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Imo Govt Orders Immediate Release Of Impounded Trucks, As Drivers Block Major Roads In Protest

August 15, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Imo State Government has assured truck drivers that it will commence investigations into allegations of extortion and harassments against them by some Government officials.

The State authorities, also, on Thursday, August 15, 2024, ordered the immediate release of all impounded trucks to their owners.

Bar, Nnamdi Anyaehie, the Chief of Staff to Governor Hope Uzodinma who gave the order spoke while addressing protesting truck drivers in Owerri, the State capital.

He noted that the State Government will not support any move by its officials to extort, victimize and/or harass innocent and law abiding citizens under any guise

Under the aegis of Trailer Drivers Association, the protesting truck drivers on Thursday caused heavy traffic gridlock in the state capital, following their decision to block the ever busy Owerri/Port Harcourt road and Owerri/Onitsha road.

The aggrieved truck drivers said their action was to protest against incessant harassment, extortion,and victimization by officials of the Imo State Taskforce on Illegal Parks.

The Track Drivers Union complained that so many of its members’ vehicles were impounded by officials of the Taskforce under, mostly, flimsy excuses.

The body specifically accused the Head of the Taskforce, Frank Onwumere, and his men of being behind their ordeals.

The truck drivers lamented that for four months running, Onwumere, who is also the Special Adviser to the Governor on Illegal Parks, impounded and continued to keep their members vehicles off the road.

Spokesperson for the protesting truck drivers, Monday Ossai, while addressing the Media, said they decided to block the busy roads, so as to draw the attention of the State Government to their plight.

He noted that the drivers are convinced that the State Governor may not be aware of the anti-people posturing and conducts of the Onwumere led Taskforce.

“Truck drivers are not happy. Hon Frank Onwumere and his boys do not want to allow us to operate freely on the roads in Imo state day and night.

“The action that mostly affected us was the impounding of our members’ vehicles by the Taskforce for four months now.

“Onwumere and his boys are also demanding the sum of N250,000 from us, in addition to clearance papers on road worthiness for our vehicles.

“Onwumere insisted that we must pay N250,000 before our impounded vehicles are released to us,claiming that Lagos and Rivers State collect as much as N350,000 to release impounded vehicles” he stated

In all, the protesting drivers called on Governor Uzodinma to quickly dispense with the services of Onwumere, as his actions are attracting bad image to the State Government.

“We know that Governor Hope Uzodinma actually mean well for the people and may not be aware of the attitude of Onwumere and his boys.

“They are tarnishing the good name of the Governor, and we believe that the only way out is for him ( Onwumere ) to be sacked.” Ossai further stated .

But Onwumere has rejected the truck drivers allegations, insisting that his actions are in consonance with the mandate given to the taskforce

The Governor’s aide maintained that the primary assignment of the Taskforce on illegal parks is to ensure a reign of sanity and free flow of vehicular traffic on the State roads .

He regretted that the truck drivers have developed the penchant for flouting even simple traffic rules that are meant to keep the roads safe for all users.

Seizure of Presidential Jets: Obi Demands Full Explanation for the International Embarrassment

The Source

August 15, 2024

The Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 poll, Peter Obi, has described as international embarrassment the seizure of three Presidential Jets by the French Court.

Reacting to the incident Obi frowned at the secrecy involved in both buying and selling of Presidential jets, a property of Nigerian people.

Writing on his X handle on Thursday, Obi said, “The trending international news on the seizure of three Jets belonging to Nigeria’s Presidential fleet is yet another of many embarrassing things exposing our failed leadership and our attitude to the rule of law even in a democracy.

“It has also thrown multiple dimensions to our leadership failure and our sensitivity to the plight of the growing poor class in our midst.

“The fact that the federal government went ahead despite the cacophonous cry against the purchase of a Presidential jet at this time when the people are going through a horrifying economic hardship shows the insensitivity of this administration.

“And added to it is the embarrassing aspect of our country’s Presidential jets being held for breaches arising for yet another dimension of inadequate leadership.

I have been loud in my demands over time that the government at all levels should be accountable to the people, meaning that they must be very transparent in all their dealings.

“Until a court in France prohibited Nigeria from moving or selling these three jets, Nigerians had no iota of information about both buying and selling. It has been done in secrecy. Federal Government property, which belongs to the people, is being managed as a personal family asset.

“Paying as much as $100m dollars for a Presidential jet for a country that is the poverty capital of the World and has more out-of-school children with over 40% food inflation is the height of concern for the people’s feelings.

“This incident has also opened up an aspect of indiscipline that is copiously embedded in our country which is the abuse and disrespect for the rule of law. Here are questions begging for answers-

To what extent did the Ogun state government follow its agreement with the Chinese firm?

After the UK court ruling that prohibited some Nigeria building in Liverpool, what did both Ogun state and Federal government do before the French court?

I would like to, therefore, challenge the federal government to come clean and transparent on this matter and tell Nigerians how we got to this international mess.”

Seizure Of Presidential Aircraft: Presidency Says It Has No Contract Deal With Any Chinese Coy, Insists Order, Frivolous

Ayodele Oni

August 15, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Presidency has clarified that it is not aware of any contractual obligations with any Chinese company which can warrant seizure of its property.

Reacting to report that one of the Aircraft in the Presidential fleet was seized by a Chinese company relying on a Court decision, the Federal Government pointed out that the matter is between the company and Ogun State Government.

A statement on Thursday by Bayo Onanuga said that:

“The Presidency is aware of the various failed attempts by a Chinese company, Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited, to take over offshore assets of the Federal Government of Nigeria through subterfuge.

“The Federal Government is not under any contractual obligation with the company. The case in which Zhongshan tries to use every unorthodox means to strip our offshore assets is between the company and the Ogun State Government.

“The Federal Government is fully aware of efforts being made by the Ogun State Government to reach an amicable resolution on the matter.

“It must be said without any equivocation that Zhongshan has no solid ground to demand restitution from the Ogun State Government based on the facts regarding the 2007 contract between the company and the State Government to manage a free-trade zone.

“When the contract with Ogun State was revoked in 2015, the company had only erected a perimeter fence on the land earmarked for a free trade zone.

“While the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice is working with the Ogun State Government on an amicable resolution, Zhongshan obtained two orders from the Judicial Court of Paris dated March 7, 2024, and August 12, 2024, without any notice being duly served on the Federal Government of Nigeria and Ogun State Government.

“This arm-twisting tactic by the Chinese company is the latest in a long list of failed moves to attach Nigerian government-owned assets in foreign jurisdictions.

“The material facts in the transaction between the Ogun State Government and Zhongshan point to another P&ID case in which unscrupulous and questionable individuals falsely present themselves as investors with the sole objective of undercutting and scamming governments in Africa.

“Undoubtedly, Zhongshan withheld vital information and misled the Judicial Court in Paris into attaching the Nigerian government’s presidential jets, which are on routine maintenance in France.

“The use and nature of the presidential jets as assets of a Sovereign entity whose assets are protected by diplomatic immunity forbid any foreign Court from issuing an order against them.

“We are convinced the Chinese company misled the Judicial Court of Paris regarding the use and nature of the assets it seeks to attach and did not fully disclose to the court as required by law.

“This same Chinese company had tried to enforce its questionable judgment in the UK and USA but failed.

“Like the P&ID case, foreign companies are trying to defraud Nigeria with the collaboration of some bureaucrats.

“Zhongshan appeared to have sold the judgment they got to a venture capitalist seeking to make money by embarrassing the Federal Government and President Bola Tinubu.

“We want to assure Nigerians that the Federal Government is working with the Ogun State Government to discharge this frivolous order in Paris immediately.

“Nigerian Government will always work to protect our national assets from predators and shylocks who masquerade as investors.”

Ganduje Faults Kano Gov Yusuf Claim On Missing Legal Documents, Says It’s Baseless

Ayodele Oni

August 15, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The All Progressives Congress (APC), National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, has faulted claims by Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, on the carting away of documents to prosecute him.

Governor Yusuf had stated that hired miscreants posing as protesters stole sensitive documents related to the corruption trial of Ganduje, a former governor of the state.

In a statement on Thursday in Abuja, Ganduje’s Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, described the governor’s claims as “preposterous and baseless.”

“It is laughable that governance has been reduced to a huge joke in Kano where a state government could condescend low to suggesting that demonstrators broke into a court and carefully selected documents relating to the trial of the APC national chairman, handpicked and take them away in this digital age.

“No discerning mind will buy into this pedestrian propaganda. What happened to the documents with the government lawyers?

“The state government is bereft of ideas on how to run the affairs of the state and has always resorted to churning out myriads of corruption allegations against Ganduje and his family, who served the state diligently.

“This claim is nothing more than a desperate attempt by Governor Yusuf’s administration to divert attention from their culpability in the violence that erupted in the state.

“The insinuation that such critical documents could be carted away during a protest is a clear indication of the state’s growing incompetence in handling both security and legal matters.

“Governor Yusuf should understand that the words and actions of leaders carry weight and have dire consequences.

“We stand with the people of Kano and call on all well-meaning citizens to remain calm and law-abiding while the authorities conduct their investigations.”

Kekere-Ekun Is Nigeria’s Next Chief Justice

Adesina Soyooye

August 15, 2024

By Adesina Soyooye

There was no argument on whether she would be appointed or not. Neither will she have any problems in the sending of her name to the Senate, or of a quick confirmation by the Senate.

This means that she is not likely to suffer the fate of Honourable Justice Walter Onnoghen, a former Chief Justice of Nigeria, whose recommendation to the Senate for confirmation was so inexplicably delayed by former President Muhammadu Buhari that it caused a national uproar, almost. Onnoghen was, later, forced to retire in a humiliating manner.

The Lagos State-born Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun will have a smooth sail both at the Presidency and the Senate on her journey the office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria.

The National Judicial Council, NJC, kicked it off on Thursday, August 15, by recommending her to President Bola Tinubu for appointment as the next Chief Justice of Nigeria.

As the current second most Senior Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, the NJC had no problems recommending her to the President during its 106th meeting to succeed the CJN Olukayode Ariwoola who presided over the meeting.

Ariwoola will retire on August 22, 2024, the day he would be 70 years.

On confirmation, the Honourable Justice Kekere-Ekun will be the second female Judge to occupy the high profile office of the CJN, and not a few women are celebrating already. The first was Justice Mariam Aloma Mukhtar who was the CJN from 2012 to 2014. She served for 28 months before she retired at the age of 70 years.

The outgoing CJN Ariwoola, assumed office on June 27, 2022.

The incoming CJN, Kekere-Ekun, 66 years old, will, all things being equal, stay in office longer than her predecessors who spent, on the average, two years in office.

There has been a clamour for the extension of the retiring age of Judges.

Until then Kekere-Ekun is guaranteed about four years in office. She was appointed to the Supreme Court eleven years ago.

Born on May 7, 1958, the Honourable Justice Kekere-Ekun obtained her LLB in 1980 from the University of Lagos and LLM from the London School of Economics and Political Science in November 1983. She was called to the Nigerian Bar on 10th July, 1981.

Revealed: Gospel Singer, Aduke Gold Died Of Cervical Cancer

Akinwale Kasali

August 15, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The family of fast rising Gospel Artiste, Aduke Ajayi Morounkola, popularly known as Aduke Gold, has lifted the veil on the cause of her death, amidst all other speculations.

Her family revealed that she died of Cervical Cancer, a fast becoming killer of women, but which remains successfully cured if detected early.

Until this disclosure by family, 48 hours after her passing on.Monday, August, 12, 2024, at the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan, Oyo State Capital, the question has been: Why?

The family added that the deceased singer’s body has been transferred to Lagos State where burial rites would be held for the young gospel singer.

The deceased artiste’s elder brother, Theophilus Ajayi, who is a Cleric, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen on the circumstances surrounding the singer’s demise.

He noted that the family has obtained her death certificate and other medical reports from UCH indicating the ailment that led to the artiste death.

Ajayi noted that other reports making the rounds on her sister’s death were all false, and urged Nigerians to pray for the singer’s family.

Even though Ajayi declined to respond to claims by some of the family of the deceased that the negligence of Medical Staff was responsible for the gospel singer’s passing, tye revelation that Cervical Cancer was the cause has put a lid on the wild claim.

Information gathered from other family members was that the UCH Medical Staff allegedly delayed treatment on her which was reason for her death. But more likely is that the Cancer had already spread.

The allegation has, also, been debunked by the UCH spokesperson, Obafunmilayo Adetuyibi, who said that the artiste was referred to the medical facility from Olabisi Onabanjo Hospital in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, where she was being treated.

“Aduke came to us on the 3rd of August 2024, and died on the 12 of August, 2024. The allegations raised by the family did not reflect the true story of what transpired.

“We do not discriminate against any person either rich or poor, we always give the same treatment to everyone who comes for treatment.

“The late Aduke Gold was in a very serious condition when they brought her to us, and we did not reject her because of it.

“The people we are taking care of here are very important to us, and we treat our patients to the best of abilities and in line with the medical practice in Nigeria and around the world. We don’t want our patients to die.

“We are exonerating from the allegations leveled against us”, Adetuyibi stated.

Senators’ N21m Monthly Pay: Atiku Challenges Akpabio, Says Senator Kawu Likely On Suspension Radar Following Revelation

Akinwale Kasali

August 15, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Following the disclosure by Senator Sumaila Kawu that each Senator takes home an obscene N21 million monthly, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has said Kawu may face suspension from the Senate President, Godswill Obot Akpabio.

Kawu revealed that aside the N21 Million monthly allowances, the Senators also receive about N1 Million monthly salary.

Atiku described Kawu’s assertion as courageous. He also expressed the hope that Akpabio will not suspend Kawu like Ningi and Ali Ndume.

In a statement by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Presidential Candidate in the 2023 Presidential Election, signed by Paul Ibe, his Media Adviser, titled “Akpabio superintends over a NASS that undermines RMFAC in fixing its own humongous salaries/allowances while Nigerians are hungry, poor, insecure”, Atiku said: “Senator Sumaila Kawu has courageously stepped up to assert that his monthly take home is N21 million in allowances apart from about N1 million in salary thus vindicating former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s accusation that it was immorally wrong of the Senator Godswill Akpabio-led NASS to fix own salaries and allowances in contravention of the laws of Nigeria.

“The position of Sen. Sumaila (I do hope that the chopping Sen. Akpabio will not suspend him like Ningi or strip him of his position like Ndume) not only confirms what Obasanjo said, it also puts a lie to the official response of the Senate that it does not fix its own salaries and allowances. In an institution populated with lackeys with no balls to hold the reckless executive to account, Sen. Sumaila’s courageous act is worthy of commendation..

“It is, however, ironic that the NASS which is saddled with the task of making laws for the good governance of Nigeria, is the one that is breaking the law and undermining the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMFAC), which is the commission that is constitutionally empowered to fix salaries and allowances of public officials, including members of the NASS. It is the responsibility of the RMFAC to man up and implement the law as it relates to fixing the salaries and allowances of public officials.

“Akpabio and his “chop(ping)” gang can now see why the hungry and justifiably angry Nigerians took to the streets for 10 days on the #EndBackGovernanceProtest to #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria.

“And for the Dele Alakes of this world, who (have) stepped up the propaganda machinery of the President Bola Tinubu administration: the “Movement” he alluded to were not focused on forcing a change of government, but to sack the hunger in their stomachs caused by the trial-and-error policies of this administration.”

FG Sets Conditions For Zero Percent Duty Rate On Imported Food Items

Ayodele Oni

August 15, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Effective from Thursday, the Federal Government has approved zero percent duty rate (0%) and Value Added Tax (VAT) exemption on selected basic food items until 31st December 2024.

The measure is part of Presidential directives aimed at alleviating the hardship faced by Nigerians due to high prices of essential food items.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in a statement, stated that “His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR through the Honourable Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Olawale Edun has approved the regulation for the implementation of a Zero Percent Duty Rate (0%) and Value Added Tax (VAT) exemption on selected basic food items.”

The statement, signed by Abdullahi Maidawa, Public Relations Officer of NCS, added that “This policy is effective from 15th July 2024 and will remain in force until 31st December 2024.

“This measure aims to mitigate the high cost of food items in the Nigerian market by making essential commodities more affordable for citizens.

“The initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to address food security challenges and ensure that basic foodstuffs are accessible to all Nigerians.

“However, it is important to emphasise that while this temporary measure is intended to address current hardships, it does not undermine the long-term strategies put in place to safeguard local Farmers and protect Manufacturers.

“It is pertinent to note that the implementation of this policy will focus on addressing the national supply gap.

“To participate in the zero-duty importation of basic food items, a company must be incorporated in Nigeria and have been operational for at least five years.

“It must have filed annual returns and financial statements and paid taxes and statutory payroll obligations for the past five years.

“Companies importing husked brown rice, grain sorghum, or millet need to own a milling plant with a capacity of at least 100 tons per day, operated for at least four years, and have enough farmland for cultivation.

“Those importing maize, wheat, or beans must be agricultural companies with sufficient farmland or feed mills/agro-processing companies with an out-grower network for cultivation.

“The basic food items eligible for the zero percent duty rate are as follows:

S/N Item Description ECOWAS CET H.S. Code Previous Duty Rate + Levy New Duty Rate

Husked Brown Rice 1006.20.00.00 30% 0%
Grain Sorghum – Other 1007.90.00.00 5% 0%

III. Millet – Other 1008.29.00.00 5% 0%

Maize – Other 1005.90.00.00 5% 0%
Wheat – Other 1001.19.00.00 20% 0%
Beans 0713.31.90.00 20% 0%

“The Federal Ministry of Finance will periodically provide the NCS with a list of importers and their approved quotas to facilitate the importation of these basic food items within the framework of this policy.

“The policy requires that at least 75% of imported items be sold through recognised commodities exchanges, with all transactions and storage recorded.

“Companies must keep comprehensive records of all related activities, which the government can request for compliance verification.

“If a company fails to meet its obligations under the import authorisation, it will lose all waivers and must pay the applicable VAT, levies, and import duties.

“This penalty also applies if the company exports the imported items in their original or processed form outside Nigeria.

“The Nigeria Customs Service, under the leadership of Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, remains committed to supporting government policies to enhance food security and promote economic stability.

“The Service urges all stakeholders to cooperate fully in implementing this initiative for the benefit of all Nigerians.”

LP Disowns Ebiseni As Ondo Gov. Candidate, Affirms Olorunfemi

Ayodele Oni

August 15, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Labour Party, (LP) in Ondo state has described a defector from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Sola Ebiseni that described himself as governorship candidate of the party as impersonator.

Ebiseni, who lost out in the governorship primary of the PDP, and left the party, had announced his emergence as the flagbearer of LP and picked another defector, Dayo Awude, as his running mate.

But, the leadership of the LP in the state disassociated itself from the arrangement insisting that Ayo Olorunfemi remains its candidate for November poll.

The party in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh said that Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi emerged as its flag bearer for the state governorship election after its primaries held in Akure in June.

Olorunfemi pointed out that Ebiseni who contested for the governorship of the opposition People’s Democratic Party in the state but lost, is yet to relinquish his membership of the party, neither has he formally identified with LP.

“Dr. Olorunfemi is the candidate of the Labour Party. He emerged after the governorship primaries witnessed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). His name was subsequently submitted to INEC and was published as the Labour Party’s duly nominated candidate for the Ondo election.

“Chief Ebiseni is not our candidate, though he aspired to be one. INEC has since concluded the nomination processes and one wonders how he emerged without the involvement of the INEC and the sponsorship of the Labour Party.

“We also took note of some persons who are not members of the Labour Party but believed to be working for the Nigeria Labour Congress who must have been urging him on in their blind and illegitimate pursuit of the leadership of the party even when the Appeal Court has affirmed Barrister Julius Abure as the authentic Chairman of the Labour Party.

“Impersonation is a serious crime in Nigeria and we therefore urge the Nigeria Police, the Department of the State Security and all other security agencies to apprehend anyone impersonating or being used to fight a proxy battle by way of impersonation.

“Labour Party is poised to win the Ondo governorship election having fielded a very credible candidate who is a grassroots politician, a prominent Labour leader and a renowned educationist.

“We think that this unholy alliance between Ebiseni and APC-sponsored NLC is geared towards frustrating our expected victory at the polls but we will resist it through every legal means.

“We are therefore calling on our party members in Ondo, particularly Obidient family and the entire electorate to ignore the gang up against the party and come out en-masse to vote for Dr Olorunfemi of the Labour Party, secure our votes and make sure our votes count.”

Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea Collaborate On Gas Pipeline Project; Presidents Tinubu, Mbasogo Sign Agreement

Ayodele Oni

August 15, 2024

Presidents Tinubu and Mbasogo Sign Agreement

By Ayodele Oni

Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea have signed an agreement on Gulf of Guinea Pipeline project as part of measures to affirm partnership for mutual development.

President Bola Tinubu, who is on three days visit to the country signed on behalf of Nigeria, while Equatorial Guinean President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo signed for his country.

The agreement covered legislative and regulatory measures for the gas pipeline, establishment and operation, transit of natural gas, ownership of the gas pipeline, and general principles.

A statement on Thursday by spokesman for Nigeria’s president, Ajuri Ngalele said President Tinubu, expressed the hope that the signing of the agreement will open up new opportunities for gas exploration and employment.

The President stated that the two leaders had discussed issues related to the creation of employment, food security, multilateral relations, and conflict resolution mechanisms on the continent during a private meeting that preceded the signing of the agreement.

“Concerning Africa, conflicts and conflict resolution were discussed. We discussed various areas of conflicts and what we can do to promote peace.

“We talked about promotion of peace and stability in our countries, and growth and prosperity on our continent.

“In the same way that Europe and America have kept themselves and found a solution for their conflicts, we have to look at both inadequate capital, industrialization efforts, research and development programmes, and enlighten our people, navigate our way through problems.

“Instead of the crisis and conflicts that we see in the Republic of Congo, and others, we have to look inwards to solve problems ourselves,’’ the President said.

President Tinubu said the discussion with the President of Equatorial Guinea also covered challenges of security, African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA), and food security.

“We are all going for it. Within Africa and the African Union, we have resolved that we will work together to make sure that the solution to many of our problems in Africa comes from within,.”

In his remarks, the President of Equatorial Guinea said bilateral relations with Nigeria over many years have been rewarding and emphasized the need to deepen cooperation across salient areas.

President Mbasogo pointed out that Africa’s vision of having a permanent seat in the Security Council of the United Nations is vital for the development of the continent, affirming that Equatorial Guinea will work with Nigeria to realize the objective.

The President of Equatorial Guinea said the signing of the agreement was strategic for Africa’s development.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar of Nigeria, and Mr. Simeon Oyono Esono, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Equatorial Guinea, also signed the agreement.

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