THE FIVE POINT AGENDA FOR A POST-OIL NIGERIA ECONOMY

MY COVENANT WITH NIGERIANS: MAJ.GEN.GBOR

THE FIVE POINT AGENDA FOR A POST-OIL NIGERIA ECONOMY

Your Excellency, Ladies and gentlemen, my APGA-led government will work to bring together all Nigerians irrespective of gender, belief system and ethnic nationality into a solid block to build a nation where no one will be left behind. Nigeria shall be united. The government that I will have the privilege to lead will work deliberately for the prosperity of all Nigerians. We will work to provide employment opportunities to our youths; eradicate hunger and poverty from the land; and to restore the citizen’s loss of faith and confidence in our dear nation. The slogan of my campaign and the governance of Nigeria shall always be: “NO ONE AND NO PLACE IS LEFT BEHIND”.

To achieve this, I hereby announce my five point agenda which shall constitute my irrevocable covenant with Nigerians:

1. True federalism based on fiscal restructuring

2. Security

3. Economic reconstruction driven by private enterprise

4. Social Agenda 

5. New Nigeria driven by Youth and Women Empowerment

TRUE FEDERALISM

In line with APGA’s commitment to restructuring, my administration will vigorously pursue the entrenchment of true federalism which promotes productivity and competitiveness among the federating units. Thus, instead of the present misguided emphasis on cake sharing which accounts for high level of corruption, the APGA-led Federal Government, under my leadership, will promote the emergence of viable, competitive and sustainable economic entities that will unleash the creative potentials of Nigerians. The end result of such competitive entities will be wealth creation, job opportunities, social harmony and national security.

The devolution of power envisaged under our restructuring template will empower the federating units to exploit the natural resources within their respective domains to develop their economies for the wellbeing of their people. The fiscal restructuring also demands that we engage in an honest conversation on resource control with a view to determining what the federating units must now contribute to the centre. 

Let me say, at this point, that those who sow the fear into Nigerians that restructuring will lead to disintegration are being dishonest. The truth is that fiscal federalism and national unity are not mutually exclusive. What a restructured Nigeria will achieve is that, we shall move away from the cake sharing formula which breeds laziness and rent-seekers to cake baking which unleashes the creative energies of Nigerians especially our youth. 

We no longer have the benefit of a choice; with the oil economy predicted to collapse within the next ten years, architecting the post-oil economy is no longer a matter of choice; it is mandatory. Here are the disturbing facts: 

Eight years from now, the price and demand for crude oil which accounts for over 85% of our foreign exchange will collapse because by then all land transport will be powered by electrification. Worse still, according to the World Bank, by 2050 Nigerian population will be over 400, 000, 000. This will make Nigeria the fourth most populous country in the world. If we do not restructure now to allow the emergence of economic entities that are viable, sustainable and competitive for a post-oil economy, how can we cope with a population of 400, 000, 000 people in just a couple of years from now? We must devolve powers from the centre to allow the federating units to manage themselves. These also include the judiciary, electric power supply and local security.  

A key and immediate component of restructuring will be my government’s commitment to immediately reducing the cost of governance. The huge cost of governance both at the federal and state levels must be reduced. We can no longer afford to run recurrent and capital budgets where the bulk of the financing is borrowed. At the moment Nigeria’s external debt stands at $23 billion while internal debts stand at N22 trillion. What this means is that everybody should be prepared to make some sacrifice. The good news is that savings from this will be ploughed into social investment programs aimed at alleviating poverty in the land.

My APGA-led Government will immediately push forward all aspects of fiscal restructuring that will be implemented immediately and then consult with Nigerians on those aspects that require Constitutional Amendment. 

SECURITY

The primary responsibility of a responsible government is to protect the lives and property of its citizens. Therefore, I want to make it clear that with me as the President of our dear country, all lives matter. The so called herdsmen-farmers clashes resulting to killings of fellow citizens must stop. Any where Nigerians live, within our Nigerian territory or abroad, Nigerian’s life matters. The EAGLE will descend swiftly to their rescue. No longer will anyone attack or kill a Nigerian without severe consequences. The Nigerian life is precious and must be defended.

My APGA-led government will fix the security of the country so that once more, we shall be a nation where every life matters. Each Nigerian life in all locations in the country will be protected by Government. The military will be equipped to face both external aggression and insurgencies. Equally, the Police will be equipped to discharge their responsibility of ensuring the security of life and property of citizens. 

Families of officers and men who pay the supreme sacrifice will automatically become the responsibility of Government.  

As we are all aware, the key driver of insecurity is the feeling of injustice and the trust deficit between the aggrieved and the government. To solve this problem, my Government will engage all parties to the insurgency with a view to addressing all complaints of injustice wherever they may come from in Nigeria. Having said this, I want to reiterate that, under my watch, the peace, unity and progress of Nigeria and the security of the lives and property of all citizens and residents will never be compromised for any reason. Remember, I speak as a General of the Nigerian Army…once a General, always a General! 

PRIVATE SECTOR DRIVEN ECONOMIC RECONSTRUCTION

The APGA-led Federal Government, with the support of all Nigerians, will create a functional self-reliant economy driven by the private sector under the restructuring template already enunciated. Our overall economic agenda is premised on the understanding that there is a nexus between hunger and poverty on the one hand and corruption and insecurity on the other. Consequently, we shall strive to eradicate poverty and hunger as a way of checkmating effectively corruption and insecurity. 

Key areas that will receive the concerted attention of Government include power supply, agriculture, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, Industrialization and desert encroachment. Let me state that Government realizes that any country that cannot feed itself is not only vulnerable to other countries but is a candidate for social strife and general insecurity. Therefore, serious steps will be taken to boost employment and food security through mechanized agriculture. However, the major thrust of our economic policy shall rest on preparing the nation for the post oil economy.

SOCIAL AGENDA OF GOVERNMENT 

My APGA-led government, though private sector driven, must be compassionate so that the truly needy Nigerians will also have the opportunity to succeed, and those who have already succeeded, shall make their fair contribution to ensure that the truly needy have the opportunity to succeed. This means the poor, the old and destitute, the unemployed, the homeless and the physically challenged will all have the opportunity to succeed so that NO ONE AND NO PLACE IS LEFT BEHIND.

The APGA-led Federal Government shall invest massively in education, information and communications technology (ICT) to prepare our youths not only for the best paying jobs globally but to equip them for entrepreneurial exploits of their own. Similarly, we shall invest heavily in Research and Development (R&D) to make our tertiary institutions functional incubators of future trail-blazers and achievers. Nigerians are playing the key roles in renowned foreign institutions by creating wealth through Intellectual Property Right (IPR). If our citizens outside the country can generate wealth for foreign Institutions, there is no reason why we cannot do the same here in our home Institutions. My government will support tertiary institutions to partner with Nigerian businesses to harvest innovations and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR).

In the area of health, our promise is simple: we shall promote a medical care environment functional and effective enough to rule out the need for I, as your President, to travel abroad for medical treatment. I need not say more on this.

WOMEN AND YOUTH EMPOWERMENT

We shall take steps to empower the youth and women as agents of social change and economic growth and development. The increased engagement of Nigerian women and youths in production will boost Nigeria’s economy. The steps we will take include: 

(1) Creation of a special youth agency in the Presidency. This is imperative because APGA views youth unemployment as a national emergency which deserves urgent attention of the Federal Government. It is for the same reason that every step will be taken to elevate sports not only to a platform for promoting discipline but as a money spinner in line with global trends. Nigeria is a major victim of the social pandemic surrounding the exodus of young men and women from their home countries, in search of the elusive “greener pasture”. Many have ended tragically in either the deserts or the high seas. Combating the scourge of human trafficking will be accorded top priority by the Youths Agency in the Presidency by ensuring that the Youths Empowerment Program of Government captures this category of Nigerians. 

(2.) Fostering an enabling environment, for micro finance banks and other financial institutions across the country that will support the empowerment of individual women and women cooperative organizations. My APGA-led Government will be very mindful of the wellbeing of our women. 

(3.) Robust investment in the infrastructural development and maintenance. These include roads, bridges, rail lines, airports, sea and dry ports among other areas.

Breaking News:ORTOM RESIGNS FROM APC, JOINS PDP

The benue State Governor Samuel Ortom officially confirms his resignation from the All Progressives Congress, APC, and defection to the People's Democratic Party, PDP.

He made this known today when 13 Local Government Council Chairmen and councilors of 22 out of 23 Councils in Benue State paid him a solidarity visit at the Benue people's House, Makurdi, where they were all unanimous any political platform he chooses.

Details shortly...

22 out of 30 Benue State House of Assembly members impeached Speaker

Hon. Terkimbir Ikyange

The Speaker of Benue State House of Assembly,Terkimbir Ikyange was today impeached by 22 out of 30 members of the House.

The impeachment  was said to have been  hurriedly carried out by the members allegedly  loyal to Governor Samuel Ortom.

The members came through the back of the assembly which shares  fence with Government House and in less than 45 minutes, concluded the sitting that was presided over by the former Minority Leader, Sule Audu representing Agatu State Constituency.

Motion for the impeachment was moved by Richard Ujege representing Konshisha  State Constituency and seconded by Anthony Ogbu representing Ado Constituency.

During the sitting , Titus Uba, APC representing Kyan Vandeikya Constituency emerged Speaker while Johnson Egli Ahubi, PDP is Deputy Speaker.

Other new principal officers of the assembly include, majority leader Avine Agbom of the APC representing Makurdi North who defected to the PDP, Sule Audu, PDP deputy Majority leader and Kester Ikenge, PDP representing Logo Chief Whip.

Addressing newsmen after the sitting, the new Speaker explained that the action was done to protect the image of the 8th assembly, adding that it was as a result of high handedness by the impeached speaker.

Recall that the House only last week went on recess and was bid to resume on August 15, 2018.

ORIGINAL SOURCE:http://www.peoplesdailyng.com/benue-speaker-ikyange-impeached/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PeoplesDailyNg+%28Peoples+Daily+Newspaper%2C+Nigeria%29

Workers To Get Gratuity Three months After Retirement Soon-Ambode

The Lagos State Government is to introduce an efficient pension scheme for its workforce, an official said on Sunday.

Under the new regime, retirees will be paid their gratuity (lump sum) within three months after retirement.

The Director-General, Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC), Mrs Folashade Onanuga, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the administration would soon unveil the new regime.

“Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode is working towards a three-month gratuity collection regime.

“Our amiable governor is working towards a regime that all pensioners will be able to access their gratuities within three months after retirement,” she said.

Onanuga also said that the governor was committed to the welfare of retirees as he had cleared the backlog of pensions.

She said : “Gov. Ambode is fully committed to retirees’ welfare as he is working towards clearing pension backlog the administration inherited under the old pension scheme known as Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) before the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) was introduced in 2004.

“He has cleared the pension backlog up till 2015.

“About N37 billion has been released by Gov. Ambode for 9, 045 retirees since he assumed office.

The director-general, however, has advised retiring workers in the employ of the state government to study the two options available to them at retirement carefully before taking decisions.

According to her, the two options are Programmed Withdrawal and Annuity.

“The retirement options should be studied carefully before signing any deal with Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs).’’

Onanuga, who described some PFAs as hookwinkers, said they had been deceiving retiring employees into taking wrong decision for their own selfish reasons.

“There are still pension `fraudsters’ parading themselves as PFAs and the Lagos State Government will put concrete measures in place to ensure that its retirees do not fall victims.

“It is important to note that pension fraudsters are still out there, retirees must be vigilant and courageous not to sign negative deals; be wise,’’ Onanuga warned.

According to her, the commission in order to guide prospective retirees in the state public service between July and December also held a seminar on retirement benefits and documentation on June 8.

“The commission ensured that the 1,200 workers slated for retirement between July and December participated.

“The prospective retirees were equipped with retirement features and healthy lifestyles in retirement among others.”

Onanuga emphasised that it was the responsibility of the prospective retirees to study and master the features.

She said, for instance, a retiring employee ought to have signed up a PFA and his or her monthly contributions remitted into his or her Retirement Saving Account (RSA).

“Lagos State Government approved 13 PFAs for its workers, among them are AIICO Pension Managers, ARM Pensions, Leadway Pensure PFA and Nigerian Life and Provident Company (NLPC).’’

ORIGINAL SOURCE:NAN

Dangote To Boost Nigeria’s Power Generation by 12,000mw

The Dangote Group’s sub-sea pipeline infrastructure is expected to augment the natural domestic gas supply and add an estimated 12,000 Mega Watts (MW) to Nigeria’s power generation capacity.  Dangote also has plans to construct a 570 MW power plant within refinery complex.

The 12,000mw, which is being expected from the Dangote subsea pipeline is far more than the average of 2,812mw, which is presently being supplied to power plants.

The subsea pipelines are expected to create a corridor for evacuation of trapped from offshore platforms in Nigeria to allow their monetization.

Most of the associated gases produced offshore in Nigeria are currently being re-injected or flared. Hence the Dangote strategy is to serve as a transporter only transporter and processor, or buyer for producers of the gases.

Speaking at this year’s Ghanaian International Petroleum conference (Ghipcon 2018) which held in Accra, Ghana, the Technical Adviser to the President of Dangote Group on Refinery and Petrochemical matters, who led the Dangote Refinery team to the Conference, Engr. Babajide Soyode, noted that Alhaji Aliko Dangote will always do his best in whatever sector of the economy he ventures into, and that is why this refinery will be completed and meet the needs of Nigeria, West Africa and the entire African continent.

He went further to state that the Nigerian government has been supportive of the refinery citing the visit of Nigerian Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr. Ibe Kachikwu to the site of the Refinery during which he said the government would support efforts toward its completion.

“I have made very firm commitment to Nigerians that I must stop the importation of petroleum products by 2019 and I am going to keep to it.”, Kachikwu was quoted to have said.

Meanwhile, ahead of the completion of the Dangote Oil Refinery, petroleum importing African nations and Bulk Oil Distributors based in Ghana have expressed eagerness to patronize the Nigerian Refinery when production starts.

The oil buyers said arrangements have been put in place to import petroleum products from the world’s largest single-train refinery, situated, Lekki, Lagos state owned by the foremost industrialist.

Hints of eager expectation and hopes on the Dangote Refinery were revealed at  Participants at the international Conference as well as oil distributors and marketers from various countries were eager to know how they could key in for supplies from the 650,000 barrel per day refinery, that is preparing to take the continent by storm.

The Ghananian government expressed the view that dealing with Dangote refinery for petroleum import would be a better business for African nations than depending on the international market for the supply of refined petroleum products, “we will rather purchase from the Dangote Refinery due to the proximity of the refinery to Ghana and other neighbours.

President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, who was represented by Vice-President Alhaji Mahamud Bawumia, said African nations are anxiously waiting for Dangote Refinery.

During their visit to the Dangote oil exhibition stand, the Ghanaian Vice-President and the Minister of Energy, Boakye Agyarko, were amazed at the size of the project and expressed satisfaction with the pace of work being done at the refinery.

ORIGINAL SOURCE:THE GUARDIAN

Nigerian Workers deserve N50,000 minimum wage, says Ekweremadu

Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, has reiterated his support for Nigerian workers’ demand for an upward review of the monthly national minimum wage.

Ekweremadu stated this in his goodwill message on the occasion of the 2018 edition of International Workers’ Day, issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Uche Anichukwu.

He said, “I salute the Nigerian workers for their immense sacrifice, labour, resilience and patriotism, which have kept Nigeria going. They have also not relented even in the face of untold challenges and hardship.

“However, we must take the necessary steps to lighten their burdens, especially in the face of excruciating economic realities and in line with the anti-corruption crusade.

“It is becoming more difficult for workers to survive on N18,000 minimum wage. It is absolutely less than a living wage. The take-home pay has left most workers stranded on the road, as it is becoming very difficult for an average worker to take care of essential needs, especially in the absence of basic amenities.

“Therefore, I support workers’ demand for a new minimum wage and the ongoing negotiations initiated by government to that effect. Even if the workers cannot have exactly the N66,500 new monthly National Minimum Wage, which they currently demand, they should have at least N50,000 as the new monthly minimum wage.”

Deputy Senate President also stated that it would be difficult to wage a successful war against graft in the absence of a reasonable wage for the workers.

“A new, reasonable and realistic minimum wage is central to the war against corruption because we cannot in good conscience expect that the citizens will wholeheartedly fight corruption on an empty stomach.

“That is why the basic responsibility of any government is the welfare and security of the citizens and their property so that they are not tempted to resort to self-help. The Nigerian workers deserve a better deal”, Ekweremadu added.

souce:Punch

Nigerien Diaspora Election And Lessons For African Nations

Nigeriens’ last Presidential election brought a new vista to elections within the African sub-Region being ahead of many nations in the adoption of some innovations .For instance, the process of a new innovation by the government of Niger to ensure inclusiveness of its citizens in the diaspora in governance remains a lesson for many other African nations. Reports PhotoNews’ Terseer Adamu who was at the consular office of Niger Embassy in Abuja and had a chat with the country’s head of Election Commission

The simultaneous processes commenced around 8 a.m. with accreditation of voters and voting with large turn-out of voters at the Niger Republic Consulate office Abuja, venue of the election, security was also very tight as both the Nigerian Policemen and Security operatives from Niger Republic kept vigil.

Interview with the Nigerien Ambassador to Nigeria was granted by the Nigerien Election Commissioner Mr. E. ABDOURAHAMANE. Excerpts from the interview:

Photo News:  your Excellency we like to meet with you sir?

My name is Ambassador ABDOURAHAMANE I am the election commissioner in-charge of diaspora election here in Nigeria , I have been assigned by my government to monitor  the general election going on today in my country Niger  for our citizens here in Nigeria and also conduct election for the diaspora representative seat in the house of parliament of Niger republic.

Photo News: so what is going on outside is an extension of election process covering your citizens in the diaspora?

Yes that is exactly what is taking place, I am here to oversee the conduct of the election and report the outcome and result to the electoral umpire in my country Niger

Photo News: are you saying the outcome of this election has a significant impact on the overall elections in your country?

Yes of course that is why I am here to monitor the conduct of the entire process, because all votes cast here will determine the overall result of the entire election in my country Niger, smore so other countries in Africa and the world at large where they are Nigeriens similar elections covering Nigerien citizens in the diaspora is taking place and the outcome will determine the winner of the election process.

Photo News:  what is your assessment of the election process so far?

The election here is conducted according to our electoral codes and laws of the Republic of Niger, and every process carried-out from accreditation to casting of votes is in tandem with the electoral laws applicable in my country Niger, like I mentioned to you earlier that the outcome of the election has a significant impact on the overall election back home that is why I am here in Nigeria,to ensure that the conduct is credible and fair to all parties involved in the process.

Photo News: you mentioned a diaspora representative seat in your country’s parliament can you shed more light on the process?

Yes I will start by saying the process is a new innovation by my government to ensure inclusiveness of its citizens in the diaspora in governance and also their wellbeing and security, its indeed a new experience, this is how it works; in all the countries of the world there is likely hood you will find Nigeriens so in order for effective representation a seat in the parliament is reserved for a diaspora representative elected by Nigeriens in the diaspora, the elected representative handles matters that concerns citizens of Niger in the Diaspora their welfare, security and also presents bills in favor of citizens in the diaspora .

Photo News:  how is this representative selected for election into the parliament?

In every continent of the world there is likelihood to find Nigeriens there, so interested candidates are drawn from each continent to contest on the platform of the various parties, they are then included in the electoral process where they are voted by citizens in the diaspora as you are witnessing here today in Nigerian federal capital Abuja.

Photo News:  Back to the general elections how do you resolved electoral disputes?

We have had our own fair share of disputes arising from electoral process in the past especially during the military regime but with our electoral reforms that give birth to the electoral codes and laws we have been able to mitigate and bring to barest minimum electoral disputes because elections are conducted in strict conformity with the electoral codes and laws every stakeholder is carried along in the conduct and process of the election from the primaries, accreditation to voting and collating and announcement of results the entire process is transparent .

Photo News: Nigeria’s presidential election witnessed the emergence of an opposition party APC defeating the Ruling PDP are we likely to see same trend in Niger general elections?

General laughter!!!!!! Well to answer your question at this stage of the election process I cannot give a definite answer because it’s too early to predict the outcome of the election however it has happened in my country Niger in the past

Photo News:  was there a peaceful transition as exemplified by Nigeria?

Yes there was a peaceful transition and hopefully if the election plays out a similar scenario like Nigeria’s we will follow the new trend laughs!!!!

Photo News: what is your advice to youths to shun election violence?

so far the election has been without hitches the conduct has been peaceful everyone casting their votes in an orderly manner, I will like to commend the youth for their peaceful conduct the way and manner the election is going on smoothly here in Abuja same way it’s done in Niger too because they are same youths here and back home, but I will like to advice the youth to shun electoral violence and participate actively and if possible seek elective positions in government.

I will also like to use this medium to thank the Nigerian government for their support towards the general elections in Niger as you can observe all the logistic, security and materials are from Nigeria’s government and the Independent Electoral Commission INEC, both countries have shared mutual understanding and bilateral relationship for decades we appreciate the effort of the government of Nigeria and we look forward to more mutual collaborations in the future. Thank you.

I Will Carry Out My Legislative Duties With The Fear Of God- John Adam Okloho

John Adam Okloho is member representing Adoka/Ogboju in the Benue State House of Assembly.  He is the House Committee Chairman on appropriation a lawyer by profession and an evangelist. He spoke to Photonews recently on his responsibilities in the house, how he combines his legislative duties while still evangelising. Excerpts:

You have been appointed to chair the standing committee on Appropriation how has it been like?

The word appropriation is gotten from proper. What is proper in terms of tabulation of funds to various areas of Government or what is proper in terms of sharing allocations; what in a department or ministry need so that the work in various areas of Government will be properly exulted. The word appropriation is a very big area of any administration because every administration must appropriately allocate fund of the state but it is not properly allocated they will be crises in the system, so I know the duties that have been assigned is a very cumber some one that I believe with the knowledge I have in the private sector I will be able to carry it out effectively. As the chairman appropriation committee in Benue State House of Assembly I believe that I will do something that the state would know that I have come here to see and to equally deliver.

You are Lawyer by profession and it appears you still actively practice the law. Now that you are a legislature, how will your still contribute usefully to the constituency you represent? 

As a lawyer and with private practice experience of about 13 years, I know the aspiration and yearnings of individuals. I know what causes crises in their life before they even approach me. Some crises are legal, some are administrative, some are personal some are public problems and I have faced this for 13 years.  This has prepared me sufficient enough to carry the burdens of my people. (1) because as a lawyer I should know what the people need as a lawyer dealing with people I should know what they desire I should know what they expect of me and to made it worst, those who were representing my people have not done well. I stand to be corrected. Some tried but they have not done well and therefore they were so many things that they require,  they require the infrastructures, they require proper representation of their interest in Benue State House of Assembly and visibility in this government, so I am prepared as a lawyer and having acquired this skill on how to lobby, of how to relate with people, how to approach people, of how to ask people questions, I believe I will be representing them properly in the dispensation that after four years they will not have cause to regret taking me to the Benue State House of Assembly.

Do you think your constituents and indeed the state has begun to feel the impact of your representation considering that some progress has been made politically within the last one year of this dispensation?

I will say yes, because we know how things were  when we came in, we came in when everything broke down administratively, we came when the state was faced with a lot of debts and we are trying to sort it out. For instance the bailout fund the Executive Governor collected from the federal government, It is not our will to approve it, it is not his will to be going out for loans either but we saw that the previous government left behind so much debts and the people of Benue State were almost back to square one, some  people were dying of hunger poverty, the whole system collapsed, and that is why we are doing all we  can to make sure that the state comes back to live again so I can say there is progress. In the last one year of the administration, there is development because people now have peace. Previously these things tormented people everywhere there was political killing here and there but now we have our peace. People  are moving about normal, that is number one objectives that people have peace and more about of any government that is in power, it must project this, that people have peace and move about with their businesses  without any fear,  to me there  is change and we have improve to a certain level. We are expecting to do more and we will do more by God Grace.

To what extent would you say the states’ Economic development has been in the last one year?

There is political development. There is a change mantra that is going on. So, politically there progress.  There are even occurrences here and there that suggest there has been a shift. That I am here today means there is some shift in the in the system because I came in through political process, a situation that brought me here through election and these are political procedures that who are in government, so politically with these change. Elections was conducted peacefully they was exchange of batten of power in Benue State that was done peacefully so that is political development also we are seeing some of the things that have been abandoned in  the system because of these political change life is coming up in them again. The school were closed for one reason or the other politically, but today there are in the schools now the University, other high institutions, secondary schools as well as the primary schools. Teachers are been paid so these are political changes and they bring development and the political change has brought a change for everybody so politically we have done well.

You were taken to court by your main challenger in the elections after your victory to represent your constituency, what is our approach in resolving conflict?

I did conflict resolution as a lawyer and as an evangelist, the Bible says make peace before somebody take you to court or to those who will preside over your affairs. Based on these, after the elections or before the election we met during our electioneering on several occasions and I will embrace my opponent, he took me to court because he assumed he lost through irregularities and that is the best place or some on to go they were several elders in my place who approach him said look don’t take these matter to court we have made our choice and he is the one that will represent us now you have had your own time, but he refused I know persons who approached the family and talked to the elders of his family but, Joshua Ogbole refused to harken to the voice of the elders and continued with the case in the court and on the  21st October 2015, the court ruled that my elections was devoid of any irregularities of any kind and with that today I am calling him to come and support me, he is my younger brother. I know his future is still bright for him.  There is still so much for him and even in the political system he has  to learn and I know his future is still bright so am appealing to him using these medium that he should please join me to help our people and make them go forward to develop our place so that if those who will also came tomorrow can they will know that we were here we did the best we can so the conflict resolution skill that I equal as a lawyer I use it and practice it to a very high level in these matter but this is the way God want it and I got my victory retained or upheld by the court of law. I believe, I have done well in this system but today am appealing to him to come.

How would you describe yourself?

I am a child of God, I am a lawyer, I am a humble person, and I am a diligent person. A disciplined person, I dedicate myself to anything that is given to me by God and by humanity. Whatever that is assigned to me I will make sure not to disappoint those who assigned it to me. I am Frank, I hate gossip, when even I stand to contribute I am always frank, bold because I say it with the best of knowledge I have. I wish others to progress; if others around you progress you have peace you are better off so therefore I want these Government to see it like that. That we are here to make people better that is how I am and am prepared to listen to anybody on earth, I accept everybody, I don’t care the tribe or religion as the propagator of the word of God I love people and without people you won’t be where you are and I love Benue State.

I came back from Vienna Austria where I was attending International Bar Association, I saw the city of Vienna as lovely and beautify, I want the cities of Nigeria at large to be as good as Vienna we must love ourselves we must do thing in public as if we are doing in private because by the time wel sustain the things we do in the private office, the government will do well, and in Benue we are far behind and so we need to catch up with other people who have gone ahead of us because we have all it takes, for example, the mineral resources and human resources to be a great state among others in Nigeria.

Best moment?

When I got married to my lovely wife