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Your Threat Is An Empty One – IPOB Replies South East Governors

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

The Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, (IPOB), on Wednesday, reacted to the decision of the Southeast Governors on its sit-at-home order.

The South-east Governors and leaders of the Zone in a communique on Tuesday after a meeting in Enugu, resolved to put an end to the weekly sit-at-home order issued by IPOB which has badly affected the economy of the zone, put its people on edge, and wreaked violence and destruction.

But IPOB spokesman, Emma Powerful, said Southeast Governors have no power to stop the sit-at-home order in the region.

Mr Powerful told Journalists that the sit-at-home order was the only way people of the region could express their displeasure over the brutality by the Nigerian security agents in the Southeast.

According to him, Mondays sit-at-home has been cancelled, adding that those enforcing it are not IPOB members.

“South-East Governors cannot stop the wishes of the people because they have failed the masses and sit-at-home is the only way our people show their displeasure.

“They are tired of Nigeria and its security brutality in our territory. South-East governors have no stand to stop it.

“IPOB can only stop sit-at-home because they initiated it. We stopped Monday sit-at-home because we found out the implications on our people.

“The Nigerian Government and  politicians hijacked it and killed people to implicate IPOB worldwide.

“Very soon, they will understand how we will handle it because we have discovered all their antics and gimmicks. IPOB will not allow that to continue.

“So South-East Governors cannot do anything unless IPOB and the public do. We still stand on no more Monday sit-at-home and anybody enforcing it is not IPOB.

“They will get their reward soon; our people should stop Monday sit-at-home because IPOB has stopped it openly, and we are not going back on that.

‘Last Monday, Hope Uzodinma recruited some hoodlums who were attacking people in the name of IPOB in order to implicate us as a violent group which is not and that attack was not from IPOB security.”

Following Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s arrest and detention, the group had ordered people of the Southeast to sit-at-home every Monday.

IPOB had claimed that the order was to force the Nigerian Government into releasing Kanu and others that were arrested and detained by security agents.

Operation Golden Dawn Is A Secret Genocide, Says IPOB

By
Uche Mbah
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0

By Uche Mbah

The leadership of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has lampooned the Nigerian Army for Operation Golden Dawn recently launched in the South-East region of the country.

The Army had launched Operation Golden Dawn to, according to them, tackle the security situation in the Southeast, particularly Anambra state. This replaces Operation Python dance that was established in 2017, and under the umbrella which Nnamdi Kanu’s father’s house was invaded.

While many people have welcomed the exercise due to the unprecedented insecurity and lawlessness in the South-east, the IPOB leadership says it is a ploy to kill.

In a statement, the Group’s Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, Wednesday,  accused the military of leaving the ravaged North to declare emergencies in the South-east.

“This operation is another round of secret genocide akin to the infamous Python Dance by the Nigerian Army. This is another ploy by the military to continue their reckless killing of Igbo youths just because we want to have our independence”, the statement read.

“We wonder why a special military operation would be launched in the South-East while the same military has looked away from Kaduna, Niger and other northern states which have become a slaughter ground by Fulani bandits and terrorists decimating Christian communities almost unchallenged.

“The level of insecurity in South-East which, of course, was created by the same Nigeria security agencies is a far cry to the state of near-anarchy in the northern region. Why is it during special military operations that the Fulani-controlled federal government remembers South East but when it has to do with infrastructure and appointments they go North?

“Our message to the operatives deployed for this wicked special operation is to make sure they don’t kill any innocent Biafran or IPOB member. If they know where the bandits were created to wreak havoc in the South-East, let them face them. But any day they touch innocent Biafrans in the South-East, they will regret their action.

“They should be ashamed of themselves that even soldiers are being killed by Fulani bandits in the North but they are here declaring a special operation in a relatively peaceful region.

“We pity South-East politicians and the political elite who lack understanding of the times. They are only after their political interest in 2023.”

For the records, the Army special operation is not exclusive to the South-east. The same operation is going on in other Zones using different operational code-names.

As for the Northern States where Bandits hold sway, Military operations are an everyday activity, and have been on-going for years.

Kaduna NUJ Avoids South-east Over Insecurity; Blames IPOB

By
The Source
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0
NUJ

By Gideon Njoku

The Kaduna State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, has barred its members from attending the National NUJ’s Delegates’ Conference slated for  Umuahia, Abia State, South-east, Nigeria.

It said its Council would avoid any trip to the South-east due to the worsening insecurity situation in the Zone.

The NUJ Delegates’ Conference, even though enmeshed in controversy over a court action brought against the body by the Ogun State Council, offers the Union the chance to elect new Executive members to run its affairs.

But at an Emergency meeting in Kaduna on October 5, the Council said in a Communique it issued, signed by Comrade Femi Adi, that it was not prepared to expose its members to danger in the South-east due to the activities of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB.

It said the Congress before taking the decision “critically reviewed the security situation in the country and particularly, the continuous deteriorating security situation in the South-east perpetrated by Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB).”

It, therefore, concluded that: “The Kaduna State Council unanimously resolved by an overwhelming vote that it will not be attending the Abia Delegate Conference because of the serious risk members lives and properties would be exposed to.”

The Source magazine gathered that other Chapters in the country may likely toe the same line for fear of the lives of their members.

Following is an excerpt from the Communique issued by the Kaduna NUJ Council.

“The Nigerian Union of Journalists, Kaduna State Council, held an emergency Congress on the 5th October, 2021.

“The Council deliberated extensively on the NUJ Delegates’ Conference scheduled to hold at Umuahia, Abia State.

“The Congress critically reviewed the security situation in the country and particularly, the continuous deteriorating security situation in the South East perpetrated by Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)

“The Congress also looked  into consideration the substantive Court Order restraining the National Executive Council (NEC) from proceeding with the elections process .

“After a robust deliberations, the Kaduna  State Council unanimously resolved by an overwhelming vote that it will not be attending the Abia Delegate Conference because of the serious risk members lives and properties would be exposed to.

“However, Congress did not prevent any member from attending the aforementioned Conference in Abia on their personal capacity. Congress however , cautioned such members who might wish to  attend not to claim to be representing the Kaduna State Council, warning of the dare consequences should anyone claim to representing the Council.”

For the records, Kaduna State has been a bedrock of insecurity in Nigeria, especially, with dozens of killings and the abduction of innocent citizens, including hundreds of pupils and students from their schools by bandits.

NIMASA Appoints 3 Directors, Promotes Over 200

By
Bayo Bernard
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0

By Tosin Olatokunbo

The Governing Board of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA has approved the appointment of three new Directors. The new appointees are Eric OJI, Dimowo Heaky, and a former spokesman of the Agency, Isichei Osamgbi.

Nigeria’s Alternate Permanent Representative at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO),  Dirisu Abdulmumuni, was also promoted to Deputy Director, alongside 61 others.  Two hundred and thirty-three other staff were elevated to their next grade levels, according to statement signed by Osagie Edward, the agency’s Deputy Director, Public Relations.

The promotions were ratified at the Board meeting held in Lagos under the chairmanship of Asita O. Asita.

Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, congratulated the promoted members of staff and charged them to remain committed to the Agency’s vision of making Nigeria great through sustainable harnessing of its huge maritime potential.

Jamoh stated, “We are committed to our promise to always motivate staff and give them reason for hard work. The promotion process was rigorous but fair to all involved.

“I congratulate the newly promoted staff and say to them that the reward for hard work is more work. Promotion is the reward for hard work, and a qualification for higher responsibilities.

“I congratulate all our staff who have been promoted and implore them to see their elevation as a call to more dedication.

“On our part as Executive Management, we will continue to ensure that staff are promoted as and when due so that they are motivated to give their best in the Agency’s drive to make maritime a key element in the country’s economic diversification agenda.”

The Chairman of the Board enjoined the newly promoted staff to be more dedicated to their duties, saying the promotions will come with more responsibilities.

Unity Bank Restates Commitment To Excellent Customers’ Service

By
Bayo Bernard
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0

By Tosin Olatokunbo

The managing director of Unity Bank Plc, Tomi Somefun has restated the lender’s commitment to providing excellent customer service to its teeming customers. The chief executive officer of the commercial bank also applauded the professionalism of its staff in providing a friendly environment for customers.

Somefun stated this in commemoration of this year’s customers week, themed “The Power of Service”  which is to spotlight the imperatives of service as the world battles a global pandemic and the people on the frontlines who made a difference in the lives of their customers.

The Customer Service Week is a week-long celebration, which will hold across the Bank’s over 200 branches from Monday, October 4 to Friday, October 8, 2021.

The banks’ CEO said: “We celebrate all our customers for remaining loyal and devoted to us. You have choices of different institutions from which you can choose to do your transactions, but you chose us. Thank you for choosing Unity Bank’’.

“We appreciate you and remain committed to serving you better. We are not a perfect institution but take our word that we are committed to making sure that we delight you, by investing in continuous improvement and expanding our platforms to enhance service delivery efficiency’’, she reasserts.

“The last couple of months especially have been challenging, but we thank God that we are all alive, and we are still here to serve you and you are still available to be our customers. We believe that we will continue to ride the waves of the pandemic and come out even much better”, she reaffirms further.

Also speaking, Titilayo Abraham, the bank’s Chief Customer Service Officer, said: “This year, as we inaugurate this Hall of Fame, we celebrate individuals and teams for their efforts in delivering excellent service to our customers.

“We will celebrate them particularly for their display of exceptional professionalism in providing great service without borders, going the extra mile to meet and surpass our customers’ needs. In doing this, they have enhanced customer satisfaction thereby carving a niche for our brand in the industry.

“Becoming the retail bank of choice in Nigeria is a journey. We shall relentlessly strive to improve service and ensure our customers come first at all times,” she stated.

APC Chairmanship: The Contest of Former Governors

By
Bayo Bernard
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0

By James Orji

Former Governor Almakura of Nassarawa state has joined the contest for the chairmanship of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

By throwing his hat in the ring, the former governor now a senator, representing Nassarawa South in the Senate has joined the list of other chairmanship aspirants who are former governors.

The former governors are Ali Modu Sherif of Borno state, Kashim Shettima and Danjuma Goje and Abdul Aziz Yari of Zamfara state in the race to lead the largest political party in the country.

While indicating his interest to run for APC chairmanship, Al Makura who spoke at a campaign rally ahead of the party’s LGA congresses in the state, said he joined the race to foster unity in the party.

The former governor, said he will ensure radical change in the way the party is run if elected as the party’s chair.

The party has reportedly fixed its National Convention for the end of the year, during which the Caretaker Chairman, Governor Mai Mala Buni is expected to pave way for a substantive chairman.

Since Al Makura made his intention known on Monday, close watchers of the party have weighed his chances of defeating other aspirants who have also shown interest to contest, considering that the chairmanship of Nigeria’s ruling party is a keenly contested one.

Governor Mai Mala Buni
Buni: APC Caretaker Chairman

For instance, former Governor Sherif who had earlier declared to run for the chairmanship is believed to have a strong political base and war chest to contest the election and emerge victorious.The former governor, a founding member of the party left APC to join the PDP and later returned. His vast political network, experience and knowledge of party administration, spanning many decades, analyst insist will count for him when the election is called.

Sherif said in February that he will run for chairmanship as long as the position is zoned to the North.

According to him “the leadership of the party has not been zoned to any particular zone of the country for now. People have expressed their interests across the country,” Mr Sheriff said.

“But the real thing is that whether I will run for the office or not will be determined by what the caretaker committee takes as a decision on where the leadership of the party will go. Whether it will go to another place or it will remain in our zone.

“If it goes to another zone, I will not contest. But if it stays in our zone, I will contest,” Sheriff said.

Expectedly, the former governor has since been garnering support from members of the party who believes that he should succeed Governor Buni.

While drumming up support for the ex-Governor, an APC chieftain and aide to former Governor Kashim Shettima said Sherif is the right person to pilot the affairs.

The former governor, Gambo said “has a temperament uncommon among politicians of today. The unique thing about this aspiration is that chieftains of the party, made up of former governors, serving and ex-National Assembly members, members of State Houses of Assembly across the states of the federation, serving and former ministers to mention a few, want him to come on board and pilot the affairs of our party at this critical time.”

He said a green horn “is not what we need if we must realise our dream of renewing our tenancy of Aso Rock beyond 2023.

“Those that have been linked with interest in the office of the national chairman of the APC, no doubt, are respected leaders and stakeholders in the Nigerian project.

“We can’t deny the fact that these are men who have written their chapters in the historical compendium of our country’s journey to democracy,” Gambo said.

The former PDP chairman who ruled Borno state for eight years as All Nigerian Peoples’ Party, ANPP governor, close watchers of the party said has a stronger support base compared to his successor, Kassim, Goje and Yari who had yet to declare their interest in the race.

What will be his major challenge, keen watchers of political matters in the country said, is Al-Makura who has been linked to Bola Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos state and APC National Leader.

Tinubu, believed to be interested in the 2023 presidential race is said to be the big masquerade behind Al-Makura’s chairmanship ambition.

The former Lagos helmsman who has recently been receiving massive support for his presidential ambition, even though he had yet to declare for the race, is said to be interested in who becomes the party chairman.

Therefore, analysts said his support for Al-Makura may be a subtle plot by him to control the APC ahead the 2023 general election.

Anambra: CP Tony Olofu Loses Job To CP Echeng As IGP Deploys Police Special Forces

By
The Source
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0
Usman Alkali Baba- IGP

By Charles Igbo

The worsening security situation in Anambra State has cost Commissioner of Police Tony Olofu his job. In his place, the Inspector General of Of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has named CP Echeng Eworo Echeng. He has, also, deployed Police Special Forces to help “bolster Operation Restore Peace.

Olofu, the former CP, has been redeployed to the Force Headquarters.

The security situation in the Anambra has so degenerated in the past few days that  it has defied every move, and overwhelmed Security Agencies. Aside from the killings of innocent people, there has been gruesome murders of high profile individuals, including Dr Chike Akunyili, husband to former NAFDAC Director General and former Minister of Information and Communications, Professor Dora Akunyili.

Security facilities have been torched, including that of the Directorate of State Services, the Police and even Federal Road Service Commission. And so have homes, including the Nnewi country home  of Joe Igbokwe, an APC chieftain, Special Adviser on Water and Drainages to Lagos State Government and offices of Political parties.

The Anambra Governorship election is on November 6, but nobody is campaigning out of fear. Party vehicles, or any vehicle with any political party insignia is razed, and so are party offices. The chorus is no election in Anambra State.

The blame is put at the feet of “unknown gunmen”. Some others say IPOB/ESN. But IPOB/ESN has consistently denied responsibility. And the State is on edge·

It is based on this helpless situation that  IGP Baba ordered the immediate posting of a new Commissioner of Police (CP) to Anambra State. In a Press Release, Force Spokesperson,  CP Frank Mba, said

“The new CP, Echeng Eworo Echeng, takes over from CP Tony Olofu who has been redeployed to the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

“The IGP has also ordered the deployment of a detachment of NPF Special Forces to Anambra State to bolster and complement the ongoing peace-building efforts of the Nigeria Police Operation Restore Peace in Anambra State.

“The IGP, who is particularly concerned with the renewed incidents of attacks on innocent individuals and symbol of State Authority in the State, ordered the new Commissioner of Police to mobilize both kinetic and non-kinetic law enforcement and crime fighting approaches to reverse the negative trend, reclaim public spaces from hoodlums and restore public peace in the State.

“CP Echeng, who until his recent posting, was the Commissioner of Police in-charge of Bayelsa State, holds a First Degree in History from the University of Maiduguri. An experienced peace-builder, he received extensive training on global peace support operations at Mission Training Cell, Kielce, Poland, amongst other tactical and leadership courses. He has also served as a former Police Component Commander, Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe, Deputy Commissioner of Police in-charge of Zonal CID, Zone-13, Ukpo, Anambra State, amongst other key positions.

“The IGP has charged the new Police Chief to work with other Stakeholders and patriotic forces in Anambra State to restore law and order leveraging on his professional experience. The IGP also called on Ndi-Anambra to support and cooperate with the new Commissioner of Police in his task of protecting the lives and property of all.”

The  postings are with immediate effect.

In another development, Owerri, the capital of Imo State was on fire on Monday as gunmen invaded the Imo State University, the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, markets including the ones in Owerri Municipal LGA, and two in Emekuku, Owerri North LGA. They also attacked nearby towns like Irete, Amakohia and generally streets in Owerri.

They shot their guns and said their action was a warning to ask them to maintain strictly the sit-at-home order.

IPOB had initially ordered a sit-at-home order every Monday to pressurise the Federal Government to release its Leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who is under FG’s custody and being prosecuted on sundry issues including ,allegedly, murder and treasonable felony.

Recently, it said the South-east shall be on lockdown for one month if the Federal Government fails to arraign him in Court on October 21, the next adjourned date.

South-east Governors, Leaders, Blame Nigerians In Diaspora For Sit-At-Home Order

By
Uche Mbah
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0

By Charles Igbo and Uche Mbah

Some Nigerians in Diaspora who neither care for the progress of the South-east, nor feel the pain of the people, have been blamed for the persistent sit-at-home order in the Zone which holds every Monday.

This was one of the highlights of the Communiqué issued at the end of a one day meeting of Governors of the South-east held on Tuesday, October 5, 2021, at the Government House, Enugu.

The meeting was attended by all the Governors of the Zone except Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, who was neither present nor sent a representative. No reason was given. Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, however, sent his deputy to represent him.

Present at the meeting, also, were serving and retired Security Chiefs, including former Chief of Army Staff under the Goodluck Jonathan Government, Lt General Azubuike Ihejirika, NASS Members, the Leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo and Religious Leaders.

Condemning the every Monday sit-at-home  order by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, which it had initially declared to pressurise the Federal Government to release its Leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from detention, the Leaders said it had brought untold hardship and violence and death to the Zone, and resolved to do everything to stop it.

The official spokesman of IPOB, Emmanuel Powerful, had announced on more than one occasion that the IPOB leadership had suspended the weekly sit-at-home order, and restricted it to the days Kanu would appear in Court, but that has not worked. Always, there is a counter order from some other quarters, and people who dare out on Mondays have been visited with harassment, destruction of their businesses, torching of their vehicles, and even deaths. Most people are, therefore, forced to stay at home.

Said the Communique on that: “The meeting condemned the sit-at-home orders, which are mostly issued by our people in the Diaspora who do not feel the pains. The meeting resolved that Governors and all people of the South-east do everything within the law to ensure that there is no further sit-at-home in the South-east and that people are allowed to move about in the zone.”

They also resolved that the South-east Security outfit, Ebubeagu, be launched in all the South-east States and laws passed by the various Houses of Assembly to back it up.

As for the November 6 Governorship election in Anambra State which is under threat because of security issues, the meeting said it would support it, and asked Security agencies to ensure a peaceful election.

However, the meeting was silent on the detention and fate of Nnamdi Kanu.

A couple of days before the meeting, Chief Olisa Metu, former National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, had in a statement, urged the Leaders to use the occasion of the meeting to ask for the release of Nnamdi Kanu.

In an earlier meeting in Abuja a couple of weeks ago, the Caucus of the South-east National Assembly members, had resolved to approach, and take up the Nnamdi Kanu issue with the  Nigerian Authorities.

Said Metu:

“As Governors and leaders of the South-east zone converge in Enugu to find solutions to the security challenges in the zone, one sure step towards achieving answers is for our leaders to use the opportunity to demand the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from detention.

“It is a considered submission that the release of Nnamdi Kanu will not only douse tension in the region but also put an end to allegations and counter-allegations regarding those behind the escalated insecurity in the zone and give our security agencies a clearer cue to track down the perpetrators.

“This call is coming on the backdrop of denials by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) of involvement in the recent killings, arson, and other acts of violence in the southeast; and particularly in the face of allegations that the attacks were being sponsored by external, political and criminal interests.

“The authorities should therefore use the release of Nnamdi Kanu to eliminate the current puzzlement and complications as well as a political solution for situations that constitute unrest in the SouthEast.

“It is therefore imperative for our governors and leaders to use this meeting to impress it on the Federal Government to adopt a political approach by releasing Nnamdi Kanu.

“It must be reiterated that Nnamdi Kanu is an Igbo man and our son. He has not stolen nor has he killed anyone and hence we must stand for him as our son.

“In the same vein, the youths in South East are enjoined not to allow themselves to be used by criminal and political elements to destroy the region for their selfish interests.

“At this point, we must all be vigilant, circumspect in our utterances, and place our hands on the deck for solutions.”

Following is the full text of the Communique.

COMMUNIQUE ARISING FROM THE MEETING OF SOUTH EAST GOVERNORS,

SOUTH EAST LEADERS, TRADITIONAL RULERS, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY LEADERS, AND THE CLERGY HELD ON TUESDAY, 5TH OCTOBER, 2021 AT THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, LION BUILDING, GOVERNMENT HOUSE, ENUGU

“1. The Governors and leaders of the South East condemned the killings in the region and have agreed to join hands with security agencies to stop the killings;

“2. The meeting condemned the sit-at-home orders, which are mostly issued by our people in the diaspora who do not feel the

pains, the meeting resolved that Governors and all people of the South East do everything within the law to ensure that there is no further sit-at-home in the South East and that people are allowed to freely move about in the Zone;

“3. The meeting agreed that the South East Ebubeagu security outfit be launched in all the South East States and laws passed in the various South East States before the end of 2021;

“4. The meeting received the Committee report from Ohaneze on various matters affecting the South East, especially on the issue of security and marginalization of the South East people, and resolved to study the reports from Ohaneze

Worldwide for immediate implementation, and engagement with the Federal Government for amicable settlement of all issues agitating the minds of our people, especially the youths;

“5. The meeting agreed to support security agencies to restore peace in the South East;

“6. The meeting resolved to support election in Anambra State and directed security agencies to ensure a peaceful election in Anambra State come November 6th,2021.

“7. The meeting commended all groups and the clergy for their efforts at interfacing with our youths.

“8. The meeting mandated our clergymen, Bishops, CAN, Ohaneze, and Traditional Rulers to continue to dialogue with our youths.”

Buhari To Present N16 trillion Budget Thursday

By
Uche Mbah
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0
Muhammadu Buhari

By Uche Mbah

Plans are underway for the presentation of the budget Thursday as Presidency raises the 2022 appropriation bill by N2.47 trillion, bringing the total to N16.45 trillion.

In a letter covering the revised Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP)-a technical name for what has been traditionally called budget proposal-sent to the National Assembly on Tuesday, and read by Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, the President pegged the increment on the need to reflect the Petroleum Industry Act.

In addition, N100 billion has been added as a vote for the conduct of the 2023 general election.

Last July, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had approved the N13.98 trillion budget for 2022.

“The PIA establishes a progressive fiscal framework aimed at encouraging investment in the Nigerian petroleum industry,” the president said.

“This significantly alters the oil and gas fiscal terms and has necessitated changes in the 2022-2024 Medium Term Fiscal Framework.

“The increase in expenditure is due to N100 billion additional provision to INEC, to cater for the 2023 general election”.

“The provision of N54 Billion to NASENI, which represents 1 percent FGN share of federation account.

“Additional provision of N510 billion in the Service Wide Votes to cater for National poverty reduction with growth strategy (N300 billion), Police Operations Fund (N50 billion), Hazard Allowance for Health Workers (N50 billion), Public Service Wage Adjustments (additional N80 billion), and MDAs’ Electricity Bills Debt (additional N37 billion).

“Additional capital provision of N1.70 trillion, attributed to projected increases in the budget”, the President said.

Gov Oyetola Presents N129.7B Budget Estimate To Osun Assembly Against Year 2022

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

Osun state Governor, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, on Tuesday, presented a total sum of N129.7B to the state Assembly as draft budget for the 2022 fiscal year.

Details of the Appropriation Bill revealed that infrastructure, education, health and  Agriculture sectors got large percentage of the budget.

The Budget was higher than that of this year  N109.8bn by over N20bn.

Christened “Budget of Sustainable Development”, it was anchored on the commitment of the administration to providing conducive living and working environment for the people of Osun state.

Total Recurrent Expenditure was N53,593,627,990.00, representing 41.30%, while Capital Expenditure was N76,162,822,800.00, representing 58.70% respectively.

A total sum of N26,609, 441, 740.00  went to Education; over N19 billion to Infrastructure Sector; about N16 billion to the Health Sector and about N7 billion to the Agriculture Sector.

Laying the budget before the lawmakers, Governor Oyetola said the estimate was aimed at further cementing and pursuing the policy thrust of his Administration, and consolidating various achievements so far recorded in each sector of the economy of the State.

“In view of the prevailing economic realities, the main focus of the budget would be aggressive improvement of the Internally Generated Revenue drive to ensure optimum performance in the coming years.

“Workable strategies have been put in place to boost the revenue of the State without putting unnecessary burden on the residents.

“In line with our administration’s commitment to ensuring that there are no abandoned projects in the State, all existing on-going road projects are being worked upon and will be delivered soon.

“This Administration has also embarked on massive construction and rehabilitation of roads across the State.

“We have laid important foundations for the development of our State’s economy over the past three (3) years with various developments in infrastructure, security, environment and major improvements in the Ease of Doing Business and growing our Internally Generated Revenue.

“We must now focus on gearing up the momentum of building on the achievements so far, and by so doing, delivering accelerated economic growth and development for all.”

Earlier, the Speaker, Mr Timothy Owoeye lauded the Administration of Governor Oyetola for prioritising accountability, probity and prudence in the management of the scarce resources accruable to the State.

He promised that the legislature would display the commitment needed to ensure speedy passage of the budget as it has been doing in the past saying “we will continue to play a supportive role to the executive arm to continuously.”

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