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Breaking: World Bank President To Meet Tinubu

By
James Orji
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Any moment from now, Ajay Banga, World Bank president, will meet President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he arrives the country for a three-day visit.

The Bretton Wood institution issued a statement on Tuesday is visiting the country alongside his wife, Ritu Banga.

According to reports, Banga’s visit is part of the efforts by the global financial institution to further strengthen ties with other multilateral financial bodies globally.

The World Bank boss has just ended a two-day visit to Ethiopia, and has also visited other countries, including Jamaica, Peru, and India, following the bank’s announcement last month that Banga will embark on a global tour from June to December in the bank’s quest to “reimagine strategic partnerships with other multilateral banks and development organizations.”

Concerning his visit to Nigeria, the World Bank stated that its boss will also meet with civil society leaders and private sector operators.

The statement said,  “Banga will focus his time in Nigeria on identifying opportunities to create jobs for young people and women, addressing energy needs and renewable energy, and further exploring the potential for digitization.

“As part of these efforts, he will visit a World Bank financed mini-grid power plant that is providing solar energy to an entire community, and a woman-owned business that has generated more than 1,500 service-sector jobs for young Nigerians.”

On June 8, the bank announced “a months-long global tour for new president Ajay Banga, an early step in his mission to write a new playbook for the 78-year-old institution.”

“Between now and December 2023, Banga will visit multiple countries in every region where the World Bank Group operates. During the impact-focused tour, Banga will work to reimagine strategic partnerships with other multilateral banks and development organizations, work to identify barriers for private sector investment, deepen the relationships between the World Bank Group and the countries it serves, and identify opportunities to maximize impact through knowledge, financing, and technical assistance,” it said.

Timi Frank: Tinubu’s Govt. Cannot Fight Corruption, Slams Senate Over ‘Bow and Go’ Ministerial Screening Exercise

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

A political activist, Timi Frank, has slammed President Bola Tinubu’s administration for lacking the capacity to fight corruption and criminality in the country.

Frank made this assertion in a statement in Abuja, in which he  condemned the Government in strong terms, especially, the ongoing ministerial screening by the Godswill Akpabio-led 10th Senate, which he labeled a charade.

He described the appointment of Jim Obazee as a Special Investigator to probe the  Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, as another waste of time as it only signals the impending serial witch-hunt of opposition party members.

Frank said: “The recent appointment of Jim Obazee as a Special Investigator to probe the activities of CBN is another waste of time as it only beckons serial witch-hunting of opposition members.

“It is clear that there is no credibility, zeal or reputation from the ruling party to fight corruption but rather an opportunity for looters and criminals  to have a field day again.

“Mr President must be aware that since he is only holding the Commonwealth of the nation albeit temporarily, every decision concerning the Nigerian state must be done with utmost decorum and sincerity to the Nigerian People. The world is watching diligently and history will hold us accountable for our actions and inaction.

“We would like to urge the Judiciary to expedite their verdict on the PEPT and save the country the embarrassment of foisting an illegitimacy as this will only bring about nothing but misery and pain to the nation at large. Their decision must be sacrosanct and decisive in this regard.”

Frank, who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua, ULMWP Ambassador to East Africa and Middle East, also called for urgent halt to the ongoing ministerial screening exercise by the Senate.

Frank said: “The ongoing ministerial screening in the National Assembly has been nothing short of a national shame and disgrace orchestrated and supervised by a Senate President bent on reinforcing the old order of this sham of an exercise to the bewilderment of Nigerians.

“It is clear from the foregoing in the Red chamber as to the direction of the country under the APC led government.

“The ongoing screening of ministerial nominees is a joke taken too far and an insult to the sensibilities of reasonable Nigerians who are aghast as to the shambolic routine of ‘take a bow and go’ without any cross examination as to the pedigree and competence of these individuals nominated to serve the country.

“What is more amusing is the fact that this charade of an exercise is being supervised by a Senate President who is currently being investigated for various corrupt practices, and therefore is of no obligation in ensuring that the right processes of due diligence is carried out on these individuals to the benefit of the country at large.

“Perhaps it will be safe to opine that even if a known kidnapper or criminal is sent to the NASS for clearance, he will most likely be cleared as the Senate President seems to be highly complacent and compromised in this regard.

“It is highly regrettable that nominees who have pending criminal cases and those who have appeared with questionable certificates and discrepancies in their resume are being told to bow and go without any probing questions as to their sincerity of purpose, notwithstanding the magnitude of the exercise.

“Therefore, I urge the Senate President to discontinue the screening on live television and stop the wastage of tax payers monies to continue with this show of shame on national television.

“Unfortunately this may only be possible because perhaps most of the legislators are aware they didn’t come to the Senate legitimately and hence the constant acts of undermining the Nigerian people consistently whilst making a mockery and caricature of the citizens.

“This singular act by the Senate is a pointer to one of the very reasons why several West African countries have recently suffered military take over  to the admiration and cheer of the populace having taken the people for a fool for a long time.

“Therefore Mr President, must invoke his veto power by appointing persons of merit, rather than sending them to the Senate which is of no use in the long run.”

Knocks Trail Ondo New Local Councils, Govt Says Fake List In Circulation

By
Ayodele Oni
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Bamidele Ademola- Olateju

By Ayodele Oni

Rather than unite and bring development to the people, the planned move by the Ondo State Government to create additional Local Councils is causing acrimony and disaffection among communities.

After last week’s State Executive Council meeting, Government announced the creation of 33 Local Government Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state.

The State Commissioner for Information and Orientation Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, who disclosed this, explained that a bill to that effect is before the state assembly while details of the new LCDA would be made public later.

However, a list purportedly released by government surfaced in the social media on Tuesday, which gave details of the new councils and their headquarters.

Some communities, irked that their names were missing from the new LCDA headquarters, rejected the creation and accused the state government of partiality in the allocation of the councils.

One of them, Ode Aye, protested siting of headquarters of the Ikale North Local Council Development Area at Ilu tuntun  instead of Ode Aye, saying that Ode Aye had all resources to be the headquarters.

The people, who blocked the entrance of the state House of Assembly, carried platforms with different inscriptions such as: “ Ode Aye Can never be Under Igbotako”, “ Avoid Political Brouhaha Between Okitipupa Constituency I and Constituency 2”, and “ We Reject Ikale North LCDA with Igbotako as Headquarters.”

Speaking to newsmen during the protest, Chief Isaac Omogoroye, said that it was an aberration for the newly created LCDA of Ikale North not to be sited at Ode Aye.

“We thank Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for creating some 33 LCDA. We, from Ode Aye Kingdom, Constituency 2 presented a paper for Ikale North LCDA with headquarters at Ode Aye.

“And our paper was well documented and accepted by the state House of Assembly and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.

“Last week, when the creation of LCDA was approved by the State Executive Council ( SEC) and we heard that the headquarters of Ikale North LCDA is Igbotako which is in Constituency one that our request, which is Ikale North LCDA was approved but the headquarters was changed.

“And that is why we are here, to inform the Speaker and other honourable members in the House of Assembly  that we, vehemently,  reject approval of the headquarters to Igbotako. We are demanding that the government must revert the decision because we requested for the Ikale North.

More communities in the state are expected to react to the new councils, whose creation has been faulted by opposition political parties.

To douse further reaction, the state government through the Attorney General, Charles Titiloye, in a statement explained that the list bring circulated on the social media was fake.

The statement : “Ihas come to the attention of the Ondo State Government that unconfirmed lists of Local Councils Development Areas and their headquarters is currently in circulation on the social media and other online platforms.

“To avoid confusion and misinformation on the creation of LCDA, Members of the public are advised to disregard this unofficial list of LCDA(s). This list was not released officially by the Ondo State Government.

“The Government wishes to inform the general public that Creation of LCDA is strictly a constitutional process. List of Local Council Development Areas can only be properly ascertained from Ondo State Government official Gazette duly issued after passage of the enabling Law by Ondo state House of Assembly and the law is assented to by the Governor of the State

“Also the communities in each of the created LCDA will be published in the white Paper to be issued by the Government in respect of the recommendations of the Committee set up on the Creation of LCDA(S).

“Members of the public are therefore advised to await these official legal documents to be issued by the Ondo state Government in order to get the correct position of Government on the creation of Local Government Council Development Areas in Ondo State.

“The process to put in place the LCDA(s) and release the relevant Government instruments is ongoing and very soon Government will make it public.”

Edo 2024: Ex-NBA President Joins Labour Party

By
James Orji
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Olumide Akpata, the immediate past president of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, says he has joined the Labour Party, LP.

The NBA ex-president said on Tuesday that the decision to join the party was based on pressure on him to participate in active politics.

The Source magazine however learned that his resolve to join the LP may not be unconnected with the governorship election in Edo state slated for November 2024.

He hails from the south south state where the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, is expected to conduct a governorship election next year.

The incumbent Godwin Obaseki is expected to leave office next year as he winds down his maximum eight-year tenure.

It was learned that Akpata is interested in contesting the governorship election for which some political gladiators in the oil-producing state, including Deputy Governor Phillip Shuaibu has also shown interest.

Speaking yesterday after collecting his membership card from LP officials, the former NBS leader said pressure had mounted on him to participate in active politics.

He explained that he decide to join politics in other to be part of the solutions after complaining from the sideline for a long time.

The Edo-born lawyer, who posted in his official twitter handle, @OlumideAkpata, said he joined the party so as to be part of the solution instead of persistently lamenting about the problem.

The lawyer stated in his verified Twitter handle that “quite a number of people” have been calling on him to confirm the report, saying he joined LP in march this year.

According to him, “Quite a number of people have called/messaged me to confirm the news, currently making the rounds, that I have joined a political party.

“Yes, I joined the @labourparty_ng in March this year and on Sunday I attended my first Ward Meeting at Oredo Ward 6, in Benin-City, where I was formally introduced to members of the Ward and presented with my party membership card.

“This was a major step for me and not one that I took lightly, but I simply got tired of complaining about Nigeria every day and bemoaning her fate and I decided to take the plunge and to try to be part of the solution rather than agonising continually over the problem.

“This, for me, is the start of a very important journey, and it is my prayer that I arrive safely at my destination.”

Meanwhile, keen watchers of politics in the state said the governorship election coming up next year will be a showdown between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, All Progressives Congress, APC, and LP which has registered its presence in the state during this year’s general election.

Strike: Refinery Repairs, ASUU Salary, School Fees Top NLC Key Demands

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Bola Tinubu and Joe Ajaero

The Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, said it has decided to embark on nationwide protest after the federal government failed to meet the union’s key demands, which include the repairs of the nation crude oil refineries; payment of outstanding salary of members of the Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities, ASUU, amongst others.

The following are the demands of the NLC.

  1. Immediate and good-faith implementation of resolutions jointly signed by the NLC, the federal government, and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
  1. Reversal of all anti-poor policies of the government, including the recent price hike of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), school fees, and Value Added Tax (VAT).
  1. Rehabilitation of local refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna.
  1. Prompt release of 8 months withheld salaries owed to university lecturers and workers.
  1. Recognition and support for the Presidential Steering Committee and its sub-committees, along with a call to end inhumane acts and policies of the government.

Confusion, Fear As Tinubu Fails To Stop Labour Strike

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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The Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, has proceeded on a nationwide protest after the last minute appeal by the federal government to the labour leaders failed.

How long the protest will last Nigerians are not sure, raising fears that the current economic problems will get worse due to the NLC directive to workers and others to stay at home.

This is because most economic activities are usually grounded during such protests by Nigeria’s largest labour union, analsyst say.

On Tuesday, NLC leaders and representatives of the federal government negotiating team met but failed to reach any agreement on the demands of labours concerning the provision of palliatives following the removal of fuel subsidy last month.

Earlier on Monday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had during his national broadcast to Nigerians outlined ongoing measures by his government to respond to the economic pains in the country due to the removal of petrol subsidy in May this year.

Also, efforts by the Nigerian Senate to broker truce between the presidency and NLC yesterday achieved nothing as the union insist on a strike.

Keen watchers of Tinubu’s government said his Monday address was meant to pre-empt the nationwide strike by the NLC, which the federal government described as illegal citing the case between the NLC and government at the National Industrial Tribunal, NIT.

The tribunal had in June stopped the NLC from going on strike, the workers however insist that things have changed since the ruling was made.

As early as Wednesday morning, leaders of the union, their affiliates and members of the civil society have gathered their members at designated points across the country where the protest is expected to kick off.

The NLC had in a press statement released issued on Tuesday, said the mass protest was necessary to press home their demands for a better life for their members and Nigerians.

According to the statement, Joe Ajaero, the NLC President urged other Nigerians to join the nationwide protest, adding that those trying to stop the strike should be ignored.

He said the protest is in the collective interest of Nigerians.

The Union listed their demands as follows:

  1. Immediate and good-faith implementation of resolutions jointly signed by the NLC, the federal government, and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
  1. Reversal of all anti-poor policies of the government, including the recent price hike of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), school fees, and Value Added Tax (VAT).
  1. Rehabilitation of local refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna.
  1. Prompt release of 8 months withheld salaries owed to university lecturers and workers.
  1. Recognition and support for the Presidential Steering Committee and its sub-committees, along with a call to end inhumane acts and policies of the government.

Ahead of the strike, the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbedokun warned not to embark on violent protest, saying security agencies will not allow hoodlums to hijack it.

Meanwhile, not a few Nigerians have expressed fears about how long the protest will last, they are appealing to the parties to ensure that Nigerians are not made to suffer more hardship due to NLC and the federal government’s failure to find a common ground as soon as possible,

PEPC: Atiku Warns Against Technical Judgement

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Judicial pronouncement over last February presidential election is soon to be determined as the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, (PEPC) sitting in Abuja on Tuesday, reserved judgment on the petition filed by the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar.

Atiku, who presented his final written address on his case on Tuesday, is challenging the declaration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the winner of the election.

Atiku, the major petitioner, urged the Tribunal to focus on substantial justice and avoid rendering a technical judgment that could pervert the course of justice.

He insisted that Tinubu should be disqualified based on an American Court judgment where Tinubu was allegedly made to forfeit $460,000 on narcotics and money laundering-related offenses.   The final address of Atiku was presented by his lead counsel, Chief Chris Uche SAN.

Joined in Atiku’s petition as respondents include the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

However, counsel to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Lateef Fagbemi SAN, countered Atiku’s arguments, urging the Court to dismiss them on the ground that the purported judgment was delivered over 30 years ago.

President Tinubu, represented by legal luminary Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN, advocated for the dismissal of the petition, asserting that Atiku and the PDP’s grievances were primarily aimed at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The tribunal, after adopting the final written addresses of the parties in the election dispute, reserved judgment to a date to be communicated to the Counsels of the parties in the case.

Veteran Nollywood Actor, Musiliu Ajikanle Dies After Several Years Of Battle With Stroke

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

The Nigeria Movie Industry popularly known as Nollywood, has been thrown into mourning following the demise of one of its Veteran Actors in the Yoruba Genre of Movies, Musiliu Ajikanle.

The late actor has, over the past seven years, been battling with Stroke and has been bedridden.

It would be recalled that popular Cleric, Pastor Gabriel, had assisted in raising money for him to be treated, unfortunately, he bid the world farewell.

Announcing the demise of the actor, Filmmaker and actor Saliu Gbolagade shared the sad news on his Instagram page.

In his emotional post, Saliu Gbolagade wrote, “Ina Lilah Waina Allah Rajiun God bestowed each of us with the gift of life, and now, He has granted Musiliu Ajikanle eternal life. Rest peacefully, my beloved friend. Your love will forever remain in our hearts, and your footsteps will never be forgotten. May you enter paradise, blessed with the memories of a life well-lived.”

Colleagues of the late actor poured out their farewells and prayers for eternal rest in the comment section.

Prominent celebrities such as Fathia Balogun, Portable, and Sola Kosoko also offered their heartfelt condolences to honor the memory of the departed actor.

Netizen and colleague has however reacted to his death, paying tributes to him.

An Instagram user, Temilola Sobola wrote, “It is so sad to announce that Actor Musiliu Ajikanle who has been down with stroke for over seven years passed away in his sleep last night. When I saw it online I didn’t believe until I reached out to his son who just confirmed it. Pastor Gabriel still visited him two weeks ago and raised over N3million for him. He has been buried today. May his soul Rest In Peace”.

@bukkyogunkoya: “They killed him sharp sharp before he breakthrough in his life time”.

@homowunmiii: “Imagine..he didn’t di£ all these years oo 😥 now that has seen help he’s now di£d. So painful. RIP.” beccabella_signature: “Are u people sure they didn’t kill this man in his slp cos of the money and help he got… trust no”

@beesfeb28: “God Almighty Seven years on stroke, he has gone to rest. It really not a good news but God knows best. God forgive all his iniquities and grant him eternal rest.” @sholalord: “Unquestionable God…… He died now that help located him…. Rest on Sir.”

@faithiawilliams: “Allah.May his soul rest in peace.. Sad.”

@bintaayomogaji: “I spoke with him less than 2wks ago. He was supposed to send me his account number but he never did. What?????????”

@officialsholakosoko: “OMG. This is really sad. May His soul rest in peace ” ajimati_ojo_babatunde: “He finally took a bow, rest on, you have done your best… So heartbreaking.”

NLC Strike: Northern Civil Society Organization Pulls Out

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
NLC Protest

By Akinwale Kasali

The proposed nationwide Strike and Mass Protest billed to  start on Wednesday August 2, 2023, by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC over the removal of fuel Subsidy may not be realistic following the withdrawal of over 16 Civil Societies Groups in the Northern part of the country.

The Northern CSOs pulled out on the grounds that the indefinite strike action will damage the fragile economy and cause more hardship to the ordinary citizens.

It would be recalled that the NLC had given the Federal Government a seven-day ultimatum with a threat of a nationwide strike scheduled to commence on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, and directed all its affiliates and civil society groups across the 36 states of the federation to mobilize workers and Nigerians for a long-lasting strike should the government fail to meet its demands.

The National President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, in a statement signed by him accused the Tinubu government of failing to meet up with the demands it presented to it following the removal of subsidy on petrol.

“But after a critical study of the disadvantages and overall consequences on the masses, we decided to pull out immediately and asked the labour unions and Federal Government to rather embrace dialogue on mitigating measures,” the CSOs stated.

The Northern CSOs stated that the reason for pulling out was so as not to escalate the present economic situation of the nation.

In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Arewa Coalition, Comrade Ibraheem Suleman Dogo, and Comrade Friday Luka Dalung,  the groups said the planned strike action was not the best way to resolve problems emerging from the current harsh economic conditions caused by the removal of fuel subsidy.

They added that the strike would cripple the country as movement would be severely curtailed with markets, schools, and healthcare facilities forced to shut down.

The statement further reads: “We can’t afford to go back to the days when the Federal Government used monies meant for the development of public infrastructure; education, health care, and jobs for payment of subsidy to rich marketers.

“We can’t also continue to feed smugglers and act as ‘Father Christmas’ to neighbouring countries.

“It is for these reasons we recommend dialogue and more robust discussion on the matters arising from fuel subsidy removal.

“It would be recalled that President Tinubu, while addressing Nigerians on June 12 Democracy Day commemoration said he decided to free the country’s resources from the stranglehold of unpatriotic elements.

“We expect the labour unions and relevant stakeholders to look beyond the harsh policies now and consider the future of a sustainable economy that will bring about overall development across all spheres of life.

“However, between now and tomorrow, Wednesday, August 2, we urge the Federal Government to invite representatives of organised Labour to stop the nationwide strike called by the Nigeria Labour Congress.”

Tension In Lagos As Helicopter Crashes Into Building

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

There was pandemonium at Oba Akran area of Ikeja, Lagos State when a Helicopter crashed into a building and burst into flames.

According to eyewitnesses,  the incident happened at about 3.30pm at Oba Akran Road, adjacent AP Filling Station, and United Bank For Africa, UBA.

According to the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, the accident occurred while the Aircraft was flying through the area.

NEMA disclosed that four people have been rescued so far from the crash site with varying degrees of injuries.

It was not clear as at the time of filing this story if the pilots of the chopper survived. It was not also clear if there are other causalities, as rescue operation by first emergency responders is on-going

Men of the Lagos Fire and Rescue Service are being awaited for further emergency operation to salvage the situation.

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