Opinion
PRP Led By Falalu Bello Makes Progress . . . Leads Rescue Nigeria Mission
PRP like all political parties and institutions is a creation of the Law. That is what gives it the mandate to lead the mission to Rescue Nigeria from the trap of bad governance. The trap of poverty, insecurity that is a creation of brainlessness in governance especially in the past decade. It is a moot point that the Law grants that INEC issues and validates Certificates for political parties. INEC is also the monitor of political parties. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is the office of record that keeps a register of all 18 registered political parties in Nigeria. INEC attends state congresses and the national conventions of all political parties to validate the process. All political parties have a given time frame within which they have to inform the INEC of a planned congress or convention. That is to allow the INEC attend and monitor the said congress or national convention for the legal validation required of its monitoring role. This is a proviso of the extant Electoral Act. That is what confirms who is the legit political party and leadership that they claim. Without that certification, and these processes no political party can issue membership cards and receive payment for such cards. without this no political party can receive contributions, donations or any subscriptions. No political party can also operate a bank account, not even with a micro finance or community bank if it doesn’t have such certification. Without the backing of such a legal framework, no political party can hold any congress or convention in the eyes of the Nigerian Law. It is the PRP led by Malam Falalu Bello as National Chairman that has all of these lawful bases and supports. It is the Falalu Bello led PRP that has the backing of the Law and the mass of the people to sell nomination forms for elections on the PRP platform. It is that guarantee that grants this PRP to sell forms for contest at general elections representing PRP as Councillors, as LG Chairmen, as State Governors, as State Assembly members, as National Assembly members or as President. It is this legit PRP that can permit a contestant to vie for Party Chairman or executive committee member at any level of the PRP. It is the same PRP that superintended a State Congress in Kano on October 30th, 2021 satisfying the provisions of the Electoral Act. It is that State Congress which had INEC and all agencies of State, election observers and the media in attendance that gave birth to the present Kano PRP leadership. It is the first time such an all-inclusive Congress was held since the last one held at the PRP Kano Headquarters in August 2018, validated at the National Delegates Conference (NDC) of the PRP on September 1st, 2018 that took place in Kaduna. It is the October 30th 2021 PRP Kano State Congress held at Aminu Kano CDS Mambayya House fulfilling all lawful requirements that elected Engr. Abba Sule Namatazu as State Chairman. It is that congress that saw to the election of Alhaji Balarabe AA Danfulani as State Secretary, Alhaji Bala Datti Abubakar as State Treasurer along with other members of the Kano State executive. Similarly all 36 States have held congresses with validation of the PRP NEC and INEC as observer along with relevant Agencies of State. It is not surprising that we have some irritants claiming what they are not at this stage of the PRP’s enviable growth and consolidation. They are sure to show up now that PRP is accepted as the principal alternative platform that all serious and focused Nigerians are looking upto for the 2023 salvage operation PRP promises. In Kano and indeed all over Nigeria. The PRP is open to all who are ready to join the struggle at whatever stage. Nigeria needs to be Rescued. And PRP has the history, the pedigree, the stainless banner for the rescue mission. It is that credit that marks it out as positively different from all existing political parties. It is PRP that has what it takes to take on the two enfantes terrible of Nigerian politics, APC and PDP. Their rape of the Nigerian State has led us to the verge of disintegration. So sad that it is under the watch of the APC and PDP that we today have vast swathes of ungoverned spaces left to bandits and terrorists, with the common man left to fend for himself. No patriotic, genuine PRP man or woman, will be swayed by the baseless claims of those who say they are PRP when they have no single evidence backed by any law or convention to support them. It is the unwary, who have not been educated on the facts as is, who are the target of these non PRP claimants’ propaganda. For those who have read the Press Statement issued by the PRP NEC alerting the public on a fake national convention that was stage managed in Abuja on February 19th they wont be deceived. It captures all the facts rehashed here. Thank God, all reports confirm that the said “convention” was only a jamboree of a minority faction of the rump of the Late Prof Sule Bello committee that some of us set up in consultation with late revered PRP national leader Malam Abdulkadir Balarabe Musa, rahimahullah, to address some internal issues to do with adequate consultation within the PRP. The fake “convention” was held as reported, without any INEC or official of state in attendance as vouchsafed by the Laws of the Land. That INEC and such lawful attendees were not seen even as observers is proof that the whole event was choreographed for a purpose. That jamboree won’t deter the PRP’s progress. Already the huge interest in PRP makes it the only alternative platform that has the capacity to lead the 2023 Rescue Nigeria mission. This has caused definite agreements now already literally sealed by the PRP with various groups of politicians and political parties soon to be unveiled. The accommodating and visionary PRP is the platform of choice for all who want a difference in 2023, a positive people centered difference. The Rescue Train is already revving up. It is at the Station rearing to go. It is about to take off. The irritants trying to now distract PRP, and those they waylaid and misled, God willing won’t change anything. PRP is here to Redeem the promises of the past. It is here as the Humanist, Nationalist, Pan-Africanist hope for all who desire genuine Change and Progress. PRP is on the homerun. PRP has come to the Rescue. Kabiru M. Gwangwazo is Ag. National Publicity Secretary, PRP National Hqtrs.
KABIRU M. GWANGWAZO email: kamgwangwazo@yahoo.com
A pro-democracy group, the Progressive Group for Democracy (PGD), has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and stop local government officials in Lagos State from pursuing unconstitutional third terms in upcoming council elections.
The group alleges that officials in Agbado Oke-Odo and Ikosi Isheri Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) are exploiting legal loopholes to extend their tenures, in violation of Nigeria’s Constitution.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, PGD National Coordinator Aladesanmi Abiodun Salawu described the move as a “clear violation” of constitutional provisions and a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
He invoked President Tinubu’s historical opposition to tenure elongation, referencing the president’s fierce resistance to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s third-term bid in the early 2000s.
“As a pro-democracy group, we are reminded of President Tinubu’s fierce opposition to Obasanjo’s third-term agenda. President Tinubu stood firmly against constitutional manipulation then. Where is the president’s voice now?” Salawu asked.
The PGD alleges that the officials in question assumed office following the deaths of elected chairpersons, took oaths of office, and later won full terms in subsequent elections.
“Their current bids for re-election, the group argues, constitute an unconstitutional third term. Salawu cited the Fourth Alteration to the Constitution, signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018, which prohibits individuals from seeking a third term after completing a predecessor’s tenure and winning a subsequent election.
“Today, we stand at a very dangerous crossroads. The same anti-democratic forces that our heroes fought against during the June 12 struggle are re-emerging in Lagos State,” Salawu said.
“In Agbado Oke-Odo and Ikosi Isheri LCDAs, we are witnessing a calculated attempt to normalise constitutional violations through the backdoor.”
The group also criticised Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, accusing him of complicity due to his silence on the issue. “As the chief security officer of Lagos State, (Sanwo-Olu)has a constitutional duty to uphold the rule of law. His silence is not just concerning; it is complicity,” Salawu said.
The PGD urged President Tinubu to publicly denounce the third-term bids and called on the Attorney General of the Federation to issue an advisory on term limits for local government administrations.
It also demanded that the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) disqualify candidates seeking unconstitutional terms.
“These individuals in Agbado Oke-Odo and Ikosi Isheri LCDAs must withdraw their candidacy immediately. We are not making a request; we are stating what the constitution already mandates,” Salawu declared.
The group vowed to challenge the alleged violations through legal means, including mobilising civil society, approaching the courts, and organising peaceful protests if necessary.
“The Lagos Society for Good Governance will utilise every legal means available to challenge this dangerous precedent,” Salawu added.
BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF
History was made again today at the National Assembly Service Commission NASC as the newly appointed as Executive Chairman,Dr Saviour Enyiekere and his Commissioners, was sworn in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential villa to signify the beginning of another five years journey for the new management of the Commission.
Dr Enyiekere who was appointed along with his 12 commissioners representing the six geopolitical zones on 20th, February, 2025, assumed duty on 5th, May, 2025 few months after their appointment after been taking oath office.
He took the oath of office as the sixth National Assembly Service Commission Chairman since the inception of the Commission over four decades ago .
Until his appointment, Enyiekere, an environmental specialist, was the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Senate President and had played a leading and strategic roles in the last 19 months before his elevation.
Soon after he took the oath office along with his commissioners , he assumed duty and was hosted by management and staff of the National Assembly Service Commission NASC and by extension, the National Assembly management led by Barrister Kamoru Ogunlana, the new Clerk to the National Assembly CNA.
Fresh and determined to make a difference,While acknowledging the audience along with his new commissioners , he described today’s occasion as unique with the date falling to 5/5/2025, stating his determination to work with all stakeholders at the NASC and NASS.
He eulogised the outgone leadership of the commission and also paid a glowing trubutes to the deceased ones , acknowledging their unique performance and contributions to the development of the commission in all areas.
Enyiekere who solicited for the cooperation of the management, staff and staff union , promised to prioritize the welfare and well-being of staff of the commission.
The New Executive Chairman , National Assembly Service Commission NASC, Dr Saviour Enyiekere also promised to work harmoniously with the management of the commission , staff, and members of Parliamentary Staff Association PASAN.
Dr Saviour who attracted a conference hall that was filled to capacity bare his mind of carrying all and sundry along in his new administration .
Assertive, young and brilliant to manage the affairs of the commission, he promised to promote and sustain the legacies of management and previous leadership saying their contributions was indelible on the sands of time.
He used the opportunity to appreciate Nigeria’s President and reiterated his commitment along with his commissioners to promote and protect the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, with full support the leadership of the National Assembly under Senator Godswill Akpabio and Rt Honourable Tajudeen Abbas, lauding them for a job well-done and careful selection of the new Chairman and members/commissioners of the commission.
While describing the new responsibility as hectic and challenging, , saying with prayers , God will see us through.
Dr Saviour Enyiekere who promised to keep intact the good records of NASC management and the staff union , so as to ensure harmonious working relationship going forward.
During the handing over ceremony, The Secretary to the Commission, Mr
Lucky U. Ikharo, while presenting the handover documents to the new NASC boss, pledged the total commitment of the NASC Management towards the effective performance of the Commission’s assignment.
Speaking further during the handing and talking over ceremony at the Commission’s Conference Room, the new NASC boss told officials of the National Assembly Service that his leadership would emphasise the welfare of the workers of the Service, harmonious working relationship and productivity.
The new Chairman and his commissioners anxious to make a difference asked all stakeholders to extend their fellowship, admonition and possibly corrections.
Dr Saviour , a grassroot politician , with indepth experience in civil and political exposure, promised to make a difference without further delay .
The entire National Assembly Service Commission NASC bounced back to life after three months since the exit of the former Executive Chairman , National Assembly Service Commission NASC, Engr Ahmed Kadi Amshi FNSE.
Highlights of the occasion included group photograph, media interview and interactions with the management and staff of both the National Assembly Service Commission NASC, National Assembly leadership led by Barrister Kamoru Ogunlana along with the new commissioners.
With his assumption of duty and his promises, no doubt a new dawn has encapsulated and heralded the National Assembly Service Commission NASC and his leadership.
In a goodwill message, the Clerk to the National Assembly, Barrister Kamoru Ogunlana, assured the new Commission of the full co-operation of the National Assembly Management towards achieving success. He, however, pleaded with the Commission to carry the National Assembly Management along on key decision-making.
The Honourable Commissioners that reported to duty alongside the Chairman include: Mr. Hanmation Mark Tersoo and Mr. Salisu Umar Agboola-Balogun (North-Central); Alhaji Lawan Maina Mahmud and Aminu Ibrahim Malle (North-East); Senator Suleiman Othman Hunkuyi and Hon Yusuf A. Tabuka (North-West), Chief Festus Ifesinachi Odii (South-East), Mary Samuel Ekpenyong and Mr Patrick Giwa (South-South), Mrs Taiwo Olukemi Oluga and Ipesa-Balogun, Afeez (South-West, with
The Honourable Commissioners that reported to duty alongside the Chairman include: Mr. Hanmation Mark Tersoo and Mr. Salisu Umar Agboola-Balogun (North-Central); Alhaji Lawan Maina Mahmud and Aminu Ibrahim Malle (North-East); Senator Suleiman Othman Hunkuyi and Hon Yusuf A. Tabuka (North-West), Chief Festus Ifesinachi Odii (South-East), Mary Samuel Ekpenyong and Mr Patrick Giwa (South-South), Mrs Taiwo Olukemi Oluga and Ipesa-Balogun, Afeez (South-West), with Festus Ifesinachi Odii not yet resume from the South-East .
Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.
By Capt. Caleb Danladi Bako
The global shipping industry is the lifeblood of international trade, with nearly 90% of goods transported by sea. Behind this vast network of commerce are the seafarers professionals whose dedication keeps the world’s economy afloat. Yet, while the focus often falls on operational efficiency, safety, and environmental concerns, an equally critical aspect remains largely in the shadows: the mental health and wellbeing of those who spend months away from home, isolated and often battling invisible struggles.
Having worked both at sea and now within the maritime industry ashore, we have witnessed firsthand the emotional challenges faced by seafarers. Life at sea is often romanticized, but the reality is far more complex. Prolonged isolation, communication barriers, high-pressure environments, and the unpredictability of life at sea contribute to a unique mental health crisis that has, for too long, gone unspoken.
A seafarer’s life revolves around routines, watches, and operations that leave little room for personal downtime. The absence of family support systems limited recreational facilities, and minimal mental health resources onboard amplify feelings of loneliness and helplessness. Recent studies, including those by the Mission to Seafarers and the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN), reveal alarming rates of depression, anxiety, and even suicidal ideation among crew members. These findings highlight a pressing need for the industry to prioritize mental health with the same seriousness as physical safety.
The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed and intensified these struggles. Hundreds of thousands of seafarers were stranded aboard ships, unable to disembark for months beyond their contracts. Crew change crises turned ships into floating prisons, exacerbating feelings of abandonment and mental exhaustion.
Though some shipping companies have since introduced mental health initiatives such as access to tele-counselling and mental wellness apps, these measures are still the exception rather than the norm.
Mental health challenges at sea are not merely personal struggles; they can have direct safety implications. Fatigue, anxiety, and depression diminish focus and decision-making ability, increasing the risk of accidents. Thus, protecting seafarers’ wellbeing is not only a moral obligation but a safety imperative for the entire industry.
As industry experts and former seafarers, we believe urgent cultural change is required. Shipping companies must move beyond token programs to embed mental health care into the fabric of maritime operations.
Practical steps include mandatory mental health training, confidential support systems, improved internet connectivity for family contact, regular shore leave, and destigmatization of seeking help.
It is time to bring the untold struggles of seafarers into the light. By acknowledging their mental health needs and committing resources to support them, we honor not only their critical role in global trade but their fundamental humanity.
Capt. Caleb Danladi Bako
Maritime expert and Academic Researcher
E-mail: Caleb.Danladi@plymouth.ac.uk, dancb2k@yahoo.com
Phone: +2348064218253