Headlines
Top 10 Most Significant Political Issues That Dominated 2022
This report will review the top moments and events as far as politics is concerned in the year 2022.
Newsline reports that the year 2022 has been eventful and marked by political activities as politicians and political parties engage themselves in party campaigns ahead of the 2023 general elections.
All the political parties conducted primaries for elections to fill different positions amid the challenges posed by the electoral act.
In no particular order, these events and moments that dominated the news shaped the year, in terms of magnitude and outlook.
2022 Electoral Act
This law is shaping the political landscape in Nigeria since it was enacted. Several political appointees had to resign to contest the primaries, while some had to let go of their political ambition to stay on the job.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami had to forgo his ambition to contest the Kebbi State governorship race. Others like Timipriye Sylva and Chris Ngige forfeited their N100 million presidential nomination form of the APC to hold on to their ministerial position.
Godswill Akpabio, Ahmad Lawan and several others lost out due to the act, as new provisions in the law have changed party primaries.
Former Lagos State Governor Tinubu’s ‘Emilokan Speech’
Out of nowhere, Bola Tinubu, one of the then 23 aspirants jostling for the presidential ticket of the APC, let loose and gave that famous Speech in Abeokuta, where he declared that it is his turn to become the candidate of the ruling party.
In that famous diatribe, Mr Tinubu held nothing back and spared no one. From President Muhammadu Buhari to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Dapo Abiodun. ‘Everyone chop breakfast’ as they say on Twitter.
The former Lagos State Governor reminded President Muhammadu Buhari of his past electoral defeats before 2015.
For Osinbajo, he was reminded of how he became the vice president, while Governor Abiodun earned the “Eleyi of Eyi”. Many had predicted that the speech would have been the end of Tinubu but he went on to become the candidate of his party.
Some of the Yoruba words he used during the speech—like Emilokan—became campaign a slogan. Even Governor Abiodun has embraced Eleyi (This one).
Peter Obi and the birth of Obidents
Ten months ago, it would have been hard to put Labour Party in the conversation of the likely winner of the presidential race. The decamping of Peter Obi from the PDP to the Labour Party and the birth of the Obidient Movement has completely changed the 2023 presidential race.
According to some polls, Obi is ahead in the battle to replace Buhari at the presidential villa in Abuja. The Obidients have held rallies in several cities across the country and dominated the political discourse on social media.
While many had predicted that the movement would fizzle out, less than 60 days before the election, the movement remains formidable. Mr Obi and his movement have dominated 2022.
Tambuwal Speech at PDP primary
Shortly before the commencement of voting at the presidential primaries of the PDP at the Moshood Abiola’s stadium, Governor Aminu Tambuwal, stood up to address the audience at the convention. The short speech that ended with the endorsement of Atiku Abubakar changed the course of the main opposition party.
Atiku won the primaries, however, the crack is threatening the chances of the party winning the 2023 presidential election.
That speech is believed to have changed the party. Wike and four other governors have joined forces to form the G5 Governors, who are openly challenging their party.
Former President Jonathan is coming
Despite not being a member of the ruling party, former President Goodluck Jonathan was linked to the presidential ticket of the APC all through the weeks leading to the APC primaries.
It would be recalled that some people reportedly bought the N100 million nomination and expression of interest forms for Jonathan.
All through, it appeared as though Jonathan would join the race, but he did not.
Bola Tinubu’s victory at APC Primaries
Tinubu, Asiwaju, Ahmed, Amaechi, Tinubu, Asiwaju……these names echoed in this order at the Eagle Square in Abuja during the counting of votes. In the end, Tinubu, who had earlier gotten some other contestants to step down for him, won the primaries.
His 1271 votes were enough to defeat the Vice President, senate president and several others.
Threat to impeach President Buhari
In July, several opposition lawmakers in the two Chambers of the National Assembly gave President Buhari an ultimatum; fix insecurity or be removed from office.
To underscore the seriousness of the matter, some senators of the ruling party like Elisha Abbo and Umar Bulkachuwa also showed solidarity with the opposition.
However, by the time the lawmakers resumed from recess, the matter was dropped.
Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike’s band
The famous musical band of Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State could have won the Grammy for political music if there were any such award.
All through the year, they dropped melodious hits on a ‘back to back’ rate. Some of their tracks like “As e dey pain them”, “Agreement is agreement”, “Big man no dey for size” and others are major hit songs in Nigeria.
The band has been adjudged the best political musical group for 2022, even ahead of the Sanwo-Olu Babes.
Million Man March
One innovation to political campaigns in Nigeria is the “million-man rally”. Supporters of different candidates have done different marching for their candidates.
Initially, Obidents staged such rallies to show support for Mr Peter Obi, however, others have also held similar rallies.
The million-man rally definitely featured prominently in 2022.
Doyin Okupe’s arrest
The Director General of the Obi/Datti campaign, Doyin Okupe resigned during the week after a court convicted him in connection with the Armed funds.
Although Mr Okupe opted to pay a fine, however, he had to resign as his continuous stay in the campaign appears to contradict the new order the Obidient Movement is preaching.
Education
1ST NIGERIAN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS CONFERENCE ON UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS) ESSAY COMPETITION
Competition Overview:
The SDG Youth Essay Competition offers a grand prize of N1 million for the top three winners, along with free sponsorship to attend the 1st Nigeria Tertiary Institution Conference on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in April 2024 in Abuja.
Competition Requirements:
1. Eligibility:
– Open exclusively to undergraduates in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
2. Entry Guidelines:
– Topic:The Role of Students in Attainment of SDG4
– length: Essays should be 1500 words.
– Entry Period: Thursday, February 1, 2024 – Thursday, February 29, 2024
– Referencing: APA Style (6th Edition).
– Font: Times New Roman, 12-point font size.
– Documentation: Typed in 1.5 line spacing, MS Word format only.
– Plagiarism: Only original content is accepted; plagiarized entries will be disqualified.
Benefits:
– Prizes:
– 1st Prize: N500,000
– 2nd Prize: N300,000
– 3rd Prize: N200,000
– Winners will also receive free sponsorship to attend the 1st Nigeria Tertiary Institution Conference on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in April 2024 in Abuja.
Required Documents:
– Student’s Institution ID Card
– Copy of Student’s Admission Letter
– One recent passport-size photograph
– WhatsApp telephone number and email address
Application Procedure:
– All entries and submissions (essay and required documents) should be scanned and sent to nigeriaessay@sdgyouth.org before the deadline.
For Further Inquiries:
– Call: 08068931151, 08133846739, 07067772964
– Email: nigeriaessay@sdgyouth.org
Deadline: February 29th, 2024
Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to achieving SDG4 and win exciting prizes. Submit your entry and required documents before the deadline. For any inquiries, feel free to contact them via phone or email.
Education
PENTAGON PARTNERS NATIONAL ESSAY COMPETITION FOR UNDERGRADUATE LAW STUDENTS
Competition Overview:
The National Essay Competition invites undergraduate law students to showcase their expertise and contribute to the discourse on AI, privacy, and data protection. In addition to cash prizes, participants have the chance to intern with Pentagon Partners, gaining valuable hands-on experience.
Competition Requirements:
1. Eligibility:
– The competition is open to 400-level and 500-level undergraduate law students in Nigerian universities.
2. Essay Requirements:
– Length: Essays should not exceed 1500 words.
– Format: Double spaced, 12pt Times New Roman font.
– References: OSCOLA format for citations with 10pt font size for footnotes and endnotes.
– Submission Format: Essays must be submitted in PDF format.
– Entrant Details: Include full names, school, level, phone number, and email address in both the body of the email and on the last page of the essay.
– Single Entry: Each entrant is allowed only one submission.
– Originality: Plagiarism will result in automatic disqualification.
Competition Benefits and Timeline:
1. Prizes:
– Winner: N200,000
– 1st Runner Up: N150,000
– 2nd Runner Up: N100,000
2. Internship Opportunity:
– In addition to cash prizes, winners have the exclusive opportunity to intern with Pentagon Partners, enhancing their career prospects.
Application Procedure:
– Interested participants should submit their essays to essay@pentagonpartnerslp.com during the submission period.
– The subject of the email should be the Essay topic
For additional information and updates, visit www.pentagonpartnerslp.com.
Deadline: March 22nd, 2024
Don’t miss this chance to showcase your legal expertise, contribute to important discussions on AI and law, and vie for enticing cash prizes. Pentagon Partners looks forward to receiving your submissions.
Education
SYSTEMSPECS CHILDREN’S DAY ESSAY COMPETITION (CDEC), 2024
Purpose:
Inaugurated in 2020, the CDEC is part of SystemSpecs’ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitment to promoting capacity development in the Nigerian ICT industry. By encouraging young Nigerians to tackle everyday issues, the competition contributes to intellectual growth and societal progress.
Topic:
The theme for the 2024 competition is “Protecting the Nigerian Child from the Dangers of Online Technology.” Participants are tasked with exploring strategies to safeguard children in an increasingly digital world.
Eligibility:
– Open to primary and secondary school students in Nigeria aged 9 to 16.
– Junior category (ages 9 to 12) essays must not exceed 1,000 words.
– Senior category (ages 13 to 16) essays must not exceed 1,500 words.
Prizes:
– Winners will receive generous rewards, including a high-capacity laptop, premium headphones, a portable laptop stand, a smart wristwatch, and one year of internet data, among other items.
– Consolation prizes will be awarded to other participants.
Application Process:
– Interested candidates should access the application page
– Essays must be written in English and reflect original thought.
– Each participant is limited to one entry.
– Entries must be endorsed by an accredited school official, parent, or legal guardian.
– Deadline for submissions is April 12, 2024.
Submission Guidelines:
– All submissions must be in PDF format and include the student’s name, home and school addresses, email address, and contact phone number.
– Double entries will result in automatic disqualification.
– Submissions must be received by March 15, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.
Notification of Winners:
– Successful students and schools will be contacted in the second quarter of the year.
– Updates on winners will be announced on @nercng social media platforms.
The SystemSpecs Children’s Day Essay Competition offers a unique opportunity for Nigerian students to demonstrate their creativity and problem-solving skills. By addressing the theme of online child protection, participants contribute to building a safer and more secure digital environment for all. We encourage eligible students to seize this opportunity and showcase their talent and ingenuity.
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