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Ministry Of Niger Delta Proposes Take Over Of East-West Road For Early Completion

September 15, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

Cross River State Government has said that bringing back the Ministry of Niger Delta was the best thing for the people of the Region.

The State Deputy Governor, Peter Odey, who received the Minister, in charge of the Ministry, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, on behalf of the Governor, expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for appointing an Engineer as the Minister to oversee the ministry.

According to him: “When the first list of Ministers was released without the Ministry of Niger Delta, we felt forgotten. However, when the second list was unveiled with your names, we were relieved because you are an engineer.

“We often don’t see ourselves as part of the Niger Delta region because we are not treated as such. Our roads are in terrible condition, and we are eager to collaborate with you because we have confidence in your abilities.

“Whatever assistance or collaboration you require, our Governors are at your service.

“I suggest that those of you in leadership positions should remember that the Niger Delta Development Commission is closer to the people.

“Since taking office, you have taken the initiative to familiarize yourself with the issues and challenges facing our region. This is quite commendable.

“We believe that if the East-West road were under the Ministry of Niger Delta, it would receive better monitoring and attention.

“In the past, contractors would receive funds and then abandon their projects. We hope that this will change from now on.

“Please know that we are available and willing to assist you in any way you require at any time. While the governor may not be present, my lines are open, and I am ready to provide any assistance needed.”

In his remark, Momoh stated, “We aimed to inspect some of the projects the ministry has undertaken in recent years. It was essential for us to conduct an inspection before proceeding to execute the government’s policies in the office.

“Before our arrival, I was informed that the road from Uyo was impassable, and I received advice to fly back to Abuja and reconsider my travel plans.

“However, I am pleased that I chose to take the road, as I now have first-hand information to provide whenever discussions about that road arise.

“This Administration embodies a renewed hope agenda because the President is attentive to the situation on the ground, particularly the state of roads in the country.

“While the condition of roads nationwide is concerning, the most pressing challenge in this region is the East-West Road. Previously, this road primarily covered Bayelsa, Delta, Akwa-Ibom, and others.

“Notably, the section from Benin to Calabar was not included. It is apparent that this omission poses a significant challenge.

“Therefore, my message is a call for collaboration with various state governments to address the decay in infrastructure and improve security, among other issues. Meaningful development cannot occur without peace, and I advocate for peace in all the places I have visited.

“Renaming the East-West Road to the South-South Road is important, but it should also be extended to include areas and states that were previously excluded.

“Additionally, I propose that the road’s management be transferred from the Ministry of Works to the Ministry of Niger Delta Development.

“Addressing this road’s challenges is a daunting task while it remains under the Ministry of Works, given the multitude of federal roads in the country, totaling over 36,000 in need of attention. I believe the Ministry of Niger Delta Development would be better suited to manage this road.

“Let us make an effort to encourage our governors to support and endorse this initiative so we can secure immediate and committed attention and action for this road.”

“Stop The Waste Of Time And Resources, Tinubu Was Our Student, Graduated From Our University” – Chicago State University

Akinwale Kasali

September 15, 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

The Chicago State University, CSU, has finally confirmed that President Bola Tinubu was actually their student, and graduated from the institution in 1979.

CSU made this disclosure to the USA’s News Network, CBS. It said that Tinubu graduated from the institution in 1979 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Administration.

There has been controversy surrounding Tinubu’s academic record with the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, filing a lawsuit in the US to compel CSU officials to turn over Tinubu’s academic documents.

However, CSU told CBS that it was confident in the veracity and integrity of its records regarding Tinubu’s completion of graduation requirements and degree certificate, but was restrained by the United States Federal Law to provide any further information about Tinubu’s record, without consent or unless allowed to do so via Court order.

The statement from the Chicago State University on Tinubu published by CBS on Thursday reads: “As an educational institution, we are sometimes asked to provide information related to student records.

“Federal law known as FERPA (the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) protects the privacy of student records and limits what an institution can release.

“In August 2023, a request was made in U.S. federal court for the university to provide information related to educational records concerning Bola Tinubu, the President of Nigeria, and a former CSU student.

“The university has confirmed Tinubu attended CSU and graduated in 1979 with a bachelor’s degree. Federal law, however, prevents us from providing any further information without consent or unless allowed to do so via court order.

“CSU is confident in the veracity and integrity of our records regarding Tinubu’s completion of graduation requirements and degree certificate.

“The university is not a party to the Nigerian legal proceedings that spurred this request, and a U.S. federal judge will determine whether the university will provide further requested information.

“Our response to the request for Tinubu’s academic records has been entirely consistent with our practices, policies, and federal law. We would respond in exactly the same manner for any request for any student information by a third party.”

Lagos Has Largest External Debt – NBS

Akinwale Kasali

September 15, 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

Lagos State, the commercial hub of the Nation has recorded the largest and highest domestic debt in in Q3 of 2023 with N996.44 Billion by the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics, NBS.

The NBS added that Delta State is second with N465.40 Billion. NBS disclosed this in its Domestic and Foreign Debt report for Q2 2023.

It also confirmed that Nigeria’s public debt grew at a rate of 75.27% on a quarter-on-quarter basis.

The report noted that Nigeria’s public debt stock which includes external and domestic debt stood at N87.38 trillion (US$113.42 billion) in Q2 2023 from N49.85 trillion (US$ 108.30 billion) in Q1 2023, indicating a growth rate of 75.27% on a quarter-on-quarter basis.

“Jigawa state recorded the lowest domestic debt with N43.13 billion, followed by Kebbi with N60.94 billion. Lagos state recorded the highest external debt with US$ 1.26 billion, followed by Kaduna with US$569.38 million. Borno state had the least external debt with US$18.75 million, followed by Taraba with US$21.92 million,” the report read.

Lagos State’s domestic debt was recorded at N996.4 billion, as the total domestic debt for states was N5.8 trillion for the quarter, meanwhile the Federal Capital, FCT recorded domestic debt of N84.773 billion

“I Cannot Be Forced To Resign From Office” – Ondo Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa

Ayodele Oni

September 15, 2023

Lucky Aiyedatiwa - Deputy Governor of Ondo State

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, says there are plans to force him to resign from office.

Already, a letter of resignation, purportedly signed by him is reportedly circulating in the social media.

Signs that the relationship between the Deputy governor and his Principal, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, is no more cordial emerged last week when the Governor returned from medical leave abroad.

Few days after his return, Akeredolu, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, announced the withdrawal of the Media team attached to the Deputy Governor’s office.

Also in his appreciation message to Nigerians, the name of the Deputy Governor was conspicuously missing, while the Governor thanked other members of the State Executive Council.

At a function in Akure on Friday, the Governor was represented by his Special Adviser on Labour Matters, Aragbaiye, despite the fact that the Deputy Governor was not engaged anywhere.

A statement on Friday signed by the Deputy Governor reads “My attention has been drawn to a rumour of a purported pre-signed resignation letter, signed by me, being circulated in the public domain.

“I wish to state that I, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the Deputy Governor of Ondo State have not, do not intend and will not sign/author any letter resigning my position as the duly elected Deputy Governor in a joint ticket with my principal the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN, CON

“I took an oath the day I was sworn in along with Mr. Governor on February 24th, 2021 to protect the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on a four (4) year mandate which terminates in February 23rd, 2025.

“I remain loyal to my Principal and stand by the oath took with the Bible to run the full cycle of the four year tenure with Mr. Governor.

“To this end I urge the people of Ondo State, the State Assembly and the general public to disregard such letter now and in the future.”

Breaking: Election Tribunal Throws Out Onyeagucha’s Petition Against Senator Onyewuchi

Adesina Soyooye

September 15, 2023

Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi and Barrister Uche Onyeagucha

By Adesina Soyooye

Barrister Uche Onyeagucha, the Senatorial Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the February 25, 2023, Senatorial Election, has had his suit against incumbent Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi thrown out.

On Friday, September 15, 2023, the Imo State Elections Petitions Tribunal sitting in Nasarawa State, dismissed Onyeagucha’s petition filed before it against Onyewuchi, declared winner of the Owerri Senatorial District by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

In its judgement, the Three- man Panel of Judges dismissed the petition as without merit, and affirmed the victory of Onyewuchi, the Candidate of the Labour Party.

Onyeagucha, a former member of the House of Representatives, was the Secretary to the Imo State Government under the Government of the Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha.

Details later.

Labour Party To Soyinka: “You Are Double-faced, Blind To Truth”

The Source

September 15, 2023

The Labour Party on Thursday responded to a statement by Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, in which he said its Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, did not win the February 25 February Presidential Election, but is hell bent on deceiving the masses with lies that he won.

In a stinging remark at an international meet in South Africa, Soyinka lashed out at LP and the Obidient movement for deliberately inciting crisis without a cause.

In a response to him, the Labour Party issued a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, and told Soyinka that he is not only double-faced, but blind to truth.

Following, the full statement by Labour Party:

SOYINKA: STATESMEN ARE NOT DOUBLE FACED, NOT BLIND TO TRUTH

The Labour Party took note of the statement that emanated from the Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka who as an institution we have the utmost respect for. He is a Nigerian whose accomplishments in the literary world is without doubt intimidating.

However, we beg to disagree with his prognosis and personal opinion on the performance of our party during the 2023 general elections. The facts are before the courts and out of respect for our judiciary, we will reserve our comments until the Supreme Court makes a final pronouncement.

We understand that the literary giant is human and thus susceptible to emotions and probably said what he said based on information made available to him by those who share the ‘Emilokan sentiment’.

In Yoruba, ‘Gbajue’ refers to fraudulent activities like age, name or certificate forgery, 419 or narcotics trafficking, all of which are issues in the 2023 elections but not on the Labour Party’s part.

‘Gbajue’ in Yoruba also literally means ‘slap him/her in the face.’ Have all Nigerians not been slapped sufficiently in the face? Thanks to this man of letters for bringing this out albeit, advertently. It’s rather interesting that the erudite Prof. Soyinka who owned up to having an electoral “monitoring unit” conveniently glossed over INEC’s legerdemain leading to substantial non compliance and erosion of constitutional dictates, just as he conveniently glossed over the INEC’s advanced ‘gbajue’ of 25 February that has surreptitiously installed the King of ‘gbajue’ in Aso Rock.

It is most befudling as well as disconcerting that a detribalized and activist Soyinka would succumb to the groupthink syndrome that subscribes to State Capture by those belonging to the criminal fringe by any means, based on primordial considerations.

We really appreciate him for at least giving some credits to Labour Party and its Presidential candidate for breaking the monopoly of power hitherto held by the two other parties. We also noted his admission of his willingness to be part of a demonstration which would be based on the banner of truth.

However we are aware that Soyinka resides in Lagos state and he was in Nigeria in February 25 when elections held in Nigeria. He watched probably with a glee when a certain individual in Lagos warned non-indigenes to vote a particular political party or risk being deported to their place of birth, and he never condemned it. He was there were ballot boxes were snatched by thugs in a polling booth right in front of his house, he didn’t condemned it. We are still looking for where he came out to condemn the unprovoked attacks on our supporters in Lagos by members of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, during the last elections.

The whole world followed the 2023 general election in Nigeria and there was a global condemnation of not only the outcome of the election but also the process, particularly, the ‘glitching’ incidence that occured only during the transmission of presidential result to IREV. As someone who is known to demonstrate based on truth, we didn’t hear as much as a whisper from Kongi reminding INEC that stand by its word.

He also watched when Labour Party provided evidences of several defaced result sheets permitted and uploaded to the IREV by INEC particularly in places where Labour Party won, again the great Soyinka was astonishingly mute.

We will not allege selective amnesia as the reason for Soyinka’s wrong prognosis but we would have expected him to be a statesman which we thought he was by remaining on the side of caution and not exhibiting dual character of someone who may be blinded by some chauvinistic tendencies.

We would rather keep our impression about his recent dual personality with us. We want to also let him know that building a New Nigeria is a dream which time has come and Nigerian youths will not relent until such dream is realized

SIGN

Obiora Ifoh
National Publicity Secretary
Labour Party.

PDP Decries Gov Akeredolu’s Continued Stay In Ibadan, Advises Him To Return To Germany For Further Medical Checkup

Ayodele Oni

September 15, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has again advised Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to go back to Germany and further attend to his health challenges if still unfit to govern the State.

The opposition party had last week raised an alarm when the Governor, on his return from medical trip abroad, went straight to stay in his personal house in Ibadan, Oyo state.

The belief then was that he would rest for a few days and, thereafter, return to Akure, the Ondo State capital. He had transmitted a letter to the State Legislature to inform the Lawmakers of his resumption.

While in Ibadan, Akeredolu signed the new Local Council Development Authority Bill into law. The Speaker of the House of Assembly went with the Bill to the Oyo State Capital for the Governor’s signature.

Also from Ibadan, the Governor disbanded the Media crew of his Deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

Members of the State Executive Council and other aides of the Governor have turned the Ibadan residence of the Governor to Government House as they report there daily to consult with the Governor.

It was gathered that the Governor’s return from abroad where he was receiving treatment was to prevent him from violating the constitution since he had spent three months.

The State Chapter of the PDP in a statement on Friday, stated that “The Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, is still nowhere to be found, eight days since he claimed he has resumed duties as Governor after his three months medical leave in Germany.

“The Governor was reported to have signed the creation of 33 LCDAs bill into law, sacked the media aides of Deputy Governor Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa all from hiding.

“Last week, the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Ondo State Chapter challenged the rationale for Akeredolu calling for a meeting in his Ibadan residence, instead of Ondo State, where he was elected to govern.”

The statement, signed by the spokesman of the opposition party added: “Up till this moment, the Governor has not been seen anywhere near Ondo State.

“Akeredolu is beginning to fuel media speculations that, against the advice of his doctors, he was hurriedly brought into Nigeria to foil an impeachment process.

“He also ordered an upgrade of his Ibadan residence to include a replica of Executive Council Chambers, from where he intends to hold Exco meetings.

“Does Akeredolu want to make Ibadan the capital of Ondo State? What is the hurry to resume all about, if he cannot come to Ondo State?

“Would it not have made more sense if he was still attending to his health abroad? Why did he say he has resumed when indeed he has not?

“Our party wishes to advise Akeredolu to come to Ondo State to complete his tenure. But if he does not feel fit enough to resume, he can proceed on another medical leave instead of trying to pull wool over our eyes in Ondo State.”

Breaking: UNILAG ‘Slightly’ Slashes School Fees

James Orji

September 15, 2023

The University of Lagos has agreed to slash school fees following days of protest by angry students of the institution.

The decision to reduce the fees followed a meeting with officials vof the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANs, and UNILAG Students Union Government, SUG on Thursday.

The management of the Ivory tower had earlier insisted that there was no going back on the hike of school fees announced recently, accusing the students of being insensitive.

The student responded by shutting down the institution for a academic activities.

But after a meeting with the leadership of the students Unions yesterday, the Vice Chancellor of the university Folasade Ogunsola stated that institution has agreed to slash the fees.
She stated that tuition was increased so that the university can deliver quality education to students.

UNILAG said in a statement after the meeting: “Authorities of the University of Lagos led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, on Thursday, September 14, 2023, had a meeting with the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Comrade Usman Umar Barambu accompanied by top officers of the Association and UNILAG Faculty leaders drawn from nine faculties of the University and College of Medicine.

“After careful evaluation of the issues raised by the students and management, the following consensus was reached at the meeting: Utility Charges for all categories of students was reduced to N15,000:00 from N20,000:00.

“The obligatory fees for new undergraduate students was reviewed from N126,325:00 to N116,325:00 for Courses without Lab/Studio and N176,325:00 to N166,325:00 for Courses with Lab/Studio.

“The obligatory fees for returning undergraduate students was reviewed from N100,750:00 to N80,750:00 for Courses without Lab/Studio; N140,250:00 to N120,250:00 for Courses with Lab/Studio; and from N190,250:00 to N170, 250:00 for Medical / Pharmacy students and students in Health Professions.

“The Convocation Fee to be paid by all final year students was reduced to N27,000:00 from N 30,000:00. Hostels fees were reviewed as follows: For undergraduate hostels in Akoka and Yaba campuses, the fees was reduced to N43, 000:00 from N90,000:00.

“For hostels in Idi-Araba campus, the fees was reduced to N65,000:00 from N120,000:00. The fees for Sodeinde Hall was reduced to N135,000:00 from N250,000:00.”

The university received strong condemnation from not a few Nigerians in July after its management announced hike in tuition fees for both returning and new students.

Meanwhile, some of the students who spoke with the magazine said the reduction was so insignificant considering their demand that the fees be returned to status quo.

FIRS: Tinubu Rekindles Feud With Buhari, Appoints Pointman Into Revenue Agency

James Orji

September 15, 2023

The appointment of Zach Adedeji as the acting Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, has not stopped amazing the critics of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Adedeji was appointed on Thursday by the president to replace Muhammad Nami, according to a statement released yesterday by Ajuli Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity.

The statement said, “President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Zacch Adedeji as the new Acting Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

“The President has directed the erstwhile FIRS Chairman, Mr. Muhammad Nami, to proceed on 3 months of pre-retirement leave, as provisioned by Public Service Rule (PSR) 120243, with immediate effect, leading to his eventual retirement from service on December 8, 2023.

“Adedeji is hereby appointed in an acting capacity for 90 days before his subsequent confirmation as the substantive Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service for a term of four (4) years in the first instance.”

The appointment has elicited reactions from the president’s critics who said Tinubu has yet to recover from the sack of Babatunde Fowler, his ally as FIRS Chair by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Fowler was sacked by Buhari on December 9, 2019 by the former leader who appointed Nami in his stead.

Buhari, according to those familiar with the tax generating agency decided not to reappoint Fowler because of the perceived feud between his and Tinubu at the time.

“The former president new that Fowler did well by turning around the agency. But he decided to sack him, and appoint somebody from the north, even though Fowler deserved a reappointment for refocusing the agency,” a source said.

The sin of Fowler, a former Chairman of the Lagos Internal Revenue Service, LIRS was his closeness to the former Lagos governor, he stated.

The source said Tinubu decided to “pay Buhari back in his own coin” by sacking the man he appointed, and replace him with his own person even though Nami has not been found wanting in any way except that ” he’s Buhari’s man”.

He added that the president has decided to appoint Adedeji from “day one” that he was sworn in as commander-in-chief, but decided to appoint him Special Adviser on Revenue to understudy the FIRS pending the time “Nami will be kicked out.”

Instructively, Adedeji is a close a trusted aide of Tinubu, according to those familiar with his trajectory as a former Commissioner for Finance in Oyo state.

It was Tinubu that recommended him to late Governor Abiola Ajimobi who appointed him into his cabinet after becoming governor through the support of Tinubu.

A first-class graduate in accounting from Obafemi Awolowo University, Adedeji has been acknowledged as a technocrat in his field.

He was a former Executive Secretary / chief executive officer, CEO, the National Sugar Development Council, NSDC.

His appointment takes immediate effect, the Presidency said in the statement.

PDP Scores Tinubu Low on Security, Economy

James Orji

September 15, 2023

The Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has scored the federal government low on security.

According to the PDP BOT, the spate of insecurity has become worse since the All Progressives Congress, APC-led administration came to power.

has taken a swipe at the All Progressives Congress-led government over what it called the increasing spate of insecurity in some parts of the country.

Meanwhile, the APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, stated that the PDP is merely throwing tantrums following its defeat at the polls and in the court.

In a communique issued at the end of its 75th meeting on Thursday in Abuja, Adolphus Wabara, the Trustee Chairman said the party is dissatisfied with the manner the ruling party has handled security and economy.

It warned of the spiral effects of what it described as the Mismanagement of the country by the APC.

It said the economic situation has led to serious despondency among Nigerians who are struggling to survive.

The communique read in part, “The BoT expresses serious concerns over the excruciating hardship, worsening insecurity, and a general sense of apprehension and despondency across the country occasioned by the hasty implementation of ill-planned policies of the overtly insensitive APC administration.

“The BoT is seriously worried over the continued fall in the value of the Naira arising from the ill-implemented policies of the APC with attendant devastating negative effect on the economy resulting in agonizing high costs and unbearable pressure on families.

“The BoT restates its rejection of the judgment of the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) in upholding the declaration of the APC as the winner of the February 25, 2023, Presidential election, despite the evidence clearly pointing to the contrary.

“The BoT is also monitoring and studying the outcome of cases in various election courts with regards to their level of adherence and respect to the Rule of Law and evidence before such court.

“The BoT is resolved to take urgent steps to resist the current manifest desperation by the APC to turn Nigeria into a one-party state.

“The BoT commends the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar for following due process of the law in his quest to retrieve the Presidential Mandate freely given to him at the February 25, 2023 presidential election.

“The BoT laments that the APC is pushing Nigerians to the wall and worry that the level of poverty and anger in the polity over the suppressive rule of the APC is capable of snowballing into a serious crisis if not urgently addressed.”

Reacting to the issues raised by PDP BOT, the APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, said the opposition party has yet to recover from its defeat in the last election.

Meanwhile, keen watchers of the security situation in the country said the federal government needs to do more to protect the lives and property of Nigerians, who are already losing confidence in government’s ability to contain the menace.

For instance, they described the recent decision of some state governments in the north to employ youths to tackle insecurity in their areas, as a signal that they no longer have confidence in the security agencies to keep their communities safe.

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