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Protest: Oba Of Benin Urges Tinubu To Tackle Security, Economic Problems

July 24, 2024

The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has urged the federal government to fast tract action in tackling the problems of insecurity and hardship in the country to avert protest in the country.

Oba Ewuare II’s made the appeal after the emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee, NEC, of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, held in Abuja, the nation’s capital, according to a statement released in Benin City, by his Chief Press Secretary, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, on Wednesday.

The traditional ruler made the remark ahead the planned protest scheduled for August 1-10 by dome angry Nigerians.

The planned protest has divided the country as some prominent Nigerians have called for restraint, even as the federal government insists that it’s already addressing the problems facing the country.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume alongside the ministers met on Wednesday where they appealed to the leadesrhip of the proposed protest to give the federal government time to address their demands.

Oba Ewuare II has joined other prominent Nigerians appealing to the protesters not to go ahead with their plan, stressing that the government should be given time to tackle the current security and economic challenges bedeviling the country.

The statement said, “Following the emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, the Omo N’Oba wishes to appeal to the general public to give the Federal Government sufficient time to implement its economic policies aimed at alleviating the present hardship experienced by Nigerians,

“The Omo N’Oba appeals to those planning the August 1st nationwide protest to shelve the plan. The Omo N’Oba also urges the Federal Government to intensify efforts in the implementation of its economic and security policies.”

The protesters, according to checks by the magazine have released their charter of request, which include the scrapping of the 1999 C0onstitution and the upper chamber of the National Assembly, The Senate.

The General secretary of the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, Ajibola Bashiru has dismissed the demands as unrealistic, saying the protesters are only trying to destablise the country.

Kebbi Sacks Interim Local Council Administrators

Suleiman Anyalewechi

July 24, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Less than five months after their appointments, the Sole Administrators of the 21 Local Councils of Kebbi State, have been asked to step down.

The Council Officials were constituted on March 6, 2024, after the expiry on February 5, of the tenure of elected Chairmen.

The dissolution of the Interim Local Council Executive was contained in a circular from the Acting Permanent Secretary Ministry for Local Government Affairs, Aliyu Hassan Kalgo, on Wednesday July 24 2024.

The Administrators subsequently have been directed to hand over all Local Council Affairs and properties in their possession to the Directors of Administration in their various Local Governments.

The hand over formalities, according to the circular, should be concluded on or before Thursday July 25, 2024.

The Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, while appreciating the contributions of the outgone Administrators, wished them well in their future endeavours.

Although no reason was adduced for cutting short the services of the interim officials who were supposed to hold out for an initial six months, many, however, believe that it might not be unconnected with the Supreme Court ruling on the autonomy status of the Local Councils.

The Source reports that the County’s Apex Court had, on Thursday, June 20 2024, in a verdict affirmed the financial independence of the Third Tier of Government.

The Justice Emmanuel Agim- led panel of Judges also ruled to stop the remission of the Federal Allocation to Local Councils that operate with appointed officials.

The Court held that all funds due the Councils should be remitted directly to their accounts, as against the prevailing situation where State Governments receive same through the Joint Allocation Account JAAC.

State Governments, since the ruling have been jostling to organize elections to fill the Local Government positions so as not to deny them the receipt of their funds.

Ondo Group Rejects Nominee For Public Complaints Commission

Ayodele Oni

July 24, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Concerned Ondo Citizens (COC) has rejected the State’s nominee as Commissioner in the Public Complaint Commission, (PCC).

The group accused the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, of playing politics with the people of the Ondo State on the appointment of Oladeinde Abolarin as Ondo Commissioner in PCC.

The group claimed that Abolarin had earlier been appointed as a nominee, representing Kogi State in the previous Board of PCC.

It expressed dismay that the same person was picked as a Commissioner representing Ondo State in the new appointment.

The group’s President, Charles Akinwon, in a statement, described the appointment of a non indigene by the Senate as gross injustice since Ondo has numerous qualified individuals to occupy the seat.

“If Akpabio wants to play such politics, he should consider Abolarin for Akwa-Ibom State.

“We had protested against the last Commissioner, Adeyemi Oni, that he is not from Ondo State, but the immediate past Speaker of the House of Representative imposed him on us and at the end, he failed to contribute meaningfully to the development of the commission in Ondo State.”

The group charged the 12 Ondo State caucus members, comprising three Senators and nine Reps members to reject the appointment and present an Ondo person for immediate replacement.

“It will be shameful for them if Abolarin is inaugurated against their kinsman, he will not be allowed to resume in Ondo State, except he shows proof of his family house location, ward, LGA, certificate of origin and evidence of his contribution to the development of Ondo state.

“This type of situation should not be allowed to stand in Public Complaints Commission that Serves as Nigerian Ombudsman to defend the rights of citizens and ensure constitution of Nigeria are followed in the scheme of all appointments into Federal Service.”

Suspended Abia Health Commissioner, Finally Resigns

Suleiman Anyalewechi

July 24, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Dr Ngozi Okoronkwo, the suspended Abia State Commissioner for Health, has finally bowed out of office.

A statement by Governor Alex Otti’s Media aide, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, on Wednesday, July 24, said the embattled Health Commissioner’s resignation has been accepted by the Governor.

The Source reports that Dr Okoronkwo was on June 11, 2024, suspended from office by Governor Otti.

The State authorities had cited some alleged official misconducts and the need to investigate same as reasons for her suspension.

Governor Otti had, also, insisted the Commissioner was not sacked as some people had speculated, noting that she was only asked to step aside to allow for an unfettered inquest into the allegations raised.

He promised that the Commissioner will return if not found wanting.

But she was said to have resigned on Tuesday July 23. The statement noted that the State Governor while accepting the resignation, also, appreciated her services and contribution to the health sector.

“The suspended Abia state Commissioner for Health, Dr Ngozi Okoronkwo, has tendered her resignation letter to the Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr Alex Chioma Otti,.

The Governor, while accepting her resignation, thanked Dr Okoronkwo for her services to our dear state and her modest achievements in repositioning the Health sector for better service delivery in the last one year. He wished her well in her future endeavours.

The Governor reiterated his commitment to the transformation of Abia State and reminded Abians that they gave him the mandate to assemble his team and this includes hiring, suspending or sacking his appointees and/or rejigging and reshuffling his cabinet whenever the need arises for the sole purpose of delivering all his promises to the people”, the Governor’s CPS stated.

But no mention was made about the state of the investigation and/ or its outcome.

With her resignation, the erstwhile Health Commissioner, joins her two other former colleagues from Agriculture and Science and Technology Ministries who left in similar circumstances a couple of weeks ago.

NLC Distances Itself From Planned Nationwide Protest

Akinwale Kasali

July 24, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The Comrade Joe Ajaero-led Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has said it was never part of the planned nationwide strike.

NLC said it cannot pull out of the planned national protest over hunger and high cost of living in the country because it cannot withdraw from a protest that it did not organise, and was never part of.

The NLC said it was not involved in the planned Nationwide protest, and was not called upon to be part of it.

It, however, advised the Federal Government and the sub-national Governments to listen to the cries of the hungry Nigerian people and do the needful.

Ajaero, in a statement, reiterated the earlier call by the labour movement that Government should dialogue with the organisers of the protest and warned that any resort to the use of brute force would be counter-productive.

The statement entitled “The Nigeria Labour Congress cannot withdraw from a protest that it did not organise,” partly reads:

“A news report of the withdrawal of the Nigeria Labour Congress from the widely discussed national protest has been brought to our attention. The Nigeria Labour Congress debunks such story as patently false.

“The truth is that the Nigeria Labour Congress cannot withdraw from a protest that it did not organise. It is only the organisers of the speculated national protest that can decide to pull out or continue with the protest.

“The Nigeria Labour Congress has internal trade union mechanisms especially leadership decision-making processes that its industrial actions such as protests pass through before such activities are undertaken.

“Yet, the fact that the Nigeria Labour Congress is not the body organising the protest does not mean that Organised Labour is oblivious of the dire living conditions Nigerians have been subjected to by the harsh economic policies of government.

“The Nigeria Labour Congress stands in solidarity with the Nigerian people in this very trying and excruciating times.

“Pursuant to proactive engagement with the issues canvassed by the protest organisers, we have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to invite the leaders of the protest movement to dialogue on their demands.

“We have advised that it would be counter-productive for government to meet the widespread anger in the land with brute force.

“Once again, we implore the Federal Government and the sub-national governments to listen to the cries of the Nigerian people and do the needful. After all, it is said that the voice of the people is the voice of God.”

House of Reps Applauds Tinubu For Signing South East, North West Development Commission Bills Into Law

Ayodele Oni

July 24, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The House of Representatives has applauded the Presidential assent to the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) and the North West Development Commission (NWDC) bill.

The House noted that it marks a significant milestone in efforts aimed at addressing developmental challenges and promoting regional growth in Nigeria.

A statement on Wednesday by Akin Rotimi Jnr, Spokesman for the legislature stated that the Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, praised President Bola Tinubu, for signing both bills into law “at such a crucial time, highlighting the President’s commitment to national development and unity.

“President Tinubu has demonstrated utmost patriotism by assenting to these critical bills.

“The establishment of the North West Development Commission will not only bring development closer to the people of the North West, but will also address key challenges such as unemployment.

“I congratulate the people of the North West and South East and all Nigerians for this historic achievement.”

Reflecting on the legislative journey, Speaker Abbas noted that he previously sponsored the North West Development Commission Bill during the 9th Assembly.

“Despite not receiving presidential assent at the time, the current approval underscores the persistence and dedication to regional development.”

Similarly, the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, lauded the President for signing the South East Development Commission Bill into law.

He also expressed gratitude on behalf of his constituents and colleagues from the South East region.

“The signing of the South East Development Commission Bill is a landmark achievement.

“This commission will play a pivotal role in reconstructing and rehabilitating infrastructure damaged by the civil war, tackling ecological problems, and addressing other developmental challenges in the Southeast States of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo.

“I profusely thank President Tinubu, my colleagues in the National Assembly, and all Nigerians for supporting this bill. This is a significant step towards positive attention and development for the South East region.”

Both leaders emphasized the collaborative efforts of the legislature and the executive.

“The House of Representatives remains committed to supporting these Commissions through necessary legislative actions and oversight to ensure they achieve their intended goals of fostering sustainable development and regional equity in Nigeria.”

Allegation Against Obi: Reckless Propaganda, Will Plunge Nigeria Into Chaos – SERG Warns FG

The Source

July 24, 2024

The South East Revival Group (SERG) has said it is appalled and condemns in the strongest terms the allegations made by the Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, that supporters of former Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, is behind the planned nationwide protests against hardship scheduled to begin on August 1, 2024.

In a statement signed by its National Secretary, Hon. Agu Chineme, the SERG said “this shameful position by a government that has chosen to spread falsehoods and lies about Peter Obi instead of finding ways to help hungry and suffering masses of Nigeria who are struggling to find their next meal amid insecurity, unemployment, and lack of access to adequate healthcare across the country is unacceptable.”

The frontline South East socio-political pressure group urged the Federal Government not to politicize hunger and deprivation in the land and impacts of bad governance does not spare anybody on basis of tribe, religion or political affiliation.

The SERG therefore warned that “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s handlers could plunge the country into chaos with their reckless propaganda and desperation to continue the now nine years of blame games of the failed successive All Progressives Congress (APC) administrations.

“It is ridiculous and unbecoming of a government that has failed to deliver on its promises to resort to spreading falsehoods and lies about a citizen who has contributed immensely to the development of Nigeria.

“The SERG demands that the government should focus on addressing the pressing issues facing Nigerians rather than trying to divert attention from its failures.

“We call on all Nigerians to continue to condemn this reckless and unreasonable acts by the government appointees and demand that the government takes immediate action to address the suffering of Nigerians”, the SERG stated.

Three Bag Life imprisonment For Gang-ra××ng Hearing Impaired Kebbi House Wife

Suleiman Anyalewechi

July 24, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

For gang ra××ng an 18-year old hearing impaired house wife in her matrimonial home, three men are to spend the rest of their lives in jail.

Bashar Dan-Inno, Amiru Umar, and Aliyu Umar were on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, handed down life imprisonment terms by Justice Shamsudeen Jafar of a Kebbi state High Court..

Earlier, the prosecution Counsel, Farida Muhammad, had told the Court that the three convicts committed the act in Wararin Zaromawa Village in Gwandu Local Council of Kebbi State .

He submitted that the convicts broke into the victim’s matrimonial home while she was deeply asleep, and forcefully took advantage of her carnally.

“They had choked her with thick pieces of clothes as well as tied her two hands with rope before having carnal knowledge of her one after the other”, the prosecution stated .

He, therefore, prayed the Court ,to sentence the convicts, in line with the provisions of sections 259 and 60 of the Kebbi State Penal Code law of 2021.

Justice Jafar in his ruling found the defendants guilty of criminal conspiracy and raxe.

He noted that the prosecution counsel had established beyond any doubt that the defendants forcefully had carnal knowledge of the victim .

” Iam of the firm view that all the defendants conspired in perpetrating the act .The defendants conspired and raxed the victim, who is an 18-year old deaf and dump, and also married woman, at her husband’s residence.

“All the ingredients needed to establish a criminal conspiracy to commit rape were established beyond reasonable doubt by the prosecution.

“The court has no option than to act upon the evidence before it .

“Similarly, the court holds the view that it has found the first ,second ,and third defendants guilty as charged. You are hereby convicted as charged.

“Having found you guilty of the charge, you, Aminu Sani, Aliyu Umar and Bashar Dan-Inno, are hereby sentenced to life imprisonment for finding all of you guilty under Section 259 and section 60 of Kebbi state Penal Code Law 2021” Justice Jafar ruled

“The prosecution had called three key witness, as well as tendered six exhibits in both English and Hausa languages to prove the case against the defendants.

The Defence Counsel, Ahmed Abubakar Fingila had prayed the court to temper justice with mercy.

However Justice Jafar described the offence as heinous and reprehensible, as the defendants took advantage of the victim’s vulnerability.

NSDC Official Killed, Palace Razed In Osun Obaship Crisis, Gov Adeleke Orders Deployment Of Security Agents

The Source

July 24, 2024

Ademola Adeleke - Osun State Governor — Governor Ademola Adeleke

By Ayodele Oni

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has ordered a massive deployment of Security Agents to restore peace in two communities feuding over chieftaincy issue.

Already, an official of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Osun State Command, has reportedly been killed in the process, Many others sustained various degrees of injuries.

Also a Palace belonging to one of the communities was completely razed.

Crisis erupted between Orile Owu and Araromi Owu communities in Ayedaade Local government area of the State since Tuesday evening.

Many residents were thrown into panic to the extent that some have relocated from their homes for fear of an attack over the Obaship selection tussle.

According to sources, the injured NSCDC officers have been rushed to the hospital for treatment.

The State Government, in a statement, issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, said many properties were lost to the violent confrontation.

The Commissioner said Governor Adeleke has directed the immediate deployment of Security Personnel to fish out those behind the dastardly act and bring them to justice.

While calling for calm, Alimi stated that, “Governor Ademola Adeleke has approved and directed that security operatives should immediately be stationed in the areas to protect the communities by maintaining law and order.

“Governor Ademola Adeleke has called for calm between Orile Owu and Araromi Owu communities in Ayedaade Local Government Area of Osun State.”

He also announced that the Government has ordered that the chieftaincy selection process which caused the communal clash be, henceforth, suspended.

“Governor Ademola Adeleke has also directed the Special Adviser on Security, Mr. Ojo, to mobilize security operatives to the towns to maintain law and order, ensuring that anyone caught not abiding by the law is arrested and prosecuted appropriately.

“The Government has the duty of protecting the lives and properties of the people of Araromi Owu and Orile Owu in Ayedaade Local Government, hence directing that any act or movement contrary to peace, and which may lead to a breakdown of law and order in the communities, is not acceptable.

“The Government, particularly, commiserates with the families of those who lost their properties in the communal clash and added that the rift will be duly investigated.

“The Government reiterates that peace is germane in every environment and assured Osun residents of security, while also calling for the support of residents, and urged everyone to embrace peace.”

Dangote Left It All In Lagos

The Source

July 24, 2024

By Femi Otedola

My brother, the Visionary, has built the largest single train refinery in the world, not in Kano, but in Lagos State. He is the owner of the second-largest sugar refinery in the world, also in Lagos State, and the largest cement factory in the world, not in Kano, but in Kogi State. Additionally, he has established one of the second-largest fertilizer plants in the world, soon to surpass the biggest one in Qatar, also in Lagos State. Furthermore, he has built a fertilizer plant in Lagos that already exports globally. Aliko Dangote is a titan that God created specially for mankind.

Aliko Dangote is also the largest private sector employer of labor in the country, and his companies are among the largest taxpayers. In fact, the Dangote Group often pays more in taxes than the top banks combined. If not for him, we would still be importing cement. His contributions extend beyond industrial facilities to critical infrastructure, having built major roads such as the Apapa Oshodi-Owonrosoki Express Road, Wharf Road, and the Obajana-Kabba Road.

Countries in the nascent stages of industrialization require visionary leaders. This is why it’s no surprise that the United States was built by the vision and tenacity of a few remarkable individuals—Cornelius Vanderbilt, John D. Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, J.P. Morgan, and Henry Ford—THE MEN WHO BUILT America’s industrial landscape. These men left the world without these assets but left behind a legacy that has kept their country thriving generation after generation. Their contributions were immortalized not in the material wealth they amassed but in the enduring institutions and industries they established. These visionaries were also supported by their government, which recognized the importance of fostering local champions.

Similarly, today’s tech giants like Microsoft and Tesla received substantial support from the US government. For example, in January 2010, the Department of Energy issued a $465 million loan to Tesla Motors to produce specially designed, all-electric plug-in vehicles and to develop a manufacturing facility in Fremont, California to produce battery packs, electric motors, and other powertrain components for powering these innovative vehicles. This initiative is part of broader efforts, such as the federal EV-charging program supported by the infrastructure law known as the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program, or NEVI.

In India, the government has been instrumental in supporting business titans like Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani. Their companies have received significant backing to grow and expand, contributing substantially to India’s economic growth and global business footprint.

There are also records of emerging market countries like Vietnam, South Africa, Brazil, and China where their governments have supported local businesses to jump-start industrialization. In Vietnam, the government has provided various incentives to tech companies, fostering a rapidly growing technology sector. In South Africa, government support for the mining industry has been crucial in maintaining its global competitiveness. Brazil has seen substantial government investment in its agricultural sector, transforming it into one of the world’s leading food exporters. In China, government backing for companies like Huawei and Alibaba has propelled them to global leadership in technology and e-commerce.

In Nigeria, we have our own titans, and it is imperative that we recognize and support them. Aliko Dangote has broken every boundary in worldwide business and industry. His contributions are not just a testament to his brilliance but a beacon of what is possible when vision meets opportunity. Supporting local champions like Dangote is crucial for our national development and economic independence. Let us continue to foster and support these visionaries who drive our nation’s progress… F.Ote💲

Hmmmm!

Otedola, serial entrepreneur, businessman, is the Chairman of First Bank Plc

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