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How Obasanjo Missed Opportunity To Be UN Secretary-General – Gambari

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Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, the former Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari has revealed how the former President Olusegun Obasanjo missed out the opportunity to become the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Gambari stated this at the public presentation of the biography of the first African UN Secretary-General, the late Boutros Boutros-Ghal.

The late Boutros-Ghal assumed office in 1991 but served only one term till 1996.

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According to Gambari, Obasanjo’s military background disqualified him from being selected by the countries with veto power.

READ ALSO: Power Outage Grounds Businesses, Official Engagements In Benin As Journalists Dash To Hotels To File Reports

Speaking on the event that led to the choice of the late Boutros-Ghali as the US Secretary General in 1991, Gambari said some envoy told him, “Your candidate (Olusegun Obasanjo) has no chance in hell of becoming secretary.”

The former Chief of Staff said, “I asked: ‘What do you mean? He is the most qualified former head of state, handed over power voluntarily to civilians, and was head of the group that led to the process of the end of apartheid.’

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“He said ‘No. Listen carefully, when we, the big ones, are looking for a Sec Gen, the emphasis is on the secretary and not on the general.’ A very profound statement.

“The thing was that the veto ruling power wanted somebody they could dictate to, not a general, who would be giving them orders. Sometimes they think they are getting a secretary but they end up getting a general.

READ ALSO: US, Canada, Others Warn Citizens Against Travelling Ro Belgium Over Terrorist Attack

“Ghali, who they thought would be a secretary turned out to be a general and Koffi Annan, who they thought was a secretary turned out to be a general.

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“When you turn out to be different from what the big powers want, they do something about it. Boutros-Ghali was not given a second term, and Koffi Annan was nearly forced to retire over frivolous charges.”

Gambari noted that apart from being the first UN Secretary-General from the African continent, Boutros-Ghali was also the first Post-Cold War Secretary General but encountered difficulty organising a security council meeting that had all the heads of states as delegates.

He said, “He hardly had a meeting of the security council where the chief delegates were the heads of states of those member states.”

READ ALSO: Crisis Looms As NURTW Passes Vote Of No Confidence On Ex-president Baruwa

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Gambari described the 1994 Rwanda genocide as the low point of Boutros-Ghali’s career.

He said, “It was under his watch that the UN failed to respond adequately and to prevent genocide and when it was happening, the big powers also did nothing.”

He added that Boutros-Ghali acted as a peace-making prophet in terms of being the de-facto foreign minister of Egypt during the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel between 1977 and 1981

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Step-by-step Guide To Accessing FG Consumer Credit Scheme

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Following the approval for the takeoff of the first phase of the Consumer Credit Scheme as part of efforts to enhance social mobility among Nigerians, the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) opened a website to encourage Nigerians to register loans for important purchases.

The scheme aims to make consumer credit accessible and empower economically active citizens.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how civil servants and other Nigerians who are economically active can apply to enjoy this opportunity:

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Step 1: Understand the scheme

Before applying, understand what CREDICORP offers. The scheme is designed to:
– Improve Nigeria’s credit reporting systems, ensuring every economically active citizen has a reliable credit score.

READ ALSO: U.S. Man Who Received First-ever Modified Pig Kidney Transplant Dies

– Provide credit guarantees and wholesale lending to financial institutions.

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– Promote responsible consumer credit to improve quality of life and foster financial responsibility.

Step 2: Check eligibility

Initially, the scheme is open only to civil servants. Ensure you are employed in a civil service role to proceed with the application.

Step 3: Prepare the necessary documents

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You will likely need the following documents to apply:

– Proof of employment in the civil service.

– Identification documents such as a national ID or passport.

– Proof of income or salary slips.

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Step 4: Visit the official website

Access the CREDICORP application portal by visiting credicorp.ng (http://credicorp.ng).

READ ALSO: Naira Slumps, Exchanges At Over N1,500 Against Dollar

This website will serve as your primary resource for application forms and additional information.

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Step 5: Fill out the Application Form

Complete the application form available on the website. Ensure all information is accurate to avoid any delays in your application process. Double-check all entries before submission.

Step 6: Submit Your Application

After filling out the form, submit your application through the website. You might receive a confirmation email or a notification on the portal confirming your submission.

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Step 7: Await Response

Once submitted, await feedback from CREDICORP. This could take a few days or weeks, depending on the volume of applications. Keep an eye on your email and the portal for any updates.

Step 8: Follow Up

If you haven’t heard back within the expected timeframe, it’s advisable to follow up through the contact details provided on the CREDICORP website.

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The PUNCH had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu had approved the takeoff of the first phase of the Consumer Credit Scheme.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.

The President believes every hardworking Nigerian should have access to social mobility, with consumer credit playing a pivotal role in achieving this vision,” the statement said.

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Sweden Announces Return Of Benin Artefacts

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The Swedish government has resolved to return 39 pieces of Benin Artefacts in her Museum to the custody of Oba of Benin, Ewuare II.

According to a statement issued by Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Chief Press Secretary to Oba of Benin, the disclosure followed a Gazzette by the Federal Government which recognises ownership and vesting custody and management of repatriated Benin Artefacts in the Oba of Benin.

Iguobaro in the statement said that the Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Her Excellency Annika Hahn-Englund, conveyed the Swedish government decision when she paid a courtesy visit to Oba of Benin Palace in Benin City, Edo State.

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Ambassador Hahn-Englund informed the Royal father that Sweden and Nigeria, which is the second largest market in Sub-Sahara Africa, are trading partners, including infrastructure, Telecommunication, Energy and other businesses that supported the economies significantly.

READ ALSO: Over 100 Priests, Palace Chiefs Storm Court For Oba Of Benin In Solidarity 

The Swedish envoy, said, “also, I would like to mention that with cooperation, we have in Culture, Education with Nigeria; I would like to mention the decision of why the Swedish government has to return 39 Artefacts to Benin Kingdom.

“So, your Majesty, I am very honoured to be here tonight”, Ambassador Hahn-Englund said this while paying respect to Oba Ewuare II.

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Responding, Oba Ewuare II on behalf of Edo people also welcomed the decision and expressed his deepest gratitude to the Swedish government for the intervention.

The Benin monarch recalled how he made a request through the Swedish monarch in 1998 to return Benin Bronzes in Sweden during his courtesy visit to him as Nigeria Ambassador to Scandinavian Countries.

READ ALSO: Oba Of Benin Suspends Six Officials For Posing As Palace Emissaries To Ooni Of Ife

The traditional ruler disclosed that the federal government-backed Benin Royal Museum project is still on course, and commended partners for their support and devotion towards the project.

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The Oba also commended the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), which is an agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria, responsible for the preservation, promotion, and development of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

The traditional ruler who prayed for members of the Diplomatic Mission, shared a captivating tale of his Diplomatic exploits as Ambassador in the Scandinavian Countries, noting that the remarkable reign and enduring affection of the Swedish monarch, His Royal Majesty, Carl Gustaf Folke Hubertus remain indelible.

READ ALSO: Edo PDP Crisis: Orbih Opens Up On Purported Reconciliation Talks

According to Oba Ewuare II, the demand for the return of looted Benin Artefacts has been on since the reign of Oba Akenzua II, “and you are here today telling that it has been approved. This has been my request a long time ago. God’s time is always the best”.

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To underscore the significance of the historic visit to the Palace, the Ambassador in the accompany of her husband and a member of the Diplomatic Mission, presented a souvenir to Oba Ewuare II, who in turn gave a copy of the federal government Gazette on all Benin Artefacts to the envoy in appreciation.

 

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UPDATED: Rivers Political Fight Gets Messier As Three pro-Wike Commissioners Quit Fubara’s Cabinet

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Rivers commissioners Prof. Chinedu Mmom (Education), Dr. Gift Worlu (Housing), and Austen Ben-Chioma (Environment).

Three commissioners serving in the cabinet of Governor Siminalayi Fubara have resigned from the Rivers State Executive Council.

The commissioners are Prof. Chinedu Mmom (Education), Dr. Gift Worlu (Housing), and Austen Ben-Chioma (Environment), who are all loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

They were among the nine commissioners who had previously resigned in the heat of the political crisis in the state before the intervention of President Bola Tinubu.

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Their resignations came 24 hours after Fubara slammed his predecessor and estranged his political godfather, accusing him of leaving a huge debt burden for him.

READ ALSO: JUST IN: Rivers Commissioner Mmom Resigns, Cites Toxicity In Fubara’s Cabinet

A copy of Gift Worlu’s resignation letter.

The three commissioners tendered their resignations in separate letters addressed to the governor through the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo.

Mmom’s letter read, “I write to formally tender my resignation as a member of the Rivers State Executive Council as the Commissioner for Education with effect from today, May 15, 2024.

“It is a truism that a calm, safe, and friendly environment would stimulate efficient service delivery and enhanced productivity. It is, however, unfortunate to note that my current workspace has become toxic and no longer guarantees a favourable environment to enable me to realise my set targets for the education sector in the state.

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A copy of Austen Ben-Chioma’s resignation letter.

READ ALSO: JUST IN: Another Rivers Commissioner Resigns, Cites Toxicity In Fubara’s Cabinet

“There is loss of trust, animosity and sharp division among colleagues in the same cabinet which is unhealthy and very unfortunate. I want to thank Your Excellency for the opportunity to serve in your cabinet and wish your administration well.”

Moments later, Ben-Chioma forwarded his letter dated same May 15. He noted that his reason for resigning is because of the political crisis in the state.

His letter read, “I hereby tender my resignation as the Commissioner for Environment, Rivers State, on this day, May 15, 2024.

“I want to sincerely appreciate Your Excellency for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the State Executive Council. My decision to resign is due to the political crisis befalling our dear Rivers State and other personal reasons.

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“It was a privilege to have been of service to you in your administration and wish you all the best in your tenure.”

READ ALSO: BREAKING: Another Rivers Commissioner Resigns

Similarly, Worlu in his letter dated May 15, said, “I write to resign my appointment as the Commissioner for Housing formally. One of the most difficult decisions in my life yet, it is precipitated by the toxic atmosphere that has characterised our working relationship, especially the smouldering arbitrariness of decisions and actions, including the attempt to fuse the executive and legislative arms of government in Rivers State.

“I thank you for the opportunity to serve in your government and wish you the best as you continue to steer the ship of state. Kindly accept the assurances of my esteemed regards.”

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Before the trio of Mmom, Worlu, and Ben-Chioma, others who resigned were the former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof Zacchaeus Adangor, and former Commissioner for Finance, Isaac Kamalu.

Adangor and Kamalu resigned after Fubara directed that they should be redeployed to the Ministry of Special Duties (Governor’s Office) and Ministry for Employment Generation and Empowerment, respectively.

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