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IPAC Puts Cross River Govt On Alert Over Conduct Of LG Poll, Threatens To Stop Councils’ Allocation

September 13, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Cross River State Chapter of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) is towing the Supreme Court position which ordered Local Governments in the Country to democratize or have their monthly allocation seized.

The State Chapter of IPAC has threatened Governor Bassey Otu to conduct Local Government Elections before December 2024 or risk possible ban on the Councils’ funds.

The body maintained that failure by the Cross River State Government to do the needful would warrant it approaching the Federal Government and taking all necessary steps to stop the Federation monthly allocations coming to local governments in the state.

IPAC, which issued the ultimatum on Friday at a press conference addressed by its State Chairman, Engineer Effiom Edet, challenged the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC) to also publish the election timetable without further delay.

Accusing Governor Otu of seeming lukewarmness in assenting to the Cross River State Electoral Commission (CROSIEC) bill, IPAC said such attitude represents danger signals in the process of planning for the smooth conduct of the Councils’ polls.

The CROSIEC Bill was recently passed by the State House of Assembly, amending the existing law regulating the conduct of Councils’ elections in the State.

According to Cross River State IPAC Chairman, the governor’s delay in signing the bill into law is tantamount to the fact that the ruling All progressive Congress (APC) has sinister motives under their sleeves.

He said on the strength of recent Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy, “IPAC demands that the governor conducts the long awaited local government elections before the end of December, 2024.

“Failure to conduct the election promptly, the Council will not hesitate to ask the federal government to stop sending allocation to the 18 local government areas in the state.”

Engineer Edet, who was accompanied to the briefing by majority of opposition Parties’ Chairmen said; “Failure to hold local government elections in the state before the end of the year would amount to a clarion call for action.”

He maintained that IPAC is keeping close tap on the State government actions, and praised the State House of Assembly and CROSIEC for living up to expectations with regard toward ensuring that the local government elections holds as planned.

For the body, all said and done, it also behooves on CROSIEC to “conduct of a free, fair, transparent, credible and peaceful local government elections in the state.”

Gombe Donates N50million To Support Victims of Terror Attack, Flood Disaster in Yobe State

Akinwale Kasali

September 13, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

In a gesture of solidarity and compassion, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, have sent a high level delegation led by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Jatau, to Yobe State to convey the heartfelt condolences and support of the Government and the people of Gombe State

The State donated ₦50 million to aid victims of the recent terror attack in Mafa, Tarmuwa Local Government and the devastating flood disaster in Yobe State.

Jatau, who spoke on behalf of his principal, Governor Yahaya, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident in the community, calling it both sad and unfortunate.

“We stand with you in this moment of grief, as you face the double tragedy of the attack on Mafa community and the devastating floods that claimed lives and destroyed homes and farmlands across the state,” he stated.

He said the N50 million donation is to aid the State Government in providing the much-needed assistance to the affected victims.

Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, while receiving the delegation, expressed profound appreciation for the support.

He described the visit as a demonstration of a strong bond of brotherhood and love between Gombe and Yobe States.

He emphasized that while the financial aid will significantly help the victims, the act of solidarity and care in such trying times will be remembered as a remarkable show of unity between the two neighbouring states.

Governor Buni noted that the donation and the visit are not only a source of immediate relief but also a lasting symbol of the friendship and cooperation between the people of Gombe and Yobe.

The Gombe delegation included Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Abubakar Mohammed Luggarewo, Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, Commissioner for Finance & Economic Development, Muhammad Gambo Magaji, Commissioner for Local Government & Community Development, Abdulkadir Mohammed Warizi, Commissioner for Internal Security & Home Affairs, Lt. Col. Abdullahi Bello (Rtd.), Hon. Nasiru Abdulkareem, representing Dukku North Constituency in the Gombe State House of Assembly, and the Executive Secretary of Gombe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Abdullahi Haruna Abdullahi.

Uwazurike Says Biafra Has Come Of Age, Tackles Simon Ekpa

Akinwale Kasali

September 13, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Ralph Uwazurike, Founder of the Movement for the Actualization Of Biafra, MASSOB, has labeled Simon Ekpa, the self acclaimed Prime Minister of Biafra as a confusionist.

Uwazurike described the Finland-based Ekpa as being on exile, and not in anyway fighting for the independence of Biafra.

Uwazurike said that there is no way Ekpa can be called Biafra Prime Minister, when he preaches violence and have lost touch with the situation at home.

Speaking at the 25th anniversary of the MASSOB/BIM in Aba, Abia State, Uwazuruike who was represented by the new “Biafran Prime Minister”, Ezinne Uwaezuoke David, insisted that the Independence of Biafra can only be achieved through a non-violence approach which MASSOB / BIM has been advocating since September 13, 1999.

He said; “Simon Ekpa said he is the Prime Minister of Bịafra in exile. That’s his way of seeing things. However, we believe that one must start from home to be good before going out there in diaspora. Whatever he is doing outside, remains an outside something until he returns home. When you stay home to do whatever you are doing or saying, people will know you are serious and you have a stake in the nation you are trying to build. He’s alone in exile, but I’m at home just as UNPO approved.”

Speaking on the proliferation of pro-Biafra groups, Uwazuruike assured that the groups would soon come together because the independence of Biafra is at hand.

“Today is a special day. A day that the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Bịafra, MASSOB, was founded. There will be no more shedding of blood, there’ll be no more shooting of guns or any form of violence in our land again because what we are doing is a non-violent agitation. Human life is precious and we have moved away from anything that will cause us more issues in Bịafra land. We thank God that after 25 years, we are now at the end of the struggle. We have the recognition of the United Nations People’s Organization, UNPO. If this journey is not recognized by the UNPO, it would not have been successful. A child born 25 years ago, is an adult today. The issue of proliferation is not a problem. I know that each of them will return home back to their father soon.

“I know it very well that we’ve gotten to our destination. We’re waiting for the day of the celebration. We are Biafrans and we know we have gotten to where we are going. You can see today, nobody is being shot or killed as it used to be. From what you are seeing today, victory is here. God know the date and we are relying on that. Everything is about stages. We’ve crossed that stage of open space awareness/ demonstration. We have done that and we have concluded on that. We have moved to another level. What we are into now is that people now look to us for better ideas. We are grown, all regions are celebrating today in Bịafra land and we chose not to go back to a level we have already crossed. We cannot be running up and down in such a manner anymore, but we are on a different level.

“Our agitation is non-violent and everybody knows it. However, in a family, all children will not have the same character. Therefore, we are not surprised to see people who are either recalcitrant or doing the unacceptable.

“However, we know that all those things will stop by the grace of God. All those groups are pro-Bịafra groups, but we will keep urging them all to see reasons to come together and recall where we are all coming from.”

Edo Governorship Election: “Violence Is Part And Parcel Of PDP” – APC

Suleiman Anyalewechi

September 13, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The All Progressive Congress, APC, on Friday, September, 13, 2024 said that it was no surprise that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, refused to commit to the pre- September 21 off-circle gubernatorial election peace pact in Edo state .

The Source reports that the ruling PDP had, on Wednesday, September 11, refused to sign the peace pact midwifed for all participating political parties in the Edo election by the General Abdulsalami Abubakar-led Committee.

Godwin Obaseki, Edo State Governor, alleged bias by the security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, as a major reason why the PDP and its Candidate shunned the peace pact.

The Governor has remained adamant in his accusations of the Police and the electoral umpire harbouring plans to manipulate the election in favour of the APC.

Instructively, out of the about 17 political parties participating in the election, only the PDP refused to sign the peace accord.

But the APC has insisted that the refusal of the PDP to sign the pact is a confirmation of its violence trajectories in the political atmosphere of the Country.

In a statement on Friday, Prince Kasim Afegbua, Spokesperson for the APC campaign Council, accused the PDP of trying to reap undue political advantage from its position as the ruling party

” The PDP’s refusal to sign the peace accord is not a surprise because they are known for violence, harassment, threat and intimidation.

“They want to abuse the privilege of being the party in power in the state. But we are not deterred at all. We have the capacity to look them in the face, eyeball to eyeball

“Governor Obaseki cannot be an advocate of violence and be complaining about Nigeria police doing their legitimate responsibilities.

“The PDP knows they have failed already, that is why they are clutching at flotsam to remain afloat. We are used to their pranks. On the 21st of September, we will root them out of Edo state ” Afegbua stated.

Local Government Election: Kano Reviews Downwards Nomination Fees As Opposition APC Confirms Participation

Suleiman Anyalewechi

September 13, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kano State Independent Electoral Commission, KANSIEC, on Friday September 13, 2024, announced that it has reduced nomination fees for aspirants for the October 24, local Council Polls .

This is is even as the leading opposition party in the State, the All Progressive Congress, APC, said it is fully ready to participate in the election.

The Source reports that the Prof Sani Malumfashi-led KANSIEC, had, about three weeks ago, initially pegged the chairmanship nomination fee at N10 million, while the sum of N5 million was to be paid by councilorship aspirants.

But following a restraining order obtained by three Political Parties against the price tag, the Commission, informed that the Chairmanship slot will now go for N9 million, while Councilorship aspirants will pay N4 million, rather than the earlier N5 million.

The three political parties had approached the Court praying that the fees which they considered to be exorbitant be reviewed downwards.

They had insisted that the amount so fixed by the KANSIEC will disenfranchise interested persons, particularly, from the opposition parties who may not have any means of raising the high nomination fees.

Addressing the Media on Friday in Kano, Prof Malumfashi stressed that although the Commission has the legal authority to fix the nomination fees, it has to comply with the restraining order from the Court.

The KANSIEC Chairman, noted that as a law abiding entity, it has to obey, despite having appealed against the restraining order.

This is just as he lauded the decision of the APC to participate in the Local Council Election.

According to Prof Malumfashi, the decision by the leading opposition APC to participate is a welcome development which ,also, underscores the opposition party’s confidence in the abilities of the Commission to deliver a free and fair polls.

Confirming the participation of the APC, in the election being midwifed by the Kano State Government-led New Nigeria Peoples Party NNPP, Prince Abdullahi Abbas, the APC Chairman in the State expressed the optimism that it will emerge victorious.

According to him, Kano State has always been the bastion of progressive politics and, with the philosophy and deep rooted nature of the APC in the State, he said victory is assured.

He, however, emphasized the need for a level playing ground for all parties.

“We are committed to ensuring full compliance with all electoral laws to ensure a peaceful conduct of the election..

“But all we are saying is let the State Independent Electoral Commission, provide a level playing ground for a smooth implementation of the electoral process during the October 24 Local Government election.

“We are mobilizing our teeming supporters across the 44 Local Government Areas of the state.

“We are doing everything humanly possible to ensure we participate in the election”, the APC chairman stated.

He further informed that the party will soon be conducting primaries to elect its candidates for the polls.

The Kano State Local Council Election was originally planned to hold on November 30, 2024, but had to be brought forward to October 24.

Prof Malumfashi cited the need to align the Election with the Supreme Court order, which had scheduled end of October as the commencement date for the June 20 ,2024 verdict on Local Government autonomy.

Ondo Owes Settlers Of Ago Ireti Leprosium Nine Months Stipends, Govt Says They Will Soon Be Paid

Ayodele Oni

September 13, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Members of Ago-Ireti, a settlement of people affected with leprosy in Ondo State are feeling the present economic crunch following refusal of the state government to pay their meagre N10,000 for nine months.

They have decried the state government passiveness to their plight despite series of representations.

Speaking through the Secretary of the community, Mr. Salau Adeyemi, the members said that despite the meagre payment of N10,000 per month, set during Dr. Olusegun Mimiko’s administration, the government had refused to pay their stipends since January.

“Since January, we have not received a penny from the government. We are in the 9th month already.”

“If we calculate it, it is N330 per day. The money isn’t even enough to buy a bowl of garri.”

He described the situation as unbearable, adding that foodstuff sellers were now unwilling to give credit to them.

“Our people are suffering; they have collected foodstuffs on credit. Those sellers can’t give them on credit anymore. The government should please pity us.”

Mr. Salau explained that in an attempt to resolve the unpaid salaries, the workers met with the Deputy Governor, who promised the state would hasten the payment once the governor was available. However, the promise is yet to be fulfilled.

He said, “The deputy governor was merciful; he gave us the sum of N680,000 from his pocket.

“He told us that when the governor is around, he would hasten the payment, but it seems the governor himself doesn’t take us seriously.”

The members of the settlement, who have families to cater for, pleaded with the state government to expedite the payment of their nine months unpaid stipend.

The Commissioner for health, Dr Awolowo Banji Ajaka confirmed the non-payment by the state government assuring that efforts were ongoing to pay the outstanding stipend for the members of Ago-ireti settlement.

“That’s correct, we’ll process all the arrears, everything. You know, at a point everything was not okay and we have to process all of these things. But it’s been processed and just awaiting Mr. Governor’s approval.

“Everything will be paid. We explained to them, the Deputy Governor explained to them and gave them some stipend that time because we have partners too supporting them, there are a lot of support for them. But that’s not the excuse.

“The thing has been processed and in a few days when Mr. Governor returns, he will sign all the arrears put together, we’ll process it.”

Asked if there is plan for upward review based on economic reality, the commissioner responded in negative.

“No, no, no, no, no, no. You see, many people are even supposed to have gone to their different homes. You know, we’ve not been having any new disability and we’re not even having new cases because, you know, we are doing preventive and curative.”

APC Welcomes Threat By PDP To Boycott Edo Poll, Says Gov Obaseki Can’t Dictate Terms

Ayodele Oni

September 13, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council in Edo State has expressed confidence in the ability of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Police to conduct a hitch free election next week.

The Campaign Council, while reacting to threat by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to boycott the election, citing credibility of some of the officials, stated that the PDP cannot dictate the terms of the election.

In a statement, signed by Kassim Afegbua spokesman of APC council maintained that PDP stand was an insult to Edo people.

PDP had doubted the credibility of the INEC commissioner and Police head to superintend over a peaceful and hitch free poll.

APC statement reads “We have just been informed that Governor Obaseki just held a Press Conference where he threatened to boycott next Saturday’s Gubernatorial election, unless the State Commissioner of Police and the Resident Electoral Commissioner are removed from office.

“These requests of Governor Obaseki are rogue, ludicrous, ridiculous, self- serving, egocentric and palpably insulting to the good people of Edo State.

“It is laughable that Governor Obaseki, who is not a candidate in this election, is seeking to pick and choose the terms of the election: he is trying to be clever by half, in his delusion that he can choose his own referee to officiate in a contest that will field his godson, Asue Ighodalo.

“We wish to state unequivocally and in round terms, that the Edo people have sturdy and unwavering confidence in the Resident Electoral Commissioner, and ditto for the Commissioner of Police.

“They are doing well to ensure that the election of 21st September, is hitch-free, fair, and credible. We wish to commend these officers for their work thus far, and for their ability to withstand the pressures of Governor Obaseki, who we are reliably informed, has tried unremittingly to influence these officers to do his selfish bidding, without any luck.

“His latest threat is borne out of frustration and disaffection. Most probably, he has forgotten the meaning of “NO,” hence his threat to go apostate.

“We commend the Inspector General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, for taking the bold decision to disband the Edo Security Network, which has operated like a killer Squad in the State.

“We reiterate hereby, that we are for peaceful, free, and fair election conduct. All the candidates have traversed the length and breadth of the State, and it is clear that the APC’s Senator Monday Okpebholo is the people’s choice!!

“We recognize the root of Governor Obaseki’s scratch side gambit, explicated above, hence his uninspiring attempt to blackmail the REC and the Commissioner of Police; he thinks he is a juggernaut; he will meet the rock of Gibraltar.

“We welcome the PDP’s planned boycott of 21st September Gubernatorial election, and hope that it counts against them. We call on all our members to exercise pacific comportment, as we look forward to the election, and victory of the APC.

“Nobody need be perturbed by the shallow argument of Governor Obaseki and his godson; they are just trying to create self-serving rules for themselves-other possible options [OPO].

“Elections are not a do or die affair, but a process of choosing who will make Edo State great!!! We are assured of victory, Deo Volente; in the election and in governance. If Governor Obaseki and his party, the PDP, renege on their threat to boycott this election, we will conclude that they are mere lilliputian politicians, gallivanting in the wheel of failure, without balls.”

“Tinubu Doesn’t Have Enough Money To Buy Petrol” – Minister; It’s Not True – Nigerians

Tosin Olatokunbo

September 13, 2024

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu doesn’t “get enough money to buy fuel” when he wants to go out, due to the high cost of petrol, the Mnister of Labour and Employment, Nkeruka Onyejeocha, has said..

The minister made the disclosure at a Town Hall engagement with organised labour and employers in Abuja, on Friday.

According to her, President Tinubu, like other Nigerians is also suffering the pains brought by the hike in the price of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS also known as petrol

Not a few Nigerians have lamented the hardship they are currently facing following the increase in the price of petrol to N900 per litre by the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL.

The ripple effects of the hike on essential goods and consumables for the masses have been unimaginable, according to people who spoke on the issue.

But, according to the minister, they are not alone in this as Tinubu is also grappling with the same problem.

Onyejeocha said: ” The President is aware of the hardship that the increase in petrol pump price has melted to Nigerians in the last few days.

“It has brought hardship even to himself. The President is a human being. Let me tell you how it affects him; when he comes out there are no vehicles and sometimes they don’t get enough money to buy fuel. It affects everyone to be honest.

“So I plead with all of us to show more understanding and know that when one is down everybody is down. There is nobody that is affected and that is why we should all put our hands and our heads, everything together under one roof to find a way forward that will bring in meaningful result to the nation. I pray you show more understanding.”

Meanwhile, sources familiar with how the Presidency works told the magazine that the minister’s claim may not be totally correct.

According to them, Presidential officials don’t buy fuel, they have fuel bunks in the villa where they collect petrol for their vehicles for daily operations.

Fuel used in government houses across the country are paid for from the public purse, according to sources.

“This is what obtains in all the Government Houses in the country, including Aso Villa. So, President Tinubu does not have to buy for his daily movement,” a source in the Villa said on Friday.

This is one of the official lies by this government to make Nigerians accept the wanton increase in the price of petrol, hook line and sinker, another source said, adding that government officials don’t necessarily feel the hardship due to the hike as they claimed.

UBA Foundation To Plant 1m Trees In 1yr

Tosin Olatokunbo

September 13, 2024

UBA Foundation Leads Africa’s Green Revolution with 2024 Tree Planting Initiative, Pledges One Million Trees in one Year

UBA Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, is positioning itself at the forefront of Africa’s green revolution, advocating for climate action and a greener future.

In a bold move to champion environmental sustainability across Africa, the UBA Foundation has embarked on the 2024 Tree Planting Campaign, with the theme: ‘Our Land: Grooming a Greener Future’, and a commitment to plant one million trees across the continent by 2025.

Giving the pledge during this year’s edition of the UBA Foundation Tree Planting for Sustainability Initiative, UBA’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, reinforced the bank’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, adding that it goes beyond the core values and focuses on the welfare of our communities and the welfare of this planet.

Speaking while flagging-off the campaign with a symbolic tree planting at the UBA Foundation Garden, Marina Lagos, he said, “We must work to save the planet, and we commit that UBA will plant one million trees across Africa by the end of 2025. Trees provide more than carbon reduction; urban trees can decrease temperature by at least 12 degrees Celsius, significantly lowering the risk of heat-related crises.

“And so, each tree we plant today contributes to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 11. The act of planting a tree is very simple; it is not sophisticated to plant a tree. It doesn’t require so much skill to plant; each and every one of us can plant trees in our homes and our working spaces, because, a healthy environment is where trees are planted.”

The GMD who explained that what Nigeria is currently witnessing in the area of flooding is a consequence of a warming plane, added, “But there is still hope. My little thing is to plant trees. So let your little thing be tree planting, and through that, we save the environment, ourselves, and our children.”

On her part, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, UBA Foundation, Bola Atta explained that the trees planted represent more than just a symbolic gesture. They are powerful agents of change in our fight against climate change.

“We want to be able to make sure that our children have a safer environment. Most of us grew up where there were trees. These trees are not just for playing; they are actually doing something significant, and we’ve lost that and built blocks around us. We want to go back to healthy living, we want to go back to a safe environment, we want to go back to scenarios where we can breathe cleaner air and where we don’t have any floods, where people are not being displaced from their environment.

Representing the General Manager Lagos State Parks and Garden Agency, Adetoun Popoola, at the event, Mrs Funto Aina, who is LASPARK’s Head Tree Planting and Maintenance, commended UBA Foundation for its drive in planting over one million trees across all its subsidiaries, adding that the initiative compliments government efforts.

She said, “What you are doing here aligns with what Lagos State Government is doing, even your theme aligns with that of Lagos State’s theme which is around nurturing the future through tree planting. We want to commend UBA Foundation and its management for partnering with LASPARK these last couple of years to ensure that the environment is conserved through several initiatives including tree planting and we encourage other corporate organisations to follow suit.”

UBA Foundation, the CSR arm of the UBA Group, is committed to the socio-economic betterment of the communities in which the bank operates, focusing on development in the areas of Education, Environment, Economic Empowerment and Special projects.

Finally, CBN Breaks NIBSS’s Monopoly

Tosin Olatokunbo

September 13, 2024

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has directed Point of Service, POS, operators to route their transactions through the Unified Payment Services Limited, UPSL, thus ending the monopoly enjoyed for years by the Nigeria Interbank Settlement System, NIBSS.

The directive is contained in a circular dated September 12, 2024 sent to Payment Service Providers, which have been directed to comply within 30 days

The development has thus created an alternative platform from the NIBSS since it was registered by the apex bank in 2011.

Recall that the CBN had in April this year licensed UPSL, in what analysts said was a move to finally create a counterpoise to the NIBSS.

With this development, the CBN said it can now conveniently track electronic transactions in the country through both NIBSS and UPSL channels.

The CBN gave POS operators to comply with the directive within 30 days.

According to the circular, “PTSAs are required to send PoS transactions to only Processors certified by the relevant Payment Scheme, nominated by the Acquirer and licensed by CBN. All licensed Processors must be integrated with both PTSAs, thereby allowing Acquirers the flexibility to choose which Processor(s) and PTSA to utilise.

“All Payment Terminal Service Providers (PTSPs) must ensure that their PoS devices and applications are configured to route transactions through any PTSA, as directed by the Acquirer. All PTSPs shall submit monthly returns to the CBN, detailing the number of merchants and agents they manage, along with the PTSA services used to route the corresponding transactions.

“Each PTSA is required to submit monthly returns to the CBN, detailing all transactions processed through their platforms. The returns mentioned above are expected to be submitted to the Director, Payments System Management Department, no later than seven days after the end of each month.”

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