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South-east Traders Threaten Show Down With Nigeria Customs Over Alleged Unprofessional Conducts

By
The Source
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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

South East Region traders and other business actors have raised the alarm over a serious danger posed to the free movements of goods and services, as well as their business concerns by the alleged unbridled extortionist tendencies of the men and officers of Nigeria Customs Service.

They have singled out Nigeria Customs’ incessant raids of South-east  Markets and mounting of hundreds of checkpoints on various roads and routes within the region and SouthSouth neighbouring states as one of the causative factors driving up the costs of essential commodities in the country.

Consequently, they have appealed to all relevant authorities to wade in and halt the alleged insensitive and negative operational tactics of the Service, adding that they may be forced to resort to self help to save their businesses from collapse.

The continued extortionist and exploitative activities of Customs according to the President of Abia state Amalgamated Traders Association ASMATA ,Sir Alphonsus Udeigbo have negatively impacted on the conduct of businesses and free flow of goods and services within the Southeast and Southsouth geopolitical zones, contributing in no small measure in pushing up prices of essential commodities far beyond the reach of the ordinary people.

But the authorities of Nigeria Customs say all their operations in the region ,just like in others are strictly guided by adherence to rules of engagement and extant laws establishing the outfit.

Chief Udeigbo who is also the Chairman of All Chairmen of Aba Markets, one of the known commercial hubs in the Southeast in an exclusive interview with the Source on Saturday March 2 2024 ,noted that the  ugly situation if not checked may force the Traders and other victims of the alleged Customs unethical practices to engaged in a show down with all relevant authorities.

“Look ,the situation is unbearable. You can’t believe that from Benin to Onitsha, Owerri to Aba , Aba to such places like PortHarcourt ,Yenagoa  Uyo,most of which are less than 100 km there are close to 20 Customs Check points on each road .

These checks points are manned by men and Officers from different units of the Service .

Sadly, at each of the Check points traders and other business men and women are forced to part with between N20,000 and N30,000 per truck load of goods.

The status of the goods  you are carrying ,whether contraband or not ,for them does not matter . What matters is that you have to ” settle” .

Now, there are to problems here. One ,the goods are goods that have been officially cleared at the various ports of entry ,with approved duties paid .

The second issue is that these goods are mostly legally approved goods (not contraband) whose owners have paid all the approved duties .

The implications of these unethical and unprofessional conducts of Customs officials are many, but in the main it pushes prices of goods unnecessarily up .

The reason being that after undergoing harrowing experiences, including extortions on the road, the traders in a bid to break even will increase prices. In the end, it is the common man that will finally bear the brunt.

Our position is also that men and officers of the Customs should leave the various South East Markets alone . They should go to their lawfully assigned areas of operation which are the borders and Ports .

It is unfortunate that ,besides subjecting us to unnecessary extortions on the roads they equally raid markets every now and then .

We are in touch with our traders colleagues across the Southeast region, this is the bitter experience of traders be it in Onitsha ,Enugu, Aba ,Abakalika ,Owerri and Southsouth ..

Many businesses are being seriously threatened by the negative activities of these Customs operatives . They even have some accomplices and aides from among the traders, whose job is to feed them with the dates and time of movements of goods. It is all that bad” Udeigbo lamented.

However ,in an   interactive session with  The Source ,Spokesperson for the Abia/ Imo Area Command of Customs Jerry Attah ASC while debunking allegations of multiple checkpoints  ,said the service officially operates two check points at Benin and Cross River within the zone.

According to him ,besides the two, the service only operate Patrol/ Surveillance teams whose task is to ensure that contraband items of any nature do not find their way into Nigeria Markets.

“Here our operations are strictly under taken based on credible intelligence .And it is to  guide against loss of revenue by the federal government,and also prevent the influx of prohibited goods and items into Nigerian markets. We have the mandate to do so .

We are not aware of  alleged extortion and misconducts by our operatives ,because no body has officially approached us on that .

If we receive any complaints ,j can assure the public.  that service will address same.  In any case ,some of these unsubstantiated or informal complaints are mostly from some people who are not into genuine businesses.” Attah noted.

Katsina Police Declare Notorious Banditry Kingpins Wanted;  Place N50m Bounty For  Information

By
The Source
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Modi modi and Jan Kare - Kidnapping Kingpin

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

In a bid to halt  banditry, kidnappings for ransome, and other related criminal activities , the Katsina Police authorities have announced a reward of N50 million for anybody and/or group of persons that could volunteer credible intelligence that could lead to the apprehension, neutralization and decimation of Banditry and kidnap Kingpins operating in the state.

The handsome reward awaits any body that provides valuable information that can lead to the immediate arrest of two notorious bandits namely – Modi modi and Jan Kare who are strongly believed to be carrying out their nefarious operations mainly within Katsina state and its precincts ,particularly Kankara and Safana local councils.

A statement issued by the Katsina police Command Spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu ( ASP), implored all concerned residents to assist with any relevant and credible intelligence that could help security agencies apprehend the masterminds of the heinous kidnappings and banditry that have been ravaging Katsina and its neighbouring states.

“The Safety and well being of the residents of the state are of paramount importance and the Katsina State Government  and Katsina police Command, as well as other sister security agencies in the state ,are committed to taking decisive action against criminal elements that threaten the peace and stability of residents.

“This reward( Fifty Million Naira) serves as a testament to our dedication to ensuring peace prevails, as the issue of security is a collective responsibility.

“This initiative aims to enhance security operations in our dear state and combat the activities of criminal elements.

“The identity of informants and the information provided will be kept strictly confidential.” the police statement noted.

“I Will Not Rest Until Our Economy Improves”  – President Tinubu

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Bola Tinubu

By Akinwale Kasali

President Bola Tinubu has said that he will rest on his oars until Nigeria overcomes its economic woes. He stressed that nation building requires patriotism and perseverance to succeed.

The President said this at Doha, Qatar Capital, after inspecting the Qatar National Museum.

President Tinubu who visited the Middle East Country on a two-day official visit was conducted round the sprawling edifice which is located in the heart of Doha and built on a  land of about 430,500 square feet.

The Museum is built around Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al-Thani’s original palace, which had served as  the seat of Government for 25 years,  provides a voice to Qatar’s heritage, whilst also celebrating its future.

President Tinubu said, “It is great to document culture from the beginning of history, the culture of civilization, collaborations, challenges and perseverance of leadership”

On replicating same in Nigeria, the President said ” We still have a long way to go.”

He expressed happiness for the opportunity to take a guided tour of the edifice, adding that “I am glad I am here. it is a great honour, you learn everyday of your life.”

He noted that since the beginning of nations, nationalism and patriotism had remain a major ingredient for tackling various challenges along the way, adding that ”You learn as you go on”.

Hannatu Musawa, the  Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, while also fielding questions from State House Journalists, hinted of plans to replicate similar projects in Nigeria to add value to Nigeria’s creative industry.

The President was conducted round the edifice by Mohammed saad Al Rumaihi – CEO of Qatar Museums.

The Museum which was recently redesigned ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, offers visitors access to a variety of materials used in Islamic art, including carpets and textiles, manuscripts, ceramics, wood, ivory, metalwork, stone and glass.

The President inspected pieces of materials dating back to the earliest Islamic period from the 20th century, spanning Spain and North Africa to the Far East.

President Tinubu and his entourage were conducted  round several sections where they viewed the  early Hijazi Quran fragments, the sitara of the Holy Kaaba, the Moroccan arch, a copy of al-Sufi’s treatise on the fixed stars, the Abbasid blue-and-white bowl, the Seljuq stucco panel, the Doha Hind and the post-Islamic Spanish ceiling.

From the Museum, the President also visited the Qatar Foundation, responsible for promoting Qatar government humanitarian activities in other countries , including Nigeria.

The Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, is a state-led non profit organisation, dedicated to helping humanity on the areas of Science, Research and documentation.

The institution which was founded in 1995 by the then Emir of Qatar, Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and his second wife Moza bint Nasser Al-Missne, has been linked to development of schools, houses and health facilities in several countries, including Nigeria.

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state, while also speaking on the contributions of the Foundation to development in Nigeria, attested to the humanitarian activities of the foundation in the northern part of Nigeria.

He disclosed that the Qatar Foundation is currently building orphanages, houses and schools in both Maiduguri, the Borno state capital and other places in the northern part of Nigeria.

“Their main objective is to assist displaced and downtrodden communities in Nigeria.

We want to give our appreciation to the Qatar Charity  Foundation

”We believe that with the presence of the President of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, this organization will provide more support to the government of Nigeria both at the national and subnational levels.

”The main objective of the foundation are geared towards enhancing education, Science and research in community development

He also expressed the hope that Nigerian entrepreneurs especially in the areas of agriculture and animal husbandry will continue to benefit from the relationship between Nigeria and Qatar.

Sisi Quadri Died Just Before His US Trip; Laid To Rest Amidst Tears

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Sisi Quadri

By Akinwale Kasali

Tears were freely shed as Comic Actor, Quadri Oyebamiji with the moniker, Sisi Quadri was laid to rest at Iwo, Osun State.

Theatre Practitioners, fans, families and loved ones of the tongue lashing Comic Actor paid their last respect.

Mourners, including indigenes and residents of Iwo, stormed the Agbowo area of the town, where his residence was located waiting to have a final view of the body.

It, however, arrived around 11a.m. in an ambulance prompting some of the sympathisers to cry profusely as the body was taken out of the ambulance.

His body was eventually lowered into mother-earth before 1.00 p.m, after Islamic rites were performed by Muslim clerics.

His colleagues in the industry were also part of the mourners at the scene, as many of them could not hide their emotion and burst into tears as they bid him final farewell.

Paying tribute to the late Actor, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, in a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, described the actor’s death as shocking and devastating.

“I mourn his loss knowing well the great talent that is gone. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the people of Iwoland, the movie industry, and everyone touched by this devastating experience.

“It is my sincere prayer that they get the strength to bear the hard moment his passage represents. May Almighty Allah grant his aljanah fidau soul,” it read in part.

Sadly, the late Actor had just secured his United States of America visa before his passing. This was disclosed by the Chief Executive Officer of Fathia Entertainment, Olawale B.

The CEO, who is also a show promoter and tour manager, shared this information in an Instagram post on Friday through his handle, @fathiaentertainments_showbiz.

Musawa Mourns Mr Ibu’s Death, Commiserates With Nollywood

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Hannatu Musawa and John Okafor

By Akinwale Kasali

Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy has commiserated with Nigeria’s Film Industry, Nollywood, over the demise of veteran actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu. Ibu passed on at the Evercare Hospital, allegedly, of cardiac arrest.

Musawa, in a statement signed by her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Nneka Anibeze, described Ibu’s passing as “one death, too many”.

She said she was yet to come to terms with the sudden demise of Quadri Oyebamiji popularly known as Sisi Quadri before Mr Ibu passed on too,  less than 24 after Quadri.

The statement reads: “I’m deeply shocked at too many deaths occurring at the same time. Mr Ibu was a household name who made families happy throughout his acting career.

“His death at this time is very unfortunate and a sad one for us all in the entertainment industry.

“We will sorely miss him. May his soul est in peace.”

It would be recalled that the right leg of Mr Ibu was amputated. It was former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, who  settled his hospital bills after he sought for help from his colleagues and well meaning Nigerians.

After the  first amputation, the same  leg was amputated more for quicker recovery.

Sadly, he passed on Saturday, March 2, 2024, after it was assumed he had beaten the odds.

A graduate of the Institute of Management and Technology, IMT, Enugu, he was aged 62 at the time of his death.

“Mr. President, We Are Not After Your Job” – Full Text Of  NLC’s Statement To Tinubu’s Allegation

By
The Source
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The recent statements attributed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the commissioning of the Red-Line Railway Project have sparked deep concern within the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). We find these remarks, particularly those concerning the role of Labour in governance, to be profoundly at variance with the struggles faced by ordinary Nigerians under existing policies.

President Tinubu’s insinuation that Labour lacks the moral ground to challenge his administration, merely nine months into office, is deeply troubling. Moreover, his focus on partisan issues and the distant 2027 election cycle, rather than the urgent needs of the populace, further underscores a disconnect from the realities faced by Nigerians on a daily basis.

It is regrettable that the President seems oblivious of the profound hardships endured by millions of Nigerians. The pervasive hunger, unemployment, housing insecurity, and escalating costs of basic necessities such as food and healthcare demand immediate attention and decisive action. Yet, instead of addressing these pressing concerns, President Tinubu appears preoccupied with political calculations and future electoral prospects.

The NLC wishes to emphasize that our primary objective is not to vie for political positions, including that of the President. Rather, our sole focus is on advocating for effective governance that prioritizes the welfare and security of all Nigerians. We urge President Tinubu to redirect his efforts towards fulfilling this fundamental duty of public office, rather than engaging in political rhetoric.

It is imperative that we refocus our collective energy on addressing the substantive issues that have been the subject of engagement between Labour and the government since June 2023. These include critical matters such as wage increases, social welfare programs, infrastructure development, and the revitalization of key sectors such as education and healthcare.

In any case to avoid the dissipation of energy, it is important that we focus on the real issues because we have engaged the government since June 2023 after the subsidy is gone statement. The issues are around the non-implementation of agreements reached between us and the government.

For example; on June 5, 2023 after the hike in the Price of PMS, the following agreements were reached between us and the Government viz;

  1. Review Proposal for Wage Increase and Award including framework for timing and implementation
  1. Review the program of Cash Transfer and propose inclusion of low-income earners in the program
  1. Review issues hindering effective delivery in the education sector and propose solutions for implementation
  1. Revive the CNG conversion programs
  1. Review the framework for the completion of rehabilitation work on the Nation’s refineries
  1. Review framework for the maintenance of Roads and expansion of Rail networks across the country

Mr. President, these agreements were reached but the Committee that was saddled with working on these was never inaugurated and none of them was implemented until we were forced to organize a nationwide rally while the president gave his personal commitment. However, Mr. President, nothing came out of your promises.

It took another round of protests for the October 2, 2023 agreement to be reached. We outline the agreement below so that your government will tell Nigerians which one it has been able to implement. They are;

  1. The first item on the Agreement is the N35,000 Wage Award.
  1. Port Harcourt Refinery will come on stream by December, 2023
  1. 25,000 cash transfers to 15 million poor household would be implemented
  1. Tax waivers for workers, small businesses and general public
  1. Government interference in the internal affairs of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and RTEAN to be stopped
  1. The agreement will be deposited as settlement with the Court by Government.
  1. That CNG buses and 55,000 conversion kits will be provided
  1. All parties shall henceforth commit to the use of social dialogue in all of our engagements
  1. The National Minimum Wage Committee to be set up immediately.
  1. Outstanding Wages and Salaries for Tertiary Education workers in all federally – owned educational institutions to be paid
  1. States and Private sectors to be compelled by the federal government to give Wage Award to workers
  1. Fertilizer initiative to farmers across the nation
  1. Provision of funds for MSMEs across the nation
  1. Visitation to the Refinery to monitor completion of the PH refinery

Once again Mr. President, these are the issues and not election or perhaps seeking to take over your job. We would want Mr. President to show us the items his government has implemented in this agreement. Perhaps, the Government wants to tell Nigerians that we do not have right to ask that it complies with the agreement it willingly reached with us?

But beside all these, in the two  MoUs signed with this government on the 5th of June and October 2nd 2023, which item has his government implemented beside rhetoric. The first MoU has seven items while the second has 15 items.  It has been a chain of broken promises not only to Labour but to hungry Nigerians

President Tinubu’s administration must be held accountable for the commitments made in previous agreements with Labour. It is disheartening to note the apparent lack of progress in implementing these agreements, despite repeated assurances from the government. Nigerians deserve transparency and tangible results, not empty promises and bureaucratic delays.

Furthermore, the use of divisive language and veiled threats against Labour by President Tinubu is unacceptable. It is incumbent upon all stakeholders to foster constructive dialogue and collaboration in addressing the myriad challenges facing our nation. Violence and intimidation have no place in a democratic society, and any attempts to suppress dissent will only exacerbate tensions and undermine our collective efforts towards progress and prosperity.

Finally, the NLC reiterates its unwavering commitment to championing the interests of Nigerian workers and the broader populace. We call upon President Tinubu to heed the voices of ordinary Nigerians, prioritize governance over politics, and take meaningful steps towards building a more inclusive and equitable society.

Comrade Joe Ajaero
President
NIGERIA LABOUR CONGRESS (NLC)
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS
Paschal Bafyau Labour House
Plot 821/821 Central Business District
Federal Capital Territory
P.O.Box 10971, PMB 566 Garki, Abuja
Tel: +2348117077418, +2348117077419
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.nlcng.org

“Tinubu Doesn’t Want A Second Term” -Former APC Vice Chairman, Lukman,  Alleges President Tinubu Is Ruling Like A Dictator

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has come under strong criticism from the All Progressives Congress, APC, immediate past Vice Chairman, Northwest, Salihu Lukman. He has accused the President of running a government of exclusion and behaving more like a military dictator.

Lukman said he is saddened that President Tinubu is running his Government as someone who is not desirous for a second term as he has failed by not consulting Nigerians, which he termed unthinkable.

In a statement issued Saturday in Abuja, Lukman said although the President has taken responsibility for the economic situation in the country, “the crucial issue is, having taken responsibility, how long would it take to get to the end of the ‘tunnel’ when will the expected ‘light’ begin to shine?”

According to him, the main issue worrying Nigerians, and particularly APC members, in addition to whether citizens will survive the current hardship being experienced, is also to understand the details of government initiatives to get Nigerians out of the hardship.

He said: “With APC now increasingly becoming a closed shop with virtually all its organs demobilized and the omnipotent status of the President strengthened, what is the future of the APC?

“Being an envisioned progressive party but end up producing progressive governments in reverse gear, what is the implication?

“Is it a question of leaders becoming indifferent to the electoral fortunes of the party? Does the fact of being indifferent to the electoral fortune of the party also mean being unconcerned about the future of democracy in Nigeria?

“These questions are being asked not in agreement with any conclusion of being indifferent but to attempt to rekindle the conscience of our leaders, especially President Asiwaju Tinubu.

“Without any hesitation, one can argue that at the rate we are going, our party, APC, and our leaders have shortchanged Nigerians.

“What Nigerians are having today wasn’t what was promised at all. The most disturbing reality is that given that the current economic hardship is produced during the first term of President Asiwaju Tinubu, with no end in sight, does it then mean that President Asiwaju Tinubu is not interested in second term? Certainly not.

“If he is interested in a second term, why is he managing affairs of government like a military dictator, shutting down the structures of the party and talking down on citizens like a philosopher king who has absolute knowledge of what will produce possible happiness for citizens?” he queried”.

Speaking further, Lukman said that the policies of President Tinubu are impulsive with no plans or direction.

He said; “This is partly because what is becoming very disturbing is that since the assumption of office of the President Asiwaju Tinubu, on May 29, 2023, major policy decisions are taken impulsively without clearly defined plans, at least not shared with Nigerians.

“Three good examples are the issue of removal of subsidy on petroleum products, floating the exchange rate of the Naira, and sanction against Niger Republic following the coup of July 26, 2023.

“Adding to the impulsive approach to decision making, on Monday, February 26, 2024 after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris announced the resolution of the Federal Government to implement the recommendations of Steven Oronsaye Committee report.

“With that decision, out of the 541 Federal Government parastatals, commissions and agencies that existed in 2012, 263 agencies should be reduced to 161, 38 abolished, 52 merged, and 14 returned to departments in ministries.

“To facilitate implementation within 12-week (3 months) deadline a committee comprising the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Head of the Civil Service, Attorney General of the Federation, Budget and Planning Ministers, among others has been empanelled.

“Giving further explanations about the decisions of FEC, Mrs. Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Adviser to President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on Policy Coordination informed that the committee is to ensure necessary restructuring and legislative amendments to achieve implementation.

“Ideally, this should have been made an integral part of a policy of rebuilding the Nigerian public service to make it more efficient and productive. After implementation, what is the guarantee that the new outlook will result in reduced cost and will be efficient and productive in delivering services to Nigerians.

“As it is, the emphasis is more about trimming the size of of the civil service based on the old neoliberal agenda of World Bank and IMF. The approach, from the way it is being introduced is almost exactly the way previous administrations, especially military governments have initiated public service reforms in the country.

“Issues of engaging stakeholders aimed at guaranteeing inclusivity in policy implementation would appear to be taken for granted. Even the committee setup excludes critical stakeholders, which means stakeholders can only react to challenges of implementation with hardly any potential to influence or minimise possible negative consequences.

“Arguably, with respect to all these issues, it is as if government first announces decisions before beginning to think in terms of what needs to be done to manage the consequences that followed.

“In which case, rather than acting as a progressive government that is dynamic, action oriented towards improving the welfare conditions of citizens, President Asiwaju Tinubu’s administration is behaving more like a reactionary government. Given such reality, it is almost impossible to predict what the goal or vision of the government is.

“This was clearly the same problem we had with former President Muhammadu Buhari’s government. The incomprehensible reality is that both former President Buhari’s and current President Asiwaju Tinubu’s governments are APC governments, which got elected based on the promise of changing Nigeria.

“Part of the change that is expected is having a government that guarantees and accommodates inclusivity, based on which the outcry of citizens is factored and utilised to guide design and implementation of government policy.

“From the time of former President Buhari to the current era of President Asiwaju Tinubu, issues of inclusivity are in reverse gear.

“Rather than engaging Nigerians and getting them to own policies of government, supposedly progressive governments talked down on Nigerians and like dictators almost tell citizens to take as given every decision taken, even when faced with grave consequences, threatening survival as is presently being experienced.

“ With a manifesto that was the product of robust internal consultations during the merger negotiations that produced the APC in 2013, the expectation was that, starting from the government of former President Buhari, through strong engagements of diverse interest groups in the country, the APC will begin to translate the party’s manifesto and all campaign promises into clearly defined policy decisions.

“Unfortunately, the most unexpected manifestation of lack of inclusivity in democracy is what appears to be a conscious demobilisation of the APC as a political party.”

Breaking: Veteran Nollywood Actor, Mr Ibu Is Dead

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

Less than 24 hours after the demise of Quadri Oyebamiji popularly known as Sisi Quadri, another Veteran Nollywood Actor, John Okafor with the moniker, Mr Ibu is dead.

The Comic Actor who had undergone surgeries that led to the amputation of his  leg  finally succumbed to the cold hands of death.

It would be recalled that before his demise, there had been speculations about his demise following his absence from limelight for over three years before the news of him being bedridden went viral.

It would be recalled that in 2019 Mr Ibu alleged that his kinsmen paid some of his domestic workers to poison him because of his successful career.

In May 2022, the comic actor again alleged that he was poisoned for the third time.

In an interview with Vanguard Newspaper, Okafor disclosed that he was already “seeing people on the other side” but God brought him back to life.

He said, “My illness was actually perpetrated by people that hate me. They did what they did to me. Later, I was taken to the hospital. The doctors are prophets. So, they went into my system and they told me what was wrong and what they are going to do. I said ‘Whatever you are going to do, please, do it, let me live because if I die like this the enemies will laugh’. And then the doctors said ‘Okay, there’s no problem’.

“At the time, I didn’t know what happened. I left! So, whatever I was saying they recorded it. I was saying something like somebody who is going mad. I wasn’t actually seeing anybody. But on the other side where I was at that time, I was seeing some dead people.. God brought me back.”

He said his enemies were happy about his illness and thought he wouldn’t make it but God brought him back to life.

The actor said his sickness taught him a “big lesson”, adding that he is surprised that he is still alive.

Jigawa Set To Tackle Flood Disaster, Sets Up Emergency Trust Fund

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

In a bid to permanently address issue of flood disaster, the Jigawa State Government is set to establish a Flood Disaster Emergency Trust Fund to cater for the management of recurrent flood disasters in the state.

Governor Umar Namadi announced this while inaugurating a flood disaster management committee in the state capital.

The committee, chaired by Aminu Kani, is also tasked with finalizing the establishment of the Flood Disaster Emergency Trust Fund.

Members of the committee have been entrusted with the critical responsibility of ensuring the smooth establishment and operation of the Trust Fund.

Governor Namadi expressed satisfaction with the progress made in addressing the 2022 flood disaster and emphasized the importance of swift action in addressing the pending issues from the previous committee’s report.

He commended the efforts of the former committee, which mobilized over N1.1 billion in funds and provided relief to over 34,000 victims, including families of deceased victims.

“The objective is for the Trust Fund to serve as a first resort emergency response for rehabilitation and relief to disaster victims on a sustainable basis.

“Already a draft bill has been produced by the former committee but needs to be subjected to further review before it is finalized for further appropriate action.

“The primary objectives of the newly inaugurated committee include: finalizing the operational modalities of the Permanent Flood Disaster Trust Fund, reviewing and updating the draft bill for the Trust Fund.

“This will cover its establishment, funding sources, governance structure, and operational procedures, and resolving any pending payment issues through reconciliations with relevant banks.”

Governor Namadi expressed confidence in the committee members’ ability to fulfill their mandate within the designated timeframe of two months.

He assured of the necessary logistical support to facilitate the smooth execution of their tasks.

Upon the passage and assent of the legislation establishing the Trust Fund, Governor Namadi affirmed his commitment to ensuring its effective implementation in accordance with the law.

“As soon as the Law on the establishment of the Trust Fund is passed and accented, a permanent arrangement will be made in accordance with the provision of the law to ensure its proper take up.”

What’s Tinubu Doing With 48 Ministers? He Needs 12, Says Agbakoba

By
James Orji
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0
Olisa Agbakoba, a senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, says the number of ministers appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is way too much.
The president only required 12 ministers to run the government, the senior lawyer said on Saturday.
Agbakoba was reacting to the recent decision of the Tinubu’s administration to merge or scrap outrightly some government agencies and parastatals based on the recommendation of the Stephen Orosanye report.
The report had recommended the merging of some agencies and departments as a means of cutting down the cost of governance.
The magazine reports that President Tinubu recently agreed to implement the report last week based on the Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting approval.
But the critics of the president faulted Tinubu on the issue, saying the objective of reducing the cost of administration had already been defeated considering the number of ministers appointed by the president after he came to office last year.
President Tinubu appointed 48 ministries, way higher than his predecessors since the country returned to democracy in 1999.
Agbakoba said the president required 12 ministers at most.
“What are you doing with 48 ministers? Agbakoba queried.
 “It is just too big. You don’t need all that. I recommend a maximum of 12.
“So many ministries can be merged and others abolished.  What is the Ministry of Information doing? All the press secretaries in the Villa cover what the Minister of Information does. Tell me, what does the Minister of Information do daily? Nothing!
“We also do not need Agriculture and Housing ministries.  My take is that the government has no house and does not need a Minister of Housing.
“There should be a very clean sweep; you can bring it down from 48 to about 10 to 12 ministers.
“We should abolish that section in the constitution that says every state must produce a minister,” he stated.
Recall that a former vice president, Atiku Abubakar had advised Tinubu to follow the example of the President of Argentina by reducing his bloated government.
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