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I will Recreate My Roles In The Senate – Anyim

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The Source
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Anyim Pius Anyim

The Presidential ambition of Anyim Pius Anyim, a leading aspirant on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, has continued to enjoy popular appeal.

On January 25, in his office, a group of over 100 online media organisations, under the umbrella of Multi Media Publishers Association of Nigeria, MPAN, visited him to pledge loyalty and to form partnership with Anyim.

Led by its National Chairman, Alhaji Gambo Jajindi, the Group said they wanted to partner with Anyim because of his national appeals in addition to the inclusive roles he had played in his previous assignments.

Fielding questions from the group, Anyim assured his guests that he will not change from what people already knew about him. Insisting, instead, he would rather remain on the path which has earned him the favour, respect and recognition of people. Stating further Anyim said,

“If there’s any role I had played in the past to the admiration of people, including bringing stability to the the National Assembly as President of the Senate, I will repeat it in the Presidency.”

Stating further, he assured:

“if there is any roles still I had played as secretary to government of the federation SGF, in making Goodluck Jonathan administration  a reference point, with applause today, to the extent that Jonathan is rumoured as being wooed to come and serve again, I will like to repeat same and even more if given the chance to be the president of Nigeria”.

Anyim told his audience that he witnessed the challenges of leadership under president Olusegun Obasanjo regime as Head of the Legislature.  He equally watched the challenges of leadership under president Umoru Yar’Adua’s regime as a major stakeholder and actively participated in shaping the regime of president Jonathan as an administrative head, therefore, he stated, “I stand to say that I have witnessed the challenges and I am better prepared now by experience and exposure, more than any other time, to proffer solutions to the nation’s leadership challenges”.

Anyim said that he would prepare Nigerians particularly the youths not to look for jobs but to create jobs by themselves by aligning them to the dictates of the forth industrial revolution. According to him, “the whole concept of the policy I will run as a president of Nigeria will be youth compliance because the future belongs to them.”

Explaining further he said, “We shall commit to start up corridors and we shall provide take off funds to drive the process of private entrepreneurship.” This process he believes is what will open up the economy and create opportunities for the teeming population. Anyim further explained that the structures and platforms that will be put in place under his regime will not give room for anyone to get corrupt, saying that People get corrupt because there’s such room for corruption. He further explained that that the anti corruption agencies, EFCC and ICPC which were created under his watch as President of the Senate would be strengthened to perform optimally if the operations of the agencies need fine tuning. According to him,  corruption thrives when there is room for its existence but when adequate framework is put in place and institutions are enabled to function maximally, he said, there will be no room for corruption to flourish.

Ekiti 2022: Stage Set For Another Round Of ‘War’ Between Fayose, Fayemi

By
Ayodele Oni
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Kayode Fayemi and Ayo Fayose

By Ayodele Oni

With the results of the Governorship primary election of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) and All Progressive Congress, (APC) now officially out, Governor Kayode Fayemi and his predecessor, Ayo Fayose are now set for another round of ‘war’ over the control of Ekiti state.

Bisi Kolawole, annoited candidate of Fayose won the PDP, while Biodun Oyebanji, former Secretary to the State Government and Fayemi’s preferred choice, won the APC contest.

Other aspirants have pitched camp with parties such as Labour, Action Alliance and Accord, in their desperate bid to partake in the June contest and apparently to display their popularity.

The first time Fayemi and Fayose went to war was in 2014 when both of them were in the Governorship race. Fayemi was the incumbent that was seeking second term, while Fayose, who was disallowed from competing his first term with an arranged impeachment, was trying to come back to get his dues.

The celebrated 16/ zero was achieved by Fayose as he roundly defeated incumbent Governor Fayemi, in all the 16 local governments, thus had the rare opportunity for his second term. Fayemi accepted defeat and did not listen to advice to challenge the outcome of the election, described as ‘scientific rigging’ then.

While he was in the saddle, the APC won the central government with Buhari as the President for his first term. Fayemi joined the President at the federal level as a minister.

From this position, he started launching his offensive to return to Ekiti to complete his second term. The opportunity came in 2018 through another election as Fayose had completed his two terms as Governor.

He attempted to use the instrument of law to declare his first term as inconclusive due to his impeachment during third year,  to enable him fly out again, but the Court disapproved the move.

Hence, he found solace in his academic deputy, Prof Olusola Eleka whom he pushed forward as his successor. Fayemi too swayed his way through after defeating others in the APC primary to emerge as the party’s flagbearer.

Thus, the stage for second round of war between the two political rivals was set. The outcome of the 2018 poll favoured Fayemi, got his pound of flesh and returned to Oke Ayoba. He became the first Governor to use the new Governor’s office, an edifice constructed by Fayose and commissioned by Rivers State Governor, Nyesome Wike.

Fayose equally built another house very close to the government house which he named ‘the house of the King’s father,’ where he hoped to live and be manipulating his stogee if he had succeeded to enthrone him as a successor. Governor Fayemi’s victory then stopped this. The building has been taken over by government.

 

Fayemi’s tenure is due to end in October, this year and like his predecessor, had shopped for a successor to keep his back. He found this in his scribe, Oyebanji and surreptitiously put him forward as his annoited one.

Fayose too, still interested to have the state government machinery in his pocket, went for his friend, whom he first made chairman of PDP in the state, later resigned and received ‘ royal oil’ as preferred and chosen one.

The two, products of sitting and former Governor are now set to battle each other during June Governorship poll in Ekiti.

There are unconfirmed insinuation that Fayose Deliberately  put forward a weakling so that APC can continue to govern the state. Even money reportedly exchange hand before the PDP primary to ensure that strong candidate like Segun Oni, another former Governor seeking second term did not emerge to constitute a threat to APC ambition.

The robust relationship between Fayose and Fayemi of recent was enough to give PDP sleepless night, to the extent that Fayemi was paying regular visit to Fayose at his hotel located at high brow Fajuyi area of Ado Ekiti. Fayemi was the father of the day during the wedding ceremony of one of Fayose’s children in Lagos last year.

Now that the duo have returned to the political turf waiting for the whistle of INEC, Ekiti people too are waiting for a conqueror in this third round of ‘war.’

Biodun Oyebanji Wins Ekiti APC Governorship Primary Election

By
Ayodele Oni
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Biodun Oyebanji

B y Ayodele Oni

Bamidele Faparusi —376

  • Kayode Ojo—767
  • Opeyemi Bamidele-760
  • Dayo Adeyeye—691
  • Femi Bamisile—400
  • Oyebanji Abiodun—101,703*
  • Oluwatoyin Olusola Afolabi—47
  • Demola Popoola—239

Biodun Oyebanji has won the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Primary Election in Ekiti state.

Oyebanji, a former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), defeated other challengers to emerge winner of the Primary election on Thursday.

The results were announced by Mohammed Badaru, Jigawa State Governor and Chairman of the Primary Election Committee.

Oyebanji will be the APC’s standard-bearer in the June 18 governorship election to be conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

A favorite of Governor Kayode Fayemi to succeed him, six aspirants withdrew from the contest citing favouritsm, and asking for the cancelation/ rescheduling of the Primary for a level playing ground.

HE Zainab Marwa: Funeral Rites Begin

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The Source
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Zainab Salome Marwa

The funeral rites for Her Excellency, Chief (Mrs) Zainab Salome Chioma Marwa, Nee Agbaso, Igolo Oha 1,begin today, Friday, January 28, 2022, at her maiden home, Ezedibia, Emekuku, Owerri North LGA, Imo State.

Mrs Marwa, a former First Lady of Borno State, was the first wife of  the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa.

The couple had four accomplished children – three Lawyers and an Army Lt. Col.

Today, Friday, January 28th, by 5.00pm,  a Service of Songs and a Night of Tributes will be held, in her honour, at Uzomkporo, Ezedibia, Emekuku, Owerri North,  the country home of her younger brother, Chief Martin Agbaso, (Ochoudo), MFR.

The climax will be on Saturday, January 29, when she will be laid to rest at Ezedibia, Emekuku.

Mrs Marwa passed on January, 8, 2022, in Abuja.

She is survived by her aged Mother, Mrs Anna Charity Agbaso, her husband, Brigadier-General Marwa, her four children, Abubakar, Mohamed Jnr, Maryam and Zainab, her siblings, China, Jovita, Martin (Ochoudo), former Deputy Governor of Imo State, H.E.Jude Agbaso,  Augustine and Oluchi, as well as numerous nephews, neices, cousins and other relatives.

She was aged 66 years.

Wabote Saga: CNPP, CSOs Urge Buhari To Suspend NCDMB Executive Secretary

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The Source
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CNPP and CSCO Press Briefing

Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) and a coalition of Civil Society Organisations, (CSOs), have called on President Muhammadu Buhari to do the needful by suspending the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Simbi Wabote over building allegations bordering on corruption and abuse of office against him.

Addressing the media at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, the National Coordinator of Human Rights Writers Association Of Nigeria (HURIWA), Emmanuel Onwubiko, alongside the Secretary of the Coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs), Alhaji Ali Abacha, the CNPP and the CSOs also called on anti-graft agencies to investigate allegations against the NCDMB boss.

The CNPP and the CSO noted that they are worried that the allegations and the controversy surrounding the ongoing libel suit initiated by the NCDMB Executive Secretary in a United States District Court against a Nigerian journalist based in the United States are constituting a big distinction for the agency.

According to them, it is more worrisome as the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria upbraided management of the NCDMB under Engr. Wabote over an alleged breach of local content laws being carried out by an Italian Multinational Oil Field Services Company, SAIPEM.

SAIPEM is serving as the principal contractor involved in executing Nigeria’s $10billion Train Seven Gas Project.
The Senate Committee on Local Content chaired by the Senator representing Oyo Central, Teslim Folarin, had summoned the Management of the NCDMB sequel to a petition against SAIPEM for alleged violations of local content laws in the execution of the $10billion gas project contract.

However, the Coalition said, “While we hold no brief for any of the two, we are particularly concerned as to why Engr. Wabote has continued to remain in office despite damning allegations of abuse his office, corruption and now allegation of perjury against the Executive Secretary both in Nigeria and in the United States.

“He has continued to engage in the alleged abuse of office by apparently using NCDMB or so it seems to handle his legal battle in the U.S., particularly using the Board of NCDMB and it’s spokesperson to issue media release in a case he is suing as an individual in his personal capacity.

“We have cause to ask the said public office holder to tell Nigerians how he pays his legal fees in the USA if he is not using public fund as alleged.

“To the best of our knowledge, the NCDMB is not joined in the defamation suit against the journalist, which is pending in the U.S court and should not be responding for Engr. Wabote in the media.

“In the same vein, it is our view that it is also wrong for Engr. Wabote to continue to enjoy the perks of office and obviously using public funds to fund his legal issue or associated issues”, the CNPP and the CSOs observed.
Insisting that it will take legal actions against the Engr. Wabote if he remained in office after their earlier 21-Day ultimatum against NCDMB boss to clear his name in the US Court over perjury allegations against him, the Coalition accused the Executive Secretary of retaining his name as a Director in a company he founded before his appointment.

“Information in the public domain alleges that prior to joining politics, Engr. Wabote worked as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TEE AND T CONCEPTS NIGERIA LIMITED, which was incorporated in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria with Registration Number 419331.

“It was registered on 13th of July, 2001 with company’s registered office address as NO.7, INGBIROAD, AMARATA, YENEGOA, BAYELSA STATE.

“This is a position which he allegedly  continued to retain throughout his time in office as a public servant till date which we think President Muhammadu Buhari should direct an investigation.

“Section 172 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) enjoins all persons in the public service to conform to the Code of Conduct.

“According to the allegations, Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote has contravened the laws as stated above if the allegations are established”, the CNPP and the CSOs alleged.

They further alleged that “Till date, as alleged the affiliated company, TEE AND T CONCEPTS NIGERIA LIMITED with address above, has as directors:  Sotonye Wabote (Director), Simbi Kesiye Wabote (Director) and has as bankers – Zenith Bank (Account Number: 1013755048) and Fidelity Bank (Numbers 4010268127) and the company is still operational”.

Calling on President Buhari and relevant anti-graft agencies to wade into and investigate the matter, the Coalition said, “We therefore urge the EFCC and the CCB to immediately investigate the financial statements/transactions of TEE AND T CONCEPTS NIGERIA LIMITED to ascertain the extent of Engr. Wabote’s involvement or otherwise in the running of this private company with interest in landing state contracts either directly or via proxy companies and acquiring compensation in form of business transaction.

“The award of contracts/projects to the company may have been influenced by ENGR. WABOTE SIMBI KESIYE using his office as an Executive Secretary of the NIGERIAN CONTENT DEVELOPMENT AND MONITORING BOARD (NCDMB), a government entity that works directly and closely with contracts/contractors, as well as performing regulatory functions for projects in the oil and gas industry.

“The anti-graft agencies are called upon to investigate Suspected Payments as the Money Laundering Prohibition Act of 2011 (as amended) provides for procedures for customer due diligence, reporting requirements, offences and penalties. Section 15 (2) clearly stipulates the offence of money laundering.

“We hereby call on our anti-corruption institutions like the Economic And Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to immediately investigate Wabote’s foreign accounts if he has and if he hasn’t,  why did he sought court’s order not to make disclosure on foreign bank accounts?

“We call on President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately suspend Engr. Simbi Wabote from office as the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board until the conclusion of the investigation by the EFCC and the CCB.

“This has become very necessary as Engr. Wabote’s continues stay in office may undermine justice even in the matter he reportedly filed in the USA.

“Due to the international dimension of the case as a result of the ongoing legal battle between Engr. Wabote and the United States based journalist, it has become expedient that President Muhammadu Buhari gives teeth to his administration’s anti-corruption war by ordering the immediate suspension of Engr. Wabote and a thorough investigation of allegations of corruption and abuse of office against him.

“We also reiterate that the 21-day ultimatum issued by the CNPP and a coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs), demanding the resignation of Engr. Wabote subsists.

“At the expiration of the ultimatum and Engr. Wabote is still in office, we shall be left with no choice to begin other legal process, including occupying the office of the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board until he leaves office, a court action, among others”, the CNPP and the CSOs vowed.

Police Debunk Helicopter Crash Story; Say It Was Controlled Landing

By
The Source
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Nigeria Police

Nigeria Police Force has denied  Media reports  on Thursday to the effect that one of its Helicopters crashed in Bauchi after it took off from Abuja. 

In a statement by Force Spokesperson, CP Frank Mba, the  Police said the Helicopter, Bell 429 5NMDA, flying from Abuja to Bauchi on Wednesday, January 26, 2022, was involved in a controlled safe landing at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport, Bauchi. 

“The aircraft did not crash as being reported in some sections of the media and none of the occupants sustained any injury whatsoever. 

“All six (6) on board, including the pilot and co-pilot, are in good condition.  

“Similarly, the aircraft, which was flown by one of the best Police Pilots, was professionally safe-landed with minor damage on the rear rotor as a result of obstacle at the landing spot. The incident occurred around 7:30PM (local time).

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc (+), NPM, fdc has commended the Police Air-Wing for their professionalism in safe-landing the aircraft and averting any serious air-mishap. He further noted that the Nigeria Police Air-wing – with a fleet of one fixed-wing aircraft, a citation jet and thirteen (13) helicopters – has got a strong history of air safety since its establishment in the year 1972.”

Media outlets on Thursday, reported the alleged crash and said those on board sustained injuries.

Imo: Ambrose Nwaogwugwu Alleges Kidnap Attempt, Indicts Uche Nwosu

By
The Source
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Ambrose Nwaogwugwu Kidnap Attempt

By Charles Igbo

One of the Social Media hands in the Media Team of Governor Hope Uzodimma, Ambrose Nwaogwugwu, has alleged a kidnap attempt on him.

He said the attempt took place on Thursday at the premises of the Imo State University, Owerri. He is pointing accusing fingers at former Governorship aspirant, in 2019, under the Action Alliance, AA, who is also a son-in-law of former Governor Rochas Okorocha, Uche Nwosu.

In a statement on his Facebook page, where he attached pictorial evidence of the alleged incident, Nwaogwugwu said he was followed to the Imo State University where the attempt to kidnap him was made. He  was saved by people standing around who witnessed the kidnap attempt, he said.

A couple of days ago, he disclosed that Nwosu has instituted a case against him for daring to write an article where he asked Nwosu to explain what happened to the bail-out funds given to the State during the administration of Okorocha. Nwosu was the Chairman of the Fund’s disbursement. The Fund was meant to off-set workers salaries and debts owed pensioners. But the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, according to Nwaogwugwu, alleged that Imo’s was diverted.

Nwaogwugwu said Nwosu, allegedly, engineered the kidnap attempt, to intimidate him, and stop him from asking questions.

His post on his Facebook page reads:

“After failing to intimidate and silence me with court suits, Uche Nwosu sent his boys, today, trailing me to the premises of Imo State University, attempted to kidnap me, but thank goodness for patriotic Imolites who came for my rescue.

“They came with a black Toyota camry with no number. The same vehicle Mr. Uche Nwosu gifted one of the abductors few days ago.

“We shall continue to ask the right questions, most especially the questions concerning the alleged disappearance of Imo Bailout funds which was in the custody of Mr. Uche Nwosu who was the disbursement committee Chairman.

“We owe it a duty to those our parents and patriotic Imolites who lost their lives as a result of non payment of their salaries and pensions due to the alleged disappearance of the bailout funds meant to offset their bills.

“No kingdom of darkness can prevail against this patriotic and noble assignment.

“Aluta Continua!”

Nwaogwugwu, a former Head of the Imo PDP New Media Group, suddenly and shockingly defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC, and pledged loyalty to Governor Hope Uzodimma.

Before then, he had written all kinds of destructive and damaging stories against the Governor, most of them, lies and fabrications.  It got to a head when the Department of State Services, DSS, arrested him, and took him to Court to prove some of his very outlandish allegations against Governor Uzodimma.

The case died a natural death when Nwaogwugwu switched his loyalty from the Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha,  Governor of the State before he was sacked by the Supreme Court in favour of Uzodimma.

These days, his very poisoned missiles are directed at Ihedioha and the Okorocha camp, a camp which he never stopped to hit from when they lost power in the State.

2023: Group To PDP: It’s Pay Back Time; Zone Presidency To South-east

By
The Source
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0

A group within the PDP, Equity Group for South East, has kicked off a major campaign to urge the party to zone the Presidential ticket to the South East.

This was contained in a statement, signed by the National Coordinator, Nze Ugo-Akpe Onwuka,  Mr Amaechi Chukwu, National Secretary and Hon Ichie Ken Agbim, Director of Communication & Strategy.

The Group says for justice and equity, for all the support the South-east has given to the PDP since 1999, it is only fair to zone the office of the President to the South-east.

The Group, also, said it smacks of injustice to deny the Zone this opportunity to occupy the Presidential seat, seeing that it is the only one in the tripod that holds Nigeria as a country which has not produced the President.

The statement reads:

“We of the PDP EQUITY GROUP FOR SOUTH EAST has watched with keen interest the jostling in the national political space for the 2023 Presidency and wish to join the clarion call for the zoning of the 2023 Presidency to the South East by our great party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).”

“This call has become urgent and expedient in view of the growing public opinion that the South-east, as an intergral part of Nigeria, and one of the tripod with which the country was erected should be given a sense of belonging with this singular action.

“It’s also pertinent to note that the South-east is the only geopolitical zone that is yet to produce the President or Vice President since the advent of our new democracy since 1999.”

“Events and situations have shown that there is no other better time to give the South-east the opportunity to offer leadership to this Country than the 2023 Presidency.

“It’s on record that the South-east has been one of the biggest supporters of People’s Democratic Party since 1999.

“There is no gainsaying that this is pay back time to the South-east by our great Party, PDP.”

“Information filtering in from various sources also suggest that in the spirit of fairness, equity justice and unwritten zoning arrangement between the North and South, other major political parties are wont to follow this line of thought.

“We, therefore, want to use this medium to urge the People’s Democratic Party to seize the moment and make history.

“We also extend our hand of friendship to beckon on all other aspirants from other geopolitical zones to rest their personal ambitions and fully support the South-east in recognition of the contributions of the South-east in the building of our great Party and Nation, and to promote National cohesion, unity, peace and progress which is the foundation upon which the country was founded.

“We also call on fellow Nigerians to support this call and create a united, peaceful and prosperous country of our dream.

“It is very obvious that it is the vital ingredients of inclusiveness and acceptance that would ultimately foster peace and national development.”

So far, in the PDP, only two people from the South-east have declared interest in the office. They are former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, and Biardroom guru, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa.

From the other Zones, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who was also the Party’s candidate in 2019, and former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, an aspirant in 2019, have declared interest.

However, it is expected that more of them, including the Governors of Sokoto and Bauchi States, Aminu Tambuwal and Bala Mohamed, respectively, will soon declare their interest in the race.

2023: PDP Says N3 Trillion Fuel Subsidy Padded; Demands Full Disclosure of Fuel Importation Costs

By
The Source
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President Muhammadu Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari

The Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), says it is appalled by what it describes as the bare-faced move of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration to hide under fuel subsidy, and allegedly, siphon and fritter a staggering N3trillion.

The PDP, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo the described  it as “outrageous and unpardonable crime against Nigerians.”

Whilst the PDP says it is not against subsidizing petroleum products for Nigerians, the Party rejects “this wicked plot by the APC Government to use a heavily padded fuel subsidy claims to surreptitiously funnel trillions of naira into the pockets of corrupt APC leaders and their cronies in government ahead of their shameful exit in 2023.”

The PDP says it, therefore, demands “a full disclosure of specifics of the subsidy templates including details of cost of importation of petroleum products into the country to warrant the additional N2.557 trillion being requested by the corrupt APC administration.”

Said the statement:

“The PDP already has information of how corrupt APC leaders pushed for the additional N2.557 trillion to the N443 billion already approved for fuel subsidy in the 2022 budget just to create a surplus as slush fund ostensibly for APC leaders to share as well as deploy to rig the 2023 elections.

The APC government cannot justify the proposed increase in fuel subsidy in the face of incontrovertible evidence of slowing economy and consequential decrease in consumption of petroleum products in Nigeria due largely to the rudderless, irresponsible and insensitive economic policies of the APC as well as the adverse effect of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Nigerians have already noted that the proposed increase is consistent with APC’s typical padding of fuel subsidy ahead of every election cycle. Is it not revealing that while fuel subsidy was N24 billion in 2016 and rose to N144.53 billion in 2017, it spiked to N878 billion in 2018 ahead of the 2019 elections; remained at N551.22 billion in the election year of 2019, only to drop to N102 billion in 2020, after the elections?

“It is clear that the APC increased fuel subsidy to N1.4 trillion in 2021 and now barefacedly seeks additional N2.557 trillion to have a cumulative subsidy bill of N3 trillion in 2022 to prosecute the 2023 elections having realized that it has a tough battle with Nigerians because of its monumental failures.

“It is even more disturbing that the proposed increase is to be funded through external borrowings, which will further impoverish Nigerians, mortgage the future of our nation and burden future generation of Nigerians just to finance the insatiable greed of APC leaders.

“The PDP, standing with the Nigerian people, vehemently rejects the bandying of incoherent, unsubstantiated and heavily doctored figures by the APC government in its desperate lies on domestic consumption and landing costs.

“Our Party challenges the APC to present the details of importation costs to Nigerians as no genuine pricing template can support such criminal increase in fuel subsidy beyond the appropriate pricing which experts posit cannot be above N500 billion.

“The PDP, therefore, calls on the National Assembly to stand with the people and reject the scandalous N2.557 trillion addition for fuel subsidy at this critical time as approving such would be a great and unpardonable disservice to Nigerians.”

The Federal Government proposed a complete removal of fuel subsidy, but was resisted by the Nigerian Labour Congress and many groups and individuals, including former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, rtd. It was forced to suspend the idea by 18 months.

Presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, had on Wednesday told Nigerians that as long as they continue to resist the removal of fuel subsidy, for so long will the Buhari Government continue  to take loans.

Recall that during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, the then candidate Major General Muhammadu Buhari, had dismissed fuel subsidy as a scam.

AFCON 2021: Gambia, Equatorial Guinea March On In Quest For Glory

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Gambian Team

By Akinwale Kasali

This is a dream year for Gambian football.

It has never had it this rosy in its African football history. In its maiden edition at the Continental showpiece, against all odds, the Gambian team  has made it to the Quarter Final stage of the 33rd Edition of the African Cup of Nations.

Grouped alongside Tunisia, Mali and Mauritania in Limbe, Cameroon, the Scorpions of Gambia proved their mettle as no pushovers  Despite being debutants, it defeated Mauritania, Tunisia and played a 1-1 draw against the Eagles of Mali.

The coordination among the players is second to none. The compactness from the goalkeeper to the defense, midfield and attack have been top notch, and this played out in their Round of 16 triumph against a highly rated Syli Nationale of Guinea.

Gambia is set to battle host, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in a fierce Quarterfinal match at the Olembe Stadium in Yaoundé, Cameroon, with the host enjoying a massive support from their home crowd whoch could be intimidating to the lowly rated West African Country, but regardless of the outcome of the match, the Gambians would be proud to have come this far.

The National Thunder Football team of Equatorial Guinea surprisingly, booked a place in the Quarter Final with a hard fought penalty shoot out win against the Eagles of Mali at the Limbe stadium, after 120 minutes of action with both teams deadlocked, it took penalties to separate both team with Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper, Dennis Owono saving three spot kicks.

Equatorial Guinea like Gambia came into this tournament as one of the whipping boys in Group E that comprises of Desert Warriors of Algeria, the Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire and the Lone Stars of Sierra Leone, but they sprung up surprises putting the football enclave in a fix.

After a 1-0 loss to Côte d’Ivoire in their first match, a more determined Equatorial Guinea side defeated AFCON defending Champion, Algeria 1-0 and Sierra Leone by same margin to garnered Six points, ousting Algeria out of the tournament and booking a slot in the knockout phase.

The National Thunder team are average players who play mostly in Portugal and Spain, but they have been able to play as a Unit.

On Sunday 30th January, 2022, the Equatorial Guinea side will face the Teranga Lions of Senegal who managed to defeat Nine-Man Blue Sharks of Cape Verde 2-0.

Senegal has played below expectations at this tournament registering just Three goals in the Four games played so far in this tournament with Sadio Mane registering Two goals from their 1-0 win over the Warriors of Zimbabwe and Cape Verde, their Bamba Dieng strike in the knockout stage.

The Senegalese team drew two matches in the Group stage, playing a 0-0 draw against Malawi and Guinea, with their solitary strike against Zimbabwe their only win in the Group stage.

The Pharaohs of Egypt have also marched on in the AFCON 2021 tournament, defeating Côte d’Ivoire 5-4 on penalties after playing goalless all through the 120 minutes of action.

The Mohammed Salah led Egypt team are set to face Coach Vahid Halilhodvic Atlas Lions of Morocco, who defeated the Flames of Malawi 2-1 in their Round of 16 contest.

Goals from En Nesyri and a stunning free kick from Achraf Hakimi was all the North African needed to cancel out Gabadinho Mhango strike for Malawi.

Morocco have been in superb form at this tournament scoring Seven goals enroute the Quarter Finals.

Having recorded a 1-0 win over Black Stars of Ghana, 2-0 win over the Coelacanths of Comoros and a 2-2 draw with the Panthers of Gabon, the Halilhodvic side have not looked back.

It will be a North African affair when both teams square up against each other in a fierce battle on Sunday.

The Carthage Eagles of Tunisia that eliminated the high rated Super Eagles of   Nigeria will be hoping to continue their fairytale run at the tournament when they play the Stallions of Burkina Faso in the first Quarter Final.

Tunisia qualified to the knockout phase as one of the Third Best Place team and will be aiming to have a solo run over the Burkinabes who are gunning for the AFCON glory that has eluded them.

Burkina Faso came close to wining the AFCON tournament in 2013 but were denied by the Super Eagles of Nigeria. With some of the stronger soccer powers in the Continent already out,  Burkina Faso will come all out in achieving success against a depleted Tunisia team that has over 12 players on isolation after contracting COVID-19.

The weekend promised to be a cracker in the AFCON tournament as the remaining Eight teams battle one another for the coveted AFCON trophy.

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