Politics
Come out with your PVCs, make the best of bad situations – CCGI urges Nigerians
Come out with your PVCs, make the best of bad situations – CCGI urges Nigerians
By Ifeoma Ikem
PVC– The Elders under the aegis of the Civic Consciousness Global Initiative (CCGI) group, a non governmental organisation has urged Nigerians to make the best of worst situations come February general elections by coming out to vote for the right candidates.
The Eminent personalities said this at a press conference in Lagos.
They said the meeting was as a burden to counsel and warn the Nigerian Nation towards the coming election.
Rev Solomon Adegbolagun, the Chairman of CCGI said Nigeria is currently passing through the worst curve of her evolution as a nation.
“We have had unprecedented escalation of our challenges, economic downturn, profligacy of our scarce finances by government agencies and persons, massive corruption, debilitating foreign debt burden to the tune of about 77 trillions.
“We have problem of inflation, unemployment, ethnic cleansing, collapsed moral, spiritual and educational standards, religious fanaticism domination, terrorism, massacre of innocent citizens , destruction of village settlements, displacement of millions of people, to mention but a few.
“Our younger generation and professionals who ought to develop the country are fleeing their homeland massively to overseas in order to seek safer and greener pastures”.
Adegbolagun said the above combined ills have clearly made Nigeria become a failed nation.
“These have combined to threaten our nationhood and put the hopes of both present and upcoming generations in great jeopardy which is further complicated by lack of creative and pragmatic leadership.
“As we approach the next elections in a few weeks from now, it appears that many Nigerians are not alarmed by the aforementioned precarious woes of the country.
“They still carry on with attitude of nonchalance, frivolity, praise singing , bribing electorates, hiring crowds at campaign rallies, dancing on stage , use of gutter languages as they attack each other instead of discussing pragmatic ideas that will solve Nigeria’s problems.
“People are campaigning for same politicians who participated actively in ruining this country and who are suspected to be active culprits and agents in bringing the nation to its knees in all indices of our failure and current maladies”.
He frowned at how politicians carry on with entitlement mentality as if the nation’s leadership is their birthright.
“The Church leaders themselves have not mobilized to defend the interest of the church which has suffered unimaginably from persecutions and wanton killing of its members and pastors.
“Although, CAN has taken its stand on the forthcoming elections, we as a body of concerned elders of the Church find it expedient to amplify this position by advising Nigerians in general and Christians in particular to be very careful and not make mistake of choices that will completely destroy our lives , constitutional rights and survival as a nation”.
According to him, Nigeria is fast regressing to a state of complete Islamization, with Muslims dominating majority of all major sectors of governance: Executive, Legislature and Judiciary.
“Same applies to almost all security departments, military and para-military, same dominance by one ethnic group in Nigeria.
“The configuration and postulation in the coming elections suggest a direct or indirect perpetuation of this anomalous political dominance.
“Therefore, this must change, Nigeria belongs to all Nigerians and no tribe will internally colonize others by the grace of God.
“Nigeria belongs to the youthful population who are the leaders of tomorrow. They must at this time exercise their franchise in choosing good leaders at the next elections.
“We are most worried about the killings in Nigeria. Innocent blood of people are continuously being shed with impunity and our security agencies appear not to be able to protect us anymore, failing in the primary responsibility of a government”,.
He said they are worried that this state of anarchy may worsen and it may become most difficult to practice one’s faith and live in one’s communities safely if we make the grave mistake of choosing and enthroning evil-intentioned leaders at the next elections.
“Trust is broken and the government has lost it with the people. Our hope of rebuilding the nation lies in our ability to rebuild trust.
“This particular voting is very crucial for all citizens of this nation and we should never allow apathy to deny us of making our choice of leadership in the next dispensation.
“We advise the electorates especially the youths to cautiously consider candidates’ track records on how they fared: on integrity scale, justice for all, on corruption index, freedom of religion, commitment to secularity of the state, obedience to court rulings and provision of security to all in every part of the nation.
“They must watch out for leaders whose body language are suggestive of division of the country to nations of the South or of the North and must deny such, their votes”.
The elders also advised the government to suspend the currency politics and address the issue of small scale traders and daily earning business man”.
Governor Dauda Lawal Named Part of Presidential Delegation for Historic UK State Visit
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has been named as a member of the presidential entourage that will accompany President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu on a historic two-day State Visit to the United Kingdom.
According to a statement from the Zamfara State Government House on Monday, the Governor will depart Abuja for the UK on Tuesday for the visit, which is scheduled to take place on March 18 and 19 at the invitation of the British Royal Family.
During the visit, King Charles III will host President Tinubu, the First Lady, and the Nigerian delegation at Windsor Castle, where they will view a special exhibition of Royal Collection items related to Nigeria. The Royal Family will also host a State Banquet in honour of the Nigerian guests on the evening of Wednesday, March 18.
The presidency has outlined that the purpose of the visit is to strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. President Tinubu is scheduled to hold talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, which are expected to lead to expanded bilateral discussions and the signing of Memorandums of Understanding covering trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.
The President will also serve as the guest of honour at the Nigerian Modernism exhibition, which showcases contemporary art and culture, and will participate in a reception with Nigerian and British business leaders as well as members of the diaspora community.
The Zamfara State Government expressed confidence that Governor Lawal’s participation in the high-level delegation will provide valuable networking opportunities, opening significant prospects for investment and economic benefits for Zamfara State. The visit will also see Governor Lawal display his repertoire of knowledge on global policy and corporate governance and also pitch the Mineral and Farming rich state to potential investors during the bilateral meeting with the UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer.
Politics
LPDC Verdict: CRG Hails Decision Clearing Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Condemns Political Witch-Hunt
LPDC Verdict: CRG Hails Decision Clearing Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Condemns Political Witch-Hunt
The Centre for Responsible Governance (CRG) has welcomed the decision of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) dismissing the complaint filed against the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, describing the ruling as a clear affirmation of due process and institutional integrity.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, the spokesman of the Centre, Obande George, said the verdict of the disciplinary body has once again vindicated the Deputy Speaker and reaffirmed the position earlier taken by CRG that the allegations against him lacked merit.
The LPDC, in its ruling referenced BB/LPDC/1954/2026, held that no prima facie case had been established against the Deputy Speaker and dismissed the complaint in its entirety.
According to George, the decision demonstrates the importance of allowing competent institutions to examine allegations objectively rather than rushing to judgment in the court of public opinion.
“From the onset, the Centre for Responsible Governance maintained that justice must take its course. We insisted that competent institutions should be allowed to examine the issues without political pressure or sensationalism. The LPDC’s ruling has now clearly shown that the allegations had no foundation,” he said.
The CRG spokesman further stated that the decision reinforces the sterling reputation of the Deputy Speaker, who has over the years built a distinguished profile both as a legal practitioner and as a legislator.
“Honourable Benjamin Kalu is a respected member of the Nigerian Bar and an accomplished lawmaker. Attempts by some individuals to impugn his reputation through unfounded allegations were unfortunate and unnecessary.”
CRG also condemned the actions of certain civil society groups that were quick to demand that the Deputy Speaker step aside from office even before any formal determination had been made by the relevant authorities.
George described such calls as premature and irresponsible, noting that they contributed to the politicisation of a matter that required sober institutional review.
“It is disappointing that some civil society organisations rushed to demand that the Deputy Speaker step aside without allowing due process to run its course. Advocacy for accountability must be guided by facts and fairness, not by sensational pressure.”
The organisation also criticised what it described as the role played by some political actors from the South East who allegedly sought to exploit the controversy for narrow political interests.
According to CRG, it is troubling that certain politicians would attempt to undermine one of their own for short-term political advantage.
“It is even more disturbing that some political actors from the South East appeared eager to weaponise this matter in an attempt to bring down one of their own for cheap political gain. Such actions weaken collective political progress and erode the spirit of solidarity required for national development.”
CRG therefore called on Nigerians to learn from the episode and reaffirm respect for institutional processes and the rule of law.
The organisation stressed that public discourse must be guided by evidence, fairness and responsible engagement rather than rumours or politically motivated campaigns.
“The lesson here is simple: allegations must be tested by competent institutions before conclusions are drawn. Nigeria’s democracy will only grow stronger when due process is respected and reputations are not casually destroyed.”
CRG concluded by congratulating the Deputy Speaker for maintaining calm and dignity throughout the controversy, noting that his composure reflected confidence in the justice system.
@The Centre for Responsible Governance, Email: [email protected], Instagram: crgngo6, Twitter: crgng06, Threads: crgngo6
Obasa Appointed to CPA African Executive Committee
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, has been appointed as a Sub-National Representative to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) African Executive Committee.
The announcement was formally conveyed through a letter from the CPA Africa Region, which was read on the floor of the Assembly by the Clerk, Mr. Olalekan Onafeko, on Tuesday, March 10. The appointment confirms Speaker Obasa’s three-year tenure, spanning 2026 to 2029.
Lawmakers took turns to congratulate Speaker Obasa, praising his devotion to parliamentary service and his consistent efforts to strengthen legislative practice. They described his appointment as a recognition of his hard work and a reflection of Lagos State’s growing influence within the Commonwealth. Members noted that his achievements continue to bring pride not only to Lagos but to Nigeria as a whole.
In his remarks, Speaker Obasa expressed gratitude to his colleagues for their support, urging them to remain steadfast in prioritizing the progress of the Assembly and to continue working collectively to advance the legislature. He further directed the Clerk to send a formal letter of appreciation to the CPA African Region for the honour bestowed upon him. “Let us always put the House of Assembly first and never relent in our efforts to move the legislature forward, ” Obasa concluded.
The CPA African Region plays a pivotal role in advancing the interests of African parliaments within the Commonwealth. It is widely recognized for promoting gender equality, women’s empowerment, respect for human rights, democracy, and good governance across member nations.
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