Home Blog Page 976

Reactivation of PH Refinery: President Tinubu Calls For Patience

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Port Harcourt Refinery

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to achieving energy sufficiency, enhancing energy security, and boosting export capacity for Nigeria.

Reacting to the commencement of production by Port Harcourt refinery, the president highlighted the values of patience, integrity, and accountability in the rebuilding of the nation’s infrastructure.

In a statement by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser,  information and strategy, the President Tinubu called on individuals, institutions, and citizens entrusted with responsibilities to maintain focus and uphold trust in their service to the nation.

“President Bola Tinubu extends his heartfelt congratulations to the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) on the successful revitalization of the Port Harcourt refinery, marked by the official commencement of petroleum product loading on November 26, 2024.

“The President acknowledges the pivotal role of former President Muhammadu Buhari in initiating the comprehensive rehabilitation of all our refineries and expresses gratitude to the African Export-Import Bank for its confidence in financing this critical project.

“Furthermore, President Tinubu commends the leadership of NNPC Limited’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mele Kyari, whose unwavering dedication and commitment were instrumental in overcoming challenges to achieve this milestone.

“With the successful revival of the Port Harcourt refinery, President Tinubu urges  NNPC Limited to expedite the scheduled  reactivation of both the second Port Harcourt refinery and the Warri and Kaduna refineries.

“These efforts will  significantly enhance domestic production capacity alongside the contributions of privately-owned refineries and make our country a major energy hub, with the gas sector also enjoying unprecedented attention by the administration.

“The President underscores his administration’s determination to repair the nation’s refineries, aiming to eradicate the disheartening perception of Nigeria as a major crude oil producer that lacks the ability to refine its own resources for domestic consumption.

“Highlighting the values of patience, integrity, and accountability in the rebuilding of the nation’s infrastructure, President Tinubu calls upon individuals, institutions, and citizens entrusted with responsibilities to maintain focus and uphold trust in their service to the nation.

“In alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda focused on shared economic prosperity for all, the President reaffirms his administration’s commitment to achieving energy sufficiency, enhancing energy security, and boosting export capacity for Nigeria.”

NLC Knocks NBS 3.46 Percent GDP Growth Claim As ‘Voodoo’, Another Lie From Tinubu’s Administration

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
-
0
Joe Ajaero - NLC President

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, says there’s nothing on ground to prove that the nation’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP, has grown significantly as claimed by the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS.

Chris Onyeka, the National Assistant General Secretary of the NLC has described the NBS report as a “voodoo document”, saying nothing on ground proved that the economy is growing

The Bureau had on Monday released the October economic statistics, showing that the country’s GDP grew by 3. 46 percent, citing growth in employment in the Service Sector, noting that the growth surpassed the initial projection of 2. 54 per cent.

Following the NBS report, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reacted saying the growth is proof that his economic reforms are working, despite contrary opinions from not a few Nigerians that the country is not on the right trajectory.

For instance, Nigeria’s Afro beat superstar David Adeleke aka Davido recently criticized the administration for bringing the economy to ‘shambles’.

The International Monetary Fund,  IMF had also recently described the reforms to be disappointing.

According to Onyeka, the NBS report that more people are being employed in the country is contrary to the current reality where businesses are closing shop.

He urge the Nigerian government to face the stark reality that Nigerians are facing the worth economic situation of their lives due to the harsh economic conditions in the country. .

Onyeka said, “Unemployment cannot be coming down in Nigeria when factories are closing shops.”

The NLC official stated that the report that more people are being employed is a fabrication,  another way by the administration to deceive Nigerians, saying the GDP growth only exists in the imagination of the NBS. .

He said, “Once data does not reflect reality, it loses relevance. Unfortunately, the NBS has lost credibility as a result of the data they continue spewing out,” he said.

“Where are the jobs coming from? Is it from employers who are complaining of consumer resistance and slowing economic activities? It doesn’t add up.

“The truth remains: the NBS has become a failed institution, much like INEC in the eyes of the public.”

Davido had at the Bid Homies House podcast, in the United States, attacked the Tinubu’s administration for making life unbearable for Nigerians, advising him to fix the economy.

“It is not cool back home. The economy is in shambles. I do my part, I am an ambassador. When I go home and I am filming, I am not going to show the bad parts,” Davido said.

Kaduna Seals Banks, Others Over N1.7 Billion Tax

By
The Source
-
0
Abba Kabir Yusuf - Governor of Kano Sfate

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Just barely 24 hours after the Kano State authorities sealed some business premises including, Max Air, belonging to Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s newest in-law Dahiru Mangal, for an alleged tax evasion, the Kaduna State Government on Tuesday  November 26,  clamped down on some  banks and others on similar grounds .

The Source reports that the Kano State Government, on Monday, November 25, 2024, sealed the business premises of three companies, including Max Air situated on Ashton Road in the commercial hub of the North for, allegedly, evading their tax payment obligations  between the years of 2012 and 2017.

Curiously, the action against Max Air  came less than two weeks after the owner, Katsina born Mangal led his son  to tie the nuptial knot with  the daughter of Senator Kwankwanso, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s political godfather at a well celebrated ceremony in Kano .

Also sanctioned were construction giant Dantata and Sawoe and Northern Rice and Oil mill for allegedly withholding several millions of Naira in tax payments to the Kano state authorities between 2021 and 2022.

According to the Director, Kano State Debt Management and Enforcement Agency, Ibrahim Abdullahi, the closure of the companies was sequel to a court order to that effect.

He noted that the Agency had to resort to the sealing of their business premises to compel payments.

Affected in the sealing exercise carried out by the Kaduna State Board of Internal Revenue  Service, include  the popular Hamdala Hotel,  Unity Bank ,First City Monument  Bank, Bank of Agriculture, BOA, and Chicken Republic ,a fast food outfit.

Most of the affected organizations which are located on Yakubu Gowon Way Kaduna, according to the Secretary/Executive Director Of Legal Services of the board Bar, Aisha Ahmad are  withholding tax  payments obligations to the Kaduna state Government in excess of about N1.7 billion.

She explained that the action became necessary following the failure of the parties to explore all legal and peaceful avenues towards resolving the issue .

The premises of the affected organizations  will only be reopened when all issues involved are fully resolved,particularly that of the land use tax ,she stated.

Fmr Kogi Gov Bello Hands Self Over To EFCC

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Yahaya Bello and EFCC Officials

By Ayodele Oni

Former Kogi state Governor, Yahaya Bello on Tuesday handed over himself to the Economic, Financial and Crimes Commission (EFCC). That would be his second time of visiting the EFCC on his own after the Commission declared him wanted. On his first visit, the Commission inexplicably let him go without a word.

This is just as his case is expected to come up at the Federal High Court, in Abuja on Wednesday.

It was also  gathered that the former Governor drove himself in a black hilux to the EFCC office with his lawyers.

The Supreme Court had earlier dismissed the case instituted by states including Kogi on the constitutionality of the anti-graft agency.

Bello had about two months ago reported at the EFCC but claimed that he had to leave since no official attended to him.

There were insinuations last week that he was going to visit the EFCC but the former governor’s media aides did not respond to enquiries on the information.

At the last hearing on November 14, the EFCC had sought for adjournment to November 27, in the fresh case it instituted against Bello, saying the 30 days window was still running for the summons earlier issued.

The EFCC, however, admitted his co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, to administrative bail and prayed the court for extension of time for the 1st Defendant to appear.

N7.2 Million Financial Scandal Rocks Ayobo Ipaja LCDA As Chair Battles Ill Health

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
Bola Shobowale - Chairman - Ipaja Ayobo LCDA

By Akinwale Kasali

For months, the Chairman of Ayobo Ipaja Local Council Development Area, LCDA, Bola Shobowale, has been battling  health challenges, which has left her incapable of overseeing the day to day affairs of the Council.

However, a shocking financial scandal has engulfed the LCDA. A sum of N7,157,742 (Seven Million, One Hundred and Fifty Seven Thousand, Seven Hundred and Forty Two Naira Only), has, allegedly, fraudulently been withdrawn from the Council’s account in a single day.

Investigations revealed that the said sum was withdrawn from the Council’s account without the authorization and signature of Shobowale. This has  sent shock waves to observers, Council members and members of the general public.

Documents obtained revealed that the funds were siphoned on 7th November, 2024, from the Council’s account with Access Bank.

Receipt details of the brazen transactions is as follows: N1,141,140 was withdrawn first, followed by N52,500, and another N5,964,102.96—all on the same day.

The withdrawals which were, allegedly, facilitated through forged signatures,  have raised serious questions about accountability and the integrity of financial operations within the Council.

The scandal unfolds against the backdrop of Shobowale’s prolonged illness, which has left a leadership vacuum in the LCDA.

It was revealed that Shobowale’s absence and her failure to handover to her Vice led to a vacuum, for which some persons zeroed in for exploitation.

Observers are of the opinion that the lack of a clear succession or delegation during Shobowale’s illness may have contributed to the fraudulent activities, and also emboldened unscrupulous actors to exploit her absence to further destabilise the already embattled administration.

Sources in the Council stated that the Chairman’s signature appears to have been forged for the transactions.

“This situation highlights a systemic failure to establish protocols that ensure seamless operations in her absence”, the source disclosed.

“The lack of transparency, accountability and leadership has further led to fraudulent activities in the Council.”

Ebonyi: Governor Nwifuru  Suspends Two Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
Francis Nwifuru - Ebonyi Governor

By Akinwale Kasali

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has  suspended, indefinitely, the State Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development. He, also suspended the Commissioner for Health for three-months.

The Commissioners were suspended over allegations of gross misconduct and dereliction of duty.

Several other government officials were also punished.

Additionally, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, along with the Executive Secretaries of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency and the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency, were also suspended for three months.

This comes after the Governor had earlier suspended the Commissioner for Water Resources over the vandalization of State water schemes.

The Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Chief Jude Okpor, disclosed the suspensions during a press briefing on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting. He announced that the Special Assistant to the Governor on Primary Health has been directed to oversee the Ministry of Health in the absence of the suspended Commissioner.

“The suspended officials are to hand over all government properties in their possession, including vehicles, to the Secretary to the Government on or before the close of work on Monday, November 25, 2024,” Okpor stated.

Governor Nwifuru’s administration has also approved significant reforms in state-owned media establishments. The Ebonyi Broadcasting Corporation (EBBC) will now operate as an independent entity, becoming a Public Liability Company registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

“This reform aims to boost the productivity and economic returns of the corporation,” Okpor said, adding that a similar transformation applies to the Nigerian Patriot, the state’s newspaper and publishing corporation.

Affected staff who do not fit into the new independent structure will be redeployed to other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to continue their careers.

“This move is not about sacking employees but about reconfiguring the establishments to be independent, business-oriented, and self-reliant,” Okpor clarified.

The Council also directed the Head of Service to advertise vacancies for the positions of Auditor General of the State and Auditor General for Local Government, emphasizing the need to fill these roles promptly.

Davido, Uncle Joe, And  Dilemma  Of Nigerian Patriotism

By
The Source
-
0
Joe Igbokwe and Davido

By Val. Obienyem

Ever since Davido stated what is as clear as crystal -the fact that Nigeria is in shambles – the self-appointed Nigerian patriotic police, Uncle Joe Igbokwe, has been after him. His pretended outrage seems to be that Davido dared to say so, arguing that even if the country were dead, Davido should instead occupy himself preaching that it had just been born anew.

This morning, I read Uncle Joe’s latest post, which commentators recognised as another veiled attack on Davido. I quote him: “When God says in the Holy Book that we should pray for the beauty of Jerusalem, He is telling us also to pray for the beauty of our country. Only a foolish person will be pointing to his father’s house with the left hand.”

I responded thus:

Uncle Joe, I believe one of your fundamental challenges is obstinacy. You seem dangerously fixated on your folly, driven by a need to prove a point to certain people at all costs – a pursuit that borders on hypocrisy.

What wrong has Davido committed by simply speaking the truth? If you genuinely love this country, you would welcome honest assessments rather than demand blind praise. Insisting that people deceive themselves and others by proclaiming the greatness of a nation that ranks among the worst in the world is not patriotism – it is hypocrisy.

Regarding the biblical reference to Jerusalem, no, it does not mean we should falsely claim our country is the best when it is at its lowest. When God instructs us in the Holy Book to pray for the beauty of Jerusalem, He calls on us to actively seek the peace, progress, and prosperity of our homeland. It is not about ignoring flaws or whitewashing challenges but about maintaining hope, taking responsibility, and striving for a better future while speaking with faith and purpose. Mourning a nation’s failings is often the first step towards lifting it out of despair.

Allow me to remind you of Isaiah 1:21-23, where God laments Jerusalem’s corruption: “See how the faithful city has become a prostitute! She once was full of justice; righteousness used to dwell in her – but now murderers! Your silver has become dross, your choice wine is diluted with water. Your rulers are rebels, partners with thieves; they all love bribes and chase after gifts. They do not defend the cause of the fatherless; the widow’s case does not come before them.”

Similarly, in Jeremiah 5:1-3, God highlights Jerusalem’s lack of righteousness: “Go up and down the streets of Jerusalem, look around and consider, search through her squares. If you can find but one person who deals honestly and seeks the truth, I will forgive this city.”

In Ezekiel 16:2-3, God uses strong imagery to rebuke Jerusalem’s unfaithfulness: “Son of man, confront Jerusalem with her detestable practices and say, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says to Jerusalem: Your ancestry and birth were in the land of the Canaanites; your father was an Amorite and your mother a Hittite.’”

These passages remind us that while God chastised Jerusalem for its failures, His ultimate aim was restoration, reconciliation, and the fulfilment of His promises. If God could be this harsh with His beloved city, why should we shy away from acknowledging Nigeria’s shortcomings in the hope of inspiring its rebirth? Recognising the truth is not disloyalty; it is the foundation of genuine progress.

Obienyem, a Lawyer, wrote from Awka.

LAWMA Establish Waste To Energy Plant In Epe

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
Muyiwa Gbadegesin - LAWMA

By Akinwale Kasali

Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of the Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, has reiterated the Authority’s commitment to maximizing the potentials in circular economy, through transition from traditional waste management to a modernized system.

Gbadegesin also disclosed that the Authority would be establishing a waste to energy plant in Epe, with the Olusosun and Solus-3 landfills, to become material recovery facilities.

He made this statement during a radio interview over the weekend, hosted by the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, on Eko FM, Agidingbi, Lagos .

Speaking on the topic, “War on Waste, Exploring LAWMA’s Vision and Mission’’, the LAWMA boss explained that the Authority was determined to transform the waste management system, from the point of collection to disposal, while also providing innovative waste management solutions.

He said: ‘The idea of war on waste was to dissuade residents from indiscriminate dumping of waste, considering waste as something that is still useful and should not be thrown away. Materials such as plastics, paper, aluminum cans, and even textiles are all valuable materials people ought to value because they can be turned into a resource. We have realized that the total percentage of recycling in Lagos is not up to 10 percent, even with the activities of scavengers on landfills. The huge value in recycling cannot be taken with levity because of the population in Lagos, there is a need for us to generate more economic value and create job opportunities which can all be achieved in green waste management.

“To promote sustainability, we need more material recovery facilities . Our partnership with Ghana’s Jospong Group has paved way for us to establish advanced waste management facilities. Sooner, a major landfill in Epe will be replaced with a waste to energy plant . The facility will convert 2,500 tons of waste daily, into 60 to 80 megawatts of electricity, powering the Free Trade Zone, deep sea port, Dangote Refinery, and other key industrial hubs.

“In the next 18 months, we will set up facilities at Ojota and Igando, to separate waste into valuable fractions like organic materials and metals. This is to ensure waste is no longer buried in landfills but turned into resources. When these facilities are ready, they will help create jobs and foster economic growth’’, he stressed.

Gbadegesin also cited the establishment of LAWMA Academy, Adopt–a bin system in the waste collection process, and the involvement of over 400 PSP operators collecting household waste, as innovations and progressive achievements, the Authority had leveraged overtime.

He recalled that “ LAWMA Academy was commissioned three years ago, as an educational arm of the agency, to teach waste management education to children and teenagers. Over the years, the academy has been propagating the gospel of positive environmental consciousness to primary and secondary schools, and has produced worthy environment ambassadors, who have passed through the Academy. Also, with the Adopt a bin system, residents have been encouraged to separate their waste at source and proper waste containerization has been enhanced. This has facilitated easy waste collection by PSP operators, who collect the waste from households. In order to improve their operations, the Lagos State Governor has promised to add many CNG trucks to their fleet for more efficiency.”

The LAWMA boss added that achieving a cleaner and sustainable Lagos city required collective responsibility, urging residents to support LAWMA’s initiatives and to adopt environment friendly waste management practices.

CBN Extends BDCs Recapitalisation By 6 Months

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
-
0
Forex in Nigeria - Dollar and Naira Price CBD

The Central bank of Nigeria, CBN, has approved the extension date of Bureau de Change, BDCs recapitalisation by six months. This is according to BDCs operators in the country, under the aegis of Association of Bureau De Change of Nigeria, ABCN.

The apex bank had in June this year issued a guideline to BDCs operators in the country to recapitalise within six months.

The Yemi Cardoso-led CBN directed Tier one and Tier two BDCs to raise their working capital to N2 billion and N500 million, respectively. The deadline expires next month.

Ahead the deadline,ABCON President, Aminu Gwadebe, said the apex bank has approved their request that the deadline be shifted to next year.

Gwadabe revealed this in a statement after a virtual general meeting with members on Monday, saying this is to ensure that the recapitalisation process is ‘seamless’.

The ABCON president urge members to see the “opportunity” in the recapitalisation which he described as ‘immeasurable.

In a statement Gwadebe noted that some BDCs have started complying with the CBN directive on recapitalisation.

He added that the apex bank has also approved a six-month extension for all BDCs to recapitalise their operations with the deadline moved from December 2024 to June 2025.

According to Gwadabe, “The CBN is willing to partner with BDCs to ensure that the recapitalisation process is seamless. We are sending a message of unity, collaboration, and opportunities to ABCON members to continue to strive to ensure they meet the new capital requirements.  We thank the CBN for listening and giving us a six-month extension.

“I want us to brace up and see the opportunities in the recapitalisation, which are immeasurable. There are great opportunities.”

The CBN had  in a document titled ‘Regulatory and Supervisory Guidelines for Bureau De Change Operations in Nigeria’, six months ago directed BDCs operators to apply for new licenses and recapitalise.

The release noted, “All existing BDCs shall re-apply for a new licence according to any of the Tiers or licence category of their choice as provided in the Guidelines,

“All existing BDC’s shall meet the minimum capital requirements for the licence category applied for within six (6) months from the effective date of the guidelines,” it said.

“This Guidelines supersedes the Revised Operational Guidelines for Bureau DeChange in Nigeria issued in November 2015 and all related circulars.”

Sanwo-Olu Suspends Aide Over #Endsars ‘Execution’ Comment

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
-
0
EndSARS Protesters in Ondo State

Wale Ajetumobi, the Senior Special Assistant On Print Media to Governor Babajide Sanwo has been suspended after making a careless remark on the social media.

The governor suspended Ajetumobi after serious backlash from netizens over his comment that some persons who took part in the October 2020 #endsars protests in the state had been ‘executed’.

His suspension was announced in a statement on Tuesday by Governor Sanwo-olu  Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, titled, ‘Governor Sanwo-Olu suspends aide.’

The statement said Ajetumobi was suspended following his ‘ misrepresentation of facts on his personal X account,” that some of those who took part in the protests were executed by security forces.

The governor said the state is against “any form of extra-judicial punishment and will not be a part of any such action. That is not who we are. That is not our way.”

What Ajetumobi said;

Premium Times, on Sunday, November 24, 2024, reported a tweet by Ajetunmobi, tweeting as #Riddwane, in which he revealed that arsonists who burnt down the Television Continental station in Lagos during the heat of the 2020 #EndSARS protest, had been “hunted down and executed.Credit: Premium Times

The suspended aide also stated that one of the “executed” arsonists was a young boy (name undisclosed) who traded in cooking gas around the Ketu area of the state.

Ajetunmobi alleged that the boy was found with an AK-47 rifle.

The tweet read, “The full story of people who burnt down TVC in 2020 will be told one day, with gory clips and images. One thing to note: majority of them have been hunted down and executed.

“One of them, a young boy trading in cooking gas around Ketu, was found with an AK-47 at the site. Even his neighbours were shocked. But the full gist is better saved for later.”

On October 8, 2020 many youths across the country, under the aegis of #endsars protested the extra-judicial killings by now defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, an elite force in the Nigerian Police Force, NPF.

In Lagos, the epicentre of the protest, many protesters were believed to have been killed at Lekki Toll Gate by soldiers sent to disperse the protesters by the government.

The alleged extra-judicial killings, even though had been denied by the military attracted serious backlash from local and international human rights bodies.

1...975976977...3,079Page 976 of 3,079