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“Why We Suspended The Commissioner For Health” –  Abia State Govt

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Ngozi Okoronkwo

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr.Ifeyinwa Kalu, and Dr Ngozi Azodo, Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Health  are to jointly pilot the affairs of the State Ministry of Health, pending the conclusion of investigations into allegations of  misconduct against the Commissioner Dr Ngozi Okoronkwo, the Abia state Government has said .

The Source reports that the suspension of  Dr Okoronkwo from office was revealed during an  Executive Council meeting on Monday June. 10 2024.

A statement issued on Tuesday, June 11, by the State Commissioner of Information and Culture, Prince Okey Kalu, said the suspension of the Health Commissioner is to pave way for the investigation of alleged gross misconduct levelled against her.

“The Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr Alex Otti, has approved the suspension from office of the Commissioner for Health, Dr Ngozi Okoronkwo.

“The Suspension is to pave way for the investigations of allegations of misconduct levelled against the Commissioner.

“Governor Otti’s action is in line with his zero tolerance policy of any kind and strong adherence to the twin principles of transparency and accountability in governance to ensure that actions of appointees must at all times advance the good and well being of  Abians .

“The Abia State Government is committed to good governance and the rule of law under which persons  are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

“Consequently, the administration is painstaking in investigating and establishing facts of infractions or  misconducts uncovered by its internal monitoring and feed back system.” part of the statement reads.

June 12: Insecurity, Inflation, Youth Disillusionment Threat To democracy – Nwite Foundation

By
James Orji
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Senator Polycarp Nwite

To commemorate June 12 Democracy Day, the Senator Polycarp Nwite Foundation for Democratic Accountability (SPNFDA) has said that issues threatening the sustainability of democracy in Nigeria, include widespread hunger and insensitivity of the political class in the face of challenging economy, as it urged government to take urgent action to restore public trust in democratic governance.

The foundation named after the late 3rd Republic Senator, Polycarp Nwite, a democracy advocate and former senior Presidential aide, said that democracy ought to inspire hope, rather than despair, as it identified
“Palpable food insecurity,
Insensitivity of the political class and declining faith in political leadership as being responsible for the widespread disillusionment among Nigerian youths – the successor leadership generation – many of whom are now turning their back on the nation in preference for foreign democracies.

A ‘June 12 Democracy Day’ statement on Tuesday June 11, 2024, signed by its Executive Director, Mr. Michael Nwite, emphasized that these factors posed a significant threat to the sustainability of democracy in Nigeria, as they bruise the soul of democracy – the people.

It saluted the courage and selfless sacrifices of Nigeria’s Heroes of Democracy; and also commended the resilience and ingenuity of the Nigerian populace in weathering the current biting economic situation in the nation.

The foundation said it is concerned that “These factors in addition to diverse other economic challenges and the lingering intractable security problem in the country, have become the oxygen fuelling criminality and the current exodus by young Nigerians to foreign lands, in search of better economic and social fortunes, referred to as ‘Japa’ syndrome in local parlance.

“For the survival and sustenance of democracy in the nation, government must take urgent steps to stimulate real productivity, address the current alarming rate of unemployment, criminality and disillusionment among young Nigerians, which it said is fast destroying the fibre and potential of the youth demography and pose a significant threat to the nation’s security, development, and future.”

Mr. Nwite said further, “It’s no longer in doubt that the impact of the challenging economic environment, scarce opportunities, dysfunctional social infrastructure and weak institutions, have continued to erode the faith of the Nigerian youth demography in democracy and turning their backs in droves on the nation.”

He urged government to address these challenges and work towards regaining the trust of Nigerian youths, “who are the future of the country’s democracy.”

The foundation expressed hope in President Bola Tinubu’s ability to take the necessary steps to address these challenges and restore the faith of Nigerian youths in democracy.

It charged “President Tinubu administration to motivate youths for sustainable development in our democracy by offering opportunities for youth participation in governance and decision-making in job and wealth creation, by supporting youth-led initiatives and entrepreneurship, essentially, in agriculture, social and economic driven technology.

“Nigeria with huge resources in arable land and human capital has no business being listed as a nation with food insecurity. All government needs is an intentional policy backed up by sustainable investments in agriculture – including right training in relevant skills in food production, preservation and value chain development.

“Government must also encourage robust civic engagement by creating safe spaces for all citizens to express themselves and engage in civic activities – fostering a culture of inclusivity, diversity and enthronement of an evidence-based political system that is transparent and credible enough to evoke patriotic zeal and belief in our people.

“Leaders at all levels must be honest and intentional about reducing the cost of governance, strategically
redirecting the Nigerian youths towards sustainable development and harnessing their potential for national growth, by implementing policies addressing the root causes of youth disillusionment.”

Senator Nwite was Nigeria’s Ambassador to Botswana, a Senior Special Assistant to President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and a frontline activist of the National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, a broad coalition of Nigerians, formed in May 1994 to fight for the enthronement of civil rule in Nigeria.

Tolaram Takes Over Guinness Nigeria Plc As Diageo Sells Off Shares

By
Ayodele Oni
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Guinness Company

By Ayodele Oni

Rather than total exit from Nigeria as a result of harsh economic policies like other multinational companies, Tolaram has agreed to purchase Diageo’s 58.02% stake in Guinness Nigeria Plc

The decision, described as unique and   historic is expected to alter the beverage industry in Nigeria. Guinness made this known in a press release on signed by Abidemi Ademola, company secretary on Tuesday.

The purchase, slated to be completed in fiscal 2025 assuming regulatory clearances, will also see Tolaram enter into long-term license and royalty agreements to continue producing the legendary Guinness brand alongside Diageo’s ready-to-drink and mainstream spirits locally.

Based on its current share price of N50.5 per share, Guinness has a market value of N110.7 billion, indicating that the acquisition might surpass N64 billion.

According to the company, this move aligns with Diageo’s strategic vision to retain brand influence while leveraging Tolaram’s extensive distribution and manufacturing capabilities

The acquisition also marks a significant expansion of Tolaram’s footprint in Nigeria, promising enhanced innovation and value delivery to customers and shareholders.

Chairman of the Guinness Board,  Omobola Johnson, reacting to the deal said, “This partnership brings together Tolaram’s deep expertise in manufacturing and distribution with Diageo’s exceptional brand-building and innovation capabilities.

“It positions Guinness Nigeria for robust growth in this dynamic market.”

Democracy Day Planned Protest: Anambra Police Warns Against Disruption Of Peace And Stability

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Nigeiran Police

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Anambra State  Police authorities have said that they have uncovered plans by some forces to disrupt the peace and stability of the state under the guise of a protest match scheduled for  June 12, the Democracy Day.

They have, therefore, called on the good people of the state to go about their lawful activities, and eschew any acts capable of breaching the fragile peace of the state.

But, they have also  assured of their readiness to protect law abiding citizens, as well as ensure the maintenance of peace  and security in Anambra state.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, by its Spokesperson, Ikenga Tochukwu SP, the Anambra Police Command said it is in possession of credible intelligence, suggesting that some persons and groups are mobilising for a protest on same day that Nigerians are billed to be  celebrating the restoration of democracy in the country.

“The Police envisage that the protest is capable of grounding all commercial activities and obstructing the free flow of traffic in the State.

“The Command while noting the right of individuals or groups to advocate for any interest, wishes to emphasise the importance of adherence to the existing laws governing such activities.

“The Command has deployed police operatives to different strategic areas ,and tasked with the responsibility to ensure the safety of lives and property ,free flow of traffic and most importantly ,a peaceful environment ” the statement further reads

“The Command, however, called for the support and cooperation of law abiding citizens and residents in its efforts to  root out all forms of criminal activities ,as well as protect lives and properties in the state.”

The police also commended the people  for their understanding and resolve to sustain peace and stability in Anambra state.

Gov Otti Suspends Commissioner Of Health, Over Alleged Financial Recklessness

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Ngozi Okoronkwo

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Dr Ngozi Okoronkwo, Abia  State ,Commissioner   of Health has become the second major casualty ,in the efforts by the Governor Alex Otti  led administration to institute a regime of transparency, following her indefinite suspension on Monday June 10, 2024

Her suspension was announced during an Executive Council meeting held on Monday June 10 at the Nvosi Isiala Ngwa South Local Council country home of Governor Otti.

Although, reasons for the suspension of the  Commissioner who, before now had been perceived as one of the untouchable figures and influential actors within the corridors of  power, were not made public, it is, however, strongly believed that it might not be unconnected with some alleged financial untidiness within her Ministry.

For one, at the inception of the administration In May 2023 ,she was one of the officials that took up residence in anl hotel, incurring in the process ,humongous bills that sparked outrage .

However, as at the time of her suspension ,it was not clear ,if she was still enjoying her hotel accommodation.

Her suspension closely followed the sacking a few days ago of the Principal of the State owned Okezie School of Midwifery in Abiriba Ohafia local Council Mrs Ogbonna Chituru Adiele by the state Government.

Massive protest by the students over alleged embezzlement of school funds and conversion of college property into personal uses preceded her sack.

Until her sack, she was believed to be a trusted ally and confidant  of the  suspended Commissioner of Health.

Of recent ,there have been strident calls on  Governor Otti to closely monitor the activities of some Government officials who, not a few,  perceive to be swimming in different kinds of financial malfeasance.

Only last week ,a Civil Society Group – Society Groups Against Corruption, CCSGA, had raised the alarm over what it described as extortionist tendencies  surrounding the person and office of the Special Adviser on internally generated revenue Dr Chimereze Okigbo.

Some of the charges leveled against Dr Okigbo bordered on alleged  arrest and detentions of innocent citizens,  extortion ,and human rights abuses .

Dr Okoronkwo’s suspension is coming on the heels of the recent  sack of the erstwhile Director  General of the  Abia State Orientation  Agency  Pastor Dike Nwankwo over issues also bordering on alleged financial mismanagement.

PSC: Tinubu Sacks Arase One Year Into Five-Year Tenure, Appoints  Argungu As New Chairman

By
Ayodele Oni
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Solomon Arase and Hashimu Argungu

By Ayodele Oni

It was an unexpected Sallah gift, in advance, from President Bola Tinubu to the Dr. Solomon Arase, a retired Inspector General of Police.

The gift was one that shocked Arase and shook the Police Service Commission.

While Arase was on official duties in Ogun State   President Tinubu pulled the rug from under his feet. He sacked him as the Chairman of the Police Service Commission. It was in Ogun State that Arase heard of his sack.

In his place, President Tinubu appointed retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, Hashimu Argungu from Kebbi State.

Arase was from Edo State.

Arase’s sack, which was announced in a statement signed by Presidential Spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, also announced the appointment of the very  competent Taiwo Lakanu, a Lawyer and a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, as a member of the Commission. Lakanu  will represent the Police on the Commission. Onyemuche Nnamani was, also, appointed by the President as Secretary to the Commission.

Onyemuche was, already, a member of the Commission  representing the South-east on the Commission. Unless he would combine his appointment as Secretary with that of his position as a Commissioner, appointing him as a Secretary is a demotion. But more important, it would mean that that the SE has no Commissioner representing it, meaning that somebody needs to be appointed.

Until now, Federal Permanent were the only ones appointed as Secretary to the Commission.

Arase, a PhD holder in Law, was removed one year into his five year tenure as PSC Chairman. He was inaugurated as the Chairman, by former President Muhammadu Buhari after the unprecedented resignation of retired IGP Musiliu Smith as the Chairman, allegedly, over health issues.

It is not known yet why Mr President sacked him,  but not a few people thought that Arase, a thorough bred officer, was doing a good job.

In the statement which announced Argungu’s appointment, Ngelale said the appointments are subject to confirmation by the Senate, and that “other

members of the Police Service Commission will be appointed in due course.”

However, the announcement did not say the Board has been dissolved.

He stated that President Tinubu, also, approved the appointment of Mohammed Sheidu as the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund with immediate effect.

“The President expects absolute demonstration of integrity, diligence, and patriotic zeal in the discharge of these important functions for the overall wellbeing of the Nigeria Police and the nation.”

Speculations are rife over why President Tinubu did not allow Arase to serve out his five year tenure.

While a source at the Commission alleges he was sacked over the recent recruitment of 10,000 which sparked a controversy between the Commission and the Force Headquarters, another alleged it had to do with an  investigative report by the ICIR which linked Arase with an alleged unwholesome land business. Arase strongly denied any involvement in any such land deal, and has sued the Reporter and his Publication to Court. On the recruitment, Arase insisted it that it is the job of tye PSC to recruit, as confirmed by the Supreme Court, and not that of the Force Headquarters.

Argungu, the new PSC Chairman was born on 10th July, 1957, and joined the NPF as a Cadet  ASP in 1984. He retired in 2016 on the rank of a DIG. He has a Masters of Laws, LLM.

Unity Bank Forecasts N5.7bn Q3 Profit

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Unity Bank Tomi Somefun

The Retail Lender has projected a Profit After Tax, PAT, of N5.2 billion in Q3, 2024, according to its latest earning forecast released to the Nigerian Exchange Group, NGX.

The lender projects a pre-tax profit of N5.7 billion while targeting a turnover of N26.93 billion in gross earnings during the quarter, an 8.2% increase from the Q2, 2024 projection of N24.89 billion.

An essential part of the earnings forecast also shows that the lender expects to record its interest income at N23 billion, with net revenue anticipated to hit N6.58 billion for the period. Operating income is expected to rise to N13.38 billion, while cash flow from financing activities is projected to rise to N353.6 billion. Moreover, the improved projected cash from financing activities and the expected increase in cash and cash equivalents highlight the lender’s strong liquidity position, which is critical for sustaining current and future business operations.

The lender stated that it expects the results to be achieved and surpass the projection, barring any unforeseen significant changes in the operating macroeconomic environment under which assumptions underlying the forecast were made.

Analysts believe that the positive outlook of the lender’s Q3, 2024 earnings forecast reflects strategic growth in key financial metrics, a focus on strengthening its income base, efficient financial management, and enhancing customer deposits geared towards maintaining a strong, stable, and profitable financial institution.

Meanwhile, financial analysts insist that the Tomi Somefun-led commercial bank has built a strong trajectory of performance, and may surpass the current projections to the benefit of the bank’s major stakeholders.

Minimum Wage: Allocation To States Drops To N388bn

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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AbdulRahman-AbdulRazaq
Governor Abdulraham AbdulRazaq.

The Federation Accounts Allocation Committee, FAAC, has shared a total of N1.143 trillion to the federal government, states, and local government councils as revenue for May.

The amount is short of the N1.2 trillion shared for April, according to the figures provided by the Ministry of Finance.

By implications, what accrued to different levels of governments in the month of May has dropped. For instance, while FG received N390.412 billion, state governments received N403.403 billion from the federation account last month.

The development comes amidst debate over the new minimum wage.

State governments have insisted that they have no capacity to pay the N62,000 new minimum wage proposed by the committee set up by the federal government to negotiate with the Organised Labour. The labour unions lead by the NLC and TUC also rejected the amount, demanding N250,000 instead.

According to some school of thought state governors should be able to pay, considering that the allocations to state government have increased significantly since the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu came on board last year.

Announcing what was shared by the governments at the various levels on Monday, Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, said the federal got the highest of N365.813 billion.

He said the shared revenue comprised of Statutory revenue: N157.183 billion, Value Added Tax , VAT, revenue: N463.425 billion, Electronic Money Transfer Levy, EMTL, revenue: N15.146 billion and Exchange Difference revenue: N507.456 billion

According to him, states received N388.419 billion, and local government councils received N282.476 billion. An additional N106.502 billion was shared to benefiting oil-producing states as derivation revenue.

Ekiti:”We Will ‘Confront’ Oyebanji, Fayose Says; Remains In PDP

By
James Orji
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Ayodele Fayose
Ayodele Fayose

Ayodele Fayose, a former Governor of Ekiti State, says he remained a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

The former governor made this known on Monday while addressing his supporters in Ado Ekiti, the state capital.

Critics of the former governor said Fayose must have made the clarification due to suggestion that he has been inactive in the PDP for some time.

Recall that Fayose supported Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidential bid during the 2023 presidential election against the position of his party.

He had argued that it was the turn of the South to produce the nation’s president following the expiration of then President Muhammadu Buhari.

Also, Fayose’s critics say the former governor’s influence in the state PDP has been seriously whittled down due to the struggle between him and Senator Biodun Olujimi for the control of the soul of the party in the state.

But. the former governor said he has not relinquished his membership of PDP, stressing that he will lead the party against the incumbent, Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the APC in the next governorship election.

According to him, his robust relationship with Oyebanji will not stop him from leading the PDP to victory in the next election.

Ayodele Fayose, on Monday, dismissed insinuations that he had dumped the opposition Peoples Democratic Party for the governing All Progressives Congress.

Fayose, who said he would never join APC, appealed to PDP members to stop maligning his character and person and cautioned them against politics of bitterness.

The former governor, who spoke in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, while addressing his supporters, urged party members to close ranks, embrace peace and discourage divisions and factions among them in a bid to defeat APC in the next governorship election in the state.

“PDP must not die” in Ekiti state, the governor said adding that the campaign to oust Oyebanji has started already.

He said: “I have come to tell you that the PDP must not die in Ekiti State. I want you to have peace, please don’t destroy my personality.

“When we come to election period, we will fight BAO (Governor Biodun Oyebanji). The PDP is not in order in Ekiti, let us come together.

“BAO is a humble governor. Thirteen times, he has visited me in Lagos to greet me. We discussed the progress and development of the state. I have to respect him, that has nothing to do with politics. He is the only governor that has brought all governors in the state together.

“When it is time for election, we will confront him. I am a landmark governor in Ekiti State. We supported Asiwaju in the last presidential election because he is a Yoruba man, and it’s time for our Presidency.”

Meanwhile, those watching the PDP in the state insist that the former governor’s soul has left the party, that he’s just using the opposition party as a bargaining chip to get leverage in the ruling APC.

Strike: Workers On Standby As Labour Awaits President’s Decision

By
James Orji
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Joe Ajaero - NLC President

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will determine whether the Organised Labour will resume their strike or not. This is the position of the Nigerian Labour Congress, and Trade Union Congress, TUC, over the ongoing negotiation on the new minimum wage.

The President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero revealed the position of the unions on the issue on Monday in Geneva, Switzerland.

The magazine reported that the NLC and TUC suspended their strike last Tuesday following President Tinubu’s intervention. The unions had rejected the N62,000 offered by the federal government insisting on N250,000 minimum wage for Nigerian workers.

The president’s intervention brought the unions back to the negation table with the Tripartite committee set up by the federal government.

The committee is made up of the NLC, TUC, Federal and state governments and the representatives of the private sector.

Speaking yesterday, Ajaero said the NLC and TUC will await the president’s position on the issue to determine the next line of action.

Ajaero said: “We cannot declare strike now because the figures are with the President.

“During the tenure of the immediate past President, the figure that was proposed to him was N27,000 by the tripartite committee but he increased it to N30,000. We are hopeful that this President will do the right thing. The President had noted that the difference between N62,000 and N250,000 is a wide gulf.”

According to him, organized labour has not accepted the N62,000 proposal submitted by the Committee, stressing that labour could not embark on strike because the President had yet to communicate his decision on the issue.

On Monday, there were reports that the unions will call on their members to resume the strike after the federal government negotiation team proposed N62,000 as minimum wage.

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