News
Reconcile With Nigerians Before It Is Too Late, LPPMC National Secretary Tells Political Leaders
By Amos Tauna, Kaduna
The National Secretary of the Liberal Progressive and Patriotic Members Congress (LPPMC), Eld. Yusuf Solomon Danbaki, has urged Nigerians in positions of authority—whether at the federal, state, or local government level—to confess and reconcile with the populace regarding their wrongdoings before it is too late.
He stated, “IBB’s decision to finally accept responsibility for his actions, although long overdue, is a courageous step that deserves commendation. It serves as a reminder that truth and accountability, regardless of how delayed, are essential for healing and progress.”
Danbaki described the June 12, 1993 election as a dark stain on Nigeria’s democratic history, symbolising the betrayal of the people’s will and the truncation of what many consider the freest and fairest election in the nation’s history.
In a statement on Saturday, he alleged, “The 2023 general elections, much like the June 12 election, have been marred by allegations of manipulation and irregularities. Many Nigerians believe that the current government came to power through questionable means, and the wounds from that process remain unhealed. It is disheartening to contemplate that it might take another 32 years for those in power today to acknowledge their role in undermining the democratic process, just as it took IBB decades to confront his past.”
He explained that IBB’s acknowledgment came at a time when he had the opportunity to make amends with God and history, stressing that for many of those in power today, time is not on their side, as by 2050, most of them will no longer be alive to seek redemption or reconciliation.
He reiterated that the luxury of waiting decades to accept responsibility is one they may not possess, stating, “This is why I call on all Nigerians, especially those in positions of authority illegally at the federal, state, or local government, to confess and reconcile with Nigerians over their wrongs before it is too late.”
According to him, Nigeria is at a crossroads, and the path to progress lies in unity, accountability, and genuine reconciliation. He emphasised that the lessons of June 12 and the recent gathering of former adversaries should serve as a wake-up call for all Nigerians.
“We must learn from the past, confront the present, and work together to build a future where the will of the people is respected, and the common good is prioritised over personal or partisan interests,” he observed.
He urged all Nigerians to embrace the spirit of reconciliation and hold their leaders accountable for their actions, asserting that they should not wait another 32 years to address the injustices of today. He believes that the time to act is now, for the sake of Nigeria and future generations.
The event, as described by former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, brought together former adversaries to celebrate a fellow statesman, highlighting the power of reconciliation and the importance of setting aside past grievances for the greater good.
Danbaki stated, “It was a moment that showcased the possibility of unity, even among those who once stood on opposite sides of Nigeria’s political divide. While the gathering was symbolic, it also revealed a glaring omission: the failure to address the current divisions and enmities that continue to plague Nigeria’s political landscape.”
He remarked, “Osinbajo’s speech, though eloquent, did not acknowledge the present-day enmity in Nigeria’s journey, including his own relationship with his political godfather, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This omission is particularly striking given the history of their relationship. Once seen as allies in the struggle for a better Nigeria, their bond has been strained by the realities of power and politics. The same can be said for many others in positions of authority today, who were once united by a common vision but are now divided by personal ambitions and partisan interests.
US President Donald Trump has asserted that he is not jesting about his ambitions for a third presidential term, despite the constitutional restrictions in place.
While the U.S. Constitution prohibits any individual from serving more than two four-year terms, Trump indicated that it is premature to delve into such considerations.
Having assumed office for his second, non-consecutive term on January 20, Trump has hinted at his desire for a third term, addressing the matter more directly in a telephone conversation with NBC News.
“No, I’m not joking. I’m not joking,” Trump reiterated, though he acknowledged, “it is far too early to think about it.”
He hinted at potential avenues to pursue this goal without providing specific details.
According to the 22nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, U.S. presidents are limited to two terms, whether consecutive or not. To amend this constitutional provision would require a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress, followed by ratification from three-fourths of the 50 state legislatures.
Some of Trump’s allies have suggested the feasibility of extending his stay in the White House beyond 2028. Trump himself has alluded to this notion on multiple occasions, often in a manner that challenges his political adversaries. Should he pursue another term after the November 2028 election, he would be 82 years old, having previously made history as the oldest president at the time of his inauguration.
The tradition of limiting presidential terms was established by George Washington in 1796. This practice was largely followed for over 140 years until Franklin D. Roosevelt broke the norm by winning a third term in 1940. Roosevelt, who led the nation through the Great Depression and World War II, sadly passed away during his fourth term in 1945, leading to the enactment of the term limits amendment in 1951.
Steve Bannon, a long-time adviser to Trump, expressed in a March 19 interview with NewsNation his belief that Trump will indeed run again in 2028. Bannon noted that he and others are exploring ways to facilitate this ambition, including reviewing the definition of term limits. “We’re working on it,” he stated, underscoring the ongoing discussions surrounding Trump’s political future.
Traders in Lagos have voiced their concerns regarding the significant decline in food sales, particularly for pepper, attributing the downturn to rising prices and the diminished purchasing power of local residents.
In interviews conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), both traders and consumers shared their experiences regarding patronage as the Sallah celebration approaches.
Mr. Rabiu Zuntu, Chairman of the Tomato Growers and Processors Association of Nigeria (Kaduna chapter), linked the situation to the heightened prices of produce and the weakened purchasing capacity of consumers. He stated, “Pepper prices in the north are also steep, with a jumbo 50kg bag reaching as high as N150,000, compared to N60,000 to N70,000 just months ago. This price surge may adversely affect the Sallah festivities, as only a few consumers may afford these products.”
Zuntu further explained, “Currently, we are outside the pepper farming season. Insufficient rainfall has led to a scarcity of this commodity, with only a handful of farmers involved in irrigation. Many will resort to using dried pepper, which is more affordable during this time, although demand remains low. We anticipate an increase in demand as the celebration nears.”
Mrs. Mistura Balogun, a pepper vendor at Lawanson Market in Surulere, echoed these sentiments, noting the unusually low customer turnout. “It’s not just pepper that has become expensive; many other goods have seen price increases as well. Typically, this time of year should see a bustling market, but today is quite different. I have been at my stall since morning, and the number of customers is minimal,” she lamented.
Similarly, Mrs. Mojisola Gbadegesin, another pepper seller at Idi-Araba market, reported a stark decrease in patronage. “Despite the high prices, we usually see customers buying pepper, but this year is different. The market feels deserted, and business is sluggish,” she remarked.
Mrs. Judith Amen, also a foodstuff vendor, highlighted that the rising prices of pepper and other food items are likely to escalate further as the celebrations peak. “At the start of the week, a small bag of scotch bonnet pepper was priced at N70,000, and I expect prices to soar over the weekend due to Sallah. A good quality bag of rice is selling for N85,000, while lower-quality options range from N60,000 to N75,000. Although patronage is currently low, we anticipate an uptick a day before Sallah, but consumers will only purchase what they can afford,” she explained.
Mr. John Nwabueze, a trader in the Agege area, expressed frustration over the lack of customers as Eid celebrations begin. “Sales have been notably low, with people buying only what their budgets allow. The market has been unusually quiet, affecting all commodities, including rice. A 50kg bag of rice is priced between N76,000 and N78,000, yet sales remain sluggish this Sallah,” he noted.
Mrs. Amina Fakunle, a resident of the Alimosho area, remarked that the high cost of pepper would lead consumers to celebrate in a more subdued manner. “Just six pieces of pepper cost about N500, which is the lowest price available. With these prices, people will likely opt for a low-key celebration,” she stated.
Mr. David Oriafo, a resident of the Dopemu area, also commented on the lack of festive activity in the market. “I managed to purchase a few items for my family to save costs, but it’s evident that the usual festive buzz is missing. People are only buying what they can afford, much like myself,” he shared. (NAN)
A Nigerian boxer, Segun “Success” Olanrewaju, has died after slumping during a boxing match in Ghana.
The Secretary-General of the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C), Remi Aboderin confirmed the death of the boxer on Sunday.
The 40-year-old boxer, nicknamed “Success”, stumbled to the canvas while fighting Jon Mbanugu, a Ghanian, at Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League at Bukom Boxing Arena, Accra, on Saturday.
Olanrewaju was not punched or near his opponent when he collapsed violently in round three of the light-heavyweight bout.
The referee called the match immediately, and medical aid was ushered into the ring.
Olarenwaju died after he was rushed to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
Ther boxer was a former West African and national light-heavyweight champion.
He competed in 24 bouts with 13 wins, eight losses, and three draws.
In 2022, Chukwuemeka Igboanugo, another boxer, also died after suffering a technical knockout (TKO) in a bout at the National Sports Festival (NSF) in Delta.
Igboanugo died after he took a fatal blow to the nose and did not survive the hit.