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Oil Thiéves, Illégal Refinéry Opérators, Are Enémies Of State, Should Be Tréated As Such, Gov  Otti

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Alex Otti - Abia State Governor
Alex Otti, Abia State Governor

By Suleiman Anyalewechi.

The unwholesome and sabotaging activities of illegal petroleum products dealers and  refinery operators, on Friday, June 7 2024, took the centre stage when officials  of the Joint Task Force South-south Operation Delta Safe, paid a visit to the Abia State Governor Dr Alex Otti.

Governor Otti charged the task force members to treat operators of illegal refineries and other related activities for what they are – the enemies of the State.

The Source reports that the task force members whose primary assignment is to properly secure petroleum products  facilities and operations in the States that make up the Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC, said they are in Abia to solicit the support of the Government in the effective discharge of their duties .

The Abia State Governor, urged the taskforce to intensify their efforts in combating the menace of oil theft and operation of illegal refineries, noting that the situation is negatively impacting on both the economy of the state and the country in general.

“Those that operate illegal refineries and other activities are the enemies of the state and should be treated as such .

“Be they in Aba or Ukwa, Port Harcourt, Bayelsa, and/or any of the other ten States where you operate . The long arms of the  law must catch up with them ..

“For us, we do not support any illegality by anybody in a any form .You can take it for granted that we as a Government will give you all the support to carry out your operation here.” Governor stated .

However, he called on the task force officials to widen the scope of their operations to include the protection of the State’s priced asset in Owaza Ukwa West – the Abia State Industrial and Innovative Park AIIP which is  under incubation.

This is even as he has assured the task force team of the unwavering support of the State Government in the discharge of their assignment,particularly in the areas of logistics and intelligence.

Governor Otti, also, informed the members of the task force that until the gruesome killings of five soldiers by some criminal elements on May 30,the state had been relatively peaceful ,promising that all lawful efforts are being made to unmask those behind the despicable act.

He insisted that security remains top on the pecking order of his administration’s policy thrust ,while noting that no meaningful developmental initiatives will succeed in an atmosphere of insecurity.

The Commander of the Taskforce, Real Admiral John Okeke, also, informed that their visit is to get acquainted with the Abia, as one of the areas under its operational jurisdiction being an Oil producing State.

He assured that the team will work in concert with the State authorities, Security Agencies and other relevant stakeholders to halt the activities of oil thieves and petroleum products facilities vandals .

“The Federal Government thought it wise to come up with the  Joint Taskforce SouthSouth Operation Delta Safe with a mandate to protect oil and gas infrastructures and stop militancy ,piracy ,crude oil theft ,and other forms unwholesome activities that could impact negatively on the economy” Rear Admiral Okeke noted.

Meanwhile, in a bid to  fastrack and give more impetus to the manhunt for the killers of five soldiers in the state, at Obikabia junction near Aba, Governor Otti, has  upped the   bounty placed on  their heads from N25 million to N30 million.

The source reports that in the wake of the dastardly murder of the soldiers by yet-to-be identified gunmen, the Abia state Governor had announced a N25 million reward for any credible information that could lead to the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.

At a meeting with the visiting Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshall Hassan Abubakar and other top Military brass on Friday, at his country home, Nvosi Isiala Ngwa, South Local Council of the State, Governor Otti informed that the additional five million Naira was offered by a concerned and patriotic indigene of the state based in the United States of America USA.

He assured his visitors that under his watch the state can not be a haven for killers, kidnappers ,terrorists  and other criminal elements .

The Abia State Governor lauded the efforts, dedication and commitment of security agencies in the State to the fight against crimes in Abia state .

Ondo AG Tacklés National Assembly Ovér Plan To Criminalizé Workers’ Striké, Says It’s Against Law

By
Ayodele Oni
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Kayode Ajulo SAN

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo has taken up the National Assembly over plans to criminalize workers strike in the Country.

Ajulo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) is of the view that any attempt to make workers strike against the law would amount to infringement of  the basic rights of the hardworking citizens.

The National Assembly and Secretary to Government of the Federation, George Akume, had stated that the recent action of workers during recent strike, especially move to shut down national grid, which led to power outage nationwide, amount to criminal offence of treasonable felony and economic sabotage.

Ajulo, in a statement in Akure,  at the weekend, he personally signed said “Any attempt to criminalize this time-honored practice would undoubtedly undermine the very foundations upon which the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has championed – the bedrocks of social dialogue, collective bargaining, and tripartism.

“Should the National Assembly, in a moment of unthinkable transgression, pursue such an egregious course of action, it would undoubtedly exacerbate the already strained industrial relations in our beloved Nigeria.

“Such a move would inevitably lead to further unrest and social upheaval, shattering the fragile bonds of trust between workers and their elected representatives.

“Nay, they must instead focus their efforts on addressing the underlying issues driving the justifiable demands of our workers, including the provision of fair compensation, decent working environments, and adequate social safeguards.

“As a proud and unyielding advocate of the rights of all in our beloved realm, I find myself utterly perplexed and deeply saddened by the mere suggestion that our esteemed National Assembly would seek to stifle the hallowed right of workers to engage in lawful strike action. This notion, I must adamantly declare, is one that I simply cannot bring myself to believe.

“The fundamental entitlement to strike, bestowed upon the noble laborers of our land, has been affirmed by our courts, local and international and it is a sacred cornerstone of our social fabric – a cornerstone that must be safeguarded with the utmost vigilance.

“To even contemplate the subversion of this legitimate process would constitute a most worrisome development, one that would grievously infringe upon the basic rights of our hardworking citizens.

“Strikes, I must emphatically state, are a rightful and crucial tool for our valiant workforce to negotiate for improved working conditions, fair wages, and the social protections they so rightly deserve.

“These actions are not merely a privilege, but a fundamental human right, enshrined in the very ethos of social justice and the principles of collective bargaining.

“Constructive dialogue with labor organizations and all relevant stakeholders is the only path forward.

“Only through such earnest and compassionate engagement can we hope to find solutions that promote true social justice, fair labor practices, and the sustainable development of our nation.

“For it is only through the harmonious collaboration of all stakeholders that we can forge a future of economic prosperity and social harmony, where the unalienable rights of the worker are safeguarded with unwavering commitment.

“However, I must also express my grave concern over the reported instances of criminality that have at times accompanied strike actions.

“The tampering with our national grid, for example, is a most disturbing development that cannot be tolerated, for there are certain essential services that must remain uninterrupted, even in the face of legitimate worker protests. While I staunchly defend the right to strike, I cannot condone actions that jeopardize the well-being of the broader populace.

“It is my fervent hope that our esteemed lawmakers will approach this delicate matter with the utmost wisdom, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of all Nigerians.

“For only through such steadfast dedication can we forge a future where the rights of the worker are not merely enshrined in law, but honored with the reverence they so rightfully deserve.”

DIG Alabi Chargés Police Officers On Kïdnapping, Arméd Robbéry, Advisés Them To Collaboraté With Tradïtional, Relïgious Leaders

By
Ayodele Oni
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Abiodun Sylvester Alabi - DIG

By Ayodele Oni

The Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in-charge of South-West Region, Abiodun Sylvester Alabi, has asked Police Officers in Ondo State to put an end to pockets of kidnappings and robberies in the State.

He said this was achievable by engaging traditional rulers, community and religious leaders in fighting kidnapping and other crimes in the state and its environs.

Alabi gave the directive while addressing police men and officers in Akure, the state capital, as part of his visitation to States as directed by the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, to assess security situations.

Alabi who noted that policing was evolving and not a tea party, stressed that Police Force needs collaboration of all stakeholders to protect people.

The DIG also charged police officers to imbibe professionalism in their daily operations to eradicate criminalities.

Alabi said that the time had come for police officers to engage community and religious leaders to tackle criminality in the society,

He also said fighting crimes in the South-West has yielded positive results, but there is the need to do more.

Alabi, therefore, called on Police Officers to imbibe the ethics of the job, saying corruption and extortion would not be condoned.

“When something happens unexpectedly, it is the duty of the officer to go back to the drawing board and re-strategize.

“Policing is not a tea party, it is a very serious, tedious, physical and mentally challenged job.

“So, it’s a job that entails total commitment and total dedication, because we owe members of the public a duty to secure their lives and properties.

“Generally, South-West is one of the most peaceful zone we have in the country today, but I don’t want you to be carried away so that you will not get embarrassed.

“So, its time for you to double your efforts and ensure the pocket of occasional kidnapping and occasional armed robbery being experienced becomes a thing of the past.

“We need to sit down and do a serious planning to eradicate completely any incident of kidnapping in Ondo State,” he said.

“As police officers, you can do your job and earn a good job without delving into all those unprofessional and unethical conducts.

“I am admonishing you to desist from that and it is better for you to attract goodwill for yourself from well-meaning Nigerians

“Because if you do your job diligently and show that you a man of integrity, you will be loved by people and gain more confidence and trust from people.”

In his speech, Abiodun Asabi, Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in-charge of zone 17, assured the DIG that the zone would continue to fall in line with the agenda of the IGP.

“We are not going to rest on accolades that our zone is the most peaceful in the country, we will continue to push our zone more to be free from any form of criminality,” he said.

In his address, Abayomi Oladipo, Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, appreciated the DIG’s visit, saying that the command would continue to engage officers and men on professional conduct for effective service delivery.

“Our display of professionalism during the governorship primaries in the state came to bare as we were non-partisan and followed the guiding principles as laid down in the electoral act.

“Currently, the command has mapped out plans to ensure that the state is devoid of actions and inactions that can heat up the polity.”

Abayomi explained that he had a meeting with political stakeholders and all relevant organisations involved in electoral activities, and called on politicians to warn their supporters against causing chaos in the state.

“Our Govt Néver Opérated In A Väccum” – Kebbi Dep. Gov. Carpéts PDP Over Cläims Of Differénces Betwéen Him And Gov Idris

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida - Kebbi Deputy Governor

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kebbi State Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, on Friday, June 7, 2024, rubbished insinuations of a frosty relationship with his boss Governor Nasir Idris.

News of the frosty relationship has been making the rounds in  opposition camps, especially. But Senator Tafida Insists  that he and his boss  are enjoying the best of working relationships.

The Source reports that the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,  in the last few days, has sought to play up the alleged failure of Governor Idris, who has been away from the State for a while to officially transmit power to his Deputy.

But at a press briefing at  his official lodge, Senator Tafida described the alarm being raised by the PDP and other opposition camps as absolutely “unnecessary and nonsensical.”

He accused opposition  forces of only trying to build a political capital out of a non existent foundation .

He assured that the opposition plot will fail, just as others before it.

The Deputy Governor noted that from inception, “there has been an understanding within the  governmental system, which has so far ensured that vacuum never existed for a day.”

He insisted that Governor Idris has been religious in entrusting the  State’s administrative machineries to his Deputy ,when ever he is  out of the state ,in line with relevant constitutional provisions.

Besides the good working relationship between his office and that of the Governor, Senator Tafida  informed that both the members of the State Executive Council have been united in their resolve to take Kebbi State to the next level .

He  therefore, warned that “no amount of political subterfuge and blackmail by the opposition forces will be able to puncture the  cordial and harmonious relationship that currently pervade the All Progressive Congress APC led administration in the State.”

In the same vein,the APC.Kebbi State has  blasted the PDP over its claims of alleged refusal of Governor Idris to transmit power to his Deputy, noting that the opposition party appears to be out of tune with the realities on the ground .

In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Isah Assalafy, the ruling party described PDP’s claims as malicious and devoid of  adequate knowledge of the constitution of the country.

The APC while vouching for the harmonious working relationships between Governor Idris and his Deputy since they came into office ,said the PDP’s misguided plot is ,already dead on arrival ..

“It is gratifying to note that the duo in the last one year have been enjoying cordial and just relationship as there have been no time when the Deputy Governor Umar Tafida have had cause to complain of being marginalized by the Governor.

“Let me use this opportunity to admonish the opposition PDP to desist from faceless media attack on the Kebbi state Governor ,Dr Nasir Idris ,even as the party listens to reasonable and constructive criticisms.” the APC stated.

Ekiti Set To Host Annual Festival, To Showcase Cultural Endowments

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ekiti Festival

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy is set to host this year’s Ekiti Festival.

The festival, which commenced in 2012, has become an annual event, during which the state showcases its cultural endowments to the outside world.

The Commissioner of the ministry, Prof Rasaki Ojo-Bakare, disclosed this at a press conference held at NUJ, Press centre, Ado-Ekiti on Friday.

He assured tourists and Ekiti residents of adequate security during 2024 Ekiti Festival(EKIFEST) scheduled for 6th and 10th August, 2024.

The Commissioner explained that 2024 EKIFEST would afford local government and communities to showcase their talents, products and services to the world.

He advised Local Government chairmen to embark on talent hunts saying thousands of talents are abound in rural areas.

“EKIFEST was established to project and exhibit talented individuals at the grassroots, in a bid to bring Ekiti on the map of global culture.

“We are inviting visitors from all over Africa and beyond. These fellows are not just coming as tourists, but to see what our people are capable of doing with their talents so that they can invest and take the products beyond the borders of Ekiti and Nigeria.”

The Commissioner further said that EKIFEST started in 2012, saying it is an annual event which promotes economy of the state.

Rasaki Ojo hinted on the activities for the festival, to include: competitive events such as: performing Art, Visual Art, fashion Art, creative art, traditional wrestling, street carnival, among others.

Ayokunle, Fmr CAN President Says Multïple Taxatïon Kïlling Nigerians

By
The Source
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Samson Ayokunle

By Ayodele Oni

A former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Dr Samson Ayokunle, has cried out that multiple taxations are killing Nigerians.

He advised President Bola Tinubu, to stop multiple taxations introduced by federal and state agencies on hungry Nigerians.

Ayokunle, also a former President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, who was a guest on Channels Television on Friday, urged the president to open up the economy and mobilize investment into the agriculture and mining sectors to tap the goldmines locked up in them.

“Let’s delve into other aspects of our economy. Nigeria is rich, let’s explore, not just taxing, taxing. If you tax people, people will die.

“If you continue to tax them and tax them, they will die and if people die without fulfilling their life ambition, you will be held responsible.

“I know that the president wants to help Nigerians, but he should stop adding tax to tax, but enough is enough. How will people survive? How will people breathe?

“Tomorrow is not certain for many people with the way we are going and they are still raising more taxes, electricity tariff hike, and others.

“Where will people get these monies? Don’t you know the amount you pay them per month? Do you want to kill them or drive them away from the country?”

He lamented that Nigeria is many years behind considering the resources at the nation’s disposal when compared to the performance of the country.

“The economy is in shambles. The pains Nigerians are facing is unprecedented. I don’t know what to classify this whether it is hyper-inflation or something else.

“The cost of things has spiralled unimaginably that it is difficult for Nigerians to survive.”

The former CAN President said, “The new administration took some steps that were very good and they also took some steps, if not many steps backwards.”

He condemned the hastiness of the removal of petrol subsidy by the Tinubu administration.

“The hastiness without considering the implications, line by line, of petrol subsidy removal.

“This government is trying to address the issue of foreign exchange, but they have not gotten it. Something drastic must be done.”

The cleric added that the economic situation has become unbearable for young people who can “no longer take it because hope deferred makes the heart weary.”

He, however, commended the student loan scheme by the current administration.

NGF Insîsts States Can’t Päy N60,000 As Minimum Wäge

By
Ayodele Oni
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Hope Uzodimma- Governor of Imo State

By Ayodele Oni

The Secretariat of the Nigeria Governors Forum, (NGF) has come out on the position of 36 state governors on the new minimum wage.

It stated that the governors rejected the N60,000 that was earlier proposed by the Federal Government as the new minimum wage.

The Governors, after their meeting on Thursday, had set up a committee headed by Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma to work out a realistic figure that can be sustained.

They had earlier resolved that since one of them, which is Edo, has commenced payment of N70,000 as minimum wage, others can maintain this.

The Director of Media and Public Affairs for the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Halimah Salihu Ahmed, announced this in a statement on Friday.

The governors argued that the N60,000 wage, which the federal government had proposed and rejected by the organized labour, is unrealistic and unsustainable.

They claimed that implementing it would force some states to borrow funds to pay workers’ salaries.

The statement read, “The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) agrees that a new minimum wage is due. The Forum sympathizes with labour unions in their push for higher wages.

“However, the Forum urges all parties to consider that minimum wage negotiations also involve consequential adjustments across all cadres, including pensioners.

“The NGF cautions parties in this important discussion to look beyond just signing a document for the sake of it; any agreement to be signed should be sustainable and realistic.

“All things considered, the NGF holds that the N60,000 minimum wage proposal is not sustainable and cannot be implemented.

“Many states would spend all their FAAC allocations on salaries alone, with nothing left for development purposes.

“In fact, a few states would end up borrowing to pay workers every month. We do not believe this will be in the collective interest of the country, including workers.

“We appeal that all parties involved, especially the labour unions, consider all the socioeconomic variables and settle for an agreement that is sustainable, durable, and fair to all other segments of society who have legitimate claims to public resources.”

Kanu Talks Tőugh On IPÕB As A Térrorist Organisation

By
James Orji
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Nnamdi-Kanu - IPOB Leader

Incarcerated leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu has threatened legal action against anyone or group who describe the self-determination group as terrorist organization.

The IPOB leader issued the warning through his legal team on Friday.

Kanu said a court in the country has ruled that IPOB was not a terrorist organization.

The order was granted in October 2023 by Justice A.O Onovo following a suit brought before the court by the IPOB legal team led by Aloy Ejimakor, challenging the 2017 proscription of IPOB as a terror organization by the federal government.

The court judgement must be respected, according to the IPOB legal team.

“Henceforth, any further reference to IPOB as a terrorist organization will be met and countervailed with a muscular litigation and other lawful measures, regardless of who the entity is,” the group said.

Delivering judgement seven month ago, Justice Onovo, in the suit marked E/20/2023, declared as unconstitutional “the practical application of the Terrorism Prevention Act and the executive or administrative action of the respondents (Southeast Governors Forum and the federal government) which directly led to the proscription of IPOB and its listing as a terrorist group.”

Nigeria’s Economy To Hït Closé To $2trn – IMF

By
James Orji
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International Monetary Fund - IMF

The International Monetary Fund has hinted that Nigeria’s economy may hit $1.85 trillion by year 2029 based on Purchasing Power Parity PPP terms.

According to the IMF data, Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product in PPP terms has been steadily increasing, from $1.36 trillion in 2023 to $1.852 trillion in 2029.

The prediction, analysts insist, portend a milestone for Africa’s biggest economy in terns of Gross Domestic Product, GDP.

The Bretton wood-based, United States of America, USA organization assertion is also coming on the heels of the plans by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to raise the nation’s economy to the $1 trillion mark by the end of 2026.

President Tinubu made the promise to grow Africa’s economic powerhouse to $1 trillion from the current less than $500 billion mark.

Nigeria’s GDP currently trumps that of South Africa, and Egypt in second and third positions, according to global economic ratings.

The IMF data shows a consistent growth trend in Nigeria’s economy, with a notable increase of 5.5 per cent expected in 2029.

The Fund also predicted Nigeria’s share of global GDP based on PPP to reach 0.78 per cent by 2029.

This represents a slight increase from 0.77 per cent in 2023, indicating a steady growth trajectory for the country’s economy, the fund stated ion the report.

The data suggests that Nigeria’s economy is gradually expanding, albeit slowly, and is expected to continue this trend over the next five years.

MFM Dénies Främing Ex-Pastor Jimoh Who Spént 9yrs In Prïson

By
James Orji
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MFM Leadership
The Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries, MFM, has debunked the claim by a former pastor,  Femi Jimoh, that the Church framed him up and plotted his remand in the prison for nine years.
Jimoh had alleged MFM’s culpability in his predicament, insisting that he was wrongly punished for a crime he didn’t commit.
 His emotion laden story had generated  mixed reactions among Nigerians, putting the Church in a bad light.
But, the pentecostal Church in a swift reaction, stated that Jimoh alongside Caleb Oloruntele had planned to rob the Church and cart away the ‘First Fruit Offering’.
At a press briefing held at the MFM’s headquarters in Lagos, addressed by  Davidson Adejuwon, a lawyer MFM said Jimoh had engaged some persons including; Orji, Aboki and Omojomolo on how to hire a gun for the purpose of robbing the church.
Adejuwon asserted that Jimoh and others agreed to carry out the ignominious plan, which the church got wind of , and informed the police.
Jimoh was eventually arrested alongside his alleged co-plotters.
Adejuwon debunked the claim that the  church framed Jimoh, leading to his detention for nine years, rather, he was remanded by the police, and he failed to meet the bail conditions which required  the provision of credible sureties.
He said: “Jimoh and his Co-conspirator failed to meet the Bail conditions which does not include payment of any sum as being misunderstood by majority of people who are not lawyers.
“Is it not curious to push a narrative that Dr. D.K Olukoya, the General Overseer of MFM locked them up when all members of their family refused to get two individuals for nine years to stand as their sureties for them to be released?
Adejuwon added that Dr. Olukoya did not jail Jimoh or any person for nine years as been circulated, adding that of what purpose will it serve the revered Clergyman to frame up two of his Ministers.
Corroborating Adejuwon, Pastor Oluwadamilare Odunsi, stated that Jimoh was an unquestionable character leading to his redeployment to Lagos Headquarters for engaging in immoralities.
Also, the three individuals contacted by Jimoh to rob the Church also corroborated the allegations against him. The accused was not been witch-hunted by the Church as he is presently claiming, according to them.
Adejuwon further shed light on the ruling by the National Industrial Court,  that Jimoh and Oloruntele should be paid their Nine years arrears of salary because their appointments has not been terminated by the Church.
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