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Falz Slams Buhari, Says He Doesn’t Respect Anybody’s Will |The Source

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Folarin Falana - Falz

By Akinwale Kasali

Popular Entertainer and activist, Folarin Falana, known as Falz, has slammed President Muhammadu Buhari for not respecting the will of the people.

The lawyer turned rapper lambasted the President  over his congratulatory message to Joe Biden, the projected winner of the US Presidential election.

Buhari in his congratulatory message had said, “Respect for the will of the people is the very reason why democracy remains the best form of government, despite its limitations from one polity to another, and from one society to another.”

But Falz queried Buhari’s motive for the statement, demanding to know who wrote the congratulatory message.

He claimed that the President knows nothing about respecting the will of the people.

In a tweet on his handle, Falz asked; “Who typed this? Because you clearly know nothing about respecting the will of the people, and it is surprising that you could say this.”

Falz’s statement is coming in the wake of the #EndSARS Protest against Police brutality and extra judicial killings of the citizens  which was hijacked by hoodlums, leading to arson and loss of lives.

Incredible: DSIEC Propose N1.147 Billion For LGA Election |The Source

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Independent National Electoral Commission

By Akinwale Kasali

The Delta State Independent Electoral Commission, DESIEC, has proposed the sum of N1,147,000,000 (One Billion, One Hundred and Forty Seven Million Naira) for the conduct of the forthcoming local government councils election in the State.

The Chairman of the Commission, Chief Mike Ogbodu who disclosed this while defending the 2021 budget proposal be the State House of Assembly Committee on Establishment, Ethics and Privileges, Chaired by the Minority Leader, Hon Innocent Anidi, said the election would hold early next year.

The DESIEC boss said N900,000,000 (Nine Hundred Million Naira) is proposed for the conduct of the elections, while two hundred and forty-seven million naira is for related activities, including legal matters, post election seminars, trainings among others.

Briefing the House Committee members on the activities of the Commission in the 2020 fiscal year as well as its projections for 2021, Chief Ogbodu said that the Commission was already putting measures in place towards achieving seamless local government election in the State.

He stated that the Commission is already considering possible date early next year for the proposed date for the local government election, hence the proposed amount to be captured in the 2021 Appropriation law.

The DSIEC boss said the  N32.5million cap limit given to the Commission to spend as capital expenditure for 2021 was inadequate and stressed the need for increase amongst other demands.

The Chairman of the Committee, Hon Innocent Anidi, while commending DSIEC for its roles so far, urged it to sustain the tempo, particularly in the forth coming local government elections in the State.

For his part, a members of the Committee, Hon Reuben Izeze urged the Commission to continue to uphold its integrity as an independent institution in the discharge of its duties.

Hon Izeze also charged the officials to strive to maintain absolute independent of the Commission in its operations

The DSIEC boss was accompanied to the State House of Assembly Complex, the venue of the budget defense session, by Commissioners in the Commission and the Management team.

Atedo Peterside, Tackles Government, Says Economy Rigged To Favour Highly, Well Connected Persons |The Source

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Atedo Peterside

By Akinwale Kasali

Nigerian Entrepreneur and investment Banker, Atedo Peterside, has dropped a bombshell. He is accusing the President Muhammadu Buhari administration of favouritism in  the administration’s  business and financial policy. He alleged  sentimental attachment, skewed  to favour some, at the expense of others.

Peterside joined the league of other Nigerians who are kicking against the Federal Government’s decision to grant only Dangote cement access to export and import items across the borders that have been closed for about a year now.

The Federal government closed borders with neighboring countries including Benin Republic and Niger Republic to curb smuggling and boost local production.

It would be reclled that Bloomberg reports that the Buhari administration has given its authorization for Africa’s biggest producer to export cement to Niger Republic and Togo in the third quarter for the first time in ten months.

Reacting to the development via his Twitter handle, Peterside said such a move is why some Nigerians argue that the Nigerian economy is rigged in favor of a handful of well-connected persons.

”Allowing legitimate exporters & importers to move their goods across the border should be a no-brainer. Why refuse everybody else & allow only one company (Dangote)? This is why some of us argue that the Nigerian economy is rigged in favour of a handful of well-connected persons”.

The issue addressed by Peterside has been at the front burner of discourse, with economic, business and political observers demanding to know the rationale behind the decision of the Federal Government policies, allegedly, favouring Aliko Dangote and the likes at the expense of others.

However, Dangote cement may not be only company enjoying that privilege. Allegation is that BUA cement enjoys same privilege from the Federal Government.

Tinubu, Fashola, Jakande, Other Ex-Lagos State Governors, Deputies Set To Forfeit Pensions And Benefits |The Source

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Bola Tinubu
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Akinwale Kasali

In a bid to curtail the expenses of the Lagos State Government, the Lagos State Governor has proposed the forfeiture of Pensions, Entitlements and Benefits of past Governors of Lagos State and their Deputies.

With this development, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Babatunde Raji Fashola, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, Akinwunmi Ambode and other past Governors of the State and their Deputies would be affected by this Development.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said this was necessary for the government to spend judiciously an prudently.

The bill to abolish the gesture being considered by the state Government got pass mark from lawmakers at the State’s House of Assembly.

It was learnt that the move to repeal the Public Office Holder (Payment of Pension Law 2007), which provides for payment of pension and other entitlements to former governors and their deputies, was part of efforts to reduce government expenses at this present time that the State is yet to get over the monumental losses it experienced during the #EndSARS protest Hijacked by hoodlums, leading to wanting destruction of Government and public properties.

Petrol Scarcity Looms |The Source

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

There are indications that the nation may face scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol, in the coming days as oil workers have been ordered to down tools nationwide.

Oil workers under the aegis of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, were ordered by the association to vacate their duty posts with immediate effect.

The order was issued in a letter, dated November 8, 2020, and signed by the General Secretary, PENGASSAN, Lumumba Okugbawa, which was also copied to the Central Working Committee Members of the association.

Okugbawa revealed in Abuja that the strike was to kick against the failure of the government to make any concrete move as regards the differences between PENGASSAN and government on matters bordering on the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System.

It also stated that the government has always paid lip service to their demands, prompting PENGASSAN to take actions and show the Government that they aren’t pushovers in anyway.

AFCON 2022: CAF Bans Nigerians From Nigeria-Sierra Leone Cracker |The Source

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium

By Akinwale Kasali

The Confederation of African Football, CAF, has announced that no journalists or supporters would be allowed into the stadium for Nigeria’s 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin, Edo State.

The reasons for this order are due to the Covid-19 Pandemic that halted the funfair of the game this past few months.

In a statement, the Director, Communications, of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF,, Ademola Olajire, said that CAF instructed, under Media Operations, that there would be no mixed zone in the guidelines communicated to the NFF.

Olajire added that there would be a virtual news conference, if possible for media officers from both teams only, and that only the TV channels with the rights will be allowed flash interviews.

”Also, only photographers of participating teams would be allowed at the match venue.

”The above puts to rest all previous speculations regarding having spectators at the match venue, and whether members of the media would be allowed into the arena,” he said.

The statement further quoted NFF’s Director of Competitions, Bola Oyeyode, as saying that only individuals accredited by the NFF would be allowed inside the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium for the Day 3 qualifier, which will kick off at 5pm Nigeria time on Friday, Nov. 13.

The Super Eagles has, however, commenced training in preparation for the match, with the invited players arriving before the Tuesday deadline given to the players by Coach Gernot Rohr.

#EndSARS Protest: UN Backs Protest, Decries Witch-hunt Of Promoters |The Source

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Lagos EndSARS Protesters

By Akinwale Kasali

Following the recent arrest, witch-hunting and freezing of accounts of promoters of the #EndSARS protesters, high handedness, the United Nations has weighed in, and condemned the action, saying it is against the fundamental human rights of the people.

The Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, UN, Amina Mohammed, a Nigerian, on Monday, said that everyone has a right to demonstrate peacefully and make some demands from their government without being intimidated or harassed.

Mohammed, who was a former Minister of Environment in the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration before her appointment, also said that the recent protest against Police brutality embarked upon by youths was a lesson for the future, especially on how the young ones should be engaged on such issues.

Speaking to State House Correspondents, after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Mohammed said there was a launch of the UN Plus Offer, aimed at supporting the Economic Sustainability Plan.

Asked the position of the UN on the #EndSARS protest, she said, “The UN stance is clear like the UN Secretary-General had said in his speech, we believe everyone has a right to demonstrate peacefully for those issues they want to raise with their government.

“There is a social contract in place between the government and the people and it is important to have that freedom of speech provided it is done peacefully.

“I think in the case where we heard that lives and property were lost, it was unfortunate and we believe that in addressing the demands that were made by young people, perhaps this is a lesson we can take into the future and how we engage in such issues.

“I have to say that there are a lot of protests around the world that have been exacerbated by COVID because, COVID has left people out of work, left people hopeless because of the socio-economic impact.

“And in many of those protests, we have not seen government turn around in response as quickly as this government did. So, the UN response to this is that we must make sure that what happened in this protest, we are able to address those issues, those gaps, and begin the reform.

“In fact, I will say the transformations that are needed to address many of these outstanding issues and for that, we need to engage youths, we need to engage government. I think what has been put in place are those building blocs and the support of the UN has been asked to make sure that that convenience can happen.

“And that we can build back trust and have confidence-building measures in order to get to where we need, to where the social contract between the government and the people is firm, trustworthy and working for the benefits of the Nigerian people.”

On some of the discussions with the President, she said,” We did raise while we were with Mr. President the issue around the recent challenges of EndSARS protests that happened in the country and the alleged witch Hunt of promoters of the protests. We all are alarmed and of course, support the country in trying to get back on track.

“Young people and their demands for social justice, good governance are all legitimate ones and must be done peacefully. But we were all disturbed by the damage level, loss of lives and we continue to condole with those families who suffer those losses.

“Today was one in which we encourage efforts that are being made by the government to that process of engaging with the demands that have been made by the young people. It’s a start on that journey of reforms that are needed in the security sector but also root causes to the issues that are happening today, which is about investing in development.

“We look forward to continuing our partnership with the government of Nigeria. We are happy today (yesterday) to launch the UN Plus Offer, which has to do again with supporting Economic Sustainability Plan over the next two years so that we can respond a little bit better”, she concluded.

Fayemi Raises Committee On Creation Of LCDAs In Ekiti |The Source

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

There are indications that Local Governments’ Development Councils abolished in Ekiti state, during the immediate past administration of Governor Ayo Fayose, may return.

At the twilight of his first term,  Governor Kayode Fayemi, approved the creation of additional local government development councils which took off, but were scrapped at the inception of the administration of Fayose in 2014.

Again, on Monday, Dr Fayemi  approved the setting up of a committee to look into the creation of Local Government Councils Development Areas in the state.

According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Yinka Oyebode, this is in a bid to bring government nearer to the people, and ensure more rapid development in the rural areas in line with the  administration’s five-  pillar development agenda.

The 13-Member Committee has Mr. Segun Oluwole as Chairman, with representative of National Union of Local Government Employees, (NULGE), and Ministry of Justice as members.

The Committee’s Terms of Reference  include the review of the Local Government Development Council Law, Ekiti State 2014,  and make recommendations on its relevance in view of current legal developments in Ekiti State

It will consult extensively with the communities where LCDA Secretariats were created by the Local Government Development Council Law, Ekiti State, 2014, and make recommendations on their current economic viability and  suitability with a view to ensuring uniformity, equity, fairness across the Local Government Areas.

According to the statement,  it is expected to recommend to the state government practical steps for the creation of Local Council Development Areas out of the existing 16 Local Government Areas in Ekiti State .

The Committee has three months to submit its report to the  Governor.

Patients Groan As Resident Doctors Begin Strike In Ondo |The Source

By
Ayodele Oni
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University of Medical Sciences Ondo

By Ayodele Oni

Worried by their conditions of service and Government’s alleged nonchalant attitude, Resident Doctors at the University Of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital in Ondo State, on Monday, began indefinite strike.

They are, also, unhappy about non payment of salaries and COVID-19 allowances.

The doctors had, on Sunday, last week, embarked on a three-day warning strike which expired on Tuesday, with a threat that they would embark on a full, and indefinite strike on Monday to press home their demands.

According to them, they would only consider returning to work when their salaries and allowances are paid.

Addressing newsmen at the Teaching Hospital complex in Akure, the state capital on Monday, Acting President of Association of Resident Doctors, UNIMED Teaching Hospital, Ondo, Dr. Oriyomi Sanni , disclosed that the hospital is short of staff.

“We are short staffed, the Resident Doctors have been reduced in some of the departments. With this development, some of the doctors would have to do back to back calls. This is detrimental to our health. It is also not considered safe for the patients, we are treating because we easily get overwhelmed.

“We have been working without House Officers, coupled with the fact that we are shorts-staffed. We are saying no to all these.

“The issue of COVID-19 hazard allowance compared to what is being received in other states, we only received allowance for the month of June, and 30 per cent of basic salary as against what we agreed with the Government when we had series of meetings.

“Resident Doctors are supposed to be residing in the hospital, but at present, we don’t reside in the hospital. We are left to search for accommodation on our own.

“Some of our members shuttle between Ondo and Akure complexes on daily basis without allowance paid for this.

“Having persevered and cared for our patients, rendering our services, our salaries are not being paid. We are owed up to the tune of four and a half months salaries.

“We are finding it difficult to meet up with our obligations in our different homes. We can no longer pay our children’s school fees, we cannot cater for our families.

“After the warning strike, all we have been getting before now are series of promises and pleas which do not translate to solving the problems at hand.

“We have been left with no other option than to commence an indefinite strike today.

“So, we are calling on both the Management of the hospital, and the State Government, that they should come up with solutions to all these challenges. The most paramount is the issue of our salaries.

“We have issued the minimum demand for which this strike would be suspended or called off, at least our January salary shortfall must be paid, the June and August salaries must be paid. Though we are yet to receive September and October salaries.

“Some of our members were being harassed by law enforcement agents during COVID-19 lockdown because we do not have any means of identification.

“It is not in our interest, or interest of our patients to embark on this strike. It’s just that we have become helpless and could not cope.”

Corruption: FUTO SSANU Treasurer In Deep Trouble |The Source

By
The Source
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By Charles Igbo

These are not the best of times for the Treasurer of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, Federal  University of Technology, Owerri, FUTO Branch, Mr Uche Nwokeji.

A colleague of his, Mr Edison Ugwumba, has dragged him, along with the late Chairman of the Association, Franklin Mathews, before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC.

In the petition to the ICPC, Ugwumba is alleging embezzlement, mismanagement, and misappropriation of SSANU’s funds by the two to the tune of N110 million within a period of four years.

In the petition addressed to the Chairman of the ICPC, titled: Petition for  embezzlement of the sum of N118 million by SSANU Treasurer, Mr Uche Nwokeji, Ugwumba accused Nwokeji and the late Mathews of running the finances of the Association without due process, and contrary to its constitution.

Not only are the finances shrouded in secrecy, he accused both officials of spending the Union’s money without approval of either the Branch Executive Council, or the Congress Members.

He wrote: The late Chairman and the Treasurer singlehandedly purchased a 2004 model Toyota Highlander official vehicle at an inflated cost of N7 million, when the market price of the vehicle was about N2.5million. In addition, they have failed and neglected to pay welfare benefits to members for the past four years.

“I was reliably informed that he, (Nwokeji), freely transfers  money from the Union account into his personal account, from where he disbursed cash.

” Last month, I was reliably informed that the Union received a deposit of the sum of N13 million check-out dues acruable to the Union, as deducted by the Federal Government, vide IPPIS platform. The treasurer fraudulently lied by telling the branch executive  that what the union received was the sum of N9million. And the Treasurer went ahead to withdraw the sum of N9 million from the union without the knowledge, approval or written consent of the Acting Chairman.”

The substantive Chairman, Mathews, died in June, 2020.

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