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Obasanjo: Over 80% of Nigeria’s Crude Oil is stolen

Onasanjo

Former President OlusegunObasanjo stated that one of the reasons why Nigeria’s economy is in ruins is that while other oil-producing countries have records of their oil production, Nigeria cannot account for hers due to theft.

This is coming as a former Chairman of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) and ex-Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Prof. AngoAbdullahi, has passed a judgment on Nigeria’s leadership, saying it has failed the people.

Abdullahi added that there was a need for the country to be rescued from the leadership deficit.

They spoke yesterday in Abuja during the launching of a book titled, ‘Court and Politics,’ written by Dr. Umar Ardo, a former associate of the ex-Vice President, AtikuAbubakar.

Obasanjo, who was represented by a former governor of Niger State, BabangidaAliyu, wondered why the Nigerian economy would not be in ruins when, according to him, over 80 percent of her crude oil is stolen.

Obasanjo said while the crude oil quota is about two million barrels per day, over 1.7 million are stolen.

On whether Nigeria should go back to the parliamentary system, or continue with the presidential system, Obasanjo said there is nothing wrong with the presidential system, only that Nigerians do not play by the rules.

He called for a proper political culture, adding that no system is cast in gold.

Speaking as the chairman of the occasion, Abdullahi said: “Enough of our failures. Something else must give way to our failures. We have failed this country. This must stop”.

He also said: “Time has come for us to go back to the drawing boards to rescue this country.

The former chairman NEF lamented that Nigeria with a population of over 200 million people is struggling to generate 4,000 megawatts of power.

Narrating his encounter with an elder statesman, AminuDantata, Abdullahi said Dantata was angry with northerners because they failed the North.

According to him, “Enough is enough of our failure; we must agree that we failed enough.

“I visited Dantata and he was very angry with me, saying the people of the North have failed the North and Nigeria. Until the North accepts that they have failed the North and sit together to discuss the way forward, there won’t be progress.

“We gathered in 1978 when we wanted to return to civilian rule. We were to discuss why the system of 1961 failed but we were shocked when they said the parliamentary system of government was not going to be discussed and that we should go for the federal system of government. And they gave us two options: that of the French and America. And now we have practised the presidential system for 24 years and it has failed and I will score it F9.

“Time has come for us to go back to the drawing board so that we can save this country,” Abdullahi stated.

Muslim group calls for arrest of cleric seeking Remi Tinubu killed

Mrs Tinubu

The Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria, (MMWG), a body of Muslim professionals in various fields, has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of an Islamic cleric who wanted the First Lady, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, killed because she is a Christian.

The group, in a statement signed by its National Coordinator Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi and made available to our correspondent in Abuja, said the security agencies should act without further delay owing to a viral video circulating in the social media space on the provocative utterances of the cleric, describing him as “one of the bad elements in Nigerian society and not a true scholar of Islam.”

MMWG maintained that “at this trying period of the nation, some irresponsible, incorrigible, and unpatriotic elements must not be allowed to use religion to cause chaos in Nigeria.”

Reflecting on the teachings of Islam regarding Jews and Christians, the group stated categorically that the Holy Qur’an revealed to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) described them as Ahlul-Kitab, meaning “The People of the Book,” and Muslims are enjoined to live with them in peace and tranquility.

It further explained that “The People of the Book” means those who believe in the book revealed to Prophet Moses (i.e., Al-Taorah) and Jesus Christ (i.e., Injil, The Bible).

“There is nowhere in the Holy Qur’an or Hadith where harming or killing of Jews, Christians, and even unbelievers is permitted. God said we should continue to live together in peace and harmony.In the lifetime of the Holy Prophet Muhammad in Madina, the Holy Prophet allowed the Christians to worship in their way in his Mosque during the course of a community meeting which brought Muslims and Christians together,” MMWG maintained.

The group, therefore, appealed to the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, to set necessary machinery in motion to deal with erring Islamic preachers anywhere in the country in order to restore sanity to Islamic propagation, adding that Muslim leaders should use the corrective mechanism in the apex body to check the recklessness of some undesirable elements parading themselves as clerics.

It, however, urged President Tinubu and his wife, Oluremi, not to be distracted by the provocative, irresponsible, and condemnable vituperation of the preacher but to note that there are bad eggs in every society, pointing out that “the law prevailing in the system is capable of dealing with the charlatans and their collaborators for the maintenance of peace in the country.”

Hardship: Falana writes AGF, seeks protection for NLC protesters

Falana

Amid the planned protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over the hardship faced by Nigerians, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has asked the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to provide security for the demonstrators.

Barring any last-minute change, the NLC will on Tuesday, February 27 and Wednesday, February 28 protest following the dramatic hike in the prices of goods and services due to the removal of fuel subsidy and the free fall of the naira, among others.

The human rights lawyer in a letter dated February 24 and addressed to the Attorney General of the Federation said Section 83(4) of the Police Establishment Act empowers the Minister of Justice to provide security cover for the protesters.

He also called on the organisedlabour to conduct its scheduled rallies peacefully void of violence.

“While we have advised the members of the NLC to conduct the rallies scheduled for February 27-28, 2024 in a peaceful manner, we urge you to use your good offices to direct the Inspector-General of Police to provide adequate security to the conveners and participants in the protest, in line with the provisions of Section 83(4) of the Police Establishment Act,” the letter read in part.

“Finally, while awaiting your favourable reply to this letter, please accept, as usual, the assurance of our highest esteem.”

Osimhen, Iwobi Prod Peseiro

After bad press about Super Eagles negative tactics at the Cote d’Ivoire 2024 African Nations Cup, the players are back to life, scoring in elite leagues across the Mediterranean, far away from the tropics where goals drought belittled them.

This is a clear message that further dents Jose Peseiro’s ambition of retaining his job as Manager of the Nigerian national team. The Portuguese made the Eagles look colourless even when they got to the grand finale against hosts Cote d’Ivoire.

Victor Osimhen’s first game for Napoli since arrival from Africa, ended in a 1-1 draw with Barcelona, in the Round of 16 of the Euro Champions League. Robert Lewandowski had put Barca ahead before the Nigerian drew the hosts level.

Osihmen

Alex Iwobi, always cheered by fans when the going was good, was subjected to ridicule for not doing his usual quick tap in Cote d’Ivoire. There were claims and counter claims about his role in the team as a midfielder.

Iwobi

Playing for Fulham against Manchester United in the English Premiership, Iwobi’s late strike gave his team maximum points against the Red Devils on a day two other Nigerians, Calvin Bassey and Tosin Adarabioyo, also made maximum impact.

Bassey

Bassey, a solid defender, showed that goal scoring was not alien to the Super Eagles when his 65th minute strike jolted Manchester at Old Trafford. Harry Maguire’s equaliser a minute to regulation time was made inconsequential when Iwobi spoke.

Victor Osimhen hit Abidjan as reigning African Footballer of the Year. He topped the scorers’ chart in the Italian Serie A with Napoli, a feat which helped the club win the title after a long while in the post Diego Maradona years. The top striker scored just one goal in the Ivorian capital.

The equaliser against Guinea Equatorial was a quick reaction. Four other efforts by Osimhen were over – ruled by the Video Assistant Referee ( VAR ). Credit to the Napoli hitman, four of the eight goals scored by Nigeria had his touch.

Osimhen earned a penalty against Cote d’Ivoire, scared Guinea Bissau into an own goal, assisted the first goal against Cameroon and plucked another penalty from South Africa.

Peeiro

However, Peseiro’s strategy was to barricade Super Eagles goalmouth with as many players as the crowd. That left Osimhen with little support upfront and to survive, he played the triple role of attacker, midfielder and defender. His pastoralism denied the tournament some great goals.

In the grand finale against Cote d’Ivoire, Peseiro allowed the Elephants so much space to go for the kill after Skipper William Troost – Ekong’s powerful first half lead. And that was all the victors needed to snatch the trophy which seemed so elusive after the group matches.

Fellow countryman, Jose Peseiro, threw his weight behind Peseiro before the grand finale. Hugo Broos, coach of South Africa, eliminated by Nigeria in the semi finals, faulted Peseiro and his strange tactics of defending for much of a game.

Nigerians believe Super Eagles would have done better if they were more offensive, especially through the wings. A country that produced Kunle Awesu, Baba Otu Mohammed, Segun Odegbami, Adokiye Amiesimaka and Emmanuel Amuneke suddenly became wingless.

Peseiro’s low quality was laid bare in Abidjan and even before the championships. Quality coaches do not stay behind begging to be paid their wages. The Portuguese was not only owed, he agreed to a pay cut when his employers threatened to throw him out.

In 1973, Otman Calder, employed to manage the Eagles after their Second All Africa Games golden outing, could not stay because what he saw was different from his expectations. While Nigeria Sports Commission ( NSC) Director, Chief Jerry Enyeazu mounted a search, the German was airborne, on his way back to Europe.

Another German, Manfred Hoener, came in 1988. After an African Nations Cup silver and a dismal Olympic outing, hunger forced him out. It took Justice Chuba Ikpeazu to take his accumulated salary to Germany in 1989. The same coach later excelled in Malawi.

Carlos Alberto, the man who captained Brazil to their third World Cup triumph in 1970, was engaged by Nigeria in 1994. He flew into the country full of smiles. When it dawned on him that trouble lay ahead, it was bye. ‘ Nigeria don’t pay,’ was his reason.

Thys Libregts was loaded before he was hired in 1998. As Manager, he qualified Holland for the World Cup. Eagles had so much to learn from him and I was convinced, after interacting with the Dutchman in Ouagadougou, that something good was coming. The man left in 1999.

Peseiro is still hanging around waiting for official announcement from the NFF. Osimhen, Iwobi and Bassey have shown that Eagles are no cowards, they can fly with goals under a good coach.

Popular opinion is that Peseiro has done so well for himself and is a proud land owner in Abuja. The country has shown love by giving him national honours. He is free to live or stay in Nigeria but definitely not as Super Eagles coach.

Anambra to partner Lagos for ICT advancement

ICT

As part of efforts towards advancing Information and Technology development in Nigeria, Anambra and Lagos states have agreed to a partnership that will see to the strengthening of IT ecosystems in their respective states.

The objectives and key highlights of the Anambra/Lagos partnership include cybersecurity collaboration, protection of IT assets, cyber protection measures, and expansion of IT service platforms.

A statement on Saturday by Managing Director/CEO of Anambra State ICT Agency, Chukwuemeka Agbata, said the collaborative effort stemmed from bilateral meetings with the IT ecosystem members during the Reverse Trade Mission in the United States of America, geared towards addressing emerging challenges, fostering innovation, and enhancing the overall cybersecurity infrastructure.

Agbata said collaborating with Lagos State is an opportunity to leverage each other’s strengths and elevate the IT services market with a view to achieve technological excellence and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s digital transformation.

He said, “This no doubt resonates with the Federal Government’s call, through the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, at the recently concluded meeting of the Nigeria National Council of ICT Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies in Abeokuta, Ogun State, for the digitalisation of MDAs operations.

Obasanjo, Buhari, Akpabio, others pay tribute as Dogara lays mother to rest

Former and immediate past presidents of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo and Muhammadu Buhari were among dignitaries who honored the late mother of former Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, who was laid to rest in Gwarangah, Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi State on Saturday.

In a heartfelt condolence message, Obasanjo acknowledged the pain of losing a mother. He urged Dogara and his family to find solace in the rich life she lived and the love she shared.

The funeral service for the late Mama Saratu Yakubu Tukur who died at the age of 103 was held at the COCIN Center in Gwarangah.

In his remarks, Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented by the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Boss Mustapha, described her death as an inevitable end which every mortal must pass through.

The immediate past President added that though he did not meet the deceased physically, he knew that she lived a life well spent and useful to humanity.

Also speaking, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio described the life of Mama Saratu as worthwhile which should be emulated by all.

Represented by Senator representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District, Abdul Ahmad Ningi, Akpabio noted that the community will really miss the services to humanity rendered by the late Mama Saratu Yakubu.

In his remarks, the Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeedn Abbas urged Dogara Yakubu and the immediate family to take solace in the fact that Mama Saratu Yakubu Tukur lived a life of service to humanity.

Similarly, Niger State Governor, Umar Bago said that nothing else can replace Mama in the lives of the immediate family and the entire people of Gwarangah considering her positive impact in the lives of the people.

The Emir of Bauchi, Dr Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu, while speaking, described the death of late Mama Tukur as a great loss not only to the immediate family but the entire people of Bauchi State.

Represented by the Wakilin Wajen Bauchi, Prof Musa Maisamari, the Emir said that though the death was a shock to him, the life and times of Mama Saratu Yakubu Tukur was a worthy one.

During the church service, Dogara emotionally described his mother as an exemplary woman, praising her courage, impact, and devotion to God. He expressed gratitude for her legacy and promised to share her story with the world someday.

DPO’s murder: We’ve recovered cult leader’s corpse –Police

The Rivers State police command, on Friday, in Port Harcourt, announced the recovery of the corpse of Gift Okpara, alias 2Baba, leader of the cult group who killed a former Divisional Police Officer of Ahaoda Division, SP Bako Angbashim.

Angbashim was on  September 8, 2023, in Odumude community, Ahaoda East Local Government Area, murdered and his body decapitated by 2Baba and his gang members who made and circulated a video of how they carried out the dastardly act.

Security agencies had since then been on trail of the gang members, arresting several persons connected with the incident while 2Baba continued to evade arrest until February 17 when he was killed in a raid on his new hideout.

His body was not found until Friday when the state Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, announced that men of his command had successfully located his shallow grave at Ebrass, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.

CP Disu said: “Based on credible information, our tactical operatives successfully located the shallow grave of  Gift Okpara ‘M,’ also known as 2baba, a notorious Iceland cult leader in Ebrass, Ahoada West, Rivers State.

“We were able to recover the corpse of 2Baba, who was responsible for the brutal murder of former DPO Ahaoda Division, late SP Bako Angbashim on September 8, 2023, in Odumude community, Ahaoda East Local Government Area.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who played a part in this operation, particularly our dedicated tactical teams and the IRT special team.

“I want to extend my special thanks to the Nigerian Airforce for their invaluable support. Their aerial strike on 2Baba’s camp on February 10 resulted in significant casualties among the gang, which facilitated our subsequent operations.

“Furthermore, the Rivers State police command acknowledges and thanks the governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fabura, for his unwavering support throughout this operation. His commitment to maintaining law and order in our state is commendable.

“I want to take this opportunity to commend the officers involved in this operation. They have shown extraordinary dedication and resilience. Their hard work and perseverance were driven by the expectations of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, who sought success in bringing 2Baba and his gang to justice.”

EFCC grills 16 suspected oil thieves

EFCC

The Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), has commenced investigations of 16 suspected oil thieves and a vessel handed over to it by the Nigerian Navy, (NNS) Beecroft, Apapa, Lagos.

Cdr L.M. Osuman, who handed over the vessel and the suspected oil thieves disclosed that the vessel, MT. Vinnalaris 1, laden with about 515,870 litres of crude oil, was taken into custody along with its crew members on December 6, 2023 around Ebesun Oil Field by officers of the Nigerian Navy.

“The vessel was actively involved in loading crude oil without possessing any permit,” he said.

He assured that the Nigerian Navy will continue to do its part to combat oil theft in the country.

Moses Awolusi, an investigator with the EFCC, who received the vessel and the suspects on behalf of the Commission, assured that diligent investigation will be carried out and the culprits prosecuted if found culpable.

Idahosa protests, demands cancellation of  APC Primary

Idahosa

One of the governorship aspirants in the February 22nd primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Dennis Idahosa has staged a protest at the national secretariat of the party in Abuja, demanding justice.

Mister Idahosa, who was initially declared winner of the February 17, 2024, primary election by the Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, also threatened to drag the party to court if justice was not done.

He, however, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to call the National Working Committee (NWC) to order, by restoring his candidature as pronounced by Governor Hope Uzodimma.

His protest comes days after the APC canceled the election which produced him as the party’s candidate for Edo State governorship poll billed for September 2024.

The party later appointed Governor BasseyOtu of Cross River State to conduct a fresh governorship primary which produced Monday Okpebholo as the party’s candidate.

Okpebholo scored 12, 433 votes to defeat the other eleven aspirants. Idahosa polled 6,541 votes.

He said there were 31,863 accredited voters, total votes cast 31,863, valid votes 31,863, and zero invalid votes in the race that featured 12 contestants.

Abia PDP passes vote of confidence on party’s chairman

Henrietta Ashikodi, Umuahia…

The Peoples Democratic,  Party, Abia state has dismissed the news item circulating on social media calling for the resignation of the State Chairman of the party, Rt. Hon. Dr. Alwell Asiforo Okere, because he could not deliver the Party in the last general election.

The party describe the group, Abia PDP Network Movement, calling for the resignation of the party’s chairman as an unrecognised, obscure, baseless and faceless organisation..

Reacting through a press release, Abia PDP Vice Chairman/Acting State Publicity Secretary, Hon. Elder Abraham Amah said it was laughable and unfortunate that the call was coming from a group whose individual names are not even found in the membership register of the Abia PDP, even as the news item was circulated by a single journalist whose intent was cast in doubt and duplicity.

“The Abia PDP would not have bothered to respond to the impudence of the so called group if not that it made some unfounded allegations against the person of the PDP Chairman which we use this opportunity to correct.

“As a matter of fact, the Abia PDP through its State Working Committee, SWC uses this opportunity to pass a vote of confidence on the State Chairman of the Party, Rt. Hon. Dr. Alwell Asiforo Okere and affirm that he has and continues to provide leadership to the teeming members of the Abia PDP and its numerous supporters and sympathisers.

“It is on record that the Abia PDP under Dr. Alwell Okere witnessed unprecedented growth and unity and his leadership remains one of the best in the history of Abia PDP, which shows clearly that those calling for his resignation are outsiders and bereft of the developmental history of the Abia PDP.  

“To put the records right, Rt. Hon. Dr. Alwell Asiforo Okere delivered all the PDP candidates in his polling unit, ward and constituency and we challenge those calling for his resignation to produce the election results of their polling units, Wards, State constituencies and National Assembly for comparison,”. Amah stated.

The PDP spokesman further revealed that they are law abiding corporate citizens, adding that the Abia PDP would refrain from commenting on the sealing of the Abia PDP Secretariat because the matter was subjudice as it was currently before the Judicial Panel of Inquiry instituted by the Abia State government.

“It is clear to us that the current economic hardship has compelled some individuals to engage in acts inimical to decency and rationality, just to satisfy their hunger and we would not join them in this naked dance of shame and sham.

“We call on these detractors to find something meaningful to do with their lives and desist from bringing shame and disgrace to themselves because every discerning and well meaning member of the PDP and even outsiders know that the leadership qualities of Dr. Alwell Okere are top notch and indisputable.

“The Abia PDP also calls on its members and the good people of Abia State to disregard the cheap blackmail peddled by these desperate elements and join hands with the State Chairman of the PDP, Rt. Hon. Dr. Alwell Asiforo Okere to continue to build the party and make it more formidable for the future.

Imo Lawmakers call for measures to stem high cost of Food

IMO ASSEMBLY

By Vivian Iwu…

As Food prices and other commodities continue to soar with harsh Economic realities, Imo State House of Assembly has passed a Motion, urging the Governor, Hope Uzodimma to immediately direct the Ministry of Education to ensure Demonstration Farms are restarted in various Primary and Secondary Schools in the State.

They also agreed to urge the Governor to direct the Ministry of  Agriculture to immediately interface with the Local Farmers across the State, and seek ways to improve on farming, and providing necessary logistics to them, such as Grant, Seedlings, Manure among others
Other Prayers of the Motion, chiefly sponsored by the member representing Nkwerre State Constituency, Hon. Chisom Ojukwu include; to urge Governor Uzodimma to reactivate Imo Marketing Board, to ensure the continued support to Imo Residents through storage and distribution of food items and commodities, in order to increase Food Reserve and ultimately alleviate the suffering of Imo people .

They also urged the Governor to direct the relevant Agencies and Ministries to look into the Rubber Plantations in Imo State, in order to ensure they are working optimally to increase production, as this would boost employment, and generate more Revenue for the State, as well as facilitate the revamping of Avutu Poultry in Obowo because these are some of the ways to prioritize Agriculture in Imo State.

Meanwhile, earlier presenting the Motion, Hon. Ojukwu observed that the lacuna created in not participating in Agriculture and farming gave room for most of the Agricultural and Farm Produce to be imported into the State from other parts of the country, positing that it resulted in high cost of  food items with it antecedent landing cost.

He called on the State Government to immediately intervene by making Agriculture, a priority and avert  catastrophic consequences,  which may lead to wide spread famine, diseases and societal collapse.

“The Global Food Crisis cannot be over emphasized. Our Schools need to return to their Demonstration Farms, while our families should be encouraged to have farm at the backyards. Farmers need grants and seedlings, to make headway”.

Hon.  Ojukwu stated, and expressed worry that unprecedented high cost of food items in the State, as well as obvious lack of interest in Agriculture and farming by Teachers and Students has made it imperative for Governor Uzodimma’s immediate Intervention by ensuring that Agriculture was made a priority to avert catastrophic consequences.

The Motion, which was seconded by the member representing Orsu State Constituency, who is also the House Committee Chairman on Agriculture, Hon. Uche Francis Agabige, enjoyed the support of; Hon Uche Agabige, member representing Orsu State Constituency, Hon Chigozie Nwaneri member representing Oru-East State Constituency, Hon Henry Agbasonu member representing Ezinihitte Mbaise State Constituency, Hon Okey Udeze member representing Ideato North State Constituency, Hon. Kelechi Ofurum member representing Owerri North State Constituency, Hon Ikenna Ihezuo, member representing Orlu State Constituency, Hon. Dominic Ezerioha, member representing Oru West State Constituency, and Hon. Johnson Iheonukara Duru.

Imo lawmakers push for remedial works on Ngor-Okpala/Aboh/Ezinihitte/Ahiazu-Mbaise/Ehime-Mbano roads

IMO ASSEMBLY

Imo State House of Assembly (IMHA) has pushed for remedial works to be done on the worsening condition of Ngor-Okpala/Aboh-Mbaise/Ezinihitte-Mbaise/Ahiazu-Mbaise/Ehime-Mbano roads by urging the Governor Hope Uzodimma to direct the Ministry of Works to immediately commence palliative rehabilitation on them before the Rainy Season set – in.

This was the outcome of the Motion chiefly sponsored by the member representing Ezinihitte Mbaise State Constituency, Hon. Henry Agbasonu, seconded by Hon. Bernard Ozoemelam, with; Hon Ugochukwu Amuchie, member representing Aboh-Mbaise, Hon. Obinna Egu, member representing Ngor-Okpalla State Constituency, Hon. Bernard Ozoemelam, member representing Ehime-Mbano State Constituency, Hon. Clinton Amadi, member representing Owerri Municipal State Constituency, and Hon Kelechi Ofurum, member representing Owerri -North State Constituency as co-sponsors.

Presenting the Motion, Hon. Agbasonu lamented the  deplorable condition of the Road, which cuts across five Local Government Areas of the State.

According to him, commercial activities had been stalled in these Areas since past Administrations in the State, thereby destroying the Local Economy of the Areas.

He pointed out that users of the Road are always in agony, especially whenever it rains.

“If it rains any moment from now, the Road would be totally impassable and will cause a lot of  hardship to the people of the Local Government Areas mentioned.”

Hon Agbasonu stated, and called on his Colleagues to support the Motion, urging that  palliative work be done on the  Road to lessen the suffering of the people, pending when major reconstruction would be done.

Other Lawmakers including; Hon. Chisom Ojukwu, Hon. Obinna Egu, Hon. Ugochukwu Amuchie, Hon. Bernard Ozoemelam, Hon. Clinton Amadi and Hon. James Uba Esile, got the chance and spoke in favor of the Motion before the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe ruled in the affirmative vote of majority of the Lawmakers, and directed the Clerk to communicate the resolution of the House to His Excellency the Governor of Imo State.

Meanwhile, after receiving the Report of the Committee on Education for “A Bill for a Law to provide for Skill Acquisition and Craftsmanship as Mandatory Course in all Primary Schools and Secondary Schools, and for the Establishment of Skill Acquisition And Craftsmanship Centre in Tertiary Institutions in Imo State and other related matters”, the Speaker ruled that it would be considered in the  Committee of the whole House  when the House resumes Plenary on February 29, 2024.

However, the House sitting featured the presence of the Students of two Secondary Schools in the State; Faith-House Leadership Academy in Okigwe Road Owerri, and  Logos International Secondary School in Oru-East, who came on Excursion to observe Plenary proceedings.  

The Students were also taken round the Complex at the end of the sitting.

IPC Boss charges Journalists to be Catalysts of Good Governance

By Vivian Iwu…

The Executive Director of the International Press Center (IPC ), Prof. Lanre Arogundade has charged Journalists to be catalysts of Good Governance.

He made this charge at a two – day Workshop, organized by the International Press Center (IPC), in collaboration with European Union (EU)-Support / Funding to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGIN) for over 40 Journalists, selected from South-East and South – South Zones of Nigeria, on the use of Freedom Of Information (FOI) and Facts – Check Tools.

The theme for the Workshop, which took place in Port Harcourt, River State, was: “Post Election Reporting: Using FOI Act & other Investigative Methodologies to report Democratic Governance & Electoral Accountability Issues”.

Arogundade explained that what informed his decision to hold the event was that Journalists and the media can hold the Government accountable to the people and do better to report in the Public interest.

“Ultimately it’s about the people. So, we are looking at Democratic Governance and Post Elections, particularly when it comes to promises made by elected Politicians, we believe that we need to use relevant Tools to follow up on those Policies and the Claims they are also making about what has been done or what has not been done.

“That’s why we talked about Freedom of Information Act and Fact – Checking.”
He explained, adding that IPC believes that Gender Issue is still very important and it is their obligation to advance the course of Women.

According to him, in Societies, including Nigeria, through consistent reporting and follow – up, Journalists have been able to make a difference in the lives of people, getting Government to do what it is supposed to do; build Roads and Health Centers in Communities, and expressed confidence that it is quite possible now, despite the challenges faced in the Profession.

He charged Participants of the Workshop on value of fact- checking their Reports in order to dispel suspicions and lower the spread of false information in the society.

However, another Resource Person at the Event, Mr. Edetaen Ojo, Executive Director, Media Rights Agenda, Lagos, who did Justice to the theme of the Event, “Post- Election Reporting: Using FOI Act & other Investigative Methodologies to report Democratic Governance and Electoral Accountability Issues”, charged Journalists to conduct investigative reporting more often, and to hold the Government and Government Officials, as well as Institutions, accountable.

Edetaen Ojo, a former Nigeria Guardian Editor, explained that Media Professionals are in the Information Business, and the whole point of Freedom of Information Act is to enable Citizens, including, Journalists to get Information that is reliable from Public Institutions and Officials because in the Digital age, there’s so much inaccurate Information floating around.

“So, it’s particularly important that we have an instrument that enables us to ask and get information and have the assurance that the information we are getting is accurate and reliable, then we should utilize that instrument.

“But unfortunately, our experience has been that over the last 12 years or so, the law has been in existence, Journalists have not made significant use of it, so, part of the objective here is to create greater awareness and sensitize Journalists about the existence of the Law and its value to them and also build capacity on how to use the law effectively.

Onanuga: Why distribution of 42,000MT of food items is delayed

The presidency says the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is in the final stages of releasing 42,000 metric tonnes (MT) of assorted food commodities to support vulnerable Nigerians.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, made this known in a statement on Friday.

Onanuga said the grains, in seven locations of strategic reserve, are currently being bagged for onward delivery to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

“The need to bag the grains, caused the delay as the bags were freshly ordered by government,” he said.

“Nigerians will not need to pay for the grain bags, as they are free. This will be complemented by the 60,000 metric tonnes of milled rice to be purchased by the Federal Government from the Mega Rice Millers.”

Speaking on the issue, Abubakar Kyari, minister of agriculture, said the announcement of the impending releases of food commodities from the strategic reserve has resulted in a significant drop in commodity prices throughout the country’s major grain markets.

Also, Onanuga said the federal government was ramping up food production by boosting dry season farming under the National Agricultural Growth Scheme Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP) project.

The first phase of the dry season farming, the statement noted, was launched in November 2023.

According to the government, the focus will be on the cultivation of wheat across 15 wheat-producing states, spanning 118,657 hectares and involving 107,429 farmers.

Abubakar Kyari, minister of agriculture, said the fields are green and harvest will commence in a matter of weeks.

“There are fantastic reports of growth of wheat from Jigawa State, which is now targeting harvest from about 50,000 hectares, 10,000 hectares more than initially allotted under the programme,” Kyari said.

Phase 2 of the dry season farming, covering rice, maize, and cassava, is also expected to commence soon across all 36 states of Nigeria and the federal capital territory (FCT).

“For rice, the target is 250,000 hectares, involving 500,000 farmers with the expected output of 1 million metric tons of paddy rice,” the minister said.

“For maize, we are cultivating 55,000 hectares with 110,000 farmers, thereby adding 165,000 metric tons to national maize production while for cassava, we are doing 35,000 hectares with 70,000 farmers to produce 525,000 metric tons of cassava.

“The NAGS-AP Project offers a 50% subsidy. However, the Federal Government is providing additional support for Phase 2, which will bring aggregate subsidy to about 93 %  tofarmers cultivating the crops.

“Also various governors are showing strong support, to further enhance the subsidy.”

In addition, solar-powered water pumps for irrigation, provided by the federal government, are also being deployed to aid the next phase of the programme.

Abuja to experience 7-hour blackout this weekend –TCN

The Transmission Company of Nigeria, (TCN), said parts of Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, will experience a seven-hour blackout on Saturday and Sunday,

TCN, in a statement by its General Manager, Public Affairs, NdidiMbah, on Saturday said there would be a planned routine maintenance on its 132/33kV 2X100MVA power transformers in Apo Transmission Substation.

Mbah listed the areas that would experience power interruption as Garki, Asokoro, Lugbe, Airport Road, Gudu, Gaduwa, parts of Lokogoma, Apo, Kabusa, Guzape and Nepa Junction.

According to the statement, the maintenance is slated from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm each day, adding that the power supply would be restored on both days by 4 pm.

“The Transmission Company of Nigeria wishes to inform the public that its maintenance crew will carry out planned preventive maintenance on its 132/33kV 2X100MVA power Transformers in Apo Transmission Substation.

“Consequently, there will be power interruption through both transformers and Abuja DisCo will be unable to off take power from the two transformers for distribution to its customers.

“TCN regrets the inconvenience this may cause electricity consumers in the affected areas,” the statement read in part.

CBN mandates forex sellers to declare sources, introduces revised guidelines for BDCs

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has introduced a revised regulatory framework for Bureau De Change (BDC) operations to address excesses and enhance transparency in the foreign exchange market.

As part of ongoing reforms, the CBN now mandates foreign exchange sellers to BDCs transacting $10,000 and above to declare their sources of forex.

Additionally, sellers are required to comply with anti-money laundering/combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regulations.

The guidelines, outlined by Haruna Mustapha, the Director of the CBN’s Financial Policy and Regulation Department, cover permissible activities, licensing requirements, corporate governance, and AML/CFT provisions for BDCs.

The framework also establishes new record-keeping and reporting requirements, with a condition that only entities authorized by the CBN can engage in BDC activities in Nigeria.

The guidelines define a BDC as a company licensed by the CBN to conduct retail foreign exchange business exclusively in Nigeria.

Commercial banks, merchant banks, non-interest banks, payment service banks, financial institutions, holding companies, payment service providers, and certain individuals are barred from promoting BDCs.

The guidelines specify permissible sources of foreign currency for BDCs, including tourists, returnees from the diaspora, expatriates, international money transfer operators, embassies, authorized hotels, the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market, and other sources specified by the CBN.

BDCs are prohibited from engaging in street trading, maintaining accounts for the public, accepting assets for safekeeping/custody, taking deposits, granting loans, or conducting retail sales of foreign currencies to non-individuals (except for BTA, international outward transfers).

The guidelines aim to streamline BDC operations, enhance regulatory oversight, and curb illicit financial activities in the foreign exchange market.

Tinubu, ECOWAS leaders meet over Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu is currently conferring with his counterparts at the Extraordinary Summit on the Political, Peace, and security situation in the region, at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

Tinubu who chairs the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State is leading talks expected to see the regional bloc relaxing sanctions on its military-ruled member states of Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, and Niger.

Headquartered in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, the nearly 50-year-old bloc consists of 15 countries.

However, the military-led juntas of Burkina-Faso, Mali and Niger, in late January, announced their withdrawal over “illegal sanctions” harming their people.

They also alleged that the bloc had fallen under the influence of foreign governments whose interests, they said were far from the peoples’.

In July 2023, the regional bloc approved the “Suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between ECOWAS Member States and Niger. Freeze all service transactions, including energy transactions.”

It froze assets of the Republic of Niger in Aqua Central Bank and the state enterprises and parastatals in commercial banks.

It also took similar steps when Mali and Burkina-Faso fell under military rule.

Although ECOWAS’ rules mandate a withdrawing member state to issue one year’s notice, the junta declared their secession as immediate. It was the first withdrawal nearly 24 years after Mauritania pulled out in December 2000.

On February 15, ministers from Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger Republic announced plans to establish a confederation.

However, the ECOWAS says the trio has not formally withdrawn from the league.

Reps seek partnership with Netherlands on peace building, food security

Okezie Kalu

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu has called for more collaboration and partnership between Nigeria and the Netherlands to address some challenges in the country such as conflicts and food insecurity to foster economic growth and development.

 

Kalu, who spoke when playing host to the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Nigeria, WouterPlomp said the Dutch stands as a significant source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Nigeria, particularly in oil and gas, manufacturing, and agricultural sectors.

 

He commended the Netherlands for its investments in Nigeria and its contributions towards reducing insecurity.

 

According to the deputy speaker, the Netherlands’ support for peace-building initiatives in Nigeria, especially in addressing conflicts in parts of the country reflects both nations’ shared commitment to promoting stability and security.

 

While harping on the importance of food security, saying that it’s a sustainable approach towards having peace and security, Kalu referred to his Peace in the South East Project’ which has agriculture and food security as one of its pillars, recalling that it recently launched ‘food for peace’ aimed at providing food for the people.

 

Kalu stated that there’s a significant potential for partnership in the value chain for processing and packaging of dairy products, adding that having the fifth largest cattle herd in Africa, collaboration with the Netherlands in processing dairy products beyond what is currently being done at the moment can foster economic growth.

 

He said further that the parliament was looking forward to engaging in more productive dialogue that further strengthened the bilateral relationship.

 

The deputy speaker said: “Your presence here at the People’s House stands as a testament to the deep-rooted historical ties and enduring friendship that bind our two nations. The parliament is aware of your presence in the country and the impact that you’re making.

 

“Take it back to the kingdom that the parliament of Nigeria is aware of the contribution you’re making to nation-building. In 2022, bilateral trade between Nigeria and the Netherlands reached 7.7 billion Euros, with Nigeria enjoying a trade surplus of 5.2 billion Euros. Our trade relations continue to thrive.

President Tinubu to visit Aba on Monday to commission Geometric Power Plant, roads in Aba tomorrow

Tinubu smiles

Henrietta Ashikodi, Umuahia…

The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu will on Monday  February 26, 2024, visit Aba, Abia state to commission the Geometric Power Plant.

The president will also use the occasion to commission another set of three roads in Aba, rehabilitated by the administration of Governor Alex Otti.

The Abia state Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince OkeyKanu made this Known through a press release.

He said the power plant will provide uninterrupted power supply to  Aba and its environs.

He named the roads to be commissioned as Omoba Road, ⁠Jubilee Road and Queens Street.

The commissioner revealed that it will be Mr President’s first commissioning of a road constructed by the current set of Governors in Nigeria and will equally mark the 9th road being commissioned in Aba since Dr Alex Otti took over the reigns of power in the State eight months ago.

He enjoin citizens and Aba  residents to troop out en masse to welcome Mr president and also to witness the epoch making events.

Court denies Anambra lawyer bail for brutalising maid

The Children, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Court, sitting at the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Awka, Anambra State has denied a lawyer, Mrs Adachukwu Okafor, bail for allegedly inflicting physical injuries on the body of her 11-year-old housekeeper and ordered her remand at the State Criminal and Investigative Department custody in Awka.

Okafor, who resides at Chris Igwilo Street Akapka GRA, Onitsha, Anambra State, was arraigned before the Children, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Court in Awka, on Wednesday on a-two count.

The court was presided by Her Worship, Genevieve Osakwe, at the Chief Magistrate Grade 1, Awka.

Okafor was alleged to have used various objects like a broken bottle, knife, and electric iron to harm her house help, identified as Happiness Nwafor, in response to an incident involving her daughter.

The two-count borders mainly on wilfully inflicting physical injuries on the body of one Happiness Nwafor, an offence punishable under Section 4(1) of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition and Protection) Laws of Anambra State of Nigeria 2017.

The charge was read and interpreted to the defendant to the satisfaction of the court; and the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Okafor, who was reportedly said to be on the run, surrendered herself to the state police command in Awka, after the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, had placed a N2m bounty for anyone who knew her whereabouts.

The bail application made by the defendant’s counsel, Chijioke Nwankwo, was denied by the court and the matter adjourned till February 28, 2024 for ruling.

Speaking to journalists after the court’s session, the defendant’s counsel, Nwankwo, when asked why it took his client time to report to the police, stated that he was not aware of any bounty placed on Okafor, explaining that he was only contacted for the job of which he immediately took the defendant to the police immediately.

He, however, accused the state Ministry of Women and Social Welfare of “already doing trial by ordeal”, which he noted was not in the best interest of the case.

The victim, an 11-year-old, had since been discharged from the hospital and made appearance in court too.

Reacting to the development, the Anambra State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, stated that she trusted the court to do justice on the matter.

Obinabo also revealed that her ministry would soon embark on media sensitisation programme, during which Ndi Anambra would be educated and fully enlightened about the dangers and negative consequences of child abuse.

She said, “We advise members of the public to shun all forms of social vices in society, especially, those vices that endanger the life of a child; and we call on everyone to be agents of positive social change.”

When interrogated when she appeared before the commissioner in her office, the suspect denied using hot iron and knife on the maid’s private and other body parts, as was shown in the viral video. She claimed she was only flogging the maid for abusing her son, when she suddenly fell on the blades of her cooking gas burner.

She said, “I was driving and my car broke down at about 3pm that day and I went to buy something. When I returned, I met my maid naked on top of my six-year-old son in my car and when I wanted to beat her, she ran away. It was the security men at the area that even caught her and brought her to me.

“When I got home and was preparing dinner at about 9pm, I started flogging her for what she did and in a bid to escape, she fell with her buttocks on the blades of the cooking gas.

“She also fell with other parts of her body on the blades. I never inflicted any injury on her as alleged.

On why she did not take the victim to the hospital when she saw the wounds, the suspect claimed it was already late in the night, adding that she did not see the extent of the injuries that night.

Tinubu Hosts ECOWAS Judicial Council delegation in Aso Villa

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Judicial Council delegation at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The president received the council delegation led by its Chairman and the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice OlukayodeAriwoola.

The Council had a two-day statutory meeting in Abuja, which began on Tuesday.

Speaking at the opening session of the meeting, CJN Ariwoola, said the body would continue to play a vital role towards ensuring a more just, peaceful and integrated West Africa. The CJN also advocated for the unification of laws within the ECOWAS region.

Also speaking at the event, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, asked the ECOWAS court to refrain from issuing unenforceable orders and judgments.

Fagbemi said it is important for the regional court to pay attention to the peculiarities of member states.He described some of the judgments delivered by the ECOWAS court as “practically incapable of enforcement”.

Fagbemi said there is a “dire need to promote and deepen alternative dispute resolution measures within the region”.

Otti calls for support from U S consulate in promoting trade, investment

From Henrietta Ashikodi/Umuahia…

The Governor of Abia state, Dr. Alex Otti has has solicited the support from the United States consulate in promoting trade, investment and other areas of interest in Abia State.

The Governor made this soliciation when he received in audience, the Political and Economic Section Chief of the US Consulate , Lagos, Mike Ervin who was in the State on a working visit with his team.

He highlighted a number of challenges confronting the State especially the business sector to include access to finance, power and logistics support in the area of digital economy  among others.

The Governor however, disclosed that the issue of power supply in Aba will soon be over following the commissioning of the Geometric power plant which will be performed by the presidency on Monday, 26th February 2024.

He stated that Abia prides itself as a major trading and industrial hub in Nigeria, noting that Aba has over 50,000 shoe manufacturers and also very strong in fabrics and garment productions.

Otti regretted that the State had suffered set backs in the past due to infrastructural decay, noting that many businesses that hitherto relocated from Aba to other states are gradually returning back to Aba as his administration has in the last 8 months fixed many roads in the state, especially in Aba,the commercial hub of the state.

“In the past we suffered quite some set back because of infrastructural decay, you really can not do much when infrastructure is not there,that is why when we came we started pursuing the rejuvenation and rehabilitation of infrastructure in particular, roads, drainages, not forgetting security and in the last 8 months we have been able to fix many many roads in Aba which is also the industrial and trading hub of Abia state.”

“You can come in as United States to assist us, if we solve the power problem, then there’s another problem which is access to finance and these days of expensive dollars, people are running away from foreign currency funding, but i believe we can sit down and think out a process whereby, even if it is for government to provide a guarantee and help against fluctuations in the foreign currency price, so that our people can be sure of support that they can pay back” Governor Otti said.

Speaking earlier, the Lagos US Consulate Political and Economic Section Chief, Mike Ervin who explained that the Consulate covers the 17 Southern States of Nigeria , said their mission was to seek ways to expand bilateral trade and investment and ensure prosperity between the United States and Nigeria.

“As you know, in the US consulate in Lagos we cover the 17 southern states and our top job more than any other, is to seek ways to expand bilateral trade and investment and expand shared prosperity between our people.

“Our people share a long history of partnership and that was highlighted by the visit of our Secretary of state ,Anthony Blinkin in Nigeria a couple of weeks ago, where he spoke very eloquently and strongly on the significance and importance of US- NIGERIA bilateral relationship and our desire is to seek ways of expanding that relationship, to build prosperity for our people”,he stated.

He thanked Governor Otti for opening the doors of Abia State to them to talk about ways they can find opportunities to build shared prosperity for their people, adding,”this is one message Secretary Blinkin has been taking around the world”.

The Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Industry, Dr. Chimezie Ukegbu , Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Digital Economy, Chibuzor Elisabeth Chijioke and the Technical Assistant to the Governor, Charles Egeonu were present at the visit.

Forex Crisis: Presidency confirms ban of Binance, AbokiFx, others

The Presidency has confirmed the ban of online cryptocurrency and Foreign Exchange (Forex) platforms operating in the country.

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Economic Affairs (Office Of the Vice President), Tope Fasua, made the confirmation on Wednesday.

The Federal Government had blocked the major online crypto platforms to avert the continuous manipulation of the forex market and illicit movement of funds.

The latest development comes after the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, ordered a crackdown on currency speculators in the country.

It was gathered that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) communicated the directive to telecommunication companies to block the crypto platforms.

The government was said to have decided to move against the crypto and forex firms following reports that currency speculators and money launderers were using them to execute criminal activities.Some of the crypto firms blocked include Binance, Forextime, OctaFX, Crypto, FXTM, Coinbase, and Kraken, among others.

In a chat with the cable, Fasua hailed the government for taking steps to address the free fall of the naira, especially the ban on crypto and forex platforms.

He said: “In less than two hours after the FG banned crypto and Binance, the dollar dropped from N1850 to N1390. I pray this is sustainable.”

Speaking further, Fasua said the floating of the naira contributed to the rising cost of living and the economic hardships Nigerians are facing at the moment.

The presidential aide asserted that the county’s economy is too fragile to withstand the naira float.

“The economy is too fragile for that. The naira float made prices go up everywhere,” he said.

Hardship: ‘We’ll come after you’ – Chief of Defence Staff warns coup advocates

The Chief of Defence Staff, (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has warned those he described as “evil people” calling for a coup in Nigeria due to the current economic hardship in the country.

Musa warned that the law will come for those calling for a coup in the country over the current economic realities.

He spoke after inaugurating the main entrance of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army and Officers Transit Accommodation, at the Division Headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.The Army chief assured of the Armed Forces commitment towards the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria.

Musa said: “Whoever is making that call (coup) does not love Nigeria. We want to make it very clear that the Armed Forces of Nigeria are here to protect democracy. We all want democracy and we do better under democracy. And so we will continue to support democracy. And any of those ones that are calling for anything other than democracy are evil people and I think they don’t mean well for Nigeria. And they should be very careful because the law will come after them. We can see that with democracy a lot of things are happening in Nigeria. Yes we are going through trying periods, I mean in life nothing is hundred per cent.”

Musa said the Federal Government was focused on addressing the current economic challenges in the country and therefore appealed to Nigerians to exercise patience.

“Everybody goes through a trying period in life, and it is what you do with them. You can see the government putting efforts to ensure that we come out better.

“And it is when you go through difficulties and come out better you will really appreciate what it is to build a nation.

“And so we are going through our trying period, but I can assure Nigerians that it will get better,” he added.

Tinubu to sign Executive Orders to bring down costs of medicines

In an imminent move to alleviate the cost burden of pharmaceuticals on Nigerians, President Bola Tinubu is set to sign executive orders aimed at reducing the prices of essential medicines. The announcement was made by the Minister of State for Health, TunjiAlausa and communicated through a post on X by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, BayoOnanuga on Wednesday.

This strategic decision comes as a response to the soaring prices of pharmaceutical products, which have increasingly become a concern for many Nigerians.

According to Minister Alausa, the executive orders are expected to provide “immediate succour” to citizens, addressing the urgent need for affordable healthcare products in the country. The move to regulate pharmaceutical prices through executive orders was underscored a month prior by the Minister of Health, Ali Pate.

He highlighted the necessity of such measures following the withdrawal of major multinational pharmaceutical companies from the Nigerian market.

This departure has exacerbated the challenge of accessing reasonably priced medicines, making the government’s intervention critical.

The minister said, “On what the government is doing regarding the high cost of pharmaceuticals, Mr. President has asked us to come up with a set of Executive Orders that he is going to sign to provide immediate succour to Nigerians about the high cost of pharmaceuticals.

“And these executive orders will get to the President’s table in the next few days. And that is the short-term solution to bringing down the cost of high pharmaceuticals and medical consumables that the citizens are experiencing currently.

“We are also working on medium-term solutions and long-term solutions.

For us at the ministry of health, we are collaborating with the ministry of industry, trade and investment, and others to develop medium and long-term plans so that the situation we suddenly find ourselves in will not be here ever again.

“This cost of high pharmaceuticals that we are noticing now is due to inadequate planning in the past, but we are working on plans and solutions that will be durable and sustainable.” Alausa added that the president is very committed to getting to the “end of this problem very quickly”. He added, “As we know, the president made a lot of campaign promises to revamp, improve, and put the healthcare system of Nigeria on a sustainable pathway. “As we can see, Mr. President is meeting a significant chunk of his campaign promises, and he is going to meet all of his promises. The healthcare budget for 2024 is the biggest ever that we have had in the history of Nigeria.”

While asking Nigerians to bear with the current administration, the minister assured that the costs of pharmaceuticals will plummet pretty soon.

Labour Party chairman, Abure, others released

Abure

The National Chairman of the Labour Party, Julius Abure, who was arrested on Wednesday in Benin City, the Edo State capital, alongside other party members, has regained freedom.

Abure and the Edo state chairman of the party, Mr Kelly Ogbaloi were arrested by a combined team of police officers and operatives of the Department of State Services.

The arrest followed a petition by the LP Youth Leader, Comrade Eragbe Anselm Aphimia, who is reportedly loyal to the factional chairman of the party, Lamidi Apapa.

The youth leader petitioned the CP alleging that he was attacked by some party members in December 2023.

Abure was forcefully arrested barely 48 hours to the party’s primary election ahead of the September 21 gubernatorial polls in the state.

However, Abure was released on Wednesday night on bail.

Addressing supporters on Thursday morning, Abure said, “let me thank all of you for your solidarity and support. We have been facing several battles since the last election ended. Yesterday, we were making arrangements for the primaries and the police swamped on us, arrested us, over what I will not discuss now because investigation is still going on. I must, however, state clearly that following several interventions, they have graciously released me on bail.”

Hoodlums hijack protests, steal food items from truck

Hoodlums on Thursday disrupted a protest by fish vendors in Niger State, stealing food items from trucks stuck in traffic along Kaduna Road in the Suleja area of the state.

While confirming the incident, SadiqBala, a candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, for the Suleja constituency, explained that the fish sellers were protesting the steep increase in fish prices.

Bala noted that the protest began peacefully around 10 am on Thursday but was later hijacked by aggrieved youths, who turned it into a demonstration against hardship.

“The price of a carton of fish was N34,000 yesterday, but this morning the price rose to N48,000, so the reaction was in response to the increase.

“Some passersby came and took over the protest. They blocked the Abuja-Kaduna Road, which is a very busy road, so they were able to draw attention,” Bala stated.

According to Bala, the situation escalated when the hoodlums began stealing from trucks, including Dangote and BUA trucks carrying food items.

“One of the trucks was carrying bags of rice. They were able to overwhelm the driver, and some of them even started celebrating,” he added.

Security operatives intervened, with soldiers and police dispersing the protesters using tear gas

Confirming the incident, WasiuAbiodun, spokesman of Niger State Police Command, stated: “There was a protest this morning along Kaduna Road, Suleja, and the protest plan was not communicated to the police. It was later discovered to be hijacked by some miscreants who blocked the highway.

“Area Commander Suleja, ACP Sani Musa, mobilised patrol teams to the scene, dispersed the protesters and cleared the highway for free flow of traffic. However, monitoring continues.”

Residents of Minna, the Niger State capital, and Suleja recently protested the high cost of living in the country.

Demonstrations have also been staged in some parts of the country as prices of food items continue to skyrocket since the removal of the petrol subsidy by the Tinubu-led federal government in May 2023.

Hardship: Shettima, Akpabio deceiving you, Nigerians are suffering –Primate Ayodele to Tinubu

The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, on Thursday cautioned President Bola Tinubu against listening to Vice President Kashim Shettima and Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s statement describing the recent protests against hardship as sponsored.

He informed Tinubu that Shettima and Akpabio are deceiving him because Nigerians are suffering and this informed their decision to storm the streets to express their grievances.

In a statement signed by his spokesman, OluwatosinOsho, Ayodele berated the duo for being insensitive with the feelings of Nigerians and reducing their grievances to mere political talks when the government is supposed to be catering for the needs of its citizens.

He said: ‘’The country needs urgent action, otherwise Nigeria will continue to experience difficulty. Tinubu should not mind those who are deceiving him, people are in pain and no one is sponsoring any protest. People are angry and feeling the heat of the economy. Tinubu should ignore any side talks that are not relevant to what is happening at this moment, everything is upside down.

‘’Tinubu should act before it’s too late. Akpabio’s statement about the protest isn’t a wise talk; it’s simply insensitive. Shetimma and Akpabio saying protests are sponsored is out of character. Nobody is sponsoring anything, the people are just hungry and these are what God said will happen in your government. Nigeria doesn’t deserve such irrelevant statements now. Instead of blaming people, your government should get to work.”

EEDC’s abysmal failure: Imo Assembly member for Onuimo, Esile cries out – – – says Onuimo communities lack electricity

Amidst hydra-headed effects of excruciating hot weather on the populace, the member for Onuimo  statecinstituency in the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon James Esile ( Fresh Air) has cried out against what he called undue neglect of communities under his constituency by the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company ( EEDC) over a long time

Speaking on a motion before the floor of the house on ways to ameliorate the effect of the prevailing heat wave across the state, Hon Esile lamented that most communities in thickly populated Onuimo local government area had for long, been without electricity, a situation that worsened the hellish hot weather, as according to him, indigenes of the area could neirher sleep with fans nor referigerate food items and other consumables.

Esile

He further, observed that the excessive heat, with its attendant high temperature resulted to measles, body rashes, sleeplessness and high blood pressure.

Esile disclosed that life in  Onuimo communities has been horrible and unpleasant, as every where is covered with darkness at night.

The lawmaker challenged EEDC, the electricity distribution company to explain why Onuimo people should be thrown into undeserved darkness and untold  hardship.

He further, urged the state government to act as a matter of urgency to remedy the sitution of abysmal failure in power supply to Onuimo constituents.

Meanwhile, the state House of Assembly has resolved to summon the management of EEDC, to explain the circumstances surrounding the epileptic power supply in the entire state.

IMSAA, Outdoor Advertising practitioners fight against billboard vandalism in Imo

By Fred Njoku…

The General Manager of Imo Signage and Advertisement Agency (IMSAA), Hon. Chibuzor Umunnakwe, has sought the collaboration of the public towards arresting and prosecuting suspected criminals who indulge in the act of stealing and vandalizing billboard materials in the state.

According to Hon. Umunnakwe, the theft of billboard materials in the state has taken a new dimension. The Imo Signage and Advertisement Agency in joint effort with the Imo  State Outdoor Advertising Practitioners has stepped up surveillance to catch the persons destroying and stealing advertising billboard materials.

The GM, disclosed this during an interactive session with the press on the efforts and steps the agency has taken in  addressing and curbing this menace.

According to Hon. Umunnakwe, in the last few weeks, several persons have been caught cutting up billboard materials and they have been handed over to law enforcement agencies for prosecution. Some of them are serving prison sentences.

Hon. Umunakwe, while highlighting further, stated that they have made breakthrough in the areas of arrest and prosecution of suspected persons responsible for, not only stealing flex materials, but destroying and vandalizing outdoor materials.

He sited a case of their surveillance team, which  accosted some men with a push truck carrying flex materials, upon searching them, the men ran away, abandoning their truck. Further probe showed the truck was equally carrying some stolen items from a provision store, including a generating set.

IMSAA is at the forefront of this campaign to stamp out stealing of billboard materials in Imo State.

IMSAA, according to Hon. Chibuzor Umunnakwe pleaded with members of the public to support in the drive to rid the state of these vandals.

“The theft of billboard materials affects the livelihood of the owners. It also directly impacts on the economy of the state and the revenue generated from the boards.

“The general public is therefore warned that any person caught stealing billboards or other materials or involved in receiving these stolen materials, will face long jail terms, as this is not only stealing and vandalism, but economic sabotage too he posited.

NLC suspends strike, reaches agreement with govt

The Niger chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has officially suspended its indefinite strike action.

The suspension was announced after an emergency joint state executive council (SEC) meeting of the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) at Labour House, Minna, on Wednesday night, February 21.

The meeting was held after an extensive meeting with Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and his executives where an agreement was reached. It is understood that the government offered to address the demands of the organised Labour.

With the suspension, all workers are expected to resume work immediately.

The agreement reached by the Niger state government and the organised labour stated that the government would pay workers in the state and local government areas (LGAs) N20,000 each as wage award in March.

It was also agreed that a tripartite committee comprising representatives of the Niger House of Assembly, the executive, and the organised labour shall be put in place to look at the laws and proffer recommendations to the government.

Furthermore, the parties reached a conclusion that there shall be refunds of 10 percent contributory pension scheme (CPS) to exempted workers in the LGAs as the outstanding refunds of N218.7 million shall be paid in three installments, according to zones.

Igbo group slams Okechukwu over attacks on Uzodimma

Mr Osita Okechukwu

Nigerians have been alerted to a sinister plot being hatched by a group of politicians to execute a campaign of calumny against the Imo State governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma.

Part of the campaign is to engage in spurious media attacks on the governor, using the recent inconclusive Edo APC governorship primaries as a plank.

In a statement in Enugu yesterday, a Pressure cum Cultural Organisation, Igbo Renaissance for Progress, asserted that it has intelligence reports that former Director of Voice of Nigeria, Mr Osita Okechukwu is leading the group.

Mr Osita Okechukwu

According to its Coordinator, Nze Nwankwo Njoku, Okechukwu is still sulking over his loss of Ministerial appointment which he attributes to the governor.

According to Njoku, the former VOA helmsman has vowed to do all within his power to destabilize Uzodimma in every way possible.  

Said he” those who read Okechukwu’s virulent attacks on Uzodimma over the Edo debacle would understand that the man has a mission which is, to damage the image of the governor who is the leader of the APC in the South East. ”

He noted that while other critics of the Edo matter restricted themselves to the issues, Okechukwu went overboard, calling for the sack of Uzodimma as Chairman of Progressive Governors Forum.

He said members of his group were alarmed by the vitriolic attacks on Uzodimma by Okechukwu, showing that he was actually on the payroll of politicians, envious of the rising national profile of the governor.

“We know for a fact that, that man is still embittered that Uzodimma chose UcheNnaji over him for Ministerial nomination.  But his attempts to rubbish the Imo state governor would be resisted by us”, Njoku averred.

He noted that contrary to the claims by Okechukwu, Uzodimma has used his position as Chairman of Progressive Congress Forum, to benefit Ndigbo and the people.

He listed the appointment of an Igbo man as Chief of Naval Staff, the dredging of Oguta Lake to the Atlantic with the concomitant economic milestone and several other benefits as evidence of what Hope Uzodimma has done with his position.

“Indeed,Okechukwu should know that APC does not revolve around him. We have more qualified stakeholders, who should be respected in Igbo land. He is not a match to Uzodimma, so blackmailing him will not work “, he submitted.

He threatened that his group will declare Okechukwu a persona non grata in the South East if he doesn’t refrain from his unholy alliance with his Cohorts to destroy Uzodimma’s image.

HUNGER: If FG Fails To Secure Farmers, Food Prices ‘ll Remain High – FACAN

The Federation of Agricultural Commodity Associations of Nigeria FACAN, yesterday, warned that if the Federal Government fails to provide adequate security for farmers and their investments, food prices will continue to increase.Speaking with newsmen, the Chairman Board of Trustees, (BoT), FACAN, Dr Victor Iyama, said the major issue was to guarantee the security of farmers and their property for more food that will lead to affordability, availability and accessibility.

Iyama also pointed out that the issue of releasing grains from the grain reserves is a temporary solution but the government should handle the issue of securing farmers with all seriousness, which had been not given adequate attention by previous governments.

He said: “The temporary measure of releasing grains to cushion high food prices in the first instances, how many people will get to, well it is a good step but we should be talking more about how we can secure our farms and lives and property of our farmers in a situation where we go to farm we will be looking over our shoulders if they are coming or not. So it is not just about releasing grains, well, you can release grains maybe it will help a fraction of the society but the main solution like I have always said is by all means the lives and property of farmers must be secured if we are serious about food security, that is the only solution and it is not just about fertilizer.

“Like I said in 2023, food security is the security of the lives and property of the farmer, and if you do that you will know that Nigerian farmers cannot only feed Nigerians, but feed the whole of Africa, and it is as simple as that.

“We should not shy away from that because if you cannot protect farmers, there cannot be food in the country. For me, we are not getting it. What we have in the silos cannot even satisfy one State.

“However, he said farmers are very bold and are producing food while some are afraid because they do not have that courage to go to the farm, and he maintained that the bottom-line remains securing the lives of farmers and their investment.

“Our people are ready to go to the farm, and are still producing, and that is why there is food in the market but expensive because farmers are not secured, and the bottom-line is to secure farmers because we need to produce more food, but the lives of farmers need to be secured”, he added

Court frees security guard accused of defilement after four years in detention

Court

An Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court has discharged a security guard, Tony Nkocha, accused of defiling a nine-year-old girl (name withheld) for want of diligent prosecution.

Justice Abiola Soladoye freed Nkocha of the one-count charge of defilement preferred against him by the Lagos State Government, due to the lack of diligent prosecution.

Soladoye stated that there was no moral justification for keeping Nkocha at the correctional centre due to the non-presentation of witnesses by the prosecution.

According to her, “Whoever brought him to court must be here to testify against him.

“Justice is for all, for the defendant, victim and the general public at large.

No one will use this court to suffer anybody.”

The judge thereafter struck out the case and stated that the prosecution was at liberty to re-arrest Nkocha whenever the witnesses were ready.

“This case is struck out for lack of diligent prosecution.

However, the prosecution is at liberty to re-arrest the defendant when the witnesses are ready.

The prosecution must also put their house in order, for justice delayed is justice denied,” she said.

Earlier, the defense counsel, Mrs. Scholastica Nwogu, had prayed the court to strike out the case for want of diligent prosecution.

Nwogu said that the case had come up 13 times with no witness showing up.

“I humbly urge this court to strike out the case for want of diligent prosecution because this case has come up 13 times with no witnesses from the prosecution.

“The defendant has been in custody since 2020,” she said.

According to the prosecution, the alleged offense contravenes the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

Imo Correspondents’ Chapel gets new leadership

A correspondent of the Vanguard Newspaper,  Chinonso Alozie has emerged as Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Imo council.

Alozie, who emerged alongside five others, polled 20 votes to defeat his lone rival, Angela Nkwo-Akpolu of the Leadership Newspaper who scored 11 votes.

Also, Mr Sabi Elemba of the Business Day Newspaper defeated Mrs Charity wins of the Daily Asset with 20 votes against 11 to emerge Treasurer of the Chapel.

Others who emerged as sole aspirants for different positions include, Mr Collins Osuji of the Guardian newspaper as Vice Chairman; Mr Victor Nwachukwu of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) as Secretary; Mr Oliver Joseph of Arise Television as Financial Secretary and Mr Basil Ukwuegbu of the National Light newspaper as Internal Auditor.

Announcing the results, Chairman of the electoral committee, Mr Peter Okolie of NAN said: “ With the powers vested in me as Chairman of this electoral/credentials committee, I hearby declare that MrChinonsoAlozie, having polled the highest number of votes is declared winner and returned as Chairman“.

He thanked members of the chapel for their “exemplary decorum” and commitment to a United chapel.

In his acceptance speech, Alozie thanked members of the Chapel for the confidence reposed in him by the members who cast their votes to ensure his emergence.

He assured members that he would carry everyone along, irrespective of their varied inclinations as expressed in the ballot and of his unwavering commitment to members’ welfare.

“We will unite the chapel for our common progress. I will prioritize members’ welfare for the greater good of all. At the end of this process, there was no victor, no vanquished“, he said.

Alozie takes over from outgoing Chairman, Mr Chris Njoku of the Nation Newspaper.

The election was Supervised by the  NUJ Imo State Council, represented by the Secretary, Comrade Treasure Ihechi-Nwamah.

Mobilise public support for economic reforms – FG urges media

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has appealed to the media to rally public support for the bold economic reforms being undertaken by the Tinubu Administration, which are aimed at opening vast opportunities for employment, sustainable economic growth, and prosperity for all Nigerians.

Idris made the remarks in Abuja on Thursday at a national security conference organized by the Star Newspaper, in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists.

The Minister, who was represented by the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Press Council, Mr. DiliEzughah, acknowledged that at the inception of any reform, adjustments and sacrifices have to be made. Still, it is crucial to keep in mind that the short-term inconveniences are the price Nigerians have to pay for the long-term benefits that await everyone.

“It is understandable that with any significant change comes temporary hardship, and the reforms currently underway are no exception. However, it is important to recognize that these challenges are part of the teething problems that often accompany genuine efforts to transform our nation for the better. Let’s leverage your platforms to communicate through message of hope to Nigerians,” he said.

While speaking on the theme of the Conference, “National Security and Development”, the Minister underscored the link between security and progress, stressing that security is not merely a prerequisite for development but the bedrock upon which sustainable growth, prosperity, and social cohesion are built.

Idris said, in the realization of the connection between security and development, President Tinubu prioritized the tackling of insecurity as one of the main planks of his Renewed Hope Agenda through restructuring of the security architecture and the provision of all the necessary logistics critical to the fight against violent crimes and criminality in the country.

“One of the key steps taken by the President was the rejiggering of the security architecture to ensure that our security forces are better equipped and organized to combat threats effectively. This included strategic appointments and reforms to enhance coordination and intelligence-sharing among security agencies.

“In addition to restructuring the security apparatus, the President also prioritized the provision of arms and equipment to our security forces. This includes everything from weapons and ammunition to surveillance technology, platforms, and vehicles among others. By arming our security forces with the tools, they need to succeed, we are empowering them to better protect our citizens and secure our nation,” he said.

The Minister said since the inception of the Tinubu Administration, five aircraft have been inducted into the Order of Battle of the Nigeria Air Force and more platforms are underway to scale up the fighting capacity of the Armed Forces.

He said the President has also ramped up the fight against crude oil thieves to block all avenues being exploited by economic saboteurs to undermine the Nigerian economy. “I am happy to report that our security forces are currently winning the war against violent crimes in all its ramifications across the country”, he said.

Idris said, additionally, the President is pursuing a non-kinetic approach to tackle insecurity by addressing its root causes including the fight against poverty, unemployment, and social inequality.

Abure’s Arrest Could Have Been Better Handled – Obi

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has queried what he described as the discourteous manner in which security operatives arrested the LP National Chairman, Comrade Julius Abure, in Benin, Edo State, on Wednesday.

Obi said the arrest could have been better handled in a way to show we arecivilised and in a democracy.  Writing on his X account, the LP standard bearer said,  “Like many Nigerians, I observed the distasteful national television news reports detailing the humiliating arrest of the National Chairman of the Labour Party, Barrister Julius Abure, earlier today in Benin City, Edo State.

“Throughout my roles as a private individual, public figure, governor, and presidential candidate, I consistently advocated for the paramount importance of upholding the rule of law in any sane society.

“I firmly believe that, as citizens, we are all duty-bound, irrespective of our status in society to respond to invitations from properly constituted authority.

“My stance on this matter remains unwavering but does not explain watching the distressing image of our National Chairman lying on the ground in the name of arrest.

“This act is undesirable and unequivocally intolerable and must be condemned by any decent and civilized mind within the context of our present civic landscape in Nigeria.

“These deplorable actions epitomize the pinnacle of rascality and serve to egregiously tarnish the already delicate perception of our nation as one plagued by lawlessness.

Reduce Salt Intake To Prevent Hypertension, Medical Expert Advises Nigerians

A Consultant Physician at University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Dr Samuel Ajayi, has advised Nigerians to reduce salt intake to prevent or lower their high blood pressure. Ajayi gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Ibadan.

He said that having healthy diet (diet with fruits, vegetables and drinking water of, at least, three litres a day) could also help in regulating blood pressure.

According to him, reducing alcohol intake, losing weight, if overweight or obese, exercising regularly, cutting down on caffeine consumption and cessation of smoking can also help in reducing high blood pressure.

“There are several medications that can be used. However, doctors can choose certain medications, depending on age, presence of other diseases like diabetes or the presence of complications of hypertension, such as heart failure or kidney disease.

“It is also important to have regular blood pressure checks and regular follow-ups with doctors,” he said.

The consultant physician listed things that could increase the risk of hypertension to include: being overweight, eating too much salt and not eating enough fruits and vegetables.

Others, he said, were: not exercising, drinking too much alcohol or coffee (or other caffeine-based drinks), smoking, stress, age over 65, having a relative with high blood pressure and being of black race.

He said in about 10 to 15 per cent of cases, hypertension happened as a result of an underlying health condition or taking certain medicine.

Ajayi said that health conditions that could cause hypertension included: kidney disease, diabetes, sleepapnoea (where the walls of the throat relax and narrow during sleep) and interruption of normal breathing.

“There are some medicines that can increase blood pressure, which are: contraceptive pills, steroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen.

“There are also some pharmacy cough and cold remedies, some herbal remedies, particularly those containing liquorice, some recreational drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines like Molly.

“In these cases, the blood pressure may return to normal once the drugs are stopped,” he said. Ajayi also explained that when the blood pressure was too high, it put extra strain on the blood vessels, heart and other organs, such as the brain, kidneys and eyes.

“Persistent high blood pressure can increase the risk of a number of serious and potentially life-threatening health conditions, such as heart disease, heart attacks, strokes and heart failure.

“Reducing blood pressure by even a small amount can help lower the risk of these health conditions,” the consultant physician said.

Yoruba Nation: Sunday Igboho finally back in Nigeria

Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Igboho, has returned to Nigeria. A statement by Igboho’s spokesman, OlayomiKoiki, confirmed that the Yoruba Nation activist was in the country for his mother’s burial.

Koiki disclosed this in a terse statement accompanied by a video via his X page on Thursday.

In the video, Igboho could be seen with some people believed to be at the mortuary. He wrote: “I can confirm that Chief Sunday Adeyemo aka Sunday Igboho is currently on his way to Igboho Town for the final burial of his mother MRS S.A.ADEYEMO.

“The body of MRS S.A ADEYEMO was picked up from the mortuary in SAKI TOWN some few hours ago.” Igboho has been out of Nigeria since 2021 when he eloped to Benin Republic after he was declared wanted by the Department of State Services, DSS. DSS had invaded his home in the Soka area of Oyo State over alleged terrorism charges. The secret police had declared him wanted over his agitation for the Yoruba Nation and attacks on Fulani herders accused of having attacked farmers in the Southwest.

In the Benin Republic, Igboho was arrested and remanded while attempting to travel to Germany. However, he recently regained his freedom after two years in a Beniese prison.

While detained in Benin Republic, Igboho lost his mother who lived in Saki, Oyo State.

Civil servants to work from office three days a week – Sanwo-Olu

The Lagos State Governor, BabajideSanwo-Olu, has announced that the state government is finalizing plans to introduce a flexible workweek for its employees.

Speaking during a media chat with journalists on Thursday in Lagos, the governor outlined the new arrangement that would see civil servants from level 1 to 14 working from their offices for only three days a week.

Furthermore, the governor specified that employees on levels 15 to 17 are expected to report to their offices four times a week, indicating a tailored approach to different grade levels within the civil service.

This policy adjustment is poised to revolutionize the work environment for public sector workers in Nigeria’s commercial hub, aiming to improve productivity and work satisfaction among the state’s workforce.

The decision to adopt a more flexible work schedule reflects the Lagos State Government’s commitment to adopting innovative work practices that accommodate the diverse needs of its employees.

By reducing the number of days employees are required to be physically present at the office, the state government anticipates a range of benefits, including reduced traffic congestion, lower commuting costs for workers, and a more relaxed work atmosphere.

The Governor said, “From next week, we are working out a plan where civil servants from level 1 to 14 will come to the office maximum three times in a week.

“Not that all forms of government will be shut down. It will be calendarised and scheduled. Those on level 15 to 17 will miss work for one day.”

Reps Deputy Speaker, Kalu hails Senate passage of South East Development Commission Bill

Okezie Kalu

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has expressed gratitude to the Senate for passing the Bill seeking the establishment of South East Development Commission, (SEDC).

The proposed legislation sponsored by Kalu was passed by the Senate on Thursday, after considering and adopting its clauses at the Committee of the Whole, chaired by the Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio.

Recall that the House of Representatives on December 21, 2023, at its Committee of the Whole chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Kalu, unanimously passed the Bill for 3rd reading and sent it to the Senate for concurrence.

Reacting to the development, the Deputy Speaker commended the Senate, saying that the Bill when passed into law and eventually assented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will help to rebuild the South East region badly affected by the civil war.

Okezie Kalu

He noted that the passage of the bill was coming at a time when members of the National Assembly from the South East region led by him are championing an initiative, known as the the Peace in South East Project (PISE-P), a non-political movement using non-kinetic approach to resolving the problems in the region.

Kalu stated that once the bill becomes law and the commission is established, its impact will be felt around the region, in terms of jobs, businesses, infrastructural development among others.

He expressed optimism that President Tinubu will assent to the bill when transmitted to him, urging Nigerians to keep supporting the government.

Kalu said “I’m grateful to my colleagues in the Senate led by the President, Senator GodswillAkpabio for passing through 3rd reading the bill seeking the establishment of South East Development Commission (SEDC), which I sponsored. I am equally grateful to my colleagues in the House who in the first supported and passed the bill recently.

“The commission is very important, because when established, it will help in the rebuilding of the post war reconstruction that has not been attended to over fifty years.

“The Commission shall conceive, plan and implement, in accordance with the set rules and regulations, projects and programmes for the sustainable development of the South East States in the field of transportation, including roads, health, education, employment, agriculture, industrialization, housing and urban development, water supply, electricity and telecommunications; cause the South East States to be surveyed in order to ascertain measures which are necessary to promote its physical and socio-economic development.”

He added that the commission shall “implement all the measures approved for the development of the South East States by the Federal Government and the member States of the Commission; identify factors inhibiting the development of the South East States and assist the member States in the formulation and implementation of policies to ensure sound and efficient management of the resources of the South East States; assess and report on any project being funded or carried out in the South East States by mineral extracting and mining companies, oil and gas producing companies, and any other company including non-governmental organisations and ensure that funds released for such projects are properly utilized.

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