Home Blog Page 1064

Ondo: EFCC Arrésts Groom Féw Hours To Wédding, 59 Others Whiskéd Away

0
EFCC Operatives

By Ayodele Oni

A sting operation carried out by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) in Akure, Ondo State Capital, early Saturday morning has led to the arrest of a groom and his friends.

Report indicates that the groom, whose identity could not be immediately ascertained and friends, were holding a bachelor’s eve party at a Night Club located in Alagbaka GRA.

Early Saturday morning viral report on social media on the incident reads “In the early hours of Saturday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) conducted a raid on several lounges and event venues located in the Alagbaka area of Akure, the capital city of Ondo State.

“During the operation, more than 50 individuals, suspected to be involved in internet fraud, were apprehended by EFCC operatives.

“Notably, among those detained was a soon-to-be groom who was celebrating his Bachelor’s eve with friends at one of the targeted clubs.

“The raid, which occurred around 1 am, involved EFCC personnel arriving in various vehicles and reportedly included instances of gunfire.

“Furthermore, authorities seized numerous vehicles, laptops, high-end smartphones, and other items during the operation.

“They were entering the nightclubs and lounges, tear-gassing people, beating them up and arresting them. They don’t care who you are, even two soldiers were injured as they shot tear gas canisters inside one of the clubs.

“They also went away with a groom and his friends at a club, he was there for his bash eve, so sad as they profiled everyone as Internet fraudster.”

Already, the Ondo State Capital is now tension- soaked as the development is currently generating angry reactions on social media platforms making some youths to be regrouping to stage peaceful protest against the inhumane treatment of the victims by the EFCC.

It was gathered that some angry youths said, “No warrant of arrest will state that they should gain forceful entry into a nightclub,teargas random clubbers, molest them and enforce mass arrest. The warrant of arrest will be for specific suspects/targets.

“It is shameful that the Ondo state police command could collaborate in wrecking this unjust treatment on us. We will call for an immediate transfer of the Ondo state CP, we have lost confidence in his ability to protect our rights, he should go for further professional training,” some of the posts read.

“If we must show seriousness, the protest should have started from Signatures that night to alert the consciousness of Akure people since there is no time table for protest, no time is too bad.

“Ondo State entertainment circle and show promoters should not be silent on this, Sweat and blood were invested to build Ondo State night life to this level, Akure was once written off.

“This is a Waterloo, a decisive setback on the thriving Entertainment and social growth of Ondo state.”

As at the time of filing this report, EFCC is yet issue any statement concerning the raid.

Abia: Building Collapsés, Claims Fivé Livés, Injurés Many,  Othérs Still Trappéd

0
Abia Building Collapse

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

No fewer than five persons were, late Friday evening, June 7 2024, feared dead ,with several others severely injured, while some are strongly believed to be trapped in  the rubbles of a collapsed three-storey building still under construction in Obingwu in the oil rich Ukwa West Local Council of Abia state.

This is just as the member representing the Ukwa West /Ukwa East Federal Constituency at the National Assembly ,Chief Chris Nkwonta,  expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of the dead ,and the good people of Obingwu-Asa over the unfortunate incident.

Witnesses  attributed the building collapse to the use of substandard materials and poor supervision efforts on the part of  the  handlers.

As at the time of  reporting, rescue and evacuation efforts were ongoing, with Security Agents and other public spirited individuals battling to clear the scene and rescue trapped victims .

Hordes of artisans are believed to be trapped in the rubbles.

Although,the owner and contractors in charge of the collapsed building ,are at large ,deafening calls for an inquest into the causes of the sad incident have continued to rent the air ,with many expressing disgust over  the abysmal quality of the materials being used in the construction efforts.

In a statement issued on Saturday, June,8, by his media aide, Ugwunba Adiele ,the Federal Lawmaker said he is greatly saddened by the tragic incident which has claimed the lives of five of his constituents.

He lamented that the building collapse is yet another tragedy that has befallen the people in recent times.

The Source reports that the unfortunate development, is coming just as the people of Asa  are still smarting from the death of one Miss Ocheze a Crane operator  with a Chinese Firm- Inner Galaxy ,about three weeks ago ,who was alleged to have been pushed down from a crane by her Chinese boss for refusing his love advances.

Hon Nkwonta, however, commended the Abia State Government and Mayor of Ukwa West local Council for their prompt  response in rescuing those trapped in the collapsed building, as well as evacuating the victims, particularly the injured for medical attention.

” I sympathize with the people of Obingwu-Asa ,the good people of Ukwa West local Government Area, parents and relations of the deceased .

“While wishing them God’s consolation in this time of grief, I pray God to grant the injured speedy and complete recovery.” Hon Nkwonta stated

Scarcity Of Foöd, Essential Items: Imo Möves To Encöurage Farmers, Böost Agricultural Pröduce

0
Hope Uzodimma - Imo State Governor
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State.:

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

In a bid to ameliorate the prevailing scarcity and high cost of essential food items in the Country, the Imo State Government has announced plans to provide farmers in the State with some incentives to boost their activities and increase their output.

This is even as the Government has informed that it intends to hold a consultative parley with members of the State’s Chapter of All Farmers Association to  ascertain their areas of needs, as well as how the authorities could assist.

The State Commissioner of Agriculture and Food Security, Cosmas Madugba, who disclosed this in Owerri on Friday June 7 2024 said Government is set to assist farmers with fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides and other implements with a view to encouraging them.

He noted that the present   administration of Governor Hope Uzodinma has resolved to accord agricultural activities  priority attention, and therefore willing to assist farmers in the state to grow and increase their production capacity.

“We know their (farmers)  predicaments and needs ,and the Government is not taking it lightly .We are ready to support them .

“The State Government is providing bags of  fertilizers,insecticides ,herbicides,and other farming implements ,that could reduce their pains and encourage them to take farming more seriously.

“The Governor has taken some proactive steps to reduce the challenges being faced by farmers in the state and guarantee the availability of food for the people.” Chief Madugba stated .

The Commissioner further noted that it is through ensuring adequate supply of food items that prices can be forced down, despite the removal of petroleum products subsidy which everyone appears to be blaming for the hard economic situation in the country.

“We are concerned as citizens and leaders. We have met and interacted with some farmers in the state and are ready to provide them with certain materials they require to achieve increased yields” Chief Madugba posited

He, however, advised farmers in the State to show more commitment, dedication and honesty, and make good use of the support being provided by the Government.

According to the Commissioner, those in the business of farming should be proud, and be assured of the support and encouragement of the state Government  which he noted has taken agriculture as a serious economic activity.

2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Again, Super Eagles Flops  Against Bafana Bafana

0
Super Eagles vs Bafana Bafana

By Akinwale Kasali

The hope of the Super Eagles of Nigeria to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be co-hosted by the United States of America, Canada and Mexico hangs in the balance after a lackluster performance by the Nigeria National Team against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the African Qualifiers.

The three-time African Cup of Nations Champions struggled all through the match to get the ball inside the net, forcing their South African counterparts to a 1-1 draw.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru salvaged a draw for Nigeria having seen the Super Eagles go behind in the first half courtesy of a Themba Zwane strike mid way into the first half.

Nigeria soccer fans and enthusiasts have expressed disappointment over the poor performance of Super Eagles. Different posers are being raised over the technical ability of the Coach Finidi George led team.

With the draw, the Super Eagles in languishing in the Fifth position in the six Tteam log, with just three points in their last three games. The team played a 1-1 draw against Lesotho, Rwanda and South Africa.

Many Nigerians are scared that this could be a repeat of Qatar 2022 and Germany 2006 where the Super Eagles failed to get to the World Cup after making its maiden appearance at the World Showpiece in 1994.

Gbenga Atalese, a football analyst said that it is disappointing that a star- studded team like Nigeria could get a win on home soil against an home based South African team that has 98 percent of its players playing in its domestic league.

“It is a shame on Nigeria. We are toying the route that saw us miss the last World Cup. There is no creativity, no composure, the technical ability of the Coach is in doubt.

“I am disappointed. If we cannot beat Lesotho, Rwanda and South Africa, who then can we beat. We keep struggling and putting pressure on ourselves.

“What was Victor Boniface doing on the bench, with Paul Onuachu playing ahead of him, it is glaring that Coach Finidi doesn’t know what he is doing”, Atalese said.

Corroborating Atalese, Damilola Oluwaseun, a soccer enthusiast said he was really disappointed when he saw Onuachu starting ahead of Boniface, and queried the rationale behind Coach Finidi’s selection.

“Onuachu is a sluggish player and we saw his performance with Trabzonspor in the just concluded season, while Boniface was the star boy that propelled Bayer Leverkusen to its first Bundesliga title in over 110 years and you drop such prolific player for a lanky player that does not have bite in attack shows that our Coaching Crew are mediocres.

“Finidi is in the path to failure, they better sack him than us not going to the World Cup”.

The Super Eagles will slug it out with the Squirrels of Benin Republic in its Fourth match of the qualifying series and will unite with its former Coach, Gernot Rohr who salvaged a 1-0 win against the Amavubis of Rwanda in their qualification match to move to Third position in the log.

A failure to salvage a win for Nigeria shows that the team has a slim chance of making it to the World Cup.

Oil Thiéves, Illégal Refinéry Opérators, Are Enémies Of State, Should Be Tréated As Such, Gov  Otti

0
Alex Otti - Abia State Governor
Alex Otti, Abia State Governor

By Suleiman Anyalewechi.

The unwholesome and sabotaging activities of illegal petroleum products dealers and  refinery operators, on Friday, June 7 2024, took the centre stage when officials  of the Joint Task Force South-south Operation Delta Safe, paid a visit to the Abia State Governor Dr Alex Otti.

Governor Otti charged the task force members to treat operators of illegal refineries and other related activities for what they are – the enemies of the State.

The Source reports that the task force members whose primary assignment is to properly secure petroleum products  facilities and operations in the States that make up the Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC, said they are in Abia to solicit the support of the Government in the effective discharge of their duties .

The Abia State Governor, urged the taskforce to intensify their efforts in combating the menace of oil theft and operation of illegal refineries, noting that the situation is negatively impacting on both the economy of the state and the country in general.

“Those that operate illegal refineries and other activities are the enemies of the state and should be treated as such .

“Be they in Aba or Ukwa, Port Harcourt, Bayelsa, and/or any of the other ten States where you operate . The long arms of the  law must catch up with them ..

“For us, we do not support any illegality by anybody in a any form .You can take it for granted that we as a Government will give you all the support to carry out your operation here.” Governor stated .

However, he called on the task force officials to widen the scope of their operations to include the protection of the State’s priced asset in Owaza Ukwa West – the Abia State Industrial and Innovative Park AIIP which is  under incubation.

This is even as he has assured the task force team of the unwavering support of the State Government in the discharge of their assignment,particularly in the areas of logistics and intelligence.

Governor Otti, also, informed the members of the task force that until the gruesome killings of five soldiers by some criminal elements on May 30,the state had been relatively peaceful ,promising that all lawful efforts are being made to unmask those behind the despicable act.

He insisted that security remains top on the pecking order of his administration’s policy thrust ,while noting that no meaningful developmental initiatives will succeed in an atmosphere of insecurity.

The Commander of the Taskforce, Real Admiral John Okeke, also, informed that their visit is to get acquainted with the Abia, as one of the areas under its operational jurisdiction being an Oil producing State.

He assured that the team will work in concert with the State authorities, Security Agencies and other relevant stakeholders to halt the activities of oil thieves and petroleum products facilities vandals .

“The Federal Government thought it wise to come up with the  Joint Taskforce SouthSouth Operation Delta Safe with a mandate to protect oil and gas infrastructures and stop militancy ,piracy ,crude oil theft ,and other forms unwholesome activities that could impact negatively on the economy” Rear Admiral Okeke noted.

Meanwhile, in a bid to  fastrack and give more impetus to the manhunt for the killers of five soldiers in the state, at Obikabia junction near Aba, Governor Otti, has  upped the   bounty placed on  their heads from N25 million to N30 million.

The source reports that in the wake of the dastardly murder of the soldiers by yet-to-be identified gunmen, the Abia state Governor had announced a N25 million reward for any credible information that could lead to the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.

At a meeting with the visiting Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshall Hassan Abubakar and other top Military brass on Friday, at his country home, Nvosi Isiala Ngwa, South Local Council of the State, Governor Otti informed that the additional five million Naira was offered by a concerned and patriotic indigene of the state based in the United States of America USA.

He assured his visitors that under his watch the state can not be a haven for killers, kidnappers ,terrorists  and other criminal elements .

The Abia State Governor lauded the efforts, dedication and commitment of security agencies in the State to the fight against crimes in Abia state .

Ondo AG Tacklés National Assembly Ovér Plan To Criminalizé Workers’ Striké, Says It’s Against Law

0
Kayode Ajulo SAN

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo has taken up the National Assembly over plans to criminalize workers strike in the Country.

Ajulo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) is of the view that any attempt to make workers strike against the law would amount to infringement of  the basic rights of the hardworking citizens.

The National Assembly and Secretary to Government of the Federation, George Akume, had stated that the recent action of workers during recent strike, especially move to shut down national grid, which led to power outage nationwide, amount to criminal offence of treasonable felony and economic sabotage.

Ajulo, in a statement in Akure,  at the weekend, he personally signed said “Any attempt to criminalize this time-honored practice would undoubtedly undermine the very foundations upon which the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has championed – the bedrocks of social dialogue, collective bargaining, and tripartism.

“Should the National Assembly, in a moment of unthinkable transgression, pursue such an egregious course of action, it would undoubtedly exacerbate the already strained industrial relations in our beloved Nigeria.

“Such a move would inevitably lead to further unrest and social upheaval, shattering the fragile bonds of trust between workers and their elected representatives.

“Nay, they must instead focus their efforts on addressing the underlying issues driving the justifiable demands of our workers, including the provision of fair compensation, decent working environments, and adequate social safeguards.

“As a proud and unyielding advocate of the rights of all in our beloved realm, I find myself utterly perplexed and deeply saddened by the mere suggestion that our esteemed National Assembly would seek to stifle the hallowed right of workers to engage in lawful strike action. This notion, I must adamantly declare, is one that I simply cannot bring myself to believe.

“The fundamental entitlement to strike, bestowed upon the noble laborers of our land, has been affirmed by our courts, local and international and it is a sacred cornerstone of our social fabric – a cornerstone that must be safeguarded with the utmost vigilance.

“To even contemplate the subversion of this legitimate process would constitute a most worrisome development, one that would grievously infringe upon the basic rights of our hardworking citizens.

“Strikes, I must emphatically state, are a rightful and crucial tool for our valiant workforce to negotiate for improved working conditions, fair wages, and the social protections they so rightly deserve.

“These actions are not merely a privilege, but a fundamental human right, enshrined in the very ethos of social justice and the principles of collective bargaining.

“Constructive dialogue with labor organizations and all relevant stakeholders is the only path forward.

“Only through such earnest and compassionate engagement can we hope to find solutions that promote true social justice, fair labor practices, and the sustainable development of our nation.

“For it is only through the harmonious collaboration of all stakeholders that we can forge a future of economic prosperity and social harmony, where the unalienable rights of the worker are safeguarded with unwavering commitment.

“However, I must also express my grave concern over the reported instances of criminality that have at times accompanied strike actions.

“The tampering with our national grid, for example, is a most disturbing development that cannot be tolerated, for there are certain essential services that must remain uninterrupted, even in the face of legitimate worker protests. While I staunchly defend the right to strike, I cannot condone actions that jeopardize the well-being of the broader populace.

“It is my fervent hope that our esteemed lawmakers will approach this delicate matter with the utmost wisdom, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of all Nigerians.

“For only through such steadfast dedication can we forge a future where the rights of the worker are not merely enshrined in law, but honored with the reverence they so rightfully deserve.”

DIG Alabi Chargés Police Officers On Kïdnapping, Arméd Robbéry, Advisés Them To Collaboraté With Tradïtional, Relïgious Leaders

0
Abiodun Sylvester Alabi - DIG

By Ayodele Oni

The Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in-charge of South-West Region, Abiodun Sylvester Alabi, has asked Police Officers in Ondo State to put an end to pockets of kidnappings and robberies in the State.

He said this was achievable by engaging traditional rulers, community and religious leaders in fighting kidnapping and other crimes in the state and its environs.

Alabi gave the directive while addressing police men and officers in Akure, the state capital, as part of his visitation to States as directed by the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, to assess security situations.

Alabi who noted that policing was evolving and not a tea party, stressed that Police Force needs collaboration of all stakeholders to protect people.

The DIG also charged police officers to imbibe professionalism in their daily operations to eradicate criminalities.

Alabi said that the time had come for police officers to engage community and religious leaders to tackle criminality in the society,

He also said fighting crimes in the South-West has yielded positive results, but there is the need to do more.

Alabi, therefore, called on Police Officers to imbibe the ethics of the job, saying corruption and extortion would not be condoned.

“When something happens unexpectedly, it is the duty of the officer to go back to the drawing board and re-strategize.

“Policing is not a tea party, it is a very serious, tedious, physical and mentally challenged job.

“So, it’s a job that entails total commitment and total dedication, because we owe members of the public a duty to secure their lives and properties.

“Generally, South-West is one of the most peaceful zone we have in the country today, but I don’t want you to be carried away so that you will not get embarrassed.

“So, its time for you to double your efforts and ensure the pocket of occasional kidnapping and occasional armed robbery being experienced becomes a thing of the past.

“We need to sit down and do a serious planning to eradicate completely any incident of kidnapping in Ondo State,” he said.

“As police officers, you can do your job and earn a good job without delving into all those unprofessional and unethical conducts.

“I am admonishing you to desist from that and it is better for you to attract goodwill for yourself from well-meaning Nigerians

“Because if you do your job diligently and show that you a man of integrity, you will be loved by people and gain more confidence and trust from people.”

In his speech, Abiodun Asabi, Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in-charge of zone 17, assured the DIG that the zone would continue to fall in line with the agenda of the IGP.

“We are not going to rest on accolades that our zone is the most peaceful in the country, we will continue to push our zone more to be free from any form of criminality,” he said.

In his address, Abayomi Oladipo, Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, appreciated the DIG’s visit, saying that the command would continue to engage officers and men on professional conduct for effective service delivery.

“Our display of professionalism during the governorship primaries in the state came to bare as we were non-partisan and followed the guiding principles as laid down in the electoral act.

“Currently, the command has mapped out plans to ensure that the state is devoid of actions and inactions that can heat up the polity.”

Abayomi explained that he had a meeting with political stakeholders and all relevant organisations involved in electoral activities, and called on politicians to warn their supporters against causing chaos in the state.

“Our Govt Néver Opérated In A Väccum” – Kebbi Dep. Gov. Carpéts PDP Over Cläims Of Differénces Betwéen Him And Gov Idris

0
Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida - Kebbi Deputy Governor

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kebbi State Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, on Friday, June 7, 2024, rubbished insinuations of a frosty relationship with his boss Governor Nasir Idris.

News of the frosty relationship has been making the rounds in  opposition camps, especially. But Senator Tafida Insists  that he and his boss  are enjoying the best of working relationships.

The Source reports that the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,  in the last few days, has sought to play up the alleged failure of Governor Idris, who has been away from the State for a while to officially transmit power to his Deputy.

But at a press briefing at  his official lodge, Senator Tafida described the alarm being raised by the PDP and other opposition camps as absolutely “unnecessary and nonsensical.”

He accused opposition  forces of only trying to build a political capital out of a non existent foundation .

He assured that the opposition plot will fail, just as others before it.

The Deputy Governor noted that from inception, “there has been an understanding within the  governmental system, which has so far ensured that vacuum never existed for a day.”

He insisted that Governor Idris has been religious in entrusting the  State’s administrative machineries to his Deputy ,when ever he is  out of the state ,in line with relevant constitutional provisions.

Besides the good working relationship between his office and that of the Governor, Senator Tafida  informed that both the members of the State Executive Council have been united in their resolve to take Kebbi State to the next level .

He  therefore, warned that “no amount of political subterfuge and blackmail by the opposition forces will be able to puncture the  cordial and harmonious relationship that currently pervade the All Progressive Congress APC led administration in the State.”

In the same vein,the APC.Kebbi State has  blasted the PDP over its claims of alleged refusal of Governor Idris to transmit power to his Deputy, noting that the opposition party appears to be out of tune with the realities on the ground .

In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Isah Assalafy, the ruling party described PDP’s claims as malicious and devoid of  adequate knowledge of the constitution of the country.

The APC while vouching for the harmonious working relationships between Governor Idris and his Deputy since they came into office ,said the PDP’s misguided plot is ,already dead on arrival ..

“It is gratifying to note that the duo in the last one year have been enjoying cordial and just relationship as there have been no time when the Deputy Governor Umar Tafida have had cause to complain of being marginalized by the Governor.

“Let me use this opportunity to admonish the opposition PDP to desist from faceless media attack on the Kebbi state Governor ,Dr Nasir Idris ,even as the party listens to reasonable and constructive criticisms.” the APC stated.

Ekiti Set To Host Annual Festival, To Showcase Cultural Endowments

0
Ekiti Festival

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy is set to host this year’s Ekiti Festival.

The festival, which commenced in 2012, has become an annual event, during which the state showcases its cultural endowments to the outside world.

The Commissioner of the ministry, Prof Rasaki Ojo-Bakare, disclosed this at a press conference held at NUJ, Press centre, Ado-Ekiti on Friday.

He assured tourists and Ekiti residents of adequate security during 2024 Ekiti Festival(EKIFEST) scheduled for 6th and 10th August, 2024.

The Commissioner explained that 2024 EKIFEST would afford local government and communities to showcase their talents, products and services to the world.

He advised Local Government chairmen to embark on talent hunts saying thousands of talents are abound in rural areas.

“EKIFEST was established to project and exhibit talented individuals at the grassroots, in a bid to bring Ekiti on the map of global culture.

“We are inviting visitors from all over Africa and beyond. These fellows are not just coming as tourists, but to see what our people are capable of doing with their talents so that they can invest and take the products beyond the borders of Ekiti and Nigeria.”

The Commissioner further said that EKIFEST started in 2012, saying it is an annual event which promotes economy of the state.

Rasaki Ojo hinted on the activities for the festival, to include: competitive events such as: performing Art, Visual Art, fashion Art, creative art, traditional wrestling, street carnival, among others.

Ayokunle, Fmr CAN President Says Multïple Taxatïon Kïlling Nigerians

0
Samson Ayokunle

By Ayodele Oni

A former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Dr Samson Ayokunle, has cried out that multiple taxations are killing Nigerians.

He advised President Bola Tinubu, to stop multiple taxations introduced by federal and state agencies on hungry Nigerians.

Ayokunle, also a former President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, who was a guest on Channels Television on Friday, urged the president to open up the economy and mobilize investment into the agriculture and mining sectors to tap the goldmines locked up in them.

“Let’s delve into other aspects of our economy. Nigeria is rich, let’s explore, not just taxing, taxing. If you tax people, people will die.

“If you continue to tax them and tax them, they will die and if people die without fulfilling their life ambition, you will be held responsible.

“I know that the president wants to help Nigerians, but he should stop adding tax to tax, but enough is enough. How will people survive? How will people breathe?

“Tomorrow is not certain for many people with the way we are going and they are still raising more taxes, electricity tariff hike, and others.

“Where will people get these monies? Don’t you know the amount you pay them per month? Do you want to kill them or drive them away from the country?”

He lamented that Nigeria is many years behind considering the resources at the nation’s disposal when compared to the performance of the country.

“The economy is in shambles. The pains Nigerians are facing is unprecedented. I don’t know what to classify this whether it is hyper-inflation or something else.

“The cost of things has spiralled unimaginably that it is difficult for Nigerians to survive.”

The former CAN President said, “The new administration took some steps that were very good and they also took some steps, if not many steps backwards.”

He condemned the hastiness of the removal of petrol subsidy by the Tinubu administration.

“The hastiness without considering the implications, line by line, of petrol subsidy removal.

“This government is trying to address the issue of foreign exchange, but they have not gotten it. Something drastic must be done.”

The cleric added that the economic situation has become unbearable for young people who can “no longer take it because hope deferred makes the heart weary.”

He, however, commended the student loan scheme by the current administration.