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Hardship: Rethink Nigeria’s Romance With Bretton Woods Institutions, Sack Unproductive Appointees  – CNPP Tells Tinubu

By
The Source
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Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Conference Of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu “to struggle through the hard path by rethinking Nigeria’s relationship with the Bretton Woods Institutions, realistically assessing the performance of his appointees and sacking those constituting a cog in the wheel of the progress of his administration through their clear unproductivity and sabotage.”

The CNPP, a statement signed by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Comrade James Ezema, while reacting to the call by the called by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the federal government to completely phase out petrol and electricity subsidies in the country in its ‘Post Financing Assessment (PFA)’ report.

The umbrella association of all registered political parties and political associations in Nigeria noted in the statement that “restoring macroeconomic stability in Nigeria should come from homegrown policies and programmes as IMF solutions have never aided Nigeria’s economic recovery, rather our economic woes worsened every time Bretton Woods Institutions’ advisories were implemented in Africa.

“While removal of subsidy, due to the attendant corruption that bedevilled its payment was desirable, it was akin to shooting down Nigeria’s economy by implementing subsidy removal policy without functional refineries for local production of petroleum products.

“The call by IMF for the complete phase out of petrol and electricity subsidies in the country is a suggestion to the Bola Tinubu administration to inflict more hardship on already suffering masses of Nigeria.

“Has the IMF ever advised the USA and European countries on removal of subsidies on cotton, which has been detrimental to one of Africa’s leading cotton exporters, Burkina Faso?

“It’s on record that in Europe in 2019, €38.2 billion was spent on direct payments to farmers and €13.8 billion on rural development, with a further €2.4 billion supported the market for agricultural products. Has the IMF ever spoken about energy and agricultural subsidies in the USA and the European countries?

“We therefore urge President Bola Tinubu to focus on homegrown solutions to Nigeria’s economic crisis and jettison policy advisories from the IMF and other Bretton Woods Institutions.

“We equally call on Mr. President to sack all unproductive appointees and identify those who are engaging in economic sabotage, especially as regards revenue generation in the oil and gas sector, and relieve them of their duties to increase foreign exchange earnings”, the CNPP counselled.

How To Strengthen Naira Against Dollar – LAHA

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Mudashiru Obasa

By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State House of Assembly has lamented the economic downturn of the Nation, most especially the continued downward slide in the value of the Naira against the Dollar.

At the close of Foreign Exchange Market  as at Tuesday, February 13th, 2024, a Dollar hovered between N1,474 and N1,500 and the lawmakers, at plenary, advised the Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on some bold steps to take so as to shore up its value of the naira.

Part of the resolutions by the House was that the Federal Government should come up with a mechanism to reduce foreign trips for seminars and conferences by Ministries and Agencies adding that this should apply to States.

While stressing the need to strengthen security across the nation, the House also called on the CBN “to embark on sensitisation of Nigerians on the steps being taken by the apex bank to reduce the pressure on naira while informing on the expected roles of Nigerians at this time.”

The Assembly urged that depositors of dollars in banks can be engaged for an acceptable arrangement where such funds can be utilised by the government to help reduce pressure on the Naira.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, who presided over the sitting, lamented the disparity between the dollar and naira while commending the CBN for taking some measures with the hope that such actions would yield positive results.

Obasa, who further commended the National Assembly for inviting the CBN governor for discussion recently, said: “In my opinion, the CBN and government should embark on sensitisation and information dissemination to make people understand what the government is doing.

“The pressure on the Naira is too much, but the CBN should make sure that national interest is supreme.”

The Speaker urged the government to regulate religious pilgrimages as they attract undue interest in dollars and put pressure on the naira. According to him, this action could be sustained until the naira stabilises.

“To save the naira, the federal government and states can stop foreign conferences and seminars. If possible, we can bring the resource persons to Nigeria to deliver their lectures.

We all need to look inward to support the government.

“Locally, some people in Nigeria doing businesses demand dollars instead of naira. Even at parties now, you see people spray dollars instead of naira. We need a way out and to do this, we need the support of citizens. That’s the essence of sensitisation.

Speaking earlier under ‘Matter of Urgent Public Importance’, Hon. Femi Saheed (Kosofe Constituency 2), said the current naira-dollar disparity is the direct consequence of the policies of the Godwin Emefiele-led CBN.

According to him, the naira will gain strength if measures including fixing the nation’s refineries, strengthening the education and health sectors are taken.

“I think the current CBN governor should work on moral suasion to get people to pull out the dollars in their domiciliary account,” he said.

Pan Yoruba Group Urges South West Governors To Set Regional Security Trust Fund To Tackle Insecurity Menace

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Following the spate of insecurity challenges bedeviling the nation, Pan Yoruba Group, Alliance Of Yoruba Democratic Movements, AYDM, has urged Governors of the South West States to set up a Regional Security Trust Fund to address the insecurity challenges in the zone.

AYDM said the Fund should be managed by non-state actors selected by each of the six States  in the South West.

The Group, in a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its General Secretary, Mr Popoola Ajayi, stated that the Governors of the region need to up the ante and as a matter of urgency address the issue before it worsens.

AYDM is an alliance of over 130 Pan Yoruba and community based groups in  largely Yoruba territories including Kwara, Kogi, Akoko Edo and Itsekiri part of Delta State.

The Group said it estimates that the South West States should be able to realise at least N100b in the first six months of its launch.

It stated that no single state in the West can resolve insecurity without networking with others in the region.

Ajayi said the funds should be raised from contributions of State Governments, corporate organisations, Yoruba in Diaspora, individuals, professional and artisan groups resident in the West.

“There are some 60million people in South West. Every adult from the age of 18 resident in the West should be encouraged to contribute a minimum of N500 to the Fund. This will be invested in providing necessary material and training for Amotekun, while creating and building a strong Intelligence Bureau that would tackle all varieties of crime in the region, ” the AYDM said.

AYDM said part of the Fund should be used to set up security posts in all the borders across the region and also establish a Training School on Intelligence and Counter intelligence adding that it would aid the ability of the region to prevent crime before and not after the acts have been committed.

The Group said the West is the most industrialised in Nigeria and continues to witness mass migration of people from other parts of Nigeria, the Magreb and even Sudan who see the region as economic haven.”

It further stated that it is deeply concerned about the rising menace of kidnapping and other violent criminal activities in Yorubaland and the occupation of arable land by armed groups.

“AYDM is urging the Southwest Governors to take collective proactive measures in securing the region by establishing the Regional Security Trust Fund”, Popoola stated.

It argued that the recent surge in criminal activities, particularly kidnapping, banditry, cultism, cyber crime and drug abuse has raised alarm bells within the Yoruba communities

AYDM said it recognizes the need for a collective effort to address these challenges and believes that a Regional Security Trust Fund would provide a sustainable and community-driven solution.

It calls on the Southwest Governors to ensure  a transparent and accountable Regional Security Trust Fund that will allow Yoruba worldwide to make generous donations.

“This fund will also be instrumental in supporting police and other efforts of security agencies and initiatives aimed at tackling the growing threats to the safety and well being of the people.

“The time has come for creative thinking.  It is time for us to unite and take decisive action against the rising insecurity in our beloved indigenous territories by establishing a Regional Security Trust Fund, we can harness the collective strength and resources of Yoruba worldwide to support our security agencies and ensure a safer future for our communities,” said Ajayi

AYDM said the proposed Security Trust Fund will serve as a channel for individuals, businesses, and organizations, both within and outside  to contribute towards the enhancement of security infrastructure, training, and intelligence gathering efforts.

“This collaborative approach is crucial in fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among all stakeholders” Ajayi said.

The Group emphasized that the importance of transparency and accountability in managing the Regional Security Trust Fund.

“Clear mechanisms for monitoring and reporting the utilization of funds should be established to ensure that contributions are utilized effectively and efficiently” Ajayi said.

The Alliance of Yoruba Democratic Movements said it is ready to collaborate with the Southwest Governors, security agencies, and other stakeholders to make this Security Trust Fund a reality.

Ajayi said “AYDM is confident that through collective action, we can create a safer and more secure environment for Yoruba at home and abroad.”

Jonathan Mourns ex-Chief of Staff, Gen. Arogbofa

By
The Source
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Former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has expressed shock over the passing of Brigadier General Jones Oladeinde Arogbofa (Rtd), his former Chief of Staff, who died at the age of 72.

Dr. Jonathan, in a condolence message to the Arogbofa family and the people of Ondo State described him as a dedicated and loyal Nigerian who served our nation and humanity to the best of his abilities.

Dr. Jonathan further noted that Gen. Arogbofa was a sincere patriot with an enviable record both in public service and the military where he rose to the rank of Brigadier General.

The former President stated: “Gen. Arogbofa was a devoted officer and sincere patriot whose passion and dedication to duty stood him out and reflected in the considerable achievements he made towards the development of our nation.

“He will be remembered for his professionalism, passion for service and commitment to the task of nation building.”

Dr. Jonathan urged his family to take solace in the fact that Arogbofa led an impactful life and  also prayed for the repose of his soul.

Ikechukwu Eze
S.A. to H.E. Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan

FG Asks PDP Governors To Face Governance In Their States, Stop Criticism Of Tinubu’s Administration

By
Ayodele Oni
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Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

The Federal Government has accused Governors elected on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party  (PDP) of misleading Nigerians by  manipulating facts and misinformation  about the country’s true state of affairs.

Governors elected on the  PDP platform had met on Monday in Bauchi State and addressed a press conference, where their Chairman, Governor Bala Mohammed, read out their position on the country’s economic and security situation.

The Federal Government, through the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, in a statement on Tuesday, reacted to issues in a communique of the PDP Governors.

Said the FG: “We welcome their call for a bipartisan approach to solving our nation’s economic and security problems.

“As critical stakeholders and leaders at the sub-national level, the PDP Governors certainly have the right to state their position on national concerns as is expected.

“However, as leaders in the country who are members of two important constitutional organs of government – the National Economic Council, which is the highest economic management organ of the country, and the National Council of States, we believe the PDP Governors did not conduct themselves in a manner befitting their roles as leaders.

“It is far-fetched when PDP Governors, who are supposed to be major players in driving economic growth and prosperity for our citizens in their respective states, mischievously and falsely compare our current economic challenges to Venezuela.

“We want to state categorically that though our country is going through some rough patches, which are being addressed by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our situation is nowhere near what is happening in Venezuela.

“The Nigerian economy is still very strong and is expected to record a 3% GDP growth this year. The economy is meeting financial obligations to lenders at home and abroad.

“The Nigerian government is running effectively, and our government can pay all its bills while maintaining a healthy trade balance with trading partners worldwide.

“While opposition politicians are expected to play politics, it should be done within the bounds of truth and fidelity to facts. It is unconscionable of PDP Governors to manipulate facts and misinform Nigerians about our country’s true state of affairs.

“Since President Tinubu assumed office, the revenue available to the three tiers of government has more than doubled.

“All 36 States, including the 774 Local Governments, have been receiving significantly larger allocations on the back of the reforms being pursued by President Tinubu to reposition our national economy.

“Nigerians should ask PDP Governors how far and how well they have utilized the increased revenue to better the lives of Nigerians in their respective states.

“It is on record that most States controlled by PDP owe workers and pensioners months of unpaid salary and pension arrears.

“The PDP Governors have defaulted in paying gratuities to their retired workers. It is also a fact that many of the PDP Governors have not paid N30,000 minimum wage to their workers since it took effect more than 4 years ago.

“All of these anomalies in their states contribute significantly to the economic pressure their citizens face.

“If PDP governors are genuinely interested in the living conditions of Nigerians and are not just stirring up disaffection and ill-will towards the federal government, we urge them to meet their obligations to workers, pensioners, and local contractors and see the multiplier effect.

“It is disappointing that PDP Governors talk about rising costs of living and food when they have not done much to increase food production in their States. The land in Nigeria belongs to the States, not the Federal Government.

“PDP Governors, in their communique yesterday, did not tell Nigerians how they are supporting farmers in their states to boost food production – a responsibility that is strictly within their purview.

“Instead, they shift all the blame to the Federal Government, while shirking their own responsibilities to the people they govern.”

Aftermath Of Fire Outbreak: Abia Market Authorities Order Relocation Of Warehouses

By
The Source
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Alex Otti

By Daniel Maduka

The authorities of the Eziukwu Road market Aba, one of the largest business outlets in the commercial hub of Abia state, have directed all dealers on  inflammable products at the market to, within 14 days, relocate their businesses to areas with enough ventilation, as well as put in place all necessary fire prevention and control equipment.

This is even as  the zonal executives of the market’s 84 zones have been tasked to provide water facilities through the sinking of new boreholes and the rehabilitation of existing ,but malfunctioning ones at all strategic parts of the market.

The directives are coming on the heels of the presentation of the reports of a seven-man panel instituted to investigate the causes of the February 5, 2024, inferno that erupted at the popular and ever busy A- Line of the market,  during which goods worth several millions of Naira were lost.

The Comrade Ibe  Nzenwa led seven-man panel which was empowered on February 7,  submitted its findings to the leadership of the market last weekend .

The Chairman of the market ,Chief Alphonsus Udeigbo, while commending the Committee members for their dedication ,and commitment, said a task force to monitor compliance with the directives on the setting up of warehouses and shops containing inflammable products only on conducive parts of the market would be immediately inaugurated.

The Task Force, apart from ensuring that warehouses containing  inflammable products are properly located, will, also, enforce compliance  with the directives on the provision of adequate fire fighting equipment in all sensitive business outlets within the precincts of the market.

Chief Udeigbo, who is also the Chairman of All Chairmen of Aba markets, noted that the authorities of the Eziukwu Road market, have decided to adopt proactive measures in handling security and safety affairs of the market.

The Source (Magazine) reports that the investigative panel in its  report had traced  the fire outbreak to a business facility laden with inflammable products, with explosions there from  hampering initial efforts at putting out  the fire.

The panel consequently recommeded  among other things, that all warehouses, shops and other business outlets. dealing on inflammable products should be relocated to  conducive areas of the market, as well as  the provision of water in strategic points with a view to preventing future occurrence.

PDP BoT Picks Wabara As Chairman, Makarfi, Secretary, Urges Urgent Solution To Economic Crisis

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

In a bid to further strengthen the party the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has announced the appointment of  Dr Adolphus Wabara, a former President of the Senate, as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, (BoT). Senator Ahmed Makarfi, a former Governor of Kaduna State has been picked as the Secretary.

The appointments, which were announced on Tuesday in Abuja at the end of meeting of members of BoT, are in line with the provisions of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017).

The PDP Board of Trustees during the meeting, assessed the State of affairs in the nation, and expressed concern over the biting economic hardship, high cost of essential life-enhancing commodities, and alarming food scarcity in the country.

Members were of the view that these were occasioned by the ill-implemented policies of the APC administration which are already causing restiveness and agitations in various parts of the country.

In the communique, “The BoT is alarmed by the worsening insecurity in the country as evident in the rising cases of mass killings, banditry, kidnap for ransom, and acts of terrorism by assailants who are emboldened by the manifest laid back attitude of the APC administration to issues of security, especially in the last nine months.

“The BoT is appalled by the monumental corruption and unbridled treasury-looting in the APC administration especially the looting of billions of Naira meant for palliatives for poor and vulnerable Nigerians.

“The BoT is seriously worried over the fall of the Naira to an abysmal N1,500 to the Dollar, and the incessant increase in the pump price of fuel which now sells for over N700 per liter with long queues in various parts of the country.

“These have attendant negative consequences as evident in the nearly 30% inflation rate, 41% unemployment rate, and alarming 46% poverty rate where up to 130 million citizens have sunk deeper into multi-dimensional poverty in the last nine months.

“The BoT is disturbed that the catastrophic economic and security situation in the country has left Nigerians hopeless, despondent, and angry and constitutes a present and immediate threat to the survival of the country as hardworking young Nigerians, professionals in critical fields as well as major multinational companies are now leaving our nation in droves.

“The BoT is distressed that there are no concrete and coherent policies, measures, and steps by the APC administration to address these existential threats that have put the country in a precarious situation.

“The BoT calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to know that the situation in the country has become unbearable.

“Mr. President should immediately address the issues of corruption in his administration, worsening insecurity in the country, continuous fall in the value of the Naira, high fuel prices, unbearable food scarcity, and unemployment in the country.

“The BoT reassures the Nigerian public that despite the challenges, the PDP remains united, stronger, and more determined in its commitment to working for the well-being of Nigerians and defending their interest at all times.”

The BoT as the Conscience of the Party charged all Organs, leaders, critical stakeholders, and members of the PDP across the country to remain united and focused as the Party further repositions for the task ahead.

Uzodimma To Pay School Fees For 107 Imo-Born Law Graduates Of IMSU for 2023 Law School …Each Candidate Gets N500,000

By
The Source
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0

Governor Hope Uzodimma has taken the Imo State indigenes who graduated from the Imo State University (IMSU) and have been shortlisted for the 2023 Law School by surprise, offering to pay their school fees for the programme.

Each of the lucky Law School students from Imo State scheduled for the programme is to be credited with N500,000 by Governor Uzodimma with the bank accounts they have been directed to provide.

Surprisingly, the beneficiaries of the Governor’s IMSU 2023 Law School scholarship cuts across all the 27 Local Government Area of the State.

Governor Uzodimma is not new to philanthropy and has continued to lead a life of giving which he cultivated as a young man, and as an accomplished businessman, before joining politics.

Thousands of persons, within and outside Imo State, have benefitted from Governor Uzodimma’s scholarship and other charity orientated programmes that are borne out of his generosity of heart.

His belief in quality human capital development as key to unlocking the potential of every society, which is second to none, keeps encouraging him to invest in people.

Ondo LG Election Now Holds In July, As ODIEC Announces Postponement

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Independent National Electoral Commission

By Ayodele Oni

Non compliance by political parties with guidelines, has led to the postponement of Local government election in Ondo state earlier scheduled to hold on Saturday.

Political watchers in the state expressed the view that the change on the leadership of the state, following the death of former governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, led to the shift in date.

The chairman of Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission, (ODIEC), Dr. Igbekele Aremo who announced a shift in the date of local government elections said it will now hold on Saturday 13th July, 2024.

Dr. Aremo disclosed this on Tuesday, while meeting with stakeholders and party leaders at the commissions head office in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

According to him, the shift in election date was primarily due to non compliance of political parties in meeting up with the election timetable.

Going through the rescheduled timetable, Aremo noted that the last day for submission of forms for particulars of candidates by political parties is now Tuesday 4th, June while political parties can commence campaign by 5th June, 2024.

“Collection and submission of nomination forms is to start by same 5th June to 7th June, 2024 just as verification of candidates will start from 11th June to 13th June, 2024.

“Publication of list of validated candidates is scheduled for 17th June, while the last day for campaign by political parties will be midnight of 11th July, 2024.

“Election for Chairmanship and councilorship  is now rescheduled and fix for Saturday 13th July, 2024.”

While assuring stakeholders that the commission, which is guided by enabling laws and guidelines is poised to conduct the election and ensure the votes of the people counts, Dr. Igbekele urged parties most especially to conduct themselves in manners as stipulated within the law.

He said ODIEC’s job is to provide a template that ensures free and fair election and that as an umpire, it cannot conduct election without the full participation of political parties.

Aremo also charged political parties to take seriously their role of voter education stressing also that the commission will conduct training for them in the course of the year.

In attendance at the meeting were stakeholders including representatives of security agencies as well as leaders of political parties.

Responding, the state Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC)Chairman, Mr. Olaoluwa Adesanya on behalf of all the political parties apologized for not living up to expectation.

He also assured that all registered and willing political parties interested in the election will begin to do the needful.

Insecurity: Ondo Govt To Procure More Vehicles, Equipments To Security Agencies

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Amotekun

By Ayodele Oni

As part of moves to curtail insecurity, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has disclosed that his administration is in the process of procuring vehicles and gadgets for security agencies in the State to enhance safety of lives and properties.

This pledge is coming just as the Amotekun security corps confirmed influx of bandits from neighbouring Ekiti to the state.

Commander of Amotekun in the state, Adetunji Adeleye While briefing newsmen in Akure on Monday, disclosed that within a week of operation by Amotekun operatives in Ondo state 43 suspected criminals half of which is presumed to be kidnappers were nabbed.

The commander noted that “the astonishing thing about our parade today is the sudden upsurge in the suspects that we have on kidnapping. About half of the 43 are suspected kidnappers that we have reasonable reasons to question.

Governor Aiyedatiwa disclosed government plan in Akure, after meeting with the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Commissioner of Police, State Commander of Amotekun and other heads of security agencies in the State.

The Governor stressed the critical need to fortify the security architecture within the state, emphasizing a commitment to supporting security agencies with necessary tools and resources.

The purchase of the vehicles, he said, is part of the outlined plans to address the pressing issue of mobility, a significant challenge hindering effective policing.

“We will support our security agencies by providing tools for them, more importantly, more operational vehicles for them to be able to move around, enabling them to navigate diverse terrains and respond swiftly to security threats”, he said.

Additionally, the governor highlighted the distribution of vehicles to Permanent Secretaries in previous months, aimed at facilitating their movement and operational efficiency.

Beyond addressing security concerns, the governor reiterated his continued commitment to enhancing the welfare of citizens by implementing measures to mitigate the impact of economic challenges.

The provision of palliatives to alleviate the effects of fuel subsidy removal and the provision of shuttle buses to civil servants and students exemplify the government’s dedication to supporting the people.

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