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“This Is An Investment Enabling Government, We Will Not Relent In Facilitating The Ease Of Doing Business” – Tinubu Assures Investors

May 15, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

President Bola Tinubu has expressed the optimism that with an estimated 500 mmscf of Gas expected to be supplied into the local market by the newly constructed gas production facilities at Ohaji- Egbema in Imo state and Kwale in Delta State, the problematic shortfalls in the supply chain will be substantially curtailed.

The President who spoke at the official commissioning of the Gas projects on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, emphasised the determination of his administration to rejig the economic fortunes of the country through the provision of critical infrastructural facilities.

A statement issued by the Spokesperson for the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited NNPCL, Olufemi Soleye, qouted President Tinubu as saying that his administration from the beginning has always perceived the exploitation of the country’s abundant gas resources as an important component in the collective task of increased power generation ,revitalization of industries and the creation of job opportunities .

According to the NNPCL’s statement, the three gas production facilities commissioned include,the AHL Gas Processing Plant, ANOH Gas Processing Plant, and the 23.3km Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben OB3 Custody Transfer Metering Station Gas Pipeline projects.

“I wish to assure the citizenry that these are just the beginning ,as the federal Government is stepping up its coordination of other landmark projects and initiatives that will ensure the earliest realization of gas -fueled prosperity in our country .

“Consequently, I wish to assure investors in the energy sector that this is an investment enabling Government and we will not relent in facilitating the ease of doing business ” President Tinubu stated .

The President noted that a significant progress has been achieved in the area of intentional efforts at transiting Nigerians away from the use of petrol and diesel as vehicles combustion fuel to Compressed Natural Gas CNG .

While appreciating the NNPCL and its partners, Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company, SEEPCO and Seplat Energy for seeing the Gas projects through, President Tinubu also urged the apex petroleum products management outfit to sustain the quest to further develop the industry for the over all interest of the country.

“It is pleasing that an approximately,500MMscf of gas in aggregate would be supplied to the domestic market from,these Gas processing Plants ,which represents over %25 incremental growth in gas supply .

“In practical terms ,this translates into more gas to the power sector ,Gas Based Industries and other critical segments of the economy.” the President remarked.

‘Our Judiciary Witnessing Undeniable Decline’ – Obi Says Rule Of Law An Intangible Asset Of Any Society

The Source

May 15, 2024

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi has bemoaned the state of Nigeria’s Judiciary and said it is witnessing an undeniable Decline.

The LP standards bearer notes that although there still exists few good judges and justices in the country but generally speaking, the situation is worrisome and a threat to the future of the nation.

Delivering a Keynote speech titled “The Role of the Judiciary in Shaping Nigeria’s Future” at the 5th Memorial of Justice Anthony Nnaemeka Aniagolu, at the Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, Obi said there is a lot to learn from the integrity of the late Justice of the Supreme Court and his class of Justices.

“It was truly an honor to pay tribute to one of Nigeria’s most esteemed jurists, the late Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Anthony Nnaemeka Aniagolu. His illustrious career, particularly as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria from 1978 to 1987, brought immense honor to our judiciary through his unwavering integrity and steadfast commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice in our nation.

“As we commemorate the legacy of Justice Aniagolu and other revered Nigerian judges, we must draw inspiration from their exemplary service. We must strive to emulate their dedication to integrity, fairness, respect for the rule of law, transparency, humility, and the dispensation of justice.

“While the judiciary today still boasts of a few outstanding judges, there is an undeniable decline in our judicial system. This decline poses a significant threat to the future of Nigeria. Justice is increasingly commodified, and delivered in favor of the highest bidder.

“When the rule of law is compromised, the most vulnerable members of society are disproportionately affected, and the fabric of our society begins to fray. The integrity of our institutions, the protection of human rights, and the stability of our nation are all jeopardized.

“The rule of law is the highest intangible and most valuable asset of any society, and we must work tirelessly to protect and preserve it. We must prioritize the pursuit of justice above all else.

“Only then can we ensure that the rule of law remains a beacon of hope and a safeguard against tyranny, oppression, and injustice. The future of our nation depends on it

“In my address to the audience, I emphasized the urgent need to revitalize our judicial system by safeguarding its independence and promoting the values of character, competence, capability, compassion, and integrity among our jurists, as well as within our political leadership. By doing so, we can ensure that justice and fairness prevail as we endeavor to build a better Nigeria for all.

Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu is a private institution owned and managed by the Catholic Church.

Hajj: FG Releases N90 Billion For Subsidy

Ayodele Oni

May 15, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Federal government announced on Wednesday that it subsidized this year’s Hajj with N90 billion in order to have a smooth and successful exercise.

Government also explained that the amount was necesitated by a major challenge due to fluctuation in foreign exchange rates.

President Bola Tinubu disclosed this at the flagging-off of the inaugural airlift of 2024 Hajj exercise from Nigeria to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The ceremony took place at Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport Birnin Kebbi with the President, represented by the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima.

He urged the intending pilgrims to pray for peace, unity and progress of the country.

The President also charged the intending pilgrims to abide by all rules and regulations of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and urged them to avoid any illicit act capable of affecting the integrity of their Hajj.

“Mr president has been committed to this year’s Hajji due to the economic situation, he has also contributed the sum of N90 billion Naira to subsidise this year’s Hajj exercise in order to have a smooth and successful exercise.

”You may recall that this year, we had a major challenge in announcing the final hajj fare for the 2024 Muslim pilgrimage due to fluctuation in foreign exchange rates.

”President Bola Tinubu also work round the clock to control the downwards spiral of our local currency to bring relief to our pilgrims and other Nigerians.

”A moved that eventually succeeded in lowering the fare. The President approved the released of N90 billion to subsidize the cost of pilgrimage for this year’s hajj.”

He stated that the government of Renewed Hope led by Tinubu attaches immense importance to religious pilgrimage due to the role its plays in transforming behavioral and social vices of the believers beyond performing the pilgrimage.

Delivering his speech, the Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris said this year’s Hajji signifies a sacred journey for thousands of devoted pilgrims who embarked on a spiritual voyage to the Holy land.

“It is a journey of faith, devotion and unity where believers come together to fufil one of the five pillars of Islam, the pilgrimage to Mecca is a profound experience that fosters a sense of community, humility and spiritual renewal.

“It is a time for reflection, prayer and seeking forgiveness, as well as an opportunity for personal growth and self discovery,” he added.

In his remarks, the National Chairman, National Hajji Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Jalai Ahmad Arabi thanked the President and Kebbi State Governor for their support and cooperation towards the success of this year’s Hajji exercise.

He described this year’s Hajji as the most innovative and special one, saying, “honestly, I am overwhelm by the way and manner the Kebbi State committed resources for them to achieve.

Breaking: Governor Sanwo Olu’s Deputy Chief Of Staff, Gboyega Soyannwo Is Dead

Akinwale Kasali

May 15, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The passing of Gboyega Soyannwo, the Deputy Chief of Staff to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo Olu has thrown the Governor and the State into mourning.

Soyannwo slumped yesterday, and was immediately rushed to the Hospital, untIl the announcement of his death.

Prior to the slumping that aggravated his state of health, he had fallen sick for some days, before the unfortunate incident that occurred on Tuesday.

He, also, had been suffering from stroke.

He died at the age of 55 years.

Soyannwo was born on 3rd October 1968. He had his primary education at the Corona School Victoria Island, Lagos from 1974 to 1980 and his secondary education at the prestigious Kings College, Lagos from 1980-1985.

He thereafter proceeded to the Federal School of Arts & Science for his A-Levels which he successfully completed in 1987. He proceeded to the University of Lagos from where he graduated in 1992 and earned a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc. Hons.) Degree in Economics. Gboyega Soyannwo also held an MBA (General Management) from the revered Lagos Business School.

Soyannwo started his career at the Central Bank of Nigeria in 1992 as a Youth Corp member. He subsequently worked in the following institutions where he served in various capacities: Financial Services Consultants Limited, STACO Insurance Plc., National Bank Of Nigeria Limited (now WEMA Bank Plc). Zenith Bank Plc. and Oceanic Bank International Plc (now Eco Bank Plc.), where he left in December 2009 as the Group Head – Commercial Banking to join the First Class Group Limited as Director, Finance and Strategy.

Gboyega spent the earlier years of his banking career taking up responsibilities that sharpened his leadership and talent management skills. He had been a creative problem solver who consistently demonstrates excellence in the efficiency, productivity and quality of his work.

NMA Laments Mass Exodus Of Multinational Pharmaceutical Companies, Urges FG To Address Issues

Akinwale Kasali

May 15, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The mass exodus of Multinationals and Pharmaceutical Companies has brought to fore the call by the Nigeria Medical on the Federal Government to urgently act and mitigate its impact.

The NMA urged the government to urgently stop exodus the of pharmaceutical and multi-national companies from Nigeria through adequate investment in domestic pharmacy and other companies.

Dr. Bala Muhammad Audu, newly elected NMA President, at a Press briefing at the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, expressed fears that the future of Nigerians to access essential medicines may not be guaranteed, following this development.

These were part of the major discussion at the 64th Annual General Conference and Delegates meeting off the NMA held at the Calabar International Convention Center, Summit Hills, in Cross River State from 5th to 12th May, 2024.

The theme of the Conference was “Reversing the Trend of Health Sector Brain Drain” and the Subtheme was “Euthanasia in Medical Practice”.

The Association expressed regret over the exodus of pharmaceutical companies from Nigeria,insisted that Nigerian government must brace up to stop the development by creating friendly business environment as well as making adequate investment in the domestic pharmaceutical and other companies.

According to NMA,the exit of the companies has “resulted in drugs shortages, geometric increases in the prices of drugs and job losses”.

“ It further noted that “this exodus raises serious concerns about the future of access to essential medicines by millions of Nigerians.”

The NMA expressed great worry that “despite the tremendous efforts being made by healthcare workers to deliver health care services to Nigerians, they were still violently assaulted and kidnapped in their workplaces.”

The communique of the annual general meeting, released to the media,said,”The conference also seriously frowned at the inability of gghovernments to ensure the safe release of health workers still in captivity. “

“ The Conference is deeply worried that the spate of kidnappings, banditry, armed robbery and killing of innocent citizens in Nigeria, has reached alarming rates causing palpable fears among the citizens.

“The NMA noted the continuous exit of pharmaceutical giants from Nigeria due to challenging business environment caused by impact of naira devaluation and forex scarcity.

“ This has resulted in drugs shortages, geometric increases in the prices of drugs and job losses. The conference further noted that this exodus raises serious concerns about the future of access to essential medicines by millions of Nigerians.

“ The Annual General reviewed the level of progress made in clearing the backlog of salary arrears, implementation of the new hazard allowance, the review and implementation of the revised Medical Residency Training Act (MRTA) and other salary packages for doctors and other health workers in various NMA state branches.

” The conference was impressed with the various interventions of the Executive Governors of Ekiti, Rivers and Ebonyi states.

“The Conference also noted the level of progress made by other governors in clearing backlog of unpaid salaries and improving the wages of doctors and other Health workers in their states.

“The conference noted the increasing number of quacks apprehended over the past few months. Suffice to say that quackery has brought untold hardships to many Nigerians, in terms of attendant complications with deadly outcomes,”the communique further read.

APC Divided Over Suspension Of Jimoh Ibrahim As Another Faction Passes Vote Of Confidence In Him, Insists Party Primary Fraudulent

Ayodele Oni

May 15, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

There seems to be a division among executives of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ward where senator Jimoh Ibrahim comes from in Ondo state, following resolve of another set to pass a vote of confidence on the billionaire lawmaker.

A statement emanating from the Igbotako ward two in Okitipupa local council earlier on Wednesday announced suspension of the senator for dragging the party to court over the primary election of the party.

As the news went viral, a counter statement from the same ward commended Ibrahim for dragging the party to court, insisting that it was true the primary election did not hold at the ward.

The executives and members of the party, which held an emergency meeting declared their support for the senator currently representing Ondo Southern Senatorial District, who has dragged the party to court over the governorship primary of the party held on April 20 in the state.

At the meeting, executives and members reviewed the party’s governorship primary election which they described as fraudulent, saying no election took place in the ward and in Okitipupa Local Government Area of the state on April 20, 2024.

They expressed shock at how the Governor Usman Ododo-led Committee came about the figures it allotted to contestants in the election.

No fewer than 55 members of the party including the Local Government and Ward Executives signed that resolution of the party at the meeting, passing vote of confidence in Senator Jimoh Ibrahim.

They declared their unflinching support for the senator in his pursuit of justice in court concerning the governorship primary of the party in which several wards and all aspirants were deprived of voting.

The local government party executives who signed the resolutions are Otekaye Sunday and Olowole Musa, Secretary and Assistant Public Relations Officer of the party respectively.

The statement issued at the end of the meeting reads in parts: “At the general meeting of Igbotako Ward 2 held today, we reviewed the fraudulent election of Saturday 20th April, 2024 and resolved as follows:

“That no election took place at Igbotako Ward 2 and indeed all the other wards in Okitipupa Local Government Area;

“That we are surprised to see votes allotted to contestants by the Ododo-led Committee;

“We hereby pass a vote of absolute ‘Confidence’ on our leader Senator Jimoh Ibrahim PhD, CFR.”

FG, Labour Meeting Ends In Deadlock, As Unions Storm Out Of Meeting, Reject N45,000 Minimum Wage Offer

Akinwale Kasali

May 15, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The Meeting between the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Federal Government has ended in a deadlock. The leadership of the Labour Union rejected the N45,000 Minimum Wage offer by the Federal Government.

The organized Labour Unions that comprises of the NLC, and Trade Union Congress, TUC, were enraged over the government offer.

The Uniond which had demanded for the sum of N615,000 as the new minimum wage was disappointed and embarrassed by what they saw as the ridiculous amount offered by the FG as both parties resumed negotiations on Wednesday.

Professor Theophilus Ndubuaku, one of the representatives of the NLC disclosed that, “we asked whether the N45,000 is for transport, food, clothing, housing or for what?

“So we just told them that since they are not serious, we better just leave, so we stormed out of the place.”

He added that the Government offer was presented to them by the Permanent Secretary, Secretary to the Government of the Federation Office.

Court Grants Emefiele N300 Million Bail Over Alleged Unlawful Redesign Of Naira Notes

Akinwale Kasali

May 15, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Emefiele, bail.

Emefiele was arraigned before the Court over alleged unlawful redesign of Naira notes which led to crisis prior to the 2023 Presidential Election.

Justice Anenih stated that Emefiele was granted bail because there is a “cogent and compelling reason to grant the bail application.”

Recall that the ex-CBN Governor was accused of approving the printing of N684.5 million at the rate of N18.96 billion.

The anti-graft agency also said Emefiele unlawfully approved the withdrawal of N124.8 billion from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation.

The former apex bank chief was also said to have disobeyed the direction of law with intent to cause injury to the public during his implementation of the naira swap policy of the administration of former President, Muhammadu Buhari.

EFCC, also claimed that Emefiele embarked on the Naira redesign without the approval of the Board of the CBN as well as the then President, Buhari.

Emefiele pleaded not guilty to all four count charges read to him before Justice Maryanne Anenih.

However, Justice Anenih, on this note granted Emefiele bail with similar conditions as previously granted by Justice Hamza Muazu.

The Judge granted him bail in the sum of N300m and two sureties.

She held that the sureties must be responsible citizens and own property worth the bail sum within the FCT.

She also added that the property documents must be verified and deposited with the court registry pending the determination of the matter.

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim Suspended By Ward Executives, Accused Of Seeking Legal Redress Over Ondo Gov Primary Election

Ayodele Oni

May 15, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

For seeking redress over the governorship primary election, the All Progressive Congress (APC) has suspended Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, the Lawmaker representing Ondo South Senatorial District of Ondo State at the National Assembly.

Senator Ibrahim’s Igbotako ward, in Okitipupa local government said on Wednesday that he was suspended for anti party activities.

In a letter at the end of their meeting, the ward Executives, suspended the Senator for his actions and activities, which they said, violated the party’s Constitution.

They also cited that the suit instituted by Ibrahim against the APC, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as well as his involvement in anti-party activities influenced their decision to suspend the Senator from the party.

The primary election of the APC, which produced Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the candidate of the party, has been a subject of litigation as the senator, who is an Aspirant in the contest, approached the court, seeking the nullification of the exercise.

The letter reads, “We, the members of the APC Exceutive Committee of Igbotako Ward 1 in Okitipupa local Goverment Area of Ondo State, convened meeting on Monday, May 13th, 2024, during our meeting, we deliberated extensively on various issues affecting the progress and development of our party, notably indiscipline and insubordination among some members,

“We have found Senator Jimoh Ibrahim’s actions and activities to be in violation of the party’s constitution, particularly his decision to sue the party, as well as his anti-party activities.

“As such, we have resolved to take appropriate disciplinary action against him as outlined in the party’s constitution. Senator Jimoh Folorunso Ibrahim is hereby suspended from the All Progressives Congress (APC) with immediate effect for acts of insubordination and anti-party activities in accordance with Article 21, Section A of APC Constitution.

“It is worth recalling that the National Party Chairman of APC, Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduye, met with all Ondo State governorship aspirants on April 25th, 2024, in Abuja.

“During the meeting, he urged them to cooperate with the party’s candidate and incumbent Govemor of Ondo State, Honorable Lucky Ormisan Aiyedatiwa.

“Despite this, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim Folorunso proceeded to sue the Governor and APC, blatantly disregarding party instructions.

“Additionally, he has engaged in anti-party activities by urging his supporters in Igbotako and Ondo State to join NNPP, claiming he will soon receive the gubernatorial ticket from them.

“Senator Jimoh has openly declared his intent to disrupt APC before leaving the party, as evidenced by his actions in the Federal High Court in Abuja and his derogatory remarks about APC in various media outlets.”

Governor Otti to Wike, “You Did Not Make Fubara Governor, You Are Not God, He Came Prepared, Power Comes From God

Adesina Soyooye

May 15, 2024

By Adesina Soyooye

From Abia State comes an executive endorsement for the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara and a swipe at the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, who is also Governor Fubara’s immediate predecessor in office.

The comments on, and about, both men came from Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti. Otti, on Tuesday, was in Rivers State where he went to Commission a road project constructed by his his Rivers State counterpart as part of events by Fubara to mark his first year in office.

Weighing in on the messy face-off between Fubara and Wike, and Wike’s continuous claims that he made Fubara Governor, Otti debunked the claim, and told Wike that power comes from God and belongs to God.

Otti chided Wike for arrogating to himself the powe of God.

Otti: “Power belongs to God, no human can arrogate to himself the capacity to give power, except you have the capacity to give life. Of course, you can take life, but you cannot give it.

“For me, it’s all about good governance.”

On Fubara’s capacity to move the State forward, Otti assured them of the Governor’s preparedness for good governance.

Otti: “Governor Fubara came prepared, and I don’t believe that any distraction is enough to take his focus away from improving the welfare and interest of the people.

“So, I can assure you, Rivers people, that the dividends of democracy that you are seeing now is still a dress rehearsal. It is early in the morning, and I am sure that in the near future, you will be seeing more.”

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