Former Kaduna Governor Makarfi urges national emergency on insecurity, opposes party deregistration
via Punch Nigeria4 min read
Former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi has called on President Bola Tinubu to declare a national emergency on insecurity, emphasizing that Nigeria's escalating security challenges demand extraordinary measures and a unified national response. Speaking to journalists in Kaduna, Makarfi, a former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, stated that security should be the nation's top priority due to its impact on economic growth and stability. He advised the President and state governments to prioritize security in all aspects of governance, suggesting that government resources should largely be directed towards addressing insecurity, including massive manpower enhancement, training, equipment, and logistics. Makarfi stressed that the government cannot operate under normal conditions given the current security situation, which he described as being close to a state of war. He also urged political actors not to politicize insecurity, as it affects all Nigerians. Additionally, Makarfi opposed the deregistration of political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, arguing that all parties compliant with the Independent National Electoral Commission's guidelines should be allowed to participate. He called for reconciliation within the PDP, expressing confidence in the party's future. Makarfi, who turns 70 in August, ruled out immediate ambitions for elective office, preferring to support younger leaders.
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Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has lauded the European Investment Bank EIB for its backing of the Omi Eko Project, an initiative aimed at transforming urban mobility and enhancing residents' quality of life. During a visit from an EIB delegation led by Vice President Ambroise Fayolle, Governor Sanwo-Olu stated that the project aligns with his administration’s THEMES+ agenda, particularly its Transportation and Traffic Management pillar. The Omi Eko Project, meaning “Water of Lagos,” will establish modern and climate-resilient water transport infrastructure, including improved terminals, safer navigation channels, and enhanced commuter services. This is expected to significantly reduce travel times for residents. Governor Sanwo-Olu also acknowledged the support from the African Development Bank and other development partners for the state's sustainable transportation network. He further welcomed the EIB’s investment in Nigeria’s small and medium-scale enterprise sector. Fayolle noted that Nigeria is projected to become the EIB’s largest country of operations in Africa in 2025, with total lending valued at €550 million. He highlighted a recent €200 million facility with the Development Bank of Nigeria for digital and green investments by micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, and a financing agreement with Wema Bank to improve access to finance for underserved businesses. Fayolle described the Omi Eko Project as a flagship European Union initiative in Lagos, fin
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