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  • ‘Your Accusation Is Baseless And Reckless’ – Tinubu Replies Atiku

    ‘Your Accusation Is Baseless And Reckless’ – Tinubu Replies Atiku

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has berated former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his accusation of fiddling amidst the security and economic challenges facing the nation.

    Atiku had, in a post via his official X handle on Tuesday, called on President Tinubu to step aside if he knows the responsibilities of being Nigeria’s President are bigger than his capacity.

    The former vice president, who faulted Tinubu for embarking on a private trip to France in the wake of the incessant kidnapping currently ravaging the nation, said that Nigeria does not need another tourist-in-chief.

    But in a statement on Tuesday night, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the accusation made by Atiku is baseless and reckless.

    Onanuga stated that the latest statement made by the former vice president fell short of what is expected from an elder statesman after should stop playing politics with the insecurity facing the nation.

    He said President Tinubu informed Nigerians of his private visit to France, and while in Europe, the President has been following developments at home, and he is on top of the situation in the country.

    Onanuga said the President is in constant touch with his officials and security chiefs and has directed them to stamp out every form of criminality in the country.

    The presidential aide asserted that Atiku is still suffering from his electoral defeat and latches on any issue to attack President Tinubu.

    The statement reads: “Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s statement accusing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of fiddling amidst some security and economic challenges is, to say the least, reckless.

    “Coming days after he made an equally reckless allegation against the President on the crude for a loan deal for NNPC Limited, his latest statement fell short of what is expected from an elder statesman.

    “We like to believe that Alhaji Atiku is still not nursing the hangover of his electoral defeat and now latches on any issue to attack President Tinubu.

    “President Tinubu did not travel without informing Nigerians of his whereabouts. He announced a private visit to France and announced a return date.

    “While in France, President Tinubu has been following developments at home, and he is on top of the situation in the country. Today’s inauguration of the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage bore his imprimatur.

    “He is in constant touch with his officials and security chiefs and has directed them to stamp out every form of criminality in the country.

    “He has particularly ordered them to apprehend those criminals responsible for the murder of two monarchs in Ekiti State and the kidnapping of some pupils in the state.

    “We are already seeing results with the arrest of over 139 kidnappers around Abuja, Kaduna and Benue States in the last one week. The police Special Intervention Squad (SIS) and DSS have also rescued 154 abducted persons in the last few days.

    “Just last week President Tinubu approved N50billion as Special Fund to address some of the lingering security challenges in North East where Alhaji Atiku hails from. To cope with the kidnapping challenges in the FCT, President Tinubu also approved funds for the acquisition of equipment to track criminals.

    “If Alhaji Atiku is really concerned about security issues and not playing cheap politics, he should have known that President Tinubu is on top of issues and working hard to restore peace to every part of our country.

    “Our security agencies are working very hard to bring the security situation under control. President Tinubu is giving them all the necessary support they need to win the battle against criminal elements and secure every inch of our country.”

  • No Vacancy  – APC Reacts As Yahaya Bello Moves To Unseat Ganduje As National Chairman

    No Vacancy  – APC Reacts As Yahaya Bello Moves To Unseat Ganduje As National Chairman

    APC has told the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, that there is no vacancy within the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party.

    APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, stated this Tuesday in Abuja while briefing journalists on the resolutions reached at the 141st meeting of the NWC.

    Bello had commenced the move to unseat Abdulahi Ganduje as the national chairman of the party after posters promoting him for the position of the chairman were seen at strategic places in the nation’s capital on Monday.

    Morka’s words: “There is no vacancy in the office of the national chairman. Our national chairman remains the chairman. This is democracy, people do what they want. We have total confidence in the leadership of the party. Those who are posting these papers around should desist from doing so.”

    Morka revealed that the ruling party would flag off the update of the party’s membership register in Niger State.

    According to him, “To flag off the update of membership registration nationally in Niger State, then flag off in one state in each of the other geo-political zones.”

    He also denounced the failure or refusal of the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly to swear in 16 APC House members adjudged by the Court of Appeal as the duly elected members of the Plateau State House of Assembly. 

    He said the stubbornness of the Speaker and the governor of the state in this matter was wrong, undemocratic and violently contemptuous of the authority of the Court of Appeal, the highest court for the determination of election petition matters as it concerns the House of Assembly.

  • BREAKING: Senate Summons Security Chiefs Amid Escalating Insecurity In Nigeria

    BREAKING: Senate Summons Security Chiefs Amid Escalating Insecurity In Nigeria

    The Nigerian Senate has called upon security chiefs for a meeting in response to the escalating insecurity in the country, with a specific date for the interaction to be determined later.

    After a closed-door meeting lasting over three hours, the senate expressed its condemnation of the rising occurrences of kidnappings, banditry, and the outright murder of innocent citizens by criminals.

    The Senate Leader, Michael Bamidele Opeyemi, revealed that all 109 senators sponsored the insecurity motion due to its importance.

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in his remarks, expressed deep concern over the ongoing banditry and kidnappings.

    He highlighted that the situation has escalated to the extent where intermediaries are facilitating ransom payments on behalf of kidnappers.

    Akpabio vehemently condemned recent attacks by bandits in Plateau and the gas explosion in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.

    Akpabio also mentioned that a specific date will be decided for the security chiefs to appear before the Senate.

    The lawmakers paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the attacks and the Ibadan explosion by observing a one-minute silence before adjourning until Tuesday, February 6, 2024.

  • Senate President Sets Agenda for 10th Assembly in Post-Break Address

    Senate President Sets Agenda for 10th Assembly in Post-Break Address

    The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio has announced an ambitious agenda while urging his colleagues to become a reference point in legislation for the Tenth Assembly.

    He stated this on Tuesday during plenary after resumption from the Christmas break.

    While expressing gratitude for the trust bestowed by constituents, Akpabio emphasized the need to meet heightened expectations following the previous year’s commendable performance.

    Akpabio also underscored the weighty responsibility senators carry in shaping the nation’s course and the welfare of its people, urging colleagues to exhibit courage, unity, integrity, and strategic approach to navigate uncharted territory and create a united nation.

    The Senate President called for collaborative efforts to tackle economic recovery, healthcare reform, national security, and social justice. Emphasizing the importance of transcending partisan divides, he encouraged collaboration with the Executive Arm under President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, GCFR, while upholding legislative independence.

    Advocating for open dialogue and compromise, President Akpabio urged senators to champion the marginalized and the voiceless, promoting justice and equality as he stressed the dual purpose of doing good for all and preventing injustices, asserting that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

    As the Tenth Assembly commences, President Akpabio called on senators to be inspired by their collective potential. He urged them to strive for excellence, serve with integrity, and leave a lasting legacy of progress for future generations. The President concluded by expressing hope that the Tenth Assembly would stand as a reference point in legislation, a testament to collective dedication and vision.

    President Akpabio’s call for an impactful legislative legacy signals a renewed commitment as the Senate resumes its duties in the new year.

  • New Minimum Wage Committee Holds First Meeting

    The 37 man National Minimum Wage Committee has held its first meeting in Abuja.

    The meeting was held shortly after the committee was inaugurated on Tuesday, 30th January, by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the council chamber of the Aso Rock Villa.

    The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the committee’s first meeting in a short statement via his X account in which he reacted to the inauguration of the committee by Vice President Shettima.

    According to him, the committee held their first meeting at the State House Banquet Hall.

    The presidential aide also commended Tinubu for fulfilling his promise of setting up the new minimum wage committee.

    He wrote: “Promise kept: Vice President Kashim Shettima inaugurates the 37-man National Minimum Wage Committee in Abuja. The committee members, among whom are six governors, held their first meeting at the State House Banquet Hall.”

    Membership of the Committee, which cuts across Federal Government, State Government, Private Sector and Organised Labour are as follows:

    From the Federal Government, the members include Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Hon. Minister of State, Labour and Employment (Representing Hon. Minister of Labour and Employment); Mr. Wale Edun, Hon. Minister of Finance & Coordinating Minister of the Economy;Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, Hon. Minister of Budget Economic Planning; Dr. (Mrs) Yemi Esan, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation; Dr. Nnamdi Maurice Mbaeri, Permanent Secretary, GSO. OSGF and Ekpo Nta, Esq, Chairman/CEO, NSIWC – Member/Secretary.

    Also from the State Government, Alh. Mohammed Umar Bago, Governor, Niger State- representative from North Central; Sen. Bala Mohammed, Governor Bauchi State- representative from North East; Alh. Umar Dikko Radda, Governor Katsina State- representative from North West;Prof. Charles Soludo, Governor, Anambra State- representative from the South East; Sen. Ademola Adeleke, Governor, Osun State- representative from South West; Mr. Otu Bassey Edet, Governor, Cross River State- representative from South South.

    From the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA)- Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, Director-General, NECA; Mr. Chuma Nwankwo; Mr. Thompson Akpabio with also members from the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA)include Asiwaju (Dr) Michael Olawale-Cole, National President; Hon. (Dr) Ahmed Rabiu, National Vice President and Chief Humphrey Ngonadi (NPOM), National Life President.

    The membership from the National Association of Small and Medium Enterprise (NASME) are Dr. Abdulrashid Yerima, President & Chairman of Council; Hon. Theophilus Nnorom Okwuchukwu, Private Sector representative;Dr. Muhammed Nura Bello, Zonal Vice President, North West and also from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) are
    Mrs. Grace Omo-Lamai, Human Resource Director, Nigerian Breweries;Segun Ajayi-Kadir, mni, Director-General, MAN; Lady Ada Chukwudozie, Managing Director, Dozzy Oil and Gas Limited.

    From the organised labour, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Comrade Joe Ajaero, President, NLC; Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, mni; Comrade Prince Adeyanju Adewale; Comrade Ambali Akeem Olatunji; Comrade Benjamin Anthony and Prof. Theophilius Ndukuba.

    Also, membership from the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) include Comrade (Engr) Festus Osifo, President, TUC; Comrade Tommy Etim Okon, PhD, Deputy President I, TUC; Comrade Kayode Surajudeen Alakija, Deputy President II;Comrade Jimoh Oyibo, Deputy President. III; Comrade Nuhu A. Toro, Secretary-General and Comrade Hafusatu Shuaib, Chairperson Women Comm.

  • Kogi Governor Usman Ododo Speaks On Creating “Office Of The Immediate Past Governor”

    Kogi Governor Usman Ododo Speaks On Creating “Office Of The Immediate Past Governor”

    The government of Kogi State has swiftly dismissed a piece of fake news making the rounds on some social media platforms insinuating that the Governor Usman Ododo has created an office for Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the immediate past governor of the state.

    According to the press release signed by
    Oladele John NIHI, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ododo, the story is nothing but a “concoction of psychotic mischief makers”.

    The statement reads in full:

    “The attention of the Kogi State Government has been drawn to a mischievous report that the Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has approved the establishment of the “Office of the Immediate Past Governor” to be domiciled in the Government House.

    “The fake news should be disregarded as the handiwork of psychotic mischief makers, who have been thrown into confusion by the unprecedented achievements of our former Governor, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, CON, and the realisation that the good people of Kogi State sincerely appreciate this.

    “The laughable report was concocted to create disaffection and mislead the public but the authors failed woefully to confuse intelligent Nigerians.

    “We thank the media for exercising restraint and detecting, on their own, that the report was fake.

    “We, however, urge the general public to always fact-check before spreading fake news.”

  • Peter Obi Visits Family Of Nabeeha Who Was Killed By Kidnappers

    Peter Obi Visits Family Of Nabeeha Who Was Killed By Kidnappers

    The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has visited the family of late Nabeeha Al-Kadriyar, a young Nigerian lady who was kidnapped and later killed by her abductors.

    Speaking during the visit on Tuesday, Obi said he visited the family to commiserate with them on the loss of their loved one and called on the government to see to it that criminality in Nigeria is contained.

    He said it is traumatic for any parent to lose a child and again stressed the need for the security agencies and the government to be alive to their responsibilities.

    Nabeeha was one of the victims kidnapped in a series of abductions that took place in the Sagwari Estate Layout in the Dutsen-Alhaji area of the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

    In a tragic incident that shook the community, about 19 abductees were taken by bandits, with the kidnappers demanding a colossal ransom of N700 million for nine victims.

    Among those kidnapped was Nabeeha Al-Kadriyar, a 400-level Biological Science student at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

    Four hostages, including Nabeeha, were killed by the kidnappers. Nabeeha was abducted with six other siblings, along with their father, Alhaji Mansoor Al-Kadriyar, from their home at Zuma 1, on the outskirts of Bwari town in Abuja, on January 2.

  • Resign If You Can’t Solve Nigeria’s Problems – Atiku Knocks Tinubu

    Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has advised President Bola Tinubu to step aside if the challenges of the country are too big for him to handle.

    The 2023 People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate gave the advice in a post on X on Tuesday morning.

    Atiku knocked Tinubu for going to France on a private visit while insecurity continues to ravage the nation.

    He urged Tinubu to step aside because the country needs available leadership to tackle its challenges.

    He wrote:

    “Tinubu is playing fiddle while Nigeria is drowning in the ocean of insecurity. To imagine that the Commander-in-Chief is on a so-called private visit while kidnappers kill a nursing mother and grandmother in Abuja for failing to pay N90m ransom and two monarchs in Ekiti, among other regular tragedies besetting Nigerians. 

    “If the shoes are too big for Emilokan, he should step aside. Nigeria does not need another Tourist-in-Chief. The country needs 24/7 leadership to confront the pervasive insecurity and collapsing economy. -AA”.

  • Supreme Court Delivers Judgment On Suit Seeking To Sack Tinubu As President

    Supreme Court Delivers Judgment On Suit Seeking To Sack Tinubu As President

    The appeal filed by Hope Democratic Party presidential candidate Ambrose Owuru against the administrations of President Bola Tinubu and the immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari, was struck out by the Supreme Court on Monday.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission and the Attorney General of the Federation are joined as the respondents in this appeal.

    Owuru’s appeal was turned down by the lower court.

    In dismissing the appeal, the appeal court found that Owuru had engaged in egregious procedural abuse by inciting the respondents with a pointless, vexatious, and vexing lawsuit.

    The appellate court further stated that Owuru’s attempt to revive the Supreme Court matter that had died in 2019 was intended to put subordinate courts in direct conflict with the supreme court’s authority.

    After that, the court mandated that he give N10 million to Buhari, Tinubu, the AGF, and INEC.

    Owuru had argued that Buhari, the outgoing president, had infringed upon his tenure in 2019 when the Supreme Court declined to hear his appeal contesting Buhari’s designation as the election’s victor.

    In addition, he requested another order barring any sort of handover inauguration that Buhari had planned or approved for May 29, 2023, until his appeal before the highest court had been decided.

    Dissatisfied with the judgment, Owuru approached the Supreme Court for redress.

    The appellant’s attorney, Olawuyi Olaoluwa, asked the court to adjourn the hearing when it was summoned on Monday. He added that he had just called early on Monday to represent the appellant.

    Justice Okoro questioned Olaoluwa about his knowledge of the case’s facts, to which he replied that he had not looked over the procedures.

    AGF attorney, Adedayo Ogundele urged the court to dismiss the appeal, claiming it constituted a misuse of the legal system.

    Okoro cautioned him against pursuing a similar case in the future.

    He said, “There is no substance in this matter. If it were a SAN that brought this matter, he would have been fined. As a young lawyer don’t take this kind of case again. It is not good for your career.”

    Olaoluwa afterward, applied to withdraw the matter.

    The five-member panel led by John Okoro dismissed the appeal.

  • CBN to Assume Control of Crude Sales, as President Tinubu Unveils Sweeping Reforms in Oil Sector

    CBN to Assume Control of Crude Sales, as President Tinubu Unveils Sweeping Reforms in Oil Sector

    President Bola Tinubu has directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to assume responsibility for crude oil sales, a move aimed at addressing longstanding concerns about opaque practices and declining oil revenue under the management of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

    The action is to enhance transparency and efficiency in Nigeria’s oil industry, marking a significant departure from the previous exclusive control by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

    Under the previous structure, the NNPC held sole authority over crude oil sales, submitting accounts solely to the federal government. Critics argued that this arrangement lacked transparency, allowing the NNPC to potentially underreport earnings.

    This directive mandates the NNPC to submit all receipts for crude oil sales to the CBN for thorough vetting and documentation. The objective is to eliminate any potential gaps in reporting and to ensure accurate records of oil revenue.

    It can be recalled that last week, the CBN Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso called for collaborative effort with the Ministry of Finance and the NNPCL, highlighting its impact on foreign exchange flows and the accretion of reserves.

    Speaking at the launch of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) “2024 Macroeconomic Outlook Report,” Cardoso outlined strategic reforms designed to foster transparency and stability in the foreign exchange market.

    “The expected stability in the foreign exchange market for 2024 can be attributed to the reduction in petroleum product imports and the recent implementation of a market-determine exchange rate policy by the CBN.”

    “This reform is designed to streamline and unify multiple exchange rates, fostering transparency and reducing opportunities for arbitrage.”

    He further highlighted the comprehensive strategy to improve liquidity in the foreign exchange markets, addressing fundamental issues that have hindered effective operations over the years. The ongoing independent forensic review aims to clear the backlog of valid FX transactions, demonstrating the commitment to upholding the integrity of financial markets.