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Atiku Laments Economic Situation, Says It Has Never Been Worse Than This; Insists Nothing To Celebrate On May Day

May 1, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar has berated the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and lamented the inefficiencies of the Federal Government.

He also sympathized with Nigerian Workers stating that they have not had it so bad with government policies skewed against their welfare.

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Presidential Candidate in the 2023 Presidential Election said that as Workers all around the World celebrate the International Workers Day, “it is a sobering truth that the plight of the Nigerian worker remains dire.”

Said the former Vice President: “Despite prolonged pledges and flowery words by the government, the much talked-about prospects of wage increment for the Nigerian worker remains a mirage. Every dawn unveils renewed hardships and harsh living conditions.

“After the contraction and contradictions by the government about whether the subsidy regime has gone or it is still being implemented, the country is today facing the angst of frustration by Nigerians who waste precious man-hours in queues at petrol stations across the country.

“The petrol subsidy is purportedly gone; yet its impact lingers – revealing the ineptitude of the current federal government.

“In an unprecedented manner and condescending of both the Nigerian worker and the general public, this current federal government announced a unilateral removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit without consultations with representatives of the Nigerian worker.

“The continued increase in tariffs in different service offerings without addressing the corruption and inefficiencies in the system only amounts to long-suffering Nigerians subsidising the corruption and inefficiencies in the system.”

He further stated that since the days of legendary, Pa. Michael Imoudu, to later day fire brands such as Pascal Bafyau and Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the Nigerian worker has been at the forefront of the fight against tyranny and bad governance.

“ No administration in our history has trampled workers’ rights like this one. Daily, workers face uncertainty over skyrocketing prices of essential goods.

“The Nigerian worker has had it so rough under this current administration and it is unfortunate that while the living conditions of the Nigerian worker remains at a miserably low ebb, the Nigerian government continues to regale its international audiences with tales of how the masses are being weaned of their wasteful dependence on government.

“It is thus beginning to appear, that as far as the current federal government is concerned, the management of our country’s micro-economic outlook is an unwieldy laboratory experiment, to which the Nigerian worker is laid prostrate.

“While I cannot but share my sympathy with the Nigerian worker for the way the current government has ridiculed her for far too long, I must equally express my felicitations with the Nigerian worker on this year’s Workers Day.

“ It is my hope that the theme of this year’s Labour Day: Ensuring Safety and Health at Work In a Changing Climate, will inspire the Nigerian government to put the concerns of the Nigerian Worker on the front burner”.

Governor Uzodimma Takes Over Ministry Of Lands, Inaugurates New Cabinet, Assigns Portfolios To 24 Commissioners

The Source

May 1, 2024

Hope Uzodimma and his New Cabinet Members

Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma has sworn in 24 Commissioners and inaugurated 19 Special Advisers who, with other top political appointees, will constitute members of the new expanded Executive Council as his second term administration enters full throttle.

The Governor who administered the oath taking ceremony on the affected appointees at the new Executive Council Chamber Government House Owerri on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, also proceeded to immediately assign portfolios to the 24 Commissioners.

The Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, the Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration), Chief Patrick Ekeji, the Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations), Barr. Sydney Emeka Agbor, the Deputy Chief of Staff (General Services), Chief Ferdinand Uzodimma, the Political Adviser and Head of Political Bureau, Barr. Enyinnaya Onuegbu and the Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser, Media, Chief Oguwike Nwachuku, were the first set of senior political appointees who were led in the oath taking rituals.

In his remarks after the swearing-in and inauguration ceremonies were completed, Governor Uzodimma hinted that more appointments will still be made in due course to fill vacant positions in some critical ministries.

However, in the interim, he assigned the position of the Commissioner for Lands to his Office as part of efforts to restore sanity in the said ministry where, of late, Imo people have increasingly lost confidence in the handlers of the ministry, occasioned by avoidable demeanour.

Governor Uzodimma urged all the Executive Council members to use their positions and inter-personal skills and relationships to ensure success in their ministries, agencies and departments and on the job assigned to them in general.

He reminded them that his reelection for a second tenure places enormous responsibilities and great expectations on the government and the appointees, hence there should not be room for excuses and complacency.

“The performance of the second tenure must be better than the first term,” he insisted.

Governor Uzodimma once more brought the issue of personal integrity of the appointees to the fore, noting that how Imo people feel about them is equally important to him.

He insisted that they must “conduct themselves with decorum and with all sense of responsibility.”

The Governor reiterated the importance of the oath of office the appointees took and reminded them that “it is not a mere ritual but a serious act that places huge responsibilities on your shoulders.”

He therefore reminded them that as public officers they must “behave differently bearing in mind that the public will beam their searchlight individually and collectively,” on them.

He advised on the need to realise that their new position requires tough approaches where only those who persevere will triumph.

Governor Uzodimma told the audience that the appointees were chosen based on their individual merit, hence their “integrity and performance on the job is at stake and a lot is expected of them from Imo people and Government.”

He recalled his administration’s abhorrence to corruption and commended them for agreeing with his injunction to ensure total realisation of the Shared Prosperity 3R Government following lessons they learnt from their two-day retreat, and asked them to endeavor to “work the talk.”

As part of measures to monitor performance, the Governor reminded the appointees that a Monitoring and Evaluation Unit had been established in his Office and that there will be quarterly assessment and evaluation of each of them.

“There is no time to waste, as all eyes must be on the ball,” he enthused.

In a vote of thanks on behalf of the appointees, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr COC Akaolisa thanked the Governor for finding them worthy and inviting them to “share in the glory of a government and a Governor that is doing very well.”

He promised that their team will “bring honour and not shame to their family” and that they will, to the best of their ability, give their best to ensure they don’t disappoint the expectations of the Governor, Government and the people of Imo State.

The event was attended by prominent Imo personalities, including the wife of the Governor, Barr. Chioma Uzodimma,Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Chike Olemgbe, former Governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, Head of Service, Barr. Raymond Ucheoma, Principal Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Irene Chima, the All Progressives Congress Chairman in Imo State, Dr. Macdonald Ebere, the Chairman of Imo State Council of Traditional rulers, HRH Eze EC Okeke, the Chairman of Imo State Council of Elders, HRM Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, former APC Chairman in Imo State, Chief Marcom Nlemigbo, business mogul and APC leader in Imo State, Chief Tony Chukwu, HRH Eze Oliver Ohanweh, among other important dignitaries.

Some relatives of some of the appointees were also around to witness the occasion.

Ondo 2024 Budget Estimate Has Errors – Commissioner

Ayodele Oni

April 30, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Government has clarified that the purported N18 Billion loan borrowed by the state within three months of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has been on drawing board since the immediate past administration.

Government statement on Tuesday explained that the loan was meant to extend portable water from the Owena multipurpose dam to three communities of Akure, Idanre and Ile-Oluji.

Pastor Emmanuel Igbasan

Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, in the statement also shed light on the N5 Billion in this year’s budget estimates earmarked for renovation of day care centres.

“The Five Billion Naira (N5b) provision was actually meant to reflect the expected drawdown from the Nigerian for Women Project (WORLD Bank Supported) which had earlier been captured under the Capital Receipts.

“The N18 Million reported on the Nigerian for Women Project is meant for the renovation for Daycare Project.

“This is a regrettable Printer’s interpolation error that occurred during the process of preparing the document for publication.

“The Ministry takes full responsibility for this error and we have immediately set in motion the machinery to have the error corrected.

“We also took note that the report mentioned the sum of N18 Billion loan procured in just three (3) months. This loan is an AFD facility for the reticulation of water from Owena Dam to Akure, Ile-Oluji, Idanre, Ifedore and environs that will provide clean water for about 1.2m people.

“The project started in 2017 and the N18 Billion mentioned was part of what should have been released to Ondo State in 2023, but was delayed due to stringent of World Bank Process.

“The said loan has not been assessed as the procurement process according to Word Bank Standards is ongoing

“Furthermore, the fund has a separate account, which is not subject to the control of State Officials, except those people prior approved by the World Bank before the advent of Governor Aiyedatiwa.”

Aftermath Of APC Ondo Primary: APC Urged Aggrieved Aspirants To Accept Defeat, Support Aiyedatiwa

Akinwale Kasali

April 30, 2024

Ganduje Presents Certificate Of Return To Gov Aiyedatiwa

By Akinwale Kasali

The leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ondo State has urged the Governorship aspirants at the APC Primary to accept defeat and team up with the incumbent Governor of the State and winner of the Guber Primary, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and ensure that the APC win the Governorship Election in the State.

The APC Ondo State Chapter admonished the 15 Aspirants that lost the ticket to Governor Aiyedatiwa to accept defeat and forge ahead for the development and growth of the Party.

In a Statement issued by Alex Kalejaye, the APC Publicity Secretary in the State, said that there is need retain the Sunshine State for APC makes synergy and unity of purpose a necessity, ahead of November Governorship Election.

Kalejaye said in the statement that “We urge Mr. Governor and flag bearer to be magnanimous in victory and explore plausible avenues to parley with all aspirants on the platform of our party, in the interest of unity and cohesion.

“For the records, all the aspirants gave good account of themselves, both while canvassing for support and during the primary election.

“In our estimation, they are all qualified to govern the State, but a candidate must emerge from the array of stars. We salute their individual courage to participate in the process.

He lauded the scrutiny of the governorship primary election process, by the National Working Committee, and its subsequent endorsement of the outcome of the exercise that took place on the 20th of April, 2024.

According to him “The party viewed the decision of the highest organ of the ruling party as a loud credence to the quality of job done by the Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo-led election committee.

“ Reports from the party structures across the 18 Local Government Areas’ 203 wards show that members of the ruling party conducted themselves in an organised and peaceful manner. Our members’ peaceful disposition is highly commendable.

“ The chapter expressed deep confidence in the emerged flag bear, His Excellency, Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa, to lead the party to victory during governorship election in November, 2024.

“It further affirmed the candidate’s capacity, judging from his wealth of experience in both private and public sectors, to ensure greater strides in the collective economic development aspirations for Ondo State.

“The state organ expressed appreciation to the security organs, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and all other stakeholders for making the exercise successful”, it stated.

Ekiti: Gov Oyebanji, Afe Babalola Say African Scholars Must Relate With Asian Counterparts On Technology Transfer

Ayodele Oni

April 30, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji and Founder Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD) have urged African scholars to understudy their counterparts from the Asian Countries on technology transfer tricks.

Both spoke at the first African-Asia Inter- Continental Universities’ Conference, held at the Afe Babalola University in Ado Ekiti.

The governor advocated for a solution- driven researches that are targeted at solving contemporary development challenges, particularly the living standard of Nigerians.

“There is no doubt that many Asian countries have recorded progress in the critical areas of human development indices and that African scholars and policy makers should learn from their successes and identify area of possible adaptation, for the good of our people.

“We need to learn technology transfer tricks from the Asians, especially China.

“I therefore want to challenge African intellectuals to understudy their Asian counterparts on the strategies that shifted Asian tigers from being techno-economic dependent nations to prosperous and techno-economic competitive nations that they have become.

“As a state that is well known to lead in the production of academic scholars across disciplines, our government will be willing to support credible research efforts that can enhance the standard of living of our people.

“We will be very delighted to benefit from research outcomes that can be adapted to solve our contemporary development challenges.”

The governor noted that Ekiti is well known for leading in producing scholars across discipline in the country, urging African intellectuals to understudy their Asian counterparts on the strategies that helped Asians shift from techno-economy dependent nation to prosperous techno-economic competitive nation.

Acknowledging that many Asian countries have recorded success in critical areas of human development, the Governor stressed the need for African scholars and policy makers to imitate Asians in their area of successes and identify possible areas of adaptation that would bring improvements to the country.

He said there is a need to learn technology transfer tricks from Asians as this would bring about socio-economic development, alleviate poverty, and make citizens economically productive.

The Governor added that there is also need to carry out researches on the critical success factors in the implementation of millennium development goals across different jurisdictions.

He urged African scholars to begin a longitudinal study of the current sustainable development goals that can help policy makers to take informed decisions on policy direction.

While commending the Afe Babalola University for hosting the first African-Asian inter-continental universities conference and for bringing the best of the world’s academics and researchers to Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji said the University is, no doubt, living to its aspiration of being a world-class university with local and global relevance.

He pledged the support of his government for credible researches efforts that would enhance the standard of living of the people and solve contemporary development challenges.

In his remarks, the Founder of the Afe Babalola University, Afe Babalola, who acknowledged China as leading in production industry, urged African leaders to leverage China’s expertise and resources particularly industry and science to drive growth and development across various sectors.

The foremost educationist expressed the readiness of his university to further collaborate with China and continued promotion of international scholarship that transcends immediate contiguities.

What PDP Needs To Win Ondo – Agboola Ajayi, Gets Certificate Of Return

Ayodele Oni

April 30, 2024

Agboola Ajayi Gets Certificate Of Return

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship Candidate, Agboola Ajayi, has said that part of his vision for Ondo State are growth, opportunity, and equity, where, every child has access to quality education; healthcare is affordable and accessible, and infrastructure supports economic growth and connectivity.

Ajayi stated this in a speech titled, “transitioning from ineffective leadership and flawed governance – a time to unite and work for the people,” during the presentation of certificate of return to him as the flag bearer of the PDP in the State.

The event was held on Tuesday at Wadata Plaza, PDP National Secretariat and attended by PDP’s Acting National Chairman, Umar Iliya Damagum and other members of the National Working Committee (NWC), as well as some members of the State Working Committee (SWC).

Ajayi, who added that he has accepted the responsibility to fly the PDP ticket, promised to work towards winning the November Guber election in the State.

“This election is a defining moment for us; It is about all of us coming together to chart a new course for Ondo State. It is about embracing our collective vision and aspirations for a better, more prosperous future, it therefore cannot be about me alone.

“The forthcoming November 16th Governorship election, presents us a unique opportunity to bring about real and sustainable development for the people of Ondo and the PDP, as the largest political party in Africa, is positioned to lead this transformational change.

“The challenges we face, from poverty to unemployment, insecurity and economic hardship require urgent and decisive action.

“We cannot afford to dwell on past mistakes or divisive rhetoric. Instead, we must focus on uniting to provide solutions that prioritize the well-being of our people and communities.

“I am committed to working tirelessly, in collaboration with all stakeholders and the good people of Ondo State, to deliver on our promises and bring about positive change. I believe in the power of unity, dialogue, and inclusiveness to overcome obstacles and forge a path towards progress.

“Let us seize this moment with optimism and determination. Let us campaign with integrity, focusing on the issues that matter most to our people and let us rally together, as one PDP family, to win the trust and support of every citizen in Ondo State.

“This address would not be complete without showing my sincere appreciation to the Chairman of the election committee H.E the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State Sen. Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo, and his team for setting good precedence and for teaching the APC that Internal Democracy exists and it is practiced by the PDP.

“I also thank the leadership of our Party, and all delegates for working round the clock and ensuring the process was smooth and transparent. I also thank the entire members and stakeholders of the PDP in Ondo State for reposing confidence in me to bear the flag of our party.”

FG Needs To Stop Power Sector Collapse With $10bn Annual Investment

James Orji

April 30, 2024

Adebayo Adelabu, Nigeria’s Minister of Power has warned that the federal government requires $10 billion annual investment in the power sector to stop it from collapse.

The minister made this known in Abuja, the nation’s capital at a one-day investigative hearing by the Senate committee on power.

The hearing was called by the Senate after Nigerians complained of the recent increase of electricity tariff in the country by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC.

The commission had recently increased the tariff by over 200 percent amidst serious complaints from many Nigerians that the action will further worsen their suffering, apart from the fact that businesses will be crippled as a result of it.

Amidst the tariff hike, not a few Nigerians insist that Adelabu should concentrate on fixing the problem of erratic power supply in the country, which has affected businesses and households who depend on electricity.

But speaking yesterday, Adelabu said the recent increase was borne out of making capital available for power operators in the country, saying more capital investment was required to turn the sector around.

If $10 billion is not invested yearly in the sector, it faced imminent collapsed, the minister said during the interaction with the Senate Committee led by Eyinaya Abaribe.

He explained that the investment was needed to attract investors to the sector, adding that the government cannot continue to pay subsidy which serves as disincentive to prospective investors.

Adelabu said, “For this sector to be revived, government need to spend nothing less than 10 billion dollars annually in the next 10 years.

”This is because of the Infrastructure requirement for the stability of the sector, but government can not afford that.

“And so we must make this sector attractive to investors and to lenders.

“So for us to attract investors and investment, we must make the sector attractive, and the only way it can be made attractive is that there must be commercial pricing,” he said.

“If the value is still at N66 and government is not paying subsidy, the investors will not come.

“But now that we have increased tariff for a Band, interest has been shown by investors.”

Fuel Scarcity: Tinubu Supporters Call For Kyari’s Sack

James Orji

April 30, 2024

A group, the Tinubu/Shettima Mandate Actualization Group has demanded the immediate sack of the Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, Mele Kolo Kyari over the current fuel scarcity in the country.

According to the group, the current fuel scarcity was aimed at discrediting the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu among Nigerians, noting that the problem is ill timed.

The fuel scarcity, the group further stated has worsen the suffering of Nigerians after the removal of fuel subsidy. They put the blame on the chief executive of the government-controlled oil corporation, Kyari.

The group made its position on the matter known in a statement issued on Monday stating that kyari did not prepare for the ongoing maintenance of refineries in Europe, the cause of the current scarcity in the country.

NNPLC should have stocked up enough fuel in anticipation of what is happening in Europe, the group said, adding that the ongoing fuel scarcity is capable of fueling more anti-Tinubu sentiment in the country.

Part of the statement said: “The scarcity is coming at a time when Nigerians are still struggling to adjust to the reality of the Petroleum Motor Spirit subsidy removal and depreciation of the Naira, which has resulted in a general increase in the prices of goods. Despite the recent appreciation of the Naira, marketers have refused to cut down the prices of their products.

“The ongoing scarcity will certainly add to the burden of inflation as the cost of transportation has already risen by over 100% in the areas assessed. The resultant effect will lead to hunger in the land as most families can no longer fend for themselves.

“We are particularly sad that the Mele Kolo Kyari-led NNPCL, which is the sole importer of the product promised Nigerians that the Port Harcourt Refinery would be ready in March 2024, the month has come and gone. The Nigerian Senate, disturbed by the plights of Nigerians visited the Refinery for inspection and informed Nigerians that the facility would be ready by December. The inability of Kyari to meet up with the timeline of the revamping of the industry despite adequate funding ought to have resigned or be sacked, if we are serious as a country.

“The ongoing Scarcity is attributed to the ongoing turnaround maintenance of refineries across Europe. This didn’t come without notice. A serious regulator or business ought to have stocked a large volume of products that will sustain Nigerians throughout this dark period. This, like other incidents, has proven the administrative weakness of Mr Kyari-led NNPCL.

“We need to remind President Tinubu that Naira confiscation wasn’t the only strategy deployed by his adversaries in the last administration to frustrate his ambition, fuel scarcity was also a veritable tool deployed. For the significant part of 2022 through early 2023, Nigerians lived with the scourge of Scarcity, yet, we were convinced to mobilize our people to vote for you.

“While Emefiele is facing the music of his actions and evil against Nigerians, we are sad that Mr President decided to reward Mele Kyari with an extended appointment. How can one man cause your ambassadors, your compatriots who love, trust and respect you to want to go against you?

“Given these circumstances, one is compelled to ask if Mr President believes Nigerians are second fiddle to Mele Kyari. It is on the strength of the above that we wish to call on Mr President to urgently sack and investigate the activities of Mr Kyari-led NNPCL to build Nigeria’s trust in government.

“If this problem is not resolved in 7 days, we will have no option but to call Nigerians out to peacefully occupy our streets until normalcy and enduring solutions are preferred in the oil and gas sector and continue to call for sack, arrest and investigation of Kyari for subjecting millions of Nigerians to undeserving sufferings,” the group said.

Kyari was reappointed as the chief executive of the oil company by President Tinubu last September.

Crypto Scam: CBN Stops New Opay, Moniepoint Customers

Tosin Olatokunbo

April 30, 2024

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has directed Opay, Moniepoint, Kuda and other microfinance banks from registering new customers.

The order was part of the ongoing efforts by the apex bank to stop the manipulation of the naira through these platforms.

They are also accused of using their platforms to funnel cryptocurrency, according to various sources in the CBN who spoke on anonymity.

The magazine reports that the Yemi Cardoso led CBN had recently clampdown on those manipulating the exchange rate of the naira, including the arrest of some top executives of virtual assets service providers, VASPs in the country.

The online bank service providers have already intimated their customers of the directive form the regulator.

“Hello! We’ve temporarily paused new sign-ups on our platform. This means that you’ll be unable to open a new account at the moment. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause,” Moniepoint said in a message to prospective customers.

NNPCL Counter Marketers; Promises To Clear Fuel Queues In 24 Hours

Tosin Olatokunbo

April 30, 2024

Amidst the current petrol scarcity in the country the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, has promised to end the problem within 24 hours.

The assurance comes on the heels of warning from petrol marketers in the country that the current scarcity would last for at least two weeks.

The harrowing experience facing Nigerians on how to get petrol, the oil company said would end by Wednesday, as it plans to end the long queues.

The fuel scarcity which started in Abuja, the nation’s capital has spread across the major cities in the country as the price of the product has now hit the roof tops.

Not a few Nigerians say they have to sleep in filling stations in other to be able to buy petrol which now sells for N800 per litre on the average.

To make the situation worst, some fillings stations have locked up even though some of them are said to be in full stock of petrol.

The NNPCL however said the ongoing fuel scarcity will become a thing of the past on April 31.

Olufemi Soneye, NNPCL Chief Communications Officer, who spoke in Lagos yesterday stated that there is enough product in stock to last the country for 30 days.

He said the company currently has in stock petrol exceeding 1.5 billion litres, which can last for at least a month, stressing that the current distortion was as a result of logistic problem, that’s now being resolved.

Some unscrupulous person, he said, are capitalizing on the current situation to fleece Nigerians, promising that the problem would be resolved in hours.

“The lines will be cleared out between today and tomorrow,” Soneye said.

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