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Category: News

  • Tinubu Inherited Nigeria’s Worst Government – Edwin Clark

    Tinubu Inherited Nigeria’s Worst Government – Edwin Clark

    Elder statesman and leader of the Southern and Middle-Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF), Pa Edwin Clark, has asserted that President Bola Tinubu inherited the worst government in Nigeria’s history.

    In an interview with the Daily Sun newspaper, Clark shared his views on Tinubu’s performance, stating that one year in office is too early for a proper assessment. He emphasized that Tinubu took over from a government that left significant challenges.

    Clark remarked, “I think one year is too early. He met the worst government in Nigeria; that is what he inherited. I told him during the June 12 commemoration that there’s nothing to celebrate. What did Buhari’s government ever produce? Continuing with his programs and policies will be difficult.”

    He expressed confidence that Tinubu could address some of the previous administration’s numerous mistakes and mismanagement issues. “For me, I won’t assess him. He has a lot he is doing now,” Clark added.

    The 97-year-old Ijaw leader also urged the release of the Indigenous People of Biafra leader, Nnamdi Kanu, questioning the fairness of his continued detention. “Kanu should be released unless you are holding him because he belongs to the Igbo tribe. The war has been over for about 50 years now; why detain Kanu? It’s unfair. He should be free,” he stated.

  • Abuja Fuel Queues Caused by Logistic Challenge -IPMAN

    Abuja Fuel Queues Caused by Logistic Challenge -IPMAN

    The President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Migandi Garima, has explained that current fuel queues are only in Abuja and not in other parts of the country. He also attributed the sprawling queues at fuel stations to logistics challenges in moving the product from Lagos to Abuja.

    He urged Nigerians not to panic, adding that fuel products are available.

    He stated this in an interview with Arise News on Saturday, July 6.

    He said: “In fact, there is availability of the product, but as of last week, we had a small challenge, but now the challenge is over.

    “And that is why you have been seeing that in Lagos there is no queue, it’s only in Abuja. That is because of the logistic challenges in terms of transport from Lagos to Abuja.

    “But I assure the masses that they should not panic because we got an assurance from the executive vice- president downstream, that the product is available, and we independent petroleum marketers will go and launch these products to their various depots. So, the masses should not panic in buying.”

  • Rivers Crisis: Oko-Jumbo- led Assembly insists on challenging A’Court decision

    Rivers Crisis: Oko-Jumbo- led Assembly insists on challenging A’Court decision

    The Oko-Jumbo-led Rivers Assembly has insisted that it will challenge the decision of the Appeal Court on the assembly crisis.

    The Court of Appeal in Abuja had on Thursday nullified the removal of Martin Amaewhule and 24 others from the Rivers State House of Assembly by the Rivers State High Court.

    But the speaker of the pro-Fubara lawmakers Victor Oko-Jumbo has maintained that he and his members believed that the Appeal Court erred in its decision.

    He was seen saying this in a video shared by Channels TV via their X handle on Saturday, July 6.

    He said: “We strongly believe that the Court of Appeal was in error when it held that the Rivers State High Court lacked the Jurisdiction to hear and determine SUIT NO PHC/1512/CS/2024.

    “Accordingly, we have instructed our lawyers and they have filed an appeal to the Supreme Court of Nigeria Challenging the Judgement of the Court of Appeal delivered on the 4th Day of July 2024.”

  • Anambra exposes 427 ghost workers on payroll scam

    Anambra exposes 427 ghost workers on payroll scam

    Anambra Local Government Service Commission has uncovered over 427 ghost workers receiving salaries from the State Government despite not being legitimate employees.

    Chairman of the Commission, Vin Ezeaka, speaking to journalists in Awka, the Anambra state capital on Friday, disclosed that a comprehensive audit had uncovered more than 427 ghost workers receiving salaries despite not being actual employees.

    Ezeaka stated that the discovery occurred during a staff personnel audit aimed at sanitizing the local government system in the state. During this process, it was found that over 427 individuals were on the local government payroll without holding legitimate employment positions.

    He said: “Out of the 427 ghost workers uncovered, 59 were staff of the commission who had died a long time ago, 40 others had retired & are still on the payroll of the commission, while about 11 others are staff living abroad whose names were still on the payroll of government.

    “Others were some staff members of UNIZIK, and Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe. 59 deceased staff of the institutions, 40 retirees, and above all 222 workers on the payroll who nobody could identify as workers in any of the 21 LGAs and we have many of them living abroad and still receiving salaries.

    “The commission also found instances of certificate forgery, where six senior employees allegedly submitted fake credentials from IMSU.

    “We are going to finish our investigation and those caught in this unholy act will face the full wrath of the law in accordance with civil service rules.”

  • Islamic New Year: Sultan of Sokoto declares July 7 as first day of Muharram 1446 AH

    Islamic New Year: Sultan of Sokoto declares July 7 as first day of Muharram 1446 AH

    The Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has officially declared Sunday, July 7, 2024, as the first day of Muharram, marking the beginning of the Islamic New Year 1446 After Hijrah.

    The announcement was made in a statement signed by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu.

    The statement clarified that the national and various moon sighting committees across the country did not receive any reports of the sighting of the new moon of Muharram on Friday, July 5, 2024, which corresponded to the 29th of Dhul’Hijja 1445 AH. Consequently, Saturday, July 6, 2024, will be the 30th of Dhul’Hijja.

    The Sultan extended his felicitations to Nigerian Muslims on the occasion of the Islamic New Year and urged them to continue praying for the peace, progress, and development of the country.

  • Labour Party’s triumph in UK, sign that LP will win Nigeria’s 2027 election – Rep

    Labour Party’s triumph in UK, sign that LP will win Nigeria’s 2027 election – Rep

    The Leader of the Labour Party Caucus of the House of Representatives, Afam Victor Ogene, has said the victory of opposition Labour Party in the United Kingdom, UK, is a sign that its Nigerian version would triumph in the 2027 general elections.

    In a statement made available to journalists in Awka, Friday, Ogene said the election told vivid tales of hope for the opposition, and competence and integrity of the electoral umpires in the UK, in a manner that elicits public confidence and trust in the electoral process.

    “Unlike what was witnessed in Nigeria in the last general elections, the process in UK was free of glitches, as about 40 million voters took part. Polls closed around 10 pm Thursday and by daybreak, the results were out.

    “There was no judicial ambush, as immediate transition took place to the admiration of all lovers of democracy and free and fair elections.

    “If we must practice democracy, we must also love, copy and abide by the transparency and accountability of democratic institutions in nations of the world that allow the rule of law and democratic principles to thrive.

    “In deed, one of the potent lessons of the British elections is the fact that, the concept of ‘snatch it, grab it, and run away with it,’ has no place in modern democratic practice,” he said.

    Relating the development in the UK to the 2027 election in Nigeria, Ogene said: “I urge the Nigerian Labour Party to draw inspiration from its British counterparts, close ranks, rally the people, and prepare to take the reins of power in 2027.

    “Let us work together to build a better future for our nation, guided by the principles of democracy, transparency, and accountability.”

    Ogene congratulated Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party in Britain, for his party’s victory over the outgoing UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak and his Conservative Party, in what has been described as the most emphatic election victory by any British political party this century.

    The opposition Labour Party won a huge parliamentary majority in the UK general election, unseating the incumbent Conservatives after 14 years.

    While the Labour Party got 412 seats, the incumbent Conservatives got just 121.

  • I Don’t Need Tinubu’s Permission To Embark On Projects – Wike Replies Kinigbe

    By Our Correspondent 

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has asserted his independence in initiating projects, stating that apart from the President, Bola Tinubu, he does not require authorization from anyone to commence developments.

    Wike made these remarks during the commencement ceremony of the Kwaita-Yebu Road project in Kwali Area Council, estimated at ₦7 billion.

    This statement comes amidst a disagreement with FCT Senator Ireti Kingibe, who criticized Wike for undertaking infrastructure projects deemed irrelevant to FCT residents.

    Addressing critics at the event, Wike clarified, “For those unaware and without constructive criticism, suggesting we only focus on road construction, we are indeed making significant impacts. I do not need external approval to decide on project priorities.”

    He emphasized, “I am only accountable to the President, who appointed me. Therefore, no one else can dictate our development agenda or misinform the public about our educational initiatives.”

  • Tinubu, Peter Obi Congratulate UK Prime Minister- Elect

    Tinubu, Peter Obi Congratulate UK Prime Minister- Elect

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, on their triumph in the United Kingdom general election.

    Starmer’s Labour Party secured the required 326 parliamentary seats, ensuring their victory and his appointment as the next Prime Minister. 

    Following the election, former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak acknowledged the Conservative Party’s loss and resigned, submitting his resignation to the King. 

    In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu commended Starmer for his resilience and leadership as the opposition leader. 

    He praised the Labour Party’s ability to reform and mobilize, attributing their success to Starmer’s leadership. 

    Tinubu also emphasized the strong democratic model of the UK and its long-standing partnership with Nigeria, expressing a desire to deepen bilateral relations and enhance democratic institutions.

    Additionally, Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party in Nigeria, reacted to the Labour Party’s victory in the UK. 

    Through a statement on his X account, Obi congratulated Starmer and the Labour Party, expressing hope that the win would herald a new and better chapter for UK residents. 

    He also called for stronger ties between the new UK government and Nigeria, highlighting the various challenges Nigeria faces, including insecurity, education, healthcare, and poverty. 

    Obi stressed the potential benefits of UK support in addressing these issues and wished Starmer a successful tenure.

  • Rishi Sunak Concedes Defeat, Steps Down as UK Prime Minister

    Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, conceded defeat on Friday morning ahead of the Labour Party’s official victory announcement.

    In a broadcast from Downing Street, Mr. Sunak accepted full responsibility for the loss and pledged a smooth transition of power.

    “The British people have delivered a sobering verdict tonight, there is much to learn… and I take responsibility for the loss,” Mr. Sunak stated, as reported by the BBC.

    He acknowledged the public’s dissatisfaction and announced his intention to step down once the Conservative Party selects a new leader.

    Labour leader Keir Starmer is set to become the next Prime Minister after his forthcoming meeting with the King.

    Labour secured a decisive victory in the general election, ending 14 years of Conservative governance. As of Friday morning, Labour had won 412 seats compared to the Conservatives’ 121.

    Notably, several MPs, including former Prime Minister Liz Truss, lost their seats.

    Mr. Sunak is expected to meet King Charles to officially resign from his position.

    In an earlier statement, Mr. Sunak apologized for what has been described as the Conservatives’ worst electoral performance in modern history.

    “I have heard your anger, disappointment, and I take responsibility for this loss,” he said, expressing regret over the number of colleagues losing their seats in the House of Commons.

    Reflecting on his tenure, Mr. Sunak remarked that he had dedicated himself fully to the role but recognized the public’s demand for change.

    “I have given this job my all, but you have sent a clear signal that the government of the United Kingdom must change, and yours is the only judgement that matters,” he said.

  • BREAKING! Our Law On Same Sex Marriage Supersedes Samoa Agreement 

    BREAKING! Our Law On Same Sex Marriage Supersedes Samoa Agreement 

    The Federal Government has confirmed signing Samoa agreement, saying the law on same sex marriage supersedes the agreement.

    The agreement reportedly has some clauses that compel underdeveloped and developing nations to support the agitations by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community for recognition, as condition for getting financial and other supports from advanced societies.

    Named after the Pacific Island Samoa, where it was signed, the agreement is gradually gaining traction, despite opposition by many countries that cherish Islamic and Christianity values, in addition to the sensitivity of their cultures.

    The issue has generated controversy, with some clerics and human rights activists, criticising the government over the agreement.

    But in a statement on Thursday night, Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information, gave further clarity to issues on the agreement.

    “On 28 June 2024, Nigeria signed the Samoa Agreement at the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) Secretariat in Brussels, Belgium. The partnership agreement is between the EU and its Member States, on one hand, and the members of the OACPS on the other.”

    “Negotiations on the agreement started in 2018, on the sidelines of the 73rd United Nations General Assembly. It was signed in Apia, Samoa on the 15th of November 2018 by all 27 EU Member states and 47 of the 79 OACPS Member states.

    “The agreement has 103 articles comprising a common foundational compact and three regional protocols, namely: Africa –EU; Caribbean-EU, and Pacific-EU Regional Protocols with each regional protocol addressing the peculiar issues of the regions.

    “The African Regional Protocol consists of two parts. The first is the Framework for Cooperation, while the second deals with Areas of Cooperation, containing Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth and Development; Human and Social Development; Environment, Natural Resources Management, and Climate Change; Peace and Security; Human Rights, Democracy and Governance; and Migration and Mobility.

    “Nigeria signed the Agreement on Friday 28 June 2024. This was done after the extensive reviews and consultations by the Interministerial Committee, convened by the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning (FMBEP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and Federal Ministry of Justice (FMOJ). It was ensured that none of the 103 Articles and Provisions of the Agreement contravenes the 1999 Constitution as amended or laws of Nigeria, and other extant Laws.

    :In addition, Nigeria’s endorsement was accompanied by a Statement of Declaration, dated 26th June 2024, clarifying its understanding and context of the Agreement within its jurisdiction to the effect that any provision that is inconsistent with the laws of Nigeria shall be invalid. It is instructive to note that there is an existing legislation against same sex relationship in Nigeria enacted in 2014.

    “It is necessary to assure Nigerians that the President Bola Tinubu Administration, being a rule-based government will not enter into any international agreement that will be detrimental to the interest of the country and its citizens. In negotiating the Agreement, our officials strictly followed the mandates exchanged in 2018 between the EU and the OACPS for the process.

    “The Samoa Agreement is nothing but a vital legal framework for cooperation between the OACPS and the European Union, to promote sustainable development, fight climate change and its effects, generate investment opportunities, and foster collaboration among OACPS Member States at the international stage.”