that while IOCs have highlighted engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors as a challenge, “EPCs will not come unless they see strong commitments from industry players”.
“The government has done its part to provide the requisite and investment-friendly fiscals, the ball is now in the court of the IOCs and other operators to make strategic investment decisions that will drive increased production and sustainability in the sector,” he said.
“We must also recognise that domestic crude supply is essential to national energy security. The best solution to this challenge lies in increasing production, which will ensure a balance between domestic supply obligations and external commitments.”
The minister further urged industry players to explore collaborative measures, such as shared resources for contiguous assets and the release of underutilised assets to operators ready to invest in production.
The Progressive Students Movement (PSM), a leading Pan-African student body, has commended the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in Ogun State under Commissioner of Police (CP) Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, for its commitment to security and community engagement.
In a statement released on Thursday, the President of PSM Nigeria, Comrade Ambassador Okereafor Bestman, highlighted the CP’s efforts in strengthening collaboration between the police, stakeholders, and other security agencies to maintain peace and stability in the state.
“It is worthy of note that CP Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, has further fostered a harmonious working synergy between the police, stakeholders, and other security agents aimed at ensuring peace and tranquility in Ogun State,” Okereafor said.
The student leader expressed confidence in CP Ogunlowo’s leadership, stating that Ogun State is on track to becoming one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria under his administration.
He also praised the professionalism and dedication of the Ogun State Police Command in tackling crime, regardless of its scale.
Additionally, PSM acknowledged the Ogun State government’s continued support for security agencies, particularly in providing mobility and logistics to enhance their operational efficiency.
The commendation comes at a time when security remains a top priority for residents and authorities in the state, with ongoing efforts to curb crime and ensure public safety.