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AN INTERROGATION OF PROF. IYORWUESE HAGHER’S LEADERSHIP TESTIMONIAL ON SENATOR GEORGE AKUME’S 71ST BIRTHDAY

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2 years ago

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By Tyolumun Agwaza

Good morning to you in Dayton, Ohio, USA, Your Excellency, Senator, Ambassador, Professor Iyorwuese Hagher, OON. I believe you are doing well, and like many people around the world, you are hoping for the best for your family and Benue state in this 2025 and beyond.

I read your testimonial on the personality of our leader, Senator George Akume Dajoh, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), which was widely circulated on social media as your honest opinion about him. As a young man from Tiv speaking part of Benue State, I am not ignorant of the strengths and weaknesses of the SGF, who unarguably is the most favoured Tiv politician in recent times.

I enjoy reading your works because you always write in a simple – to – understand style. Your message is usually clear and crafted in a style that the reader does not wonder about the aim of your writing. So, when I saw your name as the author of the write – up about the SGF, I suspended what I was doing and read the 7 sub-theme article with 25 paragraphs. I admire the manner you titled your sub – themes as:
(I) introductory remarks (paragraphs 1 – 7),
(II) the making of George Akume (paragraphs 8 – 14),
(III) a mantle without blemish (paragraphs 15 – 16),
(IV) Akume’s leadership assets (paragraphs 17 – 18),
(V) the Akume leadership conundrum (Paragraph 19),
(VI) Akume as strategic communicator (paragraphs 20 – 21) and finally sub – theme (VII) conclusion (paragraphs 22 – 25).

It is important for me to declare that my intention in this response to your testimonial about His Excellency, Senator George Akume is not to challenge you nor him, but to politely interrogate some of your sweeping encomiums on him, and also to direct your attention to the opinion of some people who chose to constructively criticise the SGF so that he may re – consider his leadership style and do better and wake up from his “slumber.”

In your paragraphs one to seven, you said that George Akume remains the best person in Benue State to occupy the office of the SGF, and those who felt otherwise are just being selfish and jealous. That, in 2003, Hegemons, Godfathers, and Satraps in Benue state congregated to make him one – term governor, but he was re – elected to their disappointment. This historical account remains subjective, and there is no big deal about it because in all democratic societies, people are entitled to contest for any political office and also aspire to be appointed to any office. That is the beauty of democracy. However, in a totalitarian society, the Ruler’s caprices become sacrosanct, and nobody dares challenge his authority even if his policies were terribly bad and counter – productive to the developmental aspirations of the people. It was because of Akume’s implementation of the “wicked and evil ideas contained in the book, The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene,” which you personally accused him of implementing in the first tenure of his administration that Benue people were not happy with him .

Consequently, the masses were determined not to re – elect him in 2003. In fact, the late Wantaregh Paul Unongo, who contested for the governorship election in 2003 on the platform of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), was generally believed to have won the election. It was widely reported in national dailies that the election was unfortunately massively rigged against Wantaregh Paul Unongo. So, it remains debatable that in the exercise of peoples’ right of franchise and in pursuit of their democratic right, they became Hegemons, Satraps, and Godfathers just because they opposed George Akume.

It is also questionable to allege that the competition for political power among the contestants was because Akume’s “bright future may have been revealed to other contestants through fasting and prayers or witches coven” as you put it.

The re – election of George Akume in 2003, which according to you was an indication of the Birth of National Greatness, which Benue State owed Nigeria through Akume, was unfortunately a wasted opportunity. This is because he had no agenda for the development of Benue State. Instead of courting a mutually beneficial relationship with the federal government under President Obasanjo, he was busy needlessly fighting the president and, consequently, he failed to lobby for federal projects to Benue State. His visionless fight made Benue State loose many federal government interventions including federal government shares in Benue Cement Company (BCC), Gboko which were divested to Dangote Plc instead of the preferred and more competent bidder, Cementia Lafarge, which incidentally was the company that built the cement company. This was intentionally done to punish Governor Akume and, by extension, Benue people. Back home, there was a commissioned killer – squad and arsonists, that went about killing and burning down the houses of the people of Turan and Nanev in Kwande LGA. Different militia groups were brought from across Tiv land to rain hell on Kwande people. According to Plato, a man is a good man if his actions are good. So, would you judge Akume’s actions as being good and, therefore, a good man?

As painful as the truth may be, it is better told than never. No wonder Friedrich Nietzsche contended that sometimes people do not want to hear the truth because they don’t want their illusions destroyed.

Sir, you stated the obvious in paragraphs 8 to 18 that George Akume was elected as Governor of Benue State at the age of 45, and since then, he has never been out of political power culminating to his appointment as the incumbent SGF. What a lucky man he is. You also said Akume has installed three successive governors in Benue State, and his political palace is almost scandal free, unlike other national elites whose political careers are marked by stories of physical, moral, financial, relational, and immoral scandals !

I must commend you for knowing much about the SGF. This is what you have carried in your heart in favour of the SGF. According to Goethe, a man sees in the world what he carries in his heart. So, my prayer is that Akume should equally appreciate your good heart because of what you have carried in his favour and demonstrate his love for you and your people in terms of employment opportunities and provision of social amenities for their comfort. However, I wish to humbly suggest to you to advise the SGF to surround himself with good advisers so that after he is done reading his sociological books in order to understand society as you wrote about him, he should also respect people and desist from using uncouth language on Tiv elders. Nicolo Machiavelli strongly recommended that the first method for estimating the intelligence of a leader is to look at the men he has around him. Who are the people working with Senator Akume? It is important that he needs people with a high intellectual capacity to organise and coordinate his office in a manner that would bring out enduring legacies for the benefit of Benue people.

It is my opinion also that Akume needs to truly understand the deep meaning of “all politics is local” as averred by Meaghan Winter, whom you quoted. All politics being local should be understood in the context of bringing development to the locals and not just terrorising voters who have contrary opinions about him.

Your view about Akume’s super generosity and giving listening ear to people is not peculiar to him. He carefully does this to a select few to curry political loyalty. It is not his natural inclination. In other places, politicians build houses for people, construct roads, and provide other social amenities for isolated local communities. I expected Akume to have completed the Tomato Processing Factory in Wannune, his hometown, to provide job opportunities to Benue people. Let us therefore, be reminded that the English poet Charles Dickens admonished us to be aware that there are two classes of charitable peoples: one, the people who did a little, and made a great deal of noise; the other, the people who did a great deal and made no noise at all. If you contend that Akume is so generous and has done great things with huge value, Chief Samuel Ortom would argue that with you. According to Ortom, Akume is a chronic drunkard and a miserable failure with no enduring legacy to point at in Benue State. He also threatened to expose details of how Akume embezzled N2 billion when he was the governor of Benue State. So, you can not claim that Akume’s political palace is devoid of financial scandals.

Sir, in paragraph 16, you said people accuse George Akume of being too slow and, in fact, lazy. This may be true. But the context he is seen in this way is not the way you have put it – “They see Akume as wasting time to convert the SGF office for rent taking.” This is not the context he is seen as being a lazy man ! Rather, Akume is perceived as a lazy man because he does not know how to lobby and articulate the aspirations of his people at the highest level. I refer you to the words of Viktor Frankl, who said, between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response.

It is surprising that Akume does not appreciate the urgency of smart response to important stimuli at all. His swift response is only when it comes to fighting a fellow Tiv man, the way he fought the late Paul Unongo, as his Tiv brothers accused him of allowing his associates to sponsor militia groups to destroy Paul Unongo’s father’s grave and exhume his corpse and had it wiped helplessly. He is accused by his fellow Tiv folks of being so fast in responding to mobilising militias to attack any section of Jemgbagh or Mbakor people, the way late Hon. Baver Dzeramo was instructed to coordinate the killings of Mbakor people who were not supporting him. He responds so fast to submit petitions for the removal of a fellow Tiv man from an exalted office, the way he fought Chief Barnabas Gemade and had him removed from the office of the national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). During the administration of Chief Samuel Ortom, he called for the declaration of EMERGENCY RULE in Benue State. This was simply because Ortom audaciously identified the killers of Benue farmers as Fulani bandits. He would rather have Nigerians believe the lie that not Fulani, but Tiv were killing themslves. That angered Ortom, and he took his revenge by ensuring that he did not return to the Senate for the 4th time.

When it comes to productive activities, Akume’s response time is so slow. In fact, he sees no urgency to articulate the positive aspirations of his people except when it comes to fighting his imaginary political enemies and destructive ventures.

As the SGF, George Akume is expected to lobby the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio and President Tinubu, to have the North Central Development Commission Bill passed and assented to by President Tinubu. Before someone will say Akume is not in the Senate, what took him to the National Assembly when he used to go and work against the efforts of Hon. Prince Solomon Wombo efforts appointment as Deputy Chairman or member of Appropriation Committee?

Unfortunately, issues of development won’t interest him. For the records, there are six (6) geo – political zones in Nigeria, and all except the North – Central zone have their Development Commissions. In the 2025 budget, these development commissions received the following appropriations:
1) South West Development Commission (SWDC) = N498.40Billion

2) South East Development Commission (SEDC) = N341.27 Billion

3) Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) = N776.53Billion

4) North West Development Commission (NWDC) = N585.53Billion

5) North East Development Commission (NEDC) = N290.99Billion.

6) North Central Development Commission (NCDC) = Non – existent!. Does this not bother Akume? What are his aides doing to direct his attention to this very important development initiative?

Senator Akume is the SGF and national leader. These are things that should bother him.
So, to knowledgeable people, if Akume opens his doors from morning to night and feeds people with pondo yam or rice with beans without engaging in serious leadership activities that promote development, he is just wasting his time. In fact, if I were to advise him, he should operate a food bank and charitable foundation and properly coordinate his generosity in the manner suggested by the english poet Charles Dicken.

Winston Churchill, the war time Prime Minister of Britain said, a good leader sees opportunities in crises, not just problems. This should be important to Senator Akume. He must leverage his position and discuss with President Tinubu about the poor state of federal roads in Benue State. He should select at least 2 federal roads in the 3 Senatorial Zones in Benue State, that is, Zones A, B, and C, and have them rehabilitated within the 8 years of Tinubu’s presidency. He has 19 federal Parastatals under him. Our people expect him to be proactive and have young graduates employed in these agencies. Board appointments are good, but they don’t last for more than 4 – 8 years, whereas, if young graduates are employed, they could rise through the ranks and build their careers. He should follow what Paul Unongo , David Mark, Gabriel Suswam, and Chief Mike Aondoakaa did when they held leadership positions in government. They empowered people and facilitated political and civil service appointments for many Benue indigenes at the state and federal levels.

In paragraph 19, with the sub – theme, the Akume leadership conundrum; you wondered why people who were empowered and facilitated to various political leadership positions turned against him. This phenomenon has become an albatross not only to Akume but also a challenge in different states in Nigeria. I agree no less with you, sir. I also know as a fact that just as Akume “made three governors in Benue State,” Chief Gemade and Dr. Iyorchia Ayu also made Akume governor in 1999. But he doesn’t respect them nor acknowledge this fact. He has suggenly become the only elder and sees people as small boys (Wan mbayev er Gemade man Akaagerger nahan). Even when Paul Unongo was alive, Akume never saw him as an elder.

In your paragraphs 20 and 21, you wrote that Akume is a strategic communicator. Granted, let him extend his communication skills to cover areas of infrastructural development and employment of Benue young graduates into the federal civil service. I hereby pose these questions to you and Senator Akume. What tangible projects has he communicated to the speaker, President of the Senate, and President Tinubu ? Why are Idoma and Igede ethnic groups in a single Senatorial zone (zone C) still leading Tiv with 2 Senatorial zones (14 LGAs) when it comes to recruitment of officers in the Nigerian Army, Air Force, Navy, DSS, and paramilitary agencies? What is our “strategic communicator” doing about the employment of Benue youths in the grade A federal parastatals under him ?

I must inform you, sir, that Kwande Graduate Forum felt ashamed of the so – called “recent assignment of the SGF in Benue State” as according to you, “left Akume’s opponents scampering for shelter from his fiery rhetoric as he gave his opponents the spread of fingers insults”. This behaviour can only be admired by illiterate villages.

Sir, could you explain why the vice president, Senator Kashim Shettima, represented President Tinubu at the official wake keep of Wantaregh Paul Unongo at Government House, Makurdi, and in Jato – Aka, our son, the SGF drove on the bad road from Gboko through Jato – Aka to Unongo village only to occasionally wave a piece of paper, supposedly President Tinubu’s condolence letter with his left hand ? And he was busy insulting the sensibilities of Tiv people with the spread of five fingers of the right hand ? Why did the SGF convert the solemn occasion of the burial into an insult – hurling event ? Were you proud that the behaviour the SGF exhibited was civilised ?

As far as the Kwande Graduate Forum is concerned, the irreducible minimum standard of behaviour expected of the SGF should have been a solemn message of condolences with concrete promises and remorse over the desecration of Paul Unongo’s father’s grave. Kwande youths expected the SGF to have made the following pronouncements:
1) Tender apology over the killings of Turan people and the inhabitants of Adikpo township when he was the governor of Benue State.

2) Tender apology to Paul Unongo and Kwande people for the rigging of 2003 governorship election because Wantaregh Unongo won the election.

3) Tender apology to Kwande people for using his influence as Federal Minister in Muhammadu Buhari’s government and changing the location of the proposed Federal Polytechnic, Adikpo to Wannune.

4) Promise Kwande people that before 2027, President Tinubu would rehabilitate Yandev – Ugbema – Jato Aka federal road.

5) Provide scholarships to at least 2 of Paul Unongo’s children in tertiary institutions in Nigeria or overseas. This would have demonstrated his generosity and sensitivity as a good leader. Unfortunately, the SGF did not say the aforementioned. His concern was to seize the opportunity of Wantaregh’s funeral and speak gibberish.

The retinue of friends of the SGF were expected to have complimented him at the funeral by speaking peace and development, and not the “fiery rhetoric” and spread – of – fingers insults at his Tiv brothers.

I must commend your humility for admiting that when you were consulting Northern political juggernauts for support to your presidential ambition, you were told that you could not have made it as a flag bearer of Social Democratic Party (SDP). That, Senator George Akume would have been a better option ! This is humbling, but do you think Akume would appreciate your humility and respect you?

Sir, you are a renowned professor of Theatre Arts and have published extensively. But I query the sampling procedure you employed in your presidential campaign consultation. You needed to have employed random sampling technique with the right statistical formular to determine the number of respondents (N), which should have given you the correct representation of the large sample size you were supposed to draw from in order to make their responses valid. If you did that correctly, I doff my cap for you for revealing to the public that Akume remains the only presidential material we have in Benue State as attested to by the so – called northern political leaders ! I also commend you as someone with a beautiful heart towards Akume. Remember, Shakespeare said, one beautiful heart is better than a thousand beautiful faces. Akume should appreciate your beautiful heart towards him.

Let me say that our leader, Senator George Akume, must remain humble and not see other people as his small boys (wanbayev). He must understand that the late JS Tarka’s political ideology was partly shaped by the Realistic Group Conflict Theory of Ethno – Centricism as propounded by Robert Le Vine and D.T Campbell in 1972. This theory assumes that group conflicts are rational since groups do have incompatible goals and do compete for scare resources. Tarka understood this very well, hence his unflinching commitment to the creation of the Middle Belt Region, where he used the UMBC – AG political alliance as the vehicle to pursue this dream. He must understand that inter – ethnic conflicts exist in every society. So, he should be more proactive in articulating the interests of his people at the national level and desist from fighting imaginary political enemies.

Sir, my interrogation of your testimony on the SGF is borne out of my desire to encourage him to do more, and it should not be seen as an insult. According to Arthur Schopenhauer, all truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self – evident. I, therefore, leave my views subject to the admonition of Schopenhaur.

Tyolumun Agwaza is a Public Affairs Commentator and writes in from Turan, Kwande LGA, Benue State.

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Usoro Wins FG Award for Excellence in Corporate Governance

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1 hour ago

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October 29, 2026

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The Federal Government has honoured the Executive Chairman of Miden Systems Limited, Dr. Brendan Innocent Usoro, with the Excellence in Corporate Governance and Business Integrity Award for his commitment to ethical leadership, transparency and business development.

Usoro received the award on Wednesday at the Nigerian Press Council (NPC) National Summit on Curbing Fake News and Misinformation in the Nigerian Media Space, held at NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja.

The summit, organised by the Nigerian Press Council under the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, brought together media practitioners, policymakers, government officials, corporate executives, security agencies and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for combating misinformation and strengthening responsible journalism.

The award recognised Usoro’s contributions to corporate governance and responsible business practices, alongside other distinguished Nigerians honoured for their achievements in leadership, public service and professional excellence.

Speaking at the event, Usoro warned that fake news and misinformation had become serious threats to national security, democratic stability, business confidence and peaceful coexistence, particularly as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.

He expressed concern over the growing use of artificial intelligence to generate fabricated audio recordings, manipulate videos and produce misleading reports, noting that such developments had made it increasingly difficult for the public to distinguish credible information from deliberate falsehoods.

According to him, the misuse of artificial intelligence for disinformation requires a coordinated response involving government institutions, media organisations, technology companies and citizens.

Usoro observed that misinformation had extended beyond political campaigns and electoral activities to become a tool for damaging reputations, undermining businesses and creating unnecessary tension in society.

“People use false information to de-market their political opponents, competitors’ products and services, as well as create tension in the polity,” he said.

He warned that the consequences could be far-reaching, including the erosion of public trust, the escalation of ethnic and religious tensions, and the manipulation of citizens’ democratic choices.

The Miden Systems chairman also raised concerns about the potential impact of deepfake technology and coordinated online disinformation campaigns on public confidence in political leaders and democratic institutions ahead of the 2027 elections.

On the business implications of misinformation, Usoro disclosed that Miden Systems Limited had experienced what he described as the damaging effects of false information.

He alleged that the company and its executives had been targeted following a financial dispute with a commercial bank, highlighting the potential consequences of misinformation for corporate reputation and business operations.

To address the challenge, Usoro urged Nigerians to verify information before sharing it, particularly sensational messages, photographs and videos circulated on social media platforms.

He recommended the use of independent fact-checking organisations, including Dubawa, to establish the authenticity of reports before they are disseminated.

He also called for improved training for journalists and fact-checkers, as well as greater access to artificial intelligence-assisted verification tools to help identify and debunk false information more quickly.

Usoro further urged technology companies and relevant regulatory agencies, including the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), to strengthen collaboration against malicious synthetic media.

He, however, stressed that efforts to combat misinformation must not undermine press freedom, freedom of expression or legitimate criticism.

Speaking on the company’s operations, Usoro said Miden Systems Limited was established in 1997 and had evolved from providing safety and equipment maintenance services into a diversified business offering marine services, logistics, offshore and onshore facility upgrades, maintenance and management.

He said the company had expanded its operations to undertake major term contracts in the oil and gas industry, providing services to several organisations, including the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company, Renaissance Africa Energy Company, ExxonMobil, Nigeria LNG Limited, Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company, Port Harcourt Refinery Company, Addax Petroleum and Nigerian Agip Oil Company.

According to him, the company’s growth has been driven by its commitment to service delivery and the maintenance of long-standing relationships with clients.

Expressing appreciation to the Federal Government and the Nigerian Press Council for the recognition, Usoro said the award reflected the values underpinning the company’s operations.

He reaffirmed Miden Systems Limited’s commitment to ethical conduct, transparency and integrity in its business dealings both in Nigeria and internationally.

“We remain committed to ethical, honest and transparent business transactions at all levels of our operations,” he said.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Press Council, Dr. Dili Ezughah, said the summit was designed to strengthen Nigeria’s media ecosystem, promote responsible journalism and improve the capacity of media professionals to combat misinformation.

Ezughah said the initiative was particularly important as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections, warning that fake news, propaganda and misinformation could undermine democratic processes if left unchecked.

He explained that the summit provided a platform for media practitioners, policymakers, lawmakers, corporate organisations, civil society groups, security agencies and development partners to examine the challenges posed by misinformation and develop practical solutions.

He added that the award ceremony was intended to recognise outstanding contributions to ethical journalism, media leadership, corporate governance and responsible business practices.

Also speaking, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, represented by his Special Adviser on Intelligence, Musa Likita, described fake news and misinformation as serious threats to national security, democratic governance and peaceful coexistence.

Musa noted that the rapid spread of information through traditional media, digital platforms and social networks had expanded opportunities for public participation and accountability but had also created avenues for manipulating public opinion, inciting hostility and spreading falsehoods.

He warned that fabricated reports, manipulated photographs, deceptive audio recordings and misleading videos could trigger confusion, provoke violence and weaken public confidence in legitimate institutions.

The minister called on media organisations, government institutions and citizens to work together to curb the spread of false information.

Similarly, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, represented by Dr. Haruna Suleiman, emphasised the importance of timely, accurate and transparent public communication in preventing speculation and countering false narratives.

Idris urged media organisations to strengthen editorial oversight, verify information sources and promptly correct errors.

He also called on technology companies to address the misuse of their platforms, while advocating increased media and information literacy across schools, universities, communities and public institutions.

According to him, equipping citizens with the skills to question sensational claims, verify sources and recognise manipulated content would help build a more informed society.

The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to credible public communication, responsible information sharing and the promotion of an informed citizenry.

He urged participants to develop practical recommendations that would protect press freedom, strengthen professional standards and encourage cooperation in confronting misinformation.

Other recipients of awards at the summit included Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule; Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris; Barrister Obioma Success Akagburuonye; Senator Emmanuel Bwacha; and Dr. Yakubu Barde, Federal Commissioner for Salaries, Income and Wages, among others.

The summit ended with a call for stronger collaboration among government institutions, media organisations, businesses and citizens to promote credible information, safeguard reputations and strengthen public trust.

Participants stressed the need for collective action to address the growing threat of misinformation while protecting press freedom and professional standards as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.

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Yakubu Hails China’s Zero-Tariff Initiative as Catalyst for Economic Transformation

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2 days ago

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October 27, 2026

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Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on China-Nigeria Parliamentary Relations, Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu, has applauded the Chinese Government’s expanded zero-tariff policy for African countries, describing it as a catalyst for Nigeria’s economic transformation and a major opportunity for export growth, industrialisation and job creation.
In a statement, Yakubu said China’s decision to extend its zero-tariff policy to 53 African countries, including Nigeria, demonstrates Beijing’s commitment to supporting Africa’s economic development and strengthening South-South cooperation.
He noted that the policy offers Nigerian businesses unprecedented access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets and provides a platform for expanding exports, attracting investment and enhancing economic competitiveness.
“China’s zero-tariff initiative represents a strategic opportunity for Nigeria to accelerate economic growth, strengthen domestic industries and deepen our economic cooperation with one of the world’s most important trading partners,” Yakubu said.
According to the lawmaker, early indicators suggest that the policy is already producing positive outcomes. He disclosed that Chinese imports from Nigeria rose significantly during the first half of 2026, while total trade volume between both countries reached approximately $18 billion, reflecting growing economic engagement.
Yakubu said the encouraging figures demonstrate the enormous potential of the Nigeria-China partnership and highlight the importance of improved market access in driving economic prosperity.
He stressed that Nigeria must seize the opportunity by expanding production capacity, improving product quality and strengthening export-oriented industries capable of competing in the international marketplace.
The committee chairman noted that Nigerian products such as liquefied propane, sesame seeds, nuts, hides and skins are already benefiting from improved access to the Chinese market. However, he emphasized that the country’s long-term objective should be to move beyond the export of raw materials and focus on value-added products.
“We must leverage this opportunity to promote domestic manufacturing, industrialisation and job creation. Increased market access should translate into stronger local industries and greater economic opportunities for Nigerians,” he stated.
Yakubu urged Nigerian manufacturers and exporters to take advantage of the tariff-free regime by improving standards, certification processes, packaging and supply chain efficiency in order to meet the demands of Chinese consumers.
He also called on relevant government agencies to strengthen the infrastructure and institutional support necessary to help local businesses compete effectively in international markets.
The lawmaker further encouraged Chinese investors to expand their presence in Nigeria through investments in manufacturing, agro-processing, technology development and logistics infrastructure.
According to him, increased Chinese investment would support industrial growth, facilitate technology transfer and create much-needed employment opportunities for Nigeria’s growing youth population.
While welcoming the growth in trade relations, Yakubu acknowledged the need to address the trade imbalance between Nigeria and China, stressing that efforts must be made to increase the country’s export capacity and diversify its export basket.
“Our goal should not merely be to trade more, but to trade better. Nigeria must become a producer and exporter of more finished and semi-finished goods if we are to fully benefit from our relationship with China,” he said.
Yakubu also expressed appreciation to the Government of the People’s Republic of China for its RMB200 million grant to support Nigeria’s development projects, describing the gesture as further evidence of the strong friendship and cooperation between both nations.
He said the grant would contribute to efforts aimed at improving infrastructure, strengthening public services and advancing national development priorities.
The chairman commended China’s longstanding support for Nigeria through infrastructure cooperation, technical assistance, capacity building and other development initiatives, noting that such partnerships have contributed significantly to the country’s growth.
Looking ahead, Yakubu called for greater collaboration in key sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, technology, logistics and industrial development.
He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening parliamentary engagement and promoting policies that will advance the mutual economic interests of Nigeria and China.
“As Nigeria and China continue to deepen their partnership, our focus must remain on translating opportunities into tangible economic benefits for our people. Together, we can build a relationship that is mutually beneficial, economically productive and supportive of sustainable development,” he added.
Yakubu concluded by expressing gratitude to the Chinese Government and the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Yu Dunhai, for their continued friendship, support and commitment to Nigeria’s development aspirations.

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STATEMENT ISSUED BY PROGRESSIVES ALLIANCE FOR JUSTICE, UNITY AND DEMOCRACY (PAJUD)

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6 days ago

on

October 23, 2026

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THE FALLACIES OF MIKE IGINI

“It is mean and cowardly and an evidence of weakness and utter demerit, for any group of people to attempt to commend themselves to the public by the negative process of belittling and condemning others.”_

  • Chief Obafemi Awolowo, 28th April, 1951.

The attention of the Progressives Alliance for Justice, Unity and Democracy (PAJUD) has been drawn to the barrage of insults heaped by Mike Igini, former Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), against every perceived and imaginary obstacle to his personal agenda.

We posit that since the return of democracy in 1999, the Nigerian political and electoral firmament has been overdosed with different genres of characters – the good, the bad and the ugly.

We state categorically and without fear of contradiction that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is NOT responsible for the non-appointment of Mike Igini as either Chairman of INEC or National Commissioner since he left office in disgrace and engulfed in controversies in the South-South.

Igini must understand that such appointments are not done willy-nilly. They are based on several criteria. He has served two full terms as Resident Electoral Commissioner. For him to be nominated as National Commissioner, a vacancy must exist for his state. This is apart from the principle of rotation of the position among states in the geo-political zone.

Those who know President Bola Ahmed Tinubu closely know he is a leader who does not deliberately shut the door against competence and capacity. Anyone holding him in contempt on this matter is either being mischievous or acting out the script of the opposition, just like the present issue at stake.

It is unfortunate that Igini has allowed himself to be taken advantage of, dancing to the rhythm of anti-Tinubu and anti-Amupitan rogue agents.

We find it compelling to state unequivocally that Igini is blatantly scheming to discredit the present government and the Amupitan-led leadership of INEC in anticipation of reward by opposition elements and spent forces, if they ever win in the post-2027 general elections.

Over the years, we have watched the transformation of Igini from lawyer, to public affairs commentator, to agitator, until the PDP government appointed him Resident Electoral Commissioner.

We are amused at Igini’s feeble attempts at returning to public reckoning, using barefaced criticism, outright lies, mischief and fallacies against the Renewed Hope and reformative agenda as a springboard to relevance and prominence.

For an egocentric, self-seeking bigot and Mr. Know-All like Igini, he wants to remain relevant as a bride for any juicy INEC Election Management Committee headship or membership, which we know will never happen in this dispensation as a result of his antecedents while in office – an era marred by allegations of partisanship, disloyalty and endless controversies.

Your tenure as REC in Cross River State was characterised by mudslinging between you and a political party over unethical conduct unbecoming of an electoral officer. Similarly, your flexing of muscles and one-sided narratives during your tenure as REC of Akwa Ibom State is still very fresh in our memory. Till date, you are still spewing negative narratives against one of the politicians you fought in that state to high heavens.

Nigerians from all strata continue to wonder where the monies for the live telecast of Igini’s exit as Resident Electoral Commissioner of Akwa Ibom State originated from. In the history of INEC – from Dr. Ephraim Akpata, Alhaji Shehu Musa, Dr. Abel Guobadia, the much-vilified Prof. Maurice Iwu, Prof. Attahiru Jega reputed to be Igini’s benefactor, to Prof. Mahmood Yakubu – none of them had the temerity for such lavish display and grandeur during their exit. What was witnessed in the last days of Igini as REC in Akwa Ibom evokes serious questions about collective decency, decorum, moral rectitude and values.

Any argument in support of such an extravagant exit lacks integrity, for the simple reason that the pay slip of INEC Resident Electoral Commissioners and even National Commissioners is not a hidden document. It is known to the Nigerian public.

We believe that if we are sincere in this country, Igini should focus on more important non-partisan issues than chasing shadows. Igini should also address his own record, including the troubling episode of a Kenyan national engaged by INEC as a consultant some years ago, where the voter register fingerprints of Nigerians were allegedly compromised and handed to foreign interests. That despicable act is still fresh in our memory.

As overwhelming majority of Nigerians with voting rights are aware, there is an uncanny lust for power by desperate opposition politicians lurking on the horizon. They are deploying everything on earth just to grab power in 2027, and for no just cause but simply for selfish personal aggrandizement. They have recruited former staff, Directors, Resident Electoral Commissioners and National Commissioners to help execute their warped agenda and barefaced propaganda to deceive gullible Nigerians who will swallow every hook, line and sinker narrative framed by them.

We unreservedly agree with many who have suggested that as a believer in God, Igini should not allow his mind to be poisoned by the notion that any power outside the influence of God could have been responsible for the failure of his emergence as either National Commissioner or Chairman of the Commission.

Whatever it is, there seems to be more to it than meets the eye. The process of creating anarchy starts with incitement against the government, the electoral empire and security agencies. It often appears so smooth as to be imperceptible, hence those who engineer it enjoy the process at the initial stage, only to be consumed at the end of the day.

Elements in the class of Igini, who are acting out the script of falsehood purveyors and peddlers, will be put to shame at the end of the day. There is no doubt that Nigerians are going to have a well-deserved, credible, transparent, free and fair election in the 2027 general elections.

Above all, nobody can dispute the fact that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu nominated people with impeccable ability, capacity, loyalty, patriotism and honesty as members of the election management structure that will drive our democracy forward, in a manner that both Nigerians and the international community will be proud of like never before in our annals.

The focus of the Tinubu administration remains its much stronger determination to protect and respect the sanctity and fidelity of the ballot during the forthcoming elections.

We implore Mike Igini to stop the rabble-rousing, negative framing, mischief, mudslinging and casting of aspersions against the electoral umpire and Mr. President, and find something reasonable to do to earn a living just like other Nigerians, instead of going from one radio station to television stations across the country. His antics are already known to Nigerians who are far more sophisticated and politically savvy than before.

A word is enough for the wise… “WHEN YOU CONDEMN PEOPLE, YOU BRING JUDGEMENT ON YOURSELF.”

Signed:Comrade Yakubu Dan Abba
Country Representative, PAJUD.

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