64th Independence: LCCI highlights challenges facing Nigeria’s economy

Former militant leader Asari Dokubo on Tuesday accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of betraying the people of the Niger Delta. Dokubo was reacting to the Federal Government’s decision to change the Ministry of the Niger Delta under a new creation of the Ministry of Regional Development. He faulted Tinubu government’s decision regarding the region, lamenting
Tinubu betrayed Niger Delta, shortchanging region – Asari Dokubo

Former militant leader Asari Dokubo on Tuesday accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of betraying the people of the Niger Delta.

Dokubo was reacting to the Federal Government’s decision to change the Ministry of the Niger Delta under a new creation of the Ministry of Regional Development.

He faulted Tinubu government’s decision regarding the region, lamenting that the Niger Delta was being shortchanged.

Featuring on Arise TV’s Morning Show, Dokubo said: “It’s sad that this decision is taken in a government led by Tinubu, who was in the trenches with most of us during the struggle for the restoration of democracy after the overthrow of the government following the June 12 election of MKO Abiola.

“Together we fought tirelessly, and since then, Tinubu, who was at the forefront of this struggle, has been speaking on restructuring and returning Nigeria to its federal status and giving rights to the components of the country.

“Now, to this decision: this decision is a betrayal of the people of the Niger Delta. This culture of trying to subchange the people of the Niger Delta is robbing us of our gains.

“This decision is a betrayal of the people of the Niger Delta. Before independence, the Ijaws and Ogonis made it very clear that for us to be part of Nigeria, negotiations must be on our own terms. We made it very clear to the British, and they set up a commission to look into the fears of the so-called minorities and allay their fears.

“The government agreed that for us to be part of an independent Nigeria, Sir Wilkins’ commission established special areas for the Ijaw and Ogoni people, and these special areas were established. The government was to provide five percent; the Eastern Region was to provide five percent; and the Northern Region was to provide five percent because this was a special area.

“After the coup and declaration of Nigeria as a unitary state, Nigeria looked at our face and abolished a constitutionally established authority. In its place, every drainage outside the Niger Delta was made a River Basin authority, and they equated these same authorities with the Niger Delta area authority, a special mandate area for Nigeria to become independent.

“The independence of Nigeria was predicated on that report that we, the Ogonis and Ijaws, should be part of Nigeria. Having done that, Obasanjo came in 1999 and redefined what the Niger Delta is; it became OMPADEC, an oil-producing area. So Abia, Imo, Edo, Ondo, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River became part of the Niger Delta. He diluted the meaning of the Niger Delta. The Niger Delta is created by the River Niger and its tributaries, which is simple.”

Tinubu betrayed Niger Delta, shortchanging region – Asari Dokubo

The newly elected Chairman of the Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mr Abayomi Tella, says he will ensure the party is rejuvenated, rebuilt, and repositioned for success in the state. Tella made this statement after his election at the party’s state congress supervised by the Independent National Electoral Commission in Abeokuta on
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The newly elected Chairman of the Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mr Abayomi Tella, says he will ensure the party is rejuvenated, rebuilt, and repositioned for success in the state. Tella made this statement after his election at the party’s state congress supervised by the Independent National Electoral Commission in Abeokuta on

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Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has said Nigeria is on the threshold of transformation, noting the high cost of living, looming protests and the highjack of the electoral process remain indices for evolution. In a statement she made available to DAILY POST on Tuesday in Abuja, the lawmaker said the challenges Nigerians
Nigeria@64: A nation on verge of redefinition – Senator Apkoti

Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has said Nigeria is on the threshold of transformation, noting the high cost of living, looming protests and the highjack of the electoral process remain indices for evolution.

In a statement she made available to DAILY POST on Tuesday in Abuja, the lawmaker said the challenges Nigerians face today will catalyse them to their transformation.

Her words, “As I reflect on Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary, I realise that our nation is poised at the threshold of profound transformation.

“The current socio-political landscape is marked by escalating costs of living, looming protests, and electoral processes hijacked by vested interests. These challenges have become catalysts for a far-reaching sociopolitical evolution.

She expressed the belief that Nigeria is waxing stronger, despite challenges of inflation, stagnant wages, and economic hardship which she said has reached. Boiling point.

“We are struggling to make ends meet as inflation and stagnant wages erode our purchasing power. The economic struggles have reached a boiling point, with devastating consequences on our standard of living.

“The prices of basic commodities have skyrocketed, making it difficult for average Nigerians to afford necessities.”

She said the protest was a way to express frustration that should attract attention, adding that the voices of Nigerians are growing daily demanding the attention of those in power.

“As we grapple with economic hardship, protests have become our powerful tool to express frustration. Our voices are growing louder, demanding attention from those in power.

“The protests are a cry for help, a call to action, and a demand for change.”

She further maintained that the electoral process has been rocked by corruption and manipulation, thereby endangering democracy which was attained at cost.

“This undermines democracy, leaving us feeling disenfranchised and disillusioned. The hijacking of electoral processes threatens the very foundations of our democracy.

“As we navigate these challenges, a sociopolitical evolution unfolds. We demand greater accountability, transparency, and inclusivity.

“We are seeking a new Nigeria, built on the principles of justice, equality, and fairness.

“As we celebrate our 64th anniversary, we stand at a crossroads.

“Will we continue down stagnation’s path or seize this moment to redefine our future? The choice is clear: we must evolve.”

Nigeria@64: A nation on verge of redefinition – Senator Apkoti