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Akpabio Claims Widespread Protest Sponsored By Opposition, Mischief Makers 

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Senate President, Godswill  Akpabio, has accused the opposition and those he described as mischief makers of being responsible for the widespread protest against the Federal Government over the unprecedented hardship in the Country.

Nigerians in a number of States have, in the past couple of weeks taken to the streets in protest against the economic hardship. But in response, Akpabio said that the protests, far from being genuine grassroots movements are products of sponsorship by the opposition.

He accused opposition Parties  of funding the protest to further cripple the economy and turn the people against the Government.

Akpabio noted that the protesters may not fully grasp the efforts being undertaken by both the Senate and the Federal Government to alleviate these economic challenges.

He remarked, “You can see a lot of sponsored protests here and there, but those people are not aware—most of those sponsored protesters are not aware of the kind of efforts made by this Senate to tackle the situation together with the management team of the Federal Government.

“Unverified reports suggest that State Governments, in recent months, have received an additional N30 billion from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), outside their regular allocations from the federation account, to assist them in addressing the food situation.

“So we believe that every state government should utilize the funds received to ensure that food is available.”

Akpabio emphasized that the National Assembly would not approve anything that does not ultimately benefit the citizens, affirming their commitment to the welfare of Nigerians.

Reacting to the statement of the former Akwa Ibom State Governor, netizens took to the Social Media to lash him for making such unsavoury comments.

Some accused him, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress, APC, for inflicting pains on Nigerians.

They queried the ‘Renewed Hope’ Mantra, stressing that Nigerians are suffering and living in abject poverty and penury, whereas, the political class are living a life of luxury.

The netizens said that though there are protests in Oyo, Niger, Kano, and Sokoto, where citizens have taken to the streets to express their frustrations over the mounting economic hardships, the FG should be prepared as there is going to be another #EndSARS drama in Lagos if things are not addressed in earnest.

They threatened that Nigerians will soon take to the streets in Lagos which is the commercial hub of the nation and cripple all activities.

Breaking: Labour Party Chairman, Abure, Arrested Over Alleged Murder Threat, Embezzlement, Infractions

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Julius Abure - Arrested

By Akinwale Kasali

The National Chairman of Labour Party, Julius Abure has been arrested by the operatives of the Edo State Police Command on  allegations of attempted murder, amongst other alleged infractions.

Abure’s arrest came following a petition by the LP Youth Leader, Comrade Eragbe Anselm Aphimia.

The petition, addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, dated February 13, partly reads, “I, Comrade Eragbe Anselm, write to you with utmost urgency and grave concern regarding a heinous act of violence perpetrated against me on the 29th of December 2023.

“I am a member and National Youth Leader of the Labour Party (LP) in Nigeria, and the events I am about to recount are of utmost importance for justice and the safety of individuals involved in political activities.

“On December 28, 2023, I flew into Benin City Airport around 2 p.m. as part of an official 5-member delegation authorised by the Acting National Chairman of the Labour Party, Alhaji Lamidi Basiru Apapa.

“Our mission was to organise Ward, LGA, and State Congresses in Edo State, as well as supervise the sale of nomination forms for various posts, as mandated by INEC guidelines, within the stipulated time frames.

“On arrival at the Benin Airport, I was received by one Mrs Mary Okheime Newberry, who falsely claimed to be providing transportation and accommodation on behalf of unnamed stakeholders.

“She proceeded to lodge us at the Smart Homes Hotel, unknown to us that she was plotting a sinister and gruesome ambush. The next morning, a man named Austin Emeka came to pick me and my colleague, Mr Patrick Anethua up from the hotel lobby, pretending to take us to a meeting venue.

“Instead, we were violently attacked just outside the hotel gates by a waiting mob.”

It would be recalled that the 36 States Chairmen of the Labour Party, LP, had queued behind Abure following calls for his resignation, having been indicted by the Party’s Treasurer, Oparah, who said the National Chairman should account for over three billion Naira of the Party’s money.

Akeredolu: Gov Aiyedatiwa Declares Public Holiday

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

To enable people of Ondo state bid late former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu last respect.

Governor Lucky  Aiyedatiwa, has declared Thursday, and Friday,as public holidays in the State.

Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan said in a statement that the two days holiday is to honour of the former Governor of the State.

The body of the former governor arrives Akure the state capital on Wednesday for a special court session at the state high court complex, while the traditional rites take place in Owo.

There will be Lying in State and Commendation Service at Akure Township Stadium, while Evening of Tributes holds later in the day at Saint Andrews Church, Owo.

On Thursday, Service of Songs holds at St Andrews Cathedral, Imola Street,

Owo to be followed by Wake-Keep at his Owo residence.

There will be Candlelight Procession & World Gyration by the Kegites Club while funeral service holds on Friday, at St Andrews Church Owo with interment after church service.

The two work-free days will allow the people of the State to participate in the burial activities of the former Governor. The burial activities, which started last Thursday.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, political leaders and former appointees of the late Governor had for the past two days relocated to Ibadan, Oyo state to participate in other burial programmes which were held there.

Cement Price: FG Threatens Dangote, BUA

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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The Federal Government has threatened cement manufacturers in the country over the high cost of the product.
Manufacturers should reduce the price of cement failure which the federal government would be forced to open the nation’s borders for the importation of cement.
The minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa issued the threat on Tuesday during an emergency meeting with cement manufacturers in the country.
Biggest cement manufacturers in the country such as Dangote, BUA, Portland Cement sent representatives to the meeting held in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
The meeting comes on the heel of a similar one held by Dave Umahi, Minister of Works with cement manufacturers on Monday, where it was agreed to slash the price of 50kg bag of cement to between N7000 and N8000 from the price of N12000 per bag.
The manufacturers however gave some conditions to the federal government to reduce the current price, including the reduction in the cost of gas and fuel, repair of roads, amongst others.
Speaking yesterday, Dangiwa said the price of cement is too high in the country despite the fact that most raw materials used by manufacturers are sourced locally.
He said the manufacturers have no excuse to charge exorbitant price for the product, saying they have a choice to bring the price down or the government would be forced to import the product.
Reacting to manufacturers complaints of high cost of production, the minister said “The gas price you spoke of, we know that we produce gas in the country. The only thing you can say is that maybe it is not enough.
“Even if you say about 50 per cent of your production cost is spent on gas prices, we still produce gas in Nigeria. It’s just that some of the manufacturers take advantage of the situation. As for the mining equipment that you mentioned, you buy equipment and it takes years and you are still using it.
“It is safe to say we are all Nigerians and we are all facing the current head weight that is happening. I would like to speak on the popular belief that most of the raw materials to produce cement are available locally.
“While we have limestone and in some cases, we have gypsum and some cases coal, the reality is that it takes a lot of forex-related items to produce cement.”
Recall that BUA Chairman, Abdulsamad Rabiu had during a meeting with President Tinubu last year promised to slashed the price of 50kg bag of cement to N3,500.
He has failed to live up to his words as BUA cement currently sells for N12000 and above depending on the location in the country.

Gani Adams Backs Parliamentary Govt, Says It’s Solution To Structural Imbalances

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Foremost Yoruba Diaspora Organization,Yoruba One Voice (YOV)has expressed concern over the raging spate of insecurity in Yoruba land,saying the south west has become vulnerable to threats emanating from kidnapping and killings.

The organization made this known during the International Conference held at the weekend via zoom with 300 participants spreading across 5000 online platforms in all the six continents of the world.

In his remarks,the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland,Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams,who is the Grand Patron of the organization, said members of Yoruba One Voice across the world are worried about protracted cases of insecurity in the country, most especially, in Yorubaland with many, including three traditional rulers as victims of the growing scourge.

The Yoruba generalissimo stated further that the parliamentary system of government remains the best solution to solving the structural imbalances in the country.

He pointed out that the conference was a timely intervention to the various challenges in the country, adding that there is urgent need to get the country out of the woods.
L
“This conference is a wake up call to everybody that is involved in the management of our region.

“Issue of security is fundamental to the growth and development of every nation.However, we can not continue to pretend as if nothing is wrong.

“As far as I am concerned,I think there is need for another security conference to address the pressing demand for restructuring.The first security conference was the one that led to the establishment of Amotekun.And there is need to enhance the operation of Amotekun
as well as the security architecture of the south west.

“It could have been worse, but for the series of letters I wrote to the international communities and my interventions on the security in the south west have been worthwhile in the past few years.

“So,whatever problem we face today has to do with the structure of our government.I have been advocating restructuring as the
best solution to the structural imbalances of Nigeria.

“With the Parliamentary system of government,every region will be at liberty to address its political and socio- economic problem and the central will be vibrant.

“With regional government across the six geo- political zones, Nigeria will explore the beauty of our diversity;and there will be effective competitions and healthy rivalries among the various regions.

“Each region would develop at its own pace. The federating units will have their policing structure that will take care of the safety at the region.

The Guest lecturer,Prof.Olufemi Otubanjo,a professor of Political Science,University of Lagos spoke about the topic entitled:Yorubaland
bleeding on the scourge of types Kidnappers :”Proffering Solution to Security Threats”.

Otubanjo highlighted the need to be proactive in securing the south west, adding that there is need to identify the possible threats in our various environments.

The university don also described the seven types of threats, saying both Internal and external threats are existential to human nature.

He noted that it is reasonable to measure the various threats and the impact on the lives of the people.

“Threats are heterogeneous.Human beings are products of various social and environmental threats that are either internal or external, depending on our ability to identify those threats.

“As human beings,we are also liable to threats that are occasioned by many factors such as both human and environmental.

“Yorubaland is,no doubt bleeding, and the best we can do now is to be proactive by being conscious of the threats and also plan against those threats by looking at possible solution to combating the scourge of kidnappings across Yorubaland.

“We should evolve a mitigation strategy that can help in reducing the kidnapping scourge across the southwest

“Every society is responsible for the kind of threats it is experiencing.For instance,the prevailing security challenges across the country was as a result of our failed society.

“The kidnapping scourge in Yoruba does not occur in isolation.It is the bye-product of the Nigerian failed society and there is a need for urgent responses.

“There is need for community policing where people would be conscious of how to secure themselves as well as the people of their community.

While analyzing the economic history of Nigeria,Mr.Debo Adekoya went down the memory lane,giving a graphical representation of Nigeria’s economic situation since independence.He said former president Muhammdu Buhari left the country on May 29 2023 with an external debt of 47 billion dollars.

YOV General Secretary,Prince Adedokun Ademiluyi said the Yoruba organization will continue to pursue the ideology of a true,fair just society,where all Yoruba will be liberated.

“We will never relent in our efforts to seek good government across Yorubaland because that is the ideal of our organization.

Meanwhile,Iyalode Abike Ade urged the Federal Government to address the economic situation of the country, saying Nigerians abroad are feeling the heat,insisting that the current hardship in Nigeria has also dealt a deep blow on them with the economic situation of their families back home being affected.

She said the feeling abroad was that the safety of Nigerians cannot be guaranteed and the current hardship has affected the entire country.

“There is need for the Federal Government to look inwards and see how it can salvage the situation.Nigeria is going through alot of challenges.The security deficit is affecting us,as well as the poor economy and nobody is spared”.

 

Kano: Security Agencies, INEC, Party Leaders Meet Ahead Of Re-run Polls

By
The Source
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Alhaji Mohammad Husseini Gumel - Kano CP

By Daniel Maduka

Ahead of the conduct of the re-run of the Kunchi/ Tsanyawa State constituency  polls scheduled for March, 2024, the Kano State Police authorities have warned  against any acts of  thuggery and other activities capable of compromising the integrity of the electoral process by political party leaders  and their followers.

The Source reports that the country’s electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had, during the re-run polls of January 20, across the country, suspended the exercise in Kunchi/Tsayanwa owing to some manifest electoral misconducts by some suspected criminal elements .

The State Commissioner of Police CP,  Alhaji Muhammad Gumel who handed down the warning on Tuesday February 19 , during a meeting with leaders of political parties ,non governmental bodies and other relevant stakeholders, said the Police working in concert with other sister security agencies has made adequate security arrangements  ,before during and after the re run polls.

He appealed to the political leaders to control their followers as security agencies will not tolerate acts capable of disrupting the exercise ,and or  breach  the peace and security of the state.

This is just as the Kano State Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC Amb.Abdu Abdussamadu Zango,has assured of the readiness of INEC to conduct a hitch free and credible election.

According to him, all necessary arrangements have been put in place for the exercise, pledging that the electoral umpire will be fair and neutral to all parties involved in the exercise.

The Kano State Police Commissioner, at an interactive section with the media after the meeting with the party stalwarts ,informed that all heads of security outfits in the state had met with the REC ,to map out workable strategies for a  hitch free election.

“Today, we are here to discuss among our selves (Security Heads and Party Leaders) on the best way to conduct the re run.

“We agreed after deliberations with INEC REC and all the Heads of security outfits that the election is possible and will be peaceful.

“INEC has agreed to provide all necessary logistics including sensitive materials to conduct a free and fair  poll

“This is why we have invited leaders of the political parties , their candidates and other stakeholders to discuss with us ” CP Gumel stated

Ekiti: Gov Oyebanji Seeks US Partnership In Economic Growth, Cocoa Development

By
Ayodele Oni
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Biodun Oyebanji - Ekiti State Governor

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has highlighted critical areas where the state would require the support of the United States of America, (USA).

Specifically, Ekiti State, according to Governor Oyebanji is desirous of the American government’s support for its Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security on cocoa development, as well as a collaboration between the state’s knowledge Zone and US technology hub, the Silicon Valley.

Governor Oyebanji, disclosed these in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday during a meeting with a team from American Embassy led by the Charge d’Affaires, David Green.

The governor emphasized that state would explore the American expertise, resources, and investment as a progressive partner in the areas of economy, security, climate change, innovations, among others.

The Governor, at the meeting which was attended by the Consul General of the American Embassy, William Stevens; Chairman of CAVISTA Holdings, who is also the Chairman of Corporate Council on Africa, Mr John Olajide; and some top embassy officials, thanked the American Government for the support the state has received in its agriculture development drive, especially the Ikun Diary Farm.

He explained that the collaboration is expected to strengthen the state’s economy, create jobs, and enhance the quality of life of her citizens.

Governor Oyebanji said any state that desires growth must be productive stressing that “If a state must prosper, that state must work on productivity and for productivity to happen there must be collaboration with the private sector.”

Other areas of US support include the Youth and women empowerment, art and culture, climate change, health care, renewable energy, and investment promotion, among others.

“The State thank you for your support and investment Ikun Dairy Farm. Ikun is a game changer, they have done so well, but they can do better, so we will be looking for support at feed formulation and artificial examination because that will solve the foreign exchange problem.”

Earlier in his remark, the Charge d’Affaires, David Green, expressed the readiness of the United States Government to work with Ekiti State to achieve its economic growth, adding that the Embassy would identify potential areas where the US could lend a hand in enhancing the state’s economic performance.

The Ambassador assured the Governor that the United States government is keen on ways to foster fruitful collaboration with the state government especially in the fields of Agriculture, health, knowledge economy, among others.

He promised to further the discussion with relevant agencies of the state government.

Dalung Mocks President Tinubu, Asks Him To Perform Lagos Miracles To Salvage Economy

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

President Bola Tinubu’s administration has been berated by former Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung over the economic downturn of the Nation.

Dalung faulted President Tinubu for blaming former President Muhammadu Buhari over the economic woes of the nation. He said Tinubu desperately snatched power, only to be faced with the plethora of problems bedeviling the nation.

In a series of posts on his official X handle on Monday, Dalung noted that if Tinubu’s administration can devote the same resources and energy used during elections and tribunals to address security and economic challenges, significant improvements could be made.

Speaking further, he expressed disdain for attempts to shift blame to Buhari and others within his government, adding that it was hypocritical to do so.

He questioned whether bulk trading was the only solution proposed by the economic team, highlighting the urgency of addressing hunger and the high cost of living.

He said, “The attempt to change narratives of #officialABAT from “don’t pity me, I looked for the job and got it” to blaming Buhari by #BwalaDaniel #aonanuga1956 & Co travellers is uncharitable hypocrisy, #officialABAT knew all these problems, yet “he snatched power and ran away with it

“Blaming #MBuhari for economic woes cannot address the economic situation confronting the people? Can bulk trading be the only solution for #officialABAT & his economic team? The pregnant situation deserves urgent prescriptions. Hunger & high cost of living is at unbearable level..

“An empty stomach does not listen to the voice of the gospel, the echoes of concerns especially traditional rulers cannot be ignored. I lean my voice to it, #officialABAT hunger is a recipe for disaster, can you sit back at home and engage broadly if your wisdom cannot provide solutions?

“If #officialABAT deploys the same energy, knowledge, tactics & money during elections & tribunal to deal with Nigeria’s security & economic challenges, things will change. Why has the steam suddenly changed to blaming Daura? You have snatched power, oya perform your Lagos miracles.

“All mercenaries hired for a paradigm shift for blame game failed to explain the reckless economic policies of subsidy withdrawal without shock absorber mechanisms, floating the Naira without stimulating production, corruption & high governance cost. Is #MBuhari also responsible?

“All those appealing for sacrifice are dishonest, what else are the people expected to sacrifice — their lives? All imperatives of survival have been snatched by #officialABAT IMF-induced economic policies. Yet the body language of the #officialABAT government is that of Owambe. Shame.

“Nigerians cannot sacrifice under rudderless leadership. Has the #officialABAT government accounted for proceeds of subsidy withdrawal since May 29th 2023? what moral high grounds are they blaming #MBuhari who left fx at #700 pd, rice #35,00v PB, cement #3000 PB, all these have tripled.

“There’s no regret whatsoever we thought of changing the social order”. The failure of #MBuhari to deliver “change” is inexcusable however, it is not responsible for the self-inflicted economic woes caused by #officialABAT reckless economic policies without a human face.

“We take full responsibility for the failures of the #MBuhari government to deliver on the change mandate. #MBuhari should be excused from the economic woes induced by a deficiency of ideas. This bulk pushing is mercenary tactics of distracting attention from taking responsibilities.”

CBN: Like Aboki FX Security Agencies Go After Currency Speculators

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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The Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, and the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, have moved against local and foreign currency speculators in the country.

The office of the NSA made this known on Tuesday in Abuja, saying law enforcement agencies such as the Nigeria Police Force, NPF, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit, NFIU, are part of the scheme to deal with speculators.

The NSA announcement comes on the back of the raid by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commissions, EFCC, offices of some bureau the change offices in the nation’s capital on Monday.

The federal government has blamed currency speculators for the rising value of the Dollar against the Naira.

The Nigerian currency has experienced its worst performance in the last few weeks, exchanging for N1,850 to the American dollar at the close of business on Tuesday.

According to the statement released by the head, strategic Communication, the ONSA office, Zakari U. Mijinyawa, he said the two agencies cannot stand aloof while some persons are trying to destroy the naira, and the forex market.

The saboteurs, he said, are trying to destroy the economy through their action, which the would not allow to happen.

In the quest “To reduce the pressure on the naira, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raised a 7,000-man special task force across its 14 zonal commands to clamp down on dollar racketeers,” the statement said.

“Yet, recent intelligence reports have highlighted continued illicit activities within the Nigerian foreign exchange market, the ONSA and CBN are therefore embarking on this collaborative approach to tackle these infractions.

“This partnership will involve a coordinated effort with key law enforcement agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).

“The primary objective of this alliance is to systematically identify, thoroughly investigate and appropriately penalize individuals and organizations involved in wrongful activities within the FX market.

“By leveraging the expertise of these agencies, we aim to deter malicious practices, protect investor interests, and promote sustainable economic growth.

“This joint effort underscores the commitment of the Nigerian government to improving its Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) framework and exiting the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force. In addition, the efforts will make progress in ensuring a stable and transparent foreign exchange market, fostering investor confidence, and advancing the nation’s economic well-being,” the ONSA concluded.

Recall that Godwin Emefiele, the embattled former CBN Governor had taken a similar measure against Aboki fx, a popular online currency ‘speculator’ three years ago in other to save the Naira from crashing, but not a few in the industry are doubtful whether the CBN actually succeeded because the misfortune of the naira has further nosedived since then.

Hunger: Experts Warn Against Diversion As Nigerian Customs Set To Distribute Seized Food Items

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, is at the verge of distributing seized goods to Nigerians to assist them during the current food crisis.

The NCS made this known in Abuja, the nation’s capital on Tuesday.

The development comes on the back of the federal government announcement today that it was set to release 60,000 metric tones of grains to stabilise prices.

The NCS stated that the items worth billions of naira would first be certified okay by regulatory agencies before distribution.

According to experts, this is a welcome development considering that it will assist to reduce the hunger in the country, amidst Nigerians outburst that they could no longer afford to feed their family due to the high cost of food and other essential households items.

Not a few Nigerians gave throned the major state capitals in the country in the last few days to express their anger over perceived government incapacity to end the food crisis.

The NCS spokesman, Abdullahi Maiwada said in a statement today that Adeniyi’s decision to distribute the seized food was borne out of the Service’s quest to assist President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to end the current hunger.

He said the items would be distributed through the NCS Area Offices nationwide, based on transparency, need and fairness.

The statement said in part: “The modalities for the disposal will be communicated through NCS formations nationwide, with a firm commitment to transparency, fairness, and public safety. It is our pledge that this exercise will be managed diligently to ensure that the benefits reach those most in need.

“The NCS remains resolute in its dedication to safeguarding the nation’s food security and advancing the economic well-being of all Nigerians. With the unwavering support and cooperation of the public, we will surmount these challenges and pave the way for a more prosperous future for our beloved nation.”

Meanwhile, those watching the NCS insist that the distribution must be done in such away that those who need the food get it, adding that the Service must ensure that nothing is diverted as it has happened in the past when government distribute palliatives to citizens.

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