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N1.6bn Governor’s Office Renovation Controversy: We Did No Wrong, Open For Scrutiny, Says Cross River State Govt

July 30, 2024

By Stanley Ekpenyong, South South Bureau Chief

The alleged N1.6bn spent by the Cross River state government to renovate the Governor’s Office has been described as neither “wrongful nor irresponsible”

An online portal had stirred controversy recently with a report alleging the state government has so far spent 1.6bn to renovate the dilapidated Office of the Governor situated at Diamond Road, opposite the historical Hope Waddel Training Institute, Calabar.

Upon assumption of office May 29 last year, Governor Bassey Otu relocated to a temporary office at the nearby Governor Lodge to enable renovation work commence at the Governor’s Office, which the magazine gathered was last renovated over 20 years ago.

Critics, according to the Online portal, are accusing the Governor of insensitivity for spending such a humongous amount spent on office renovation at a time Nigerians are hungry and angry.

However, reacting to the issue, the Governor through his Chief Press Secretary, Nsa Gill, faulted the report, describing it as subjective and the figment of the imagination of the writer.

In a statement in Calabar signed by Nsa, the government said the Otu administration has its foundation in

transparency and openness and accountability and therefore has nothing to hide.

It further, disclosed that, the Governor has put in place a number of empowerment programs and socio-economic polices that aim to empower the people economically to cushion the effect of the current economic challenges, cautioning against fictitious and subjective reportage of activities of government whic is capable of inflaming violence.

It maintained that Governor Otu came to office on the mantra of People First Agenda and has remained true to that policy through accountability and prudent management of funds.

“The administration of Governor Bassey Otu values transparency and prudence. The government is committed to providing quality services to our people and ensuring value for every kobo released.

“All revenue and expenditure of the Government are publicly reported for transparency and accountability through the publication of the Budget Implementation Report every quarter” the statement said.

The statement further frowned at the report as capable inciting the people against the government and precipitating the Endsar like conflagration in the state in which many legacy assets of government as well as those of privstr individuals were destroyed.

“In line with our quarterly budget performance report, we take pride in running a transparent administration where business transactions of government is published for public consumption.

“We are against biased reporting that distorts facts and against the good intentions of the government and capable of inciting public violence”

The said sum allegedly being spent, the government argued, “is not wrongful or irresponsible”

According to the government, the referenced quarterly report comprises over 300 pages of various items and subheads, “one therefore, wonders why only the subhead on the renovation of the Governor’s office and residence was singled out, if not for cheap blackmail”

“The project mentioned is an ongoing holistic renovation which started in 2023, and the contractors are paid in phases after due evaluations. The last major renovation of the governor’s office and lodge in Cross River State was done about twenty years ago.

“Since Governor Bassey Otu assumed office on May 29th, 2023, he has been operating from a temporary office; one of the old government lodges, while the renovation of the office is ongoing.

“We assure the public that Governor Bassey Otu is not oblivious to the present economic situation.

“Aside from temporary interventions using palliative measures, including provision of food and none food items to vulnerable households, provision of conditional cash transfer, distribution of farm inputs and only recently residents in some riverine communities were empowered with fishing boats and cash backing; all these government policies and programs aim at providing succour to the youths, women and the vulnerables.

“A lot is being done to ensure food security and availability, the state government in collaboration with the federal government are taking proactive steps through investment in sustainable agricultural practices, supporting smallholder farmers, strengthening crops value chains and improving post harvest handling and storage systems that will provide opportunities and guarantee food sufficiency”, the statement added.

Wike Mobilizes Youths To Quash Hunger Protest, As CAN Calls On FG To Reduce Fuel, Food Prices

Akinwale Kasali

July 30, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike has mobilized youths and other stakeholders in Abuja, and implored them not to join the planned Nationwide Protest against hunger and hardship scheduled run from August 1-10.

The engagement with FCT youths from Abuja South Federal Constituency, in Kwali Area Council, Bwari and Gwagwalada Area Councils by Wike was to appeal to the Youths and enlighten them on the ills of protest and why they should not be part of it.

Wike said, “There is no need for the protest. The current administration is barely one year in office and not enough to assess its performance.

“You can’t judge leadership within one year. I have not been in office for up to a year, but I have done so much that should be appreciated and convince people that FCT is working,” he said.

The Minister said that so much has been achieved in education, health and other sectors, particularly security.

He urged residents to commend and encourage the security agencies to do more, adding that it would be unfair not to do so.

“It is not fair to say we have not done anything on insecurity when we have improved security in FCT,” he said.

He said that in view of the current development in the FCT, what was desired was peace and not protest.

“We want peace in FCT and so, we cannot fold our hands and allow it to be destroyed in the guise of protest,” Wike said.

Following this development, the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Niger State Chapter, has pleaded with the Federal Government to reduce fuel price and regulate the prices of food items even as it called on Christian faithful to pray more to confront the challenges facing the country rather than join the proposed nationwide protest.

Most Reverend Bulus Yohanna, CAN State Chairman said “Let us shun protest. Violence has never yielded positive results but peace can easily turn things around. As you are aware, there are plans to stage a nationwide protest across the country but as Children of God and responsible people known for peace, I urge us all to shun the protest but speak to our children/wards and members of our congregation.

“Peaceful protest with clear demands is good but such could be hijacked by miscreants, who can lead to arrests/shootings and we cannot afford to lose any of our children. There is no time that violence had led to positive results, rather it has caused destructions, loss of lives and setbacks. Genuine protest can easily be seized by hoodlums and selfish groups to cause enormous havoc on innocent citizens and this is why we should avoid the protest.”

The CAN chairman who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese called on “President Bola Tinubu to, apart from the palliatives, reduce the pump price on petrol, regulate prices of food items. This will certainly address rising cost of living and bring smiles to the faces of Nigerians.”

He called on the people of the state to take advantage of the farming season especially now that the Farmer Governor is proactive and has prioritized the Agriculture sector with the hope of feeding the nation.

Abuja Politicians Behind Killings, Banditry In Benue State – Governor Alia

Akinwale Kasali

July 30, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has alleged that the killings and banditry rocking the State are Influenced by the politicians in Abuja, the Nation’s Capital.

He was specific that the crime in Sankera axis of the State comprising Katsina-Ala, Ukum and Logo Local Government Areas, of the state, was caused by these politicians in Abuja.

Alia made this allegation when he attended a thanksgiving service organised at the Chapel of Grace, Government House Makurdi. He lamented that the bandits were homegrown and had taken up arms to kill their own.

He was referring to the recent attacks in Sankera which initially claimed six lives in Ukum LGA and triggered a violent protest and another cold-blooded murder of 18 in Katsina-Ala LGA as well as the viral video of bandits threatening to kill more in that axis and the move by his government to end the bloodletting.

He likened the security situation in Sankera to an octopus. He said: “I used that in the sense that we are talking about the composition of every frame and form of insecurity that has come up on the people of Ukum LGA.”

According to him: “During my campaign, I told every faceless person in the three Senatorial zones who were creating instability in the State to sheathe their swords and that the new Government was coming in to liberate them, to get them out of the bushes and stop them from killing their siblings. And that is what we have been trying to do.

“Unfortunately when the political wing of it comes into the fray, it kind of complicates what had been there. For many years, there had been skirmishes of instability in the Ukum area.

“And what pains me most is that the instability is never created by the invaders, it is not from the outsiders. It is the home-grown bandits who come out there to kill their fathers and mothers and their brothers and sisters, stopping them from going to the farm.

“In other climes, if you are talking of insecurity you are fighting those who have come from outside trying to grab land and to destabilize the lives of the people in those areas. But in Ukum LGA and Sankera axis, this is a different and strange story.

“But we cannot stop talking to them. I extended numerous olive branches to them to come out. I offered that for those who would want to go to school, the state is willing to sponsor them to recreate their lives and for those of them who are trade-inclined, we will help them acquire better skills to earn them good living. So that we will help them fund the businesses they seek after acquiring the skills. By so doing, it will encourage them to come out of the bushes and stop destabilising the Local Governments and killing their own people.

“Unfortunately, even those who were like inclined to come out were being attacked in the fight for superiority right there in the bushes. My anxiety and the deeper wounds I feel about this is that the so-called Abuja politicians are the ones sponsoring and supporting these young men.”

Alia also noted that after the Ukum violent protest, “the very first thing we did was to set up a Judicial Panel of Inquiry. And it is already at work. So, there is no need to pre-empt anything yet. Once they comb and bring out all the facts, then we move from there. But as for the people, they have been watertight secured as I am speaking.”

Nigeria Customs Generates N2.74 Trillion In Six Months, Processes 620,467 SGDs

Suleiman Anyalewechi

July 30, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

With a revenue target of N2.54 trillion, the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, said it realized N2.74 trillion for the half year 2024

This is even as it announced the processing of 620,467 Single Goods Declarations, SGD, within the same period under review.

Giving an account of his stewardship between January and June ,the NCS Comptroller General, CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, said the N2.74 Trillion generated surpassed the target by 8% ,as well as an of 127% increase over the N 1.395 Trillion generated within the corresponding period in 2023.

In a press statement issued on Monday, July 29, 2024, by NCS National Spokesperson, Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada, the CGC attributed the remarkable success to key initiatives such as e-auction platform which he noted generated N1.34 billion and the 90-day duty payment window for uncustomed vehicles which added N4.37 billion to the revenue profile.

These measures he informed, have significantly enhanced transparency, compliance, and efficiency in customs processes .

“The Service intensified its anti-smuggling operations in the first half of 2024, resulting in notable achievements.

“From January to June 2024, the NCS made 2,442 seizures with a Duty paid value of N 25,520,652,942.87 which is 203% higher than the DPV of seizures in the first half of 2023.

“In the second quarter of 2024 the NCS made 1,334 seizures with a DPV of N17,564,384,378 representing a 121% increase over the first quarter of 2024.

“The top items seized include wildlife, vehicles, arms and ammunition, foreign rice, pharmaceuticals and narcotics with 32 suspects in custody.

“Trade facilitation remains a core priority for the NCS. In the first half of 2024, the Service processed 620 ,467 Single Goods Declarations SGDs reflecting a reduction of approximately %39 compared to the same period in 2023 .

“Despite this decline, the NCS has implemented several key initiatives to simply and expedite customs processes .

“These include reinforcement of NCS automation procedures capacity building programs for officers ,and public-private partnerships to enhance customs clearance efficiency .

“These efforts are crucial for enhancing Nigeria’s trade competitiveness and supporting economic growth” CGC Adeniyi noted .

But despite all the achievements, the CGC acknowledged several challenges within the same period .

Such challenges, according to him, include significant fluctuations in the exchange rate, a lower volume of transactions ,low compliance levels among importers and exporters and periodic downtime

These hiccups, he noted, negatively impacted revenue collection and over all operational efficiency. To address the challenges, and enhance revenue ,Adeniyi said the NCS implemented several strategies including real-time system auditing, post-clearance audits, verification of documents for the PDE-Arrival Assessment Report ensuring compliance with import guidelines, and the implementation of a pilot test for the Authorized Economic Operators AEO scheme.

“Additionally. the NCS has recently introduced the Advanced Ruling System ARS ,a legally binding decision on classification ,valuation and rules of origin before the importation or exportation of goods .

“Other pragmatic measures implemented to increase revenue despite a drop in cargo include establishing a robust framework for dispute resolution ,launch of Operation Whirlwind, reshuffling strategic-level officers and robust stakeholders”, the CGC said.

He commended officers and men of the Service for their dedication, and commitment while also acknowledging the invaluable support and cooperation of all stakeholders to the modest achievements recorded.

House Of Representatives Members Recalled From Break, To Sit Wednesday

Ayodele Oni

July 30, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Members of the House of Representatives are expected to break their ongoing eight weeks recess to attend a plenary session on Wednesday.

Spokesman for the green chamber, Akin Rotimi Jnr in a statement on Monday stated that a directive to that effect had been issued by the Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen.

“Honourable Members have been duly summoned from their respective constituencies to attend this crucial session.

“This directive was communicated through an internal memorandum issued by the Clerk of the House, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, Esq., on Sunday.

“The House had commenced its annual recess on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. The Annual Recess provides Honourable Members with the opportunity to engage extensively with their constituencies, ensuring that the legislative process remains attuned to public input.

“This period also allows for in-depth engagements at the grassroots, facilitating a deeper understanding of the constituents’ needs and priorities.

“It is, however, customary for the House to reconvene from recess to address pressing national issues.

“The forthcoming session will focus on critical matters requiring immediate legislative attention. Honourable Members are expected to make the necessary arrangements to ensure their presence.

“Additionally, the reconvening will facilitate a significant engagement with young Nigerians through a town hall meeting hosted by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., on Wednesday at the National Assembly.

Newly Recruited Police Constables Set To Resume

Ayodele Oni

July 30, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigeria Police and Police Service Commission (PSC) may have finally resolved disagreement on the list of candidates recruited as constables into the Force.

The Inspector General of Police, (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun had taken up the PSC on the recruitment, which he said did not comply with the set standard.

The Police Recruitment Board has approved the 10th of August 2024 for the commencement of training for successful applicants of the 2022 Constable Recruitment exercise.

Specialist applicants are to resume training two months after that of their General Duty counterparts. Information on date and venues for their own specialized training will be announced in due course.

A statement on Monday said “The Police Service Commission wishes to appreciate the applicants for their patience and understanding while efforts were made to ensure that the exercise was inclusive and generally acceptable.’

The Commission also stated that it will continue to ensure that recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force is based on merit and respect for the Federal Character principles.

It enjoins the successful candidates to see their new status as a call to duty for the Nigerian nation, stressing that the Commission will monitor their training programmes to ensure that they come out prepared to join forces in fighting the security challenges facing our nation.

Ikpa’s Declared Week Long Sit-At-Home, Nationwide Protest: Imo Police Mounts 24 Hour Security Surveillance

Suleiman Anyalewechi

July 30, 2024

Aboki Danjuma - Imo Commissioner of Police — Aboki Danjuma, Imo state Commissioner of Police

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Security has been enhanced in, and around some strategic areas in Imo State.

This followed renewed threats by some elements suspected to be members of the Simon Ikpa-led Autopilots, a breakaway faction of the Nnamdi Kanu-led Indigenous Peoples of Biafra IPOB to enforce a week long sit-at-home on residents, effective from Monday July 29 2024.

The Imo State Police authorities said they have deployed enough men and materials to ensure the protection of lives and properties of law abiding residents.

In a statement issued by the Command’s Spokesperson Henry Okoye, the State Police Commissioner, Aboki Danjuma, informed that collaborative efforts have been made with sister security agencies to forestall the break down of law and order in any part of the state .

CP Danjuma, therefore, called on law abiding residents to go about their normal activities without fear of molestation.

The Source reports that Ikpa had proclaimed a one week sit-at-home order in all the South-east States beginning from Monday July 29.

The Enugu State Police Commissioner, CP kanayo Uzuegbu, had, on Tuesday July 22, warned that dire consequences await anyone and/or groups that will attempt to enforce sit-at-home under any conceivable guise.

CP Uzuegbu who spoke at the end of a security council meeting presided over by Governor Peter Mba, noted that: “Sorry will be the name of any anyone who try to impose the proclaimed week long sit-at-home order in Enugu state.

“We are just coming out from a Security Council Meeting with His Excellency, the Governor, with all the Security Chiefs in attendance.

We took some strategic and Threat Of Simon Ikpa Declared Week Long Sit-At-Home,Nationwide Protest ; Imo Police Mounts 24 Hour Security Surveillance.

By Suleiman Anyalewechi.

Security has been enhanced in and around some strategic areas in Imo state ..

This followed renewed threats by some elements suspected to be members of the Simon Ikpa led Autopilots ,a break away faction of the Nnamdi Kanu led Indigenous Peoples of Biafra IPOB to enforce a week long sit-at-home on residents effective from Monday July 29 2024 .

The Imo state police authorities said they have deployed enough men and materials to ensure the protection of lives and properties of law abiding residents.

In a statement issued by the Command spokesperson Henry Okoye ,the state Police Commissioner Aboki Danjuma ,informed that collaborative efforts have been made with sister security agencies to forestall the break down of law and order in any parts of the state .

CP Danjuma therefore called on law abiding residents to go about their normal activities without fear of molestation.

The Source reports that Ikpa had proclaimed a one week sit-at-home order in all the Southeast states beginning from Monday July 29.

The Enugu state police Commissioner CP kanayo Uzuegbu had last week Tuesday July 22, warned that dire consequences await anyone and or groups that will attempt to enforce sit-at-home under any conceivable guise .

CP Uzuegbu who spoke at the end of a security council meeting presided over by Governor Peter Mba ,noted that ” sorry will be the name of any anyone who try to impose the proclaimed week long sit-at-home order in Enugu state “.

“We are just coming out from a Security council meeting with His Excellency ,the Governor and with all the security chiefs in attendance.

“We took some strategic and critical decisions to ensure that the security architecture in the state is further strengthened .We have to give the good people of Enugu state security guarantee .

“We, also, resolved that sit-at-home remains an aberration in Enugu State. People should go about their lawful businesses.

“Any activities and/or actions by any persons and or group of persons that are considered inimical to the existing peace of the State will be ruthlessly dealt with”, the Enugu CP insisted.

The Imo State Commissioner of Police in the statement assured that under his watch, security of lives and properties will not be compromised

Further speaking, CP Danjuma sounded a note of warning to would be trouble makers who may wish to capitalize on the planned nationwide protest to breach the peace and security of the State, to rather have a rethink.

He insisted that the Imo Police Command will not tolerate any forms of violent demonstration that will lead to the destruction of properties of law abiding citizens and loss of lives

He called on parents and guardians to caution their wards against involving themselves in acts capable of attracting the ire of security agencies.

The Imo CP, however, expressed the readiness of security agencies to provide adequate security within the period of the nationwide protest.

According to him, security personnel drawn from the police, army, and other security arms have been strategically deployed and tasked to carry out a 15-day show of force and confidence building patrol of all the 27 Local Councils of the State.

Edo Guber Update: INEC Closes Registration Of Party Agents Tuesday

Ayodele Oni

July 29, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged political parties to upload the details of their polling agents on the dedicated portal ahead of the forthcoming Edo and Ondo Governorship elections.

INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, who made this call on Monday during the third regular quarterly consultative meeting with political parties, said that Tuesday is the deadline and that the commission’s portal will automatically shut.

According to INEC Chairman, 14 political parties have so far uploaded the details of 38,354 polling agents and 819 collation agents for the Edo State Governorship election.

Three parties are yet to upload a single polling agent and five parties have not uploaded agents for Ward, Local Government and State collation centers.

Yakubu urged political parties to meet the deadline of Tuesday, July 30, when the portal automatically shuts down at midnight, to enable the commission produce accreditation tags and deliver them to their agents in good time.

“As the Edo State Governorship approaches, I wish to remind leaders of political parties of your obligation to submit the list of your agents by uploading the required information, including photographs, to the dedicated portal.

“This requirement is listed as item 9 on the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the election released by the Commission nearly a year ago on 26th September 2023.

“As at yesterday, Sunday 28th July 2024, 14 political parties have uploaded the details of 38,354 polling agents and 819 collation agents for the Edo State Governorship election.

“Three parties are yet to upload a single polling agent while five parties have not uploaded a single agent for Ward, Local Government and State collation centers.

“The deadline is tomorrow Tuesday 30th July 2024 when the portal automatically shuts down at midnight. I urge you to ensure that you meet the deadline so that the Commission can produce the accreditation tags and deliver them to you for distribution to your agents in good time.”

The INEC chairman also reminded political parties that campaign is in full swing, urging them to demonstrate compliance with the commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2022, especially the aspect dealing with rallies, processions, and campaigns.

President Tinubu Signs Minimum Wage Bill To Law

Ayodele Oni

July 29, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu has signed the minimum wage bill into law, ending months of deliberations between government authorities, labour unions, and the private sector.

Tinubu signed the Bill at the State House in Abuja days after the National Assembly had passed it.

The brief ceremony was witnessed by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, among others.

The Senate had last week passed the National Minimum Wage Act from N30,000 to N70,000 after the first, second, and third readings on same day.

President Tinubu had earlier on sent the bill to the House of Representatives to make ₦70,000 the new minimum wage for Nigerian workers.

This comes after the President and labour leaders agreed earlier on the amount .

All the senators unanimously adopted the motion when it was put to voice vote by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

With the President’s assenting to the bill, governments at all levels and employers of labour are now bonded to pay their workers the wage.

The law is however subjected to another review after three years of implementation.

FG Orders Crude Sale To Dangote In Naira As Petrol Scarcity Bites

Tosin Olatokunbo

July 29, 2024

The federal government has directed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, NNPC Limited to sell crude oil to the Dangote Refinery in Naira.

The development comes after a resolution to that effect by the Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting held on Monday, according to Bayo Onanuga, a spokesman to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The magazine reported a spat between the owner of the refinery and Africa’s Richest Man, Aliko Dangote, and the NNPCL after the former accused the government-controlled oil firm of plot to kill the refinery.

Dangote had accused NNPCL and International Oil Companies, IOC, of frustrating production after they refused to supply crude to the refinery.

In a statement Onanuga posted on his X handle, the federal government has offered to sell to the refinery four cargoes of crude out of the 15 crude cargoes it required annually to support production in the refinery owned by Africa’s Richest Man, Aliko Dangote.

The aim, according to the presidential spokesman, is to ensure stable price of pump price of petrol in the country.

Onanuga said Dangote would be used as a pilot for the Naira-for -crude arrangement as other domestic refineries will also benefit, adding that Afreximbank would serve as the facilitator of the deal between Dangote and NNPCL.

The statement said, “To ensure the stability of the pump price of refined fuel and the dollar-Naira exchange rate, the Federal Executive Council today adopted a proposal by President Tinubu to sell crude to Dangote Refinery and other upcoming refineries in Naira.

“Dangote Refinery at the moment requires 15 cargoes of crude, at a cost of $13.5 billion yearly. NNPC has committed to supply four.

“But the FEC has approved that the 450,000 barrels meant for domestic consumption be offered in Naira to Nigerian refineries, using the Dangote refinery as pilot. The exchange rate will be fixed for the duration of this transaction.

“Afreximbank and other settlement banks in Nigeria will facilitate the trade between Dangote and NNPC Limited. The game changing intervention will eliminate the need for international letters of credit. It will also save the country of billions of dollars used in importing refined fuel.”

Meanwhile, the petrol scarcity which started last week is having a serious toll on businesses and movement across the country, according to on-the-spot assessment by The Sources correspondents, who said a litre of petrol is now being sold for as much as N1,250 in some parts of the country, even as long queue have returned to many filling stations.

The NNPCL has says a hitch in the discharge operations of some vessels carrying fuel is the cause of the current scarcity. .

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