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NDLEA Blocks 107 Bank Accounts, Seals Hotels, Mansions, Intercepts Largest Consignment Of Heroin At Lagos Airport

By
The Source
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Declares 11 others wanted, blocks 107 Bank Accounts, N119 million; seals Hotel, Mansions

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has successfully dismantled and arrested Members of an organized criminal Organization which specializes in trafficking Heroin across Nigeria, South Africa, Mozambique, Europe and America in a 12-day well-coordinated operation leading to the seizure of the single largest consignment of Heroin at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA Ikeja Lagos.

This was disclosed at a Press Conference by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) in Lagos on Tuesday 27th February 2024.

While explaining that the briefing is in line with the Agency’s policy of transparency in its renewed fight against Drug Traffickers, he gave a chronological brief of how the operation leading to what is now the single largest seizure of Heroin at the Lagos Airport was successfully carried out.

According to Marwa, “It started on February 10, 2024, when NDLEA Operatives of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Command intercepted a suspicious Package at the SAHCO Import Shed of the Airport’s Cargo Terminal.

The consignment was concealed in 15 Cartons of 2300-watt metal cutting Machines. Each carton was stocked with three blocks of high-grade Heroin.

In total, we recovered 45 blocks of the illicit substance with a total weight of 49.70kg.

“After the discovery, we were methodical and meticulous in our investigations.

We started with the arrest of the freight Agent whose name is Olowolagba Wasiu Babatunde.

It turned out that he was hired for clearing services by Mattpee Logistics, a Company operated by one Mr. Kola, resident in South Africa.

“Next, we conducted a follow up operation at the Company’s Warehouse in the Shogunle area of Oshodi, Lagos, and arrested the Warehouse Manager, whose name is Ajayi Imole Moses.

Thereafter, we set up an ambush for the expected Receiver of the consignment who was duly arrested when he showed up for collection.

This Receiver, whose name is Adinnu Felix Chinedu, confessed during interrogation, that he is the main Distributor for a Drug Syndicate whose Membership is spread across Nigeria.

“He admitted that he usually conveyed the consignment to a dedicated Warehouse located in Ayobo.

That Place serves as a Workshop where he would dismantle the consignment and remove the Drugs from the Machines.

Thereafter, he would wait for a list of various Recipients to be forwarded to him from South Africa by the Head of the criminal Group.

“Our Operatives did due diligence by conducting a thorough search of the Warehouse which led to the recovery of 56 similar Cartons of the cutting Machines that were used previously as modes of concealment to ferry Heroin into Nigeria.

At this point, it was clear that we are dealing with a Syndicate that operates in other Countries.

By the time, we were done exploring various leads we had, we unravelled an organised criminal Network that operates in South Africa, Mozambique, Nigeria and parts of Europe and America.

“This Syndicate has a wide network in Nigeria because the Consignments we seized were marked with several codenames, showing that they belonged to different Members of this organised criminal Group.

Furthermore, in our follow-up operation, we uncovered from the Suspect a long list of Receivers of illicit Drugs.

In the end, we were able to identify the Kingpin of the Syndicate here in Nigeria and his name is Reginald Peter Chidiebere.

Our investigations showed that he owns the Golden Platinum Hotel and Suite, located at 16 Reginald Peter Chidiebere Street, Hope Estate, Ago Palace.”

The NDLEA Boss said several days of surveillance on the Hotel culminated in a raid operation on Monday, February 19 in which another Drug Mule, Igboanugo Chukwuebuka Thankgod, was found in possession of two Parcels of 2.2kg Heroin with codes similar to the ones found on the seized drug shipment, bringing the total seizure to 51.90 kilograms.

“He readily confessed that he was invited by Mr. Reginald Peter Chidiebere to the Hotel on Sunday, February 18, 2024.

He was lodged in one of the Rooms and was later summoned by the Receptionist to meet a Guest, from whom Reginald Peter Chidiebere had informed him over the Phone to receive a Package.

This sequence of action was confirmed by a review of the CCTV at the Hotel”, he stated.

He further explained that pre-emptive actions so far taken against Members of the Syndicate include freezing a total of 107 Bank Accounts associated with 14 Members of the Cartel as well as N119,582,928.31 found in some of the already traced Bank Accounts.

He added that the Hotel and a Mansion linked to the Head of the Syndicate in Nigeria, Reginald Peter Chidiebere and another Mansion linked to the Head of the Syndicate in Mozambique, Festus Ibewuike located in Ago Palace Area has already been marked for forfeiture to the Federal Government.

He said the measure yielded further fruit on Thursday 22nd February when a Female Member of the Syndicate and Wife of Festus Ibewuike, Mrs. Confidence Ndidiamaka Ibewuike who is one of those to collect part of the Consignment from Adinnu Felix Chinedu, was arrested at Ago Palace Area on last Thursday.

“When they were brought face to face, he (Adinnu Felix Chinedu) immediately identified her as one of the Members of the criminal Syndicate who had received similar Packages of Heroin with the Syndicate’s Logo from him on two different occasions.

Though she denied knowing Adinnu or receiving anything from him before, investigation later revealed how her Husband identified as Festus Ibewuike who is a top Kingpin and currently residing in Mozambique used to send Drug consignments to her through Adinnu Felix Chinedu.

“With pictorial evidence of different Parcels with different codes and using other methodologies, we were able to confirm several instructions from her Husband to her regarding illicit Drug shipments already collected before.

A search was promptly conducted in their Residence located at the Ago Palace Area, Festac Town where a Toyota Venza Car was recovered as well as several Documents including, Bank and Property Documents belonging to Festus Ibewuike.”

Their Mansion in Ago Palace Area has also been marked for forfeiture to the Federal Government.

As part of efforts to ensure all those involved are brought to book, Marwa assured that “NDLEA has shared comprehensive intelligence with our South African Counterparts for necessary action regarding the other Members of the Group living in that Country.”

He said “there is a parallel between this seizure and the September 18, 2022 seizure of 2,139.5kg cocaine in an Ikorodu warehouse. That was the biggest singular cocaine seizure in the history of NDLEA.

This present bust is the largest single heroin seizure at the MMIA so far.”

While commending the synergy and support the NDLEA enjoys from other Stakeholders like Customs, the Military, Immigration, Police, DSS, NSCDC, FRSC, NAFDAC, Aviation Security (AVSEC) and the Media as well as International Partners, Marwa said the Agency won’t relent in its offensive action targeting Drug Barons and their Networks.

“In our renewed fight against Drug trafficking, our offensive action is specifically targeting Drug Barons to disrupt distribution networks and uproot the Drug pipelines in the Country.

To this end, we have arrested 48 Barons in three years, 15 of whom are already serving Jail terms while the rest are facing trials in Court.

This should serve as a warning to others that there is no hiding Place in Nigeria for anyone involved in the illicit Drug trade.

“NDLEA is resolved to end the reign of Drug Barons and disconnect Nigeria from the Global Drug trafficking Network.

We have maintained a consistently strong performance, every week. With this Heroin bust, we are sending a warning again to Drug Traffickers within and outside the Country that if they fail to desist from the illicit Drug trade, the long arm of the law will catch up with them.”

Femi Babafemi.
Director, Media & Advocacy
NDLEA Headquarters Abuja
Tuesday 27th February 2024.
(C) National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
[email protected]

Blood In Benue State As Herdsmen Invade Community

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

There is tension in Benue State as suspected Herdsmen have killed a Soldier and two persons, injuring another in separate attacks on Ochumekwu and Udedeku communities in Apa and Kwande Local Government Areas, LGAs, of Benue State respectively.

It was gathered that the Military personnel, attacked Sunday afternoon, were part of the troops of the military spike operation, code named Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS, deployed to the State to stem the activities of armed herdsmen and bandits terrorising the locals.

They were said to have come under attack while on patrol in the community. That attack came as two others were also killed and several others sustained injuries during a raid on Udedeku community of Maav-Ya, Mkoonmom district of Mbaikyor Council Ward, Turan Jato-Aka in Kwande LGA.

It was gathered from a source in the area that the armed herdsmen who had already taken over five Council Wards in Turan and the three Wards in Ikyurav Ya, invaded Udedeku community where they ambushed the victims and slaughtered them like animals.

He said, “apart from the two persons they killed like animals, as you can see from the pictures, several other persons also sustained injuries in the attack.

“At the moment all the five Council Wards in Turan and the three in Ikyurav Ya, in Kwande East are occupied by the Fulani herdsmen.

“The people have fled their homes to seek refuge elsewhere for fear of being killed by well armed herdsmen.”

Confirming the attack on his troops, the Force Commander of OPWS, Maj. Gen. Sunday Igbinomwanhia informed that three of the marauders were also killed in the offensive and several of their arms recovered.

He said “the suspected armed herdsmen attacked the soldiers deployed in Ochumekwu, Apa LGA. They killed one personnel, and wound one.

“The troops in response killed three and injured several of them. They recovered one AK47 rifle and rounds of ammunition from them.”

On the incident in Kwande LGA, he said “OPWS is currently carrying out a clearance operation to flush out suspected armed foreign herders who have invaded the LGA.”

Why Obiano Wants Court To Quash EFCC Charges Against Him

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Willie Obiano

By Akinwale Kasali

Former Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, has asked the Court to quash the nine-count money laundering charge against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The Legal Team of Obiano led by Onyechi Ikpeazu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, filed a motion maintaining that the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court lacked the jurisdiction to try him over offences that were allegedly committed in Anambra State.

He, therefore, prayed the court to dismiss the charge against him for want of jurisdiction.

However, Counsel to the EFCC, Mr. Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), requested for time to react to the motion, which he said was just served on him by the defendant.

Besides, the prosecution counsel noted that the Supreme Court had, on different occasions, held that once a charge borders on money laundering, it could be filed before the Federal High Court which would have the jurisdiction to try it.

Trial Judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo adjourned the matter till March 7 to hear the motion.

Obiano was first arrested at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport, Lagos, on March 17, 2022, as he was preparing to board a flight to Houston, the United States of America.

The EFCC alleged that he looted over N4 billion from the Anambra State treasury.

The agency alleged that the funds were siphoned from Anambra State’s Security Vote Account, converted into dollars and handed to Obiano in cash.

For instance, the prosecuting agency told the court that from March 2014 to March 2022 when Obiano was in office as governor, between February 16, 2018 and March 9, 2018, in Abuja, made cash transaction through a non-financial institution by instructing one Uzuegbuna Okagbue, his then Chief Protocol Officer/Deputy Chief of Staff, to transfer over N223 million from the Anambra State Government Security Vote Account, into Connought International Services Limited, which was converted to the equivalent of $600,000 and collected same in cash from one Ayuba Tanko.

He was said to had between October 30, 2018 and November 13, 2018, made cash transaction through a non-financial institution by instructing Okagbue to transfer the sum of N95 million from Anambra State Government Security Vote, into the account of S. Y. Panda, which was converted to $260, 000 and handed to him in cash.

However, upon his arraignment on January 24, the former governor pleaded not guilty to the charge, even as he was released on bail.

Bayelsa Guber: Tribunal Adjourns Indefinitely Citing Petition By Parties

By
Ayodele Oni
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Bayelsa Election Petition Tribunal

By Ayodele Oni

The Election Petition Tribunal hearing complaints arising from the governorship election in Bayelsa state has adjourned indefinitely.

The decision followed a petition against members of the tribunal by the All Progressives Congress  (APC) and its candidate in last election Timipre Sylva.

The APC and its governorship candidate in the November last year gubernatorial election, Timipre Sylva on Monday in Abuja passed a vote of no confidence on the  Election Petition Tribunal.

They accused the Tribunal headed by Justice Adekunle Adeleye of undue biass against them in the conduct of proceedings, findings and decisions and demanded its outright disbandment and reconstitution.

In a petition to the President of the Court of Appeal, APC and Sylva accused the Tribunal of denying them their Constitutional right to fair hearing as required by law.

According to them, they had lined up 234 witnesses to establish their petition against the declaration of Senator Douye Diri as winner of the poll

In the petition dated March 4, 2024, they alleged that the Tribunal turned the table against them with an order that the 234 witnesses must be called within 7 days only.

The petition signed by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria SAN, Sylvester Emenike Elema said that APC and Sylva agreed to call 25 witnesses daily and lamented that the Tribunal allowed them to call only 8 witnesses per day.

APC and Sylva complained that they had no option than to hurriedly close their case on February 27 after calling only 49 out of their 234 witnesses.

Besides, the petitioners alleged that in the records of proceedings they obtained, the Tribunal made several comments and observations in writing which pointed to the facts that it had made up its mind to go the way of the respondents.

The Tribunal was accused of coming to the wrong conclusions in its findings that “the pattern of writing witness statements on oath employed by the petitioners was same and done by same person”.

When hearing was to resume on Monday, the Tribunal Chairman, Justice Adekunle Adeleye informed lawyers to various parties of a petition questioning the members neutrality and integrity and seeking indefinite adjournment in the hearing of the case.

Justice Adeleye said that he did not know where the Tribunal members have gone wrong as alleged by APC and Sylva and called for reactions.

Counsel to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Charles Edosomwan SAN said that both APC and Sylva were not fair to the Tribunal in their allegations of bias and distortion of facts.

In the same vein, similar views were expressed by Chris Uche SAN who stood for Governor Douye Diri, Chukwuma Machukwu Ume SAN counsel to Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrujakpo and Tayo Oyetibo SAN who represented People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

After brief reactions, they agreed that the adjournment be granted as requested by APC and Sylva.

In a short ruling, Justice Adekunle Adeleye adjourned the matter indefinitely, to await the decision of the Court of Appeal President on the allegations of bias and denial of fair hearing as raised by the two petitioners.

Gov Aiyedatiwa Lifts Ondo State Owned Olusegun Agagu Varsity, Promises To Release Grants, Subventions In Budget

By
Ayodele Oni
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Lucky Aiyedatiwa,

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Lucky  Aiyedatiwa, has promised to release the capital grant of N1.2 Billion in the 2024 budget to the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa for speedy completion of abandoned buildings of the School of Science and others.

Aiyedatiwa stated this at the second convocation ceremony of the institution, reiterating that the monthly subvention of N91 Million  will also be given due consideration to enhance the operations of the school.

The Governor also promised to facilitate the completion of the abandoned hostel buildings being funded by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) without further delay.

Governor’s spokesman, Ebenezer Adeniyan said Aiyedatiwa, who commissioned the new Central Engineering Workshop Complex at the institution, on Monday, commended the grand vision of the founding fathers for their foresight and commitment to the development of the school.

“I am specially honoured to address this second Convocation. This marks my historic and inaugural attendance as the Visitor to the university, since my assumption of office in the last 69 days.

“I have no doubt that your upcoming School of Maritime Transport and Logistics at Ugbonla which is at 60% completion by OSOPADEC is very timely and will be of immense advantage to the Ondo State Deep Seaport Project and the development of Blue Economy in the country at large.”

The Governor, who congratulated the graduands on the feat, urged them to make the school, Ondo State, the country and their parents and guardians proud.

Part of the highlights of the event was announcement of an automatic employment offer from the Ondo State Government to the Best Graduating Student, Adedayo Taiwo Janet, by the Governor.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Adebo Adesomoju, thanked Governor Aiyedatiwa for directing the continuation of the ongoing construction of some internal roads in the institution.

Prof. Ologunorisa, noted that the institution was graduating 1,341 students in the School of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, School of Engineering and Engineering Technology as well as students in BSC Statistics program in the School of Science.

Obi Celebrates Obasanjo at 87, Says He Is True Patriot

By
The Source
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Peter Obi and Olusegun Obasanjo

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, has felicitated Nigeria’s Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, on his 87th birthday. Obi who joined President Obasanjo in his Birthday Thanksgiving Service at The Chapel of Christ The Glorious King, OOPL, Abeokuta to mark the Commencement of his 87th birthday celebrations, described Obasanjo as a true patriot whose ultimate desire is the development and progress of our nation.

He stated that he was delighted to celebrate the revered Nigerian leader due to his many contributions to the nation.

“I was delighted to celebrate with this very revered Nigerian who has contributed immeasurably to the growth of our nation. His love for the nation is very evident in his firm commitment to the unity and peace of our dear nation.

“President Obasanjo remains a true leader who not only engineered so many positive transformations in our nation but left behind a sound economic foundation, which if we have followed, we would not be in the sorry state we are today,” Obi said.

Obi eulogised Obasanjo forever remaining active in the collective work of nation-building. He noted that Obasanjo has continued to contribute, by words and actions, to the struggle for good governance in Nigeria.

“With our dear nation, going through very challenging times, occasioned by leadership failure, President Obasanjo has continued to courageously add his voice to demand good governance in the country. He not only speaks, but he takes action to ensure that our nation is saved from further chaos.

“As a father figure, he has continued to inspire and mentor the younger generation in transformational leadership. I am delighted to celebrate him today,” Obi enthused.

He prayed to God to grant Obasanjo more healthy and fruitful years, as he continues to play his part in the development of the nation, through his immeasurable contributions, while wishing him a happy 87th birthday.

PDP Set For Ondo Gov Election; Releases Schedule Of Activities

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Ahead of the November governorship election in Ondo state, the National Working Committee, (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) has released its schedule of activities.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) had set November 16, as the date for the Ondo State Governorship election. Winner of the election will be sworn in February, next year.

The schedule, signed by the PDP National Organizing Secretary, Umar Bature, was displayed on Monday on a notice board at the party’s national headquarters, Wadata Plaza, in Abuja.

According to the timetable, the party’s congress where its governorship candidate will emerge will be held on Thursday, April 25, 2024.

As per the schedule of events, the interactive meeting between critical stakeholders and the National Working Committee is scheduled for March 5, 2024.

“The sale of expression of interest, nomination forms, and Ad-hoc forms is slated for March 7 – March 21. March 25 is the deadline for submitting a completed expression of interest and Ad-hoc forms,” the timetable partly stated.

As outlined in the PDP timetable, governorship aspirants will undergo screening at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja on March 27. The screening reports are scheduled to be submitted on March 29.

It also scheduled the appeals on the screening exercise for April 2, 2024. The ward Congress to elect 3-man Ad-hoc Ward Delegates will take place between April 6 – April 7, with the ward Congress appeals scheduled for April 10.

The guideline also indicates that the certification of the deputy governorship candidate by the NWC of the party will occur on May 9, while May 20 is the deadline for submitting the name of the governorship candidate to the Independent National Electoral Commission.

According to the timetable, the final date for withdrawal and replacement of candidates is June 10.

Kebbi Offers Support To Distribution Company To Ensure Regular Power Supply

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Concerned by the epileptic power supply to Kebbi State, government has offered to support electricity Distribution Company in the state to ensure 24 hours power supply during the month of Ramadan.

Governor  Nasir Idris, who dangled the olive branch, said effort has been step-up to ensure uninterrupted power supply to the state  even after the holy month.

A statement on Monday by Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary to the governor stated that Idris announced this while fielding questions from Newsmen shortly after inspection tour of ongoing projects in the state.

He assured that he had already invited the Managing Director, Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KAECO) for a round table discussion on how to salvage his people to enjoy 24 hours power supply in the coming month.

The governor, who expressed dissatisfaction over the electricity challenges being experienced across the state, insisted that he wanted to see improved electricity supply in the holy month of Ramadan.

“I have already invited the Managing Director of KAECO for a round table discussion on how to put smile on the faces of good people of Kebbi State.

“My ambition is to ensure 24 hours of electricity supply especially in the holy month of Ramadan.

“In view of this, I am ready to support the company in any ramification to achieve this objective In-Sha-Allah.”

The governor promised to look into the possibility of sustaining the improved supply even after Ramadan period.

He also promised to fulfil his campaign promises, adding that his administration was not only geared towards transforming the state to an enviable position, but also promoting peace and unity amongst the citizenry.

Commenting on the projects inspected, Gov. Idris commended the contractors handling the ongoing projects in the state for doing good work as well as relevant ministries supervising the projects.

He promised to initiate and execute more quality projects that have direct bearing to the lives of generality.

Establish Health Status Before Embarking On Pilgrimage – Kano Warns Intending Pilgrims

By
The Source
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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Intending Muslim pilgrims have been urged to ascertain their health status before embarking on the trip to the Holy Land.

Similarly ,the importance of submitting their international passports and other relevant documents before approved datelines have been stressed.

The Director General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board Alhaji Laminu Rabiu Danbappa, who made the appeal ,said with adequate information about pilgrims health conditions ,medical personnel can make informed decisions on the medications required for the Pilgrims during their stay in Saudi Arabia.

Alhaji Danbappa spoke through one of the Board’s members,and chairman of Hajj Induction Course Teachers Sheikh Tijjani  Shall Maihula,on Sunday March 3 2024 during the ongoing Induction Course for intending Pilgrims held at the Conference Hall of the School of Arabic Studies in Kano.

A statement issued by the Pilgrims welfare Board Spokesperson Suleiman Dederi ,noted that the Board is set to provide all  healthcare facilities needed to ensure a successful Hajji exercise .

“Through medical checkups ,the medical team can determine the appropriate level of medication needed for the benefits of the Pilgrims during their time in Saudi Arabia.”the statement emphasized.

The Source reports that ,it is not uncommon for some  Pilgrims to develop health crisis while observing the holy pilgrimage,with some also losing their lives in the process due to improper medication, resulting from most times zero knowledge of their health status.

Food Crisis: No Way Out, We Must Fix The Country, Says Shettima

By
James Orji
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Kahsim Shettima, Nigeria’s Vice President has urged Nigerians to be responsible while protesting the current economic crisis, saying the current hardship was part of the government’s efforts to fix the country.

“We have to fix this country, and failure to do this is not an option,” Shettima said as many Nigerians endure excruciating economic pains.

The nation’s number two citizen made the remark on Sunday in Lagos during a Ramadan lecture organized by the University of Lagos Muslim Alumni.

Shettima spoke few hours after a warehouse belonging to the FCTA was looted in Abuja.

The current economic crisis has sparked protests in some part of the country, as hungry Nigerians attack public and private facilities in search of food.

The Organised Labour in the country has just ended a one-day protest in solidarity with Nigerians over the severe economic crisis rocking the country.

Speaking yesterday, Shettima said the country is passing through a difficult situation, adding that the citizens must endure as the government is trying to fix the country.

He said Nigerians should “express their feelings over our circumstances in a responsible and mature manner.”

According to him, “The leadership of President Tinubu recognizes that this Ramadan will come with severe challenges for most Nigerians.

“The road to where we are today was long and full of missed opportunities and tragic failures to build on our great potential.

“The consequences of our past are the stark realities we face today, such as rising cost of living and pessimism over our prospect to turn round our economy in the direction of growth and inclusive development

“We have to fix this country, and failure to do this is not an option. All the options we have are difficult and challenging, and they are, without a doubt, more telling on the poor. If there were easier and reliable alternatives to the policy choices we have adopted, we would have adopted them.”

Shettima was represented at the event by his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed.

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