Home Blog Page 1108

Presidency Denies Ownership Of Luxury Yacht Spotted In France

By
James Orji
-
0
Bola Ahmed Tinubu - President
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

The Nigerian Presidency has denied that a luxury yacht spotted in St. Tropez, France, flying the Nigerian flag, belong to the federal government.

The vessel said to be worth several millions of dollars does not belong to the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Presidency clarified on Saturday, after a viral video claimed that the yatch is owned by the federal government.

The magazine reported that Nigerians were angry following report, early this year, that the administration has purchased a yatch for the use of President Tinubu.

The Presidency had denied the report saying the multi-million dollar vessel was purchased by the Armed Forces during the tenure of the immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari.

But a viral video of a yacht flying the Nigerian flag had sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many questioning the ownership and purpose of the vessel, particularly at the time many Nigerians are passing through serious economic hardship.

Recall also that the administration has come under serious criticism for its alleged profligacy of public resources despite the hostile economic conditions being faced by not a few Nigerians.

However, in a statement released on Saturday, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Digital and New Media, Otega Ogra, clarified Presidency’s position over the issue.

According to Ogra, the said vessel does not belong to the presidency nor the armed forces, adding that it’s owned by a private concern.

He said the 42-meter Benetti yacht has been privately owned for around five years since its construction. He noted that it is common for luxury yachts to fly the flag of the owner’s country as well as the flag of the country in which they are registered.

The statement read in part, “There have been false claims circulating that a private individual’s yacht spotted in St. Tropez is a Nigerian government yacht. Here are some points to consider in order to discern the truth.

“The 42-metre Benetti yacht currently being circulated online has been privately owned for around five years since its construction.

“It is important to note that this specific yacht has no connection or ownership ties to the Nigerian government, President, or Armed Forces. Any claims or assertions suggesting otherwise are simply untrue and inaccurate. It is not uncommon for luxury yachts to fly the flag of the owner’s country as well as the flag of the country in which they are registered.

“The official Nigerian flag is Green-White-Green without a coat of arms in the middle. Flags representing the Nigerian President or the Armed Forces do not contain a coat of arms in the centre. Placing anything in the centre of the flag is a clear deviation.

FG Slams N50 Charges On Opay Customers

By
James Orji
-
0
Wale Edun - Minister of Finance

Major financial tech firm, Opay has announced the commencement of N50 charges on electronic transfer above N10,000 to private and business accounts.

According to a notice to it’s customers on Saturday , the company said the charges will take effect from September 9, 2024.

The fintech however informed it’s customers that it does not benefit from the charges, which it described as a directive from the Federal Inland Revenue Services,  FIRS.

It said the charges are not sources of revenue for the  company, adding that the company has no choice but to obey regulatory authorities.

The notice reads in part; “Dear valued customers, please be informed that starting September 9, 2024, a one-time fee of N50 will be applied for electronic transfer of N10,000 and above paid into your personal or business account in compliance with the Federal Inland Revenue Service regulations.

“It is important to note that OPay does not benefit from these charges in any way as it is directed entirely to the federal government,” Opay said.

Anambra: APC ,PDP, LP Boycott September Local Council Polls, Head for The Court

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0
Basil Ejidike - Anambra State APC Chairman

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The All Progressive Congress, APC, has officially announced its boycott of the September 28, 2024, scheduled Anambra state Local Council Polls.

The Party has also headed to  Court to  challenge the Local Government Electoral process as being organized by the Anambra state Independent Electoral Commission ANSIEC.

The State Government, for the first time in over a decade, about two months ago, set the machineries in motion for the conduct of the Council Polls, with the reconstitution of the State’s electoral body which had been in limbo  since 2014.

The State Chairman, Basil Ejidike, who revealed the APC’s position, while addressing wards and local council officials of the party in Awka at the weekend, said as a party founded on justice, fairness and equity, it has no intention to legitimize illegality.

According to Ejidike, available and credible intelligence and variables have all strongly suggested that Governor Chukwuma Soludo and the ANSIEC have concluded plans to manipulate the election.

He insisted that APC’s participation at the polls will only serve to confer credibility and legitimacy on a process already primed for manipulation and compromise

“The Governor has already set up a Tribunal at the Anambra State High Court here in Awka for political parties that wish to challenge the outcome of the election.

“Governor Soludo is not prepared to conduct a transparent election that can give Ndi Anambra credible leadership at the Local Government level”, the APC Chairman stated .

Chief Ejidike informed that already the party has decided to mount a legal challenge against the exercise.

” We are are already in Court to challenge the process because APC, being a major party in Anambra State, must try as much as possible to live by example.

“The Peoples Democratic Party PDP and Labour Party LP have, also, gone to Court to challenge the irregularities.We applaud them.” Ejidike  noted .

The Source reports that with his own re-election project just some month’s away, Governor Soludo appears to be according the September 28 Council Polls more than a cursory attention.

The election in the main, holds the potentials of shaping, and even determining his own fate when the Gubernatorial contest beckons early 2025.

The reality is nevertheless not lost on him, as every conceivable arsenal has been deployed to conquer perceived foes, including within his own immediate political family – the All Progressive Grand Alliance APGA.

AFCON 2025 Qualifiers: Super Eagles Crush Benin Republic To Avenge Previous Defeat, Go Top Of Log

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
Super Eagles - Ademola and Victor Osimhen

By Akinwale Kasali

A brace from Ademola Lookman and a superb volley strike from Victor Osimhen was all the Super Eagles of Nigeria needed to record a commanding 3-0 victory over the Cheetahs of Benin Republic.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria proved their mettle as a formidable force in the continent as it crushed its West African rivals at the Godswill Obot Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom in its 2025 African Cup of Nations Qualifiers.

After a slow start into the encounter, the Coach Augustine Eguavoen-led team dictated the pace of the game, but this couldn’t metamorphose into a goal until late in the first half stoppage time that Atalanta Football Club of Italy winger, Ademola Lookman dribbled past the Beninoise defense to score the first goal.

The Super Eagles continued from where they stopped at half time and scored two goals.

The defeat of Beninoise could be described as the Super Eagles avenging its 2-1 loss to the Coach Gernot Rohr tutored Benin Republic team that defeated Nigeria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in Cote d’Ivoire.

Coach Eguavoen had started the match with Stanley Nwabali in goal,  William Troost Ekong, Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey and  Oluwasemilogo Ajayi in the heart of the Nigeria defense, with Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Bruno Onyemaechi,  Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze in the midfield, while Victor Boniface led the attack.

With the players on the pitch not giving the Super Eagles Technical Crew what they desired, Eguavoen made some substitution, introducing Osimhen, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Moses Simon. This changed the dynamics of the game, leading to the  goals scored late in the second half.

With this victory, the Super Eagles top the Group with three points, and will face the Amavubis of Rwanda In Kigali next week Tuesday.

“It’s Sad NYSC Directorate Shifted Its Responsibilities To States” – Ekiti Governor

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Biodun Oyebanji

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has sought the assistance of the Senate Committee on Youth Development in providing support for the upgrade of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp in the state.

The Governor also appealed to the Committee to develop policies aimed at fostering skill acquisition among Nigerian youths, emphasizing that education without skills in this modern era will put the youths at a disadvantage.

The Ekiti NYSC Camp recently recorded a casualty when the wall of one of the buildings collapse early in the morning.

Governor Oyebanji, sought the support in Ado- Ekiti during a meeting with members of the Senate Committee on Youth Development led by the Chairman, Yemi Adaramodu, shortly after their fact finding visit  to the NYSC camp as at Emure Ekiti.

The Governor expressed concern over the poor condition of the NYSC camp, noting  that the facility had suffered neglect over time following the inability of the NYSC to adequately maintain the camp.

He, however, urged the Senate Committee members to ensure adequate budget provision for the camp in next year’s federal budget, in order to upgrade facilities at the camp.

“I am not happy that NYSC has shifted its responsibility to the State. Ideally both of us should be responsible, but NYSC just washed off hands from their facilities in the State.

“We are doing our best to fix the road leading to the camp and fix 45 Units of convenience facilities, in addition to other interventions.

“I implore you to ensure adequate provision for the camp in the next budget so the facilities can be upgraded.”

Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the Committee on Youth Development, Yemi Adaramodu, appreciated the  Governor for his intervention during the recent near-disaster in the NYSC camp and his commitment and dedication towards the youth development in the state.

According to him, the purpose of the visit was to assess the condition of the camp and identify areas requiring urgent intervention, adding that  despite the Senate being on recess, the visit was prioritized to incorporate the rehabilitation of the camp in the upcoming budget deliberation.

Adaramodu highlighted the significance of the visit to include providing support for the efforts of the state government, while also promising that his Committee would contribute 250 mattresses and chairs to the camp as palliative measure while working on the major intervention.

He also promised to personally facilitate the construction of a new hall as a constituency project and the installation of solar-powered street lights to improve security within the camp.

Deputy Senate President’s Aide Rejects Ondo Gov Aiyedatiwa’s Appointment As Special Assistant

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Nicholas Akinbiola

By Ayodele Oni

A former Chairman of Irele Local Government in Ondo State, Nicholas Akinbiola, has rejected his appointment as Special Assistant to the Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

Akinbiola’s name was among new set of over 300 Senior Special Assistants, (SSA) and Special Assistants, (SA) announced on Saturday by Governor Aiyedatiwa.

It is yet to be confirmed if the Governor was ignorant of Akinbiola’s current position in the office of the Senate President.

Akinbiola is currently a Senior Special Assistant to the Deputy Senate President in the office of the Senate President.

Akinbiola, while declining the appointment in a letter addressed to the Governor on Saturday and personally signed by him, pledged his loyalty and commitment to the success of the All Progressives Congress at all levels.

The letter reads:

“I express my sincere appreciation to Your Excellency for the honour of being appointed as Special Assistant in your administration.

“I am indeed grateful for this honour and recognition bestowed on me among many party faithful. It is a privilege to serve the good people of Ondo State.

“However, I respectfully decline this offer due to my current appointment as Senior Special Assistant to the Deputy Senate President, Office of the Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at the instance of Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, PhD, CFR.

“I remain loyal and committed to the success of APC Government at all levels and your victory in the forthcoming Gubernatorial election in Ondo State.”

Change In Leadership: “Abure Has No  Grounds To Dispute His Ouster” – Kaduna LP

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0
Julius Abure LP Chair

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kaduna State Chapter of the Labour Party, LP, on Saturday September 7, 2024, insisted that the tenure of the Barrister Julius Abure-led National Working Committee NWC, long expired since June this year.

Interim Chairman and Secretary, Solomon Danbaki and Sani Sahabi, respectively, in a statement said the constitution of the Nenadi Usman- led interim National Executive Committee, NEC was a direct consequence of the development.

They maintained  that the non- acceptance of this stark reality is at the root of the feeble resistance being put up by the ousted Abure leadership.

But the Kaduna LP has, however, cautioned that the earlier the Abure-led NWC members embraced this, the better for them and the party.

The Source reports that the Auwal Tafoki-led LP Kaduna Leadership had on Thursday, September 5, condemned the ouster of the Abure-led NWC, insisting that the process that enthroned the Interim National Chairman, Usman was illegal, null and void.

Its position came on the heels of the convocation of an expanded NEC meeting of the party in Umuahia on September 4, by the Abia state Governor, Dr Alex Otti, and its subsequent decision to appoint the Usman-led 29- man Interim Committee, after shoving aside the Abure-led NWC.

But the Abure-led leadership has since rejected the development, while, also, clinging tenaciously to its purported mandate as given at the controversial Nnewi Convention in March this year.

The LP Kaduna State while appreciating the services of the Tafoki-led SWC, however, maintained that it is imperative for the party to  move forward at all levels.

The duo of Danbaki and Sahabi maintained that the appointment of Nenadi Usman and others at the Umuahia Stakeholders meeting remains the best option left for the party to recreate itself.

The Kaduna LP leadership said it would have been unpardonable for major stakeholders to watch idly while the party continued the journey to self extinction.

The statement noted that as at the time the Abure leadership was replaced, it was no longer enjoying the recognition of the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had ceased all dealings with Barrister Abure and his appointees, making it imperative for the party to adapt and embrace the new leadership.

“Change can be challenging to accept, but it is essential for Labour Party to remain relevant and functional.” the Kaduna LP noted.

The Usman-led Interim Committee is expected to last for three months during which period it is to organize Ward, Local Council  State Congresses, and a credible and all inclusive national Convention to elect National Officers.

DSS, NIA Shun NCS Joint Security Meeting Against Dangerous Arms

By
James Orji
-
0
Bashir Adewale Adeniyi - Customs CGC

Major security agencies in the country shunned the event by the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS,  to explain its plans for the deployment of state of the art security equipment to combat the importation of illicit arms into the country.

The event held on Friday attracted security experts across the country, coming at a time in the upsurge of illicit arms into the country.

The NCS has sustained its efforts to stop unscrupulous persons from importing dangerous arms into the country, by stopping them at the One and Lagos seaports, the major points of entry in the country.

Yesterday, the Wale Adeniyi-led NCS held a joint security conference in Abuja, the nation’s capital to showcase its seriousness to deploy the non-intrusive inspection technology, but top security agencies in the country such as the Directorate of State Services (DSS), and Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), were conspicuously absent, a situation, analysts say further highlights the bickering among Nigeria’s security outfits.

Speaking NCS spokesman Abdulahi Maiwada said the first set of scanners on the trade modernisation project, manufactured by Chinese company – NORTECH Engineering Corporation Limited, are expected in the country soon. 

Meanwhile, top security sources informed the magazine that no headway can be achieved in blocking illicit arms proliferation if frontline security agencies in the country refused to cooperate.

Abia: Gov. Otti Debunks Mass Retrenchment Story, Will Pay Salary Arrears Within Days

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0
Alex Otti - Abia State Governor

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

At his Monthly Media  chat on Friday night September 6, 2024, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State assured that in a few days time, workers will begin to receive positive messages as regards the payments of their salary arrears.

He, also, debunked speculations suggesting a  possible down- sizing of the State’s workforce.

The Governor had, in June, made a firm promise to begin instalmental payments of the huge salary arrears inherited from his predecessors in office effective, August ending.

He had announced  a monthly  provision of N1.5 billion for the settlement of the  over N17 billion salary arrears over a period of twelve months.

But Government’s gloating of the payments ,days after the dateline, have been unsettling to not a few, particularly the workforce.

However, Governor Otti informed that funds for the payments of August tranche have been disbursed, and noted that  Workers should be able to receive their money in a few days time.

He emphasized the fact that the arrears in question were not incurred by his administration, but inherited.

“Since coming on board in May 2023, we have been religious in the fulfilment of our obligations to the workers.

“We have kept our promise to be paying on/or before the 28th of every month. The arrears were inherited from previous administrations, and we are going to pay it without paralyzing activities in other areas.

“I have disbursed funds for the August payments. But I don’t know what is delaying the process. I believe in a few days time, the payments will be through. And hopefully, while that is going on, the September edition will follow,” he stated .

Governor Otti, while denying any plans by his administration to sack workers expressed dismay over the source of the misinformation.

He rather reaffirmed his administration’s commitment towards rebuilding civil servants trust and confidence in the system through the pursuit of welfarist policies and capacity building.

” I don’t know where the rumour about sacking workers is coming from .There is nothing like mass retrenchment on our card.

We have not even thought about it .There is nothing like that in the pipeline . Like I said ,we don’t have any such plans.

We will continue to ensure that we enhance  our civil service,as well as its productivity level .,particularly now that salary payments are prompt and regular” the Governor noted .

According to him  such negative thoughts about possible retrenchment, are only harboured and purveyed by those who are used to absenteeism and other forms of truancy .

He stated that such people appear to be scared ,conscious of the fact that the present administration ,is not amenable to such display of laxity .

” People who are used to not going to work ,we have told them that our admin does not tolerate truancy and so if they are afraid ,may be they are  guilty .But  I know that there is no mass retrenchment in the offing .” Governor Otti,assured .

Ajuri Ngelale, Presidential Spokesman, Steps Aside

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Ajuri Ngelale

By Ayodele Oni

The Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Bola Tinubu, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, has stepped  aside from his position.

Ngelale, in a statement on Saturday, September 7, 2024, said the decision was informed by medical reasons.

The Presidential Spokesman, who doubles as Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, said he had on Friday submitted a memo on him proceeding on indefinite leave of absence to the Chief of Staff to the president.

Ngelale said: “On Friday, I submitted a memo to the Chief of Staff to the President informing my office that I am proceeding on an indefinite leave of absence to frontally deal with medical matters presently affecting my immediate, nuclear family.

“While I fully appreciate that the ship of state waits for no man, this agonizing decision, entailing a pause of my functions as the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity and Official Spokesperson of the President; Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, and Chairman, Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen, was taken after significant consultations with my family over the past several days as a vexatious medical situation has worsened at home.

“I look forward to returning to full-time national service when time, healing, and fate permit. I respectfully ask for some privacy for my family and I during this time.”

1...1,1071,1081,109...3,088Page 1,108 of 3,088