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Governor Fubara To Wike: “Continue To Make Mistakes

May 13, 2024

Siminalayi Fubara - Governor of Rivers State

By Adesina Soyooye

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has urged his predecessor in office, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister for the Federal Capital Territory to “continue to make mistakes.”

The Governor was apparently responding to Wike’s apologies to Rivers State people on Sunday that he made a mistake in picking and presenting Fubara to them as his successor. After the apology, Wike assured the people that he would correct the mistake at the appropriate time.

But in a response to Wike on Monday, while swearing in his new Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Fubara said whether Wike made a mistake or not, the fact is: “I am here today as the Governor.” He then wished Wike to continue to make mistakes.

The Governor also had a response to the claim by the former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice that the Governor could have been a level 14 officer in the Civil Service but for Wike. He said that it was Wike who promoted Fubara from being a DFA, Permanent Secretary, State Accountant General to a Governor.

But Fubara dismissed the former Commissioner as one serving his master and so, talking nonsense and carelessly to please his master.

He said he was the Chief Accountant of Rivers State on Level 13 in 2010. “If in 2010 I was the Chief Accountant of the State on level 13, where would I have been in 2023?”

The Governor, also, noted that he is the only Governor in Nigeria who takes insults from even a Local Government Chairman and keeps quiet. ” I do that because I don’t want to reduce myself to their level. I wish them well.”

State of the Nation: Obi visits Atiku, Saraki, Lamido in Abuja

The Source

May 13, 2024

The 2023 Presidential flag bearer of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has continued to live up to his expressed commitment to the peace and progress of the nation. His abiding devotion is to the emergence of a Nigeria that works for all its peoples and where the people are quickly pulled out of poverty.

Worried about the state of the nation and the increasing uncertainty in the living conditions of the poor and underprivileged, Obi ,in Abuja on Monday, visited some top Nigerians, among whom are former Vice President, and PDP Presidential Candidate in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki and former Governor of Jigawa state, Alhaji Sule Lamido.

At the center of discussion during each of these visits was the state of the nation and how to reduce the suffering of all Nigerians irrespective of class and location. In particular, the desperate condition of the downtrodden in our midst was highlighted.

Of particular interest and emphasis in these discussions was the worrisome situation in the Northern parts of the country.

IPAC Inputs Into Constitution Review: LG Autonomy, High Nomination Fees By Political Parties

Ayodele Oni

May 13, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

National Chairman, Inter- Party Advisory Council (IPAC) and National Chairman for Allied People’s Movement (APM), Yusuf Dantalle has announced that IPAC has set up Constitution and Electoral Act Amendments Committee that will recommend aspects of the laws that need to be reviewed, and presented to the National Assembly for consideration.

The IPAC chairman spoke in Abuja on Monday during an interactive session with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the forthcoming Edo and Ondo states governorship polls.

He stated that “Local Government autonomy is essential for the survival of democracy in Nigeria as politics is local.

“Citizens must be encouraged to actively participate in grassroots politics that guarantees free and transparent polls.

“The question is, How far have we gone in deepening/strengthening democracy in Nigeria. It is food for thought and calls for sober reflection in the quest for a strong, united, progressive, equitable and just democratic nation.

“Our hard earned democracy must be sustained. It should not be allowed to derail by the activities of anti-democratic and reactionary forces.

“The high expression of interest and nomination fees charged by some political parties should be reviewed despite being internal affairs of the parties.

“IPAC will continue to engage party leaders on this among; others that will curb imposition of candidates and boost internal democracy as we strive to make Nigeria better.”

Dantalle called on INEC, leaders of Political Parties, civil society organizations, security agencies, Judiciary, the media and citizens to be firm and decisive in protecting the nation’s democracy and forestall political upheavals as we currently have in some parts of the country.

He noted further that “this month, specifically 29th May, 2024 marks the One Year anniversary of the current elected officers, 25 years of uninterrupted democracy since the restoration of civil rule on 29th May, 1999.

“Sixty four Years of Political Independence and One Hundred and One Years of the formation of a Political party.

“We condemn in strong terms politics of bitterness, do-or-die politics and divisive politics that have tendencies of undermining our emerging democracy.

“It is unacceptable! Politicians must abide by democratic ideals, ethics and ethos, and desist from inflammatory utterances and actions that could impede our constitutional government.

“More importantly, political parties must adhere strictly by their constitutions in conducting congresses, primaries and conventions.

“The need to restore annual grant to political parties that was expunged from the constitution by the National Assembly, cannot be overemphasized.

“Frequent cross carpeting by national and state legislators is inimical to sustainable democracy. It is the remote cause of crisis in political parties and State Houses of Assembly, particularly when legislators decamp with impunity without cogent reasons. This must stop.

“Electoral Offences Commission is critical in the effort to sanitize our electoral process. The rate of electoral offences is alarming. It builds distrust and questions the integrity of elections.. Offenders must be duly punished to serve as a deterrence to others.

All eyes are on INEC to conduct free, fair, credible, acceptable and inclusive elections. With adequate preparation, functional BVAS and capacity to upload results in real time on its IReV portals, Nigerians will once more have confidence in the electoral system where every vote will be counted and count in the overall result.

IPAC Chairman stressed that leaders of political parties must live by example in deepening democracy by ensuring an environment conducive for successful elections, political stability and peaceful electoral process in Nigeria.

“It is one way of restoring trust and confidence in the electoral system which will bolster voters turnout in elections.

“We are deeply concerned by the low voters turnout in recent years particularly in the 2023 general election. It calls for concerted effort by all stakeholders in the electoral process.

“For democracy to succeed, it is very important that eligible citizens are active participants. It is obvious that your vote is your voice; for your voice to be heard you must register to vote.

“Effective voter register ensures that citizens’ right to vote is protected. It is imperative that INEC maintains updated Register of Voters in real time.”

Ahead of the forthcoming Edo and Ondo States governorship elections, he said “it is important that voters in the two states are massively mobilized to register and participate in the polls.

“As the umbrella body of all registered political parties in Nigeria, IPAC will spearhead this crucial exercise in collaboration with INEC.

“In previous elections, Council would move to various states, sensitize and mobilize the people on upcoming polls, called for non-violence and urge them to shun vote buying and selling, etc with the limited funds at its disposal.

“With the lowest voters turnout in the 2023 general election, so much needs to be done. It is on record that the 2003 general election had the highest voters turnout because INEC released funds in 2002 to political parties to engage in voter education, sensitisation and mobilisation to register and participate in the elections.

Police Move To Unravel Death Of A Customs Officer, Alleged To Have Committed Suicid€ In Kano

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 13, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kano State Police Command has moved to unravel the circumstances surrounding the death of a Senior Customs Officer. He died in Kano last week.

The Source reports that on Monday May 6, 2024, Abdullahi Abdulwahab Magaji CSC, reportedly shot himself at his Farm Centre Quarters Kano home

. His wife, said to have raised the alarm, claimed that her husband shot himself with a pump action riffle, and subsequently gave up before help could come from the Malam Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital kano, where he was rushed to.

But the Kano police authorities are not persuaded, by the suicide theory being weaved around the death of the Senior Customs personnel. The State Commissioner of Police, CP Muhammad Husseini Gumel, has ordered a full scale investigation into the incident.

In a statement issued on Monday, May 13, by the spokesperson, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the kano State CP, assured that the Police is presently out to unearth the circumstances and details about the sad incident.

“On 6th of May 2024, at about 12 pm, a report was received that a customs officer ,one CSC Abdullahi Abdulwahab Magaji serving in Abuja ,and a resident of Farm Centre Quarters in kano allegedly committed suicide by shooting himself. with a pump Action Gun”

“The Police Statement noted that following the report, a Police team led by Ibrahim Abubakar was dispatched to the scene.

The Kano Police spokesman said that it was based on the report by the crime scene team that the CP ordered for a full scale investigation into the death of the Custom personnel

The State Police Command according to the statement ,assured the general public that no stone will be left unturned in unmasking the circumstances surrounding the incident, adding that the public will also be availed of the outcome of the investigation.

Ondo Amotekun Arrests 17 Year-Old Student For Alleged Electrical Cables Theft, Re-arrests Suspected Kidnapper On Bail

Ayodele Oni

May 13, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

A-17 years old serial electricity cable thief is among 44 suspected criminals currently being held by Amotekun Corps in Ondo state.

The state commandant of the corps, Adetunji Adeleye said in Akure on Monday that during one of the operations by Sunday Adegbulu, he was partially electrocuted as electricity was restored.

Adeleye stated that “Today, we are parading 44 suspected criminals that have been engaging in various acts of criminal activities within the state.

“Our men have been on constant 24/7 patrol across the 18 council areas of the state and a total of 45 suspected criminals have been arrested in the last two weeks.

“Of particular note is a set of Criminals that engage in vandalization of electricity transformers.

“Faith cut up with one of them, Sunday Adegbulu who is 17 years old. Unfortunately, while cutting the cables, electricity was supplied and burnt half of his body.

“After a lot of trailing, we arrested him because the moment it happened, he was rushed to three different hospitals and when they got wind of the fact that detectives from the Amotekun corps are on their trail, they moved him out of Akure.

“We also trailed him to the location and brought him in a very terrible state.

“He was to be killed so that he will not reveal his sponsors. We had to revive him, brought him to the health facility of the corps and we spent a lot of money to make him come back to life.

“He was able to tell us nine other members of the gang, including their godfather who is on the run. We are the trail of the godfather.

“We also have one Jubril, a suspected kidnapper that was arrested a couple of weeks ago, but was released on bail and within 48 hours of his release, the residents and traditional ruler of his village called us that three people were to be kidnapped by the gang of this same suspect but we were able to apprehend them.

“It is of note that the security organization that arrested him is still going on with the court case on the initial kidnap case. Now, he was arrested for another one.

“We have cases of those that specialize in vandalization of electrical installations of uncompleted buildings all around.

“They pullout the wire, pill, melt and sell them to the same kingpin that I initially said is on the run and we’re still trailing.

“We have few cases of house lifters and shop buglers and we have those that were arrested in connection with kidnapping and cultism.

“Out of this 45 suspects, seven are already in court, but we needed them to throw light on our ongoing investigation, so, we sought the leave of the court to allow us few more days which was granted.

“That’s why they’re part of this 45 suspects. As soon as we complete investigation, all of them will be taken to court to face the full wrath of the law.”

The 17 years old Adegbulu, and a JSS three Student of Commercial Secondary School, Akure, in his account said “We were three in number and we were to sell the electricity transformer cable for N25,000 to Mr Abubakar.

“It was my second operation. During my first operation, we vandalized and stole the electrical installation of an uncompleted building.

“On the latest incident, it happened on April 28, only two went to the transformer. I never knew that there was going to be electricity supply. It’s the handwork of the devil that pushed me to the crime.”

Governorship Poll: INEC Resumes Registration Of Voter’s In Edo, Ondo

Ayodele Oni

May 13, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Ahead of the governorship election in Edo and Ondo states, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has decided to resume the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in the two States to enable eligible citizens who are not registered voters to do so.

Similarly, those who are registered voters also have the opportunity to transfer their registration from other States of the federation to Edo and Ondo States or from one location to another within the two States.

The INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu at a briefing in Abuja said, “let me reiterate that the CVR is only open to new registrants and those who seek to transfer their registration.

“The CVR in Edo and Ondo States will take place simultaneously from Monday 27th May 2024 to Wednesday 5th June 2024 from 9.00am to 3.00pm daily including the weekend.”

The INEC chairman explained that persons who are registered as voters should not attempt to register again as double or multiple registration is illegal.

“Lost or damaged voters’ cards will be replaced during the exercise but this does require fresh registration.”

The meeting is the second quarterly meeting for the year 2024, and it’s happening barely four months to the forthcoming governorship election in Edo state in September.

The national chairman of the APC, that Of the Labour party, Julius Abure, SDP, are some of the party chairmen in attendance.

The electoral umpire has already published its final list of candidates and their running mates in the Forthcoming Edo state election.

The INEC chairman urged the political parties to adhere strictly to all electoral guidelines for the exercise.

He urged that parties should finalize and submit names of their candidates before the 20th of May, when the portal for candidates in the forthcoming Ondo governorship election will close.

Northwest Governors Collaborate To Tackle Insecurity

Ayodele Oni

May 13, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

A splinter Governors’ Forum from the Northern Governors Forum, has been birthed by Northwest Governors.

Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu who disclosed this, explained that the Northwest Governors formed a Governor’s Forum of the geopolitical zone, aimed at approaching and facing the security situation in the region.

The Governor disclosed this while fielding questions from newsmen in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital shortly after a closed-door meeting with his Jigawa state counterpart, Umar Namadi.

He said the Northwest Governors’ forum was under the chairmanship of Katsina state governor, Umar Dikko Radda and was aimed at approaching and handling security situation and challenges of the zone.

“This forum comprises all the geopolitical zones including Kano and Zamfara state that we are not in the same political party. But we are to speak and act with the same voice on the vision, mission and objective of the forum.”

Aliyu stated that the local security outfits established by the state government was making a lot of impact in curbing criminal activities in the state.

“I’m here in this state to condole my eminent friend, Governor Malam Umar Namadi over the death of his father-in-law who died recently.

“There are a lot of positive changes in the security situation of the state since the establishment of the local security outfits who were working closely with the other security agents.

“The State Government in collaboration with the federal government works tirelessly to ensure peace and security through the provisions of all necessary security tools and logistics in addition to creating and maintaining synergy between the local security and the other security personnel working in the state.

“In this regard, there is a lot of development in terms of the security situation. We also continue with so many strategies and attics until the goals have been achieved.”

Governor Aliyu commended the Jigawa state governor on the human and infrastructural development under one year in office.

“I really commend my bother Malam Umar Namadi, I saw a lot of things. When I return to Sokoto I will send a team from the Ministry of Agriculture for study in order to learn so many things for more and speedy development in the agricultural sector.”

The Sokoto State Governor who was accompanied by his wife described the death of the Jigawa state governor’s Father-in-law as a great loss.

Gov Yusuf Seeks More Support From Donor Agency For Kano Beneficiaries

Ayodele Oni

May 13, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

As part of measures to improve condition of living of the populace, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has requested for an extension of the duration of the Lives and Livelihoods Fund (LLF) project within the state.

This, according to him, will also broaden the scope of beneficiaries and enhance the economic sustainability of the region.

This was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the governor’s spokesperson Sanusi Bature.

Governor Yusuf made this plea during a dinner held at government house in Kano, where he entertained representatives from the donor organizations supporting the LLF-funded project.

The Governor stressed that Kano, as the most populous state in the northern region of the country, requires the aid of such organizations to empower the burgeoning population of unemployed young men and women and assist the most marginalized individuals in improving their quality of life.

He took the opportunity to elaborate on the achievements of his administration within its inaugural year in office, particularly in the fields of healthcare, education, agriculture, empowerment, and a series of relief measures aimed at aiding the underprivileged in society.

The Governor expressed appreciation towards the donor organizations, stating, “On behalf of the government and the esteemed citizens of Kano State, I convey our heartfelt gratitude for supporting such a noble initiative that has positively impacted the lives of over one million residents of Kano.

“Through your endeavors, you have significantly increased the daily income of numerous households in Kano over the years, contributing to the socio-economic advancement of the state.

“I seize this opportunity to request the extension of the project, with the firm assurance that your contributions are in reliable hands, as the Kano State Government is dedicated to the meticulous management of every aspect of the project.”

Earlier, the team leader, Mr. Adil Alsharif, stated that the primary objective of the esteemed donor delegation’s visit was to observe the LLF-funded project in action, supporting small-scale farmers, pastoralists, and prominent agricultural associations in Kano.

He emphasized that the visit would enhance awareness and visibility of the fund and its benefactors, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for their collective efforts in driving positive changes within the community.

Mr. Adil Alsharif, on behalf of the representatives of the donor organizations, expressed satisfaction with the project’s implementation progress and the prudent utilization of funds allocated for the initiative, while also seeking continuous support.

Labour Goes Tough On Tariff Hike, Shuts Down DISCOs, TCN Offices In Jos

Akinwale Kasali

May 13, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC and Trade Union Congress, TUC, have shown their discontent over the hike in Electricity Tariffs. They have shut down the operations of Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), and Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDCo).

The non-compliance of the aforementioned organizations to the letters written to it by the Labour Groups, urging them to reduce electricity costs and introduce bands for consumers in the state led to the shutting down of their offices.

Members of both Unions stormed the entrance of the main office of the Jos Electricity Distribution Company, where they sealed the gate and prevented staff and other visitors from entering the building.

The enforcement team of both Unions moved to the NERC and TCN offices in different locations within Bauchi metropolis to ensure they were also closed.

The peaceful protest saw members and leadership of the two unions displaying placards with various inscriptions, like “NLC/TUC Says No To Exploitation,” “No Segregation in Power Supply,” and “No More Band A, B, or even Z”.

Addressing their members, Bauchi State NLC Chairperson, Comrade Dauda Shuaibu, said that the union’s SWC held a meeting in Abuja on April 30 and wrote to the discos to make an immediate reversal of the new tariff.

“The joint NEC of the NLC and TUC wrote the same letter to them to reverse the tariff, and we issued a letter which we are expecting them to reverse. Their failure to reverse it is the result of what we are implementing here this morning and across the nation.

“We have received reliable information that the JEDC office in Yelwa is selling units and making remittances, we are going there to stop that. We will ensure that the entire office were shut down, no operations.

“It’s a clarion call for all of us to stand resolutely. We have started this struggle, and there is no going back until the new tariff on electricity is reversed.

“ We know how we are suffering, and everyone knows that Nigerians are facing hard times. Even with the increase, the supply is not there.

“ Therefore, we are calling on the Federal Government to immediately reverse it. Otherwise, there is no going back, we will shut down the whole electricity supply system in this country,” he said.

Nigeria’s Oil Production Increases As NNPC E&P Ltd, NOSL Hit First Oil in OML 13, Akwa Ibom

Ayodele Oni

May 13, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Nigeria’s oil production has received a boost with the commencement of production at Oil Mining Lease(OML) in Amwa Ibom state.

Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, (NNPC) in a statement on Sunday, explained that the production, which commenced on the 6th of May 2024, with 6,000 barrels of oil, is expected to be ramped up to 40,000 barrels per day by May 27th, 2024.

“NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NNPC E&P Ltd.), NNPC Ltd.’s flagship upstream subsidiary, and Natural Oilfield Services Ltd. (NOSL), a subsidiary of Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Company Ltd. (SEEPCO), announce the successful commencement of oil production at Oil Mining Lease (OML) 13 in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

“The production, which commenced on the 6th of May 2024, with 6,000 barrels of oil, is expected to be ramped up to 40,000 barrels per day by May 27th, 2024.

“The first oil flow from OML 13 is a historic milestone in the partnership between NNPC E&P Ltd and NOSL, highlighting their dedication to driving growth and development in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, which remains a vital component of the nation’s economy.

“The achievement does not only signify the culmination of rigorous planning and execution by the teams involved, but also represents a new era of economic empowerment and development opportunities for the host communities.

“Furthermore, for Nigeria, the first oil from OML 13 holds some significance as it contributes to the country’s efforts to increase its oil production capacity, which is crucial for meeting domestic energy needs and driving economic growth.

“The NNPC E&P Ltd. and NOSL partnership is also committed to operating in a manner that is safe, environmentally responsible, and beneficial to the local communities.”

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