Politics
North needs development, not empty political power – Okai-Austin
Political activist and youths leader, Usman Okai-Austin, has said that what the North needs most is development, not just holding on to political power.
Okai-Austin, who was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency in the 2023 elections, revealed this in an exclusive interview with Ekwutosblog.
He argued that northern leaders have failed to address poverty, insecurity, and the growing number of out-of-school children despite having held power for many years.
“The North wants development, not empty political power. What is the use of political power when you don’t alleviate the poverty of your people?
“Do we have good hospitals in the North today? Do we have well-planned schools for our children?”
He recalled that former President Goodluck Jonathan, who came from the South-South, built Almajiri schools across the North to modernize the system and take children off the streets.
But, according to the political analyst, the administration that followed did not sustain the programme.
“Jonathan was a Christian from Bayelsa, but he introduced a programme that directly addressed unemployment and the out-of-school children in the North.
“Jonathan introduced what we called the modern Almajiri school system in the north. 157 almajiri schools were established during his administration,” he said.
“When Buhari came, those schools were destroyed. Can anybody be more northern than Buhari? A muslim from Katsina, and a former military president. Yet, what did he do for the North?” Okai-Austin asked.
The activist also dismissed claims of northern marginalization being pushed by some politicians.
He said those who left power recently, such as former governors and ministers, had the chance to change things but failed.
“People like El-Rufai, Babachir Lawal, and Malami were in power. Malami was as powerful as the president for eight years. What did they do? Now they are crying marginalization,” he said.
According to him, those truly marginalized are not actually taken along in decision making.
Okai-Austin insisted that the true marginalized people are unemployed youths, women without access to healthcare, farmers who cannot go to their farms safely, and children who remain on the streets instead of classrooms.
He called for a new generation of northern leaders.
“The younger generation of the North should take over leadership. Those who have been in power have failed. They only use the North as a bargaining chip for their personal interest,” he added.
The governments of Abia and Imo States have announced the launching of a joint security taskforce and surveillance along the Aba-Owerri expressway, starting from Owerrinta in Abia State all the way to Owerri, Imo State.
The launch followed recent attacks by criminals on the expressway, including kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal activities.
The formation of the joint security taskforce and surveillance was announced by Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Media and Publicity.
His statement read in part: “Arising from a strategic emergency security meeting held today, 4th December, 2025, by the Governors of Abia and Imo Sates at the Imo State Government Owerri House, His Excellency Governor Alex Otti and His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodinma resolved to set up a joint security Taskforce that shall consist of Soldiers, Naval Personnel, Police Officers , DSS Personnel, and other Government Security Agencies.
“The joint security Taskforce shall, starting from tomorrow 5th December 2025, patrol the road 24 hours nonstop, while carrying out massive surveillance in the surrounding bushes using sophisticated drones and other modern security equipment.”
According to the statement, Governor Alex Otti commended the Governor of Imo State for arresting the criminals who carried out an attack on His advanced team and other passengers a few days ago.
“The two Governors, while assuring citizens plying the road on a daily basis and those returning home for Christmas of their safety and security, warn that there would be severe consequences for any criminal caught on the road going forward”, Ekeoma concluded.
President Bola Tinubu has transmitted to the senate two lists of 34 career and 31 non career ambassadors nominees for screening and confirmation.
Prominent names listed as non career ambassadors include Reno Omokri, Femi Fani-Kayode, Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, Victor Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
Also listed as non career ambassadors nominees are Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Vice Admiral Ete Ibas, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Senator Nora Daduut, Fatima Ajimobi, and Senator Ita Enang among others.
The two lists brings to 68 number of persons nominated so far as ambassadors awaiting confirmation by the Senate.
Politics
PRESIDENT TINUBU FORWARDS NEW AMBASSADORIAL LIST TO SENATE, NOMINATES DAMBAZAU, IBAS, CHIOMA OHAKIM AND OTHERS
By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
4-DEC- 2025
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has submitted a fresh set of ambassadorial nominations to the Senate, featuring a mix of distinguished public figures and seasoned professionals drawn from across the country.
Among the notable nominees are former Chief of Army Staff and ex-Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau; former Chief of Naval Staff and immediate past sole administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas; former senator Ita Enang; and Mrs. Chioma Ohakim, former First Lady of Imo State.
The President formally transmitted two comprehensive lists containing 34 career and 31 non-career ambassadorial nominees, bringing the total number of nominees awaiting Senate confirmation to 68.
The newly submitted lists mark another significant step in the administration’s ongoing diplomatic restructuring, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s representation and presence across global missions.
The Senate is expected to commence screening and confirmation proceedings in the coming days.
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