Hunger: Customs Makes U-turn; To Now Sell Seized Rice To Nigerians

By

-

February 23, 2024

Wale Adeniyi, the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, NCS, has explained the modalities for the sharing of seized goods to Nigerians.

The magazine reports that the NCS promised to distribute some impounded commodities to Nigerians as part of its collaborative effort with the federal government to reduce hunger in the country due to the hike in the price of goods and essential households’ commodities.

Not a few Nigerians were happy following the announcement, because of the relief they thought they would get from receiving the goods.

They are now disappointed after the customs boss said the goods would now be sold to Nigerians.

According to Adeniyi, the impounded good would now be auctioned at cheaper rates at designated Customs Area Commands across the country to some categories of Nigerians who need them.

The Customs boss said, “The target groups included artisans, teachers, nurses, religious bodies, and other Nigerians within our operational areas.

“The intention is to reach out directly to members through these organised structures to ensure the maximum impact of this exercise,” Adeniyi added.

“It is imperative that beneficiaries of this exercise understand that the items are not to be resold. We take a strong stance against any form of profiteering or exploitation of this initiative.

“We urge Nigerians to report any incidents of misuse or unauthorised resale of the seized food items,” he said.

“We will not hesitate to take decisive action against any individuals or entities found to be in violation of the terms of this program,” the customs asserted.

“We are here to shed light on the commitment of the NCS to protecting our society by ensuring the availability of essential food items. In recent months, the government has been addressing the challenges faced within our economy.”

Cooking Gas: FG Meets IOCs On Price, Stops Export

By

Tosin Olatokunbo

-

February 23, 2024

0

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) Ekperikpe Ekpo, says the federal government is considering halting the export of gas in other to ensure local sufficiency.

The minister spoke following the high cost of cooking gas across the country, blamed on the insufficient supply of the product by marketers.

For instance, a 12.5 kilogramme cylinder is now sold for N14,000, in most part of the country while marketers of the product have predicted a potential hike in price to as much as N18,000 before the middle of the year.

Not a few Nigerians insist that they should enjoy the benefit of the country as one of the major gas producers in the world.

Majority of Nigerians use gas for domestic and commercial cooking.

Following the high cost of Kerosene in the few years ago, many Nigerians migrated to gas for their domestic and commercial cooking, particularly after the government said it would subsidize the price for gas to make it affordable for Nigerians.

Obviously, that has not happened as the price of gas has now gone beyond the affordability of not a few Nigerians who are have been forced to seek other means.

Ekpo said in Abuja yesterday that the government has directed LPG producers to stop exporting gas as part of the key decisions to mitigate the high cost of the commodity.

The minister also some international oil companies such as Mobil, Shell and Chevron are currently interfacing with the federal government on how to bring the price of cooking gas down.

He said: “On the issue of LPG (cooking gas), we are interacting with the critical sectors to ensure that there is no exportation of LPG. All LPG produced within the country will have to be domesticated. And when this is done, the volume will increase and, of course, the price will automatically crash.

“I’m in contact with the regulator, NMDPRA, we have meetings almost on a daily basis and with the producers of the gas like Mobil, Chevron and Shell. So there is that hope that things will turn around.

“And that is also why we are having this engagement to know exactly what the problems are, so that we can address them once and for all.”

Tinubu Adamant, Says No Going Back On Fuel Subsidy Removal, Naira Floating

By

Tosin Olatokunbo

-

February 23, 2024

0

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has insisted that the economic reforms embarked upon by his administration is the best for the country, and there is no going back.

The made this known in Aso Villa, Abuja, the nation’s capital on Thursday at a meeting with a delegation from the Corporate Council on Africa, CCA led by Florizelle Liser.

This is contained in a statement issued by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity.

Recall that some reforms introduced by President Tinubu, such as the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the Naira, amongst other policies have brought untold hardship to not a few Nigerians who are now calling for their reversal.

Experts have blamed the two policies, which they considered not well thought out to be behind the current economic hardship, particularly the high cost of food and other essential commodities in the country.

in their reactions, hundred of Nigerians have moved to the street in protest in the last few days, calling on the administration to intervene.

The Organised Labour under the aegis of the Nigerian Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, are on the verge of embarking on a strike in less than two weeks to express their dissatisfaction with the situation of things in the country.

In spite of the outburst among Nigerians, the president has insisted that the policies would turn the country around economically.

Tinubu was quoted to have said: “We are right in the middle of a challenging stage of our reforms. We have headwinds, no doubt, but we are not going back.

“We are challenged, and we believe we will overcome the challenges. I have a can-do attitude that must be translated into a must-do attitude. We have a good team, and we must remain focused to get the goal accomplished.”

Obi Faults Arbitrary Arrest Of Abure

By

The Source

-

February 22, 2024

0

The main Opposition voice in the Country and the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi has decried the rude and discourteous manner the Nigeria Police operatives handled the arrest of the Labour Party National Chairman, Bar Julius Abure on Wednesday in Edo State.

Obi said that there could have been a better way to handle this to show we are civilized and in a democracy.

Writing in his X handle platform the LP standard bearer said “Like many Nigerians, I observed the distasteful national television news reports detailing the humiliating arrest of the National Chairman of the Labour Party, Barrister Julius Abure, earlier today in Benin City, Edo state.

“Throughout my roles as a private individual, public figure, Governor, and Presidential candidate, I consistently advocated for the paramount importance of upholding the rule of law in any sane society.

“I firmly believe that, as citizens, we are all duty-bound irrespective of our status in society to respond to invitations from properly constituted authority.

“My stance on this matter remains unwavering but does not explain watching the distressing image of our National Chairman lying on the ground in the name of arrest.

“This act is undesirable and unequivocally intolerable and must be condemned by any decent and civilized mind within the context of our present civic landscape in Nigeria.

“These deplorable actions epitomize the pinnacle of rascality and serve to egregiously tarnish the already delicate perception of our nation as one plagued by lawlessness. Such behaviour must be not only denounced but also actively addressed to uphold the principles of justice and respect within our society.

“Regarding the circumstances surrounding Mr. Abure’s arrest, it is crucial to emphasize that while constitutional authorities must be allowed to execute their statutory functions, officers must adhere to due process and established arrest procedures, embody civility, decorum, respect for the dignity and rights of citizens, and, above all, the presumption of innocence.

“It is crucial to emphasize that as a leader within the Labour Party, Mr. Abure represents, both personally and statutorily, as the incumbent Chairman of the LP, the face of political opposition in Nigeria. It is imperative to reiterate that no pretext or subterfuge should be employed to stifle Nigeria’s political opposition. Therefore, I urge that he should be granted bail based on his status while the investigation continues. – PO”

Governor Makinde Faults Senate President, Akpabio On N30 Billion Largesse To States

By

Ayodele Oni

-

February 22, 2024

0

By Ayodele Oni

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, has faulted statement credited to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio that the Federal government through the Federal Inland Revenue, (FIRS) gave N30 billion to each state for food security.

Makinde, who is vice chairman Nigeria Governors’ Forum, (NGF) maintained that by virtue of his position, he could speak for himself and other governors in the country that no such money was disbursed to any State.

He maintained that nothing like that transpired between states and FIRS and that the statement was a mere propaganda.

Makinde, who spoke in Iseyin area of Oyo State on Thursday, during the commissioning of the renovated Central Mosque, wondered why the President of the Senate would rely on an unconfirmed report.

Makinde stated that the FIRS cannot give any money to any state, and that all revenues go directly into the federation account where allocations are given to all the tiers of government.

Godswill Akpabio - Senate President — Godswill Akpabio

“I can speak for Oyo State and I can also speak for any of my colleagues because as the Vice Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum, I know when things happen. And if we want to play politics, we will keep quiet and say let it slide, but we are not going to let this slide.

“First, FIRS cannot give any money to any state, it is not possible. All revenue accruing to our country goes into the federation account and it is distributed to all the tiers of government.

“The federal government does not give money to the states, the money in the federation account belong to all of us, and it is not only to the federal government.

“If the Senate President, the number three citizen in this country would rely on unverified report, people are looking at us as leaders.

“This is the period we are supposed to give confidence to our people, it is not the time to start playing politics and to start looking for scape goat.

“We need to engage with our people, if our policies are not working, we need to listen to them and amend.

“If the number three citizen says this is an unverified report, why does he need to say it then, does that gives confidence to our people or does it solve the problem of hunger and anger in our land?

“Let me say it clearly, for Oyo State and my colleagues, there is nothing like N30b being given for food security to the states and I stand to be challenged.”

Outbreak Of Lassa Fever Kills Personnel In Military Hospital, Kaduna

By

Ayodele Oni

-

February 22, 2024

0

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of three of its medical personnel in one of the medical facilities in Kaduna state.

The deceased personnel reportedly had contact with a lassa fever patient referred to the medical facility from outside.

The director of army public relations, Onyema Nwachukwu who confirmed this in a statement on Thursday explained that the suspected index patient was managed, but subsequently died two weeks ago at the hospital.

The statement reads : “The attention of the Nigerian Army has been dawn to public concern and apprehension resulting from a leaked correspondence by its medical experts over a suspected outbreak of what presents as Viral Hemorrhagic disease aka Lassa Fever, in one of its medical facilities in Kaduna State.

“While it is yet unclear what we are actually dealing with, the Nigerian Army wishes to confirm that there was indeed some suspicion of what presented as acute Viral Hemorrhagic disease in the Accident and Emergency unit of the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna (NARHK), which has resulted in the death of a couple of its medical staff serving in the hospital.

“In line with best practice in managing such a situation, contact tracing to what is believed to be the index case has been made to a non-military patient who was referred to 44 NARHK from a peripheral medical facility.

“The suspected index patient was managed but subsequently died two weeks ago in the hospital. Sadly, three medical staff of the hospital that had direct contact with the suspected index case have also died within the past 48 hours.

“In response to the suspected outbreak, directives have been passed that Prevention Control (IPC) measures in and around all military health care facilities in Kaduna be stepped up as part of measures to curtail further spread and loss of lives.

“In this wise, all medical staff of the hospital, their family members and other patients on the contact tracing list have commenced appropriate management and so far nothing of concern has been observed.

“Furthermore, the entire hospital facility has been disinfected, while immediate closure and evacuation of the Accident and Emergency ward of the 44 NARHK has been ordered to allow for thorough fumigation, decontamination and emplacement of other measures of Infection Prevention Control (IPC) .

“As a responsive and responsible organization, the Nigerian Army has also escalated the development to other relevant national and state agencies.

“As of the time of this statement, samples have been taken from suspected contacts and the deceased and sent to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) laboratory in Kano for analysis. Similarly, the Kaduna state Epidemiologists have been invited to help in unraveling the unfolding development.

“It is imperative to point out, that the Nigerian Army as part of its civil-military relations welfare scheme offers medical services to civilians in its host communities.

“Thus, about 500 civilians receive medical attention weekly at 44NARHK. This unfortunate development is only a setback in our efforts to give back to the society and will not stop the Nigerian Army from continuing this moral obligation to the host communities.

“As of now, all Nigerian Army medical facilities in Kaduna and environs have been put at alert on the need to emplace necessary IPC measures and closely monitor patients, staff and family members.

“The Nigerian Army urges members of the general public to not panic, as adequate measures have already been put in place to contain the suspected outbreak.

“It equally assures that its collaboration with all relevant stakeholders is open, transparent and in tandem with international best practice.”

Any Movement Of Goods On Nigeria-Niger Republic Border Remain Prohibited – Nigeria Customs

By

The Source

-

February 22, 2024

0

By Daniel Maduka

The Nigeria Customs has warned against the use of the Nigeria/ Niger border by Nigerians for any conceivable business transactions, whether legitimate and or illegal.

The Coordinator of Customs Joint Border Patrol Team North West Zone Comptroller Kola Oladdeji who dropped the warning at an interactive session with the Media in Kano on Thursday February 22 2024 ,said movements of goods along the Niger- Nigeria border now that it has been closed by Nigeria in difference to the resolution of the Economic Community Of West African States ECOWAS, amounts to not only an economic sabotage ,but a big national Security risk .

Oladeji spoke on the heels of the seizure by the men of the Joint Border Patrol of a 40 feet truck laden with suspected substandard Indonesia made soap while being smuggled in to the country from the Niger- Nigeria border .

“As you all know the entire border of Nigeria- Niger Republic is closed .So when we see anything on that route we pick it .You don’t have to pass through that border ,whether you are carrying contraband and or legitimate goods . For emphasis,movements of goods and services whether legitimate or illicit through the route is prohibited by virtue of ECOWAS subsisting directives.”Oladeji stated

Comptroller Oladeji, also, expressed displeasure over the aiding and abetting of Smuggling activities along most border posts by border communities ,noting that some unscrupulous elements have resorted to using motorcycles wheelbarrows, Camels and small trucks to ferry their illicit goods into the country from border communities using bush parts .

While appealing to Nigerians to shun illicit businesses such as smuggling , Oladeji called on traditional and religious leaders,and other stakeholders within the border communities to assist in the fight to eradicate all acts capable of undermining the economy of the country.

“We are urging those who engage in smuggling and other unpatriotic businesses to stop . They should engage themselves in legal businesses that will give them rest of mind ” he further cautioned.

Gov Obaseki’s Anointed Candidate, Ighodalo Wins Edo PDP Governorship Primary, Philip Shaibu Too

By

Ayodele Oni

-

February 22, 2024

0

By Ayodele Oni

Two candidates have emerged in the Edo State Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Governorship Primary. While the Deputy Governor of the State, Philip Shaibu first claimed victory in a parallel Primary with about 301 votes, in another Primary election, Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki’s annoited candidate, Asue Ighodalo was declared winner, and so the Candidate.

Ighodalo, an investment banker, former Chairman of Sterling Bank and Nigerian Breweries, polled 577 votes to beat other seven contestants.

The exercise was held at the Samuel 0gbemudia Stadium in Benin City.

In the exercise, which outcome was predictable, Ighodalo, who enjoys the backing of the State Government, the party, both in the State and National levels as well as groundswell of support by Edo people across the three senatorial zones, practically ran against himself for the party ticket.

Two formidable aspirants, Barr. Omosede Igbinedion and Ogbeide Ihama had earlier withdrawn from the contest before voting by the delegates started.

The scores announced after counting by the Electoral Committee are as follows:

Anslem Ojezua -0

Felix Akhabue- 0

Philip Shaibu -1

Amb. Martins U- 0

Barr. Esene- 0

Asue. Ighodalo- 577

Hon Omosede- Withdrew

Ogbeide Ihama- Withdrew

Void votes- 6

The Primary in which Shuaibu earlier declared himself was a parallel election organized by his supporters. It is not known if the Primary was, also, monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

Igbo Group Slams Okechukwu Over Attacks On Uzodinma

By

The Source

-

February 22, 2024

0

Nigerians have been alerted to a sinister plot being hatched by a group of politicians to execute a campaign of calumny against the Imo State governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma.

Part of the campaign is to engage in spurious media attacks on the governor using the recent inconclusive Edo APC governorship primaries as a plank.

In a statement in Enugu yesterday, a pressure cum cultural organisation, Igbo Renaissance for Progress asserted that it has intelligence reports that former Director of Voice of Nigeria, Mr Osita Okechukwu is leading the group.

According to its coordinator, Nze Nwankwo Njoku, Okechukwu is still sulking over his loss of ministerial appointment which he attributes to the governor.

According to Njoku, the former VOA helmsman has vowed to do all within his power to destabilise Uzodinma in every way possible.

Said he” those who read Okechukwu’s virulent attacks on Uzodinma over the Edo debacle would understand that the man has a mission which is to damage the image of the governor who is the leader of the APC in the south east. ”

He noted that while other critics of the Edo matter restricted themselves to the issues, Okechukwu went overboard, calling for the sack of Uzodinma as Chairman of Progressive Governors Forum.

He said members of his group were alarmed by the vitriolic attacks on Uzodinma by Okechukwu showing that he was actually on the payroll of politicians envious of the rising national profile of the governor.

” We know for a fact that that man is still embittered that Uzodinma chose Uche Nnaji over him for ministerial nomination. But his attempts to rubbish the Imo state governor would be resisted by us”, Njoku averred.

He noted that contrary to the claims by Okechukwu, Uzodinma has used his position as chairman of Progressive Congress Forum to benefit Ndigbo and the people.

He listed the appointment of an Igbo man as chief of naval staff, the dredging of Oguta Lake to the Atlantic with the concomitant economic milestone and several other benefits as evidence of what Hope Uzodinma has done with his position.

” Indeed Okechukwu should know that APC does not revolve around him. We have more qualified stakeholders who should be respected in Igbo land. He is not a match to Uzodinma, so blackmailing him will not work “, he submitted.

He threatened that his group will declare Okechukwu a persona non grata in the south east if he doesn’t refrain from his unholy alliance with his Cohorts to destroy Uzodinma ‘s image.

Benue Set To Implement Open Grazing Law, Constitutes Security Committee

By

Ayodele Oni

-

February 22, 2024

0

By Ayodele Oni

Benue State Government has constituted 10 members security council to enforce ban on open grazing in the state

As its first step, the Security Council has issued a two-week ultimatum to all herders engaging in open grazing to leave the state.

Briefing journalists after the security council meeting chaired by Governor Hyacinth Alia, the Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, disclosed that the committee has been mandated to investigate those who wrote letters inviting armed herdsmen into the state and prosecute them.

He added that the law prohibiting open grazing subsists and the security agencies have the mandate to enforce the ban, hence the two weeks grace period to exit the state or face the consequences of violating the law.

Kula said, “The council emphasized and made it abundantly clear that the Open Grazing and Ranching Establishment Law 2007 codenamed Anti-Open Grazing Law 2017 is still in force.

“Armed herders and invaders are directed to immediately leave the state.Those who invited the armed herders/invaders should immediately desist from that act.

“Those operating open grazing within the state are given two weeks ultimatum with effect from 21st of February (2024) to desist.”