Politics
2023: Group Invites Atiku, Tinubu, Obi To Address Issues Confronting Nigeria
The presidential candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu; Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar; Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, and others, have been invited to speak at the 2022 International Youth Day Celebrations of the Leaders of Today Global Youth Forum.
The event, which will also witness a Voter Awareness Walk, will take place on August 12, 2022 at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Conference Center in Kado Distric of Abuja.
Founder and national president of the group, Amb. Arthur Ugochukwu, in a statement sent to The Tide source said the summit will afford participants a rare opportunity to interact with the presidential candidates ahead of Nigeria’s general elections next year.
He added that the objective of the conference will be to explore critical issues in the agitation for more inclusive youth policies vis-a-vis youth inclusiveness in both decision and policy making and also create the structure and system for youths to participate and thrive regardless of the sector they choose to play in politics, in governance, in technology and creativity.
The statement reads, “Leaders of Today Global Youth Forum have concluded plans to host the 2022 International Youth Day Celebrations and its Maiden edition of Nigerian Youth Summit for Leadership Development, Peace and National Unity.
“The summit which will also witness a Voter Awareness Walk in the early hours of the day will take place on August 12th 2022 in Abuja the federal capital territory at Nigerian Air force (NAF) Conference Kado, Abuja. By 11:00am prompt.
“Leaders of Today Global Youth Forum realising that Nigeria needs her youths, not just only to be supported and developed but also to understand the dimension of political developments, understand national issues and consciously position themselves as co-builders in the socio-economic growth of the country in preparation for leadership succession hence the reason for urgent national call to the youths.
“When the country is threatened by forces of anarchy that is bent on misdirecting the strength of the youths to ferment crisis, it is imperative to counter the current narratives of fear of disintegration and doom with a message of hope, unity and solidarity. The summit will discuss diverse and urgent issues confronting the youth and suggesting lasting solutions to them.
“The summit is a high powered caliber of physical meeting with an interface for virtual participation with the theme: Youth Leadership Development for Peace and National Unity (TomorrowIsNow) the conference is expected to host over 1000 delegates from across the Nation including the FCT, these are selected to reflect gender disparities, diverse educational levels and professions.
“Over 100,000 youths are also expected to hook up and participate in the Conference for more inclusiveness virtually. Guest Speakers at the event include Dr. Mrs. Ijeoma Nwafor (Country Representative to Hague Institute for Innovation of Law) Dr. Peter Afunanya Fsi ( PRO Department of State Security Services. DSS) Inspector General of Police, among many others.
“While Keynote Speakers are: Senator Obinna Joseph Ogba , Senate Committee Chairman on Youths and Sports Development, H.E Bola Tinubu, H.E. Alh. Atiku Abubakar, H.E. Mr. Peter Obi, H.E. Alh. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and others.”
Mr Rhodes-Vivour expressed concern over the development, saying a dangerous precedent was being set.
He said: “What we witnessed at the House of Assembly represents a troubling pattern where might is increasingly valued over right. This forceful seizure of the legislative chambers undermines the very foundations of our democracy and sends a disturbing message about how power is wielded in our state.”
Mr Rhodes-Vivour criticised the ruling party in Lagos, accusing it of systematically promoting thuggery and violence over ideas.
He argued that such actions have eroded public trust in governance and weakened democratic values that should preserve the rule of law.
He said: “For too long, Lagos politics has been defined by intimidation rather than inspiration, by coercion rather than conviction. The ruling party has consistently demonstrated a willingness to use force to have its way notwithstanding the popular will of the people.”
Mr Rhodes-Vivour urged Lagosians to take the current crisis as a wake-up call ahead of future elections, saying voters should prioritise candidates who demonstrate character, competence and compassion regardless of party affiliation.
“The quality of our democracy depends entirely on the quality of individuals we elect to represent us. Lagosians deserve leaders who view public office as a sacred trust rather than a platform for personal aggrandizement”, he said.
In a statement, signed by its spokesman, Mr Chika Adiele, the group warned that the judiciary would be held responsible for any breakdown of law and order in Rivers State.
They expressed shock over the verdict, warning that it could disrupt the peace and development efforts of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The statement read in part: “The attention of the pan-Niger Delta Youths Empowerment Forum, under the leadership of Comrade Maobu Nangi Obu, has been drawn to the shocking verdict of the Supreme Court of Nigeria ordering seizure of Rivers State’s allocation. This is nothing short of economic sabotage against Rivers people.
“The apex Niger Delta youths body is dismayed by the infantile antics of anti-democratic forces whose stock in trade is brewing crisis in a bid to topple the people’s Governor. We firmly condemn this judgement as it is against the tenet of the constitution of Nigeria.
“It is an invitation to war and against equity, justice, and fair play. We equally condemn the order nullifying the local government election as reckless and vindictive.
“Unfortunately, the justices of the Supreme Court positioned themselves as a party to the suit rather than impartial arbiters of justice.”
They urged Nigerians to note that the principle of democracy is rooted in sound constitutional pronouncements with a view to establishing justice. “Therefore, any attempt by the enemies of Rivers people to seize power by judicial fiat will be resisted by the Niger Delta youths.
“We cannot be cowed, neither shall we lay in surrender at the altar of political manipulations of rascals. We reiterate boldly, once again, that anyone, no matter how highly placed, will face fierce resistance by the majority of Rivers people,” they said.
Former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Biodun Olujimi, has appealed to Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi Central, to withdraw her suit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Speaking during a live television interview on Saturday, Senator Olujimi said she does not want women to “look emotionally unstable”.
On February 20, Senator Akpabio, the senate president, and Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan engaged in a heated debate during plenary over a change in seating arrangements.
On February 25, the senate referred Akpoti-Uduaghan to the committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for disciplinary review.
However, the Kogi senator filed a N100 billion defamation suit against Senator Akpabio over an alleged defamatory statement reportedly made by the senate president’s legislative aide.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan later alleged that her trouble in the senate began after she rejected sexual advances from Senator Akpabio.
Reacting to the development, Senator Olujimi said a senator cannot speak outside the assigned seat according to the senate rule.
The former lawmaker said the request of the Kogi senator that her senate probe proceedings should be broadcast live was a “little overboard.”
She added that the clash between the senate president and Akpoti-Uduaghan should not have been escalated, noting that the change in seating arrangements is a normal phenomenon in the red chamber.
The former senate minority leader expressed support for the probe of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s “weighty” allegations against Senator Akpabio.
She said Senator Akpabio is someone who jokes a lot, adding that the senate president usually made fun of everything.
“I want to say that in the 8th and 9th senate, we never had anything like that (referring to the allegations), and Senator Akpabio was one of us.
“They treated us (female senators) with decorum. We did not have anything like that, and I have not heard anything of such from any other of the remaining senators.
“It is tough for me to be able to take that without proper investigation. There should be an investigation.
“He (Akpabio) jokes a lot. He is fond of making little fun out of everything. He loves to make everything light; when you do that, you become very vulnerable.
“I saw all that they (referring to male senators) went through as men when I was there. They were all victimised by people from outside. I had to rescue them all of the time.
“The court case, I want to appeal to her to take the case out of court. We don’t want women to look like they are emotionally unstable.
“We need to also be strong enough to face the men. Going to court against a presiding officer is not on. I know she is hurt, but she needs to handle it in a better way. I think that should get out of court as fast as possible”, Senator Olujimi said.