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Northern Governors Flay, Lament Attack On Yobe Community

September 4, 2024

Governor Muhammad Yahaya Inuwa of Gombe State

By Ayodele Oni

The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has condemned the tragic loss of numerous lives in Mafa, Tarmuwa Local Government Area of Yobe State.

Governor Yahaya decried the heinous attack, describing it as a senseless act of violence that has caused untold grief to the affected families and communities.

Heavily armed insurgents reportedly attacked Mafa on Sunday, killing 34 residents and setting ablaze shops and houses in the village.

While commending the security forces for their continued efforts against the remnants of the degraded criminals, the governor emphasized the urgent need to intensify efforts in tracking down and apprehending those responsible for this atrocity, as well as others across different regions.

“This brutal act must not go unpunished. I call on security agencies to double their efforts and ensure that the perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice.”

The NSGF Chairman reaffirmed commitment of the northern governors to supporting efforts aimed at restoring peace and security in the region, stressing the importance of collective action to prevent such tragedies from recurring.

He extended sympathies to the bereaved families and the government of Yobe State and prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

Afunanya, DSS Spokesperson, Redeployed To Ogun As State Director

Ayodele Oni

September 4, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

A major reorganization within the rank and file of the Department Of State Services, DSS, has started with the redeployment of Dr. Peter Afunanya, Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications.

Afunanya’s new position is: State Director, Ogun State.

President Bola Tinubu had last week appointed a new Director General, Ademola Oluwatosin Ajayi, for the DSS.

On assumption of duty, Ajayi pledged to refocus the Service towards covertness and study silence.

The new DG also pledged commitment to surmounting challenges confronting Nigeria’s economic, political, and security environments

Afunanya disclosed his redeployment to reporters at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, but did not say where his next deployment would be.

But this Magazine’s investigation pinpointed State Director Ogun State as his next office.

Dr Afunanya expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve the country as the spokesman of the covert security outfit in the past 10 years.

He reaffirmed his commitment to the Service and the Country as he pledged to always do his best in whatever capacity he is chosen to serve.

He said he would continue to carry out his duty in service to the country with “love, loyalty, honour, and glory.”

In A Dusk Operation, Gunmen Kill Two, Raze Vehicles, In Imo Local Government Headquarters

Suleiman Anyalewechi

September 4, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Imo State Police Command has assured that efforts are ongoing to track down the suspected perpetrators of the heinous attack on the Headquarters of Isiala-Mbano Local Council of the State.

The attack which was launched on Tuesday night, September 3, 2024 ,by some gunmen, resulted in the killing of two security guards attached to the Council Headquarters.

The attackers also set ablaze several structures and vehicles within the Local Council premises.

The gunmen, according to some eye witness accounts, stormed the Local Government Secretariat at about between 8.30pm and 9.00 pm and started shooting indiscriminately. At end, two of the Security Personnel guarding the Council were shot dead.

“The attackers, also, caused extensive damage, torching vehicles and parts of the Council headquarters.” a witness volunteered.

The sporadic shootings by the gunmen

were said to have forced locals of nearby communities to flee their homes out of fear of being caught in-between the mayhem.

As at the time of reporting, it was not yet clear as to who were responsible for the attack.

The Source reports that the attack ,however, came just hours after a similar one on the Oba Divisional Police formation in Idemili South Local Government Anambra state on Tuesday morning.

The Anambra State Police Command has since blamed members of the Simon Ekpa-led Autopilots, a faction of the Indigenous peoples of Biafra, IPOB, for the attack .

For one, the Ekpa led faction of the IPOB had declared a one month rebellion against the South East Governments, beginning from August 28,2024.

The Isiala-Mbano Imo state Tuesday attack is, also, believed strongly by security agencies as having the imprimatur of the Ekpa-led Autopilots militia.

Henry Okoye, the Imo state Command spokesperson, while confirming the attack, however promised that the attackers will soon be fished out.

“The Command is working tirelessly to apprehend those behind this heinous act “he noted.

The Command, also, urged residents of the state to remain calm and law abiding as the service, in concert with other security agencies will always ensure the protection of lives and properties of the people.

Love Affair Turns Sour In Ondo As Hunter Shoots Rival

Ayodele Oni

September 4, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

It was a case of a pot calling kettle black when a 38 years old hunter in Ondo state, Ajegba Joseph shot at his rival at their female partner’s house in Akure.

He is now a guest of Ondo State Police Command following his arrest and subsequent detention.

He was among suspects paraded in Akure by the State Police Command on Tuesday.

The commissioner of police, Abayomi Oladipo stated that the hunter who is having an affair with a woman, a divorcee, went to visit her on the fateful day.

“On the 23rd of August, 2024 at about 2300hrs, a case of Attempted Murder was reported to the Police, the victim went to his friend who is a divorcee in her house.

“One, Ajegba Joseph ‘m’, an hunter aged 38 years who is also having an affair with the woman went to visit her on the same day in possession of an unlicensed single barrel gun.

“However, upon sighting the victim with the woman in bed, the suspect shot the victim through the window side.

“The suspect was arrested and the barrel gun recovered with an expended cartridge, while the victim rescued by the Police is currently recuperating at the hospital.”

Also paraded was 17-year-old Philip Emmanuel, a domestic staff of an Akure based caterer who allegedly participated in her killing.

According to him, “On the afternoon of July 28, 2024, officers at the Oda Division police Headquarters received an unsettling report.

“A foul odor had been noticed coming from the apartment of Mrs. Adene Iyabode Deborah, a well-known caterer who had not been seen in days.

“Officers rushed to the scene, where they discovered a grim sight—the mutilated body of Mrs. Deborah on her bed. Nearby, a blood-stained machete and a mobile phone hinted at the violence that had taken place.

“This tragic incident was quickly escalated to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID). Through painstaking investigative works and technical intelligence, our officers arrested 17-year-old Philip Emmanuel, a trusted employee of the deceased.

“In a shocking confession, Emmanuel revealed that he had conspired with Mrs. Deborah’s driver to kill her. The driver, eager to start a “yahoo” business, suggested they steal her ATM card, having overheard that a large sum of money was soon to be deposited into her account.

“On July 25, 2024, Emmanuel and the driver carried out their horrific plan. After lurking around till the unsuspecting woman fell asleep, they brutally attacked her, stole her ATM card, and withdrew a total of Sixty Thousand Naira (₦60,000). The driver remains at large, and efforts to apprehend him are ongoing.”

Others paraded include armed robbery suspects, a receiver of stolen items, a female suspect that produces fake vehicle particulars,

As member of Neo Black Movement (Aiye Confraternity) that specializes in motorcycle theft, and those with unlawful possession of firearms.

Ondo PDP Gov Campaign Organization Accuses Gov Aiyedatiwa Of Mobilizing Thugs Ahead Nov Election

Ayodele Oni

September 4, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

As preparations for the governorship election in Ondo state continue, the Agboola Ajayi Campaign Organization of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has alleged that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has been courting and mobilizing some known hoodlums to be hired during the election.

The campaign group noted the recent hiring of a security outfit by the state government to coordinate matters relating to security during the election.

A statement on Wednesday by spokesman for the group, Ayo Fadaka, claimed that “Towards accomplishing these dastardly goals, some strategic steps have been taken, and we have clearly decoded them.

“In the very recent weeks, a security Firm, Global Olabod Resources in a meeting in Idanre with farmers claimed that it has entered into a contract with Government to protect farmers and their farmstead.

“According to its Manager, one Debo Ariyo, the firm also has the leave of Mr Governor to coordinate all security activities in the State.”

The claim has been denied by Mr Gbenga Atiba, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters who said that the company was only saddled with enumeration of farmers.

The campaign council maintained that “we remain undeceived by his futile disguise of the intention of Government in this sinister goal.

We posit that the essence of the Amotekun Security Network is to discharge the responsibilities this faceless organisation is being contracted for.”

It also alleged that a prominent figure in the Lagos state chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, (NURTW), an

APC enforcer, who has played and continues to discharge terrible roles in compromising security/voting during elections in Lagos and South Western States during off-cycle elections recently visited Governor Aiyedatiwa in Akure.

“It is on record that Gov Ayiedatiwa rolled out the carpet to host him. Unconfirmed reports indicate that this fellow was gifted $1million at the end of his suspicious visit to Ondo State.

“Thus we take serious view that there exist a high propensity for the perpetration of violence in the APC, Ondo State, to the extent that stalwarts in the Party decided to immediately take action against their leaders, to safeguard their lives from being terminated unceremoniously underscores our conclusions to that effect.

“Arising from above, we recall that during the governorship primary election which produced Lucky Ayiedatiwa as Candidate of the APC, violence, intimidation of opponents and their supporters was the order of the day.

“Many were seriously wounded, almost decapitated and crippled, thus we firmly wish to put on record that irresponsible attitudes of this nature must be eschewed in the forthcoming election in the interest of peace and progress of our State.

“We abhor violence as a Party, and we encourage the APC to be prepared to play by the rules, as failure to do just that will attract dire consequences. We may appear civil, but hereby warn that our civility is not an act of weakness.

“We call on the Inspector General of Police, Director General of Department of State Security and Heads of other Security Agencies to take more interest in developments geared at causing security breach in Ondo State as we move towards the election, a stitch in time, they say saves nine.

“We also wish to alert Gov Lucky Ayedatiwa that he is duty-bound to use the humongous N1.2billion security vote he collects monthly to protect the lives and properties of the people of Ondo State, not to use same to insidiously murder and destroy us.

“He must not be prone to violence, because for every action, there will be a reaction. For now, while not complaining about the ultra high budget for security or demanding accountability for the fund he receives monthly, we insist that he must be prepared to play by the rules.

“We also put President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on alert that his Party members are getting set to cause a breach of peace here in Ondo State, and as Commander in Chief, he must warn and reign them in immediately.

“We underscore that a dislocation of tranquility and orderliness in Ondo State will not only reverberate across the nation, but have very deep consequences.

“The PDP in Ondo State is determined to win the next Governorship election in Ondo State, we are prepared to leave no stone unturned in our quest to get victory, fair and square, we therefore urge our opponents to be prepared to play by the rules too, anything short of that is a direct invitation to anarchy, May God help us all.”

FG Not Paying Fuel Subsidy- Tinubu Insists; Not A Few Nigerians Disagree

James Orji

September 4, 2024

The federal government has not reversed its decision on the payment of petrol subsidy, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu insists.

Rather, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL has been defraying the high cost of paying subsidy in other to bring reliefs to Nigerians.

Not a few Nigerians insist that the federal government is still paying petrol subsidy more that a year after President Tinubu said at his inauguration on May 29, 2023 that “fuel subsidy is gone.”

Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Strategy made this known few hours ago in a statement on his X handle.

According to him, the report that the administration has returned to the payment of subsidy is misleading and should be jettisoned.

Recall that NNPCL recently disclosed that subsidy debt to petrol marketers has risen to over $6 trillion, saying the situation is affecting smooth supply of petrol in the country.

NNPL’s revelation comes amidst the scarcity of the product in the country, a situation that has pushed its pump price to averagely N1000 per litre.

Also, the NNPCL on Tuesday, increased its retail price to N887 from N568 per litre amidst protestations from the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, which in its reactions said the decision contradicts resident Tinubu’s promise to the organised Labour not to hike the cost of petrol.

Reacting, Onanuga said the “government has been faithful to its policy” on the payment of petrol subsidy.

The statement read in part, “I have read a series of articles attacking the Federal Government for not telling the truth about fuel subsidy payments, following NNPC Limited’s admittance it was owing suppliers some $6 billion. Some of the stories have been written with relish, as the authors believed they have uncovered some scoops. The truth is that there is no discovery. No lie uncovered.

“The government has been faithful to its policy that it was no longer going to pay fuel subsidies since President Tinubu announced the deregulation of the PMS sector on 29 May 2023. Since then, subsidy provisions have disappeared from the budget. It was not in the Supplementary budget of 2023, not in the 2024 budget and the amended 2024 budget. So the giddy headlines about the so-called unraveling of the Tinubu government’s subsidy payment; and return of subsidy were not justifiable.

“Rather what has unravelled was the commendable disposition of the oil company owned by all the tiers of government to absorb the rising costs of petrol at the pump and protect the Nigerian consumer. That generous disposition by NNPC Limited, backed by a compassionate president unwilling to let the people suffer, has been under threat for months, because of the rising cost of crude and the devalued Naira.

“The NNPC cried out recently because it can no longer sustain the price differential on its balance sheet without becoming insolvent. The situation has greater implications for the ability of the three tiers of government to function as the NNPC has failed to pay into the Federation Account, the money that should go to the government.”

Dangote Relieves Nigerians After Launching Euro-v Petrol

James Orji

September 4, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

For the first time, Nigerians will gain a clear understanding of the country’s actual fuel consumption, according to Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group. This announcement comes as Dangote officially confirmed the rollout of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, from the world’s largest single-train refinery with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day.

Reflecting on the achievement of starting PMS production 28 years after Nigeria’s four refineries ceased domestic refining, Dangote, speaking to the press at the refinery in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, emphasised that this development will boost the industrial and manufacturing sectors. He highlighted that the refinery will significantly reduce fuel imports, saving foreign exchange, and will contribute to stabilising the naira, lowering inflation, and reducing the cost of living.

Dangote, accompanied by Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Devakumar Edwin, and Group Commercial Operations Director at DIL, Hajiya Fatima Aliko-Dangote, described this milestone as a transformative moment for Nigeria, ending years of fuel imports.

He expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their support and praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for fostering an environment that made the successful launch of the 650,000 barrels per day refinery possible.

He stated, “Today is a momentous occasion because Nigeria has not produced petrol, or gasoline, for many years. As I stand here, I want to extend my gratitude to the people of Nigeria and to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for creating the environment that has enabled us to achieve this monumental task. This development will provide energy for our nation’s growth, development, and prosperity.”

He continued, “I want to personally thank Mr. President for introducing the concept of ‘Naira for Crude’ and ‘Naira for Products.’ This initiative will bring much-needed stability to the Naira by reducing the demand for dollars in the market by 40%, which will help stabilise the exchange rate.

“But that’s not all. It will also address issues like ‘round-tripping,’ where fuel is documented but doesn’t actually enter Nigeria. With this new refinery, we will have a clear view of true consumption. We’ll be able to track every loaded truck and, as much as possible, monitor loaded ships. This will allow us to precisely determine consumption patterns, though that’s a topic for another discussion.

“Today, we are here to celebrate and give thanks to God Almighty for bringing us to this point where we can produce gasoline. Many doubted we would achieve this, but we have delivered.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to the President and his government. Without their support, we wouldn’t be where we are today. I believe this refinery will transform not only Nigeria but also the entire Sub-Saharan Africa. Our capacity will not only meet Nigeria’s needs but also serve the demands of the broader region.”

Displaying a sample of the PMS to the press, Dangote remarked, “This petrol might be a bit cleaner compared to what we had before. It’s of the highest quality, ensuring that your vehicle’s engine will last longer. The quality of this fuel can match any premium standard worldwide, including those in Europe and America. No one can surpass us in terms of quality. Today is truly a celebration for us Nigerians.

“We are committed to ensuring that starting in October, there will be no need to import polypropylene. Our petrochemical plant will be fully capable of meeting all local demands,” Dangote stated.

While assuring that the refinery will guarantee the availability of petrol in Nigeria, Dangote clarified that the nation’s oil company, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, NNPCL, is responsible for controlling petrol pump prices.

He described this development as a significant turnaround for the country,
ending years of not producing a single litre of petrol domestically. Dangote emphasised that while he can ensure a steady supply of fuel from the refinery, the NNPC will manage pricing.

“Pricing is controlled by NNPC. For now, we focus on ensuring that the products are available—that’s what I can guarantee,” Dangote said.

Hike In Fuel Pump Price: “FG Has Betrayed US” – NLC

Akinwale Kasali

September 4, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Laments Sufferings inflicted On Masses●Calls for immediate reversal of fuel pump price to old price

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has demanded an immediate reversal of the hike in fuel price announced by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, Tuesday afternoon. It said the hike has worsened the misery of Nigerians.

The NNPCL had increased the pump price of Petrol from N568 to N855, amid the scorching fuel scarcity in the country.

Condemning the move in a statement, NLC President, Joe Ajaero, accused the Federal Government of betraying labour movement.

Ajaero said, “We demand the immediate reversal of the latest increase in the pump of PMS across the country, release of all those incarcerated, or being prosecuted on the assumption of having participated in the recent protests”.

Below is the statement of the NLC on this development.

Press Statement

(03/09/2024)

WE FEEL BETRAYED

“We are filled with a deep sense of betrayal as the federal government clandestinely increases the pump price of pms. One of the reasons for accepting N70,000 as national minimum wage was the understanding that the pump price of pms would not be increased even as we knew that N70,000 was not sufficient.

“We recall vividly when Mr President gave us the devil’s alternatives to choose from: either N250,000 as minimum wage (subject to the rise of the pump price between N1,500 and N2,000) and N70,000 (at old pms rates), we opted for the latter because we could not bring ourselves to accept further punishment on Nigerians.

“But here we are, barely one month after and with government yet to commence payment of the new national minimum wage, confronted by a reality we cannot explain.

“It is both traumatic and nightmarish.

“Yet, when we told government that it’s approach to resolving the fuel subsidy contradictions was patently faulty and would not last, it’s front row cheer leaders sneered at us, saying we did not understand basic economics .

“But if truth be told, this act of betrayal is consistent with the character of this government. We recall the assurances we were given by the leadership of the National Assembly on the 250% tariff hike, that it had been dealt with and there was no need to openly engage the Minister of Power who was at that meeting.

“Instead of the promised reversal, the rate has since been jerked up further putting more Nigerians and businesses in jeopardy.

“The combined effects of government’s ferocious right -wing market policies brought Nigerians and Nigeria to their all-time low and led to the End-Hunger/End Bad Governance protests.

“Rather than make amends, government arrested and hounded into detention some of those who took part and some of those who had nothing to do with these protests, charging them with criminal conspiracy, subversion, treasonable felony, terrorism financing and cyber crime with an intent to overthrow the government of President Tinubu.

“The police and other security agencies have since been on rampage terrorising the citizenry in pursuance of government’s agenda of muzzling lawful dissent.

“In brazen pursuit, they have defamed and libelled not a few individuals.

“They have gone as far as appropriating the statutory roles of the Ministry of Labour and Employment in resolving trade dispute matters and issues considered outside the jurisdiction of the security agencies.

“That the government is on rampage in the face of stifling conditions of living is an understatement but we promise Nigerians that we at the Nigeria Labour Congress will not be cowed into submission. Together with civil society, we brought about this democracy when some of the actors in power today were conspiring with the military on how to perpetuate their hold on political power.

“When the State and the security forces picked on us in a hybrid war, we had our suspicions. We knew they were up to something sinister and needed to distract/divert our attention or possibly frighten or weaken us before they came out with it so that we would not have a robust response.

“Now that they chickens have come to roost, we were right in our suspicions. However, we want to let Nigerians know that the clandestine/surreptitious increase in the pump price of pms is the first among the equally sinister policies government has up its sleeve.

“On our part, we stand resolute with the people and will neither be distracted nor intimidated by the government or its security agencies.

“We insist that government cannot criminalise protests or basic rights in the domain of the citizenry.

“Accordingly, we demand the immediate:

1). Reversal of the latest increase in the pump of pms across the country;

“2). Release of all those incarcerated or being prosecuted on the assumption of having participated in the recent protests;

“3). Halt the indiscriminate arrest and detention of citizens on trumped up charges;

“4). Reversal of the 250% tariff hike in electricity;

“5). Stop to the hijack of the duties of the Ministry of Labour and Employment;

“6). End to policies that engender hunger and insecurity;

“7). Halt to government’s culture of terror, fear and lying.

“We are guided by our belief in our country and the need to secure and sustain its sovereignty, integrity and welfare of the people.

“In the coming days, the appropriate organs of the Congress will be meeting to take appropriate decisions which will be made public.”

Nigeria-China Relationship Strategic – President Tinubu

Ayodele Oni

September 3, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

With diplomatic ties of over 50 years, Nigeria and China have continued to explore new avenues to strengthen the relationship.

To this end, President Bola Tinubu and Chinese President Xi Jinping, on Tuesday in Beijing, China, announced the elevation of Nigeria-China ties to that of a comprehensive strategic partnership.

The leaders also agreed to build a high-level Nigeria-China community with a shared future.

State House statement by presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngalele, stated that this was the outcome of talks between the two leaders during President Tinubu’s official visit to China.

President Tinubu’s official visit precedes his participation in the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, scheduled to hold from September 4-6, 2024.

”This is an important visit for Nigeria and the rest of Africa, as I arrive in my capacity as the Chairman of ECOWAS. I thank you for the high-level of honour accorded to us.

”Relations between China and Nigeria have indeed lasted for over half a century and should be further strengthened to advance our trade and economic development programmes.

”Nigeria holds great potential as the country with the largest population in Africa and is the biggest economy with a very young population that can drive economic growth and cross-sectoral programmes.

”We have upgraded the relationship to more than what is just strategic — but a comprehensive developmental partnership.

”This comprehensive strategic partnership should result in robust development, stability, and security in the West African sub-region. This is very crucial

In his remarks, President Xi noted the strong mutual understanding between Nigeria and China since the establishment of diplomatic ties over the past 50 years.

”We have found the path of seeking collective strength, through unity, and win-win cooperation.

”China and Nigeria, as major developing countries, strengthening strategic coordination, will inject fresh impetus to China-Africa relations in the new era and spearhead common progress among Global South countries.”

Ondo Governorship Election: British High Commission Team Visits Ondo, To Engage Stakeholders

Ayodele Oni

September 3, 2024

Independent National Electoral Commission - INEC

By Ayodele Oni

A team from the British High Commission office, in Lagos, has arrived Ondo state to engage key political stakeholders, ahead of November governorship election.

The team was led by Wale Adebanjo, a Senior Political Adviser at the Commission.

Adebanjo, while addressing state executive members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akure, said the team was on political tour of Ondo state.

He explained that the team listens to concerns of political parties, explore ways to address them in the best interest of states and the entire political system.

State chairman of the APC, Ade Adetimehin briefed the delegation on preparations by the party for the election saying they are fully set for the governorship contest, come November, even as the ruling party keeps receiving defectors from other political parties.

Adetimehin, revealed that the party employed internal provisions to resolve crisis that trailed its governorship primary in April.

“We have carried out extensive reconciliations, using party internal mechanisms. Today, all the governorship aspirants have set aside their differences, and we are all working for the flag bear, Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa.”

He further informed them that several members of other political parties have indicated interest in joining the political party.

In a statement, spokesman for the APC in the state, Alex Kalejaye quoted the chairman that he described the APC as a darling party of the state, adding that the people of Ondo State have always embraced progressive party.

Adetimehin commended the roles of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agents in promoting rancour free elections in the Sunshine State.

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Laments Sufferings inflicted On Masses●Calls for immediate reversal of fuel pump price to old price