Oyetola Promises To Tackle Ports’ Congestion; Connect Rail

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September 4, 2023

Gboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, has disclosed that all will his efforts will be channeled towards revamping the country’s maritime sector under the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The minister, according to his media office made this known when he paid a working visit to the management and staff of the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, on Monday.

He also used the occasion to inspect facilities at the country’s major seaports in Tin Can and Apapa.

Oyetola said there’s an urgent need to renew the infrastructure in the seaports across the country, which he claimed are on the verge of total collapse.

He also assured that enough scanners would be deployed to the ports to avoid unnecessary delays, noting that where the scanners already exist, he would interface with concerned government agencies to ensure their proper usage for efficiency at the ports.

Oyetola said he’s in a hurry to leave a lasting legacy in the sector “for generations to come.”

He said, “I, therefore, enjoin you to be good ambassadors of this newly created ministry by displaying the highest level of character at your respective duty posts. Your attitude to work must change. We must imbibe the ethos of hard work, discipline, decency, and selflessness as this is the only way we can deliver on Mr. President’s renewed hope agenda.

“Nigerians expect a lot from the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. We must not fail them. We must increase our contribution to the country’s GDP. We have identified some of the low hanging fruits that will make an immediate impact. We shall vigorously pursue them. I am in a hurry to make an impact.

“U have no business heading the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry if I can not make an impact. I want to make an impact. But I can not do it alone. I need your cooperation. I need your support. We have the potential to grow our economy and create more jobs through this novel ministry. We must put everything to work to deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President”.

He added: “We fully understand the crucial importance of our ports to the nation’s economic development and international trade. We will work towards improving the operations of our ports. Some of the access roads to our ports are in bad shape.

“We shall liaise with the Federal Ministry of Works to ensure some of these roads are fixed in no distant time to ease our operations at the ports. We shall very soon commence the infrastructure renewal of our ports, including pursuing the rail to port project as part of efforts to decongest our ports.”

Oyetola, a former governor of Osun state was initially appointed as the Minister of Transportation by President Tinubu but was later reassigned to the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

Meanwhile, not a few analysts in the maritime sector are watching him keenly to see whether the minister will succeed in decongesting the ports as he has promised, because all his predecessors have seemingly failed in this direction.

Sanusi Says ‘Nigeria Led A False Life’ Under Buhari

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James Orji

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September 4, 2023

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Deposed emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi has slammed former President Muhammadu for borrowing N30 trillion from the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN.

The former traditional ruler said “Nigeria led a false life” under President Buhari, who he said refused to listen to experts’ advice on how to handle the economy.

Sanusi, a former CBN governor made this known on Monday, accusing the former administration of mismanaging the economy through its outrageous local and foreign debt.

He said the economy was run aground and was almost collapsing in the eight years that Buhari was in power, noting that “no country can grow” in the manner that the immediate past administration managed the economy.

The former CBN boss urged Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he is trying to revamp the economy.

According to him, “the last eight years, Nigeria led a false life, the government borrowed from within and without. About N30 trillion was borrowed from the Central Bank.

“All the revenue the country generated in the last few years couldn’t service debt. Debt service exceeded 100 percent. The government borrowed to service debts. No country can grow this way. The time will come when one cannot borrow anymore. Additionally, there will be nothing to pay debts.

“Those writing, demanding that we speak on the current situation in the country; this is not the right time for me to speak. It was like a driver on the road driving recklessly despite a wise counsel telling him of a crater ahead. What will you tell after plunging the car into the hole?

“People refused to listen to us then. We will only now advise them to be patient. I will never say Tinubu has pushed Nigeria into difficulty. I am not saying he is flawless or flawed. We will speak when he goes astray. The government can’t pay subsidies since it doesn’t have the means.

“If they add tax, we have to pay since borrowing is impossible. If the CBN printed more naira, the dollar would jack up to N1,500. We must suffer. When I was the CBN governor it was N150. Today it’s somewhere around N900.

“They treated the economy the way they wanted and refused to listen to experts. In the last eight years, only sycophancy succeeded. The sycophants bought dollars at N400 and sold N540. An inexperienced boy who had never worked anywhere owns a private jet.”

The former president has received serious criticism over his government’s huge borrowing from the CBN vis a vis the Ways and Means, W&M which was unprecedented in the country.

“Restore Your Dignity”, Bishop’s Wife Urges Judiciary; “Support My Husband’s Re-election”, Uzodimma’s Wife

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The Source

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September 4, 2023

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By George Best Okoroh

Nigeria’s Judiciary has been advised to rise up to the challenges facing it especially the restoration of its dignity and image.

The wife of the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Egbu, Mrs. Chioma Okorafor gave the advice in her address at the 28th Diocesan Women Conference held at the Christ Anglican Church, Awaka, Owerri North LGA, Imo State.

Referring to the 2023 General Elections, Mrs. Okorafor said the elections described by local and international observers as the worst in the annals of Nigeria’s elections has “put the Judiciary on a tall assignment”.

She stated that while posterity will judge all those who went ahead to announce the results of the elections, despite national and international outcry, the Judiciary has the responsibility to prove its worth as the hope of the common man.

“A lot has been said on the election. We leave it to posterity to judge. The Judiciary is expected to restore its dignity and image which seem to be having some iota of doubts”, the Bishop’s wife said.

Mrs. Okorafor condemned the manner tribalism, ethnicity and religion have negatively robbed off into politics in Nigeria, adding that there is nothing to make one a proud Nigerian, except perhaps “in the area of sports, if only it will last. Our politics is tribalistic sectional, ethno-religious. We do not give considerat canion to a person that will take Nigeria to her promised land. Emphasis is on tribe, ethnic background and most unfortunately religion”, she said.

.Mrs. Okorafor observed that Nigeria will celebrate its 63rd Independence Anniversary on October 1, 2023, with many of her citizens suffering under all manner of evils, hunger, pains and discomfort.

She bemoaned the hardships being suffered by the masses as a result of the fuel subsidy withdrawal and the present insecurity in the country, noting that many people have lost their lives, homes and property.

The Bishop’s stated that the nation can successfully fight insecurity in the country, if there is seriousness on the nation’s leadership. “If the nation decide’s to fight insecurity, it will achieve it. We call for more seriousness”, she said.

The wife of the Bishop who is also the President of the Mothers’ Union, Women and Girls’ Guild pointed out that the hardship inflicted on Nigerians by the hike in the price of fuel is unbearable.

She noted that the conference theme “Coming To God In Our Pain–The Gate Way To Our Solace” indicated that at different times in the Scriptures individuals, peoples and nations have passed through hardships and difficult times. She charged Nigerians to emulate Hannah, Abraham and Sarah, Joseph, Israel in Egypt, David, Job, Peter, Paul and Silas who through prayers to God found a gateway to their solace.

Mrs Okorafor opined that prayers embedded with brokenness, praise and worship, sacrifice and offering with deep understanding of the Scriptures can effectively be applied in challenging any situation confronting any individual, peoples and nations.

Meanwhile the wife of the governor of Imo State Barr Mrs Chioma Uzodimma ably represented by the wife of the immediate past Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly,. Mrs Ijeoma Nduka, called on Anglican Women to lend their support to her husband, Senator Hope Uzodimma in the fast approaching November 11 Gubernatorial election saying that their support will spur the Governor more in his developmental strides in the state if re-elected.

The Governor’s wife made the appeal while delivering her keynote address at the 2023 Egbu Diocesan Women’s Conference Thanksgiving service on Sunday held at Christ Anglican Church Awaka. She said that if not for anything, the women should look upon the reconstructed road leading from Egbu down to Umuahia which for a very long time have been in a very bad condition until the governor listened to the yearnings of the people and decided to work on the road.

She assured the women based on the theme of the conference ” Coming to God in our pain- the gateway to our solace” 1 Samuel 1 saying that they should always remember the story of Hannah anytime they are in trouble, addng that God must surely answer when called with a clean heart.

Catholic Laity Council Pledges Support To Uzodimma Ahead Governorship Election

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The Source

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September 4, 2023

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Members of the Catholic Laity Council from Abia, Anambra and Imo States have thrown their weight behind Governor Hope Uzodimma ahead of the November 11, 2023 governorship election in Imo State.

They did on Monday when the new executive members of the body, after their swearing in ceremony, paid a courtesy call on the Governor at the Government House Owerri to show solidarity.

Grand Patron of the Catholic Laity Council, Prof Maurice Iwu, Executive Secretary of the Group, Barr ( Dame) Chisara Egwim- Chima and the Owerri Provincial Council President, Hon. Placidus Onyedika Chijioke, led other officials to the meeting.

Briefing Governor Uzodimma on the reason for the meeting, Chijioke thanked him for finding time to interface with them, noting that the body appreciates all he has been doing to turn around the fortunes of Imo State since assuming office in January 2020.

He said that they have been praying for the Governor and do not have a choice than to work with, and support him, as he seeks re-election come November 11 because they believe he still has a lot to offer the people of Imo State.

Amplifying the essence of the visit, Prof Iwu noted that the importance of the Catholic Laity Council cannot be over emphasised because “99 per cent of the membership are Catholics.”

Iwu said that the new executive members of the body were not just upbeat sharing their vision for the Council with Governor Uzodimma, but interested in the good work the Governor has been doing in Imo, and would want to be part of his success story beyond January 15, 2024.

In his remarks, Governor Uzodimma thanked them for successfully electing their new officers, and prayed God to guide them aright as they discharge their responsibility to the society.

Governor Uzodimma also expressed gratitude regarding their observation over his modest achievements in Imo State in the past three years and eight months despite all odds, insisting that the grace of God has been sufficient for his government.

He urged them to continue to pray for peace to reign in Imo State and Nigeria, adding that development is sure to be guaranteed in an atmosphere of peace and security.

AFCON 2024 Qualifiers: Musa, Iwobi Out, Boniface, Orban, 17 Others In

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Akinwale Kasali

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September 4, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

Super Eagles Coach, Jose Peseiro, has finally released the list of players to prosecute the 2024 African Cup of Nations Qualifiers against The Falcons and True Parrot Team of São Tomé and Principe in a dead rubber last Group Match at the Godswill Obot Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on September 10, 2023.

Surprisingly, Super Eagles Captain, Ahmed Musa was dropped from the team, alongside Alex Iwobi who just made a switch from Everton Football Club to Fulham Football Club in the England Premier League due to injury.

Goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho who was conspicuously dropped from the match against the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone has been recalled back into the team.

Red hot Gent Football Club of Belgium forward, Emmanuel Gift Orban and Bayer Leverkusen Football Club of Germany Striker, Victor Okoh Boniface received their Call-Ups into the national team.

Another Gent Football Club player, Jordan Torunarigha also received a Call Up into the National side after impressing in the Belgian League.

The list of invited players includes; Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (Omonia Nicosia, Cyprus), Olorunleke Ojo (Enyimba, Nigeria), Adebayo Adeleye (Hapoel Tel Aviv, Israel).

Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England), Tyronne Ebuehi (Empoli, Italy), Jordan Torunarigha (Gent, Belgium), William Troost-Ekong (PAOK Salonica, Greece), Semi Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England), Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England), Jamilu Collins (Cardiff City, England), Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista, Portugal).

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium), Joe Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton, England) and Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England).

Forwards: Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England), Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy), Moses Simon (Nantes, France), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy), Victor Osimhen (Napoli, Italy), Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England), Gift Orban (Gent, Belgium) and Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany).

Nigeria has already its place in the AFCON 2024 tournament scheduled to take place in Côte d’ Ivoire in January 2024 having recorded Four Wins from Five games, defeating Sierra Leone 2-1 and 3-2 in Nigeria and in Liberia, recording victories against São Tomé and Principe 10-0 and a 1-0 win against Guinea Bissau.

The Super Eagles lost to Guinea Bissau at home on Matchday Three, which remains their only loss so far in the qualifying series.

Coach Peseiro has said that the dead rubber match against São Tomé and Principe will give him the opportunity to try the newly invited players and bring about competitiveness in the national team.

SERAP Fights For Journalists, Sues President Tinubu Over Ban On 25 Journalists

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Akinwale Kasali

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September 4, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

Rights Group, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, is to take legal action against President Bola Tinubu over the ban and withdrawal of the accreditation of 25 journalists from different media houses across the country from covering the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

SERAP chose the legal action after the expiration of a 48- hour ultimatum issued to the Federal Government, FG, for the withdrawal of the ban.

The Rights Group urged the to publicly instruct the officials in the presidential villa to allow journalists and media houses to freely do their job and discharge their constitutional duty of holding those in power to account.

It would be recalled that the Federal Government had on 18 August 2023 withdrew the accreditation tags of some 25 journalists and media houses from covering activities at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The affected journalists were simply told at the main gate of the Presidential Villa to submit their accreditation tags.

The banned journalists reportedly include those from Vanguard newspaper; Galaxy TV; Ben TV; MITV; ITV Abuja; PromptNews, ONTV, and Liberty.

Other media personnel affected by the withdrawal are mostly reporters and cameramen from broadcast, print, and online media outlets.

In the suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Kolawole Oluwadare, and Ms Valentina Adegoke, last Friday at the Federal High Court in Lagos, the Group is seeking: “an order to direct and compel President Tinubu to reverse the revocation of the accreditations and ban on 25 journalists and media houses from covering the Presidential Villa.

“An order of perpetual injunction to restrain President Tinubu or any other authority, person or group of persons from arbitrarily and unilaterally revoking the accreditations of any journalists and media houses from covering the Presidential Villa.”

SERAP is also seeking: “A declaration that the withdrawal and revocation of accreditation tags and ban on the journalists and media houses from covering the Presidential Villa without any lawful justifications is inconsistent with the rights to freedom of expression, access to information, participation, and media freedom.”

In the suit, SERAP is arguing that: “If not reversed, the arbitrary ban on the journalists from covering the Presidential Villa would open the door to other cases of arbitrariness and would restrict people’s right to freedom of expression, access to information, participation, and media freedom.”

SERAP is also arguing that, “The withdrawal of the accreditations of the journalists is without any lawful justifications. It is inconsistent and incompatible with plurality of voices, diversity of voices, non-discrimination, and just demands of a democratic society, as well as the public interest.”

The suit read in part: “The ban on the journalists from covering the Presidential Villa fails to meet the requirements of legality, necessity, and proportionality.”

“The media plays an essential role as a vehicle or instrument for the exercise of freedom of expression and access to information – in its individual and collective aspects – in a democratic society.

“The existence of a free, independent, vigorous, pluralistic, and diverse media is essential for the proper functioning of a democratic society.

“ The free circulation of ideas and news is not possible except in the context of a plurality of sources of information and media outlets. The lack of plurality in sources of information is a serious obstacle for the functioning of democracy.

“The exercise of the right to freedom of expression through the media is a guarantee that is fundamental for advancing the collective deliberative process on public and democratic issues.”

“The strengthening of the guarantee of freedom of expression is a precondition for the exercise of other human rights, as well as a precondition to the right to participation to be informed and reasoned.

“Under the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a state party, freedom and diversity must be guiding principles in the measures to promote media freedom. The ban on the 25 journalists is entirely inconsistent and incompatible with these principles.

“The Federal Government should aspire to promote and expand the scope of media freedom, access to information, freedom of expression, and citizens’ participation, not restrict these fundamental freedoms.

“Barring these journalists and media houses from covering the Presidential Villa is to prevent them from carrying out their legitimate constitutional responsibility.

“The withdrawal of the accreditation tags of these journalists directly violates media freedom and human rights including access to information and the right to participation. It would have a significant chilling effect on newsgathering and reporting functions, and may lead to self-censorship.

“The withdrawal of the accreditations of the journalists would construct barriers between Nigerians and certain information about the operations of their government, something which they have a constitutional right to receive.”

“Media freedom, access to information and the right to participation are necessary for the maintenance of an open and accountable government. These freedoms are so fundamental in a democracy that they trump any vague grounds of ‘security concerns and overcrowding of the press gallery area.’

“Under section 22 of the Nigerian Constitution, the mass media including ‘the press, radio, television and other agencies of the mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this Chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the Government to the people.’”

LASG Warns Residents On Flooding Over 2023 Water Release Forecast

By

Akinwale Kasali

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September 4, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State Government has warned Lagosians over excessive rainfall that would lead to flooding in the month of September.

Issuing the Flood Alert, the LASG said that it was necessary to alert residents, especially those in the downstream of the Ogun River, of the likelihood of experiencing heavy flooding from this month.

Lekan Shodeinde, Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, said the flood alert was necessary following an updated 2023 Water Releases Forecast for Flood Control by the Ogun -Osun River Basin Authority.

Shodeinde said that the affected catchment areas include: Alagbole, Meiran, Maidan, Kara, Isheri-Olowora, Agiliti, Owode-Onirin, Owode-Elede, Agboyi I, Agboyi II, Ajegunle, Itowolo, Majidun, Ibeshe, Baiyeku, Maidan and Lekki-Ajah axis.

He added that of utmost concern of the State Government is safety of life and property of residents, urging inhabitants and property owners in the listed areas to be ready to move upland when the water level rises, showing signs of flooding, just as it is advisable to all residents across the state.

Quoting excerpts from the updated 2023 Water Releases Forecast signed by the managing director of the Ogun- Oshun River Basin Authority, Otunba Olufemi Odumosu,” Shodeinde explained that comparatively the total amount of Rainfall recorded from January to August 2023 (1,128.6mm) is higher than that of January to August of the year 2021 (713.4mm) and 2022 (848.1mm).

The Permanent Secretary said comparatively, a total of 968.6mm was recorded as amount of rainfall for the 12 months of 2021, just as a total of 1,140 mm was the recorded amount of rainfall during the 12 months of 2022, while in the first eight months of 2023, a quantum of 1,128.6mm has already been recorded, which means when the remaining four months in the year is factored in, a very high intensity of rainfall would be recorded for the whole year.

He stressed that the water levels of all tributaries, including the Oyan Dam are rising and is one of the contributory factors to the possibility of the likely flooding at downstream flow of Ogun River.

The same, he said, applies to all the channels and tributaries that discharges into the lagoon, which may experience tidal lock and flow back because of the high-water level that prevents discharges, leading to flash flooding.

He commended the authorities of the Ogun Oshun Basin Development Authority OSRBDA for ensuring that the water releases are being regulated without compromising Oyan Dam integrity, while still being guided by all the Seasonal Rainfall Patterns issued by the various agencies.

Shodeinde added that the alert has become necessary because there is much water to be expected in September 2023 in addition to the heavy downpour that is usually associated with the months of September and October every year along Ogun River Basin and other related predictions and warning from Nigeria Metrological Services (NIMET), Nigeria Hydrological Services (NIHSA), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)and other related agencies.

On the release of water from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroun to the Benue River, Shodeinde assured residents of the state that only 11 states namely Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Anambra, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Cross River will be affected by the releases from Lagdo and there is obviously no connection between the Lagdo dam releases and operations of Oyan Dam and the water releases Forecast for Flood Control in Lagos and Ogun States.

The Permanent Secretary also appealed to all residents across the state to be wary of the fact that Lagos is a coastal city that is bound to experience flash flood, hence it is expedient for them to cooperate with the State Government in ensuring the success of measures put in place, including the early warning alert to mitigate the effects of flash flooding.

Sanwo-Olu Re-sends Abayomi, Omotosho To LAHA As Commissioner-Nominees, Drops Five

By

Akinwale Kasali

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September 4, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

After the brickbats which trailed the initial Commissioner-nominees’ List sent to the Lagos State House of Assembly, and led to the rejection of 17 of them, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has sent a fresh list of Nominees.

It would be recalled that Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa had a face off with the Governor, prompting the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the State and the Governor Advisory Committee, GAC, to wade in.

The House had rejected 17 out of the 39 Nominees sent by the Governor.

Following the reconciliation between Obasa and Governor Sanwo Olu, a new List of Commissioner- Nominees has been sent to the House. The Lawmakers immediately swung into action on Tuesday for the screening of a second batch of nominees.

Obasa urged the screening committee led by Hon. Fatai Mojeed to ensure a thorough process and report to the House on Thursday.

Prior to the Speaker’s comment, the Clerk of the House, Barrister Olalekan Onafeko, read a letter from the Governor listing the names presented.

In the letter, Governor Sanwo-Olu said some of the names were represented, others dropped, and new names were added.

Titled: ‘Fowarding of Official List of Nominees for Appointment as Commissioners and Special Advisers’, the letter thanked the Speaker and members of the House for their diligence and commitment in relation to the recent screening and confirmation of 22 nominees.

“Your rigorous assessment of these nominees in adherence to your constitutional obligations demonstrates your dedication to ensuring a competent and effective council,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The governor said after careful consideration of the 17 names that were rejected, “I have decided to represent a list of nominees which includes a balanced selection of previously presented and new individuals.

“This list represents a broad political spectrum and diverse backgrounds reflective of the rich diversity of our lovely state,” he added in the letter.

The Governor said he is confident that the new nominees would bring fresh ideas that would help the growth and progress of Lagos.

He urged the House to screen the nominees for clearance.

They are:

Dr. Afolabi Abiodun Tajudeen
Mr. Oluwaseun Oriyomi Osiyemi
Prof. Akinola Emmanuel Abayomi
Engr. Olalere Odusote
Dr. Oluwarotimi Omotola Wahab Fashola
Mrs. Folashade Kaosarat Ambrose-Medem
Mr. Akinyemi Bankole Ajigbotafe
Mr. Samuel Egube
Hon. Tolani Sule Akibu
Mrs. Bolaji Cecelia Dada
Mrs. Barakat Akande Bakare
Mr. Olugbenga Omotoso
Mr. Mosopefolu George
Yekini Nurudeen Agbaje
Dr. Olumide Oluyinka
Mr. Abayomi Samson Oluyomi
Dr. Iyabode Oyeyemi Ayoola
Hon. Sola Shakirudeen Giwa

Meanwhile, the House of Assembly has resolved to review the performance of the 2023 budget in preparation for the presentation of the 2024 budget eatimate by Governor Sanwo-Olu.

Recall that the House had approved N1.768 trillion for the Year 2023.

Speaker Obasa urged the Committee for the budget review, headed by Hon. Sa’ad Olumo, to ensure a proper review and make its report available to the House.

NNPP South West Chairman Lashes Kwankwaso, Calls Him Political Liability

By

Akinwale Kasali

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September 4, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

Former Presidential Candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, is looking, almost, like a ‘King without a kingdom’. This follows his rejection by Members and stakeholders of the NNPP, a Party he founded, and brought to limelight.

After his suspension as the National Leader of the Party last week, the newly elected Vice National Chairman (South-West) of the NNPP, Alhaji Wasiu Ajirotutu, has described the former Kano State Governor as a political liability.

Ajirotutu said he challenges Kwankwaso to publicly refute the claims that he met with All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate, now President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu four days before the February 25 Presidential election.

The NNPP regional leader, in a statement on Monday, insisted that the meeting between Kwankwaso and Tinubu a few days before the Presidential Election was an anti-party activity and a betrayal of trust by the NNPP’s flagbearer.

Ajirotutu became the Southwest Chairman of the Party a few days ago after the Board of Trustees sacked the “Kwakwansiya” faction of the National Working Committee, NWC, and handed six months suspension to Kwankwaso.

He said Kwankwaso, allegedly, used the party’s structure for personal gains, expressing readiness to make the party an enviable one in the Southwest.

He added: “Kwankwaso cajoled us as if he is contesting for Presidency whereas he is a pretender and not a contender.

“He came to trade with the name of the party by hobnobbing with other Political parties and their candidates to get favour. It’s very unfortunate that it’s this same Kwankwaso that is now accusing an innocent man in the person of our founder, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, of anti-party activities.

“I want to enjoin all NNPP members in Yoruba land to be calm and watchful as events unfold for a New Nigeria of our dreams.”

Recall that the National Chairman of the PDP, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, recently mocked Kwankwaso for allegedly being denied the position of the FCT Minister by President Bola Tinubu.

FG Not Officially Aware Of NLC Two-Day Warning Strike – Minister Of Labour

By

Ayodele Oni

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September 4, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong has told Organized Labour that his counterpart in the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) will be guided by the law on the proposed move to demolish illegal structures in the FCT.

Lalong, while appealing to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) not to embark on a two-day warning strike, due to commence on Tuesday, explained that the action is not targeted at the Workers.

Addressing a press conference on Monday in Abuja, the Minister pointed out that “On the comments made by my colleague the FCT Minister on the proposed demolition of illegal structures, we do not believe that the FCT administration will take any action targeted at any Nigerian including the workers.

“In any case, there has not been any execution of the proposed actions yet which would point to unfair treatment of any worker.

“I know that my friend and brother the FCT Minister H.E. Nyesom Wike is a lawyer and I know that he will operate only within the confines of the law and the provisions of the Abuja Master plan.

“Besides, it is not sufficient grounds for a threat or mere suspicion or in anticipation of an action to warrant the shutdown of government machinery and stand the risk of rolling back the gains that have already been collectively made to deliver renewed hope for Nigerians.”

He stated that NLC has not communicated his office as regards the proposed strike in line with laid down rules, stressing that

“At this point, I need to put on record that as at this moment, I am yet to receive official communication of the NLC Communiqué following its National Executive Council Meeting, as required by the law.

On other grievances by the NLC Lalong stated that “Like Mr. President has stated several times, Government is not unaware that the implementation of vital but difficult policies, come along with a measure of hardship for all of us citizens of this country.

“However, the Government has to take these decisions now rather than delay them further and put the nation into more difficulties that might be impossible to reverse.

“Already, Government has taken steps to cushion the impact of the removal of fuel subsidy which are being implemented by the three tiers of Government.

“While some of these policies are being planned and fine-tuned, others are being rolled out as palliative measures to bring temporary relief to Nigerians.

“On the long run, the government of President Tinubu will put in place measures that will empower the people as well as create jobs and prosperity.

“As we continue in this direction therefore, we must ensure that there is a robust line of communication with Nigerians and in particular the organized labour to forestall a breakdown of industrial peace which would no doubt reverse some of the gains already made.

“In this context, it has become pertinent to appeal to the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), to suspend its intended 2-days warning strike, as such action would be detrimental to the gains already being recorded on our course to securing a greater future for Nigerian workers and citizens at large.

“Furthermore, I would request that the Comrade Leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress gives this Government some time to settle and address the issues on the ground holistically.

“It should be realized that the Cabinet of this administration was only recently sworn in by Mr. President and all cabinet members have hit the ground running by receiving briefings from their MDAs.

“Therefore, the issues raised by the leadership of the NLC are some issues that I and the Hon. Minister of State for Labour and Employment are being briefed upon. In the next few weeks, we intend to address them holistically.

“Consequently, I use this opportunity to reassure Nigerian workers that this government would never take them for granted nor fail to appreciate their support and understanding.

“We shall continue to pursue policies aimed at massive employment generation in all sectors of the economy as well as look into immediate challenges that have emerged out of the policies of government. We cannot do this in an atmosphere devoid of industrial peace.

The minister added that all issues raised in the NLC communique are being addressed, promising that:

“In the course of the coming weeks, additional measures will be announced having consulted with the leadership of the labour organized labour and key stakeholders.

“The issue of the conflict between the Nigeria Police and the leadership of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) would be looked into without delay.

“In line with the subsisting laws of the Federation and International Conventions that Nigeria is party to, I do not believe that this conflict is insurmountable.”