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APSS Proposes New Preemptive Approach for Africa’s Governance

Published

4 years ago

April 27, 2022

Eric

At a time when Africa’s attempts at good governance are found wanting, Africa Private Sector Summit (APSS) has proposed a new pre-emptive approach for Africa’s governance with the proposal for an objective body established by the AU and the African Business Council (AfBC) to help assess good and responsible governance.

Since the beginning of the year, two events have conspired to remind the framers of the APSS White Paper why it is a critical document. First is the instability and insecurity of coups that has bedeviled the West African and Sahel sub-regions. The second is the UNDP-supported AU Conference on Unconstitutional Change in Government, which subject matter was the theme of the next edition of APRM’S flagship “Africa Governance Report ”.

For APSS, it should not stop there, but represent an opportunity for the AU to consider a continental award scheme that African leaders would be encouraged to compete for as an incentive tool for advancing good and responsible governance on the continent.

APSS’ proposal comes at a time when the much-touted Mo Ibrahim Award – a more breathtaking enterprise at US5 million than even the Nobel Peace Prize at US 1.3 million – has apparently run out of steam as it has, since 2007 when instituted, been unable to serve as an effective incentive for change. Conceivably, even with its challenges, it can serve as a complementary tool for the African Governance landscape in a way that will spur positive change.

The change that Africa needs is one that would enable the implementation of the RECS and AfCFTA protocols, as well as the flagship Agenda 2063.

Central to APSS’ argument is the point that the private sector should play a more interventionist role in Africa’s developmental process, as advancing good governance and democracy has been identified as an essential pillar for advancing the APSS agenda titled “Strategic Initiatives for the Africa We Want”.

The APSS is calling upon the AU to enlarge the scope of its operations to assess and award good governance and developmental policies by political aspirants – rather than seeking corrective measures after candidates have been elected.

Inherent in the proposal is for a commitment by aspirants at the Political Party level to commit to compete, which should be contractually-enshrined in the manifestos of Political parties.

The aspirants should commit to the public good, and political stability, failing which they must be prepared to face prosecution.

While the APSS appreciates the good work the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) has played in promoting good governance on the Continent for almost two decades, the lacuna of the private sector in governance conversations signals a necessity to innovate around good governance in a way that the private sector, as major stakeholders in society, become involved in a preemptive process.

For more information, you can find the full document on the APSS website.

About APSS
APSS is a think-tank seeking to promote and support strong partnerships between academia, chambers of commerce, business associations at the national and regional levels, and at the AU through the Africa Business Council (AfBC).

Featured

2027: ADC’ll Lose Presidential Poll If Obi is Not Fielded, Fayose Warns

Published

2 days ago

March 30, 2026

Eric

A former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has warned that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will lose the 2027 elections if a former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is not on the party’s ticket.

Fayose made the remark while also assessing the performance of President Bola Tinubu in office.

He spoke on Sunday at the PDP’s national convention holding in Abuja.

“I’m happy with what Asiwaju is doing. You don’t have to have 100 percent of any issue before you are said to be doing well; but when you relate our past with our present, he is not doing well,” the former governor said.

On the opposition, Fayose suggested that the ADC’s chances depend heavily on Obi’s participation.

“I told you that if Obi is not on the ballot of ADC, that is the end of ADC. It looks like now that Obi will not; Atiku will get the ticket,” he stated.

He also cast doubt on Obi’s political path ahead of the election.

“It’s impossible for him to go back to the Labour Party. Obi is a good guy; he’s a fantastic guy, but to become the president at this time is difficult,” Fayose added.

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Wike-led PDP Faction Holds Convention, Reelects Abdulrahman, Anyanwu

Published

2 days ago

March 30, 2026

Eric

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has re-elected Abdulrahman Mohammed and Samuel Anyanwu as national chairman and secretary, respectively.

The duo secured their positions by consensus on Sunday during the faction’s elective national convention held at the Velodrome of Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

The affirmed officers include Aaron Chukwuemeka (Deputy National Chairman, South), Yusufu Nya Akirikwen (SAN) (Deputy National Chairman, North), Kolawale Olabisi (Deputy National Secretary), Odeyemei Mackson Oladiran (National Treasurer), and Lado Dan Marke (Deputy National Treasurer), among others.

Also listed are Eyim Donatus Henry, Dr Grema Kyari, Umar Mohammed Bature, Efere Augustine, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, Egwu Goodluck Chidiebere, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), Barr. Aloysius Chinemelu U. Uba, Osuoha Okechukwu Donatus, Dr Adaba Yatu, Ibrahim Bala Aboki, and Momoh Dejih Eugene Bashir, while Professor Ogunshe Adedayo and Hauwa Ahmed Shinge serve as National Women Leader and Deputy National Women Leader, respectively.

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Tinubu Celebrates ‘Low-Key’ 74th Birthday Amid Economic, Security Challenges

Published

3 days ago

March 29, 2026

Eric

President Bola Tinubu has celebrated his 74th birthday in a low key in line with his tradition of marking the day based on the mood of the country.

In a special birthday message issued on Sunday morning to mark his birthday, the President emphasised that “consistent with my tradition of marking my birthday in line with the mood of the nation, I resolved to observe this year’s birthday low-key.”

Tinubu, while expressing gratitude for the opportunity given him to serve the nation thanked Nigerians for their show of love and prayers on his birthday.

The President assured that his administration will build a brighter future for Nigerians and generations yet unborn.

He also vowed to overcome challenges facing the nation with continued support of the Nigerian people.

The 11-paragraph special birthday message stated as follows:

“My dear fellow Nigerians,

“Today, as I clock another year on the journey of life, I’m filled with joy and gratitude for the opportunity to serve this great nation. I want to take this moment to thank Nigerians for their messages, show of love and prayers on the occasion of my 74th birthday. I thank all our citizens for their patriotism, solidarity and support for our administration.

“To those who have taken space in newspapers or paid for air time on radio and television to wish me well, I thank you immensely.

“I must thank my wife, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, for her kind and loving words. I also thank Vice President Kashim Shettima for all he said about me.

“Consistent with my tradition of marking my birthday in line with the mood of the nation, I resolved to observe this year’s birthday low-key.

“As I mark this special day, I am reminded of the challenges we’ve faced since we initiated our reforms. I’m glad that our sacrifices have not been in vain, as we can see a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel, despite the temporary setback caused by the ongoing Middle East crisis.

“The credit for the positive outcomes we have achieved does not belong solely to me, our Renewed Hope team, or our government. We achieved the gains together.

“As we march towards the third anniversary of our administration, it is my deepest conviction that we shall succeed in building a brighter future for our citizens and future generations.

“We are determined to confront some of the challenges we face today, and with your continued support, we shall overcome.

“Let us continue to work together to build a stronger, prosperous and more resilient nation that will make Nigeria the pride of Africa.

“Thank you all, and happy 74th birthday to me!”