By David Owei
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, and Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State have underscored the need for true fiscal federalism as the key to resolving the national question of sustainable unity and development in the country.

The two leaders made the assertion during the public presentation of Elder Braeyi Ekiye’s book titled, “Redefining Nigeria: Essays on State, Nation, Leadership and Democracy,” at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall in Government House, Yenagoa on Thursday.

Governor Diri, who spoke at the event through his Deputy, Dr. Peter Akpe, stressed that Brayi Ekiye’s book asked questions every serious-minded citizen should ask, noting that the questions of state, nation, leadership and democracy were fundamental to building a just, equitable and progressive nation every patriotic Nigerian deeply yearns for.

According to the Bayelsa helmsman, the issues raised by the book resonated in the findings of the Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission, which stands as a reference point for justice for the Niger Delta that continues to carry much of the nation’s economic burden.

While describing the evolution of the book as quite timely, Governor Diri maintained that engagements which strengthens democracy, good governance and nation-building are always encouraged by his administration.

His words: “Redefining Nigeria asks questions that every serious-minded citizen must confront. What binds us together as a nation? How should power and resources be shared among the various units of our federation? What does a citizen owe the state and what do leaders owe the people who entrust them with power?

“These are the questions of state, nation, leadership and democracy that the subtitle promises, and the author approaches them not as an outsider but as one who has watched our national journey closely and cared about where it leads.

“For us in the Niger Delta, these are not idle questions. Our region has carried much of the nation’s economic weight while bearing its heaviest environmental cost. Our creeks, farmlands and fishing waters tell that story more eloquently than any statistic.

“We have insisted that the restoration of our environment and the dignity of our communities must be at the centre of any honest conversation about the future of Nigeria, and why the findings of the Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission remain a reference point for justice in our region. Our people have earned a voice in shaping the federation, and books such as this one help to make that voice heard.”

On his part, former President Goodluck Jonathan described the book as a bold and timely contribution to the national discourse, emphasizing that the work was a testimony of a life dedicated to service and the development of the nation.

Jonathan, who was represented by the former Governor of Adamawa State, Hon. Boni Haruna, remarked that Elder Braeyi Ekiye had served Bayelsa and the country in various capacities with integrity, humility, wisdom, diligence and distinction, noting that the book was a product of experience, and pivotal to national discourse.

According to the former President of Nigeria, since independence, the nation has been in search of a true definition of “who we are and what we want to be and how we want to live together as a people.”

He said the footprints of the book, which revolves around state, nation, leadership and democracy, were the exact issues Nigeria has been grappling with today as a nation, maintaining that no nation could grow beyond the quality of the conversations it has about itself.

He said, “This book represents a bold and timely contribution to our national discourse. At his age, if Elder Braeyi Ekiye could still find the energy and clarity to write and publish a book such as this, it is a testimony of a life dedicated to service and national development.

“He has served this state and this nation in various capacities with integrity, humility, wisdom and distinction. This book, therefore,is a product of experience and not just theory.

“The title, Redefining Nigeria, is profound and timely. We are gathered here to discuss how to redefine the Nigerian state. Of course, since independence, Nigeria has been in search of a definition – who we are, what we want to be and how we want to live together as a people.

“The state we have is not yet the nation we desire, and the nation we desire cannot emerge without a purposeful leadership, and a purposeful leadership cannot thrive without deepening our democracy.”

In his presentation, the book Reviewer, Prof. Godini Darah, described Elder Ekiye’s 413-page work as encyclopedic and thought-provoking and emphasized the need for people to document their experiences and knowledge to guide others.

According to him, the 45-page book which has three sections, highlight issues arising from petroleum resources in the Niger Delta, examines Nigeria’s democracy and managing the polity in the interest of the people.

Making reference to a comparison drawn by the author between political elites of the South East Asian countries and those of Nigeria, Prof. Darah opined that the nation has failed to make appreciable progress due to lack of real patriots and nationalistic leaders.

He said: “The Asian elites are developing their countries to meet up the standard of America, Canada, Britain, Belgium, Germany, Italy and so on. So, their politics is concerned about how their own multinational companies can match Julius Berger, Coca-Cola.

“In contrast, the Nigerian political elites are not struggling to put our products in the world market. They are rather struggling to be agents of Shell, ExxonMobil, Chevron, and they are ready to sell this country for nothing.”

In his welcome address, the Chairman of Pan Niger Delta Forum, Amb. Godknows Igali, praised the author for translating his reflections about the country into a book which will outlive him and benefit posterity.

While underscoring the deprivations the Niger Delta region has suffered despite its huge contributions to the national coffers over the years, Amb. Igali expressed hope that Nigeria could be built as a united and prosperity country on the basis of equity, fairness and justice.

The Chairman of the Bayelsa Elders Forum, who doubled as Chairman of the occasion, also congratulated the Elder Ekiye on his efforts and stressed the importance of books towards the development of individuals and nation-building.

In his remarks, the author of the book, Elder Braeyi Ekiye, described his work as part of ongoing efforts to chart a progressive course of the evolution of a new Nigeria that could proudly stand as a united, secured and prosperous nation in the world.

The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Dr Fred Agbedi, represented by Chief Kelvin Tawari, the Pere of Kabowei Kingdom, His Majesty Peremobowei Erebulu, the Special Adviser to Governor Diri on Political Matters, High Chief Collins Cocodia, were among notable figures that launched the book.

By Our Correspondent

The National Movement for Tinubu-Shettima 2027 — Forward Nigeria — hails the timely inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a significant step in preparations for the 2027 general election.

In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Prof. Rufai Ahmed Alkali,the group noted that the inauguration provides a coordinated framework for political engagement and grassroots mobilisation while reaffirming the importance of unity, discipline and sustained attention to governance as the country approaches another electoral cycle.

The Movement commended President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, and all other party leaders and stakeholders for the various roles they played in the inauguration and their undistputed commitment to nationwide mobilisation for the Presidential election.

“We note, of particular importance is President Tinubu’s emphasis that electoral preparations would not distract his Administration from its constitutional responsibilities. This statesmanly position reinforces the principle that governance must remain a continuing priority, even as political parties organise for the forthcoming elections.

“The Movement further notes with interest the involvement and participation of prominent political leaders from other political platforms at the inauguration, including the Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who reportedly delivered goodwill messages in support of the President’s re-election bid.

“Their participation highlights the significance of political engagement that extends beyond traditional political party boundaries and creates opportunities for dialogue and cooperation among leaders with different political affiliations. This is a rare and unique bipartisanship in the service of the nation.

“The Movement believes that constructive engagement across the political spectrum would greatly contribute to a broader national conversation on governance, economic development and democratic stability. Such engagement need not diminish the legitimate status of the various political tendencies; rather, it can encourage dialogue on shared national priorities and the country’s long-term interests,” it noted.

The statement further said,”The emergence of cross-party engagement around the 2027 electoral process also underscores the importance of building political relationships through dialogue, accomodation, compromise and a shared commitment to Nigeria’s future.

“The Movement commends the President’s commitment to balance the demands of governance and the expectations of the political campaign throughout the electoral season. This clearly, underscores the need for continuity in public service delivery, economic management and national development.

“The President’s stated commitment to continued engagement with Nigerians, alongside coordinated mobilisation across states, local governments and electoral wards, also highlights the importance of maintaining communication between government and citizens.

“The Movement urges political leaders and campaign organisations to ensure that electioneering activities should complement and reinforce rather than detract from the national interest.

“The Movement believes that the campaign council is well positioned to communicate the President Tinubu’s Administration’s policies and records of achievements, effectively and in a manner that would invite the support from the electorates.

“The Movement notes the commitment expressed by the APC National Chairman to coordinate mobilisation from the national level through state chapters, local governments down to electoral units. Surely, this is the way to go. Effective grassroots engagement is an important component of political mobilisation. It provides the campaign coordinators opportunities to communicate government policies and programmes, listen to citizens’ concerns and explain government policy positions to communities across the country.”

The Movement also welcomes the call for the 2027 elections to be conducted as a contest of ideas, records and policies, with due regard for peace, democratic institutions and the Nigerian electorate.

“We encourage all political stakeholders to promote responsible communication, respect differing opinions and contribute to an electoral environment in which public debate is guided by facts, policy choices and the aspirations of citizens,” it added.

As preparations for the 2027 general election gather momentum, the National Movement for Tinubu-Shettima 2027 — Forward Nigeria — calls on political leaders, party supporters and other stakeholders to approach the electoral process with a strong sense of responsibility and commitment to democratic principles.

“The inauguration of the Presidential Campaign Council offers an opportunity to strengthen political coordination and broaden public engagement around the country’s economic, social and developmental priorities.”

The Movement calls on the opposition political parties to learn a lesson or two from President Tinubu’s approach to the 2027 season. They must know that public confidence is best sustained when political commitments are accompanied by responsible leadership, transparent communication and demonstrable efforts to address the concerns of Nigerians, not grand standing with innate and unverifiable statistics.

“We therefore encourage a political climate in which disagreements are resolved through democratic engagement, policy debates take precedence over personal attacks, and the welfare of citizens remains central to discussions about the country’s future.”

For the National Movement for Tinubu-Shettima 2027- Forward, democracy is all about a continuing commitment to national progress, inclusive political engagement, responsible governance and the pursuit of a more prosperous and stable country.

“Nigeria’s future requires responsible leadership, active citizenship participation, and a shared commitment to democratic progress. The All Progressive Congress (APC) is ready and able to offer these to the nation.

Forward Nigeria!,” it noted

By George Mgbeleke

In an effort to strengthen preparations for the 2027 general elections, with a focus on the timely and secure distribution of election materials across the country, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has inaugurated its Electoral Logistics Committee (ELOC), chaired by National Electoral Commissioner, retired Rear Admiral Jamila Abubakar-Sadiq, as part of early preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The INEC Chairman, in his remarks at the commission’s headquarters, Abuja, described logistics as one of the most critical pillars of the electoral process, stressing that the success of an election depends largely on the availability of essential materials at polling units at the appointed time.

He said the inauguration of the committee was a proactive measure to address the complexities of transporting sensitive and non-sensitive election materials across Nigeria’s diverse geographical terrain through road, air and maritime channels.

The chairman said the committee would adopt a multi-agency approach, drawing on the expertise of military and paramilitary institutions, security agencies and relevant transport organisations to ensure effective coordination and operational efficiency.

He explained that the committee’s terms of reference include assessing the overall logistical requirements for the 2027 elections, developing comprehensive plans for the storage, distribution, deployment and retrieval of election materials, and auditing the readiness of warehouses, vehicles, airports, seaports and other transport facilities.

Other responsibilities include identifying logistical gaps, ensuring timely delivery of materials to all parts of the country, monitoring compliance with approved schedules, and developing strategies to address transportation bottlenecks, shortages and security threats.

NEC chairman urged the committee members to demonstrate dedication and professionalism, noting that Nigeria’s varied geographical conditions, from the creeks of the Niger Delta to the arid northern regions, require flexible and resilient logistical arrangements.

He emphasised that no Nigerian should be disenfranchised because of the late arrival of election materials, adding that early planning was essential to delivering transparent, efficient and credible elections.

In her keynote remarks, the National Electoral Commissioner responsible for security, retired Rear Admiral Jamila Abubakar-Sadiq, described election logistics as the operational foundation of the democratic process, with a direct impact on electoral integrity and public confidence.

She said the committee was expected to develop a strategic logistics plan informed by lessons from previous elections, identify systemic vulnerabilities and establish mechanisms for the seamless deployment of election materials.

Abubakar-Sadiq outlined key areas of responsibility to include strategic airlift and cargo planning, the identification of operational bottlenecks, coordination of land and maritime transportation, and the mapping of difficult terrain, security-challenged areas and locations prone to crises.

She added that the committee would develop appropriate transportation and security arrangements for high-risk locations and submit a comprehensive report containing actionable recommendations and strict operational timelines.

The electoral commissioner also proposed the establishment of specialised subcommittees to focus on airlift operations, land transportation, maritime transportation, storage and security, where necessary.

She noted that the Central Bank of Nigeria would receive, store and distribute sensitive election materials through its nationwide branch network, while effective inter-agency cooperation would be critical to the committee’s success.

The committee is also expected to coordinate with relevant government institutions, state offices, transport unions and other stakeholders to facilitate the secure and efficient movement of election materials.

The inauguration was attended by INEC national commissioners, representatives of the Chief of Defence Staff and service chiefs, as well as officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and Nigerian Ports Authority.