The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Wednesday condemned the increase in the pump price of fuel to over N1,000 per liter in various parts of the country, describing it as a brutal assault on the sensibility and wellbeing of Nigerians.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Limited, NNPC, had yesterday increased its pump price of fuel from N617 per litre to N897 per litre. An action, that has been widely condemned by Nigerians.

Reacting to the increase by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, PDP said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s led administration has plugged over 150 million Nigerians to below poverty line, noting that businesses are collapsing daily as the Naira now exchange for over N1,600 to a Dollar with over 34% inflation rate and over 40% unemployment rate which are expected to rise further with the latest draconian increase in the price of fuel.

Read the full statement below:

“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rejects the punishing increase in the pump price of fuel to over N1,000 per liter in various parts of the country describing it as a brutal assault on the sensibility and wellbeing of Nigerians by the insensitive and arrogant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.

“The thoughtless increase in fuel price especially at this time, is a huge recipe for crisis as Nigerians cannot bear its worsening effect on the suffocating economic hardship which they currently face under the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led APC administration.

“The secretive and corrupt administration of the petroleum sector and persistent increase in fuel price under the Tinubu-administration without due regard to the wellbeing of the people is akin to pushing Nigerians to the wall and daring them to do their worse.

“The APC administration has consistently shown itself to be anti-people, unconcerned and deaf to the agonies of millions of Nigerians who can no longer afford their daily meals, medications and basic support for families due to the catastrophic high cost of living occasioned by the insensitive and reckless policies of the Tinubu administration.

“Today, under the Tinubu-led APC administration over 150 million Nigerians have sunk below poverty line, businesses are collapsing daily as the Naira now exchange for over N1,600 to a Dollar with over 34% inflation rate and over 40% unemployment rate which are expected to rise further with the latest draconian increase in the price of fuel.

“There is practically no hope in sight under the current APC government policies as major multi-national companies continue to exit our country in droves in the face of ill-conceived and ill-implemented macro-economic policies.

“The admission by the APC-led Federal Government that it has handed the fate of Nigerians to oil racketeers in the name of free market economy further validates the position of the PDP that the Tinubu-led administration has abdicated the primary purpose of government; which is to provide for the welfare and security of the citizens.

“President Tinubu is the Minister of Petroleum Resources and cannot exonerate his government and officials from the secretive and fraudulent management of the petroleum sector which is fast pushing our nation’s economy to the precipice. 

“Moreover, it is inexplicable that the APC administration continues to increase fuel price despite the scandalous revelation in the public domain that it is secretly paying a whopping N5.4 trillion as fuel subsidy for 2024

“The APC government has now become an enabler of a cabal of corrupt APC rent-seekers who apparently derive pleasure in inflicting pains on Nigerians while hugely benefiting from the proceeds of incessant increase in fuel price to satisfy and fund their luxury appetite and consumption.

“With the hopeless state of affairs of our nation today, our Party wonders what President Tinubu, during his numerous trips abroad, says to his foreign counterparts in nations where leaders prioritize the welfare of their people!

“Nigerians will recall that the PDP had on several occasions offered constructive advice and suggestions on the management of the economy which the APC government in its arrogance in failure ignored.

“Our Party restates that with a deft, transparent and innovative management of resources, economic potentials, comparative advantage and national refining capacity, petrol should not sell more than N250 per liter in Nigeria.

“The PDP calls on President Tinubu to save the country from further socio-economic dislocation by immediately reversing the latest provocative increase in fuel price and revisit all life-discounting and suffocating policies of the APC government”.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has announced free legal representation and support for victims of the #Endbadgovernance protesters across the country.

Newly inaugurated President of the NBA, Mazi Afam Osigwe made the disclosure on his verified X handle on Wednesday.

Osigwe said he had directed all branches of the NBA to monitor the trials to ensure that no defendant suffers injustice, adding that he had launched a free support initiative for the protesters.

He said, “I have directed the branches of the Nigerian Bar Association @NigBarAssoc to monitor the trials of the #EndBadGovernance protesters. Additionally, I have launched a Pro Bono support initiative for protesters who lack legal representation.

“The Nigerian Bar Association Citizens’ Liberties Committee (NBA-CLC) has been tasked with liaising closely with the Chairmen and Human Rights Committees of NBA branches in regions where protesters are currently being prosecuted. This ensures that no defendant suffers injustice.

“The NBA legal team will continue to monitor court proceedings to ensure that trials are conducted with strict adherence to due process, safeguarding the legal rights of all defendants.

“The Nigerian Bar Association legal teams are in courts and will continue to monitor proceedings to ensure that the rule of law is upheld, the human rights of defendants are protected, and justice is served”, he said.

Recall that some of the arrested protesters were arraigned in court and remanded in prison custody for allegedly “plotting a war against Nigeria and attempting to topple President Bola Tinubu’s administration”.

Justice Emeka Nwite of a Federal High Court in Abuja, had on Monday ordered the remand of 10 persons after the prosecutor, Simon Lough, opposed their bail applications.

Members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have been assured that as soon as the civil servants start receiving the new minimum wage that was approved by the Federal Government, their monthly allowance would also increase.

NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Yusha’u Ahmed gave this assurance while addressing corps members at the Kebbi and Sokoto states Orientation Camps located at at Dakingari and Wamakko in both states respectively.

Brig.-Gen. Ahmed said the corps members’ selfless and immense contributions to the socioeconomic development of the country cannot be underestimated.

According to a press statement by Caroline Embu, the acting director information and public relations of the NYSC, Ahmed also implored them to use the opportunity of the service year to develop themselves and plan for greater heights in the future.

He further advised the corps members to embrace the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme to acquire vocational skills that would make them self-reliant after the service year.

“At least, learn a skill while in camp and after the Orientation Course, you continue with the post-camp training.

“Try to acquire a skill that would enable you to create jobs and employ others instead of searching for jobs. We have many ex-corps members across the country who are doing well in their different vocations today”, the DG said.

He added that the NYSC Management has partnered many reliable organisations like the Central Bank of Nigeria, Bank of Industry, Unity Bank, Access Bank, NNPC Foundation among others, that have been assisting in giving loans and grants to corps members.

General Ahmed also assured that the Scheme would not post any corps member to a place where their safety is not guaranteed, while also advising them to be security conscious at all times.

While presenting her camp situation report to the Director General, the Kebbi State Coordinator, Mrs Aghata Banki Okolo said a total of 1,195 corps members have been registered, comprising of 1,077 for Kebbi and 118 that were dislodged from Zamfara State.

“They are responding positively to all camp activities and instructions. We also have a total number of 240 camp officials that have been applying emotional intelligence in the discharge of their duties,” she added.

For his part, the NYSC Sokoto State Coordinator, Alhaji Yakubu Yaro Usman informed General Ahmed that the corps members have exhibited high sense of discipline and acclimatised to camp environment with adherence to camp regulations.

He added that the Corps population comprised of 1,488 members made up of 682 males and 606 females for Sokoto State, with 134 males and 66 females that were dislodged from Zamfara State.

A suspect, Joseph Ajegba, has narrated how and why he shot his friend in Ikun-Akoko in Akoko South West local government area of Ondo State.

Ajegba, who was paraded alongside a notorious car theft syndicate at the police headquarters in Akure, said he shot his friend for having sexual relationship with his girlfriend in the house he rented for her in the community.

Narrating how he shot his friend, Ajegba said he had dropped a bush meat for his girlfriend earlier in the day and went out in the night for another round of game.

According to him, “I was surprised when I got to the house to see another man having a sexual relationship with my girlfriend.”

His words, “I went out hunting after I had taken some bottles of beer but I ran out of cartridges. I wanted to return to the house of my girlfriend to sleep there. When I got there, I saw the door locked. I now went to the window, and I opened it and saw a co-hunter sleeping with my girlfriend. That was why I shot the gun in my hand.”

Parading the suspects, the state’s Commissioner of Police, CP Abayomi Oladipo said, “On the 23rd of August, 2024 at about 2300hrs, a case of attempted murder was reported to the Police, the victim went to his friend who is a divorcee in her house. One, Ajegba Joseph ‘m’, a hunter aged 38 years who is also having an affair with the woman, went to visit her on the same day in possession of an unlicensed single-barrel gun. However, upon sighting the victim with the woman in bed, the suspect shot the victim through the window side.”

Oladipo who also informed that a syndicate who specialised in snatching cars was arrested by the command, noted that the suspects were members of a four-man gang who specialised in inter-state car theft and snatching.

According to the CP, through intelligence gathering, the suspects were arrested in Ogun State, where they usually take the stolen vehicles to sell, stressing that seven vehicles were recovered while efforts were ongoing to apprehend others.

“On July 11, 2024, a petition was received at the Command detailing a daring armed robbery. A Toyota Corolla, a Tecno POP 5 phone, and N1.5 million in cash were stolen at gunpoint. Our Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit, using advanced intelligence, traced the perpetrators of the crime to Ogun State, where some suspects were arrested,” he said.

The CP identified the suspects as Akinsanya Sarafa Adeniyi, an alleged notorious receiver of stolen vehicles, known in certain circles as “Oba Idan.”

Also arrested was a female accomplice who produced fake vehicular documents and others who aided the principal suspect in evading arrest.

“Despite our success, the mastermind remains at large, and our search for him continues.”

On August 11, 2024, the CP narrated that a commercial motorcyclist was attacked in another act of violence, while simply trying to earn his daily bread.

Contracted to carry a passenger to Oke-Agbe, Adefarati Road in Akungba Akoko, the motorcyclist was ambushed by the passenger and two others who emerged from the bushes.

“Shot in the thigh, he was left for dead as they fled with his motorcycle. Fortunately, the victim survived and was able to identify one of his attackers, leading to the arrest of Saheed Musa, a member of the Neo Black Movement (Aiye Confraternity),” the police chief said.

Nigeria has become the third largest debtor to the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) as of June 30, 2024, marking a significant increase in the country’s borrowing from the institution.

This development has reflected a substantial shift in Nigeria’s financial landscape under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

According to the World Bank’s latest financial statements, Nigeria’s exposure to the IDA has surged by 14.4%, rising from $14.3 billion in the fiscal year (FY) 2023 to $16.5 billion in FY2024.

This $2.2 billion increase in borrowing has propelled Nigeria into the top three IDA debtors for the first time, moving up from its previous position as the fourth-largest borrower in 2023.

The fiscal year 2024 spans from July 2023 to June 2024, during which Nigeria received at least $2.2 billion from the World Bank.

This period aligns with President Tinubu’s administration, underscoring the growing reliance on international financial support amid domestic economic challenges.

Notably, this debt pertains exclusively to the IDA and is separate from any outstanding loans Nigeria has with the World Bank’s International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD).

In comparison to other top IDA debtors, Bangladesh retains its position as the largest borrower, with its exposure increasing from $19.3 billion in 2023 to $20.5 billion in 2024.

Pakistan follows on the second position with a stable exposure of $17.9 billion over the same period. Meanwhile, India, previously the third-largest borrower with $17.9 billion in 2023, saw its IDA exposure decrease to $15.9 billion in 2024, allowing Nigeria to surpass it.

Other notable IDA borrowers include Ethiopia, whose exposure grew from $11.6 billion in 2023 to $12.2 billion in 2024.

Kenya and Vietnam both hold exposures of $12.0 billion. Alongside Tanzania, Ghana, and Uganda, these countries round out the top ten IDA debtors, collectively accounting for 63% of the IDA’s total exposure as of June 30, 2024.

The IDA, a crucial arm of the World Bank, focuses on providing concessional loans and grants to the world’s poorest countries. These loans feature low interest rates and extended repayment periods, aiming to foster economic growth, reduce inequalities, and improve living conditions in developing regions.

According to reports, Nigeria secured a total of $4.95 billion in loans from the World Bank under Tinubu’s administration, amid growing concerns over the country’s escalating external debt servicing costs.

However, only about 16 per cent of these new loans have been received so far. The World Bank may approve an additional four loan projects for Nigeria this year, potentially totaling $2 billion.

Furthermore, data from the external debt stock report of the Debt Management Office (DMO) indicates that Nigeria’s total debt to the World Bank stood at $15.59 billion as of March 31, 2024.

Prospective Corps members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme posted to Jigawa State have voiced their dissatisfaction with the quality of meals provided for them at the orientation camp in Dutse, the State capital.

Reports indicated that numerous prospective corps members have criticized the NYSC management for serving what they claimed were insufficient and nutritionally deficient food portions.

The concerns were amplified by photographs shared online, showing a corps member holding a small serving of watery beans accompanied by a slice of yam.

One disgruntled corps member expressed frustration, stating, “That is what we have been facing. They have been feeding us this since we arrived at the camp. This is bad.”

The complaints have prompted a response from the NYSC’s acting spokesperson, Mrs. Carol Lembu, who assured that the issue would be promptly addressed. “Thank you for this information. We will look into this right away,” she stated.

Governors elected on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday declared that their resolve to support Rivers State governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, cannot be changed by any individual no matter how highly placed.

The governors stated this in response to a threat by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister, Nyesom Wike, to set fire in their states for supporting Fubara.

They also described Wike’s comment as irresponsible and unbridled, and called on the heads of the national security apparatuses to take note of his threats to stoke the fire of violence at the sub-nationals as no one is above the laws of the land.

Wike, last week, threatened to set fire in states of PDP governors for supporting Fubara’s control of the party structure in the state.

The PDP governors had declared support for Fubara at their meetings in Enugu and Taraba States.

The battle between Wike and Fubara have defied several peace efforts even by President Bola Tinubu.

But reacting to Wike’s comment, the director general of PDP Governors Forum, Emmanuel Agbo, said governors of the party have always stood by and supported each other no matter the circumstances, a tradition Wike enjoyed in his days of travail as governor.

“Thus, we therefore maintain that our position on the affairs of the PDP in Rivers State, as unanimously resolved at our 2024, 3rd and 4th Meetings held in Enugu and Taraba States respectively are not subject to review by any individual no matter how highly placed.”

Agbo, in a statement, added that “the statements and threats to peaceful coexistence made by Wike to “Put fire” in the PDP controlled States are unbridled, irresponsible and without ambiguity totally unacceptable as it undermines efforts to build and maintain peace, cohesion, collaboration and mutual respect amongst leaders and members of the party. It is rather unfortunate that this is coming from someone who was once a member of this highly revered forum as a former governor.”

The governors stressed that the position of the Forum is neither personal nor does it, by any stretch of the imagination, undermine the relevance of any stakeholder in the party.

“Rather, as loyal party faithful, members of the Forum remain committed to that pristine practice that was intended to guarantee order, eliminate conflicting centres of loyalty epitomised by the situation in Rivers State and guard against distracting the Governor in the prosecution of his mandate. Wike benefitted wholly from that arrangement.

“We are irrevocably committed to working with the National Working Committee (NWC) of our great party, the PDP, in ensuring that Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State is conferred with all the privileges he is entitled to as a Governor elected on the platform of our party, both at the state and national levels.

“Our undiluted commitment to the unity of our party is paramount. The PDP has always been a party that values unity and collective progress. The recent actions of the governors, including their support for Governor Fubara, reflect their dedication to these values. It is crucial for all party members, including Wike, to work together towards common goals rather than pursuing personal vendettas.

“The Forum insists that it is incumbent on the National Working Committee of the PDP to invoke both official provisions and unofficial good offices platforms to find an amicable solution to the crisis in its Rivers State chapter. Similarly, if indeed the larger interests of Rivers State is their individual motivation, the warring parties should allow themselves to be guided by a spirit of give and take and eschewing, at all times, the incendiary posturing that inflames passions among their followers.

“It is inevitable for us to encourage dialogue and reconciliation continuously. The PDP has established mechanisms for addressing grievances and resolving conflicts, such as the recently constituted disciplinary and reconciliation committees; thus it is important for Wike to engage with these processes constructively, as dialogue and reconciliation are the pathways to resolving differences and strengthening the party.

“The Forum calls on the heads of the national security apparatuses to take note of threats by Wike to stoke the fire of violence at the sub-nationals as no one is above the laws of the land.”

Less than 24 hours after his loan move to Turkish Super Lig side Galatasaray, Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen has witnessed a remarkable surge in his social media followership.

The reigning African footballer of the year joined Galatasaray on a season-long loan from Napoli for the 2024/25 season on Tuesday after the Italian club agreed to the dry loan move.

The move has not only boosted Osimhen presence in European football but also significantly elevated his social media profile.

According to sportsration.com‘s report, since Galatasaray officially announced the agreement with Napoli on their social media platforms, Osimhen has gained over 100,000 new followers on Instagram, with his count rising from 4.4 million to 4.5 million in less than 24 hours. This rapid growth underscores Osimhen’s influence as one of Africa’s most prominent footballers and highlights the excitement surrounding his move to Turkey.

Osimhen’s transfer to Galatasaray followed a dramatic transfer saga that saw his anticipated move to Chelsea collapsed on deadline day.

The Nigerian international was on the verge of joining Chelsea, but negotiations failed to progress, leaving him to stay in Naples. This came despite a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli, who were prepared to pay Osimhen a staggering €30 million per year over a four-year contract. However, the Nigerian super star opted to continue his career in Europe, leading to his loan move to Galatasaray.

The surge in Osimhen’s social media following further cements his status as one of the most influential African footballers globally, and his journey at Galatasaray is set to be closely followed by millions of fans around the world.

The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has proposed one year post-graduation training for engineers and called on the federal government to return funding of the council’s activities.

The President of COREN Engr. Prof. Sadiq Abubakar made the call on Tuesday at the 32 Engineering Assembly with the theme: “Regulating Engineering Profession for Shared Prosperity in Nigeria” in Abuja.

Prof Abubakar also disclosed that COREN and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) will commence accreditation of technical colleges in Nigeria in the coming academic session.

He said, “In response to the goals of the current FGN Administration, the Council approved the resuscitatation of the Supervised Industrial Training Scheme in Engineering (SITSIE) under the new name of Engineering Residency Programme (EREP) and planned to engage the National Assembly to seek legislative backing.

“This is a one-year post-graduation training programme for all engineering graduates of an accredited university or polytechnic, designed to meet practical experience requirements for the purpose of registration with COREN as a professional engineer or an engineering technologist similar to the practices of Medical, Pharmaceutical, etc professions”.

Prof. Abubakar said relevant organisations like NUC, NBTE, ITF, MAN, NSE, NATE, and others have been contacted and all expressed their readiness to participate and support the initiative.

He also stated that the Council has approved the creation of a new register for the cadre of Engineering Artisans in line with its mandate.

“The new NSQ levels 1-2 under the NSQF which FGN included in the Scheme of Services of Nigeria has given the required recognition and backing to the laudable policy”.

He added that arrangement has also reached advanced stage with NBTE and other relevant organisations for the inauguration of the SSC4E.

“This will herald the commencement of the processes of training, certification and licensing of artisans in Engineering Sector in Nigeria. COREN is the awarding body, NBTE is the regulatory body while NAE will chair the SSC4E comprising of diverse interest groups in Engineering including employers of labour, professional bodies, academia, private sector, etc in line with NSQF manual approved by NSC,” he said.

Speaking further, he said COREN, in order to check the incessant failures of engineering infrastructure, especially building collapse across the country, has constituted a “National Technical Committee to drive the ERME at national level similar to existing practice at regional and state levels”.

He added that the ERME inspectors are to be supported by Engineering Intelligence & Surveillance (EIS) Task Force and EIS Whistle Blowers operating at national, regional and state levels.

“COREN is ever ready to improve its performance in regulating engineering education, training of practitioners and their practices in line with the global ethics and standards to ensure the prevention of the failures engineering infrastructure and safeguard lives and Properties of the citizenry. The Council is therefore appealing to the FGN to continue to fund COREN similar to its peers in funding regime for the benefit of the nation the health sector. It is our hope and prayer that the FGN would reconsider its position to return the Council into funding regime for the benefit of the nation” he said.

Minister of Housing and Urban Development Ahmed Musa Dangiwa said the standards COREN sets and the professional ethics it enforces are critical to ensuring the quality, safety, and resilience of housing and infrastructure projects across the nation.

Dangiwa commended ongoing reforms and restructuring in COREN to effectively and efficiently implement the provisions of the COREN amended Act in monitoring and enforcing compliance in engineering practice.

He said, “As the Minister of Housing & Urban Development, I can tell you that effective regulation of the construction/built sector is key to my ministry, especially to curb the ugly developments of incessant collapse of buildings and other infrastructure”.

He commended COREN for rising to the occasion by playing a leading role amongst the Regulators in the built environment.

He further appreciated COREN for developing checklist to provide verifiable complete documentation of the construction process that allows tracking of actions or inactions to establish culpability in building collapse in Nigeria.

“This is geared towards finding lasting solution to the menace of building collapse in Nigeria,” he added.

Former spokesman to Obi/Datti campaign organization, Kenneth Okonkwo, has said the opposition parties cannot take power from President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Kenneth Okonkwo alleged that President Tinubu was able to overthrow the due process of Nigeria system to achieve his presidential ambition. He stated that the President cannot allow his overthrow by the opposition in 2027.

The lawyer said the opposition political parties in Nigeria have failed to live up to their expectations by holding the government responsible.

He explained this in an interview with Arise TV, on Tuesday.

He added that opposition parties have failed to prove to Nigerians they can provide good government if elected.

“Well, let me make it clear that as long as politics is concerned, the secret of acquiring political power is cohesion amongst your own group and collaboration with others. So coming together will always be an unbeatable denominator in a democratic process of acquiring power.

“However, I sincerely agree that the opposition is failing because they are concentrating on acquiring power from a ruling party rather than immediately after the election concentrating on consolidating their platforms and then taking on the ruling party on policies to convince Nigerians that they are the alternative force that should take over.

“The issue of the opposition trying to take power from a Tinubu will be a tall dream. And the reason is this, our electoral system and judicial system have been overthrown. As long as the electoral process is concerned. Here are my reasons, I was a member of the presidential team and I can tell you unequivocally that our electoral jurisprudence has been destroyed.

“And the courts did this by giving INEC discretion to do whatever they like. The courts say INEC has discretion on whether to transmit electronically or not. This is not what the law says. Let me make it clear in my own opinion. So power does not proceed any longer from the will of the people in Nigeria but from the discretion of INEC and from the desecration of the judiciary,” Okonkwo said.

The Nollywood legend aligned with the position of the former governor of Jigawa State, that the opposition would be wasting their time if they did not come together and form strong force before next election and live up to their responsibility of holding the current administration to account.

He emphasized that the Court in the last presidential election cases failed to uphold the law, but played to favour the APC.

Kenneth Okonkwo continued, “And having that as bottom line, the opposition they are just wasting their time. What Lamido said is true because a Tinubu outside government was able to overwhelm the system. What about a Tinubu inside government? Now let me tell you why I say our electoral jurisprudence has been overthrown. The court said if you do not bring your petition, if you do not bring all your witness statements on oath, if you don’t bring all your evidence within 21 days, your case is dead.

“Respectfully again, that’s not what the law says. The law says in section 285, subsection 5, petitions should be presented within 21 days. According to rule 4, subsection 1d, petitions simply means the facts that you need to prove, the grounds and the relief sought. It is not the evidence.

“In rule 5, the rule for procedure for election said evidence need not be stated in the petition but the court may give order that you should provide further particulars to prevent surprise and avoid unnecessary expense and to ensure fair and proper hearing of the suit.

“Meaning the court by subpoena can allow subpoena witnesses to give evidence after 21 days because that’s the only way that you will avoid unnecessary expense to the petition and ensure fair hearing. Why? An adverse witness will never voluntarily give you evidence that you will use against it.”