Political parties are intensifying preparations ahead of the August 19 commencement of presidential campaigns, with major contenders moving to complete their campaign leadership structures.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is considering former governors Hope Uzodimma and Tanko Al-Makura for the role of Director-General of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign. In the opposition camp, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has reportedly settled on former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal as its preferred campaign DG for Atiku Abubakar.
The Labour Party confirmed that it had concluded arrangements for its campaign leadership but withheld the identity of its director-general. Other parties, including the Social Democratic Party (SDP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and New Democratic Congress (NDC), said their campaign teams would be unveiled before the deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Meanwhile, tragedy struck in Southern Kaduna after gunmen attacked a farming community during the early hours of the morning, killing no fewer than 30 people. Five siblings were among those who lost their lives in the attack, which left residents in fear and mourning.
The labour sector has also issued a warning to the Federal Government over unpaid workers’ benefits. The Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council gave Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele until August 11 to call a meeting or risk industrial action.
Workers are demanding the release of two months’ outstanding wage awards and the implementation of the approved 40 per cent peculiar allowance. The union said previous appeals to the ministry have not received any positive response.
President Bola Tinubu is expected to receive the Executive National Policing Bill on September 3 before it is forwarded to the National Assembly. Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila said a public platform had been created for Nigerians to submit their views on the proposed legislation.
Gbajabiamila, however, cautioned that state police must not be used as a tool for political intimidation or persecution.
The House of Representatives committee investigating the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council is set to conclude its inquiry, but the process has attracted criticism from stakeholders.
Concerns have been raised over the leadership of the committee by Yusuf Gagdi, who introduced the motion that triggered the investigation. The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) also criticised the panel for failing to invite Gbajabiamila to address allegations surrounding an alleged N400 million transaction involving a deceased proxy.
In the entertainment sector, television presenter Frank Edoho revealed that the popular quiz show Who Wants To Be A Millionaire lost sponsorship after a Federal Government fine affected the programme’s operations.
Thirty years after Nigeria’s historic Olympic football victory at Atlanta 1996, former Super Eagles coach Bonfrère Jo has expressed disappointment over what he described as a lack of recognition from the country. The Dutch tactician, who guided Nigeria’s Dream Team to gold, said he has received no reward from the government and disclosed that the medal presented to him after the victory was later stolen by a team official.
