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NLC Pulls Out Of Fuel Subsidy Committees, Urges Nigerians To Reject FG Palliatives

By
Ayodele Oni
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Bola Tinubu and Joe Ajaero

By Ayodele Oni

Nigeria Labour Congress has resolved to pull out of the various committees on fuel subsidy palliatives. It has, also, rejected any further increase of the product.

This was contained in a release  signed by NLC President, Joe Ajaero and titled: “The Proposed Palliatives, Cash Transfers, Robs The Poor And Pays The Rich: We Reject It.”

It pointed out that the Labour movement insisted that “it has restrained itself and allowed to be in some palliatives committees, to avoid any misinterpretation from the new government in power, but it appears workers patience are being taken for granted.

“It is important to inform Nigerians that despite having shown our readiness to commence work in the Committees, the federal government which convenes the meetings is yet to inaugurate the National Steering Committee thus stalling the Work of the Proposed Committees.

“If the Government had wanted an expedited action which Nigerians want more, the best approach would have been to quickly inaugurate the Committees and allow them do their work but as we write, nothing has been done except the continuation of the borrowing spree and subsequent allocation to themselves.”

The NLC explained that since June 19, 2023, when it was agreed to set up Committees with a National Steering Committee, Government is yet to make any move to inaugurate the committees, but news flying around of further hike in pump price.

“The NLC warns that the current government must watch clearly and observe that the impunity displayed by the immediate past government, is not allowed to rare its ugly head, and that the workers are fully ready to stop any anti-people policy.”

On the proposed N8000 palliatives to 12 million families, the Labour movement says it stands rejected as it is another charade of the Nigerian ruling class to deceive the poor masses.

Labour argues that it does not have confidence on how the data of the 12 million poor family was arrived at, calling on Nigerians to reject it as it is most likely to go the way of the homegrown school feeding programme and the covid-19 palliative, which were more or less conduit pipes for corruption.

“The federal government has insisted on threading the path of dictatorship and seeking to impoverish the people further by taking steps that can only be described as robbing the people of Nigeria to pay and feed the Rich.

“It is on this basis that the NLC strongly condemns the decision of the Tinubu led administration to seek the approval of the National Assembly to obtain another

tranche of external loans worth N500b from the World Bank for the purposes of carrying out a phantom palliative measure to cushion the effect of its poorly

thought-out hike in the prices of Premium Motor Spirit.

“Remember that the U$800m

which was already proposed before the devaluation of the Naira by this government was worth about N400b then but is now worth about N650b after devaluation.

“It is from this, it proposes to bring out N500b for distribution.

The proposal to pay N8,000 to each of the so-called 12 million poorest Nigerian households for a period of six months insults our collective intelligence and makes a mockery of our patience and abiding faith in social dialogue which the government may have alluded to albeit pretentiously.

“The further proposal to pay National Assembly members the sum of N70b and the Judiciary N36b is the most insensitive, reckless and brazen diversion of our collective patrimony into the pockets of public officers whose sworn responsibility it is to protect our nation’s treasury.

“We believe that this may amount to hush money and outright bribery of the other arms of government to acquiesce the aberration.

“It is unconscionable that a government that has foisted so much hardship on the

people within nearly two months of coming into office will make a proposal that clearly rewards the rich in public office to the detriment of the poor.

“What this means all this while is that the government is seeking ways of robbing the very

poor Nigerians so that the rich can become richer.

“There is no other way to explain

the proposal to pay a misery sum of N8,000 Naira to each of the mysterious poorest 12 million Households for six months which amounts to N48,000 and pay just 469 National Legislators N70b or about N149m each, while the Judiciary that has about 72 Appeal Court Judges, 33 National Industrial Court Judges, 75 Federal High Court Judges and 21 Supreme Court Judges and a total of about 201 Judges receives a total of N35b or N174m each.

“If these other two arms are projected to receive this, what members of the Executive Council will receive is better left to the imagination of Nigerians perhaps, the balance N150b will go to them.

“These proposals are not just unacceptable to Nigerian workers but are also dictatorial thus undemocratic. It is not a product of social dialogue which would have produced collectively negotiated outcomes by critical national stakeholders.”

Uzodimma: Imo Records Fastest Growth In New Businesses In Nigeria

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodinma

The Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, Tuesday declared that the State has taken a leap in economic advancement as it has recorded the fastest growth in birth of new businesses in Nigeria.

“Out of 36 States and Abuja, Imo State has the highest birth-rate of new businesses (70 percent). Imo also has the highest entrepreneur index in the country, including business performance, Skill acquisition, innovation and technology adoption and perception of opportunities,” Uzodimma said at a lecture he delivered in Lagos.

At the lecture entitled 2023- 2027: ELECTED LEADERS,  NIGERIANS AND EXPECTATIONS, Uzodimma said the 42 months of his administration has ensured that the economy of the State recorded phenomenal growth.

The Governor who was represented at the occasion by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon Declan Emelumba, noted that under him, Imo State has grown to be the fourth biggest economy in Nigeria with GDP of 7.658 trillion Naira.

He disclosed that statistics available to the government also showed that Imo State has the biggest natural gas power reserve in West Africa as well as the highest density of hospitality in Nigeria.

Governor Uzodimma noted that with the giant strides recorded by his administration in road revolution, industries, youth empowerment, education, health and human capital development, Imo State was poised to take its rightful place as one of the investment destination points in Nigeria.

He said Imo State, like most States, has been working hard to meet the expectations of the Nigerian electorate.

According to him, with Imo State as a case study, it was clear that the elected leaders understood perfectly that only good governance will meet the expectations of Nigerians.

The Governor was emphatic that Nigerians of the 60s were the same in 2023 as regards their expectations of good governance.

He said contrary to the opinion of some people that there is a disconnect between the leaders and the electorate, both strata of the society understand good governance as a common language.

Governor Uzodimma commended the management of Freedom Online Newspaper, the organisers of the lecture, for the opportunity given him to be the fifth lecturer.

Governor Uzodimma said that it was commendable that the Freedom Online Newspaper, apart from engaging in mainstream journalism, also decided to organise  the lecture series to stimulate discourse on national issues.

Emefiele: Arewa Leader, Banker-wife Arrested, Detained; Arewa Council Protests

By
The Source
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Godwin-Emefiele-CBN-Governor

By Gideon Njoku

Alhaji Aminu Yaro, Chairman, Arewa Council of Chiefs, Lagos, and his wife, reportedly, a banker with Zenith Bank Plc, are, allegedly, in the custody of the Department of State Services, DSS. They have been in the past four days.

Yaro, who is also the Sarkin Hausawa of Lagos and his wife were allegedly invited by the DSS for interrogation following the arrest and detention by the DSS, of suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele.

While the DSS has been tight-lipped on the reason for the alleged detention of Yaro and his wife, the Social Media is alive to  speculations as to why.

A WhatsApp post which has gone viral alleges that Yaro deposited the sum of N130 billion into his wife’s account in Zenith bank. The allegation continued: “In three of his accounts, there is a total of N407 billion.”

There is no confirmation to these allegations, just as not a few people are wondering why he would deposit such an obscene amount of money in a bank where his wife works.

But in a swift reaction, the Council of Arewa Chiefs in Southern Nigeria has condemned the arrest and detention of Yaro and his wife, and asked for their immediate release from custody.

The Council, in a statement signed by Jarman of Lagos, Yarima Shettima, declared   their detention as unlawful, and asked the DSS to grant  an immediate access to legal representation, medical attention and family members to the couple.

The statement stated:

“The attention of the Council of Arewa Chiefs, Lagos State has been drawn to the unexplained detention of the Sarkin Hausawa of Lagos and Chairman of the Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Aminu Idris Yaro with his wife by the Department of State Services (DSS).

“We note also that the Sarkin Hausawa has been held by the DSS incommunicado for the last three days following what initially was a routine invitation which he dutifully honoured.

“The Council of Arewa Chiefs also understands that Sarkin Hausawa is being held in connection with the ongoing investigation of the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Godwin Emefiele.

“The Council is not unaware of the friendship relationship between Sarkin Hausawa and Mr Godwin Emefiele just the way Emefiele is friends with many other chiefs and dignitaries all over the country and around the globe.

“What is regrettable is, however, the unexplained connection of a friend with the ongoing investigation of Mr Emefiele who till this moment, as far as the public is concerned, is only being accused of possession of unlicensed firearms.

“The Council is concerned that the DSS might typically be used to hunt down respected leaders of the community using terrorism fight as a smoke screen,” the statement partly read.

Shettima said while the council was not challenging the power of the DSS and any security service in the country to invite any person for any of its investigations, the detention of the Yaro beyond 24 hours as stipulated in the law by the DSS, is “repugnant to the sensibilities of the traditional rulership system, the Arewa community and the Council of Chiefs.”

The statement asked the DSS to arraign Yaro before “a competent court of law rather than holding him indefinitely without any trial.”

Petrol Pump Price Increase: NUJ Fumes, Says Market Forces Unjustified; Residents Of Ondo Lament

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ) reacting to the hike in petrol Pump price called for its reversal as it will lead to more suffering for Nigerians.

In Akure, Ondo state, some resident were caught unaware with the new pump price, asking President Bola Tinubu not to put more load on them.

NUJ statement, signed by the national secretary, Shuaibu Usman Leman, states “NUJ is alarmed at the just announced increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to N617 per litre in Abuja and N568 in Lagos respectively.

“This development has already triggered astronomical increases in transportation costs, with prices of food items soaring almost beyond the reach of many citizens, even as users of generators to power their homes are already groaning uncontrollably under the present situation.

“While we applaud the decision to remove the costly subsidies on fuel, however we had cautioned against a hasty implementation of the policy without putting mitigating measures in place to cushion the excruciating effects.

“We are saddened by the fact that today most people can hardly commute to work or other places of business without too much stress because the embarrassing sudden surge in petrol prices has made it so.

“We believe that this sudden decision is an over kill and we urge that the situation should be reversed immediately, while adequate measures are considered and put in place to lessen the effects on ordinary Nigerians.”

Residents of Akure who reacted to the situation in an interview with newsmen lamented that people were caught unaware by the sudden increase which they said would have a devastating effect on the already battered economy with inflation more than 22.8%.

They charged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to look into the devastating situation of the economy occasioned by fuel subsidy removal, in order to reduce suffering of the downtrodden in various parts of the country.

Two of the residents, Mr Peter James and Mr Olusegun Adeola described the development as inflicting more hardship on Nigerians.

Adeola said, “we didn’t elect President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to inflict on us more suffering that is killing. Any policy that doesn’t have human face is bad policy.

“He (Tinubu) should review the situation immediately before people troop out to the streets against him and his government.”

Also Mr James lamented that “can you imagine that we have elected more suffering. We suffered for 8years under (Muhammadu) Buhari, we are now suffering; we can’t take our children to schools, we can’t do business effectively before now and this is another increase in pump price. What is our offence, they should have mercy on poor Nigerians before it is too late.”

They appealed that Tinubu’s government should urgently roll out reasonable palliatives for the masses or reverse to considerable prices.

Investigation from a fuel dealer in Ikare Akoko said that they refused to sell as they didn’t know how much to sell as it will be very difficult for them to lift the new product with the recent outrageous pump price.

The dealer disclosed that many will be forced out of business and many workers will loose jobs.

NIMASA: US Assures Nigeria On ISPS Code Implementation

By
James Orji
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The United States Coast Guard says it is committed to Nigeria’s quest to implementing the International Ships and Ports Security, ISPS, Facility Code in line with acceptable global best practice.Lt. Cdr. Jonna L. Clouse who is leading a team from the US Coast Guard in Nigeria for peer review, disclosed this while on a working visit to the headquarters of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA.
She noted that engaging NIMASA on a constant basis is to ensure more Ports and Jetties in the country implement ISPS Code, thus enhancing safety of the entire Nigerian maritime domain.
We are in Nigeria to assess the level of compliance with the International Ships and Ports Security (ISPS) Facility Code. Our desire is to enhance cooperation between the Nigerian maritime sector and the United States Coast Guard. We will also offer our expertise to NIMASA in closing identified gaps. We hope to work with NIMASA and reduce or end the Conditions of Entry regime for Vessels from Nigeria to the United States”, she said. Lt. Cdr. Clouse further commended the NIMASA Management for efforts made in cooperating with the USCG.
The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, OFR, noted that due to the dynamism of maritime threats and patterns, NIMASA has been fortunate to have peer review partners that create avenues for developing capacities needed for effective ISPS Code implementation.
While elucidating steps taken by NIMASA to ensure ISPS Compliance in over 90% of Ports and Jetties in the country, Dr. Jamoh highlighted the need for the United States to review the Conditions of Entry regime for vessels calling at some Ports in the United States.
HisHisds “It is worthy of note that despite efforts taken by NIMASA in improving Port Security and ISPS Code implementation in Nigeria, the issue of Condition of Entry (COE) still hovers over vessels from Nigeria calling at Ports in the United States. For vessels leaving Nigeria to undergo stringent port controls  before being granted access to US ports, it has adverse effect on the aggregate shipping economies of Nigeria. The delays lead to additional costs that strain an already present high freight cost within the Gulf of Guinea. This is adversly affecting Shipping in Nigeria.
We have reviewed this decision taken by the USCG and proposed an action plan to enable the US Coastguard physically determine the compliance levels of these facilities in the Condition of Entry list. We at NIMASA are calling on the US Coast Guard to facilitate the removal of Nigeria from the Condition of Entry list”.
Dr. Jamoh also declared the readiness of NIMASA to cooperate with the US Coast Guard team to close all identified gaps before the full Audit in August
It may be recalled that in 2013, NIMASA was appointed as the Designated Authority for the administration of the ISPS Code in Nigeria. The visit of the USCG is part of the assessment processes in monitoring compliance level, while enhancing cooperation and Peer Review exercise. 

”

Ogene Describes Obi As Hope And Light For New Nigeria On 62nd Birthday 

By
James Orji
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Peter Obi in Gombe
Leader of the Labour Party, LP, caucus in the House of Representatives, Afam Victor Ogene, has said that more than ever before, the presidential candidate of the LP in the last Presidential election, Mr. Peter Obi, remains a golden fish and an irrepressible force for a much desired new Nigeria. 
“With an ever-growing army of converts, desirous of partnering with you in the search for a new order, you can be rest assured, Your Excellency, that the struggle would endure, until victory is achieved,” Hon. Ogene said.
Hon. Ogene, who represents Ogbaru Federal Constituency, Anambra state, in the House of Representatives, made these assertions in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, to felicitate the former governor of Anambra state, on his 62nd birthday celebration.
Ogene contended that  recent national political consciousness, which was ignited by supporters of the Obidient Movement and richly resonated across the nation, is indicative of the fact that Obi remains the undoubted symbol of the People’s Revolution geared towards the enthronement of a new Nigeria.
Ogene said further: “Obi’s simple lifestyle, discipline, integrity and commitment to equitable development and prosperity of Nigeria, give hope and belief to all generations of Nigerians , irrespective of social, economic, ethnic or religious divides.
“I, therefore, join many well-meaning Nigerians across board to congratulate this great Nigerian and to also   pray for good health, sound mind, strength and wisdom to continue on the path of honour and national rebirth, without discouragement and distractions.
“My leader and brother, Keep the light of this great movement alive, you are not alone. Majority of Nigerians are already in consensus that Nigeria deserves better. Be the light to that better future!” Ogene added.

Breaking: NNPC GMD Visits Aso Rock, Gives Reasons For Petrol Price Hike

By
James Orji
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The Group Managing Director, GMD, Nigerian National Petroleum Company, NNPC,  Limited Mele Kyari says market forces is responsible for the increase of petrol price.

Nigerians, on Tuesday, woke up to the shocking news that petrol pump price has risen to N700 per litre.

NNPC dispensing stations have adjusted their prices to N613 per litre, while independent petroleum marketers are now selling for N700 per litre.

Speaking on Tuesday after meeting with Vice President Kassim Shettima in Aso Rock, Presidential Villa, Kyari stated that the recent increase due to market forces, that it’s not as a result of short supply of petrol in the country.

Recall that the NNPC Limited had announced last month that is has enough petrol stock to last for at least two month.

⁣

More details later…….

Nigerians Lament Hike In Petrol Price, Slams President Tinubu Over Renewed Hope Mantra

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Nigerians woke up early Tuesday morning to the sudden hike in the price of Petrol from N500 to N700.

The masses who are yet to get over the removal of fuel subsidy that skyrocketed the price of Petrol from N187 to N500 are furious.

President Bola Tinubu’s Government is still brainstorming on how to distribute the N50 Billion Palliatives to cushion its adverse effect on the masses.

The Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, has now increased its pump fuel price from N488 to N617, prompting the Independent Petroleum Marketers to increase its own price to N700.

In protest, Nigerians have taken to the Social Media to slam the President Tinubu administration for bringing pain and anguish to the masses.

The Netizens lamented that the Renewed Hope Mantra is fraudulent and deceitful, as Nigerians are further impoverished with no hope for a better tomorrow in sight.

Popular Big Brother Naija host, Uche Elendu, took to his Twitter handle and wrote, “Is this how the poor going to breath?

Another Twitter user, @Feragamo wrote, “This APC government are full of deceits and lies, what kind of thing is this, the masses are going to suffer and go through hell in this government “.

@Neferiti wrote on her handle, “You are all going to enjoy renewed shege from this government”.

How Ondo NSCDC Bursted Suspected Hackers Of Bank Accounts

By
Ayodele Oni
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Suspected Bank Hackers

By Ayodele Oni

Maxwell Lakoju and Adejumo David have been arrested by the Counter Terrorism Unit of Ondo state National Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC) allegedly hacking into individuals bank accounts.

Both suspects have reportedly confessed to be involved in buying and selling of bank accounts from unwary members of the public under various guise.

Investigation began when one Mr Oluwole, a car dealer alleged that the sum of N1.5 million paid into his United Bank of Africa (UBA) account was stolen by cyber criminals overnight.

A statement by NSCDC’s spokesman in the State, Daniel Aidamenbor explained that forensic analysis of the UBA statement of account of Mr Oluwole also revealed a certain Palmpay account EL-SAEED YUSUF 9133771898 that received a sum of N200,000 from the N1.5 million stolen from the account of Mr Oluwole and the balance sum used for online purchases.

Also, a Zenith bank account, SAMPSON ONYENEBE received the entire ₦200,000 from the Palmpay account of EL-SAEED YUSUF, while another account, JOHN YOBG DADD 7025128574 at FIRSTMONIE equally received other sum from EL-SAEED YUSUF Palmpay account.

“Sampson Onyenebe, who was arrested in Owerri, Imo state claimed that he met Maxwell Lakoju aka Ifa Dollar on Facebook in 2022 and they discussed and agreed on how Maxwell would assist him with metaphysical power for wealth.

“Among other requirements for the process, Sampson Onyenebe paid several thousands of naira through an account belonging to David Adejumo and he also handed over Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) of about Eight  bank accounts belonging to himself and his wife to Maxwell.

“The arrest of David Adejumo led to the arrest of Maxwell Lakoju in Auchi, Edo State. Both suspects confessed to obtaining the bank accounts and its details including the ATM cards by courier from Sampson and his wife.

“Both suspects also confessed to have equally obtained and procured details of other bank accounts from other individuals and sold same to persons whom they claimed usually place regular demands for such.”

The spokesman stated further that investigation is still ongoing to determine the involvement of bank officials and Information Technology professionals in this new cybercrime activities.

Why APC Chairman Must Come From South East- PDP Chieftain

By
James Orji
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0

A former Corp Marshall of the Federal Road Safety Coprs, FRSC, Osita Chidoka has called on the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, to pick its next chairman from the southeast.

He said such a bold decision will promote national unity, peace and inclusiveness.

Chidoka spoke following the resignation of Abdullahi Adamu from office yesterday.

Adamu resigned on Monday ending months of speculations that some presidency officials wanted him out of his exalted position as the National Chairman of the ruling party.

He has since been replaced by Abubakar Kyari, Deputy National Chairman South in an acting capacity.

In his reaction to the leadership crisis in APC, Chidoka, a former minister of Aviation said the top leadership positions have already been held by other regions.

The southeast must be considered for the APC National Chairman for equity sake, he said.

The President, Vice President, Senate President, and Speaker of the House of Representatives are all from other regions of the country.

The former minister urged the APC to rise beyond ‘petty politics’ by ensuring that the next APC Chairman comes from the southeast, which many insist has been isolated in terms of political power-sharing arrangement.

Doing this, Chidoka stated in his verified Twitter handle “would be a step in the right direction”.

He explained that Nigerians from all the six geo-political zones should be allowed to make input to the development of the country.

According to him, “These six positions are at the core of government and governance by their statutory positions. As discussions commence on ministerial nominees, board appointments, and policy directions of the government, these six offices would make important inputs to the process and progress of the government.

“As a Nigerian, patriot, student of our national history, and proponent of intentional national rebirth, I recommend that the APC zone the national chairmanship to the south-east, to ensure inclusive representation.

“Some will say the SE did not vote for the party and President Tinubu, my answer will be that the south-west did not vote for NPN when chief Akinloye was the powerful chairman of NPN. “Also, the south-west did not vote for PDP when President Obasanjo was nominated and elected president of Nigeria.

“Our national unity can only be built on deliberate inclusive policies.

“The resignation of the APC chairman presents an opportunity for the party to reaffirm its national credentials and depart from its inglorious past of naked nepotism and gross insensitivity to our national consensus by zoning the position of national chairman to the southeast.”

Meanwhile, some political analysts have welcome Chidoka’s idea as a novel one, but they insist that it’s impossible for the APC’s next chairman to come from the south when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is from the south.

They, therefore, ruled out this possibility,  noting that the next chairman is likely to come from the North in line with party politics convention in Nigeria.

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