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Ondo Governorship: Gov Aiyedatiwa Declares Interest, Says He’s Next Annoited Governor

March 12, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Tuesday officially declared intention to run for the governorship of the state.

Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) has fixed November 17 for the governorship election, while primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to elect its flagbearer will hold in April.

Aiyedatiwa became governor of the state in December last year following the demise of former governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

He is expected to complete the second term tenure of Akeredolu in February, next year.

Aiyedatiwa re echoed what he termed wish of the late governor, which was “that I succeed him, not in death though, as the next Governor of the State.”

“He was a courageous and visionary leader who had no time for pretence and so he expressed this wish at different fora in both public and private.

“All was with one conviction and implicit confidence in me to carry on the torch of accelerated development which he lighted first in 2017 and later renewed under a joint ticket for both of us in the 2021 gubernatorial election.”

He highlighted various achievements of the administration since his assumption of office which he said has brought back the people’s confidence in the administration.

“All these combined have quickly restored the confidence of our people in the administration, a confidence that was earlier eroded by the inordinate quest of anti- democracy elements.

“Today, I have come before you in response to the popular yearnings and aspirations of our people to sustain this path of progress and development in the State.

Our people and party faithfuls, through multi-dimensional platforms, have expressed their desire for the continuity of this administration beyond 2025.

“The trajectory of my experiences in governance as former Representative of Ondo State on the Board of NDDC, one-time Deputy Governor, and three times Acting Governor under our late sage and now the incumbent Governor of Ondo State are is too material to be wished away!

“The poser therefore is whether or not to respect the people’s yearnings for sustainable good governance they have enjoyed in the last seven years.

“The people of Ondo State must not suddenly find themselves in Egypt. Never!Today, I stand before you in all humility and with a fierce commitment to the greatness of our Sunshine State.

“I offer myself, in difference to your popular yearnings and upon wide consultations, not just to run the race, but to be the candidate of our great party, APC in the 2024 gubernatorial election.

“I have a clear agenda to sustain Ondo State on the path of glory and development. Life must be more meaningful to our people

“My mission would focus on key developmental issues to alleviate poverty, banish hunger and make Ondo State self-sustaining.

My development agenda is to emplace a State Economic Empowerment Development Strategy (SEEDS). Under SEEDS, we would harmonize all plans for economic development.

“The strategy of this MISSION is to birth policies aimed at wealth creation, employment generation, sustenance of high standard of living and consequently eradicate poverty among the people.

Aside Aiyedatiwa, other aspirants including Olusola Oke, who is vying for the third time, Wale Akinterinwa, former Finance Commissioner in late Akeredolu’s government and Isaacs Kekemeke among others have lined up for the APC ticket.

Jigawa Establishes 500 Ramadan Feeding Centres

The Source

March 12, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

In its determination to mitigate the present economic hardship on its citizens, particularly during this holy month of Ramadan, the Jigawa state Government has listed about 500 feeding centres across the state .

The Feeding (breaking of fast centres) operation began on Monday, March 11, 2024, to the end of the Ramadan in 30 days time, according to a statement issued by Hajiaya Zainab Rabo Ringim,the Special Assistant Media to Governor Umar Namadi .

The feeding programme which will allow the people to break their fast stress free ,is coming on the heels of the State Government’s distribution of 150,000 bags of rice ,150,000 bags of maize and 100 000 cartons of noodles across the 27 local council of the state last week.

No fewer than 5 million residents are targeted by the Ramadan feeding programme.

Governor Namadi while acknowledging that government at all levels are conscious of the excruciating economic situation in the country, however assured that there is an end in sight .

He appealed to the people to remain patient and prayerful, assuring that the harsh economic situation will soon be over as government at all levels are working hard to re jig the economy.

“Our mission is to support the citizens ,with a view to reducing the hardship ,particularly in this trying period of 2024 Ramadan fasting .

Government will continue to provide various means of support to the poor and vulnerable members of the society to improve their lives” Governor Namadi stated

The Commissioner for Special Duties, Alhaji Auwalu Sankara, while appreciating Governor Namadi for his passion for assisting the poor and vulnerable residents through various interventionist schemes, assured that his ministry would ensure a regime of transparency in distributing the food items.

LAHA Urges Governor Sanwo-Olu To Employ More Neighbourhood Watch Officers Over Spate Of Insecurity In The Country

Akinwale Kasali

March 12, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State House of Assembly has urged Governor Babajide Sanwo- Olu to take drastic action on the spate of kidnapping spreading across some States of the federation by employing personnels in the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, LNSC, to effectively assist other security agencies.

The House also commended President Bola Tinubu for his favourable disposition to the issue of State Police just as it praised the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for raising a voice and advocating for capital punishments as a deterrent.

The issue which was discussed under ‘Matter of Urgent Public Importance’ followed the recent kidnapping of about 280 children in Kaduna, the about 102 kidnapped in Borno and 15 kidnapped in Sokoto recently.

Noting that the case of the Chibok girls was yet to abate, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker, said it was very important for every Nigerian to rise up and speak against kidnapping just as he sympathised with affected states and families of victims.

Obasa said it was painful that while parents struggle to send their children to school to seek knowledge, “evil people in the name of kidnappers are hell-bent on destroying the future of the children

“It is very important for all of us to rise up and find a lasting solution. Security is very essential in every given society and if we fail to protect lives, then what do we have as responsibility?

“We must commend our First Lady for being bold and coming out and even talking about capital punishment.”

The Speaker commended the military for its effort, but said more can be done even if it means relocating to areas where these attacks are frequent.

He recalled the situation that necessitated the enactment of the anti-kidnapping law of Lagos State some years ago urging the National Assembly to review existing laws relating to kidnapping and expedite action on state police.

The Deputy Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Adedamola Richard Kasunmu, said it is necessary at this time to call on governors and speakers of states to act regarding related legislation.

In their contributions, Hon. Tobun Abiodun and Nureni Akinsanya commended the Speaker for raising the issue while noting that Lagos is gradually experiencing cases of kidnappings.

Their colleague, Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh, suggested the establishment of special courts to try alleged kidnappers and speed up trial processes while Hon. Abiodun Orekoya urged the military to employ technology in their surveillance.

Meanwhile, the Lawmakers congratulated Muslims in Nigeria as the Ramadan commences.

Obasa urged those who have to share with those in need. He urged Muslims to pray for peace and the country while encouraging Nigerians to show love to one another irrespective of religious beliefs.

Budget Padding: You Are On Your Own, Northern Senators Hit Ningi

James Orji

March 12, 2024

Budget Padding: Northern Senators throw Ningi Under The Bus, Support Tinubu

Northern Senators, under the aegis of Northern Senators Forum has disowned Senator Ahmed Abdul Ningi over his claim that the federal government was implementing a different version of the 2024 Budget.

Senator Ningi had at the weekend told BBC Hausa Service that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was not implementing this year’s budget passed by the National Assembly last December.

The senator who’s the Senate Minority Leader also accused the federal government of shortchanging the North in the budget which he claimed favoured the south.

The presidency has pushed back stating that the federal government is currently implementing the N28.5 trillion passed by the Assembly.

The controversy has divided the Senate which is billed to meet today to discuss the matter.

Reacting on Monday, some Northern Senators said Senator Ningi was on his own on the matter. They added that Ningi is trying to play divisive politics, and they are not with him.

The senators include Iyal Abbas from Adamawa, Ibrahim Bomoi from Yobe, Abdullahi Yar’ Adua, and four others, who said the remark of Senator Ningi who is the Chairman of the Forum, on the Budget, did not represent their position.

The senators who spoke to journalists yesterday said, “We, the undersigned on behalf of the Senators from the 19 Northern States and the FCT, under the aegis of Northern Senators Forum (NSF), hereby state that Senator Ahmed Abdul Ningi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP, Bauchi Central), who also happens to be the chairman of our forum, was on his own in the claims he made on the BBC Hausa Service on the 2024 budget.

“As such, the view he expressed was his personal opinion, sentiment and unfortunately skewed, incorrect and misleading.

“There was never a time where we held a meeting and mandated Senator Ningi to address the press on the said matter.

“The budget was presented to the National Assembly during a joint session of the two chambers – Senate and House of Representatives – by President Bola Tinubu on November 29, 2023, in line with the requirement of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Both chambers of the National Assembly diligently and meticulously debated, processed and passed the proposal of the President. And satisfied with it, the President assented to it.

“It is clear that Mr President presented a budget of N27. 5 trillion to the National Assembly and the Assembly passed a budget of N28.7 trillion based on the need to make increases or decreases in the appropriations of the various MDAs, which is in tandem with the legislative powers of the National Assembly in order to address critical projects and services across various sectors.

“Therefore, the statement made by Senator Ningi that the 2024 budget presented to the National Assembly by Mr President was the sum of N25 trillion was not correct and that should not be taken as the position of the Northern Senators Forum.

“To the best of our knowledge, there was no budget padding whatsoever that was done to the 2024 budget.

“The assertion by Senator Ningi that certain things were done to the bill is his personal opinion. It is not the view of the generality of us, the Northern Senators.

“Hence, we strongly and collectively dissociate ourselves from his action which was grossly unparliamentary.

“That, we, the Northern Senators are solidly behind President Bola Tinubu and we will continue to support him to succeed in addressing the challenges facing our country.

“Nigeria, at this particular moment, does not need ethnic sentiments but collaborations of all to bring prosperity to our beloved country, the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“We will continue to work with our brothers and sisters from the southern part of the country to move our country forward for the benefit of all and sundry,” the senators added.

Electricity Infrastructure Vandals, Thieves Face Death Penalty

James Orji

March 12, 2024

Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu says the federal government has proposed the death penalty for those who sabotaged the countries power infrastructure.

Adelabu made this known while addressing chief executives of departments and agencies under his ministry on Monday.

The minister said the law would soon be sent to the National Assembly for approval.

Recall that the minister recently blamed the epileptic power supply in the country on vandals and thieves, who he said were destroying power infrastructure.

For these set of persons, Adelabu said capital punishment will not be too much for sabotaging the country, stressing that their activities have frustrated the efforts of the Federal Government in ensuring improved supply of electricity, adding that they are dragging the rest of Nigerians backward.

Adelabu who said the policy framework will be sent to the National Assembly before the end of this month said the vandals deserves to die because they ‘are killing the economy,” adding that the ministry is currently working with the ‘National Security Agency,’ NSA, to ensure that the plan materialized.

“Capital punishment is not too much because they are also gradually killing the nation. They are killing the economy. They are killing the people,” Adelabu said.

CBN: Finally, Senate Probes N30trn Borrowed By Buhari From Apex Bank

James Orji

March 12, 2024

CBN: Senate Probes N30trn Ways and Means

Godswill Akpabio, Nigeria’s Senate President has urged the ad hoc committee set up to investigate the N30 trillion Ways and Means under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to be thorough in the work, saying this is not the time for frivolities.

Akpabio gave the order on Monday while inaugurating the committee at the Senate Chamber in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Recall that the former administration had borrowed over N30 trillion form the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN under the Ways and Means, thus steering condemnation among Nigerians that President Buhari and Godwin Emefiele, abused the CBN Act.

The Act specified that federal government should not borrow more than five percent of the yearly budget form the apex bank.

That apparently was not what happened under Buhari who estimated to have borrowed N30 trillion from the CBN.

THE Ways and Mean under Buhari has been blamed for the current inflation in the country, because more money was printed under the administration without commensurate production.

Recently too, Akpabio had blamed the former President for destroying the nation’s economy.

Speaking yesterday, the Senate President said the committee had a huge task in their hands, saying they should work for the common good of the country.

He said the outcome of the probe will stop further abuse of the Ways and means in the future, adding that whatever they do must be in the interest of the country, stressing that whatever the committee is doing should not be driven by personal interest.

According to Akpabio, “By working harmoniously, we can ensure that the Ways and Means in Nigeria are managed prudently, efficiently, and in accordance with the law.

“Moreover, confidentiality is paramount to your work. The information and data we gather during our investigations are sensitive and must be handled with the utmost care and discretion.

“Adhering to strict protocols will ensure the security and integrity of the information you uncover.

“In carrying out your mandate, it is imperative that you engage with relevant stakeholders, experts, and organizations.

“Their valuable insights and perspectives will strengthen the credibility and comprehensiveness of your findings and recommendations.”

Few weeks to the end of his administration, former President Buhari had asked the Senate to approve over N22 trillion he borrowed from the CBN.

But records however showed that what the administration borrowed from the apex bank was as much as N30 trillion.

Tinubu Begs Govs To Pay New Minimum Wage

James Orji

March 12, 2024

President Bola Tinubu has appealed to 36 State governors in the country to implement the new minimum wage to reduce the hardship on the citizens.

President Tinubu made the appeal in Niger state at the flag-off of the agricultural mechanization revolution for food security and the commissioning of the remodelled domestic terminal of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport on Monday.

The organized Labour in the country had proposed over N709,000 as minimum wage while the federal government has offered N30,000 for the public work force.

The Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC said last week that the N709,000 is comensurate with the current economic realities in the country.

Some states governments have yet to implement the last minimum wage of N18,000 per worker, fueling fear that such states may not be able to pay the approved N30,000 wage.

Speaking yesterday, Tinubu said the poverty in the country would be alleviated if sub-nationals could pay the new wage to their workers.

The president also stated that the paying the new wage will not lead to inflation in the country as being contemplated by some analysts.

Tinubu said: “If all of you, the sub-nationals have been paying the wages award, pending the determination of the new salary wage. Let all the states start paying the wages award. Whatever they are taking now plus the wage award would relieve the public.

“Please, I am not giving an order, I am appealing to you states, start paying the wages awards, let everyone start paying it. It is a relief to the people. The mechanism is the fact that it won’t be inflationary if we announce the new salary wage in a few weeks or months, they would have gotten used to the basic wages of N30,000 plus the wages award, and it will have a dampening effect on the market. Please get sub-nationals together and NEC should adopt this.”

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Governors Forum, NGF, has rejected the new minimum wage proposed by the country’s labour union.

NANS Demands Probe Of Ajaokuta Steel Company, Constitution Of Management Structure

Ayodele Oni

March 11, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The National Association of Nigerian Students, (NANS) has tasked President Bola Tinubu’s government to beam its searchlight on the Ajaokuta Steel Company mismanagement, with a view to identify those behind looting of the venture.

NANS, expressed concerns about alleged misconduct in Ajaokuta Steel Company and urged President Tinubu to order a thorough investigation into reported the alleged mismanagement.

“Having a Sole Administrator for the past 12 years to oversee a public and national company like Ajaokuta Steel is not good enough.

“This gives room for corruption in the sense that there will be no one else to check the excesses of the Sole Administrator and this may give him/her an ample chance to steal.”

In a statement on Monday signed by NANS Universal President, Lucky Emonefe, the association vowed not to back down on fights of this peculiarity, especially one that is against the tenets of financial accountability and transparency.

‘’If there are individuals or group of individuals protecting the corrupt managers of the Ajaokuta Steel Company and hereby shielding them from any form of probe and judgement, it simply means that they are beneficiaries of the ill-gotten proceeds of the mismanagement.”

The student body implored the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices & Other related Offences Commission (ICPC) to stand their ground against every form of intimidation or shielding, as they probe and investigate mismanagement in Ajaokuta Steel Company.

NAN advised that ‘’While the revamping of this company is going on, the probing of these culprits should aggressively continue.

“Both can go concurrently, and one will not affect another. As a matter of fact, the probing is an essential part of the revamping because investigators and other Stakeholders may discover in the course of probing that some bad eggs are still on the management and staff of this Steel Company.

“With these probes, many unveilings will take place, giving way to a holistic revitalization and resuscitation of the Ajaokuta Steel Company.

‘’This is simply because if these offenders are brought to book, it will serve as a deterrent to others who are aspiring to steal from the company as soon as it starts operation again.

“Bringing them to book will help the company grow in the sense that the money recovered from these offenders would be pumped back into the company and it will give it a higher lift in every sense.”

The students body commended the president and national assembly for their commitment to ensure that the steel company survive.

“The leadership of National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, the umbrella body with over 50million members across the nation, wants to sincerely appreciate H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for the humongous effort he has put into the development of the Ajaokuta Steel Company and National Iron Ore Mining Company, Itakpe, since he assumed office.

“From history, apart from the Shehu Shagari era, this will be the first time that this company would be having this kind of unusual support from the Federal Government. This is highly commendable.

“We also want to appreciate the office of the Senate President, Distinguished Senator Godswill Obot AKPABIO, CON, for his huge and tireless efforts in making sure that this company comes back on its feet and deliver the purpose with which it was founded. All his efforts are seen and they won’t go unappreciated.”

SSANU Urges President Tinubu To Salvage Nation’s Economy

Akinwale Kasali

March 11, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, has urged President Bola Tinubu to address the Nation’s economic woes.

SSANU said that if the President fails to address the situation, it has already began the mobilisation for the seven-day warning strike beginning on March 18 over a four-month unpaid salaries.

It also called on the Federal Government to review its economic policies and make amends where necessary before the situation becomes irredeemable.

At the 47th National Executive Council, NEC, held at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, it lamented the economic slide in the country, and predicted that if not addressed, it may aggravate insecurity and other social vices.

A communique read by the National President of SSANU, Mohammed Ibrahim stated: “NEC in session observes with grave concern the sliding economy that is hardly witnessing any steady growth.

“The national currency has been grossly devalued amid a volatile exchange rate. Inflation and unemployment rates are dangerously increasing, thereby further fuelling the unabated cost of living to unprecedented and unbearable levels.

“This trend, without doubt, is a gateway to insecurity and other social vices. NEC, therefore, calls on the Government to urgently arrest this terrible and unbearable situation by introducing sound economic policies aimed at revamping this critically dysfunctional economy before it degenerates to an irredeemable level.”

SSANU’s NEC also deliberated on the withheld four months’ salaries the President Bola Tinubu had approved to be paid to university based unions.

According to SSANU, some mischievous elements in Tinubu’s Government were bent on pitching the Union against themselves, a situation he warned may not augur well for industrial harmony being enjoyed within the sector.

It said, “The National Executive Council (NEC) in session seriously frowns at the latest action of Government which excluded SSANU and other non-teaching university-based unions from the payment of the four months withheld salaries arising from the nationwide strike action embarked upon by all unions in our public Universities.

“ While SSANU is not averse to the payment of the withheld salary to our sister union ASUU, it however views this action as a clear violation and breach of the post-strike agreement with the Government on non-victimisation of our members who participated in the strike.

“We strongly oppose this discriminatory practice which we view as Government’s open invitation to industrial crisis. Credible information available to us has it that the directive of Mr. President is for all university-based unions to be paid four months’ salary.

“NEC, therefore, suspects saboteurs in this government bent on destabilizing and destroying the good intent of Mr. President towards sustaining industrial peace in the University system.

“NEC in session, therefore, calls on the relevant authorities of Government to immediately implement the directive of Mr. President by paying our members the four months withheld salaries, failing which NEC has approved a one-week warning strike in conjunction with our sister Union in JAC, NASU.”

The SSANU President announced that all the branches have commenced mobilisation of their members for the March 18 warning strike, threatening that all offices, lecture halls among others would be under lock and key.

The seven-day warning strike is expected to commence immediately after the Joint Action Committee, JAC, comprising SSANU and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, NASU, ratify the date this week.

Buhari Ask Nigerians To Endure Hardship, Hails Tinubu, Says Nigeria Is A Complex Country To Govern

Akinwale Kasali

March 11, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has showered encomiums on President Bola Tinubu for managing the country thus far.

Buhari said that despite the complexity of the country, President Tinubu has been able to manage and salvage the situation.

Buhari said this when he received the Comptroller General and members of the management team of the Nigeria Customs Service in Daura, Katsina State.

According to Buhari, governing Nigeria is a tough job for anyone.

He noted that President Tinubu has performed well since getting into office, despite the economic hardship experienced by Nigerians across the country.

The former President asked Nigerians to endure the economic hardship in the country and support the policies and programmes of the current administration.

He said, “I thank you very much for coming. I very much appreciate it. I think Tinubu has done very well.

“Nigeria is so complex. Really, there isn’t much anybody can do,” he added.

Recall that economic hardship has spiked in Nigeria since Buhari left office on May 29, 2023.

Meanwhile, on the inauguration day, Tinubu declared that his administration would no longer pay subsidy for fuel.

His decision made the price of the Premium Motor Spirit rise from N185 to over N600.

Tinubu’s government’s financial reforms also saw the Naira embark on a continuous free fall against the dollar after the Central Bank of Nigeria floated the currency to move towards market-determined rates.

This action led to the instability of the Naira against the dollar in the market, making it sell for between N1,400 and N1,900.

Against this background, Nigerians led by organised labour have protested across the country in recent weeks to revolt against the worsening prevailing circumstances that have sent more Nigerians below the poverty level.

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