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Category: News

  • NBA condemns recent increase in pump price of fuel

    NBA condemns recent increase in pump price of fuel

    The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Afam Osigwe, SAN, has condemned the recent increase in the pump price of fuel by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC).

    The Association said that significant and abrupt hike from 617 Naira to about 900 Naira has imposed an unbearable burden on the already overstretched finances of ordinary Nigerians and further aggravate the economic challenges faced by

    In a press statement issued by the president of the association, Afam Osigwe, the NBA acknowledges the necessity of economic reforms and recognizes the government’s responsibility to make difficult decisions, these decisions must be made with the utmost consideration for their impact on the welfare of the citizens.

    The Association which says the sudden price hike as not only harsh but also unjustified at this time calls on the Federal Government to immediately halt the implementation of this policy and engage in meaningful dialogue with all relevant keyholders, including civil society organizations, labor unions, and economic experts, to explore more sustainable and less punitive alternatives.

    He also urge the government to prioritize the welfare of its citizens, particularly the most vulnerable, and to pursue policies that alleviate rather than exacerbate the hardships faced by the Nigerian people.

    The president however assured Nigerians that the NBA will engage constructively with the government to find a more equitable solution that ensures economic stability while safeguarding the interests of all Nigerians.

  • NEC Sets September 9 Deadline For Four States To Submit State Police Reports

    NEC Sets September 9 Deadline For Four States To Submit State Police Reports

    The National Economic Council (NEC) on Wednesday, imposed a deadline of September 9 for four states to submit their reports on the establishment of state police.
    The NEC will review comprehensive reports from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on that date. States that do not meet this deadline will be subject to the NEC’s decisions regarding the state police.
    Additionally, the Federal Government has allocated ₦3 billion in aid to states affected by severe flooding.
    At the conclusion of the NEC meeting, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Acting Oyo State Governor Abdulraheem Lawal reported that all states were expected to submit their reports for NEC’s review.
    The discussion on state police was driven by ongoing security challenges across regions, including the Northeast, Northcentral, Southwest, Southeast, and Southsouth.
    Lawal emphasized that the initiative aims to enhance national security. He noted that last year, the NEC had asked states to provide reports on the establishment of state police. States that fail to meet the September 9 deadline will be bound by the NEC’s decisions.
    He said, “An update on the establishment of State police was considered and this was as a result of the security challenges that we have across the nation, in Northeast, Northcentral, southwest, Southeast and South south so that we would have a robust security in our nation.
    “For that purpose, sometimes last year NEC considered the establishment of state police and asked states to make submissions of considerations
    “Today (Wednesday), all the states were supposed to submit for consideration of NEC. Incidentally, four states couldn’t submit, and for that purpose, NEC decided that those states must make their submissions on or before Monday next week, otherwise, whatever decision next date on the establishment of State Police will be binding on those states that reused to submit them to make submissions.
    “So that is the resolution as of today’s NEC meeting.”
    Although the specific names of the four states that have yet to submit their reports were not disclosed, sources identified them as Adamawa, Kwara, Sokoto, Kebbi, and the FCT.
    According to Vanguard, the source said one of the four states claimed it had already submitted its report.
    Also briefing, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed provided insights into the flood situation, highlighting the federal government’s ₦3 billion relief fund.
    Mohammed described the severe impact of the flooding, especially in the Northeast, where critical infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, has been damaged, affecting households, schools, and other essential services.
    He said, “The flood was more devastating along the Northeast axis where a major artery between Kano and Maiduguri has been cut off with devastating effects on households, schools, bridges and other means of livelihood. Lives were lost and a lot of properties were also destroyed.
    “Of course, that has really provided a big challenge to us as a government and as a people in our states because we need to provide more of food security. Already, farmlands are submerged and therefore there’s need for collaboration between all the tiers of government to ensure food security.”
    Mohammed noted that this year’s harvest is expected to be significantly affected due to the floods. He called for coordinated efforts between the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and state ministries to ensure a comprehensive response to the crisis.
    An inventory of the damage, including impacts on agriculture and infrastructure, is required by Monday to facilitate timely support.
    Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule supported this perspective, noting that a new governance structure has been established to manage flood relief efforts.
    The reconstituted Flood Committee now includes governors from Kogi, Bayelsa, Oyo, Ebonyi, Bauchi, and Jigawa states, as well as key federal ministers and agency directors. The Committee will oversee the assessment of flood damage and ensure effective relief measures.
    He said: “The Flood committee has to be reconstituted and the new members of the councils are governors of Kogi, Bayelsa, Oyo, Ebonyi, Bauchi and Jigawa states.
    “Others are Minister of Water of Resources, minister of state Water of Resources, Minister of State for Environment, DG Nigeria Sovereignty Investment Authority (NSIA), DG NIMET, DG NWRI, MD/CEO NIWA, MD if NNDC, MD NEDC, and DG NEMA.
    “The council has decided that Monday will be the deadline for all the states of the Federation to submit details damages including farms, schools, barges that have been affected by the last flood and Mr. chairman mentioned it will be taking into consideration for appropriate support to the various states.
    “So these are the new very strong membership of the flood committee that will continue to address council henceforth.”
    The NEC has mandated that all states submit detailed damage reports by Monday, including impacts on farms, schools, and infrastructure, to enable appropriate support for the affected regions.
  • Why Nigeria Is Not Difficult To Manage – Obasanjo

    Why Nigeria Is Not Difficult To Manage – Obasanjo

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has attributed Nigeria’s current challenges to a lack of effective leadership, asserting that the country is not inherently difficult to govern.
    Obasanjo made this observation during the inaugural memorial lecture in honor of the late Akintola Williams, titled “Leadership Dynamics: Current Realities And Way Forward.”
    The event was organized by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) in Lagos.
    While acknowledging the country’s complexities, Obasanjo emphasized that strong leadership is crucial for national progress.
    “I always say Nigeria is a complex country, you must understand that but Nigeria is not a difficult country to manage. You have to be honest with yourself, Nigeria and your God,” he said.
    Reflecting on his presidency, Obasanjo claimed that he managed the nation’s resources effectively, leading to notable economic improvements.
    “When I was there, I did everything I should do for Nigeria and I can beat my chest and say that.
    “I took over as the affairs of Nigeria as elected President with ₦3.7b in reserves and we were spending ₦3.5b to service debt, so I decided we must debt relief and I went out from it even though we were fifth country in all exporting in the world and we got debt relief.
    “Not only did we not get relief from a quantum debt of ₦3.36b we came to a quantum debt of N3.6bn and I left with over ₦25b in what we call excess crude that is the money we saved from the budget and what we actually received and we had a reserve of over ₦45b,” he said
    He praised Akintola Williams as a visionary who contributed significantly in various sectors.
    “He deserves every honor that we can confer posthumously not for what he did for this country but what he did politically, socially and economically,” Obasanjo remarked
  • Peter Obi Doubles Down on Condemnation of ethnic and religiously profiling

    Peter Obi Doubles Down on Condemnation of ethnic and religiously profiling

    Leading opposition figure and Labour Party candidate at Nigeria’s last presidential election, Mr. Peter Obi has doubled down on his condemnation of what he called the “distasteful comments” of a Nigerian woman living in Canada.

    Posting on his confirmed X handle this afternoon, Mr. Obi insisted that he would not pander to the wish of the others who argue that Mrs. Sennberger was merely reacting to those who had sustained their negative ethnic profiling of South Easterners.

    “While condemning such a level of tribal and religious division, I have received a barrage of reactions from people, many of who tried to justify their actions.

    Some explained that her comments were in reaction to earlier hateful comments made by another Nigerian and reportedly directed at other Nigerians of the Igbo ethnicity which I also now condemn in the strongest terms,” he insisted.

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    The former Anambra state Governor states, “As I mentioned then, and still maintain now, tribal tension and religious division must not be allowed to grow among us.”

    “Such divisive and hateful comments and behaviours against one another should have no place among us,” he admonished.

    It would be recalled that the last national election was marred by a lot of ethnic attacks and profiling was directed at the Igbo, Mr. Obi’s ethnicity, especially in Lagos state.

    Unlike his opponent, Mr. Bola Tinubu who was a direct beneficiary of such tribal attacks, Mr. Obi vehemently opposed the divisive acts during electioneering and and now.

    “We must remain one united nation, focused on solving the myriads of challenges facing us as a nation.”

    We must unite against further polarisation of our nation along tribal, religious and political lines, and focus on finding lasting solutions to the challenges of high insecurity, unbearable high cost of living and leadership failure that has continued to weigh us down,” he concluded.

     

  • New Minimum Wage: NYSC DG Assures Corps Members

    New Minimum Wage: NYSC DG Assures Corps Members

    The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has assured corps members that their monthly allowance of ₦33,000 will be increased following the implementation of the new minimum wage by the Federal Government.
    This was confirmed by the NYSC Director General, Yusha’u Ahmed, during his visit to Kebbi and Sokoto, where he addressed the 2024 Batch ‘B’ stream two corps members at the orientation camps in both states.
    Ahmed emphasized the critical role corps members play in Nigeria’s socio-economic development and encouraged them to use their service year to build their skills and prepare for a prosperous future.
    He urged corps members to take full advantage of the NYSC’s skill acquisition and entrepreneurship development program, stating, “At the very least, learn a skill while in camp. After the Orientation Course, continue with post-camp training.
    “Aim to acquire a skill that will enable you to create jobs and employ others rather than searching for jobs. Many former Corps members across the country are now thriving in various vocations.”
    The DG highlighted that the NYSC has established partnerships with reputable organizations such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Bank of Industry (BOI), Unity Bank, Access Bank, and NNPC Foundation, among others, to provide loans and grants to corps members.
    He also assured corps members of their safety throughout their service year, stating that they would be posted to secure locations but advised them to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings.
    In her remarks, the NYSC Coordinator in Kebbi, Aghata Banki-Okolo, noted that corps members have adapted well to camp life, participating actively in all camp activities and following instructions.
    She mentioned that there are 240 camp officials in Kebbi, who are using emotional intelligence in their duties. She reported that 1,195 corps members have been registered, with 1,077 stationed in Kebbi and 118 dislodged from Zamfara State.
    Similarly, the NYSC Coordinator in Sokoto, Yakubu Usman, praised the corps members for their discipline and quick adaptation to the camp environment.
    He reported that the total number of corps members in Sokoto is 1,488, including 682 males and 806 females. This number includes 134 males and 66 females who were displaced from Zamfara due to security concerns.
    Recall that in July, after negotiations with the federal government, organized labor agreed to a new minimum wage of ₦70,000.
    The National Assembly passed the bill raising Nigeria’s minimum wage from ₦30,000 on July 23, and it was signed into law on July 29.
  • IGP: Egbetokun to remain in office till 2027

    IGP: Egbetokun to remain in office till 2027

    Continuing in the footsteps of former President Buhari, President Bola Tinubu has approved that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, remains in office until 2027.

    According to Section 18(8) of the Police Act 2020, Egbetokun, who was born on September 4, 1964, is expected to retire in September 2024, when he clocks 60.
    Against the backdrop of reports that his tenure was extended, a senior police source, who requested anonymity, clarified that the letter was not an extension but rather a confirmation that he should complete the four-year tenure as originally stated in his letter of appointment.
    The source said, “The tenure of the IGP was not extended but rather a clarification on his letter of appointment that stipulated four years in office.”
    In July, the National Assembly passed the Police Act Amendment Bill to enable a person appointed to the office of Inspector General of Police (IGP) to remain in office until the end of the term stipulated in the letter of appointment.
    President Tinubu forwarded the Bill to the House of Representatives and Senate to amend the tenure of the IGP.
    The Bill was expeditiously passed by lawmakers in both green and red chambers. The upper and lower chambers passed the bill at separate sittings.
    The President appointed Egbetokun as the IGP in June 2023 for four years. He was appointed alongside four new service chiefs.
    At the moment, Egbetokun has been in office for one year and three months, with two years and nine months remaining of his four-year appointment.
    The controversy about the tenure of IGP didn’t start with the current police boss. That of Egbetokun’s predecessor, Usman Baba, was not in any way different. Baba clocked 60 years old in March 2023 and attained the mandatory 35 years of service but he remained in office till Tinubu appointed Egbetokun as his replacement three months later
  • Former Army Chief Tukur, Buratai gets new appointment

    Former Army Chief Tukur, Buratai gets new appointment

    Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Yusuf Buratai, has been appointed as the Chairman of Fire Prevention Week and Expo, as well as Nigerian Humanitarian Action’s (NIHA) international flagship programme in the United States.
    This appointment is part of efforts to address the increasing fire outbreaks across Nigeria.
    Dr Kletsaint Akor, Chairman of NIHA and the Proponents Council of Nigeria Fire Prevention Week described Buratai’s new role as a “game-changer” in the fight against fire incidents.
    Buratai, known for his military background, has pledged to mobilize support from stakeholders to minimize fire disasters.
    The collaboration between NIHA and the Federal Fire Service aims to enhance fire safety measures, improve response strategies, and promote public awareness.
    Despite substantial budget allocations, fire outbreaks continue to pose a significant threat to public properties and the economy.
    NIHA expressed optimism that with Buratai leading the initiative, there is renewed hope for a more effective approach to combating fire hazards in Nigeria.
  • Dangote Refinery: End of fuel queues

    Dangote Refinery: End of fuel queues

    For the first time in 28 years, Dangote Refining and Petrochemical Company commences the production of fuel in Nigeria.

    “This marks the end of fuel scarcity and fuel queues in Nigeria” Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the President of Dangote Refining and Petrochemical Company said.

    “No more foreign exchange woes to import fuel,” he said.

    Seeing, it is claimed in Nigeria, is believing and Alhaji Aliko Dangote has demonstrated that axiom as he lifted a sample of petrol produced in his factory today, at Ibeju Lekky, Lagos.

    “I hope the attainment of this milestone by the refinery will change the dynamics not only in Nigeria but the entire sub-saharan Africa” an elated Dangote said.

    He drew attention to the unique crystal clear colour of the product and said that it represents “the highest quality which is friendly with car engines and meets the best international standards.”

    He appreciated President Tinubu for the support of his government which has enabled the commencement of the refining activities in the factory.

    With this major breakthrough the Dangote Refinery has broken the jinx about petrol refining in Nigeria which happened for the last time 28 years ago.

    Dangote also posited that with the commencement of this operation, the refinery had assisted Nigeria to kill several birds with one stone.

    Linking it to the leadership of the country, he said the refinery now has an opportunity to produce energy for growth and productivity.

    Hopes that the move will stabilise the Naira, reduce inflation and improve the quality of life.

    He asserted also that there will be no more import of polypropylene.

    Also appreciated the government for the opportunity to purchase crude in Naira.

     

  • #EndBadGovernance: 10 Protesters charged with attempt to overthrow President Tinubu, remand in prison

    #EndBadGovernance: 10 Protesters charged with attempt to overthrow President Tinubu, remand in prison

    Nigeria Police, Monday, arraigned ten #endbadgovernance# protesters before a Federal High Court in Abuja, on charges of attempt to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu between July 1 and August 4 this year.

     

    The accused persons were said to have committed the treason offence during their one week nationwide protests when they allegedly levied war against Nigeria.

     

    The offences were said to be contrary to sections 96, 410 and 413 of the Penal Code.

     

    Inspector General of Police (IGP) who brought the charges against them alleged that the accused persons broke into the Abacha Army Barracks and openly called on the military to take over the constitutional government of President Tinubu.

     

    According to the police, they attempted to force their way into the seat of power during which they allegedly burned down police station and injured police officers.

     

    They were also said to have incited the Nigerian public against the government and destroyed several public properties comprising Police station, High Court complex and National Communication Commission (NCC) facilities.

     

    Police also claimed that a 70- year old British citizen, Andrew Martin Wynne now at large was largely responsible for instigating mutiny against the Nigerian government.

     

    The alleged offences were said to have been committed in Abuja, Kano, Kaduna and Gombe among others.

     

    However, all the accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges when read to them.

     

    The accused persons are Michael Tobiloba Adaramoye, Adeyemi Abiodun Abayomi, Suleiman Yakubu, Comrade Opaluwa Eleojo Simon, Angel Love Innocent, Buhari Lawal, Mosiu Sadiq, Bashir Bello Nurudeen Khamis and Abduldalam Zubair.

     

    Sequel to not their guilty plea, Counsel for the IGP, Simon Lough, SAN, asked the court to remand the accused persons in prison pending their trial.

     

    Responding, counsel to four defendants, Marshall Abubakar, however, moved an oral applications for bail of the accused persons.

     

    He cited authorities to justify his oral application for his bail adding that the Federal High Court in the treasonable charges against a politician, MKO Abiola allowed oral application and admitted him to bail.

     

    He continued that his clients were presumed innocent in law until proved otherwise by the IGP adding also that bail is Constitutional rights of the defendants.

     

    He submitted that the defendants had been held in custody for close to a month by police who he said, have completed investigation into the allegations against his clients before bringing them to court.

     

    Concluding, he assured the Judge that the defendants would not jump bail if granted and that they will also not tamper with witnesses in the matter.

     

    Another lawyer, Deji Adeyanju who appeared for three of the defendants faulted the treason charges against the defendants insisting that they only participated in a lawful and legitimate protests against hardships facing them.

     

    Adeyanju argued that police ought to have entered the locations of bandits, kidnappers and terrorists, arrest and charge them with treason offence instead of innocent protesters.

     

    He drew the attention of the court to the proof of evidence attached to the charges adding that no evidence pointed to the direction of treason, mutiny and incitement as alleged by police.

     

    Insisting that bail is discretionary, Adeyanju pleaded with the Judge to exercise his discretion in favor of the defendants by admitting them to bail in liberal terms.

     

    However, counsel to Police, Simon Lough SAN vehemently objected to the bail requests on the ground of gravity of alleged offences the accused persons were charged with.

     

    He specifically cited mutiny aimed at changing democratic government by force through incitement and involvement of a British national against the Nigerian nation.

     

    In a brief reaction, Justice Nwite ordered that the defendants be remanded at Kuje prison in Abuja and Suleja prison in Niger State and

    adjourned ruling in their bail applications till September 11

     

    The Judge ordered that the nine males defendants are to remain in Kuje prison while the only female defendant said to be pregnant, Angel Love Innocent was ordered to be taken to Suleja prison.

     

    Justice Nwite said that he needed time to consult the retinue of authorities cited by lawyers to back up bail applications.

     

    Although lawyers to the accused persons led by Marshall Abubakar had requested

     

    Also Justice Emeka Nwite rejected the request for police custody for four defendants made by Abubakar.

     

    He instead ordered that they be taken to prisons.

  • Childless Attack: Oluremi Tinubu summons Oshiomhole

    Childless Attack: Oluremi Tinubu summons Oshiomhole

    The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has allegedly summoned the lawmaker representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole, over controversial comments he made regarding Betsy Obaseki, wife of the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki.
     Oshiomhole in a press interview with some selected journalists had said Governor Obaseki and his wife do not have love for children.
    The former governor of Edo State stated this in response to an alleged statement from Betsy Obaseki, in which she claimed that only the APC governorship candidate, Monday Okpebholo, does not have a wife, amongst the contenders in the state.
    The lawmaker in his reaction said Obaseki and his wife have been childless since they got married and have also refused to adopt any child because they do not love children.
    The statement has been widely condemned by Nigerians across board, ahead of the governorship election in the state.
    Sources within Aso Rock who spoke on the development with News Direct noted that the First Lady was deeply embarrassed and angered by Oshiomhole’s remarks.
    One of the sources said, “Senator Oluremi Tinubu was visibly enraged when she learned about Oshiomhole’s comments concerning Mrs. Obaseki.
    “She could not believe that a seasoned politician like Oshiomhole would stoop so low as to make such insensitive remarks about a woman’s personal life. It’s an affront to decency and to the values we should uphold in our political discourse.”
    The source added that the First Lady, known for her strong stance on issues affecting women and her advocacy for ethical conduct in politics, felt compelled to address the matter directly.
    The source said, “Mrs Tinubu does not condone the use of personal tragedies or circumstances as political tools, and she wanted to make it clear to Oshiomhole that such behaviour is unacceptable.”
    Another Aso Rock official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “This isn’t just about Mrs. Obaseki; it’s about the implications of dragging personal issues into the political sphere. Senator Tinubu has always believed in politics driven by ideas and development rather than personal attacks and character assassination.”