Opinion
Tambawal; Beyond Legislative Management, Galvanizing Youths
BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF
Before the recent unfortunate event of some youths resistance in Nigeria tagged “EndBadGovernance ” stakeholders which included the National Assembly had vigorously preached against the negative consequences of such move , though, everyone and Nigerians have the right to protest peacefully, but the fear was been hijacked, which happened recently across the country.
Therefore, the National Assembly management under Sani Magaji Tambawal as Clerk to the National Assembly CNA was not left out of the preparation and education of youths against the pre- August 1-10 youths protest, through a well concerted synergy with the House of Representatives leadership to organise a well thought out youths convergence to educate them of their potentials, the intervention of the National Assembly in youth related activities in the last one year , through the Ministry of Youths development and ratified by the Assembly.
The maiden program showcased the potentials of youths of Nigeria, the way forward and the need to embrace practically the parlance of been leaders of tomorrow , therefore rather than adopting crises ridden as an approach , the need to embrace dialogue was vigorously canvassed.
The meeting hosted at the premises of the National Assembly convened on July 31 under the supervision of the Clerk to the National Assembly CNA, Sani Magaji Tambawal attracted various youths leaders across the country, which included National youth leaders of political parties, cabinet Ministers, Head of government agencies, parastatals and departments who reeled out programs of development of the Nigeria youths in the last one year, and the desire of the present administration and National Assembly to sustain it.
It was obvious at the occasion that the Clerk to the National Assembly CNA, Sani Magaji Tambawal had participated in the passage of youths development bills to improve their welfare in recent times. This was contrary to the impression by the youths that the National Assembly members and staff are only their on personal aggrandizement.
From the convergence, it was also dawn on the youths on series of policies and programs that will improve and galvanize youthful participation both in governance, among many other areas that was also highlighted to the consternation and conviction of Nigeria youths.
It was revealed how the National Assembly management prioritised youthful engagements and participation in all its activities by virtue of their status and stature , as well as the need to continue to recognize them as leaders of tomorrow in the course of national development and rejuvenation.
The one day event held on Wednesday, July 31, 2021 influenced the youths and youths bodies to back out from the proposed protests and resolved to continue to support the youths friendly activities under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in synergy with the National Assembly to make adequate and people oriented laws to support youthful engagements.
Having highlighted the immeasurable achievements of the National Assembly to youths development and welfare , it was on record that the youths obviously did not support the recent EndBadGovernance protests across the country held for ten days, but have decided to tarry for the socially impactful range of government policies and programs been convened by the National Assembly.
For Nigerian youths across all strata from the grassroots to the National level , the current engagement and involvement in all facets of the country’s activities had metamorphosed beyond mere tools in the hands of the privileged Nigerians, but now recognized and active in our national life.
For the presiding officers , National Assembly leadership and management piloted by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Sani Magaji Tambawal, the welfare of the youths across the country remained a veritable tool to national development, hence the engagement was timely and desiring.
Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.
By Rinret Jennifer Mwarap
The unrelenting massacre of citizens in Plateau State has reached an alarming level. While the government claims to be taking steps to restore order, the reality on the ground tells a different story one that feels like nothing meaningful is being done.
It is heartbreaking to see our loved ones butchered without cause. The questions torment us: What have we done wrong? Who have we offended? Where did we go astray? Must we continue to endure this suffering for no justifiable reason?
The killing of innocent people in Plateau must come to an end. The government and security forces cannot afford to look away. Their responsibility is clear they must act swiftly and decisively to bring the perpetrators to justice, for the sake of the innocent victims and the children left behind.
I call on the Governor of Plateau State to rise to this challenge. Take bold and immediate action against those who seek to destroy our land and shed innocent blood. Let them face the full weight of the law.
This feels like a nightmare—how did we get to the point where the same Plateau where I once slept peacefully with both eyes closed is now a place where even sleeping with one eye open feels unsafe?
Where is the peace in our “Home of Peace and Tourism”?
When will our tears dry? When will justice prevail?
If we truly seek peace, then justice must be non-negotiable.
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.