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Wagner’s Leader, Yevgeniy Prigozhin Reportedly Killed In Plane Crash

August 23, 2023

By Adesina Soyooye

Not a few people describe this tragedy as convenient, but Russia’s Yevgeny Prigozhin is reported to have been killed in a Plane crash on Wednesday.

The Aircraft, an Embraer Business Jet, crashed in the Tver region, Northwest of Moscow.

The plane took off from Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow and was headed to St. Petersburg.

Russia’s Federal Agency for Air Transport said in a statement: “An investigation of tye Embraer plane crash that happened in the Tver Region this evening was initiated. According to the passenger list, first and last name of Yevgeny Prigozhin was included in the list.”

Prigozhin, leader of a mercenary group, the Wagner Group, was very close to Russian President, Vladimir Putin, before they fell apart.

In June, he led his Group on a mutiny which demystified Putin and the Russian Military when they invaded the Kremlin. Even though the mutiny was short-lived before they pulled back, it affected the moral of the Russian Military and embarrassed Putin.

On Wednesday, he was listed as one the 10 passengers on board a plane which crashed and killed all the people on board.

Recently, the Wagner boss had become popular in Nigeria and the West African Region, following allegations that he was backing the Military of Niger Republic which overthrew the democratically elected Government in that country.

He had, allegedly, threatened that his Group would fight on the side of the Niger Republic if the country is marched on by the Military of the Economic of West African States, ECOWAS.

Unconfirmed video on WhatsApp showed soldiers, allegedly of the Wagner Group, arriving Niamey, capital of Niger Republic.

Russian State News Agency, TASS, cited the Ministry of Emergency in its confirmation of the Plane crash, but could not confirm if the Wagner boss was on board or not.

He was aged 62 years.

Anambra Palliatives: Gov Soludo Exempts Peasants From Tax, Gives Free Health To Pregnant Women

Ayodele Oni

August 23, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo has announced tax exemptions/reductions for hawkers, wheelbarrow and truck pushers, vulcanizers, artisans, okada drivers, petty traders, and transporters as part of measures to cushion high cost of living.

Other gestures according to the governor include free antenatal services and free delivery services for pregnant mothers in state primary health centers and general hospitals.

Others are a 10 percent salary increase for all public servants and pensioners in the state.

A monthly flat non-taxable cash award of N12,000 for every pensioner and public servant in the state for the period September 2023 to December 2023.

Distribution of rice to over 300,000 households in the state and repair/renovation of all serviceable Public Servants Staff Buses currently under the office of the Head of Service of Anambra State.

Application to purchase CNG-fueled buses for intra-state transportation.

Repair of existing and purchase of new water boats to ease transportation for citizens in the riverine local governments.

Soludo stated further that in the medium to long term, government plans to distribute one million oil palm and coconut seedlings per annum to over 100,000 households.

Establish a new industrial complex to process the products, thereby creating more jobs for youths.

Energize the One Youth Two Skills program by providing a mix of grant and soft loan schemes at a maximum interest rate of 9% per annum.

Complete the set-up and funding of the Ward-based Cooperative Initiative for micro-enterprises and roll out a very ambitious program to build/modernize the primary health centers (PHCs) in all the 326 wards.

Construct over 340km of roads across all the twenty-one local governments as well as improve the Ease of Doing Business in Anambra to attract private sector investment into the state.

Ondo Is Free Of Anthrax; Health Commissioner Douses Anxiety

Ayodele Oni

August 23, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

Following anxiety in Ondo state over outbreak of the dreaded anthrax and diphtheria in some neighbouring states, especially Oyo, the state government has assured citizenry of adequate preparation to tackle the ailments.

The state commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Awolowo Ajaka, gave update on Wednesday in Akure about the status of anthrax and diphtheria in the state.

According to him, “there have been no cases recorded so far. However, the Ministry of Health is not taking any chances and is collaborating with the Veterinary Department in the Ministry of Agriculture to conduct active surveillance on these diseases.”

The commissioner made the clarification during the weekly Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) meeting, adding that although suspected cases had been reported, all tests carried out came back negative.

He urged health workers in the state to remain vigilant and maintain high suspicion levels when treating patients.

To prevent any possible outbreak in the state citizens, especially livestock farmers, have been advised to report promptly any illnesses or deaths occurring on their farms while also cautioning them against coming in contact with sick or dead animals around this period.

Dr Ajaka emphasized that the ministry is actively conducting surveillance through Disease Surveillance Officers (DSMO) stationed across all 18 Local Government Areas in the State.

He promised that active surveillance would continue until measures are put into place to curtail bacterial infections caused by Anthrax and Diphtheria.

“It is important to note that Anthrax infection can occur as skin, lungs, intestinal or injection forms; symptom onset usually begins between one day and more than two months after contracting an infection.

“Therefore, it is imperative for everyone to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to avoid any potential outbreaks.”

He urged citizens to cooperate with health officials and report any suspicious cases immediately, while adhering strictly to safety guidelines issued by relevant authorities to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all residents of Ondo state.

NUC To Begin Implementation Of New Varsity Curriculum September 2023

Akinwale Kasali

August 23, 2023

Prof Tahir Mamman - Minister for Education

By Akinwale Kasali

The Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Chris Maiyaki, has disclosed that the implementation of the Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards will begin by September 2023.

Maiyaki made this disclosure at the Stakeholders’ colloquium on CCMAS in Abuja on Wednesday. He stressed that the document would reposition Nigeria’s Universities to be among the best-rated in Africa.

The CCMAS document is expected to guide institutions in the design of curricula for their programmes while bringing necessary innovation into the content and delivery of their programmes towards achieving the overall goals of education and training in the country.

He said that CCMAS would make up 70 per cent of the curriculum while the university decides what to include in the remaining 30 per cent.

According to him, the implementation will help sharpen the future of the education sector.

”The role and development of the CCMAS is to ensure commitment in advancing of our education and our great nation.

“NUC is primarily dedicated to ensuring quality and global competitiveness of Nigerian universities as well as the graduates we produce.

“The development of the CCMAS went through a painstaking process by bringing experts from our universities comprising of professors, regulatory bodies, Nigerian Economic Summit Group and all stakeholders.

“The CCMAS reflects global initiative that will equip graduates with knowledge and wherewithal that will advance the development of the nation,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, encouraged Universities to make optimal use of the 30 per cent University senate’s input.

Mamman advised Universities to ensure that learning outcomes, skills as well as soft skills were acquired, irrespective of the core discipline.

He said that the skills must be readily applicable to the environment of the university, the country in particular and the global community in general.

“There is no better place and time than now to develop a strategy that will guide tertiary institutions particularly universities in their mandate to provide appropriate manpower for the country,” he stated.

Wike’s Demolition Threat Causes Controversy, Impounds Vehicles, Protesters Back Him

Akinwale Kasali

August 23, 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

At his first press briefing as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike had threatened to demolish illegal structures that negates the FCT Master Plan. That led to mixed feelings among Nigerians.

However, scores of pro-democracy demonstrators on Wednesday threw their weight behind Wike, stressing that he was merely assuring Nigerians he would follow due process.

The protesters under the aegis of The Natives backed Wike, saying the panic over the Minister’s threat of demolition should not unsettle residents of the FCT.

At a press conference Wednesday, Coordinator of The Natives, Edward Smart disclosed that Wike only stated the obvious.

“We are reassuring Nigerians not to be afraid. The country has to become greater and all of us will have to make sacrifice. Wike is not threatening.

“Wike was only demanding and asserting to do the right thing,” he said.

Speaking further, Smart urged the newly inaugurated ministers to work hard to deliver on the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda of the President.

The Group also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to keep the appointees on their toes and force those who fail to live up to expectations to resign from office.

“Hon. Ministers, come alive, wake up and rise up. You are 45 of the best amongst us, do not be a disgrace to us. Collectively and individually, we won’t tolerate failure. The entire country expects much from you and may your reign be prosperous

“Ministers, we call on you to be on your toes and fold your sleeves. The task is enormous. You all have the pedigree to surmount them. You have Singapore, Rwanda, China before you as examples. This is a different journey. The president wants delivery and Nigerians want results. Remove all debris, clogs in the wheels, uproot all blockades, imbalances and impediments in your pathways.

“Our youths must find jobs. The country must be safe. Asiwaju our President has empowered you to create a paradigm shift. By this, you are commanded to think out of the box and equip yourself wit the best team. Produce leagcies via knowledge and research, recreate and redesign your MDAs for greater output. Be deliberate. If you can’t, resign,” he urged.

Your Administration Has No Impact On People, Ekiti PDP Slams Oyebanji

Ayodele Oni

August 23, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

The Ekiti State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has taken a review of 300 days of the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji and concluded that it has not impacted on the life of the people.

The criticism, coming after some leaders of the opposition party have lauded the governor for his style of administration, was made by the acting chairman of PDP Caretaker committee, Sodiq Obanoyen.

At a stakeholders meeting on Monday to mark his 300 days in office at Omuo, Oyebanji said on the state of infrastructure that the area of infrastructure and industrialisation, known as the backbones and pivots of any economy, government would be strategic in reconstructing and rehabilitating roads, assuring that only roads with high proclivities to drive his prosperity agenda will be accorded attentions.

He posited that the 3.5MW Independent Power Plant project is 90% completion to supply light to government offices and tertiary institutions in Ado Ekiti and suburb, saying this would rectify the epileptic power supply being experienced in some sections of the state .

“We are reconnecting Ikogosi , Erijiyan and Ikogosi Resort Centre back to the national grid to enhance the state tourism corridor. We need a sum of one billion naira to reconnect Ayekire , Ekiti East Local governments and their LCDAs after 10 years of darkness as well as Agriculture Processing Zone at Ikole back to the national grid.”

Obanoyen, in a statement in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday stated that “The Ekiti State Peoples Democratic Party insists that far from the grand spectacle, Oyebanji would have Ekiti people to believe, his tenure has been nothing more than a conduit for federal allocation redistribution, with no tangible impact on the lives of the Ekiti people.

The statement, signed by the spokesman of the caretaker committee, Aare Amerijoye added

“Ekiti Peoples Democratic Party wishes to say that the condition of Ekiti’s roads is a good glaring testament to Oyebanji’s lackluster performance.

“Despite the governor’s patchwork attempts at repair, the roads remain in a deplorable state, easily washed away by floods.

“And the people of Ekiti are left questioning Oyebanji’s contributions to infrastructure, water, agriculture, housing, commerce and industry, education, health, employment generation, and micro-credit facilities.

“And we will love to add that Ekiti workers deserve more than just their entitled wages; they yearn for relief from the harsh realities of life under the APC government.

“We would like to say that the true measure of a government’s performance lies in the growth of its GDP and the impact of its policies on this growth and several other indices can be used to evaluate the development of a state and the effectiveness of its government.

“His actions mirror those of his predecessors, and we have generously highlighted areas where he should focus his efforts to improve development outcomes.

“We suggest that Oyebanji, who seems keen on paying homage to former PDP governors, should take a leaf from their book, not for populist reasons, but for the sake of learning.

“Ekiti Peoples Democratic Party would like to say that the pomp and circumstance surrounding Oyebanji’s 300 days in office do not align with the struggles of the Ekiti people.

“It is disconcerting to see Oyebanji preoccupied with his covert second-term ambitions, attempting to dazzle the people of Ekiti with his populist tactics.”

Breaking: Emefiele Absent In Court, Considers Plea Bargain

James Orji

August 23, 2023

The suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, may have decided to enter into a plea bargain with the federal government, Politics Nigeria reports.

Plea bargains allow prosecutors to avoid trials, which are shunned because they are time-consuming, labour-intensive, and costly but carry no guarantee of success.

Its primary benefit for both the prosecution and the defense is that there is no risk of complete loss at trial.

The suggestion comes after the former CBN boss and his co-accused, Saadat Yaro failed to appear at a federal high court, in Abuja, for trial on Wednesday.

Emefiele and his protégé were charged to court last week by the Department of State Services, DSS, on a 20-count charge bordering on alleged involvement in the ₦6.9 billion procurement fraud.

The embattled apex bank boss had earlier been admitted to N20 million bail by the court in the illegal possession of firearms charge leveled against him by the DSS.

The accused persons were expected to appear before the Abuja court today, but their absence has raised suggestions that Emefiele may have decided to settle the corruption case through plea bargaining with the federal government.

The former CBN governor, sources said is aware of the enormous evidence against him, and may be considering a settlement knowing that there’s no way out of his present predicament.

It’s based on the ongoing discussions among the parties involved that the arraignment of Emefiele was shifted to another date, the source said.

According to Kehinde Akinlolu, a senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, counsel to Emefiele, the arraignment has been adjourned to another date.

The former CBN governor was suspended on June 9 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and was picked up a few hours later by the DSS.

He has been remanded in the custody of the secret police for close to three months.

Protest Over Alleged Imposition Of LG Chairman

Ayodele Oni

August 23, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

Wife of Ondo State Governor, Betty Akeredolu, is in the eyes of the storm. Some youths have taken her up, accusing her of attempting to install a Local Government Chairman.

Though, that office of First Lady is unrecognized by the Constitution, past and present occupiers of that office have been using it to touch on the lives of the people, especially women and the less priviledged. Mrs Akeredolu has not failed in this regard.

Presently some girls are in camp in Akure, an annual programme, initiated by the Ondo First Lady to develop and equip girls in the area of technology and other arts.

However when youths of Odigbo community staged a protest against the First Lady who is being accused of trying to install her kinswoman as chairperson of their Local Government, many saw the action as unnecessary and needless.

According to the report, youths of Odigbo community have kicked against her plan to impose a politician of Igbo extraction as Caretaker Chairman of the newly created Odigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

They claimed that they have received information that the First Lady has insisted that Hon Nwabara Eucharia be named as the new Caretaker Chairman.

Hon Nwabara is the incumbent Councillor representing Ore Ward in Odigbo Local Government before the creation of 33 LCDAs by the administration of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

The youths took their protest to the Palace of Orunja of Odigbo kingdom, Oba Rufus Adegboyega Akinrinmade, Adebusoye 1.

According to them, it is an aberration for their Obas to be taking directive from a non-indigenous persons appointed as Caretake Chairman of the Council.

One of the leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC) stated that “We have this historic antecedent of ensuring peace in our domain. We have told our youths to be peaceful. We are doing many things to ensure peace. We are appealing to the First Lady that we love her and our neighbours.

“Our king cannot go to Council to take orders from someone who is not from here. If we refused to fight, our children will fight. Everybody must rise up to this. We are begging the wife of the Governor that if there is any pronouncement to that regard, we have no other way.”

A community leader, Femi Olafumiloye, said the action of the First Lady would disturb peace in the community.

“How can we start an LCDA with a total stranger as the first Caretaker Chairman. It is a passionate plea. She can rescind this decision. We cannot take it. Let our people be the chairman. How can an Ibo woman communicate to us.”

Oba Akinrinmade advised his subjects to allow peace to reign. The Monarch also appealed to the First Lady not to jeopardise the peace in the community.

He stated that Nwabara visited him two weeks ago and claimed she was in support of another person to emerge as Caretaker Chairman. Oba Akinrinmade said Nwabara told him she declined the offer when she was called.

When contacted, Nwabara said she has lived in Odigbo for over 38 years and has helped to develop the community.

“I am a politician. Everything in life is opportunity. I did not know about any protest. I have lived in Odigbo for over 35 years. I have helped in community development. I am also hearing rumour.”

Ondo State Acting Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has waded in appealing to the people of Ore/Odigbo in Odigbo Local Government to be calm and eschew any act that can lead to breakdown of law and order.

Aiyedatiwa made this appeal while addressing the people of Ore/Odigbo communities following their peaceful protest on the perceived imposition of caretaker chairman on the people of Odigbo Local Government at the front of Governor’s Office, Alagbaka Akure.

While speaking with the protesters, the Acting Governor acknowledged the peaceful manner the protesters conducted themselves as he thanked them for always supporting the government of Ondo State.

“You have done well by coming here to register your displeasure over the perceived or possible imposition of caretaker chairman in your Local Government, I must tell you that, this is just perception because Local Government election is not holding this year, it will hold next year according to Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission ( ODIEC ).

“Even when the tenure of the current chairman of council expires, it is the responsibility of government and the ruling party to appoint caretaker chairman, even at that, we will expect the leaders in the various local governments make inputs into the appointments.”

He, therefore, enjoined the leaders from the communities to interface and engage with both the State Government and the ruling party for peace and harmony in the State.

Palliatives: Benue Received N2 Billion, 3000 Bags Of Rice From FG – Gov Alia Clears Air

Ayodele Oni

August 23, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

Reacting to opposition’s demand, Benue state Governor, Hyacinth Alia has finally cleared the air on the amount of money and other palliatives allocated to the state from the federal government to cushion the impact of subsidy removal on citizens.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state had accused the governor of being silent over the N5 billion and food items sent to each state of the federation by the federal government.

Some Government officials, including the acting Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Sir James Iorpuu, had earlier told journalists in Makurdi, the state capital, that the state had yet to receive the federal Government’s package.

While flagging off the distribution of Federal Government relief materials to 2022 flood victims in the state, Alia announced that out of the N5bn promised by the Federal Government as palliatives for each state, Benue had so far received N2bn, noting however that the balance was still underway.

The Governor explained that the N5bn palliatives were divided into two components, N2.4bn was an interest-free loan while N2.6bn was a grant.

He said his administration would ensure the judicious use of the funds and that the transport, food, agriculture, education, and human capital sectors would all benefit.

Alia further said that the state government would pay the registration fees of all students writing the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examination Council (NECO) for the 2023/24 session.

He also disclosed that a total of 5,000 women would receive grants through their various cooperatives while 2,000 youths would be trained in six ICT programmes.

The Governor added that part of the money would be used to pay one month pension for state and local Government pensioners while the government would supply 100 buses to the state-owned transport Company, Benue Links to cushion the effect of transportation as well as lunch township shuttles in Makurdi, Gboko and Otukpo towns respectively.

Alia said the State Government actually received five trucks of rice from the Federal Government totalling 3,000 bags and that each local government would receive 100 bags.

Monthly Allocation to FG, States Falls By N150bn

James Orji

August 23, 2023

Out of the N907.054 billion; the Federal Government received N345.564 billion, the State Government received N295.948 billion and the Local Government Councils received N218.064 billion. A total sum of N47.478 billion was shared to the relevant States as 13% derivation revenue.

Federal and state governments received less allocation from the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee, FAAC, for the month of July, the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN reports.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Finance quoted by NAN, the two levels of government in the country shared N760.717 billion as federation allocation last month.

The amount is almost N150 billion short of the N907.054 billion shared by FAAC to the federal, state, and local governments in the previous month of June.

The statement signed by Oshundun Olajide, Deputy Director (Information) in the ministry said the federal government received the highest allocation from FAAC.

Giving the breakdown Olajide stated that out of the N760.717 billion shared, the Federal Government received N325.988 billion, the states received N224.929 billion while the Local Government Councils got N168.424 billion.

The total amount shared was inclusive of Value Added Tax, VAT, and Exchange Gain, the spokesman for the ministry said.

Meanwhile, the oil producing states received N41.376 billion as derivation (13 per cent of Mineral Revenue).

The communique issued by the committee indicated that the Gross Revenue available from the VAT for July was N151.134 billion as against N154.465 billion distributed in June.

This resulted in a decrease of N3.331 billion.

“The distribution is as follows; Federal Government got N21.083 billion, the States received N70.278 billion, Local Government Councils got N49.194 billion, Allocation To NEDC received N4.534 billion and Cost of collection/transfers/ refunds got N6.045 billion.

“The distributed Statutory Revenue of N601.095 billion received for the month was lower than the N812.409 billion received for the previous month by N211.314 billion, from which the Federal government received N303.765 billon, States got N154.074 billion, LGCs got N6118.785 billion, and Derivation (13 per cent Mineral Revenue) got N41.081 billion.”

The communique also revealed that Companies Income Tax (CIT), Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), and Oil and Gas Royalties recorded significant decreases, while Import and Excise Duty, VAT decreased marginally.

It, however, disclosed that total revenue distributable for the current month inclusive of Gross Statutory Revenue of N617.705 billion, VAT of N140.555 billion, and Exchange Gain of N2.457 billion, bringing the total distributable revenue to N760.717 billion.

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