Roundtable Engagement with Relevant Stakeholders toward the Smooth and Efficient Operationalization of the Benue Peace Commission

On the 2nd May 2023 Today, in Makurdi, Benue State, the Savannah Centre held another Roundtable Engagement with relevant stakeholders toward the smooth and efficient operationalization of the Benue Peace Commission.

The meeting came up with workable strategies that could help facilitate the setting up/inauguration of the Commission before the exit of the current administration on May 29th 2023.

The meeting had in attendance key stakeholders from Benue State House of Assembly, CSOs, Religious Organisation and NBA.

Advocacy Visit to Governor-elect of Plateau State, Mr. Caleb Mutfwang

As part of the Community Initiatives to Promote Peace (CIPP) sustainability effort and to build on the project gains across the CIPP States, Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development, and Mercy Corps – Nigeria delegation paid an engagement visit yesterday 16th of May 2023 to the Governor-elect of Plateau State, Mr. Caleb Mutfwang to officially brief him on the CIPP project in the state, cum successes recorded thus far vis-a-vis planned/ongoing interventions in the state as well as to secure his administration buy-in and collaboration.

The Governor-elect while appreciating the team for the visit, pledged commitment and support to interventions that would contribute positively to the sustenance of peace in the state using CIPP as a reference point.

Many thanks to; Amb. Sani Bala, E.D Savannah Centre, Mr Ndubuisi Anyawu, C.D Mercy Corps Nigeria, Mr David Gatare, CIPP Chief of Party, and Mallam Sani Suleiman, CIPP Deputy Chief of Party amongst others colleagues for their sacrifices in attending this meeting despite of the time constraint.

IPAC

On the 17 August 2022 the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development Council of the Wise met with leadership of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Abuja. The visit centered on advocacy on the peaceful conduct of the 2023 general elections in Nigeria.

The Chairperson of the Council, Retired Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, OON, CFR appealed to the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) to admonish political parties to follow the guideline issued by the Electoral umpire, INEC in order to develop a culture of electoral integrity.

Advocacy Meeting to the Leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC)

On the 21st July 2022, Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development ‘s advocacy team (aka, Council of the Wise), chaired by Hon. Justice Zainab Adamu Bulkachuwa, OFR, CFR, President Court of Appeal (Retired) began its strategic and well-defined interactive engagements with the leaders of political parties.

The Council were received by His Excellency, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, National Chairman and members of the National Working Committee (NWC).  The purpose of the visit of was to amongst others; canvass for issue-based campaigns and national cohesion to avoid overheating the polity before, during, and after the #2023elections.

LEAD RADIO CITIZEN TOWN

On the 21st February 2023, another edition of the LEAD RADIO CITIZEN TOWN HALL 023.2 took place at the Savannah Centre conference hall. The town hall was preceded by a press briefing by the Council of the Wise followed by a conversation on the: IMPACT OF THE NAIRA REDESIGN AND THE NEW CBN REGULATIONS ON THE 2023 GENERAL ELECTIONS.

The current challenges of the nation were highlighted as it relates to the currency policy saga by seasoned panelists. Likely solutions were proposed on how to navigate the challenges.

Council of the Wise on A Strategic Consultative Engagement with Dr. Goodluck Jonathan

In continuation of stakeholders’ engagement for non-violent 2023 General Elections in Nigeria, as well as promotion of national unity and cohesion, the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development Council of the Wise paid an interactive visit to Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR, the former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in his Abuja office on the 17th February 2023.

Sensitization Workshop for Key Political Actors on Peaceful 2023 Elections and Electoral Act in Plateau

As part of the effort towards the promotion of peace before, during, and after the 2023 general elections, on the 14th of February 2023, Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development organized a Sensitization Workshop for Key Political Actors on Peaceful 2023 Elections and Electoral Act in Plateau state tagged as Peace Pavilion 023.2 with the common theme; “Ku Zabi Zaman Lafiya” (Vote for Peace) in Plateau state.

The event had Gubernatorial candidates of political parties and other relevant stakeholders in attendance. The candidate also signed a “Pledge Card” to be peaceful; before, during, and after the elections.

Two technical sessions were facilitated by Prof. Remi Sonaiya, the 2015 presidential candidate of the KOWA Party and Mr. Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, Former Director of Legal Services, Independent National Electoral Commission.

Council Of the Wise Strategic Consultative Engagement with The Sultan of Sokoto

Yesterday, His Excellency, Amb Brownson Dede led some members of the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development’s Council of the Wise on a strategic consultative engagement with the Sultan of Sokoto. The visit was part of the Council’s last leg pre-election lineup activities scheduled toward promoting a peaceful and credible 2023 general elections nationwide, vis-a-vis promoting national unity and cohesion, before, during, and after the 2023 polls.

His Eminence, Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni received the Council members in his chamber alongside members of his traditional council. He commended the Centre for always birthing nationalistic and impactful interventions. He further gave his commitment to working with the Centre and the Council whenever he is called upon.

Regional Consultative Forum Akure

On 25th January 2023, also in Akure Ondo state Southwest Nigeria, Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development Advocacy Council (Council of the Wise) joined the Regional Consultative Forum themed: Nigeria and the Challenges of National Unity Beyond 2023 General Elections.

His Royal Majesty, Oba Adedokun Omoniyi Abolarin, the Oragun of Oke Ila Osun state led the conversation supported by Prof Remi Sonaiya, Presidential candidate of KOWA party in the 2015 general elections, and Amb Sani Bala, Executive Director of Savannah Centre.

Speeches were presented by notable individuals with Chief Ezenwa Nwagwu, Convener Say No Campaign – Nigeria as lead speaker; Dr. Adetunji Ogunyemi Associate Professor of Economic History, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Osun State; Barr. Jumoke Ogunjebi Chairperson FIDA Ondo State and Obatola Jonathan, Founder/Executive Director, Pacesetters.

The event highlighted the challenges of national unity and possible ways to attain peace in 2023 general elections.

Advocacy visits to; Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Odundun II, and the Ondo state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Oyediran Oyeyemi

As part of the continuous engagements of the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development Advocacy Council (Council of the Wise) on National Unity and Cohesion, on 24th January 2023 engaged critical gate keepers and stakeholders in Ondo state.

The Council paid advocacy visits to; Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Odundun II, and the Ondo state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Oyediran Oyeyemi.Their message was on the need for peaceful 2023 general elections and for the actualisation of a working and prosperous Nigeria.

Views were exchanged and commitments were made to a peaceful and secured Nigeria before, during, and after the elections.

Oba Adedokun Omoniyi Abolarin, the Oragun of Oke Ila Osun State; Prof Remi Sonaiya, Presidential candidate of KOWA party in 2015 general elections and Amb Sani Bala, Executive Director of Savannah Centre were on the ground for the advocacies.