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IPOB Counters Governor Soludo, Insist Kanu’s Release Key To Peace In South East

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Nnamdi-Kanu - IPOB Leader

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, on Monday, December 30, 2024, insisted that only the unconditional release from detention of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu ,will usher in a lasting peace in the South East region.

The Source reports that since 2021 when Kanu was arrested and detained by the Federal Government, the security situation in the South East, has worsened with spate of violence, destruction of private and public properties and wanton killings of innocent people rocking the region.

Not a few have tended to blame   the unmitigated security challenges in the region on the continued incarceration and trial of the IPOB’s leader.

Equally, many have argued that his unconditional release will serve as a soothing balm as well as enable security agencies to effectively isolate the genuine members of the group from the hoodlums who have been building a huge capital out of  the situation.

But speaking during an interactive session with the media at the  Anambra state Government House Awka on December 17, 2024,Governor Charles Soludo expressed strong reservations over the possibility of Kanu’s release halting the security challenges in the South East.

He premised his position on the fears that the struggle, as enunciated by Kanu, has long been appropriated by some unscrupulous elements who use same for commercial purposes.

The Anambra State Governor, was of the opinion that the Biafra movement have been hijacked, with the  hijackers not ready to let go ,even with the release of the founder/leader ,owing to the huge industry it has turned out to be for them.

But in a statement issued on Monday by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, IPOB faulted Governor Soludo’s position, describing it as a mere conspiracy theory, which aligns perfectly with the thinking of the Nigerian establishment.

However, the group expressed deep concern over the sudden somersault of Governor Soludo, given his earlier and well- documented view that Kanu’s release will halt the mindless killings and general insecurity that pervade the South East .

“It has come to the attention of the noble family of the IPOB , that His Excellency, Governor Chukwuma Soludo, recently made a public utterance to the effect that the release of our leader,

Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,  may not end insecurity in the South East.

“With this statement, the Governor appears to be pitching his tent firmly with those politicians who are against the release of our leader which not only defies logic, given the Governor’s antecedents in calling for his release, but is equally counterintuitive .

“If we are led to believe, as the Governor inferred, that those allegedly perpetuating insecurity in our blessed land are doing so on the purport that they want Kanu released, would it not make sense, therefore, to seek his release and in so doing ,call the bluff of these misguided individuals or at very least deny them any cover or legitimacy.

“That is why the statement made by Governor Soludo can be misread and misunderstood as conflicting with common sense.

“Suppose criminals are hiding under the name of Kanu and IPOB to commit any offence, in that case, common sense dictates that if he is released, nobody would hide under his name or that of IPOB to commit any crime or do anything untoward .

“Any criminal or criminals hiding under his name will be flushed out or be exposed and those operating in their own name will be driven out of our land.

“We thought that this approach was in line with the much touted non-kinetic initiative championed by the Governor himself.

“Why then did the Governor deviate and start sounding like a propagandist or spokesman for the Nigerian Army, that institution that is always looking for justification  to kill or incarcerate yet more innocent Igbo young men and women”, part of the IPOB statement reads.

Tax Reforms Bills: “Withdraw Your Threat”, Presidency, Urges Bauchi Government

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Bala Mohammed - Governor of Bauchi State
Governor Bala Mohammad

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Presidency, on Monday December 30, 2024, strongly rejected Governor Bala  Mohammed’s  strong negative position on the controversial tax reforms bills

This is even as it called on the Bauchi State Governor to urgently retract his inflammatory and vexatious comments on the proposed legislation.

The Source reports that the Governor had, on Tuesday, December 26, 2024, while addressing the Christian community on a Christmas visit to the Bauchi Government House, berated not just the tax reforms bills, but President Bola Tinubu over his seemingly arrogant disposition towards  the issue .

He called on the President to respect the feelings and positions of the North who are not comfortable with the tax reforms proposal .

He warned that the Region may be forced to confront the President, head- on, should he continue to push for the passage of the bills, presently before the National Assembly.

The North has insisted that the proposed piece of tax legislation is not in its economic interests, and has so far mounted unrelenting campaign against its passage.

But in a statement on Monday, Presidential Adviser on Public Communication, Sunday Dare, faulted the position of Governor Mohammed who is also the Chairman of the Forum of Peoples  Democratic Party, PDP, Governors in the country

He insisted that the position does not, in any way, reflect the true position of the majority of the Northerners ,as regards the tax reforms bill .

Writing on his official site the Presidential Aide, urged the Bauchi Governor to  cease threatening the President with anarchy .

“I urge him ( Governor Mohammed) to retract these confrontational remarks and redirect his focus towards productive dialogue with the FG regarding any concerns about the Tax Reforms Bill.

:This unfortunate statement does not represent the collective voice of Northern Nigeria.

“The North, like other regions, seeks collaborative governance and constructive engagement with the Federal Government to address our nation’s challenges.

“Rather than issuing threats, his energy might be better directed towards implementing effective poverty alleviation programmes and ensuring transparent utilization of these Federal resources (N144 billion received from FG) .

“The Tax Reforms Bill and increased Federal Allocations significantly benefit the states.”

“His statement, ‘we will show President Tinubu our true colour’ is particularly concerning and does not reflect the constructive dialogue needed between the state and FG .

“It bears noting that Bauchi state has received N144 billion (State and LGA ) in Federal Allocations under the current administration- a significant increase from previous disbursements .

“Yet his State continues to grapple with serious developmental challenges and high poverty rates

“As a State Governor, he is called to exemplify statesmanship and work towards national cohesion”, the Presidential Aide noted.

Dare ,also emphasized the expected gains ,Bauchi and others states stand to reap from the proposed tax reforms bills ..

According to him, the bill, if passed has the potentials to alleviate most of the burdens on the State’s small and medium scale enterprises which in turn will boost economic growth and development.

The Presidential aide, therefore, urged Governor Mohammed and others to rather build bridges of understanding and cooperation instead of unnecessary confrontations .

“The path forward lies not in confrontation ,but in collaboration, not in threats, but in thoughtful engagement and certainly not in divisive statements ,but in unified action towards our shared goals of development and progress.

“This is the true leadership Nigeria needs – one that builds  bridges ,not barriers, and prioritizes the collective good over individual or regional interests” Dare wrote .

Ondo Government Tackles Akeredolu’s Family, Says It Cannot Dictate How To Immortalize Late Gov

By
Ayodele Oni
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Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu and Lucky Aiyedatiwa

By Ayodele Oni

The brickbats between the Ondo State Government and late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s family continued as Babajide, son of the late Governor flayed the naming of an uncompleted project after his father.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had last week laid the foundation stone of a new High Court Complex in Akure and dedicated it to the memory of the late Governor.

But Babajide said what the family wants is that Aiyedatiwa should complete all projects started by his father if the Governor genuinely wants to honour him.

In a statement on Monday, in Akure,  Babajide Akeredolu also described as “lack of courtesy and respect” on the part of State Government to organize a memorial lecture for his father without involving any member of the Akeredolu family.

The Statement reads, “It is important to state unequivocally that Governor Aiyedatiwa was aware of the Akeredolu family’s plans for the remembrance.

“My uncle and head of the Akeredolu family, Prof. Wole Akeredolu, personally informed the governor at his monthly praise night in November at the Dome in Akure. The governor acknowledged this and affirmed that the state government would be a part of the event.

“Furthermore, an official invitation letter was delivered to the Director of Protocol, Government House, Mr. George Asonja.

“The letter was duly received and acknowledged. At no point did the governor or his representatives indicate any conflicting plans or suggest that the state government intended to organise a separate event.

“It was, therefore, both shocking and deeply disappointing to learn about the state-organised event through social media, just three days before it was held.

“Even more disappointing was that no member of the Akeredolu family was invited to this event. This lack of courtesy and respect is unheard of and unbecoming, especially for an event meant to honour the memory of a former governor and patriarch.

“While we recognise that the state government has the prerogative to organise such events, basic decency and protocol demand that the family of the deceased be informed and included. This glaring oversight leads one to question if it was intentional mischief or based on erroneous advice from the governor’s aides.

“We acknowledge and commend Governor Aiyedatiwa for performing the groundbreaking ceremony for the proposed Judicial Complex, a project initiated by Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

“As a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a passionate advocate for the judiciary, this project was dear to his heart. However, the current politics surrounding the project are glaring. Naming a project after someone before its completion is both premature and insincere.

“True immortality lies in completing the project and ensuring its functionality. If the governor is genuinely committed to honoring Arakunrin Akeredolu’s legacy, he must demonstrate this through actions, not empty gestures.”

Listing some uncompleted projects to be attended to by the present administration, Babajide, stated that “Ondo State, the minimum wage table is short of what was promised and announced by the governor. Even after the approval of the table, Mr.  Governor still directed further reduction of the amount again. This is not Akeredolu’s legacy to the civil service.

“Resolve the issue of unpaid deductions, and the lack of funding for ministries and parastatals.

“These are the meaningful ways to honour Arakunrin Akeredolu’s legacy. His love for Ondo State and its people must not be diminished by retrogressive policies or political gimmicks.

“Governor Aiyedatiwa must halt the vindictive and divisive acts of punishing or ostracizing anyone associated with Arakunrin Akeredolu.

“True loyalty and respect for the late governor cannot coexist with disdain for his policies, family, or vision. It is hypocritical and unbecoming of leadership that claims to want to honour the legacy of its predecessor every time the opportunity presents itself.”

However, a top government official who pleaded anonymity reacted to Babajide’s claims, saying: “While a detailed response may be given on this, let me quickly say that Babajide cannot dictate to the Ondo State Government how it would honour a former Governor. Akeredolu was more than a family man, he was an elected leader of the State.

“The State Government played its role in the events organised in Owo by the family where the Deputy Governor represented the Governor. The preparation for the Lecture event in Akure had commenced before the invitation for the Owo events was delivered to the State Government.

“The condescending tone of Babajide in his statement over the unavailability of the Governor at the family events shows his lack of respect for the office of the Governor.

“Is Babajide unaware of the public attacks and unrestrained abuse that his mother, former First Lady, has melted on the Governor since he assumed office. Is Babajide also unaware of how his mother had embarrassed the Governor and Deputy Governor by ignoring their pleasantries at public events?

“That Babajide was privileged to hold a non-existent political office under the administration of his father does not confer on him the right to dictate how government projects and policies are handled by Governor Aiyedatiwa.

“The road projects he mentioned, including Oda road dualisation, Ijoka road dualisation and the Irese flyover, were all abandoned when he and a few others held the state to ransom and caused a needless political crisis during his father’s illness.

“All contractors handling the projects, who were not paid for job done, had been nowhere near the projects for close to two years before Governor Aiyedatiwa mobilised them back to site in February this year.

“Babajide should cure his ignorance by paying a visit to the road projects to assess the level of progress made in the last one year of the Aiyedatiwa administration. Those projects suffered under his reign as Director General of the Project Performance and Implementation Monitoring Unit, an office he used to arrogate to himself the title of a defacto Governor for three years.

“Babajide should return all government properties he took away before arrogantly making statements on how to run government.”

Governor Aiyedatiwa was late Governor Akeredolu’s Deputy. Before Akeredolu’s passing, the relationship between the two was strained. Till date, there is no lost love between the Akeredolu’s and Governor Aiyedatiwa.

“I Am Strong Enough To Rumble Unruffled” – Dele Farotimi

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Dele Farotimi

By Adesina Soyooye

A defiant Dele Farotimi has let it be known that his tango with Chief Afe Babalola is just beginning.

The activist and Lawyer was arrested in his office in Lagos by the Police, and taken to Ado Ekiti where he was placed in Police custody for a couple of days and later dragged to a Magistrate Court from where the Magistrate threw him into the Prisons pending the granting of bail.

His offence: Aare Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate  of Nigeria, petitioned the Police and claimed that Farotimi labelled and slandered him in a book he authored which dwelt on corruption in the Judiciary.

On the first day of his appearance in Court, Farotimi was surprisingly, and to the outrage of not a few Nigerians, handcuffed.

The humiliating way he was

treated, swayed huge sympathy for him with a number of high profile Nigerians, including, it was alleged, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the Roman Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, His Lordship, Hassan Kukah, intervening. Apparently, their intervention cut no ice with Babalola who insisted on his pound of flesh.

Peter Obi, Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 Presidential Election, in a bid to break the ice visited Babalola. But the ice was not broken, and Farotimi was kept in Prison for weeks.

Finally when he was granted bail on December 20, it was with stringent conditions. His international passport was seized. His bond was put at N30 millions. And he was not to grant any press interviews.

But apparently, Farotimi is not one to be caged. A couple of days ago when he spoke, he broke down, and cried. He shed near- uncontrollable tears.

Not a few people felt that his spirit has finally been broken; that his incarceration has weakened him; that he has lost his fighting spirit.

But on Sunday, in a post on X, Farotimi was defiant.  He said he was ready for war, and strong to rumble unruffled. The tears he shed on television, he put down to tears of joy; he said it was in appreciation of the support he got from Nigerians all over. And he assured that he was ready for war. He said he would fight any principalities and powers; that he was not cowed.

Titled “I’m ready for war”, Farotimi declared:

“I am strong enough to rumble unruffled against principalities and powers, but I am human enough to retain the capacity to shed tears of joy in appreciation of the grace of God, expressed in the concerted efforts of fellow victims.

“My battle axes are newly sharpened, my guns primed, I am ready to war.

“My resolve was NEVER tested, but I was waiting for next round of the fight to commence.

“I KNEW that the first round had been lost by those responsible for my imprisonment.”

And speaking on YouTube in appreciation of Nigerians who supported him, he said:

“We stopped being human because we became Nigerians. They divided us, and we fell for it. Because you would not see me as a Yoruba man, you spoke for me.

“You would not see me as a Christian, you spoke for me. Because you spoke, Nigeria could not happen to me.

“You found your voices, I became you and in our collective, we could not be silenced.”

Farotimi’s travails began with the release of his controversial book,  “Nigeria and Criminal Justice System”

OPINION: President Tinubu Elevated Scorecard – Lanre Ogundipe

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Lanre Ogundipe

By Lanre Ogundipe

I was at the brink of tears as I stayed glued to the television watching the maiden media chat of our beloved President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed and “Non-armed” Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I was impressed by the calm disposition of the President with the confidence and brilliance he exuded as he answered a barrage of questions from journalists paraded at the event. Hidden behind this self-assured mien is a seemingly troubled conscience, because he was aware his responses were at variance with the facts on ground. His responses failed to address the undercurrents. Our man just kept applying the typical bravado to give impression of being atop of the situation.
“I am not reducing my cabinet strength” was an emphatical statement. A solid proof of someone well prepared and positioned for the job. It was not the type of the political gimmick employed earlier in the contest for the coveted seat of Emilokan (it’s my turn), rather, the chat was positioned to prove that everything was cut and dry – the task, indeed, was to demonstrate governance skills and stamp that into our subconsciousness. The political craftsman deftly defended his life – suffocating reforms on which he scored himself high. No doubt, some of the reforms were well thought out and the anchormen are adjudged as round pegs in round holes. But Mr. President was far from blowing our minds when he gave his workmen hundred percent score as if everything is working fine. He cleverly downplayed the multiple impact on the already overstretched and happing populace beaten blue and black by the masses – unfriendly policy. It is apposite to argue that the political elite are insulated from the ‘sacrifice to survive’ proselytization of the President as they continue to enjoy perks of office, without batting an eyelid. But the attendant results are emotional pains endured by the defenseless citizens in addition to the economic quagmire, with no immediate remedy. Our President gloated with ease when he disclosed that he saw one of his friends who had five limousine cars and abandoned the exotic rides for Honda series. I am sure as he knows and acknowledged that it was a bad turn of events when he as our leader, cruises around with multi-billion limos with retinue of back – up vehicles and long convoy being maintained with public funds. Could that be said to be leadership by example? Yet, people must bear, people must endure and must sacrifice while those elected by their franchise move around publicly insulting sensibilities with calculated affronts, without recourse to decorum as public officers to demonstrate what they are forcing down the throat of the masses.
To a large extent, the media chat was aimed to further demonstrate that our leaders are special breed created to enjoy the life of a royalty while superintending pauperized subjects confined to misery, in a supposed attempt to clean up the stable.
Just as if to prove the President wrong, video clips of the economic affliction in the country emerged on social media showing about 2 kilometres long queue in front of the “Aso-Villa extension” in Lagos – the Bourdillion House, lined up with poverty – stricken, ‘well-dressed’ beggars angling for food handouts at the President’s home on the eve of Xmas, while our leader was busy lashing out at the organizers of the stampedes in Ibadan, Okija and Abuja, for failing to emplace adequate measures to secure and control the crowd. The Bourdillon clips reflected meticulous straight lines enforced by a retinue of law enforcement officials maintained by the public treasury over the years, and not because of astutely crafted ingenuity or organizational ability of officials, but the manipulation of state craft to massage personal ego.
One needs to ask an honest question from the. President – Are you not embarrassed with the long queues – two kilometres with more of people begging at your gate? Or do you consider it a thing of pride that your home is under siege by able bodied men and women, striped of their dignity by an unjust political-economic system? A country whose prospective productive assets are daily enlisting as scavengers, fraudsters and nuisance to the society?
Hapless and hopeless Nigerians who live their days on earth as “accursed” citizens begging for foods on Xmas eve! I wish to submit sir, that it is not normal. Rather it a national shame of immense magnitude! It is absurd as it is offensive against humanity! Palliatives have never served as remedy for instituted suffering or fertiliser to grow economy. It is rather a depressant with down-scaling implications.
Therefore, when the cabinet foot soldiers were given clean bill of health as performers, it leaves a sour taste in the mouth of an average right-thinking person. And that hangs on our commander’s neck as baggage of verifiable lies and narration of immense contestation. Mr. President, this write-up is not out to contest the validity of your submission but to point out the dark spots on government policies that require deliberate effort to reduce hardship and handouts dependency by “commoners”, on the elites in the society. These are the home truths that can stand your “renewed hope” slogan in good stead. Of course, truth is usually a difficult medicine to swallow. As a team leader, your failure to acknowledge your administration’s shortcomings, is tantamount to grandiose self-adulation. Deliberately sir, I avoided using the word Ministers, aides, and all of that but preferred to encapsulate all as cabinet’s foot soldiers to extend my reach even to the intelligence community and other service sectors, in my critiques. The adoption of foot soldiers seemed suitable for this discourse while some of your portfolio men and women need to be re-assessed. Some are with abysmal scorecards. Sadly, our mediamen at the parley failed in their duty to interrogate issues as diligently as required, and to situate in proper context. Instead, they allowed the window dressing to continue throughout the 60 minutes parley. They missed the privilege thrown at them by the host.
Imagine, how can it be a good day for any sensible official to say he feels good for borrowing to invest in the capital market from the excess production that we have? It has never been that bad as a nation, for a government to celebrate foreign loan to finance a project that should be financed from within? I am in a strait to understand the logic. Though I’m not an economist, elementary arithmetic allows me to know that when developed countries borrow, they often do so from within. I was made to understand that they borrow from their own currency. Though,, I’m not averse to our nation borrowing from the currency they issued. What I am unsettled with is the tendency to go borrow foreign currency to feed. This malevolent practice portends great danger to our economy and is an ominous sign of future crisis. Yes, it can be secretly done, but you don’t gleefully announce such a deal. That runs counter to good sense, if any. If someone is sick and in need of blood infusion, and friends rally round to help, you do well to appreciate them, without eulogizing it as the best day of your life.
Herein is my submission. This administration needs to run an economy in such a way that we can generate capital for ourselves. There are visible steps in this direction. Unfortunately, I think the finance anchorman looks uncoordinated. Even though he is supposed to be the coordinator of the economy, he seems not coordinated, that is by my assessment. I believe if they coordinate well and work with the human and material resources in the country, we should be able to generate wealth from within. This is the defect I observe in this government which they may find difficult to accept. Simply because they feel they are in a vintage position to understand the nuances of the economy policies.
On the average, the shift from Presidential aloof-ment to Nigerians in the last one and half year to friendly chat is a good sign that we are being engaged as joint stakeholders. Mr. President was on track when he confirmed that the fight against corruption is a difficult task. And the refrain from this is the euphoric phrase adapted from the civil war slogan of General Yakubu Gowon- “it is a task that must be done”. In his word: “corruption cannot be totally eradicated, but shall be reduced to barest minimum”. This submission is commendably forthright, as nowhere in the world is corruption wiped out completely. The best in any circumstance is to tame it. Give it to BAT, he brought on board men committed to the anti-corruption war, as the helmsmen of the two anti-graft agencies have shown they are committed to the work but the big question is, is the environment conducive for the battle with economic criminals in all shades and forms? Besides these two aforementioned anti-corruption czars, is there any indication that government leaders at every level including the President himself are genuinely committed to lead the war by unreserved support for the anti- corruption war and personal example? How about the underhand dealings still witnessed at the legislature and other critical institutions of the state?
A genuine anti corruption war should harbor no sacred cow either at the executive, legislature, or the judiciary. Corruption enablers in Nigeria have to be incapacitated and obsolete laws must be obliterated and expunged from our law books. Presidential control of anti-graft agencies constitutes an anomaly. It should be relinquished. The legal profession should be sanitised and sanctions should be served to erring lawyers seen to be circumventing justice for corruption offenders either in public or private sector. The plea bargaining is a major energizer of corruption. It needs to stop. The civil service must be told in unambiguous terms that it’s no longer business as usual.
Capital punishment must be meted in form of “Ghana and China” punitive measures. This will send jitters down the spine of those who consider the anti-corruption war a child’s play.
Energy sector is another area that deserves attention – the incessant collapse of our national grid. I often wonder how my country survives on the epileptic power supply. The generalised comments by the President that the government is cruising fine is not only a mockery of our situation but a grossly dishonest statement. How could that be related to the several industries relocating from Nigeria because of the unbearable high cost of operations while small scale businesses are winding up daily? And yet things are okay and well, says our leader and President. It is in our best interest to speak well of our country but as it were, we are yet to see the green light.
On security, I’m sure no one is interested in chasing shadows or probing any of the security chiefs. What we look forward to is a security architecture that protects lives and properties in the country. A situation where our defense budget has no significant impact on improving our security situation is highly concerning. Our dear President, we deserve and demand for a more honest and transparent governance than what you have given since assumption of office. These should really be our take home from the chat, my sincere apologies, sir.
Ogundipe, a public affairs analyst, and former President Nigerian Union of Journalists writes from Abuja.

Borno Senator, Ndume Says President Tinubu’s Administration Is Undemocratic

By
Ayodele Oni
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Senator Ali Ndume

By Ayodele Oni

The Senator representing Borno South  Mohammed Ali Ndume, has maintained that it’s no longer democratic governance under President Bola Tinubu as the administration has been ‘personalised’.

Ndume added that a government under a democratic rule is expected to be a government of the people, for the people and by the people, adding however, that this is not the case at the moment.

The former Senate Leader and Chief Whip, who stated these while speaking with Radio Deutsche Welle (DW) Hausa service, expressed concerns that in spite of his unrelenting commitment in the cause of improving the welfare of the poor people in the country, their situation remains dire, stressing that democracy has lost its essence in the country.

Ndume declared that “It worries me that despite committing myself to the cause of improving the welfare of the masses in the hope that their condition would be better, it is lamentable that this has not yet been achieved.

“We had hopes high during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari and now the present government, thinking that the sacrifices of the poor would pay off. I’m worried because I’m also a son of the poor.”

Ndume recounted how he was suspended during the 8th Senate without salary and also removed as Chief Whip in the 10th Senate for “speaking the truth”.

He accused former President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki of betraying him after rallying support for his emergence as the 8th Senate President.

“I was removed as Senate leader and later suspended for eight months without salary. It riled me up because we played a crucial role in the emergence of Saraki, as Senate President, but, he betrayed me.

“I was recently sacked as Chief Whip for speaking the truth. But, it is now a thing of the past. And as I watch, Allah in His mercy is avenging the betrayal.”

President Tinubu Excited As Warri Refinery Roars Back to Life; 125,000 Bpd Operations Underway

By
Ayodele Oni
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President Bola Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

Hight cost of fuel in the country may soon end as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) announced the resumption of operations at the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC).

It is expected that the refinery will boost the country’s oil production with 125,000 barrels per day (bpd).

This development is a significant milestone in Nigeria’s quest for energy self-sufficiency.

According to NNPCL CEO, Mele Kyari, the refinery will supply markets in the south and southwest regions of Nigeria. The WRPC, commissioned in 1978, is located at Ekpan, Uwvie, and Ubeji, Warri. 

Kyari was accompanied on the tour by Farouk Ahmen, CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

The resumption of operations at the WRPC is a welcome development, given the country’s history of refining challenges. 

Nigeria has struggled to meet its refining needs, relying heavily on imported petroleum products. However, with the WRPC back online, the country is poised to reduce its reliance on imports and boost its energy security.

The NNPCL has been working to revitalize the country’s refinery sector, with plans to engage private operators to manage and maintain its refineries. 

This move is expected to bring in much-needed expertise and investment to the sector.

President Bola Tinubu has expressed his profound joy at the re-opening of the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, describing it as another remarkable achievement in 2024 that has strengthened Nigerians’ hope in his administration.

“Today, the Warri Refinery returned to operation weeks after NNPC Limited restarted the 60,000 Barrels per day at the Port Harcourt Refinery in November.

“With Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) going into operation after several years of inactivity, President Tinubu has once again expressed his administration’s determination to ramp up local refining capacity and make Nigeria a hub for downstream industrial activities in Africa.

“The All Progressives Congress-led administration of President Muhammadu Buhari awarded the contract for the complete rehabilitation and overhaul of the four state-owned refineries.”

President Tinubu noted with confidence that with the 125,000 (bpd) Warri Refinery now operating at 60% capacity, his administration’s comprehensive plan to ensure energy efficiency and security is entirely on course. 

A statement by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser, information & strategy, stated that the president praised the Mele Kyari-led management of the NNPCL for working hard to restore Nigeria’s glory and pride as a major oil-producing country.

“The restart of Warri Refinery today brings joy and gladness to me and Nigerians. This will further strengthen the hope and confidence of Nigerians for a greater and better future that we promised. 

“This development is a remarkable way to end the year following the feat recorded earlier with the old Port Harcourt Refinery. I am equally happy that NNPC Limited is implementing my directive to restore all four refineries to good working condition.

“I congratulate Mele Kyari and his team at NNPCL for working hard to restore our national pride and make Nigeria a hub for crude oil refining in Africa.”

President Tinubu enjoined NNPCL to accelerate repair work on Kaduna Refinery and the 150,000 (bpd) second refinery in Port Harcourt to consolidate Nigeria’s position as a global energy provider.

WRPC is expected to focus on producing and storing critical products, including Straight Run Kerosene (SRK), Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and heavy and light Naphtha.

Year 2024 Challenging But Cause For Optimism In 2025 – NUJ

By
The Source
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NUJ

As the year 2024 grinds inexorably to its inevitable conclusion the Nigeria Union of Journalists is not unmindful of the challenges and difficulties experienced in 2024 by the vast majority of our citizens. 

Once asked about her thoughts on a particularly bad year for the royal family, then British Queen Elizabeth had responded soberly and sombrely that it was ‘Anno Horribilis’, a euphemism to describe the turmoil in the royal household. 

As we look into the year 2024 with some measure of hope and optimism, we are very much aware that hope and optimism, though essential for rallying and mobilizing social capital for national development, do not build nations. 

Though Nigeria has witnessed some pockets of modest strides in her national outlook over the years, considering the nature and character of the Nigerian state in the last two decades, lovers of our country and common patrimony will find it difficult to pick out a period within this time and space that will not be described as our Anno Horribillis. 

The year 2024 was a very bad representation of the equally difficult periods that citizens have had to grapple with in the last two decades, perhaps very much so. Insecurity, the phenomenal rise in the prices of petroleum products, inflation, unsold inventories in our factories, unemployment and other economic negatives all contributed to the excercabation of social tensions in the country in year 2024. The recent unfortunate deaths of over a hundred of our citizens in various parts of the country caused by the stampede to have access to food items perhaps marked the lowest point in our country’s socio-economic development.

We also cannot forget that 2024 was a particularly difficult year for journalists and the practice of journalism as the profession witnessed series of attacks and harassments from state and non-state actors. 

As we move gradually into 2025, we hope that our political elites, especially those saddled with governance at all levels will realise the importance of fully harnessing the little hope that is left in our people for national development. The NUJ is calling on the nation’s leaders to rise above the mediocrity and negative sentiments that continue to characterise the discharge of their responsibilities. 

They must, as matter of absolute priority come up with a proper elitist consensus on a national ethos for governance and development. But this must be driven by the Nigerian people who have the potential to become a much stronger political force capable of eschewing those divisive elements that place us in ethnic, religious, and geo-political categories. Nigerians have proven that they can operate and interact better among themselves without these parochial cleavages and proclivities.

Nations are built on the back of policies that have undergone proper rigour during the period of formulation and laced with practical consideration for the welfare of the people. Afterall, the sole purpose of government and governance is the welfare of the people. Any government that continuously fails to address the basic welfare and problems of the people will only create problems for itself and excercebate social tensions. 

As Nigerians, we have the potential to make 2025 better than the preceding year. As journalists, we have the mandate to hold our politicians accountable in a manner that is just, bold, and equally accountable. 

The Nigeria Union of Journalists wishes Nigerians a brighter, optimistic and prosperous 2025.

Achike Chude
National Secretary.
Nigeria Union of Journalists.

Lagos To Conduct LG Election In 20 LGs, 37 LCDAs In 2025

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Independent National Electoral Commission - INEC

By Akinwale Kasali 

Lagos State has announced that it will conduct the coming Local Government Elections in the state into the 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas in the State.

This development was confirmed on Sunday, 29 December, 2024 in a press statement signed by the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi.

Before now, political posters had flocked the State, as apprehension and anxiety crept into the state political system over the fate of the 37 LCDAs created by then Governor of the State, now President of the country, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the Supreme Court judgement which gave autonomy to the Local Government in the country.

This was laid to rest on Sunday, 29, December, 2024 by Ojelabi.

Ojelabi said in the statement that, “in recent times, the leadership of APC in Lagos State has been inundated by the media, party members and other stakeholders on information about the conduct of the forthcoming Local Government elections, especially if elections will hold in the 37 Local Council Development Areas – LCDAs, it has become expedient to clear the air on the needless and distractive speculation.

“We wish to inform all and sundry that the Local Government elections will hold across the state in the 20 Local Government Councils and the 37 Local Council Development Areas in the year 2025.

“Since their creation, the Local Council Development Areas have not only been the closest to the grassroots but also brought the desired developments across the state.

“We observed with keen interest the recent debates on the desirability of the existence of the LCDAs and the need to hold elections in their political offices.

“Our position as a progressive party is that we cannot discountenance the contributions of the LCDAs to the overall political and socio-economic development of the state.

“Our landscape is dotted by several infrastructural projects by the LCDAs which include road , drainage and market construction , school and housing projects, primary education and health facilities and various social service interventions etc.

“The various collaborative efforts with the state government on refuse disposal, drain clearing and security are also pointers to their continuous relevance.

“We hope this release will put paid to further speculations as regards the local government elections in order not to unnecessarily heat up the polity.

“Meanwhile, we implore our members and all Lagosians to continue to coexist peacefully as we all strive to maintain the leading position of our State in the federation”.

Gunmen Kidnap Two Indigenous Adamawa Clergies

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0
Gunmen - Kidnappers

By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

The Adamawa State Police Command ,has assured that plans are underway to ensure the safe rescue of two indigenous Christian clerics believed to have been abducted by gunmen .

The kidnap Priests, Rev James Kwaywang and Rev Ishaku are officiating Ministers of Church of Brethen in Nigeria, an indigenous denomination otherwise known as Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa A Nigeria, EYN.

Reacting to the development on Monday December, 30, 2024, the spokesperson for the State Police Command ,Suleiman Nguroge, informed that the two clergymen were abducted on Sunday night December 29, in Mbila-Malibu, Song local council of Adamawa State, where they are officiating ministers of EYN Church .

Nguroje noted that the Police Command, has deployed operatives to rescue the victims as well as track down the perpetrators .

He, however, appealed for the provision of credible information from the members of the public ,to assist security agencies in their task .

President of the EYN, Rev Daniel Mbaya ,also, while calling for prayers from concerned Nigerians, urged Security Agencies to move in swiftly to free the kidnapped priests.

“We call on all Nigerians ,and the entire EYN Community to join us in prayers for the safe and speedy release of the two men of God .

“This incident has sent shockwaves through out the EYN community and we request your prayers and support at this difficult time”, the Church leader said .

As at the time of reporting, the suspected abductors, were yet to establish any contact either with the Church or the families of the victims.

The Source reports that the adoption is coming on the heels of the arrest of three members of a deadly gang- Shila Boys – early Sunday morning while ambushing and robbing Church goers .

A statement issued by Nguroge, said two members of the group ,however, escaped ,.

Adamawa State is one of the North East States ,which have been ravaged by the activities of terrorists and other criminal elements in the past couple of years .

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