Opinion
Questions For Olumide Akpata
By Derrick Osagie
In a climate saturated with political intrigue and power struggles, the People of Edo State are raising their voices and demanding answers from individuals like Olumide Akpata, who is perhaps aspiring to be governor.
This impassioned call for transparency and accountability comes in response to the apparent proliferation of money politics and the quest for power driven by extravagant wealth acquired from undisclosed sources. The People of Edo State are no longer contented with this status quo; they are yearning for leaders characterized by credibility, resourcefulness, and an unassailable reputation for honesty and integrity.
One of the primary concerns voiced is the source of wealth of certain individuals who from nowhere start parading as saviors and messiahs wanting the public to trust them. One such person is the lawyer Mr Olumide Akpata. Here is a man who does not live in the state and has no history of initiatives that have in any way made any significant impact on the state sudden aspiring to be governor. How can such a person pretend to be a leader and has never prioritized the welfare and well-being of their constituents?
It is no doubt a public knowledge that he sold his only bungalow, which appeared to be a residence he owned, a few years ago and currently does not possess a plot of land, let alone a building structure in Edo State. Instead, he prefers to stay in expensive hotels during his infrequent visits. This raises an important question: Is Olumide Akpata genuinely an Edo person, intimately connected to the needs and aspirations of the local populace?
The Edo people of today are wiser and are concerned about the ability of someone who relies on leased apartments for an extended period to relate to and understand their daily challenges. This disconnection is a significant impediment to effective leadership and service. Hence they are asking why Olumide Akpata is willing to spend enormous sums of money in pursuit of an elective office, which should fundamentally be a calling to serve the people.
And this raises another pertinent question: How does Olumide Akpata hope to recoup the substantial amount of money he is wasting ostensibly on this wild goose chase? It is a valid concern that such expenditures may lead to circumventing due process in governance and create an avenue for free access and looting of public resources.
Furthermore, there are questions about Olumide Akpata’s impact on the state’s residents. Despite the vast wealth he has ostensibly accumulated from known or claimed sources, there is a lack of evidence pointing to any tangible work in the Edo State interest. This calls into question his commitment to enhancing the lives of the people he aspires to lead.
In light of these questions and concerns, the people of Edo State are left wondering about Olumide Akpata’s true intentions in the state. Are his aspirations to become a leader driven by the desire to serve the people, or is he merely following the footsteps of self-centered people like him? This brings into reference his cousin, Governor Godwin Obaseki, who is perceived to be his sponsor.
This same Mr. Obaseki campaigned and promised that he will support an Edo Central person for Governor. He is doing that subtly by parading the likes of Mr Asuen Ighodalo, who is like him and Akpata, birds of the same feather. The governor just sees the state as his pawn and certain he will not have his way in the PDP, he is sponsoring Akpata in Labor party. The alleged pledge of huge sum to Mr Abure the Labour party National Chairman for this doomed project comes into play. But Edo is wiser and will express their distrust of such crude political tactics that seem to be aimed at manipulating the electoral process.
That power belongs to the people is the truth and that they are not open to outside evil influences seeking to derail their affairs has become obvious since 2016 is also true. The call is for transparency, equity , justice and a sincere commitment to the welfare of the people.
Mr Olumide Akpata is urged to respond to these questions, if only to provide clarity and reassurance to the residents of Edo State. The message reflects the sentiment that the people of Edo State are eager to hold their leaders accountable and ensure that the interests of the state and its citizens take precedence.
Derrick Osagie writes in for Concerned LP Stakeholders
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.
BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF
On assumption of duty in January, 2025 , the new Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, Boss and well grounded World Bank expert , Aisha Garba envisaged the need to reposition the Basic Education through interfacing with the critical stakeholders.
Amongst them is the office of the National Security Adviser , NSA, led by Malam Nuhu Ribadu whose achievements in the last few years in the area of security has become distinct and outstanding.
Therefore, seeking to cooperate and collaborate with the office became germane and needful particularly the protection of lives and properties of actors in the promotion of Basic Education ranging from the pupils , teachers , workers and facilitators to enable it drive the new wave to curb Out of School Children OOSC in the country.
Aside providing the basic security arrangements for schools , the need to engage the security apparatus at the level of National Security Adviser NSA became needful, so as to address the sophistry of security problems in the country, to nip in the bud any unforseen circumstances.
With the high rates of kidnappings, abduction , banditry, cattle rustling, ritual tendencies among many other vices, the idea of bringing on board , the security architecture of the country in all ramifications will assist the commission to consolidate the implementation of Basic Education policies and programs, also introduce new ones .
Since pupils at the Primary, Junior Secondary and Secondary Schools are prone to such ugly development and security issues , the need to be proactive on the part of the commission became timely and desiring.
This led to the success story of the bilateral interface between the management of the commission and NSA, to streamline, perfect and chart a new course on the issue of security of actors in the Basic Education.
The visit described as timely and long overdue, discussed fruitfully the way forward and the immediate and long term intervention of both agencies in the area of collaboration.
According to the Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission UBEC, Dr Aisha Garba she stated by discussing” strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing educational access and security in Nigeria. ”
She further said” the engagement focused on strategies to address challenges such as the safety of schools, particularly in vulnerable regions, and the promotion of equitable education for all children.”
“the meeting highlighted the critical intersection between education and national security and the need for collaboration between UBEC and Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), on improving access to basic education and safety of safety schools across the nation. ”
“This collaboration underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a secure and inclusive learning environment as part of its broader agenda to strengthen the nation’s educational framework,” it added.
“UBEC boss had pledged to engage critical stakeholders to break down barriers to education and create inclusive learning opportunities for children across the six geopolitical regions of the country.”
“She said: “My goal is to deliver on this mandate which includes strengthening collaboration, partnerships and institutional learning for effective service delivery. ”
“Together, we will work to increase access, improve quality, provide conducive and safe learning environments, supply adequate teaching and learning materials, and adopt the concept of ‘best fit’ in addressing specific basic education challenges, state by state and region by region”.
Highlights of the program which included the engagement of both bodies with a commitment to ensure the introduction of security architecture in schools in Nigeria is achievable.
Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.