Breaking: Tribunal Sacks Governor Abdullahi Sule, Declares PDP Candidate Winner In Nasarawa State

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October 2, 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

The Nasarawa State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal Sitting in Lafia, Nasarawa State Capital, has sacked Governor Abdullahi Sule of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and declared Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Governorship Candidate, David Ombugadu as the winner of the March 18th, 2023, election in the State.

Delivering judgment virtually, Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice Ezekiel Ajayi, declared Emmanuel Ombugadu of the PDP as the lawfully elected Governor of Nasarawa State.

In the ruling delivered on Monday, two of the Justices agreed that the election was won by the PDP while one Judge dissented.

Justice Ajayi had maintained that the petitioner was able to prove his case beyond reasonable doubt.

Governor Sule was seeking re-election for a second term but faced stiff opposition during the election, and polled a total of 347,209 votes to defeat his closest opponent, PDP’s Ombugadu, who secured 283,016 votes.

Details Later….

Cement War: Dangote On the Spot, As BUA Crashes Price

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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October 2, 2023

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Following the decision of BUA Cement to reduce the price of cement in the country, not a few Nigerians are watching whether other cement producers such as Dangote, will follow suit.

Dangote is the largest cement producer in the country and has come under severe criticism from not a few Nigerians, for not doing enough to reduce the price of the product.

Nigerians say the high cost of building materials, especially, cement has prevented them from owning their own homes.

On Sunday, BUA Cement owned by billionaire Abdul Samad Rabiu announced a reduction in price of its cement from N5,500 to N3,500 per 50kg bag, in a statement made available to journalists.

The statement reads, “We refer to our previous pronouncements regarding our intent to reduce cement prices upon the completion of our new lines at the end of the year, in order to spur development in the building materials and infrastructure sectors.

“As per the commitment made to reduce prices and following a periodic review of our operations for efficiency, the management of BUA Cement Plc wishes to announce and inform our esteemed customers, stakeholders, and the public that effective October 2, 2023, we have decided to bring the price reduction forward. As a result, BUA Cement would now be sold at an ex-factory* price of 3,500 Naira per bag so that Nigerians can begin to enjoy the benefits of the price reduction before the completion of our plants.

“Upon completion of the ongoing construction of our new plants, which would increase our production volumes to 17 million metric tonnes per annum, BUA Cement PLC intends to review these prices further in line with our earlier pronouncements by the first quarter of 2024.

“NOTE: all pending, undelivered orders which had been paid for at the old prices will be reviewed downwards to N3500/bag in line with the new pricing from October 2, 2023. Our licensed dealers are also enjoined to ensure that end-users benefit from this reduction in ex-factory prices as we will monitor field sales to ensure compliance.”

The business mogul said the decision was in tandem with a promise he made recently to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu after both met in Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja, to support his administration.

Recall also that Dave Umahi, the Minister of Work had earlier disclosed that the federal government was considering importing cement because of the high cost of the high cost of locally made cement.

This came after some Nigerians accused Dangote of selling the product at a cheaper price in neighbouring countries.

Dangote management has however denied the allegation.

The magazine learned that other cement producers in the country have been unsettled following the Sunday announcement by BUA.

“The industry has been raffled since BUA announced the crash in price yesterday. Dealers and shop owners welcome the announcement and are now waiting to see whether Dangote and others will do the same,” an industry source said.

According to him, it should not be difficult for other cement producers in the country to reduce the price of their own products considering that they all use the same materials, labour, and other costs are almost the same.

Chicagogate: Atiku’s Interest Outweighs Tinubu’s Privacy interests, Says US Court

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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October 2, 2023

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lost his quest to stop the Chicago State University, CSU, from releasing his academic records to Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the March 25 Presidential election.

Tinubu had tried to block the release of his academic records from being released to the PDP candidate, describing Atiku’s effort ‘as a fishing’ expedition’ not useful in the current legal tussle to overturn his victory of the election.

The Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, PEPT, had recently ruled that Tinubu won the election.

Atiku has challenged the verdict at the Supreme Court, the nation’s highest court.

Two weeks ago, a United States of America, USA, US magistrate court had directed the CSU to release the records to Atiku within 48 hours but Tinubu’s lawyers opposed the order after they filed an objection in another court.

But in a subsisting ruling by a U.S. District Court in the Northern District of Illinois, the CSU has been ordered to release the records to Atiku on Monday.

The documents Atiku is asking for include Tinubu’s record of admission and acceptance at the Chicago State University, dates of attendance as well as the degrees, awards, and honours obtained by Tinubu from the CSU.

According to a fresh judgment obtained by The PUNCH on Sunday, Maldonado noted that CSU did not object to Judge Jeffery Gilbert’s decision that the academic record be made public.

The court held that Atiku’s interest outweighs any intrusion on Tinubu’s privacy interests in his educational records.

The judge overruled Tinubu’s objections to the ruling by the magistrate ordering CSU to make his academic records available to Atiku.

The memorandum opinion and order read in part: “For the foregoing reasons, the court overrules President Tinubu’s objections to Magistrate Judge Gilbert’s recommended ruling, and therefore, adopts the ruling in full.

“Mr Atiku’s Application is, therefore, granted. In light of the pending Supreme Court of Nigeria deadline, represented to the court as October 5, 2023, and based on CSU’s representations that it is ready to comply with the discovery requests and produce a witness, the court sets an expedited schedule for completion of discovery.

“Respondent CSU is directed to produce all relevant and non-privileged documents in response to Requests for Production Nos. The Rule 30(b)(6) deposition of CSU’s corporate designee must be completed by 5:00 p.m. CDT on Tuesday, October 3, 2023. Given the October 5, 2023, filing deadline before the Supreme Court of Nigeria, the court will not extend or modify these deadlines.

However, the judge stressed that his verdict “is expressing no view on the merits of Mr. Abubakar’s underlying claims regarding President Tinubu or his graduation from CSU, or on the validity of the Nigerian election. Nor is the court taking any position on what any of the documents or testimony from CSU may or may not ultimately show.”

“The court simply finds, on the narrow question before it, that Mr Atiku is entitled to the production of documents and testimony that he seeks from CSU,” he said.

Not a few Nigerians insist that the objection of President Tinubu to the release of his results is totally unnecessary considering that he’s no longer a private citizen as a result of his position as President and Commander-in-Chief.

For instance, Osita Chidoka, a former Minister of Aviation said in a piece last week that the objection of Tinubu to the release of his academic records by CSU is a national disgrace.

He said: “I speak as a Nigerian. That it took the courageous activism of HE. Abubakar Atiku to force the discovery of information concerning the President of Nigeria is a disgrace to our national institutions.”

The US Court Proceedings On Tinubu’s Chicago State University: A National Embarrassment

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The Source

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October 1, 2023

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By Osita Chidoka

I speak as a Nigerian. That it took the courageous activism of HE. Abubakar Atiku to force the discovery of information concerning the President of Nigeria is a disgrace to our national institutions.

As a nation, we have a full retinue of staff at the Department of the State Security, the National Intelligence Agency, the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Embassy of Nigeria with the full complement of staff in Washington DC and the Nigerian Judiciary that have variously ruled on matters concerning President Tinubu’s academic qualifications. Yet, we can not have a definitive conclusion about whether he has the academic qualifications he claimed he had or not. Disgraceful.

That all the aforementioned institutions allowed a man to be sworn in without definitive statements about his qualifications is a national tragedy.

For 23 years the issue of President Tinubu has been a recurring decimal in our national equation.

Under his reign, a current youth corps member is serving as Minister, and people under investigation by EFCC and made public are sitting in the Federal Executive Council. And they all passed through security screening.

The Office of the President of Nigeria is so important both in its moral authority and its strategic importance to our national security and safety that nobody who has possible blind spots that can make him or her a potential asset for foreign intelligence or governments should be allowed a mile near that office. This should be a primary burden on all our national institutions.

Legal technicalities and silence by state institutions should be deemed high treason.

It highlights my previous statement that a constitutional amendment to finish all electoral cases before the assumption of office is now a matter of urgent national priority.

The current disgraceful proceedings against a Nigerian President in a foreign court under election petition matters are damaging to our collective moral and legal standing as a people.

If it turns out tomorrow that our President presented a forged certificate to INEC, Nigerians will bow down their heads globally in shame. On the other hand, if it turns out that his certificate is genuine, again our reputation as a people is still in tatters because of the failure of national institutions to perform due diligence no matter who is involved. On both counts it reinforces global perceptions and prejudice against Nigerians. We all bear the burden.

A forged certificate finding leaves President Tinubu in a vulnerable position morally and legally. As he did not present primary and secondary certificates to INEC, a forged CSU certificate makes him unqualified to stand for the office of President as he does not possess the minimum qualification S.131(D) of the 1999 Constitution as amended. of course, the next issue is the case of perjury, the presentation of false documents under oath.

How INEC, accepted a University degree without the qualifying certificates would continue to be a national mystery. A language in our electoral legislation to forestall such obvious infractions is required.

The decision of the District Court and the whole proceedings is not a moment of triumphalism but a sober moment of introspection. It is a moment when as a nation we ask ourselves:

What are our national values? Who or which institution should have ordered the full investigation of the questionable certificate?

Considering that he did not present a primary or secondary certificate should our courts be concerned with the technicality of the tendering process of the CSU certificate or the disgrace and global moral damage a forged certificate would wrought on Nigeria?

Why did our national security system not conduct a discrete investigation and advise the candidate and INEC about the status of his certificate?

A few years ago the DSS, in an act of institutional independence and courage, wrote to the Senate to reject Police Commissioner Magu as EFCC Chairman not minding his nomination by a sitting President. This was based on their intelligence report of his nefarious conduct that pales into insignificance against a possible forgery case by a President. Why the silence now?

For me, the issue is beyond legalism. If, and that is a big if, the certificate is forged, President Tinubu should resign immediately. It is not a legal matter but a national honour and moral issue. If he does not, the National Assembly should do the needful to restore our dignity as a people.

I also expect the Supreme Court to rise to the occasion and restore order to our electoral process.

If the certificate is not forged, the President should conduct a wide-ranging reorganisation of our national security system for failure to save the country from this needless embarrassment and reputational damage.

On either count, the National Assembly should start a constitutional amendment process to end all election judicial challenges before the assumption of office of all elected persons at all levels.

A reform of the Judiciary to introduce an automated case assignment system, the introduction of a transparent process for recruitment of judges, and the public display of evaluation of judges’ performance annually using the agreed framework to increase public oversight of judicial officers and improve the administration of justice.

The growing unanimity in arriving at decisions in our courts is disturbing.

The bold challenge of President Tinubu by HE Abubakar Atiku in the US is the most prominent sign of state failure. It is depressing but maybe it is an inflection point to alter the character of the Nigerian state to live up to the words of the second stanza of our old national anthem:

“Our flag shall be a symbol

That truth and justice reign

In peace or battle honour’d,

And this we count as gain,

To hand on to our children

A banner without stain.”

Chidoka, a former Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corp Marshall is, also, a former Minister for Aviation

Uzodimma: Nigeria Will Rise To Become One Of World’s Strongest Nations, Urges Perseverance By Citizens

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The Source

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October 1, 2023

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Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has predicted that Nigeria will soon rise to become one of the strongest nations in the world.

He has therefore called on all Nigerians to persevere, strive to love the country more and make it work for everyone.

Governor Uzodimma’s statements were contained in his Independence Day Anniversary message to Nigerians on Sunday, October 1, 2023. The event was held at the Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu Square, Owerri.

The Governor said that “the least we can do as Nigerians is to invest our faith in our country and pray fervently for her progress.”

His words: “Therefore, as we celebrate this year’s Independence anniversary, we should renew faith in Nigeria. We must remain confident that this blessed country will ultimately become a great nation. I foresee a Nigeria that will sooner rather than later rise above the challenges that currently impede her march to a virile and prosperous nation.

“I see in the nearest future a new Nigeria that is the bastion of democracy where the expectations of the majority will be met, where justice and equity shall reign and where sustainable development shall be taken for granted. Yes, I am convinced that Nigeria will surely rise to become one of the strongest nations in the world. I call on all Nigerians to remain optimistic that it shall be well with our country.”

To Imo State, he called on the people to be peaceful and shun violence as the November 11 Governorship election draws closer.

He added: “I call on you to renew your faith in our dear State. Working with you and for you, in the past three and half years, you will agree that this administration has renewed the face of the State, economically and infrastructure wise. I pledge to do more in the years ahead.”

Earlier during the Independence Day Anniversary Church Service at the Maria Assumpta Cathedral Church Owerri, Governor Uzodimma who read the second lesson, Ephesians 2:13-22, urged the congregation to have faith in God about Nigeria.

“Seek God’s face, seek repentance, seek reconciliation and forgiveness and collectively defend our destiny,” he said advising against lamentations, propaganda, blackmail which he said, “won’t help us.”

In rounding off his remarks at the Church Governor Uzodimma told Nigerians to “persevere, we are almost there.”

In his Homily, the Chief celebrant, Rev. Fr. Dr. Patrick Mbarah, the Chancellor/Secretary of the Owerri Catholic Archdiocese and representative of the Archbishop, Most Rev. Dr. Lucius Ugorji, told Nigerians to seek liberation and restoration by seeking God’s face.

The highpoint of the ceremony was the march past by security agencies, paramilitary agencies, students, members of the National Youth Service Corps, ministers, among others, and salute by Governor Uzodimma.

There were also the cutting of Independence Day Anniversary cake by the Governor assisted by other dignitaries as well as the symbolic release of the pigeons.

Among those who graced the occasion were the wife of the Governor, Barr. Mrs. Chioma Uzodimma,the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prof Placid Njoku, the Speaker Imo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Chike Olemgbe, the Secretary to the Imo State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu, the Chief of Staff, Barr Nnamdi Anyaehie, Commissioners, political appointees and the deputy governorship candidate, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru and her husband, Chukwuma.

The Chairman of Imo State Elder’s Council, HRH Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, the Eze Imo, HRM, Eze EC Okeke, HRH Eze Oliver Ohanwe among others also attended.

Also, the leadership of the security agencies in Imo State who were either physically present or represented include the Imo State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Barde, the Imo State Comptroller of Immigration, Mrs Nkechi Asogwa, among others.

Delta Leads As National Youth Games Ends

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Ayodele Oni

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October 1, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

The national youth games drew to a close on Saturday with Delta State emerging champions of this year’s edition.

The 2023 National Youth Games (NYG) tagged “Asaba 2023” saw Delta with a total of 116 medals to confirm its dominance of the games at the Stephen keshi stadium.

Team Delta bagged 51 gold; 34 silver and 31 bronze medals to emerge 7th consecutive winners, Lagos State came second with a total of 61 medals comprising 21 gold; 19 silver and 21 bronze while Edo State came third with 21 gold; 15 silver; 17 bronze medals.

Delta’s home victory makes it seven wins in the seven National Youth Games since 2013 when Abuja hosted the first and Ilorin the last five editions.

Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, represented by Acting Director of Grassroots Sports Development, Mr Patrick Okeke, commended the Delta State Government for being a worthy partner in sports development.

He said the National Youth Games continues meeting expectations each year, adding that participating Athletes had gone ahead to win laurels for the country over the years.

The minister said the games contributed to the growth of the state’s economy with the creation of direct and indirect jobs in the sports value chain.

He said the ministry was open to partnerships that will further improve sports development in the country, adding that over 400 athletes have been identified across the participating states at the games.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who spoke at the closing ceremony of the games held at Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, congratulated team Delta and other participating teams for their efforts.

Represented by Secretary to the State Government, Kingsley Emu, the governor thanked the organisers for their hard work leading to the success of the games.

“After seven days of intense sports competition, rivalries, and pomp and pageantry, the curtain draws on the 7th National Youth Games today.

“New champions have emerged, new talents discovered, and new heights have been attained by the participants and organisers.

“I congratulate the winners and all the participants. In the last one week, we watched with admiration as you dazzled us with your talents and abilities, the will to win, and the spirit of excellence.

“Every one of you did your best to win and I commend your drive and determination to succeed. But as it is the case in sports, not everybody will climb the medals table.

“Those of you who did not win a medal can hold your head high that you competed with the heart of a champion and showed us a great deal of promise. Thank you for the exciting moments you gave us. We are proud of you.

“As you all return to your various states, I trust that you will apply the lessons you have learned from this competition into your daily lives.

“These are the importance of preparation, the benefits of discipline, the power of focus, the essence of teamwork, the joy of winning, and the spirit of sportsmanship.

“These are principles that enable you to win not just on the field but also in life. I urge you to resist the temptation to be complacent, and continue to strive for greatness on and off the field.”

He commended the organisers – the Federal Ministry of Sports Development, Delta State Sports Commission, and the Local Organsing Committee for their contributions to the development of sports in the country.

“I thank you for the excellence and remarkable tenacity that you displayed in your organization of this event. You made us proud and may the good Lord continue to strengthen you for the work you are doing.

“My gratitude also goes to the coaches and officials, security personnel, protocol and welfare teams, as well as all the volunteers who gave of their time, energy, and resources to make this event an astounding success.”

CBN: FG Rejects Plea Bargain For Emefiele; Audit Report Ready Soon Says Tinubu

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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October 1, 2023

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The federal government has denied entering into a plea bargain with sacked Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Governor, Godwin Emefiele.

A recent report claimed the embattled former apex bank governor entered an agreement with the government, so that charg es will not be pressed against him.

Emefiele was sacked in June by President Tinubu, and is currently facing corruption charges, including a N6.5 billion procurement charge alongside a proxy who’s also an employee of the CBN.

But a report claimed that Emefiele lawyers have signed an agreement with the federal government prosecutor, where he’s expected to return N50 billion to the federal government in exchange for his freedom from the Department of State Services, DSS, which has held him since June this year.

The office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, however denied the existence of such agreement.

A statement signed on Sunday by Modupe Ogundoro, the spokesperson for the Ministry said it has not entered such agreement, even though Emefiele’s lawyers are disposed to such.

Part of the statement read: “The attention of the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice has been drawn to reports alleging that the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, and the Federal Government of Nigeria, have agreed to a non-prosecution plea bargain arrangement.

“The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice hereby state clearly that these reports are completely false.

“It would be noted that the legal team representing Godwin Emefiele had expressed its intention in court at the last hearing to initiate a plea bargain arrangement. However, no such arrangement has been reached with Mr. Godwin Emefiele or his representatives.

“We wish to advise the media and members of the public to kindly disregard the said false report. The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice will continue to take all actions in the interest of the Nigerian public.”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu disclosed in his nationwide broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 63rd independence that the audit report of the CBN under Emefiele will soon be released to the public

No New Minimum Wage; Tinubu Disappoints Workers

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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October 1, 2023

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The high expectations among public servants that the Federal government will announce a new minimum wage, today, was dashed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Top government officials had last week said President Tinubu would announce a new minimum wage during his 63rd independent address to Nigeriens.

The sources said the announcement would appease the organised Labour in the country to shelve the planned nationwide strike on October 3.

Recall that the two major labour unions in the country, the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, and Trade Union Congress, TUC, directed their members to proceed on a nationwide strike next Tuesday .

The unions are demanding a new minimum wage and concrete actions from the federal government to ameliorate the difficult economic situation in the country due to fuel subsidy removal by the government.

Surprisingly, President Tinubu failed to announce a new wage for public servants in the country during his national broadcast to make the nation’s independence.

The president only a partial increase for some workers, saying the government is careful not to worsen the current economic situation in the country.

Tinubu said the decision to introduce a partial increase was done in consultation with organised Labour.

He said, ” Based on our talks with labour, business and other stakeholders, we are introducing a provisional wage increment to enhance the federal minimum wage without causing undue inflation. For the next six months, the average low-grade worker shall receive an additional Twenty-Five Thousand naira per month.”

Meanwhile, analysts of the president’s speech said the measurement is not enough to appease labour which is bent to shutting down the country, this week, over what NLC and TUC described as insensitiveness on the part of the federal government.

Also, keen watchers of the All Progressive Congress, APC-led government described the partial wage increase for some category of workers as a divide and rule tactics to break the ranks of TUC and NLC.

63rd Anniversary: Tinubu Announces Provisional Wage Of N25,000, Cheaper Transportation

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Ayodele Oni

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October 1, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

The President, Bola Tinubu, has outlined measures being put in place by his administration to cushion effects of biting hardship occasioned by subsidy withdrawal on petrol.

In a nationwide broadcast on Sunday to mark 63rd independence anniversary, the President announced a provisional wage increment of N25,000 to enhance the minimum wage.

He assured that “government is doing all that it can to ease the load. I will now outline the path we are taking to relieve the stress on our families and households.

“We have embarked on several public sector reforms to stabilize the economy, direct fiscal and monetary policy to fight inflation, encourage production, ensure the security of lives and property and lend more support to the poor and the vulnerable.

“Based on our talks with labour, business and other stakeholders, we are introducing a provisional wage increment to enhance the federal minimum wage without causing undue inflation. For the next six months, the average low-grade worker shall receive an additional Twenty-Five Thousand naira per month.

“To ensure better grassroots development, we set up an Infrastructure Support Fund for states to invest in critical areas. States have already received funds to provide relief packages against the impact of rising food and other prices.

“Making the economy more robust by lowering transport costs will be key. In this regard, we have opened a new chapter in public transportation through the deployment of cheaper, safer Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses across the nation. These buses will operate at a fraction of current fuel prices, positively affecting transport fares.

“New CNG conversions kits will start coming in very soon as all hands are on deck to fast track the usually lengthy procurement process. We are also setting up training facilities and workshops across the nation to train and provide new opportunities for transport operators and entrepreneurs.

“This is a ground-breaking moment where, as a nation, we embrace more efficient means to power our economy. In making this change, we also make history.

“I pledged a thorough housecleaning of the den of malfeasance the CBN had become. That housecleaning is well underway. A new leadership for the Central Bank has been constituted. Also, my special investigator will soon present his findings on past lapses and how to prevent similar reoccurrences. Henceforth, monetary policy shall be for the benefit of all and not the exclusive province of the powerful and wealthy.

“Wise tax policy is essential to economic fairness and development. I have inaugurated a Committee on Tax Reforms to improve the efficiency of tax administration in the country and address fiscal policies that are unfair or hinder the business environment and slow our growth.

“To boost employment and urban incomes, we are providing investment funding for enterprises with great potential. Similarly, we are increasing investment in micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.

“Commencing this month, the social safety net is being extended through the expansion of cash transfer programs to an additional 15 million vulnerable households.”

Wage increment and change in the present tax regime which has given birth to multiple taxation for businesses are among demands of the organized labour, which has given notice of indefinite stroke to commence on Tuesday.

What Is Wrong In Negotiating Oversea Jobs For Imo Youths?

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The Source

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October 1, 2023

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By Oguwike Nwachuku

I have watched and listened to some rabble-rousers display crass ignorance over the intention of Governor Hope Uzodimma to negotiate jobs for 4000 Imo youths outside Nigeria.

The truth is that Governor Uzodimma will always be sure of himself no matter the circumstances he may find himself.

Yes, when recently he received thousands of Imo youths who paid him a courtesy call at Government House, Governor Uzodimma rapped them on how a good number of them are potential Diasporans because of the digital skills they have acquired and started acquiring.

The Governor predicted that no fewer than 4000 of them are potential employees in Europe based on the digital skills they have acquired at home that are in hot demand outside Nigeria.

Mind you, the government has a well thought out agenda to train 300,000 Imo youths on digital skills over a period of the years and as we speak, 20,000 of them have benefited from the different training programmes and are ready to put such skills they have acquired to use.

While the youths were undergoing trainings under the Cohort 1 and Cohort 2 Skill-Up Imo Project, technology-based companies were systematically pouching some of them for employment. Cisco, for instance, is one the many tech firms seeking to employ the youths trained under the Skill-Up Imo Project. There are also Nigerian companies with huge affiliation with such global tech firms.

As Governor Uzodimma was busy graduating 15,000 youths under the Cohort 2 Skill-Up Imo Project on Wednesday, September 27, he assured that the Cohort 3 will commence immediately and will involve the training of 40,000 youths.

Therefore, what is 4000 youths being assisted to be gainfully employed in Europe, Asia and America when 60,000 of them are hopeful?

Methinks Governor Uzodimma should be congratulated for the bold step he has taken to pull Imo youths out of the pit of poverty, ignorance and unemployment.

Which one is better: youths who Japa or stow away to foreign lands in search of jobs they may not get or the ones whose jobs are properly negotiated? Those who think that the Governor is outsourcing the Imo youths also miss the point and need to be helped in their ignorance because the world has become one small village in our hands due to the invincibility of technology.

If what Governor Uzodimma intends to do for the Imo youths is novel to many, I invite them to pause and ask themselves whether China, India and most Asian and Middle Eastern countries have not done similar things before and still doing them now.

Who says that blacks, this time Imo youths with skills, do not have a place in global market and development outside Nigeria? Why are we constantly wearing the garb of inferiority whenever the issue of foreign relationship is in the front burner of discourse? By the way, don’t we already have Nigerians in their numbers working in Europe, Asia and America? So what will change if Governor Uzodimma finds jobs for 4000 Imo youths or even more, depending on how wide his national and international contact is?

Those who think Governor Uzodimma made the pledge to play politics should close their faces in shame. They ought to think again.

In 2021 when he gifted 25,000 Imo youths N250,000 each to start businesses he was categorical that the intention was to pull them out of poverty and to also help raise an army of millionaires and billionaires among them. He has remained consistent in that believe emboldened by the ongoing training on digital skills.

It is because of the greed and selfishness of the leaders who sponsor Governor Uzodimma’s crticism on social media that makes it look like getting travel documents for 4000 youths and paying for their living expenses will take a leg and an arm. They think it is too much money. Frankly, it should not be to any leader who has the interest of the people he is leading at heart, like Governor Uzodimma.

Who does not know that our Governor thinks big, dreams big, acts big and achieves big?

Lest we forget, recently when some Christian States in Nigeria were busy rationing the people they wanted to send on Pilgrimage to Israel, Governor Uzodimma shocked every one by announcing free sponsorship of 1000 intending pilgrims. It has never happened before. That is Governor Uzodimma for you.

Was it only Christians he sponsored on Pilgrimage? He also sponsored Muslims who went to Mecca for hajj.

I am not under any illusion that 4000 Imo youths will benefit from what the Governor had already pronounced. Mine is to congratulate the lucky ones in advance and pray that there will be more beneficiaries going forward as more youths are equipped with the relevant skills to confront their future.

Let those who see politics in everything Governor Uzodimma does keep deceiving themselves. Unfortunately for them and fortunately for us, the Governor’s re-election has become a fait accompli. Ihe Chukwu dere, odewo ya ( what God has written is written).

Nwachuku, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Uzodimma writes from Owerri.