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IMF New Economic Forecast For Nigeria Falls Short Of CBN’s Prediction

By
James Orji
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The International Monetary Fund, IMF, has predicted 3.3 economic growth for Nigeria in 2024.

The Bretton wood United States of America, US-based body had earlier in January downgraded the nation’s economic growth to three percent from its earlier forecast of 3.1 percent, citing various challenges facing the country economically, including the shortfall in crude oil revenue due to reduction in production as a result of insecurity in the Niger Delta.

“Growth in Nigeria is projected to decline from 3.3 per cent in 2022 to 2.9 per cent in 2023 and 3.1 per cent in 2024, with negative effects of high inflation on consumption taking hold.

“The forecast for 2023 is revised downward by 0.3 percentage point, reflecting weaker oil and gas production than expected, partially as a result of maintenance work,” it said three months ago.

However, in its latest economic forecast for the country published on its World Economic Outlook for April, and released during the ongoing 2024 Spring Meetings of the World Bank in Washington DC, United States, the global institution said the nation’s economy has the potential to grow beyond its January prediction.

Meanwhile, the forecast still falls short of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s CBN, prediction for the country.

The Yemi Cardo-led CBN had forecasted a close to four percent growth for the country recently.

According to the CBN Governor, “The projections for the nation’s economy paint an optimistic trajectory as the Federal Government of Nigeria anticipates real GDP growth of 3.76 per cent in 2024, slightly surpassing the estimated 3.75 per cent for 2023.”

Abia Begins Enforcement Of Laws Against Street Trading, Touting, Illegal Motor Park Operations

By
The Source
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Alex Otti

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Abia State Government on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, commenced the enforcement of its laws against ,street trading, illegal parking ,indiscriminate disposal of waste products and sundry abuses of public properties and infrastructural facilities.

Operating under the  auspices of Abia State Harmonized Task Force ASHTF, the Abia State authorities are seeking to enforce a regime of sanity in the operations of Motor parks, and other public service facilities ,which had  hitheto been functioning chaotically.

The Source reports that most cities in the State, particularly, are notorious for Street trading, gross abuse of public assets, unbridled reign of touts,  street urchins, illegal operations of motor parks ,as well as unhealthy waste disposal culture.

Over the years, successive administrations have either been overwhelmed by, or paid lip service to the control of the  menace .

In Aba, the commercial hub of the state, the ASHTF, led by its Coordinator, Chief Uche Wogu,  began the operations from the ever busy and popular Bata junction through Aba Main Park to the entire city centre targeting street traders, commercial vehicle operators loading and discharging commuters at unapproved spots ,and vehicles adjudged to have been wrongful parked .

Chief Wogu who is, also, the Mayor of Aba South Council,while addressing the press during the operations that lasted for several hours, warned that it will not be business as usual for both defaulters and enforcers of the law.

The ASHTF Aba Zone Coordinator noted that there is going to be a noticeable difference between the operations of the task force,and others before it .

“What will change is that it will not be business as usual. There is a massive reorientation of the mentality of the people of this town.

In the past, you had all sorts of people in the task forces doing things recklessly. Now, we believe in the rule of law.

Before,you see task force members jumping into peoples’ vehicles ,causing accidents and all other unlawful incidents . ASHTF has six zonal operational bases; two in Umuahia the state capital, and four in Aba.

Each zone has Mobile Courts attached to it . We have four Mobile Courts in Aba Zone and defaulters will be arraigned before the courts,and the courts will in turn award penalties in line with the extant laws. Each offence,has its own penalties ,as stipulated by the law . Convicted defaulters are to pay the penalties in to the state’s Single Treasury Account STA”.Chief Wogu stated.

Further speaking, the ASHTF Aba leader ,assured that part of the distinguishing traits of the current set up is that there will be no harassment and or intimidation of innocent and law abiding residents.

He insisted that the mandate of the Task Force and its operations will be limited to traders that display their wares on the streets and drainages, vehicles owners who obstruct free flow of traffic through unauthorized and illegal parkings, Commercial vehicle operators whose activities are conducted outside of approved and lawful spots, and residents caught disposing wastes inappropriately.

He noted that the ASHTF is principally aimed at enforcing a regime of sanity in major cities across the State.

Uzodimma Urges Youths To Pursue Dreams Relentlessly

By
The Source
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Miss Angel Obinwanne and Hope Uzodimma

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has counselled the youths in Imo State and by extension in the country, to pursue their dreams relentlessly and with passion.

The Governor gave the advice Monday night in his office at Government House Owerri when he received in audience Miss Angel Obinwanne, an indigene of Imo State who was the 1st runner up at the recent Teen Queen Nigeria 2024 Pageant which held in Sapele, Delta State.

Governor Uzodimma congratulated Miss Angel, a Food Science Technology student of Imo State University, Owerri for the courage to follow her passion through and used the opportunity to urge the youths in general to pursue their dreams relentlessly.

Governor Uzodimma said: “It brings me immense joy to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Miss Angel Obinwanne

on her remarkable achievement as the 1st Princess at Teen Queen Nigeria 2024 beauty Pageant. Your dedication and talent have truly shone through.

“My administration remains committed to nurturing the potential of every Imo citizen and this success is a testament to our collective efforts, with your triumph serving as an inspiration to fellow youths, reminding them to pursue their dreams relentlessly.

“I encourage you to continue blazing your trail with passion and determination. Remember, with perseverance and resilience, you will undoubtedly conquer greater heights. The State Government stands firmly behind you, ready to support your journey towards excellence in all your future endeavours.

“Congratulations once again.”

Earlier, Miss Angel who was accompanied by her mother and aunty thanked Governor Uzodimma for supporting her dream when she indicated interest to be part of the contest.

She said she was pleased to return to the Governor with heart full of appreciation for his encouragement and to reassure him of her determination to make Imo State proud whenever the opportunity presents itself.

Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, Commissioner- designate, Mbadiwe Emelumba, among others joined the Governor in receiving the Beauty Queen.

My Government Committed To Peace, Says Uzodimma

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma

Governor Hope Uzodimma has reiterated that his Government is irrevocably committed to the pursuit of peace, not just in Imo State but in Nigeria.

He said commitment to peace and harmony remains inevitable if development must be achieved in our society.

The Governor spoke when he met with members of the Ihube Peace Committee who were in his office on Tuesday to interface with him on how to restore peace and harmony, both in Imo State  and in Nigeria.

Governor Uzodimma acknowledged the set back which Imo State has suffered as a result of insecurity in Ihube area of Okigwe and promised continuous collaboration with the leaders and stakeholders from the area to achieve the desired peace and harmony.

He thanked the members of the Ihube Peace Committee ably led by the Emeritus Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Most Rev Dr Sunday Uche for the visit and interest in what was being done by government to achieve lasting peace and harmony in their area.

Earlier, Rev Uche had told the Governor that they were committed, like other well meaning members of the public, to ensure that peace reigns in all parts of Imo State and Nigeria for sustainable development to thrive.

He thanked the Governor for providing quality leadership in Imo State and urged him to do whatever is within his power, collaborating with leaders and stakeholders, to ensure that peace reigns in Imo State and beyond.

Climax Of Internal Wrangling: NNPP Suspends Kano Gov Yusuf For Six Months

By
Ayodele Oni
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Abba Kabir Yusuf - Governor of Kano State

By Ayodele Oni

For spearheading what is termed illegal national convention, Board of Trustees and National Working Committee, (NWC) of a faction of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has approved the suspension of the Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf for six months over alleged involvement in anti party activities.

National Secretary of the party, Oginni Olaposi Sunday, disclosed this on Tuesday, at its headquarters in Abuja.

Oginni said the suspension of the governor was a culmination of a recent invitation extended to him to appear before a disciplinary committee to explain infractions on the party constitution.

The Secretary also disclosed that Gov Yusuf was expected to appear before the committee to explain why having been elected on the NNPP’s platform and a national officer of  NNPP, participated in an illegal/factional national convention organized by the Kwankwasiya group in Abuja on April 6, 2024.

Briefing the media on latest development concerning the party, Oginni said, “We called this conference to intimate you on the developments resulting from the recent invitation extended to Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano to appear before a disciplinary committee to explain infractions on the party constitution.

“Nigerians need to know the position of the New Nigeria People’s Party following the failure of the governor to appear before the Disciplinary Committee as directed by the Board of Trustees of the New Nigeria People’s Party at the National Headquarters located at Willand Plaza, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja.

“He is to explain the reason why His Excellency who was elected on the party’s platform and a national figure of NNPP participated in an illegal/ factional national convention held by the kwankwasiya group at A Class Event Centre, Wuse 2 Abuja on Saturday 6th April, 2024.

“In Accordance with Article 39 sub section 4 of our Constitution a Disciplinary Committee headed by Barrister Monday Mawah as Chairman and Prince Adetoyese Omakanye as Secretary was set up and Gov Abba was expected to appear before it on Monday 15th April 2024 but failed and never give any reason for his inability to appear.

“In accordance with Article 39.0, 39(1-4) on disciplinary procedures, His Excellency Abba Yusuf was availed with an unfettered opportunity to explore all openings to resolve the issues being investigated as stipulated therein in relation to allegations of gross misconduct brought against him, he however failed to take advantage of this by not appearing.

“His Excellency Gov Abba Yusuf who was expected to appear and explain to the Committee the reason why Article 39.6 (e,f & g) shall not be invoked as sanctions against him as a member of New Nigeria People’s Party failed.

“The Committee submitted its report including recommendations for the urgent consideration of the National Working Committee.

“The leadership of NNPP in order to strengthen our internal disciplinary and democratic measures most especially in the area of Party supremacy without prejudice is left with no any other options than to decisively take necessary action according to the letters of NNPP constitution 2022 as amended.

“With the approval of the Board of Trustees of New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and unanimous decision of the National Woking Committee (NWC) of our great party His Excellency, Gov Abba Yusuf of Kano State is hereby suspended for six months with immediate effect.”

House Of Representatives Hosts National Dialogue On Security, State Police

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

The House of Representatives, in collaboration with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), FCDO/UKAID, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), will convene a One-Day National Dialogue on Security and State Police on Monday.

The primary objective of this Dialogue is to facilitate a comprehensive national discussion on the merits and challenges of State Police, with a focus on aggregating citizens’ views and perspectives.

The event also aims to propose model as well as institutional and legal frameworks for the effective implementation of state policing in Nigeria.

This was contained in a statement on Tuesday by Akin Rotimi, Jr.

House Spokesman / Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs.

The statement added that ” the event aligns with the Legislative Agenda of the 10th Assembly House of Representatives, which seeks to develop legislative measures to address the prevailing security challenges in Nigeria.

“This Dialogue complements the president’s ongoing efforts to reform and strengthen the country’s security architecture for optimal performance.

“Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD., Speaker of the House of Representatives, emphasized the urgency of the National Dialogue, stating, ‘Insecurity in Nigeria demands urgent action and collective responsibility.

“The National Dialogue on Security and State Police provides a crucial platform for us to come together, engage in constructive dialogue, and propose actionable solutions.

“Let us seize this opportunity to strengthen our security architecture and ensure the safety and well-being of all Nigerians.”

President Bola Tinubu is expected to be special guest while other personalities including Godwill Akpabio, President of the Senate, former President Goodluck Jonathan; and former military ruler, Abdulsalami Abubakar will grace the occasion.

Ondo Anglican Communion Urges FG To Address Inflation, High Cost Of Commodities

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

The Anglican Communion has pleaded with the federal government to address the continued escalating inflation coupled with high cost of commodities in the country.

This was contained in a communiqué at the end of the third Session of the 24th Synod of the Diosese of Ondo, church of Nigeria, which was held at Araromi Obu, in Ondo state and presided over by the Bishop, Stephen Oni.

In a Communique, the church called on government at all levels to introduce measures aimed at cushioning the effects of the galloping inflation.

It condemned the unending hardship suffered by Nigerians and the worsening socio-economic climate in the country, as a result of brain drain resulting from citizens migration to foreign land in search of greener pastures.

The church also frowns at the intractable problems of kidnapping, ritual killings, banditry, terrorism and other forms of insecurity and the seeming helplessness of the Nigeria Government in tackling the hydra headed monster.

Describing as abnormal continued abductions of school children, it called on government to stem the tide of this negative phenomenon.

It thrown its support for calls on restructuring of Nigeria and urgently allow devolution of powers to allow States  control  their resources to ensure meaningful and competitive development.

The church further decried the alarming rate at which Nigeria crude oil is being stolen almost on daily basis by thieves in a cleverly coordinated manner and advised government to arrest this economic sabotage that is fast threatening the economic survival of the Nation.

Dwelling on the theme of the Synod; which is, “Divine Ownership: “The Man And The Means” Synod admitted that the church needs to be reminded of Divine ownership;as it affects the entire Christian race dealing with the acquisition of wealth and its management.

It urged the church to embark seriously on deemphasizing the menace of material acquisition particularly in a manner which has impacted negatively on the entire fabric of the society.

Civil Group Calls For The Resignation Of CJN, Accuses Him Of  Alleged Abuse of Office

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

For, allegedly, using his office to elevate two of his children to the position of Judges, the Civil Society Consortium on Judicial Accountability (CSCJA) has demanded the immediate resignation, from office, of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.

He was accused of abuse of office and favouritism in the discharge of his duties.

The group, which claimed that its members are lawyers of public interest, expressed anger with the CJN over the appointment of his biological children as Judicial Officers in the recent appointments.

At a protest staged along the road leading to the Supreme Court on Tuesday, the group accused the CJN of appointing his son, Olukayode Ariwoola Junior, as a Judge of the Federal High Court and also his daughter, Oluwakemi Victoria Ariwoola as a Judge of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT ).

Amongst others, the group alleged that the CJN conferred undue advantages on his family by using the National Judicial Council (NJC) of which he is the Chairman to recommend the two children as High Court judges and for also using the Federal Judicial Service Commission, (JSC) to fast- track their appointments at the detriment of some qualities.

The group members carried placards with various inscriptions amongst which are, ‘CJN should resign now, stop judicial rascality,’ ‘say no to nepotism, judicial accountability is a must.”

Speaking with journalists shortly after delivering the letter demanding the resignation of the CJN, the coordinator of the consortium, Mr Martin Obono, demanded that the office of the CJN should be unbundled to avoid further abuse as being allegedly witnessed at the moment.

“The CJN’s appointments have raised serious concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the erosion of public confidence in the judiciary.

“More importantly, the violation of Rule 11 (iv) of the Code of Conducts for Judicial Officers in Nigeria which states that, ‘in the exercise of his administrative duties, a Judicial Officer should avoid nepotism and favouritism.’

“The Consortium emphasizes that the legal system must uphold the highest ethical standards to ensure that all citizens receive fair and equitable treatment under the law.

“Nepotism in judicial appointments not only violates principles, but also threatens to weaken the rule of law in Nigeria.

“It is imperative that the judiciary remains free from personal bias and favouritism to safeguard the principles of justice.

“We therefore request that: An independent inquiry into the appointment of Olukayode Ariwoola Jr. and nomination of Oluwakemi Victoria Ariwoola be conducted to determine whether there were other suitably qualified persons nominated.

“In line with the age-old judicial maxim nemo judex in causa sua, that Justice Olukayode Ariwoola be asked to recuse himself as Chairman of the National Judicial Council pending the determination of the investigation.

“That the investigation be conducted and concluded within the shortest possible time and the results of the investigation be made available to the Petitioners and the Public.

“That if Justice Olukayode Ariwoola is found to have breached the Code of Conduct, appropriate disciplinary measures be meted against him.”

Suspected Thugs From Kwara Attack, Destroy LG Secretariat In Ekiti

By
Ayodele Oni
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Thugs From Kwara Attack LG in Ekiti

By Ayodele Oni

Taking advantage of porous borders, some hoodlums from neighbouring Obbo Auyegunle in Kwara State attacked the Secretariat of Ilejemeje Local Government, Eda Oniyo in Ekiti State on Tuesday.

The early morning attack left some victims, mostly Council workers with injuries, while some residents’ houses were also attacked.

It was gathered that the invaders came on motorcycles and started shooting sporadically which resulted in the destruction of windows and doors of the Secretariat.

They also went as far as attacking some farmers on their farms, destroyed their crops and beat some of them mercilessly.

Eda Oniyo and Obbo Aiyegunle have been in contention over a parcel of land between them despite noticeable pillars demarcating the boundary.

The latest incident, according to report, was ignited by the decision of Ekiti State Government to lease out part of the land to private individuals for farming.

Caterpillars were rolled out last week to clear the leased area during which some cashew trees owned by the Obbo Ayegunle farmers were uprooted.

The Eleda of Eda Oniyo, Oba J.O. Awolola stated that with the development, there was need for security outfits to mobilize more officers to the community to prevent further attacks.

On his own, the Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government, Mr Alaba Dada expressed shock over the incident adding that security agents had been mobilized to the town.

He said there is need for the Ekiti and Kwara Governments to meet to settle the land dispute in the interest of peace and harmonious relationship.

“How Our Personal Killed His Pregnant Lover” – Nigerian Army, Denies He Was Boko Haram Member

By
The Source
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Soliders on Patrol

By Charles Igbo

The Nigerian Army has admitted that one of its personnel gruesomely murdered his pregnant lover.

The Army personnel, identified as Private Adamu Muhammad, invited his girlfriend, Miss Hauwakulu Tabra from Biu to Enugu where he is serving. But on arrival, Muhammad, who is, also, from Biu, Borno State, slit his girlfriend’s throat in the night of April 12, and  stabbed her on a number of places, including her stomach. Her body was allegedly discovered by the daughter of an officer behind the Officers’ Quarters  at the 82 Division, Enugu.

On arrest and interrogation, Private Adamu, service No, 21NA/80/0365 said he killed her because the pregnancy was not his, and that he was not ready to be a father.

A couple of sources insist that Adamu, who was recruited into the Nigerian  Army is a repentant Boko Haram member who has not been weaned of the violence and brutality associated with the terrorist group.

However, while the Army admits that its personnel killed his pregnant girlfriend, it strongly Denies that Adamu was Boko Haram, and insists there is no Boko Haram repentant in the Nigerian Army.

Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations who issued  statement on Sunday on the killing soldier’s pregnant by the  soldier said:

“The attention of the Nigerian Army (NA) has been drawn to a publication by Sahara Reporters on 13 April 2024 tilted, “Repented Boko Haram Member Enlisted into Nigerian Army slits Woman’s throat in Enugu Barracks, Hides Corpse.”

“Much as it is highly regrettable that a young lady lost her life in the hands of a man with whom she was in an amorous relationship, the incident should not be latched on to insinuate a laughable claim that the dastardly act was committed by a repentant Boko Haram recruited into the Nigerian Army.

“It is pertinent, therefore, to clear the air on the allegation as insinuated by Sahara Reporters. The NA has at no point in time, either in the past or present enlisted repentant Boko Haram members to its strength.

“However, considerations were given to Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) who in the fight against terrorism and insurgency in the North East distinguished themselves morally and patriotically. Such members of the CJTF must have also shown commitment, dedication and loyalty to the service and the nation.

“The sad incident of the gruesome murder of Miss Hauwakulu Tabra by Private Adamu Muhammad occurred on the night of Thursday 11 April 2024 and her corpse was discovered within the barracks on Friday 12 April 2024. Preliminary investigations revealed that the late Hauwakulu Tabra was actually murdered by the said soldier, who is presently in detention for further investigation to unravel the motive behind his actions.

“The Nigerian Army extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased Miss Hauwakulu Tabra and also emphatically assert that at no time has the NA enlisted repentant Boko Haram members into its fold as mischievously insinuated.

“The general public should be rest assured that justice will be served, as the NA will not condone any unprofessional conduct or indiscipline within its ranks.”

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