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Katsina: Gov Radda Gifts Niger Republic $10,000 For Mosque

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Umar Dikko Radda - Governor of Katstina State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Katsina State Governor Dikko Umar Radda has reportedly gifted Niger Republic  the sum of USD10,000 in aid of the reconstruction  of a mosque.

A statement issued on Friday October 11,2024 by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political matters, Ya’u Umar Gwajo-gwaj, said the money will assist in the reconstruction efforts ongoing  at a 200 year old mosque in the Damagaran area of  Nigeria’s West African neighbours.

The Governor’s Aide who announced the donation at a Media Parley in Katsina, informed that the money will assist the Niger Republic authorities in  reconstructing  the mosque into a modern and standard state.

Further speaking, the Special Adviser said that Governor Radda was goaded into making the donation owing to his burning desire for the social and spiritual development of the people whom he insisted share a lot of things in common with the Katsina and Northern Nigeria people.

” The Mosque will contribute towards instilling Islamic moral discipline in our people, and it will assist in addressing many social ills in our society.

“We are one people separated by artificial borders. This is why we should strengthen bilateral relations between our people and address our challenges collectively” he said.

The  Governor’s Aide who is also a Traditional Title holder in Damagaran ( Turakin Damagaran) the host town of the beneficiary Mosque, quoted  the Sultan of Damagaran  Abubakar Sanda-Umau as greatly appreciating Governor Radda’s gesture.

“The Sultan also maintained that the  donation will go a long way in underscoring the age long relationship between Katsina and Damagaran.”

The Source reports that the donation has served to reawaken the  controversial special attention accorded Niger Republic by the immediate past administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

President Buhari, himself from Katsina, was alleged to have advanced so many special aids to the land locked country, including  SUVs for top Niger Republic Government functionaries .

The climax of his special attention, was when, during the twilight of his eight year regime ,he allegedly threatened to relocate to  Niger Republic to enjoy his retirement if disturbed in Nigeria.

Fatima, 25, NNPL GMD/CEO’s Daughter, Dies, VP Mourns

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Mele Kyari - NNPC GMD
Mele Kyari

By Adesina Soyooye

For Mele Kyari, the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian Petroleum Company Ltd, Friday, 11th October turned out a disaster.

His daughter, Fatima, 25, passed away in the morning, making Kyari’s battle with the cost of fuel a non-existent issue.

The cause of death is not public yet. But the young lady has been buried in Abuja,  according to Islamic rites same Friday that she passed.

Her death was broken by Bashir Ahmad, a former Aide to former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Breaking the sad news in a condolence message posted on X, Ahmad wrote: “Deepest condolence to @MKKyari, OFR, the GCEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, on the passing of his 25-year old daughter, Fatima Kyari.

“She passed away on Friday morning and has since been buried in Abuja according to Islamic rites. Allah has jikan ta”.

Also in a condolence message to Kyari, Vice President Kashim Shettima, prayed for the repose of the soul of the dead. He asked her to grant the family the strength to endure the painful loss. He noted that the loss of one’s daughter in her prime is absolutely painful.

Pre-Convocation Lecture: Gov Uzodinma Says Govt Overstretched

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Senator Hope Uzodimma

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, has called on Nigerian Universities, to put on their thinking caps with a view to fashioning out alternative sources of sustaining their operations.

He insisted that the increase in the number of Universities in the country has made   the reliance only on the Government for funding unrealistic.

This is even as he attributed the incessant industrial disharmony and general restiveness in the system to the problem of inadequate funding.

Governor Uzodinma who spoke at the  pre-convocation lecture of the Federal University Birnin Kebbi , Kebbi State, noted that  Government alone can no longer sustain the funding of the Universities going by the economic realities on the ground.

Represented by the State Commissioner for Education, Chike Nwadike, the Governor Stated that the increase in the number of Universities has overstretched the resources available to the Government which is the only source of funding for the institutions.

In his lecture entitled “Challenges of Funding Public Universities in Nigeria : Pathway for Sustainable Tertiary Education”  the Governor emphasized the need for Nigerian Universities to look inward and come out with viable alternative sources of funding.

While recalling the era when public Universities, particularly, the Federal institutions enjoyed almost 100% Government support and funding, Governor Uzodinma maintained that the current economic realities no longer support such a situation.

The Imo State Governor stated that while it is indisputable that the increase in the number of Universities and others has equally increased the people’s access to higher education, he nevertheless, called on all stakeholders to device more ways of funding the system.

He decried the prevailing situation whereby the primary, and most times, the only source of funding for the country’s growing tertiary educational institutions is the Government.

Governor Uzodinma noted that Nigerian Universities, like their counterparts in other climes, can explore other revenue generating options like research, Community service, Consultancy services, and others .

The Governor is of the conviction that such self sustaining efforts, put together with Government and TETFund contributions will go a long way in improving the fortunes of the country’s Universities.

He insisted that the present arrangements where Universities rely on subventions alone  have become totally unsustainable.

APC Accuses Fmr Minister Amaechi Of Promoting Anarchy

By
Ayodele Oni
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Rotimi Amaechi
Rotimi Amaechi

By Ayodele Oni

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused a former minister of transportation, Rotimi Amaechi of inciting Nigerian youths against the federal government.

The former Minister of Transport and Governor of Rivers state, in a recent interview, berated Nigerian youth for not protesting “high cost of living” in the country to his morbid satisfaction.

APC described the comment as “insensitive, god-awful and unpatriotic, coming from one of Nigeria’s longest serving and highest ranking political freeloaders – a two-term Speaker of the Rivers state House of Assembly, a two-term Governor, and a two-term Minister of Transport.

A statement on Friday by Felix Morka, National Publicity Secretary

APC, stated that “For almost all of his adult life, Amaechi, has been a leechy dependant on state resources, a voracious beneficiary of official patronage, and a leading participant in the generational devastation of our country’s economy.

“Attempting to hoodwink Nigerians into his web of false empathy and incitement to violence is hypocritical, provocative and dangerous.

“If those in power ‘steal money’ as Amaechi mischievously alleged, how come he can’t afford ‘to buy diesel’ barely two years after ‘stealing’ for over 24 years in power as Speaker, Governor and Minister?

“The only real anger that Amaechi and his fellow tribesmen of naysayers of the likes of Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, must feel is that they are not in the saddle of government today.  But that was a decision made by Nigeria’s ultimate political authority – the electorate.

“Nigerians are highly perceptive, discerning, demure, and mindful that economic discomforts associated with the administration’s inevitable reforms are transient and will pale into insignificance in comparison to the enduring transformative dividends which are already beginning to manifest.

“Nigerians will not be cajoled into taking back through street violence what they handed to the administration through the ballot, as Amaechi and his partisan tribesmen would wish.

“It is nauseating to think that these naysayer tribesmen who did absolutely nothing to improve the economy or living conditions for Nigerians while they were in office, now pontificate, endlessly, about what and how things should be done but didn’t and couldn’t do while in power.

“It’s as though they only regain their senses and discover their talents for governance when they are out of power.

“A tribe of naysayers, is what they are, who never see any good, only gloom, filled with bile and disdain for the determined strides of APC-administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to transform our country’s economy for the benefit of present and future generations of Nigerians.

“One would expect Amaechi to keep busy trying to solve the crippling crisis in Rivers state that he once governed.

“Instead, he has chosen to stoke anarchy on a national scale. Weaponizing protest and exploiting citizen’s economic discomfort for selfish political objective, as these partisan tribesmen are doing, is irresponsible and decidedly unpatriotic.

“We urge Nigerians to dismiss the call to anarchy by Amaechi and his partisan tribesmen and to remain patient and continue to support President Tinubu’s bold effort to transform our country’s economy once and for all.”

APC Suspends Petroleum Minister, Lokpobiri, Alleges Anti Party Activities

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Heineken Lokpobiri

By Akinwale Kasali

The All Progressives Congress, APC, Bayelsa State Chapter has announced the suspension of Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum.

The Ekeremor and Southern Ijaw Local Government Chapter of APC in the State suspended Lokpobiri, alongside the 2019 APC Governorship Candidate of the State, David Lyon, over alleged anti-party.

Also suspended by the party are two serving Commissioners in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP-led Bayelsa State Government who cross carpeted to the APC.

Another allegation leveled against the Minister and other party members was factionalisation of the party at the state level.

The Chairman of APC in Ekeremor Local Government Area, Mitin Eniekenemi, confirmed the suspension of Senator Lokpobiri and the Commissioner for Power, Engr. Karin Kumoko.

Addressing journalists on Friday, Eniekenemi said the action was based on the findings of an internal disciplinary committee set up under Article 21.3(1) of the APC Constitution.

In a related development, the APC executives in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area also announced the suspension of Lyon and the Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Barr. Peres Biewari, along with six other members for alleged anti-party activities and gross misconduct.

The suspended members were accused of undermining the party’s interests, particularly during the 2020 Bayelsa State bye-election.

According to the APC leadership, investigations are ongoing, and additional findings regarding other members involved in anti-party activities will be made public once the inquiries are concluded.

Dangote Refinery Would Propel Africa Out Of Poverty – AU’s Ibn Chambas

By
The Source
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Aliko Dangote

“It is a testament to Dangote’s foresight, African entrepreneurship”

Celebrated diplomat and African Union High Representative for Silencing the Guns, Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, has described the 650,000bpd Dangote Refinery, as a transformational project that would propel Africa out of poverty. The Chairman of the African Union High-Level Panel on Sudan made this statement during his visit to the Dangote Refinery in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos State, over the weekend.

Noting that the world-class refinery is a testament to Aliko Dangote’s foresight, Nigeria’s ingenuity, and African entrepreneurship, Chambas emphasised that the Dangote Group is leading the way for the private sector in Africa.

“I believe these are the types of transformational projects that would propel Africa out of poverty. Projects like the Dangote Refinery create jobs, have multiplier effect on the national and regional economies, provide cheaper and reliable fuel for transportation, agriculture, and industries. In short, they lubricate the real economy. The Dangote Group is leading the way for the private sector in Africa which has a pivotal role to play in the fight against poverty and in creating opportunities for the youth. This is a veritable pathway to silencing the Guns,” he said.

Dangote Refinery
Dangote Refinery

The former president of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) commended Alhaji Aliko Dangote for his “business acumen, courage, tenacity, and vision matched with action” in successfully driving such a mega project to completion. He noted that Dangote had cemented his status as a true leader of the African private sector.

Ibn Chambas also praised President Bola Tinubu for ensuring a consistent supply of crude oil to the Dangote Refinery. “I would also like to take this opportunity to salute President Bola Tinubu for his bold and forthright decision to ensure provision of regular and dependable supplies of Nigeria crude oil to the Dangote Refinery.

“As a successful entrepreneur in his own right with a proud record of success in the private sector in the past, Tinubu understands the challenges. He has demonstrated commitment to creating an enabling business environment in Nigeria in general, and the smooth operation of the refinery in particular. I encourage all Africans across the continent and in the diaspora to visit the Dangote Refinery for inspection.

“A visit to the refinery provides an insight into the tremendous potential and hope there is, not only for Nigeria but, indeed, for the entire African continent”, he said.

Abuja Court Rules: Damagum Remains PDP Ag Chairman, As NWC Names Mohammed As New Helmsman

By
Ayodele Oni
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PDP Umar Damagum

By Ayodele Oni

The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday restrained the National Executive Committee (NEC) and Board of Trustees (BoT) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from removing Ambassador Umar Ilya Damagum as the Acting National Chairman of the party.

The judgement is coming just as a new acting national chairman for the PDP in person of Alhaji Yayari Ahmed  Mohammed.

The court ordered that no other person must be recognized as PDP national chairman other than Damagum until the national convention of the party scheduled for December next year.

Justice Peter Lifu issued the restraining order against PDP NEC, BoT and others, while delivering judgment in a suit instituted against them by Senator Umar El-Gash Maina.

The judge held that in line with Articles 42, 47 and 67 of PDP, it is only at the National Convention of the party that national officers can be elected .

In the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/ CS/579/2024, Justice Lifu said that PDP members are bound by the Constitution of the party and as such must always act in line with the provisions and obedience to the party’s law.

A statement on Friday by Debo Ologunagba, whose suspension was announced on Thursday, stated that “Following the suspension of His Excellency, Amb. Illiya Damagum as the Acting National Chairman of our great Party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the National Working Committee (NWC) has approved the appointment of Alhaji Yayari Ahmed Mohammed as the Acting National Chairman.

“The appointment which takes immediate effect is pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017).

“The NWC calls on all Organs, leaders, critical stakeholder and members of our great Party to remain focused at this critical time especially as the NWC commences arrangements towards the holding of the Party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting already scheduled for Thursday, 24th October, 2024.

Fuel Hike: NACP Chairman, Decries FG’s Insensitivity

By
Akinwale Kasali
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John Adekorede Aderibigbe

By Akinwale Kasali

Dr. John Adekorede Aderibigbe, National Chairman, National Agricultural Commodities Projects, NACP, has decried, according to him, the insensitivity and carefree attitude of the Federal Government on Nigerians over the recent hike of Fuel Pump Price from N855 to N1,100.

Aderibigbe said that it was disheartening that the FG could be insensitive to the plight of Nigerians at a time when the economic hardship rocking the nation is biting harder, and  having an adverse effect on the populace.

He asked government to go back to the drawing board and navigate the future of the nation, by bringing succour to Nigerians.

He lashed the FG for taking delight in impoverishing the people.

Aderibigbe said that at the rate of N855 that the fuel pump price was before, Food Commodities had soared higher, with the masses unable to purchase food for consumption.

He added that a Government that cares about the welfare of its people would have waded into this situation, and brought about respite for the people. Sadly, it has taken delight in compounding the woes of its people with this recent increase.

“The nation is bleeding, and with the way things are going, the nation is sitting on a keg of gunpowder. No serious government will continue to see its citizens suffer.

“We keep moving from bad to worse, and the masses are weeping, poverty has taken over the land, no access to basic amenities, people can’t feed as prices of food products have increased astronomically.

“We all know that Nigeria is a mono economy that relies solely on Crude Oil, which determines what to purchase in the market, and the FG has continue to fail to address the situation is quite worrisome”, Aderibigbe lamented.

Speaking further, the United Nation, UN, Peace Ambassador stressed that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, came up with such increment without prior notice, bringing up excuses at the detriment of the masses, inflicting pains, misery and agony on the people.

“Independent Marketers are selling Fuel at a whopping sum of N1,300, while NNPCL Stations are selling at N988 and N1,100 depending on the location is pathetic. With the way things are going, Nigerians will resist this hardship and go the streets to protest against this government and its inhumane attitude.”

He urged the FG to have a rethink and go back to the old Price for the betterment of the nation and the people at large.

Proffering solutions, he said the FG should give intervention to Dangote Refinery by giving it USSD at the rate of N900 to N1000 to a dollar, because the present situation thr nation find itself requires a drastic action, adding that this will further drag down the prices of fuel.

He said why we are in this situation is because the Government has refused to recognize its role and position in governance.

“The Public must not suffer, rather, the FG should Proffer a solution that must not be at the expense of the citizens.”

Aderibigbe added that the Government has shown that it doesn’t care about the welfare of its citizens.

“If a policy negates the interest of the people you are governing, that means the policy has failed on arrival”.

He stated that the nation is toying the part of dictatorship if this issues are not addressed in earnest.

Why Ondo Finance Commissioner Did Not Honour Assembly’s Invitation

By
Ayodele Oni
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Omowumi Isaac - Ondo Finance Commissioner

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Government has shed light on the refusal of the commissioner for finance Omowumi Isaac to honour invitation of the state House of Assembly.

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, explained in a statement on Friday in Akure that the action of his colleague was not meant to disrespect the legislative arm of government.

He maintained that the relationship between the two arms of government has been harmonious and collaborative.

Describing the invitation as a routine constitutional procedure, he said the reaction of the assembly should not be misconstrued as a sign of discord between the two arms of government.

The Assembly had stepped down the supplementary appropriation bill due for second reading down due to the refusal of the commissioner for finance to honour invitation by the house.

Ajulo stated that “The Commissioner of Finance, Mrs. Omowumi Isaac, was engaged in an official trip outside the state due to her demanding schedule.

“It is crucial to recognize her extensive responsibilities, which include attending various statutory meetings such as RAMFAC, the Commissioners of Finance Meeting, and numerous discussions on investment, economics, and finance.

“In light of this, she promptly addressed the Assembly’s invitation by sending the Permanent Secretary—who is the most senior official and accounting officer in her ministry—to communicate her circumstances.

“Furthermore, it is important to commend the vibrancy, discernment, and commitment of our House of Assembly, led by the Rt. Honourable Oladiji, for their pivotal role in the development of the state.”

The Attorney General emphasized the effective partnership between the executive and legislative branches in their shared mission to serve the people of Ondo State.

“Ongoing discussions regarding the 2024 supplementary budget are focused on promoting good governance and ensuring responsible allocation of resources.”

Additionally, the Attorney General reiterated that in a constitutional democracy, adherence to proper procedures is paramount.

“There should be no misinterpretation of the roles played by both branches.

“The administration of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa is steadfast in its commitment to upholding constitutional provisions and maintaining the highest standards of legislative practice, fostering an environment of mutual respect and collaboration.”

PDP Finishes Itself As Suspension And Counter Suspension Reign

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Peoples Democratic Party - PDP

By Akinwale Kasali

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has finally finished itself. On Thursday, October 10, the  leadership of the Party which has since closed its eyes to the many obvious anti-party activities by a number of its high profile members, decided to dance naked in the market place. The members of the National Working Committee, NWC, now divided into, at least, two factions, engaged each other in suspension and counter-suspension exercise.

By engaging in this, not a few hold the opinion that the main opposition party has, finally, finished itself.

For long, the PDP has been engaged in sabotaging itself, with the  Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum and the Party’s National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, being accused of ineffectiveness and pro- FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike who many accuse of brazen  disloyalty.

On Thursday, the crisis within boiled over.

A Faction of the Party’s National Working Committee, NWC, paid back Damagum and Anyanwu back in their own coin. This followed the earlier suspensions announced by a faction aligned with Damagum, which targeted the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, and National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, for similar allegations of disloyalty, and  suspended them from the Party.

In what could be termed a reprisal attack,  Ologunagba alongside Party Chieftains who had been suspended by Damagum’s faction, issued a statement Friday morning and suspended both Damagum and Anyanwu from their offices.

The statement reads:

“The National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP has extensively considered the series of complaints raised against the Acting National Chairman, Amb. Illiya Damagum and National Secretary, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu particularly with regard to the letter addressed by them to the Court of Appeal in Appeal No:CA/PH/307/2024 against the party’s position in the case involving the 27 former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who vacated their seats upon decamping from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“The NWC condemned this anti-party activity of the Acting National Chairman and the National Secretary which is in gross violation of the provisions of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017) and their Oath of Office.

“Consequently, the NWC, pursuant to Sections 57, 58 and 59 of the PDP Constitution, has suspended Amb. Illiya Damagum and Sen. Samuel Anyanwu as Acting National Chairman and National Secretary of the Party respectively and referred them to the National Disciplinary Committee for further action.

“In the meantime, the two officials are suspended from all meetings, activities and programs of the NWC pending the conclusion of an investigation by the National Disciplinary Committee.”

The PDP has been engulfed in crisis since from the time of the 2023 Presidential Primary of the Party.

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