President Tinubu Leads Delegation To Saudi Arabia For Joint Arab-Islamic Summit

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November 10, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

A five-member Nigerian delegation is expected to leave Abuja on Sunday for a Joint Arab-Islamic Summit in Saudi Arabia.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be at the head of the delegation to attend the Summit, which will focus on the current situation in the Middle East.

A statement on Saturday by the Special Adviser to the President on media & publicity, Bayo Onanuga, stated that the Summit will commence on Monday, November 11, 2024.

According to the statement, the summit is being held at the invitation of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and follows last year’s summit in the same Saudi city.

During the summit, President Tinubu is expected to address the ongoing Israel-Palestinian conflict, emphasising Nigeria’s strong call for an immediate ceasefire and the urgent need for a peaceful resolution.

Nigeria will also advocate for renewed efforts to revive the two-state solution as a pathway to lasting peace in the region.

Key officials in the delegation including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, will accompany the President.

Other members of the entourage are the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris; and the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Amb. Mohammed Mohammed.

“After the conclusion of the summit, President Tinubu will return to Abuja.”

Ondo Poll: “You Have Abandoned Akeredolu’s Laudable Projects, PDP Candidate Accuses Gov Aiyedatiwa

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Ayodele Oni

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November 9, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

The People’s Democratic Party’s, (PDP) candidate in next Saturday’s Ondo State governorship election, Agboola Ajayi has announced his intention to intervene in what he described as the worrisome state of the state’s transport sector.

Ajayi announced this on Saturday, on an Akure based radio station, Glow FM, where he was guest on a political programme, Pointblank.

According to the former deputy governor, the current government in the state is not responsive and has thrown the people into abject poverty with no hope of immediate rescue plan, submitting that, all the sectors, including the transportation sector are as good as dead.

Ajayi, who said he is the most experienced among the candidates in the scheduled election, announced what he called a seven Point agenda rescue plan for the state, in which he said, the Transportation sector is comprehensively captured.

Unfolding his plan for the sector, Ajayi said he will take advantage of the youths in the state, who are digitally experienced to develop computer applications that would be used to run a subsidized transportation network which will force down prizes of foodstuffs especially as market operators would be able to move their goods around at moderate cost.

Aside from subsidizing the sector, the PDP candidate announced his intention to make available 200 cars under a planned Sunshine Taxi project, which will be given out on hire purchase to drivers who will offer a highly subsidized service.

“I understand Uber operators pay 25 percent of every money made on each service rendered, but with the Sunshine Taxi package, they won’t pay more than 10 percent, and we are going to make thier repayment plans very flexible.”

While reacting to the numerous callers who expressed hope in his programmes, Ajayi, who faulted succession plan in the state, which he said is responsible for the uncountable abandoned projects, berated the incumbent government’s decision to abandon the uncompleted projects of Late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and other former Governors, which includes the Akure Stadium and Owena Dam projects.

Also reacting to callers who bemoaned the filthy condition of Akure the state capital, described as neglected and very dirty, Ajayi promised to ensure the capital city in particular and the state in general is returned to its old glory.

He called for a credible election where peoples votes will count because “Ondo people are resolute and not ready to live in poverty anymore.”

How I’ve Been Funding My Presidential Campaigns – Atiku

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Ayodele Oni

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November 9, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, has clarified that funding his Presidential campaigns has always been his sole responsibility and does not seem support from his running mates.

Atiku, a former vice president, is reacting to the allegations surrounding his running mate, Ifeanyi Okowa’s involvement in funding his campaign.

Okowa, the former Delta State governor, was on Monday arrested over alleged misuse of funds estimated at N1.3 trillion derived from Delta’s 13 per cent derivation allocation between 2015 and 2023.

Following the arrest, there were speculations that the funds were allegedly diverted to the PDP presidential campaign in 2023.

Reacting on Saturday, Atiku’s special adviser on broadcast media, Abdul Rasheeth, stated that Okowa was not responsible for funding Atiku’s extensive campaign in any way.

“Atiku has always independently funded his campaigns and does not rely on his running mates for financial support,” Rasheeth said.

His update on social media platform, X, reads:

“In 2007, Atiku Abubakar chose Ben Obi as his running mate, not for political position but for his merit. Again, in 2019, Atiku selected Peter Obi, despite him not being a sitting governor, driven by Obi’s qualifications rather than his title.

“In 2023, Atiku’s choice fell on Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa. Contrary to malicious claims, Okowa was not responsible for funding Atiku’s extensive campaign in any way.

“Atiku has always independently funded his campaigns and does not rely on his running mates for financial support.

“Any attempt to besmirch Atiku’s reputation through these falsehoods is a baseless insult, driven by those with ulterior motives against Okowa.”

“I’ve Not Been Invited For Inauguration Of My Successor” – Edo Gov Obaseki

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Ayodele Oni

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November 9, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

Edo state Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has shed the light on the inauguration of his successor, Monday Okpebholo scheduled to hold on Tuesday.

According to him, the ceremony is purely that of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) and the governor elect.

He stated that even inputs of the outgoing administration were jettisioned and that he has not been invited for the ceremony.

Obaseki, who became governor in 2016, will hand over to Okpebholo on November 12, 2024.

Okpebholo defeated Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), in the September 21 governorship election.

Speaking on Friday while swearing in the caretaker committee of the PDP in the state, Obaseki said the APC has not invited him to the inauguration.

Obaseki described the APC’s action as lawless, adding that the state government is supposed to be in charge of the programme.

“Somebody has to be sworn in. Sworn into a government that exists. You just don’t come from nowhere and start a government. There is already a government. There is a way things are done.

“The government of Edo state is inaugurating a new governor on Tuesday. But what you are seeing now… all the posters. The government of Edo state is not involved.

“So, it is crazy when people just behave the way they are behaving as if there are no laws in the country. I just sit down sometimes and wonder.

“Are we okay as a country? We are guided by the constitution. We are guided by laws and precedents and procedures.

“So, they are doing inauguration, I as a governor don’t know. Not even been invited. So, it is like they are starting a brand new state and government.”

“In Cross Rivers Magistrates Board Same Vehicles With Criminals” – Association Threatens Strike

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Ayodele Oni

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November 9, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

The Cross Rivers State chapter of Magistrates Association of Nigeria, (MAN) has cried out against its members boarding public vehicles along with criminals and litigants, thereby putting their life at risk.

The association has therefore threatened to down tools from Wednesday, due to non-promotion of its members, which has remained stagnant since the year 2015.

The Magistrates numbering 70, decried the payment of N15,000 as monthly imprest to them as compared to magistrates in neighbouring states who receive between N200,000 and N250,000 monthly.

This is contained in a communique, signed by Godwin Onah and Solomon Abuo, President and Secretary, respectively, after the meeting of the association in Calabar.

The association, which listed other demands for government’s prompt action, threatened that it will withdraw its services from the said date after which it will embark on an indefinite strike, if the government fails to implement their demands.

While also demanding for the rehabilitation of magistrate courts across the state, the association lamented non- provision of official vehicles to it members by government.

It further demanded immediate implementation of promotion and regularisation of magistrates in the state with necessary financial benefits across all cadres, as well as the implementation of all accrued arrears.

“From the above and based on the need to protect the welfare of members, uphold minimum standards as well as the sanctity of the magistrates in Cross River, we need immediate action on our demands.

“Magistrates are seen daily hopping on public commercial vehicles most times alongside litigants and criminal suspects standing trial before them, with the attendant security risk to their lives.

“Failure of government to pay magistrates yearly robing allowance as applicable in other jurisdictions nationwide.

“We demand immediate implementation of promotion and regularisation of magistrates in Cross River State with necessary financial benefits across all cadres as well as the implementation of all accrued arrears.

“Congress resolved and demanded the government to hearken to the cry of Magistrates and grant the above demands within seven days.

“This will leave magistrates with no other option but to embark on a warning industrial action for two weeks in line with the extant labour laws effective Wednesday 13th by withdrawing our services across the state.

“This will be at the first instance, and subsequently embark on an indefinite strike action until our demands are fully attended to.”

Osun To Participate In Burial Of CAOS, Lagbaja – Gov Adeleke

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Ayodele Oni

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November 9, 2024

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Ademola Adeleke with the family of late Gen Taoreed Lagbaja

By Ayodele Oni

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Chief of Army Staff, ((CAOS) Lt. Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, pledging state support for the family.

The governor had earlier declared three days of Mourning, which began on Thursday and ends Sunday, in honour of the Ilobu born army general.

The state government also directed that flags be flown at half-mast during this period.

Adeleke, who was accompanied by the Commissioner for Federal Affairs, Nike Adeleke, was received by the widow of the late General, Mrs Mariya Lagbaja, and senior army officers.

The Governor signed the condolence register, paying glowing tribute to the deceased, whom he described as “a great son of Nigeria and Osun State.”

A prayer session was held, with the Governor pledging full state support for the burial programme and continued support for the family thereafter.

Bayelsa: My People Have No Power For 90 Days- Gov

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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November 9, 2024

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Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa says the destruction of power infrastructure by vandals in the state has paralyzed electricity in the oil rich state for three months.

For more than 90 days, the people of the state have been denied electricity, the governor said on Friday at the Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE event in the state.

The governors informed the Editors that the state’s experience was similar to what happened in the northern part of the country recently where vandals destroyed power platforms. While power has been restored to the north, the governor said the state is still reeling in total darkness due to the power outage.

Recall that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently ordered the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, to restore electricity to the north following months of power outage due to vandalisation by bandits.

Governor Diri said in the past it’s difficult by state government to resolve major electricity problems because power was under Exclusive Legislative List, noting that the recent amendment to the law has empowered states to invest in power, adding that the state will soon own its power generation through turbines.

He said the state will leverage on the abundance of natural gas to bulit its own power turbines.

Diri: “I just want to let you know maybe you are in hotels where you have power. Bayelsa has been without power for the past three months. The hotels have light, so you may not know that the people of this state have been living without power for the past three months.

“The reason was that electrical installations of the Transmission Company of Nigeria were vandalized by criminals. After that vandalization, the state has remained in darkness till today. The other one that happened in the North was also a similar thing to this one, but we heard power has been restored in the North.

“But in our state here, for three months and still counting, there is no electricity and we are working hand in gloves with the Transmission Company of Nigeria. As you are all aware, energy was is under the exclusive list, particularly transmission. It is only with the coming of Mr. President that he liberalized it and signed into the law that now allows state governments to generate and distribute energy.

“For us as a state, we are very rich in gas, even more than oil. Now we are working with the TCN to restore the National Grid but we will not stop it there. We have now moved beyond that to see how we can have our own independent power supply through the gas turbines.”

Edo Gov Obaseki Bids Commissioners Farewell, Dissolves Exco

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Ayodele Oni

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November 9, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

Ahead of the hand over to his successor, the outgoing Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has dissolved his cabinet.

The inauguration of the new administration takes place next week, November 12, 2024, with the swearing-in of Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress, (APC).

Obaseki dissolved his cabinet, five days to the end of his eight years of two tenures as governor of the state.

He dissolution took place, shortly after a valedictory session held at the Government House, Benin City.

The motion for the dissolution was moved by the Deputy Governor, Godwins Omobayo and was seconded by the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Osilama Okuofu.

At the valedictory session, the governor commended members of the State Executive Council for helping him in driving his government’s vision of making Edo great again, delivering on all promises made to the people.

He also commended the people of the state for supporting, praying and collaborating with his administration, which led to the successes and achievements recorded by his government across various sectors of the state over the last eight years.

The executives and members of cabinet, who took turns to eulogize the governor, however, acknowledged his achievements in education, economy, agriculture, power, infrastructure, among others.

The executive members also commended the governor for the opportunity given to them to serve the people of the state in their various capacities.

They expressed their satisfaction with the impacts of the government’s reforms and projects over the last eight years, improving the lives of Edo people and bringing growth and development to the people of the State as the State has become a model for other states across the nation.

The outgoing Commissioners and Heads of Ministries Departments and Agencies, (MDAs), also took turns to present awards and gifts to honour the governor for his sterling leadership in the last few years.

The valedictory session for the outgoing state executive council climaxed with a dinner in honour of the State Governor.

Electricity Bill: Kano Disco Did Not Disobey Adelabu, Minister of Power

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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November 9, 2024

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The Kano Electricity Distribution Company, KEDC has denied reports that it ignored the directive of the Minister of Power, Adedayo Adelabu not to bill customers for the 10 days of power outage in the state.

For 10 days, last month, between October 21 and 30, the disco failed to supply power to its customers following which the minister made the order that customers should not be billed for the period.

Rumours however filtered in that KEDC did otherwise.

Reacting, KEDC in a statement on Friday said the report that it disobeyed the minister is untrue, stressing that no customer was billed for the period of power cut.

The statement signed by the company’s

Head, Corporate Communications Unit, Sani Sani, said the electricity bills shared to customers were for the month of September, adding that nothing was done to undermine the minister.

Part of the statement: “KEDCO’s attention has been drawn to a publication by AREWA Punch Report, suggesting that the company has defied the Minister of Power’s directives on customer disconnections,” the statement read.

“The company has not defied any directives from the Minister following the outage that caused a total blackout in parts of the north from 4:57 a.m. on 21st October to 4:56 pm on 30th October 2024.

“The electricity bills currently being collected are for September’s consumption, which were distributed in October. Therefore, customers who have not paid these bills are being disconnected.

“The Honourable Minister of Power only stated that customers will not be billed for the outage period, from 21st October to 30th October. KEDCO will ensure that customers are not billed for this period, and this will be reflected in this month’s (November) bills.”

Japa Setback: Canada Cancels 10-yr Multiple Visa For Nigerians

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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November 9, 2024

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The Canadian government says it has cancelled the automatic 10-year multiple-entry visa for Nigerians and other foreign citizens.

The development followed a decision by the government in October to reduce permanent residency for immigrants from 500,000 to 395,000 in 2025.

The government said the reason why it earlier adopted the policy, which is increase skilled workers into the country post COVID is no longer necessary.

The country’s authority said it experienced the surge of immigrants after adopting the policy, which allowed holders to enter and leave Canada freely.

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, IRCC, said “Guidance has been updated to indicate that multiple-entry visas issued to maximum validity are no longer considered to be the standard document.”

IRC said immigration officers have now been granted the discretion to decide between issuing single-entry or multiple-entry visas and to determine their validity periods.

Meanwhile, experts familiar with immigration issues said this is a big set back for Nigerians and other African immigrants planning to relocate abroad in search of greener pastures.

This is because Canada has recently become the target of not a few Nigerians after some European nations tightened their immigration policies.