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Playing Politics With Abia Security Dangerous, PDP Warns Gov Otti

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Alex Otti - Governor of Abia State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Abia State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,  has urged Governor Alex Otti to stop  blaming perceived political foes for the poor security situation in the State, but to collaborate with Security Agencies to protect the lives and properties of the people.

The PDP’s position comes in the wake of the Abia State Government’s accusation of the opposition as being responsible for the spate of violent criminal activities rocking the State since May this year.

In a statement issued late on Sunday, November 17, 2024, by Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Governor’s Media Adviser, the State Government noted that intelligence at his disposal has established that some opposition forces working in tandem with external enablers are behind the  orchestrated moves to disrupt the peace of the State.

It alleged that the opposition having failed to incite Abians through propaganda, has turned to instigating violence with the ultimate aim of  distracting the  Government  on its mandate of providing democracy dividends to the people.

It warned that it will  henceforth deal decisively with anybody or group of persons found to be creating fear in the minds of innocent and law abiding residents of Abia state

But  the PDP in a statement on Monday, November 18, from its spokesperson Eric Ikwugwu, warned that playing politics with the security of lives and properties of Abians by the State Government will only be counterproductive and dangerous.

The Party noted that what is needed to combat the disturbing security situation in the state is a comprehensive framework beyond mere rhetorics.

“It is crucial that Governor Otti’s administration does not sow seed of discord among the people of Abia State.

“Instead, we call on the Government to work collaboratively with security agencies and provide them with any concrete evidence that could lead to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the killings of innocent citizens .

“Playing politics with the lives of Abians is not only counterproductive, but dangerous.

“We want to remind the current administration that combating insecurity demands strategies beyond mere declarations.

The former Governor of Abia state, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, understood the vital link between poverty and insecurity. He empowered over 7000 Abians monthly, recognizing that economic stability is a proactive approach to mitigating violence and crime.

“We appeal to Governor Alex Otti to prioritize poverty reduction initiatives and engage all stakeholders, including community leaders and traditional rulers in addressing these challenges head-on .

“The opposition’s constitutional responsibility is to provide constructive criticisms and present alternative perspectives without fear of intimidation.

“It is not only right but our duty to hold the Government accountable. We insist that Governor Otti’s administration, must take the necessary steps to address the worsening security situation with sincerity and integrity, rather than  resorting to slanderous campaigns against perceived opponents”, part of the PDP statement reads.

The Source reports that the Governor’s allegations were provoked by the gruesome attack and murder of some solders at a military checkpoint in Umuokpara, Umuahia South local Council on  Wednesday November 13 ,as well as the earlier killings of five soldiers in May 2024 at a military checkpoint in.Obikabia Junction Aba North Local Government.

Bwala: Mr President, I Am Ashamed Of Your Action – Onokpasa

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Jesuta Onokpasa and Daniel Bwala and Bola Tinubu

By Akinwale Kasali

“Mr President, you discarded your supporters, you dumped us for who? Bwala. Let me tell you, the person that discards his fellow man, that is how God will discard the person.”

A die-hard supporter of President Bola Tinubu, Jesuta Onokpasa, a Lawyer, has come down hard on the President for his recent appointment of Daniel Bwala as Presidential Adviser on Media.

Bwala, a visible member of the All Progressives Congress, APC, dramatically  quit the Party in the months running to the 2023 Presidential Election in protest against the choice of Senator Kashim Shettima  as Tinubu’s running mate. He said it was an insult on Nigeria’s Christian Community to have a Muslim- Muslim ticket. He dismissed it as a doomed ticket, and so, defected to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party where he was quickly appointed the Spokesperson to the Party’s Presidential Council.

He did not do the job “decently”. He rubbed s**t on Tinubu. He called then Candidate Bola Tinubu all kinds of derogatory names including a drug baron, druggist, and certificate forger!

After Tinubu became the President, Bwala did not calm down. He always painted the President in the worst of colors. In one of his famous outings he said of Tinubu’s performance as President: “Even if you give Tinubu 30 years, he still would perform woefully.”

But soon, Bwala suddenly, shamelessly, as a number of people put it, made an about-turn and began a hot romantic pursuit of President Tinubu. He became his defender-in-chief at every little opportunity. He became Mr President’s chief praise-singer. He went back to his vomit.

Last week, his about-turn paid off when President Tinubu, inexplicably, appointed him his Special Adviser on Media.

The shock which followed the appointment was palpable. To some people, the President appointed him so Bwala can publicly eat his vomit to the President’s satisfaction. The President has just mocked him, they said.

But to others, the President has stabbed those who defended him all the time Bwala reduced him to nothing. They said the President has betrayed them. And, they are ashamed of the President’s behaviour. They asked the President to fear God.

One of them is Onokpasa who, in a video recording that has gone viral, poured out his anger, with everything at his disposal on the President. He decreed God’s anger on the President, almost. And, his choice of words has been described as undignified.

Following is Onokpasa’s reaction.

“My dear President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, my very dear President,  I am so angry with you.

“How could you make such an appointment -of who? Daniel Bwala? Who insulted all of us and called you a Drug Dealer, a Drug Baron? You stabbed all of us in the back, disregarded us and humiliated us by appointing someone who insulted all of us during the campaign.

“What is going on, your Excellency? What happened to you? You will attack Yahaya Bello,  you will attack El Rufai, you will abandon Fani Kayode, we supported you. The people who fought us are given appointments.

I don’t need any appointment from you. My Lord Jesus Christ takes care of me anytime, anyday. That is the story of my life. I don’t need anything from you.

“But  this is such a shame, that you will stab all of us in the back like this, and bring some funny character, a serpentine character, you never know where he stands.

“You gave him an appointment. On what basis? We are the ones that put you In power, we are the ones who God used.

“This is so painful, very painful. This is not how to use people, unless you don’t fear God. You just dumped your supporters, you humiliated, disgraced and discarded them. The person that discard his fellow man will be discarded by God.

“With due respect, let me teach you some theology. This is just too painful, painful to me and other supporters. This man insulted the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, called our President a Drug Dealer, and you make him What?

“The guy that has no credibility, nobody believes him. Our Party supporters don’t trust him, the people he dumped us for and went to,  the PDP, don’t trust him. Obidients hate him. Then my brother, Bayo, even stooped so low to be the one to announce the appointment.

“I am really very angry. If there is anyone who opens his mouth to say that I am not a BATIST, may God punish the person. But am really disappointed in you my President.

“You gave the impression that you can dump anybody, you can sacrifice anybody,  you can stab anyone in the back, how would people trust you.

“I am not interested in your appointment. I am a Lawyer, I talk about trust, that is how people live together, it is trust. People have to trust you, otherwise,  you lose your credibility. Where did this come from? This is bizarre.

“Daniel Bwala who don’t have any authentic, original personality.  I don’t want it, I don’t need it, I am okay, my Jesus always takes care of me. You didn’t see another person that supported us? This is so painful.

“Don’t take us for granted my President, it is unfair. That is not how to treat your fellow man, otherwise, this is how God will treat you. You don’t do that, I am really angry. It is really painful. It is an insult to all of us.

“Why should you insult your supporters who are die hard BATISTs?  And you treat us all like we are expendable, well, treat your fellow man as if he is expendable?  Let us see what God will do about that. It is really painful Your Excellency. So it is an insult to all of us.

“The the man started talking crap, then we had to push back on it, then you make him what? Special Adviser. What rubbish.

“Your Excellency,  My President,  Bola Ahmed Tinubu,  it is God that made you President. Like we say in Niger Delta, in Urhobo, ‘It is somebody you use to do something, and it is God that will use people to do something for you’. So keep dumping your people and keep romancing with messed up human beings that normal human beings can’t trust. No problem. We will see where it will all end up.

“We, the BATISTs, are really, really angry with the bizarre,  macabre appointment.  I don’t know who you got this funny idea from. The guy cannot do anything for you, he can’t convince anybody about anything, he lacks credibility, nobody respects him, where did you get him from?

“Why do you keep abandoning our people? You can’t see them to give appointments? You keep bringing some funny people. How do we trust you?

“You see me, I am a Catholic. We are deep people and may Our Lord Jesus Christ take care of you and our dear Country.

“I am disappointed.

May God Bless You and Nigeria. Thank you My President.”

In his own reaction, Senator Ali Ndume, said Bwala’s appointment shows President Tinubu’s forging spirit. He asked Bwala to go and beg Vice President Shettima for forgiveness.

COP29: Reps, INCLUDE Advocate Equitable Policy For Energy Transition

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Victor Ogene and COP29 Members

The Chairman, House Committee on Renewable Energy,  Victor Afam Ogene, has advocated for accessible and equitable policies, including tax breaks and vocational grants to empower youth in renewable energy in African nations, especially in Nigeria.

He made this call alongside other stakeholders at a side event co-hosted by the Committee on Renewable Energy and INCLUDE, a Netherlands based knowledge platform, at the ongoing Conference of Parties, COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, where world leaders are gathered to discuss climate change issues.

Ogene also called for a deliberate inclusion of youths and legislators in conferences and workshops where issues involving policies regarding developments in climate change and energy transitions are discussed, for a better understanding that would engender right policy formulation and intentional youth involvement.

The side event, titled “Driving the Just Transition: Labor-Based Incentives and Youth-Centric Policies for a Sustainable Future,” according to a statement endorsed by both Hon. Ogene and Anika Altaf, PhD, Executive Director, INCLUDE, focused on actionable strategies to foster a fair and inclusive renewable energy transition in Africa. The discussions centered around labor-based incentives, youth-centered policies, and the intersection of equity, sustainability, and job creation.

Speakers at the side event included Ogene, Dr. Altaf, Victoria Manya, (Knowledge Broker, INCLUDE), Nurgul Iliazova, Professor of Economics, Bishkek State University, Kazakhstan, Farida Ally, Kenyan youth leader, Solomon Abu, a nuclear scientist and Kgaugelo Mkumbeni, research officer, Institute for Security Studies, Kenya.

Dr. Altaf in her presentation suggested mentorship programmes and international funding to authentically support youth-led renewable energy projects.

The conversations outlined a comprehensive approach to design labour incentives that not only support job creation, but also address the specific needs of young people. This includes accessible financial incentives, such as grants for youth-led startups and subsidies for skills acquisition in renewable energy industries; and policies that will integrate transparency and inclusivity to ensure equitable access.

The outcomes of the event reflected a unified approach to addressing Africa’s unique challenges and opportunities in the global energy transition.

The statement said further: “Victoria Manya set the scene for the panel’s conversation predicated on three critical points:
• Africa has pressing needs, like job creation and energy access, to address energy poverty.
• Africa contributes less than 4% of global emissions, so our transition must prioritize fair, localized strategies.
• For this transition to truly benefit Africa, we must base it on labour incentives that empower youth to take the lead.

“The event underscored the importance of crafting policies that resonate with young people. This involves using youth-friendly language, actively involving young voices in policy formulation, and prioritizing initiatives that align with their aspirations, such as meaningful, skill-based employment opportunities in the renewable energy sector.”

The various speakers were also in agreement that “Young people are emerging as key contributors to renewable energy solutions tailored to their communities. These innovations are not only effective but scalable, demonstrating the transformative potential of youth-led technological advancements in combating climate change. Emphasis was placed on the role of AI and digital technologies in enabling this progress. Early exposure, such as teaching coding skills to children as young as eight, was highlighted as a critical step in fostering a generation capable of driving impactful solutions.”

Participants also stressed the importance of involving youths, not merely as advisors but as decision-makers in climate policy formulation.

Standardized toolkits and training programmes were identified as essential for equipping youth with the skills necessary to thrive in the renewable energy sector.

The session called for partnerships between governments, educational institutions, and private sector actors to develop and implement targetted technical and vocational training.

A critical theme in the conversation was ensuring that vulnerable and marginalized communities are not left behind in the renewable energy transition. Inclusive policies must address systemic inequalities by bridging access gaps, particularly for young people in underprivileged regions. This approach includes promoting social equity in labour opportunities and decision-making processes.

Global and regional collaboration,
international organizations and regional stakeholders were urged to provide authentic support for youth-led initiatives. These includes mentorship programs, direct funding for grassroots projects, and platforms for cross-sector collaboration that prioritize local solutions.

The event concluded with a call for turning discussions into actionable frameworks, including involving piloting labour-based incentives, integrating youth-focused priorities into national renewable energy policies, and leveraging global forums such as COP 2024 to amplify Africa’s voice in the energy transition.

Participants unanimously urged international organizations and regional stakeholders to provide authentic support for youth-led initiatives. This includes mentorship programmes, direct funding for grassroots projects, and platforms for cross-sector collaboration that prioritize local solutions.

Kwankwaso’s Bombshell: ‘Tinubu’ Trying To Colonize The North

By
James Orji
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Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso
Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso

Kwankwasiyya Movement leader Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has accused ‘Lagos’ of planning to colonise the north.

The former governor of Kano state made the allegation on Sunday while speaking during the convocation ceremony of Skyline University, Kano.

The former governor and 2023 New Nigeria Peoples Party NNPP Presidential candidate cited the controversy surrounding the Kano Emirship tussle and the Tax Reform Bill recently sent by President Bola Tinubu to the national assembly.

Two Emirs, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and Ado Bayero, are laying claims to the Emir of Kano stool. While the state is backing Sanusi, a former CBN Governor Ado Bayero is believed to have the support of the federal government. The case is till in court.

A staunch member of the NNPP recently accused Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, NSA, of providing Ado Bayero support despite the state’s government choice of Sanusi.

According to those watching what is going on in the Commercial City, Kwankwaso is referencing President Tinubu when he said Lagos is trying to colonise the north.

The NNPP leader while lamenting the economic, security and social problems in the northern part of the country, said “Lagos wouldn’t allow us to choose an emir” noting that “Lagos young men are working so hard to impose taxes and take away our taxes from Kano” calling on the National Assembly to reject the tax bill to save the north from being cheated. .

What Kwankwason said: “Let me note our situation here in Kano and indeed northern Nigeria. The emir is just being a stooge at this very difficult time, especially in this part of the country (northern Nigeria).

“Today, we can see very clearly that there is a lot of efforts from the Lagos axis to colonize this part of the country. Today, Lagos wouldn’t allow us to choose an emir, Lagos has to come to the centre of Kano to put their own emir.”

“Today, we are aware that the Lagos young men are working so hard to impose taxes and take away our taxes from Kano and this part of the country to Lagos.

“Today, as we have seen, even the telephones that we make or register here in Kano, efforts are there to take all the taxes to Lagos.

“Even our sons and daughters who have brought factories many of them here in Kano and northern Nigeria and even banks, somehow, they are forced to take their headquarters to Lagos because taxes will now have to go to Lagos.”

The magazine reported that northern leaders, including the 19 state governors from the region, political and traditional leaders recently met in Kaduna where they rejected the controversial Tax Reform Bill and demanded its immediate withdrawal from the NASS.

Meanwhile, President Tinubu has rejected their demand.

“Despite Last Minute Disqualification, I Refused Entreaties To Vote Aiyedatiwa” – LP Dep Gov Candidate

By
Ayodele Oni
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Dayo Awude

By Ayodele Oni

Deputy Governorship candidate of the Labour Party, (LP) in last Saturday’s election in Ondo state, Dayo Awude, has lamented that intrigues and crisis caused the party poor outing in the election.

Awude was the running mate of Olusola Ebiseni, who lost the primary election of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) and later picked the ticket of LP.

While giving analysis on the outcome of the election, Awude stated that “My principal and I tried our best, using the Labour Party platform, but as it turned out, the intra party crisis that erupted in the party consumed that effort, leading to my name and that of our governorship candidate, Chief Sola Ebiseni, being substituted by INEC, a few hours to the election, due to an unexpected court order.

“It was an order that defied all known basic rudiments of law. That was a heart-wrenching experience. The details of the politics of that orchestrated crisis and the intrigues of the judicial processes is a story that will be told later.

“With the removal of our names as candidates came the expected volte face by our supporters. Their pain and agony were palpable.

It was on this note and as a matter of principle that I declined the last minute invitation, by a respected brother and right hand man of Governor Ayedatiwa, for me to work with them at the elections the next day.

“I believe he was acting on the instructions of the governor. It also means the governor, despite the power of Incubency, worked very hard to win the election, reaching out to people to join him even to the very last minute.

“I can say with all sense of responsibility that we put in our best into the exercise in terms of reaching out to the grass roots, but then, the unexpected jolted the process.

“Despite the removal of our names, some of our supporters still voted for the Labour Party. To this set of people, I say thank you. To our original teaming supporters who were part of the process till the point of our names being removed, I also say thank you.

“Without prejudice to any course of action that may be taken by any interested party on the outcome of the process, I urge Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa, the man who has been declared winner by INEC, to use this opportunity as a tool of service to God and the people of Ondo State in good conscience.

“I do hope and pray that vote trading will become a thing of the past in our electoral system. There is no gainssaying the fact that the show of naira force that was at play in this election decided where the pendulum of victory swung.

“I would have been happier if this victory was won without the vote bazaar that characterised it. So long as vote buying remains the decider of election results in our clime, accountable and good governance may continue to elude us. Leaders should hold their victory to the benevolence and judgement of the people and not to how deep their pockets are.”

He urged other candidates in the election to avoid the usual circus of not accepting the result of election and heading to the Election Tribunal.

“Much as that is a fundamental right of any and every citizen, this election was won by Ayedatiwa, the man who had more financial capacity to show. Any court case now may be an unnecessary distraction.”

To the winner of the poll,  Awude stated that “Let me say once again that the only way Ayedatiwa can justify what he has now is to use it to work for the people of Ondo State and not to delve into the arena of fighting perceived enemies and acquiring ungodly wealth.

“He should look beyond the borders of party politics and enlist the best hands to work with him. The time to work for our people is here. In spite of the Nigerian heat, Ondo State can be a Goshen.”

Govs To NASS On Controversial Tax Bill: We Will Stop Your Reelection If You Support Tinubu

By
James Orji
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Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State

The furore surrounding the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Tax Bill has remained unabated as key actors in the issue are bolstering their trenches.

This followed the revelation, on Sunday, by the Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Phillip Agbese that state governors have threatened to ensure that National Assembly members who supported the bill will be stopped from returning to the hallowed chamber.

According to Agbese, the threat was issued as the the lawmakers are preparing to consider the bill on Monday, November 18.

Agbese disclosed on Sunday that the House of Representatives will today engage Taiwo Oyedele, the Chairman, Presidential Committee On Fiscal and Tax Reforms.

In spite of the alleged threat, the lawmaker stated that the lawmakers will take a bipartisan approach at the Bill, deciding on what is best for the country, adding that the governors will fail in the quest to stop the bill, and their alleged diabolical plot against the lawmaker.

Citing the Holy Bible, the lawmaker said, “Behold, they shall surely gather, but not by me. Whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake.”

The lawmaker has some harsh words for the state governors; you did not elect us to the National Assembly, and our destines are not in your hands to determine whether we will return or not to the NASS in 2027.

He said the bill will be passed by the national Assembly despite the governors’ opposition to it.

He alleged that, “Some of these governors are threatening members from their states. They have even gone far to threaten that they would deny members return tickets in 2027 if they support the bills.

“As far as we are concerned in the House of Representatives, nobody can stop us from supporting President Bola Tinubu’s bid to reboot the economy to work for the country.

“We are united across party lines to make sure the country works. This is the disposition of Speaker, Tajudeen Abass.”

“The difference between the new crop of politicians in the House of Representatives is that we are intellectually sound, progressive-minded and pro-Nigeria.

“We were not elected by the governors but our constituents and as far as the legislation (bills) will work for those that elected us, we will support them unequivocally, wholeheartedly and powerfully to see the light of the day.

“We are engaging Taiwo Oyedele and other tax experts on Monday.

“We have made copies of the bills available to every lawmaker to study, dissect and make inputs when we bring them up for debate,” he stated, adding that the proposed legislation was likely to scale through but with some amendments where necessary.

“I see the 10th House Congressmen passing the bills with minor adjustments to polish them with a touch of patriotism and intellectualism. That’s the trademark when you have a teacher leading a parliament anywhere in the world,” Agbese said.

The magazine reports that many state governors have opposed the Bill on the excuse that their states will be shortchanged in the new order if the bill is passed by NASS.

For instance, the 19 Northern state governors, under the aegis of the Northern Governors Forum, NGF, recently met in Kaduna state alongside other opinion and religious leaders from the region, after which they rejected the bill.

The northern leaders, during the meeting pointedly told the president to withdraw the bill from NASS.

In spite of the strong opposition, President Tinubu has insisted that the bill will not be withdrawn.

The battle over the controversial bill appears drawn among major protagonists, analysts insist, as Nigerians watch on whether there will be compromise along the line.

Tinubu Declares Confidence In INEC After Aiyedatiwa’s Win

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Tinubu and Aiyedatiwa

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has proved its capacity to conduct successful elections in the country following the Saturday Governorship election in Ondo state, according to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

President Tinubu has also congratulated Lucky Aiyedatiwa for wining the election.

Tinubu said this on Sunday following the declaration of Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the Governor-Elect of the Sunshine State as Ondo is famous.

Incumbent Governor Aiyedatiwa was declared winner by the electoral body after scoring 366, 781votes to defeat his closest rival from the PDP Agboola Ajayi who scored 117, 845 votes in the election.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, according to INEC won in all 18 local governments in the state to emerge winner.

The State Returning Officer, Prof Olayemi Akinwumi, who presented the final results of the elections, on Sunday, said Ayedatiwa scored the majority of the valid votes cast at the poll, and eventually declared him winner.

President Tinubu while reacting to the conduct of the election, said INEC has proved its mettle again as a reliable electoral body.

The president’s remark was contained in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga on Sunday.

The statement reads in part: “President Bola Tinubu felicitates with the winner of Saturday’s Ondo State Governorship election, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress, while also commending the peaceful conduct of the process.

“The President congratulates Aiyedatiwa and other candidates of the 17 political parties for the maturity and sense of purpose demonstrated during the campaigns and the election, attributing the success of the polls to the civility in the state.

He enjoins the political actors to allow their orderly conduct to permeate the post-election activities and processes.

“President Tinubu believes the Ondo State election was another litmus test of the capacity of the Independent National Electoral Commission, affirming that the electoral body justified the confidence of the people with early preparations, deployment of staff and materials, and handling of the electoral process.

“The President also commends INEC for the efficiency of uploading more than 98 per cent of results on the same day of the elections.”

The president’s admonition however contrast with that of  not a few Nigerians who insist that the Ondo election was highly compromised by key actors in the election who allegedly connived with some staff of INEC.

For example, viral videos on social media, on Saturday, indicate vote buying among supporters of major political parties which took part in the election.

Foreign Relations: Tinubu Strengthens Indian Ties With GCON Conferment On Modi

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Modi and Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred, on Indian Prime Minister, Narenda Modi the second highest honour in the country.

The Indian leader received the Grand Commander of Order of Niger, GCON, on Sunday in Aso Rock, Presidential Villa, Abuja, after a meeting with the Nigerian leader.

The Nigerian Presidency said in a statement that Modi received the award after signing a bilateral agreement with Tinubu.

The magazine reported that the Indian premier arrived the country on Saturday as part of his five-day visit to three countries.

Apart from Nigeria, Modi is expected to visit Guyana and Brazil in his quest to strengthen bilateral ties with the friendly nations.

There is a large contingent of Indians in Nigeria, particularly in the business sector wher they have invested billions.

During his visit to India early this year, President Tinubu signed trade agreement worth billions with some Indian businessmen who are eager to invest in the country.

Describing the honour as a worthy one, Tinubu said the award signifies Indian as worthy ‘partner’ to Nigeria.

Ahead the Indian PM arrival to Nigeria on Saturday, the Presidency hinted that both leaders would sign Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, in critical sectors to further strengthens trade relations between the two countries.

The Presidency said, “President Tinubu and Prime Minister Modi will aim to deepen Nigeria’s and India’s ties during their bilateral discussions.

“Both leaders will exchange signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to enhance collaboration in critical sectors.”

Nigerians Saved Me From Taking My Life, Chidinma Adetshina Declares After Miss Universe Successful Run

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Chidinma Adetshina

Beauty Queen Chidinma Adetshina has expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Nigerians for standing by her during her down moment.

“I was ready to give up on my life but you became my strength,” when problem arose for me in South Africa, she said.

Miss Adetshina who represented Nigeria at the recently concluded Miss Universe competition said she would have killed herself if not for Nigerians who came to her rescue when she faced identity issues in South Africa.

She made the remark on Sunday following the conclusion of the Miss Universe pageant which took place in Mexico where she came second behind Miss Denmark, Victoria Kjaer.

According to the Adetshina who represented Nigeria at the famous competition, the problem she had with the South African authority nearly destroyed her life, if not for Nigerians who pulled their weight behind her, to ensure that she put the problem behind her.

Her country men and women, she said gave her the strength to move on at the most critical time of her life, she said.

“To Nigeria: THANK YOU is not enough for all the support you’ve shown. You picked me up when I was at my lowest. I’ve never opened up much but I was ready to give up on my life but you became my strength. On days I never wanted to fight you gave me the strength to fight. I’m so grateful for each and everyone for walking this journey with me.”

Background Story

In August this year, Miss Adetshina withdrew from from Miss South Africa pageant following accusations that her mum forged her identity as a South African.

Born in South Africa, her documents, according to that country’s authority  indicate that she is of Nigerian descent born of Mozambique mother.

The South Africa government accused her mother of lying about her identity, the controversy that forced her to step down from the Miss Universe South Africa, even though she was among the front-runner for the completion.

Following the controversy, she came to Nigeria where she contested the Miss Universe Nigeria which she won.

Military Destroys 46 Illegal Refineries In Niger Delta

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Soldiers on Duty - Nigerian Army

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

In continuation of its commitment to halting oil theft and shore up crude production levels, the Nigeria Military on Sunday November 17, 2024 announced the destruction of no fewer than 46  illegal crude oil refining sites in the Niger Delta region l.

In a statement released on its official site, the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army also said that it seized about 95 ,000 litres of stolen petroleum products, and 47 boats used by oil bunkering syndicates in ferrying stolen products in its recent operations within the  region

The operations, the Army noted, “are primarily aimed at disrupting the activities of illegal crude oil refining gangs, as well as  totally incapacitating them.

“These were in addition to other strangulating operations targeted at crippling the criminal networks of cartels in the region.

“The operations which were conducted from 11-17 November 2024 recorded several operational successes.

“In Rivers state, following credible intelligence on the activities of economic saboteurs along the Oando pipeline in Ebocha, a new base in Ogba/Egbema /Ndoni Local Government Area ONELGA, troops engaged armed criminals .

“In the firefight that ensued, the criminals who were overwhelmed by superior fire, fled in disarray.

“Further exploitation of the general area led to the recovery of one AK-47 riffle ,one magazine loaded with 17 rounds of 7.62 mm (special) ammunition abandoned by the fleeing armed vandals.

“Further operations were  around Obiafu-Ndoni and large wooden boats conveying over 472 sacks. of stolen crude estimated to be 28,320 litres ,were intercepted

“Operations were also conducted around Tuna and Krakrama general areas in Degema LGA with a number of wooden and fibre boats destroyed and over 10,500 litres of stolen Automotive Gas Oil ( AGO confiscsted” the Military stated .

According to the statement, seven suspects were also arrested in the course of the  operations, while  about 95 ,500 litres of stolen petroleum products were recovered in Buguma area in Asari Toru local council of Rivers State.

The Source reports that only a few days ago, the Nigerian authorities gleefully informed that daily crude production has risen to about 1.8 million barrels.

They also expressed the optimism that the country could, within the shortest possible time, hit the two million daily mark if oil theft can be curtailed.

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