Connect with us

Politics

Barau tasks TPI to extend it’s ideals to Nation’s Parliament,Political Parties, ECOWAS  subregion  ….pledges NASS support to Institute 

Published

3 months ago

on

Deputy President of Senate, Barau Jibrin
Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin has called on the newly established Democratic Institute to instill it’s Democratic values to  the nation’s legislature, political parties and the West African subregion.
This is even  as he has pledged the support of the National Assembly to the programmes and policies of the Institute.
Addressing the Director General an top management staff of The Progressive Institute when they paid him a courtesy visit in his office, the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin recalled his experience at the National Democratic Institute of the United States while in the House of Representatives years ago.
According to the deputy Senate President the training he received from the institute impacted so much on his parliamentary practice.
“I was one of those that witnessed the unveiling of the Institute. And I’m one of the admirers and supporters of this Institute and what it stands for. I am doing this wholeheartedly for several reasons.
“One of the reasons, of course, is that I’m a beneficiary of a similar Institute from a foreign land. And since when I go from that Institute, I’ve been praying that we have a similar body in Nigeria. And when I heard the news through the National Chairman that this Institute was coming on board, I was delighted.
“Because I remember 25 or 26 years ago, when I won the election to represent the Tairani constituency in the Federal House of Representatives. We got a call and a letter from the National Democratic Institute of the United States. Which is a similar body owned by the Democratic Party of the United States.
“That body, that Institute, decided to come here to give us intensive training. Respect on how to go into the legislature of this country. Because at that time, there was a gap,” he noted.
Continuing Jibrin said,”There was a long period of time that we didn’t have a legislature in this country. Because of the military intervention, our politics then. So almost everything about the legislature was forgotten.
“It was the NDI who came and taught us, in the classroom style, on how to go into the legislature of this country. On how to conduct ourselves. And we gained a lot from what we were taught.
“So the training we got made us stand out amongst the set of legislators we have in this country. The legislators of the Fourth National Assembly were very much vast in the Arab legislature. That’s where you had the likes of Gali Omanaba.
“And even Massari was also part of the team. And so we’re very, very, very strong in terms of legislative experience or legislative knowledge. Because I wouldn’t say experience because I knew then.
“But the knowledge was there. And we worked very hard. We did very well.
‘Based on our performance there. Courtesy of what we were taught by the NDI. So I was delighted that we are going to have a similar party in Nigeria.
“So I was very, very happy. So that’s why I was really, I commend all of you, commend the national chairman. So my commendation goes to the national chairman.”
He warned the management of the Institute not to limit the gains from the Institute to only the All Progressive Congress but to all political parties in the country and beyond.
“And of course all of you for bringing this institute into our country. And it’s not going, all I know is that it’s not going to be to the benefit of APC as a party. No, no, no, no.
“It’s not going to be. It’s a journey for the entire democracy in this country. Not even this country.
“In the entire region. I thank God I’m the first deputy speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament. So I will also want to plead.
“I also want to extend your tentacles beyond the confines of this country. Try to reach out to us. And even I know we have different ideologies.
‘We have two conservatives within the legislators in the ECOWAS Parliament. But then, yes, you are going to be very useful. Please extend your tentacles to the ECOWAS Parliament.
“Just like the NDI extended its tentacles to Nigeria, from far away America, to Nigeria. And indeed, there was something again. The same NDI sponsored us when we started.
“After the initial training. After a year, it came on board. The members of the appropriations committee, which I was heading then.
“I was the chairman then. They took us to the US Congress, to the Brazilian Parliament, and other areas. For us to study fiscal federalism.”
Jibrin noted that,”To understand fiscal federalism. Because the operating systems are similar to ours. So it’s the same NDI that did that.
“So they were just everywhere to promote democracy. So I’m glad that you’re on board. And you’ve started the same pattern.
“The training, the event that was held a few months ago. I was also talking about entrepreneurship. Looking at how we can promote entrepreneurship amongst our youth.
“Also to make them useful to themselves. So it was something good. Something that we really need as a nation.
“Because we have the abundance of young people. So it’s really good that we teach them the necessary traits. That will help them to live their lives.
“And also try to bring entrepreneurship into the entire arrangement for the betterment of our people. Which is very, very good. Now, you are now coming with this.
” I commend you for what you’ve done. And I commend the national chairman for his foresight.
“For his innovative ideas. Because whatever you do, if you don’t bring innovation, you go nowhere. And you’ve done something that is in tandem with the current contemporary happenings in the world.
“Innovation. Wherever you find yourself, try to be innovative.
“And this is what you’ve done by setting up this very, very important body. So I will support whatever you do. Whatever you bring before me.
“And I want to assure you that I’m going to go in line with what you’ve put forward. With little amendment. I’m not a senator for North alone.”
Earlier, Director General, The Progressive Institute (TPI) Dr Olanrewaju Adebayo explained that to strengthen the community through giving our youths capacities, skills in governance and leadership.
“And so, these are some of the examples of what we’re doing. So coming home to Kano, we’ve seen all the things you’ve been doing for the party leaders, and we think that we can also provide some kind of support in that area.

“Given your commitment to the party, your leadership of the party, we propose a kind of retreat for leaders at the state level. Again, trying to provide a non, I wouldn’t say political, but still a political environment, but a non-controversial, or I say controversial, an environment where party leaders can interact without competing. Where they can interact and engage in discussing common issues concerning the party.
“Issues of leadership, issues of financing. Issues of review of what we’ve done in the last two years. Because by May 2029, we will have been two years in government.
“How far have we done in terms of managing the party at the state level? And what we can do more? And then reviewing the manifesto of the party in the last two years in terms of implementation. What we can do for the next two years, as well as planning for 2027. 2027 is very close by,” he noted.
The DG further said,”We want to support and participate in that area. We want to be also party leaders to discuss party organization, internal communication, issues of finances, and also looking at the political environment in Canada. Very important.
“That’s part of planning. So we have developed four options, or five options, four options. One of the options is to have a retreat for principal officers of the EPC from the 13 local government areas and 151 wards in Canada.
“That is one option. The other option is to look at local government chairman and secretaries of wards. And of course the fourth, the third option is local government and wards chairman.
“And the final one, which is more comprehensive, is to look at all party leaders from the 13 local government areas and 151 wards in Canada. Now we are doing this as part of the TPI national project to take a stock of what we’ve done in the last two years. What are the challenges? What are the issues? And encourage our leaders to focus attention on this one and prepare for how we can address some of the challenges, some of the gaps.
“And that is the only way the party will remain strong, resilient, and be an example to others. You know, when you look at Nigerian political environment now, I don’t think we have many. I don’t think we have a party that can challenge EPC.
“But we have to keep on working. We have to keep on working very hard to ensure that the leadership God has given to us will stay. We have to work under our leaders like Senator Jibril to make sure that EPC leads and provide the direction for the future.
“And one of the areas is ideology. Ideology is to change the political environment in our country. We need to stop all this mundane, petty discussion on the media.
“People talking about sexual harassment. We should be just talking about governance. Serious issues that affect our people.
“But we need to. APC has that responsibility as a party to provide that leadership. That is why we are here, sir.
“I would like, therefore, sir, before I present to you a proposal in this area. The Institute and other principal officers of this esteemed Institute. Other guests that are here.”
Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Politics

Governor Adeleke is not Joining ADC Nor Aligning with Anyone in ADC- Spokesperson

Published

15 hours ago

on

August 2, 2025

By

Gov Ademola Adeleke of Osun state

By David Owei, Bayelsa

Governor Ademola Adeleke is not defecting to African Democratic Congress (ADC) nor aligning with anybody within the ADC ahead of the 2026 state elections, his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed has disclosed.

Responding to media publication and enquiries, the Spokesperson affirmed that Governor Adeleke remains in Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and is going to win, with wide margins, the 2026 governorship elections on the platform of the PDP.

The statement reads further: “Our attention has been drawn to news reports and media enquiries about the imminent defection of Governor Adeleke to the ADC or alignment with ADC big wigs ahead of the 2026 governorship race. There is no truth in those publications and speculations.

“First of all, we, the PDP Osun, have already adopted and endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election, so there is no alliance with ADC.

“Secondly, Governor Adeleke has no alliance with anyone in ADC. He remains in PDP, will run in PDP, and needs no alliance with ADC to win with a wide margin in 2026.

“The Osun electorate supports Governor Adeleke because of his impressive performance since he came to office. That good work is still ongoing and Osun people are committed to sustaining the delivery of good governance by re-electing Governor Adeleke in 2026”, the Spokesperson was quoted as saying.

Governor Adeleke urges PDP members to forge ahead with the ongoing strengthening of the party structures across all levels to prepare for fresh victory next year”, the statement from the Spokesperson concluded.

Continue Reading

Politics

INC rejects bill granting exclusive co-chairmanship to Ooni, Sultan

Published

4 days ago

on

July 30, 2025

By

Second Vice Chairman of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Chief Alabo Nengi James

By David Owei,Bayelsa

The umbrella body of Ijaw Elders, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) has rejected the Bill in the Senate seeking to permanently elevate the Ooni of Ife and Sultan of Sokoto as the exclusive Co-chairmen of the Traditional Rulers Council.

The INC said the move would be at the expense of apex traditional rulers from other ethnic nationalities and geopolitical divides.

The Second Vice Chairman of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Chief Alabo Nengi James (OON) said, in a statement on Sunday in Odi, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government area of Bayelsa State, the proposal is a continuos infringement on Traditional Rulers in Nigeria.

Alabo Nengi James describes the provision of the Bill as unacceptable and against the Rights of the indigenous People across tribes, Religion, Culture and Customs.

He said the Bill should be reviewed to include clauses such as No permanent Chairmanship for Sultan and Oni only must be allowed in the ongoing bill being discussed in the Senate.

He advocates that the National Assembly should allow the National Council of Traditional Rulers to Appoint their Leadership themselves, rotationaly and based on Federal Character.

“Include the Role of Traditional Rulers into the Constitutio and No Traditional Ruler from another tribe or religion is superior to another.”

“The National Assembly should Step down the Provocative and dehumanizing offensive Bill that will cause a serious rift and breach of peace in Nigeria.”

Chief James called the attention of the Senate President, Rt. Hon. Godswill Akpabio, urging him to immediately step down what he termed a “highly insensitive and dangerous bill.”

He emphasized that traditional rulers across the country must be given equal recognition and should be allowed to choose their national leadership through internal mechanisms that reflect rotational leadership and the federal character system.

Continue Reading

Politics

Alleged Deportation of Nigerians in Ghana: Sen Aniekan urges Nigerians to remain 

Published

4 days ago

on

July 29, 2025

By

Senate in session in the chamber
By George Mgbeleke
The attention of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)  has been drawn to a disturbing video on social media showing a protest by some Ghanaians calling on the authority to send Nigerians back to Nigeria alleging that their behaviours and attitudes were not in conformity with the norms of Ghana.
In a statement,Chairman Senate Committee on Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) Senator Bassey Aniekan, “the widespread indignation against Nigerians living in Ghana and branding them as criminals should be condemned by all.”
He reiterated that Nigerians are hardworking people and not criminals as purported  and are good ambassadors wherever they find themselves.
He added that while not denying the fact that there may be some bad individuals amongst them, the generality of Nigerians he stressed, are peaceful and law abiding people.
Furthermore, he pointed out the long standing relationship and partnership, the two countries have had over the years emphasizing that Ghana and Nigeria are brothers and  in the spirit of ECOWAS and regional integration, should continue to live in peace, stressing that dialogue has proven countless times to be a tool for peace and should be deployed.
The Senate Committee Chair on Diaspora and NGOs appealed for calm and urged Nigerians living in Ghana to exercise restraint, avoid provocation restraint, of any sort and to resist reprisal attacks as the issue is being handled.
Senator Aniekan confirmed that he had received reports that the issue is being addressed at the diplomatic level by the Minister of State Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu.
He cautioned against the use of inciteful words by individuals on both sides, as  such statements are capable of aggravating the problem and further putting pressure on an already tensed atmosphere.
Senator Bassey Aniekan, also advised Nigerians to disregard the videos trending on line that Nigerians’ shops and properties are being destroyed by Ghanaians as there is no evidence to buttress such claims.
The Chairman applauded Ghanaian and  Nigerian High  Commissioners for their efforts to control the situation, adding that the Minister of State, Foreign Affairs , has also been in touch with Ghanaian authorities and had taken some pro- active measures to put the situation under control.
Continue Reading

Latest

Law & Crime2 hours ago

Niger CP orders arrest ot district head for allegedly masterminding murder of an NYSC member 

  By Uthman-Baba Naseer,Minna The Commissioner of Police in Niger State,CP Abdullahi Adamu Elleman,has called upon to as a matter...
Politics15 hours ago

Governor Adeleke is not Joining ADC Nor Aligning with Anyone in ADC- Spokesperson

By David Owei, Bayelsa Governor Ademola Adeleke is not defecting to African Democratic Congress (ADC) nor aligning with anybody within...
Law & Crime16 hours ago

sledgehammer on a Chief Magistrate, Shariah, Court Judge, senior Registrar others if..Niger NJC threatens Judicial workers

    By Uthman Baba- Naseer,Minna As part of measures put in place to instill discipline in the Niger State...
Oil & Gas16 hours ago

Niger Delta: Bayelsa CDC Chairman Tasks Renaissance On Improved CSR

By David Owei,Bayelsa The Community Development Committee (CDC), Chairman of Elebele Community in the Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa...
Sports16 hours ago

Bayelsa Queens chairman hails Gov.Diri for Rewarding Team

  By David Owei,Bayelsa The chairman of Bayelsa Queens FC, Pastor Robin Angonimi Apreala has hailed Governor Douye Diri for...
Uncategorized17 hours ago

2nd Phase Leaders Complete Training on Leadership and Mediation – Gen. Elaye Lauds Otuaro’s Visionary Drive

By David Owei,Bayelsa The 2nd Phase Camp Leaders’ training on “Leadership, Alternative Dispute Resolution and Mediation”, sponsored by the Presidential...
Editorial17 hours ago

NYSC is cornerstone for national identity-Gov.Diri

  By David Owei,Bayelsa The Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, Sen. Douye Diri has described the NYSC as the corner...
Editorial17 hours ago

Bayelsa United confirms Coach Ladan Bosso abscondment from duty …writes Secetary-General of NFF

  By Amos Okioma Management of the Bayelsa United Football Club has confirmed the abscondment of Coach Ladan Isah Bosso...
Law & Crime2 days ago

Enugu land tragedy: One killed, as victim’s mother grieves, demands son’s body

By Our Correspondent Wailing,panic,fears griped residents of Etiti Central Community, Ngwo, in Udi Local Government, Enugu State,following the assassination of...
Sports2 days ago

AKASSA’s Enduring Contribution to National Sports Development

  By Dave Ikiedei Asei In the aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War, the AKASSA clan played a transformative role...

Trending