NEWS

Restructure now before it is too late, Atiku warns

Published

7 years ago

March 2, 2018

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has again called on the government to take the restructuring of the nation more seriously in the interest of Nigerians.

Atiku, who was represented by Prof. Maxwell Gidado, said the country is in a critical situation and that no magic wand would save it unless its leadership does the right thing at the right time.

He made this known in Lagos, yesterday, at the launch of In the Belly of Vultures, a 1238-page book written by Akogun Adetola Adeniyi, the former Managing Director of Daily Times.
Atiku, chairman of the occasion, said restructuring should not be discarded because of ethnic bias, as every region stands to benefit. According to him, “If done properly, it will help the whole nation.”

Nigeria is in a “vulnerable” state because of its reliance on crude oil, which may not remain pricey for long, as the world embraces renewable energy, he said, stressing: “We should not be fighting over a disappearing wealth.”

He described vilifications by opponents of restructuring as unhelpful, saying those who oppose the idea do not like the country any more than the proponents.

Atiku is one of the strident voices supporting restructuring as a way of ending tension and agitation in the country.

He had earlier suggested that the quickest way to achieve the goal is reducing the power and roles of the Federal Government and “returning some items on the concurrent list to the states.”

At the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, last year, he said restructuring could be achieved in six months, if the items on the concurrent list are returned to the states.

“Some of what my ideas on restructuring involve require constitutional amendment. Some do not. Take education and roads for instance. The Federal Government can immediately start the process of transferring federal roads to state governments along with the resources it expends on them.

“In the future, if the Federal Government identifies the need for a new road that would serve the national interest, it can support the affected states to construct such, and thereafter leave the maintenance to the states, which can collect tolls from road users for the purpose.”

Atiku, however, is not the only person advocating restructuring.

Regional groups are also asking that the current architecture of government be re-configured for operational efficiency.

The pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, wants Nigeria to go back to the 1960 constitutional model, which allowed all sections of the country to live under a federal constitution while fulfilling their own aspirations.

The group, in a communiqué, insisted the government cannot solve any of the problems confronting the country without restructuring.

Also, the leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo at different times has campaigned for restructuring, calling for devolution of power to the regions to ensure greater control of local resources. This position rhymes with the agitation of the South South.

At the book launch, former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd), represented by Major General Tajudeen Olanrewaju, described Adeniyi as an exceptional journalist who is courageous enough to speak on any national issue. He advised journalists to imbibe his sense of commitment and service, saying: “Nigerians must not lose the ability to discuss Nigerian issues respectfully.”

In attendance were veterans of the Daily Times like Sam Amuka-Pemu, Segun Osoba, Doyin Abiola, Areoye Oyebola, and other dignitaries.

The book reviewer was Adedamola Popoola, a professor of law at the Obafemi Awolowo University.

Meanwhile, the Northern Governors’ Forum, at its meeting in Kaduna yesterday, received the interim report of the committee it mandated to collate the opinions of individuals and groups in the region on restructuring.

Chairman of the Forum and governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima, said: “The Forum noted the presentation of the report and commended the committee for its relentless efforts towards ensuring a comprehensive conduct of the exercise. It then assured the panel of its full support towards executing its mandate successfully.”

The 19 northern governors expressed support for all efforts by the Federal Government to end communal and other crises across the country and warned political and ethnic jingoists against throwing the nation into confusion.

Related Topics:Atiku Abubakar Restructuring

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NEWS

Bobrisky Released On Bail After Denying 15 Million Naira Bribery Allegations

Published

17 hours ago

November 4, 2024

Reporter

Bobrisky granted bail after denying N15m bribery allegation | fab.ng

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recently granted bail to Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, following his detention.

On Thursday night, Bobrisky was apprehended and removed from a KLM flight bound for Amsterdam at Lagos’s Murtala Muhammed International Airport while attempting to travel to London.

Subsequently, Bobrisky took to social media to inform his followers about his arrest, claiming to have sustained injuries during the incident.

He posted, “Nigerians, help me, EFCC just arrested me. I’m badly injured.”

After his arrest, officials transported him to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja for questioning over alleged bribery claims involving the commission.

The allegations arose when social media critic Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, released a voice note reportedly featuring Bobrisky’s voice. In the recording, Bobrisky allegedly claimed he had bribed EFCC officials with N15 million to drop money laundering charges.

However, late on Friday, November 1, authorities processed Bobrisky’s bail, and he regained his freedom shortly after. EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the release on Saturday but declined to provide additional information.

A source close to the case disclosed that Bobrisky denied all bribery allegations in his official statement. He also challenged the voice note’s authenticity, urging the individual who shared it to prove the claims.

According to the source, Bobrisky asserted that no EFCC official had solicited money from him and insisted he had not offered any bribe.

Through this statement, Bobrisky maintained his innocence, asserting that the bribery accusations were baseless. Meanwhile, the EFCC has yet to comment further on the case. This leaves questions about the voice note’s origins and the nature of the allegations still unresolved.

BREAKING NEWS

Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson’s Producer, Dies At 91

Published

18 hours ago

November 4, 2024

Reporter

Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson's producer, dies at 91 | fab.ng

Quincy Jones, a legendary music producer renowned for his collaborations with iconic artists, passed away on November 4, 2024, at the age of 91.

His publicist, Arnold Robinson, confirmed the news. Jones’ family released a heartfelt statement, expressing their grief and celebrating his extraordinary life and enduring legacy.

They said,

“Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing. And although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him.”

They added, “We take comfort and immense pride in knowing that the love and joy, that were the essence of his being, was shared with the world through all that he created. Through his music and his boundless love, Quincy Jones’s heart will beat for eternity.”

Born in Chicago in 1933, Quincy Jones’s lineage was a complex tapestry of history. His mother descended from slave owners, while his father, half-white, was the son of a Welsh slave master and one of his enslaved women.

Jones’s early exposure to music began at home, where his mother’s singing and a neighbour’s piano ignited his passion. At the tender age of seven, he started learning to play the piano.

Following his parents’ divorce, Jones and his father moved to Washington State. There, he joined his high school band, mastering the drums and various brass instruments.

His musical journey took a significant turn at the age of 14 when he began performing in Seattle bars. A remarkable moment arrived in 1948 when he backed Billie Holiday, sharing the stage with a young Ray Charles.

After a brief stint at Seattle University studying music, Jones ventured to Boston to complete his education. His illustrious career, spanning over seven decades, was marked by groundbreaking collaborations with legendary artists.

He worked alongside Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, and many others. Indeed, one of his most iconic achievements was producing Michael Jackson’s historic album, “Thriller.”

Check out more news updates here.

MOVIES

AMAA 2024: “The Weekend” & “Jagun Jagun” Take Home Major Wins

Published

18 hours ago

November 4, 2024

Reporter

AMAA 2024: The Weekend & Jagun Jagun Wins Big | fab.ng

The 20th edition of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) took place yesterday, November 2nd, 2024, at the Balmoral Convention Centre in Ikeja, Lagos.

This year, the AMAA 2024 ceremony honoured first-time winners and celebrated the best in African cinema. This brought filmmakers from across the globe together under one roof.

Notably, Nollywood actor Segun Arinze and Ghanaian actress Joselyn Dumas hosted the event. In addition, legendary Afrobeat musicians Femi Kuti and Yinka Davies performed, adding a unique flair to the ceremony.

A line-up of pan-African artists, including Narh Tettey, Bedwei Kwaku, and Adina Thembi, further entertained the audience.

Leading the jury, filmmaker and curator Dorothee Wenner, along with a distinguished panel, reviewed the nominated films, recognizing exceptional talent and storytelling in African cinema.

Among the major highlights in AMAA 2024, the Nigerian-directed drama “The Weekend” dominated the evening. It won the “Best Film Award” for both Nigeria and Africa.

Furthermore, Femi Adebayo won the “Best Actor in a Supporting Role” award for his performance in the historical thriller “Jagun Jagun.”

Notably, after receiving seven nominations, the film also claimed awards for Achievement in Visual Effects and Make-up.

Meanwhile, Elsie Abang earned “Best Actress in a Supporting Role” for her performance in “KIPKEMBOI.” Likewise, Michell Lemuya claimed the “Best Young Promising Actor” award for her role in “NAWI.”

In the leading roles category, South Africa’s Zolisa Xaluva took home “Best Actor in a Leading Role” for his work in “The Queenstown King.”

Similarly, Ghana’s Jackie Appiah won “Best Actress in a Leading Role” for her performance in “Red Carpet.”

Continuing the list of accolades, “Letters to Goddo,” directed by Harry Bentil, won the “Best Feature Film by a Director” award. Meanwhile, Jahmil X.T. Qubeka earned the “Best Director” title for his work on “The Queenstown Kings.”

In recognition of lifelong achievements, the Academy presented Lifetime Achievement Awards to notable filmmakers Souleymane Cissé from Mali, Nacer Khemir from Tunisia, and Haile Gerima from Ethiopia.

Additionally, Alain Gomis from Senegal and Gabon, along with Zimbabwean author and filmmaker Tsitsi Dangarembga, received special recognition awards in AMAA 2024 for their valuable contributions to African cinema.

See the full list of AMAA 2024 winners below: