The Chief Whip of the 10th Senate, Mohammed Ali Ndume, has asserted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not aware of events happening outside the Presidential Villa, in Abuja.

According to him, the Nigerian leader has been trapped and confined by specific groups.

Lawmaker representing Borno South senatorial district made this remark during a press conference on Wednesday at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.

Ndume expressed his frustration that President Tinubu’s administration has not taken significant steps to address the ongoing security issues plaguing the nation.

He stated that the public’s dissatisfaction stems from the government’s inability to effectively address the issues of poverty, insecurity, and hunger, among others, which have severely impacted the nation.

Ndume said: “Mr President is not in the picture of what is happening outside the Villa. He has been fenced off and caged. So many of us won’t go through the backdoor to engage him.

“Now they have stopped him from talking, and he doesn’t have public affairs managers, except his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, who writes press statements. Nigerians are getting very angry.

“The government is not doing anything about the food scarcity and it needs to do something urgently. We don’t have a food reserve. There is an unavailability of food. The food crisis is the worst crisis that any nation can encounter. If we add that to the security crisis, it will be severe.

“The President should wake up; it seems he isn’t in the picture of what is happening because he has been caged off. He has been fenced off by plutocrats. He should open his doors and meet those who will tell him the truth.

“Unfortunately, the people who will tell him the truth won’t struggle to meet him. I am very worried not only for the President himself but myself.”

Regarding the crisis involving farmers and herders, Ndume mentioned that those involved have not shown genuine commitment to tackling the problem, pointing out that efforts have consistently been influenced by ethnic feelings.

During a conversation with BBC Hausa on Wednesday, Ndume highlighted the federal government’s struggle to deal with these problems as a significant obstacle, further stating that certain ministers find it difficult to have discussions with President Tinubu about the issue.

He had said: “The major problem with this government is that its doors are closed, to the extent that even some ministers cannot see the President, not to mention members of the National Assembly, who do not have the opportunity to meet with him and discuss the issues affecting their constituencies.”

The Federal Government has declared that the ongoing food crisis will subside in the next one hundred and eighty days.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen Abubakar Kyari, announced this via his social media platform on Wednesday, July 10.

This announcement comes at a time when Nigerians are expressing frustration over the hardship and hunger in the country.

Kyari, however, has outlined the strategies that will be put in place during this period to address the issue.

He said: “Our administration has unveiled a series of strategic measures aimed at addressing the high food prices currently affecting our nation. These measures will be implemented over the next 180 days.”

His publication reads: “150-Day Duty-Free Import Window for Food Commodities:

“Suspension of duties, tariffs, and taxes for the importation of certain food commodities through land and sea borders. These commodities include maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas.

“Imported food commodities will be subjected to a Recommended Retail Price (RRP). We understand concerns about the quality of these imports, especially regarding their genetic composition. The government assures that all standards will be maintained to ensure the safety and quality of food items for consumption.

“The Federal Government will import 250,000 metric tons of wheat and 250,000 metric tons of maize. These semi-processed commodities will be supplied to small-scale processors and millers across the country.

“Engagement with relevant stakeholders to set a GMP and purchase surplus food commodities to restock the National Strategic Food Reserve.”

It added: “Ramp-Up of Production for the 2024/2025 Farming Cycle:

“Continued support to smallholder farmers during the ongoing wet season farming through existing government initiatives; Strengthening and accelerating dry season farming nationwide;

“Embarking on aggressive agricultural mechanization to reduce drudgery, lower production costs, and boost productivity.

Collaborating with sub-national entities to identify irrigable lands and increase land under cultivation; Working closely with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation to rehabilitate and maintain irrigation facilities under river basin authorities across the federation.

“Developing strategic engagement for youth and women for immediate greenhouse cultivation of horticultural crops such as tomatoes and pepper to increase production volume, stabilize prices, and address food shortages; Fast-tracking ongoing engagements with the Nigerian Military to rapidly cultivate arable lands under the Defence Farms Scheme and encouraging other para-military establishments to utilize available arable lands for cultivation.

“Renewed Hope National Livestock Transformation Implementation Committee; This committee was inaugurated on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, to develop and implement policies prioritizing livestock development in alignment with the National Livestock Transformation Plan, and a ministry of Livestock Development has been created.

• Enhancement of Nutrition Security
• Promoting the production of fortified food commodities.
• Supporting the scale-up of the Home Garden Initiative by the Office of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Kyari also explained that “Over the next 14 days, in close collaboration with the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU) and the Economic Management Team (EMT), we will convene with respective agencies to finalize the implementation frameworks. We will ensure that information is publicly available to facilitate the participation of all relevant stakeholders across the country.”

According to him, the success of these measures hinges on the cooperation and collaboration of all relevant MDAs and stakeholders.

“As our nation confronts this critical food security challenge, I reiterate President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to achieving food security and ensuring that no Nigerian goes to bed hungry.

“My team and I will work swiftly and diligently to actualize these crucial policies, ensuring food security for everyone in the immediate term while continuing our strategies for long-term interventions to address underlying causes and ensure sustainable and resilient food systems in Nigeria,” the Minister added.

The National Assembly have commenced moves to make significant changes to the Nigerian constitution.

One of such changes is the creation of new states in some parts of the country.

Seven new states have been proposed at the National Assembly, both in the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Below are the list of proposed states:

Oke-Ogun State

The proposed Oke-Ogun state will be carved out of the present Oyo state. It comprises 12 local government areas, which are: Olorunsogo, Irepo, Oorerelope, Ogbomosho North, Ogbomosho South, Saki-East, Saki-West, Atisbo, Itesiwaju, Iwajowa, Kajola, and Iseyin.

The bill for the creation of the Oke-Ogun, Ijebu and Ife-Ijesha states was sponsored by Honourable Oluwole Oke, a lawmaker representing the people of Obokun/Oriade federal constituency in Osun state.

Etiti State 

The new state is in the southeast region.

The bill was proposed on Tuesday, July 2. The House held the first reading of the bill seeking to establish the new state, which was sponsored by five lawmakers: Miriam Onuoha, Chinwe Nnabuife, Amobi Ogah, Anayo Onwuegbu, and Kama Nkemkama.

According to the bill, the proposed Etiti state will be carved out of the five southeast states, namely Ebonyi, Enugu, Anambra, Abia, and Imo.

Ijebu state

Like, Oke-Ogun state, Ijebu state was also sponsored by Honourable Oke in the lower chamber.

Ijebu state, as proposed, will be carved out of the present Ogun state.

It comprises nine local government areas: Ijebu East, Ijebu North-East, Ijebu Ode, Ikenne, Odogbolu, Ogun Waterside, Remo North, Sagamu, and some parts of the Ogun state capital, Abeokuta (partially).

The proposed Ijebu state is situated in southwestern Nigeria, bordering Lagos State to the west and Ondo state to the east. The region is known for its rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and economic importance.

Ife-Ijesha

Another state the Osun lawmaker proposed is Ife-Ijesha, which would be carved out of the present Osun state.

The proposed state comprises nine local government areas: Atakunmosa East, Atakunmosa West, Boluwaduro, Ife Central, Ife East, Ife North, Ife South, Ilesa East, and Ilesa West.

Adada state

The bill for the creation of Adada State passed its first reading on July 2. It was sponsored by Senator Okey Ezea.

The state is to be created from the existing Enugu North senatorial district.

The proposed Adada state would comprise six local government areas: Igbo-Eze North, Igbo-Eze South, Udenu, Nsukka, Igga, and Uzo-Uwani. Nsukka, a major urban centre in Enugu state, would serve as the new state’s capital.

Orlu State

The proposed state is in the southeast region. Orlu will have 28 local government areas.

Anioma State 

The state is also in the southeast region.

Anioma will have nine local government areas.

Super Falcons of Nigeria midfielder, Jennifer Echegini, has completed her move to the French D1 Arkema side, Paris Saint-Germain women’s club.

Jennifer Echegini started her football development at SCE Nijmegen, a club in her country of birth, the Netherlands.

The 23-year-old midfielder went on to play for Charlton Athletic, Millwall Lionesses, and Arsenal youth club.

Between 2019 and 2023, Echegini played college football in the United States at Mississippi State Bulldogs, and at Florida State Seminoles.

Italian Serie A women’s club, Juventus, gave the midfielder her first professional contract in 2024.

Months later, Juve decided to sell her to Paris Saint Germain women’s club for an undisclosed fee after scoring 10 goals in 16 games for the Italian side.

After completing her move to the French club, Jennifer Echegini said: “I am experiencing a great moment in my career today. Signing for Paris Saint-Germain is a huge source of pride. I am very proud to join a club that is recognized around the world for its ambition and excellence.

“I can’t wait to get started and I can’t wait to give the best of myself to try to win, with my teammates and for the supporters, as many trophies as possible.”

Note that Jennifer Echegini is part of coach Randy Waldrum’s Super Falcons Olympics squad. The Falcons are currently preparing for the tournament in Sevilla, Spain.

The Kaduna house of assembly has responded to comments by ex-commissioners in the administration of Nasir el-Rufai, the former governor, defending their principal concerning the alleged financial mispropriation during his regime.

The Kaduna assembly asked the former commissioners to save their energy to respond to questions from anti-graft agencies on the alleged corruption during their administration.

BACKGROUND

On March 30, Uba Sani, the incumbent governor of Kaduna, said his administration inherited a debt of $587 million, N85 billion, and 115 contractual liabilities from the el-Rufai administration.

He said the huge debt burden is eating deep into the state’s share of the monthly federation allocation.

Subsequently, the Kaduna assembly recommended that el-Rufai be probed over alleged N423 billion misappropriation.

The assembly made the recommendation after receiving the report of the ad-hoc committee set up to probe the administration of the former governor.

However, el-Rufai denied the allegations and took legal action against the state house of assembly.

In a statement on Tuesday, eight former commissioners under the el-Rufai administration described the probe as an “attempt to inflict maximum reputational damage on certain selected members of the Kaduna State Executive Council, Class of 2015–2023.”.

The former cabinet members said the committee’s report “oozes malice and patent unfairness” toward the administration of the former governor.

‘ONLY ANTI-GRAFT AGENCIES CAN DISAPPROVE OUR FINDINGS’

In a statement issued on Wednesday by Henry Magaji, deputy speaker of the house, the Kaduna assembly said the former commissioners refused to address the “systematic and coordinated cornering of the resources of Kaduna State through phoney contracts and outright looting”.

Magaji said anti-corruption agencies have been called upon to invite those indicted in the report.

“The press conference was just a rehash of the vituperations and innuendoes heaped on us by the former political appointees in their first press briefing,” the statement reads.

“There was nothing new that should warrant our response. They failed to address the main issue, which is the systematic and coordinated cornering of the resources of Kaduna State through phoney contracts and outright looting.

“The state house of assembly, in line with its constitutional mandate and in response to public demand, carried out a thorough probe into the humongous debts incurred by the immediate past administration without commensurate projects.

“We dug deep and unearthed the monumental heist carried out in Kaduna State in the guise of project execution.

“It is the anti-corruption agencies that can either validate or disprove our findings, not individuals who spent their days in public office cornering the common patrimony of the people of Kaduna state and mortgaging the future of its children and grandchildren.

“Our findings revealed a litany of poorly executed projects, abandoned projects, and projects that exist only in the imagination of executive scammers.”

The Kaduna assembly said the lawmakers have performed their duties to the people, adding that the indicted persons should answer questions on the allegations against them.

The Nigerian naira fell to N1,561 against the dollar at the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM) on Wednesday.

The rate represents a loss of 1.88 percent from the figure (N1,532) recorded on July 9.

According to data from FMDQ Securities Exchange, a platform that oversees foreign exchange (FX) trading in Nigeria, the local currency hit an intra-day trading high of N1,585 and a low of N1,475. 

The current FX figure represents the lowest since March 18 when the naira exchanged at N1,572 to the greenback.

At the parallel section of the market, the local currency traded at N1,550 on Wednesday — depreciating by 0.65 percent from N1,540 on July 9. 

Currency traders, known as bureau de change (BDC) operators, quoted the buying rate at N1,530 and the selling price at N1,550  — leaving a profit margin of N20.

TWO-DAY DEPRECIATION

The local currency has witnessed marginal fluctuations in both the parallel and official markets within the last two days.

At the official market, the local currency depreciated to N1,523 on July 8 — from N1,509/$ on July 5 — and further tumbled to N1,532 on July 9.

It recorded a marginal appreciation to N1,523 per dollar on July 8 at the parallel market — from N1,525 on July 5.

However, the rally was quickly reversed on July 9, with the currency sliding to N1,540.

The two-day depreciation of the naira comes amid a recorded a rise in the external reserves of Nigeria.

The external reserves of one of Africa’s largest economies increased to $35.05 billion on July 8 — the highest since May 30, 2023.

The federal government has officially announced the suspension of duties, tariffs, and taxes on the importation of food commodities.

Abubakar Kyari, minister of agriculture and food security, announced the development in a post on social media on Wednesday, detailing the federal government’s measures to address the high food prices currently affecting the nation.

Part of the measures, according to the statement, is a 150-day duty-free import window for food commodities, which involves the suspension of duties, tariffs, and taxes for the importation of food commodities — maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas — through land and sea borders.

The minister said the measures will be implemented over the next 180 days.

“Imported food commodities will be subjected to a Recommended Retail Price (RRP),” Kyari said.

“We understand concerns about the quality of these imports, especially regarding their genetic composition. The government assures that all standards will be maintained to ensure the safety and quality of food items for consumption.

“Over the next 14 days, in close collaboration with the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU) and the Economic Management Team (EMT), we will convene with respective agencies to finalize the implementation frameworks.

“We will ensure that information is publicly available to facilitate the participation of all relevant stakeholders across the country.”

OTHER INTERVENTION PLANS

Outlining other intervention plans, Kyari said the federal government will import 250,000 metric tons of wheat and 250,000 metric tons of maize, noting that these semi-processed commodities will be supplied to small-scale processors and millers across the country.

The government will engage with relevant stakeholders to set a “GMP and purchase surplus food commodities to restock the National Strategic Food Reserve”.

He said there will also be a production ramp-up for the 2024/2025 farming cycle, which would include continued support to smallholder farmers during the ongoing wet season farming through existing government initiatives; strengthening and accelerating dry season farming nationwide; embarking on aggressive agricultural mechanisation to reduce drudgery, lower production costs, and boost productivity.

“Collaborating with sub-national entities to identify irrigable lands and increase land under cultivation,” he said.

“Working closely with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation to rehabilitate and maintain irrigation facilities under river basin authorities across the federation.

“Developing strategic engagement for youth and women for immediate greenhouse cultivation of horticultural crops such as tomatoes and pepper to increase production volume, stabilize prices, and address food shortages.

“Fast-tracking ongoing engagements with the Nigerian Military to rapidly cultivate arable lands under the Defence Farms Scheme and encouraging other para-military establishments to utilize available arable lands for cultivation.

“Renewed Hope National Livestock Transformation Implementation Committee

“This committee has been inaugurated on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, to develop and implement policies prioritizing livestock development in alignment with the National Livestock Transformation Plan, and a ministry of Livestock Development has been created.

“Enhancement of Nutrition Security, Promoting the production of fortified food commodities, Supporting the scale-up of the Home Garden Initiative by the Office of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Kyari said the success of the measures hinges on the cooperation and collaboration of all relevant ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) and other stakeholders.

The minister reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s “unwavering commitment” to achieving food security and “ensuring that no Nigerian goes to bed hungry”.

Kyari said he would work swiftly and diligently with his team to actualise “these crucial policies”, ensuring food security for everyone in the immediate term, “while continuing our strategies for long-term interventions to address underlying causes and ensure sustainable and resilient food systems in Nigeria”.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended its National Vice Chairman, South-South, Mr Dan Orbih for anti-party activity.

The party in a statement by its spokesman, Debo Ologunagba, said Orbih’s activities have been affecting its campaign to retain the state in the governorship election to be held later in the year.

Orbih is a member of the Legacy Group that formed the Edo State Chapter of the PDP and has been at loggerheads with the state governor, Godwin Obaseki for the choice of the party’s candidate for the governorship election.

The PDP had set up a committee headed by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed to reconcile the various groups in Edo State following the crisis the governorship primary caused.

However, the committee failed to reconcile the groups and decided to suspend Orbih on Wednesday after its National Working Committee (NWC) meeting.

The statement said the party “considered all issues, including complaints on the activities of the National Vice Chairman (South-South) Chief Dan Orbih concerning the September 21, 2024 Governorship election in Edo State.”

The statement further said the “NWC at the meeting unanimously condemned the embarrassing actions and utterances of Chief Dan Orbih relating to the Edo State Governorship Primary Election of our great Party which actions and utterances are inconsistent with the provisions of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017) and the demand of his office as a national officer of the Party.

“Consequently, the NWC has set up a six-member committee headed by the Deputy National Chairman (South) Amb. Taofeek Arapaja, to investigate the issue pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution of the Party,” the party said.

It announced that the “NWC forthwith suspends Chief Dan Orbih from participating in all meetings, activities and programs of the NWC pending the conclusion of investigation by the Committee.

“The NWC acknowledges the support and solidarity of the overwhelming majority of the people of Edo State who are rallying with our Party and Candidate, Dr Asue Ighodalo, whose vision is in tandem with the Will and aspiration of the people for continued massive development of the State on the platform of the PDP.”

It charged “all leaders, critical stakeholders and teeming members of our Party in Edo State to remain united, focused and continue to work hard for the victory of our Party and Candidate in the September 21, 2024 Governorship election in Edo State.”

Olie Watkins came off the bench to score the winning goal to lead England to a 2-1 win over the Netherlands in the semi final of the 2024 European Championship on Wednesday night.

The Aston Villa forward replaced Harry Kane with ten minutes to go before scoring the winner in the 91st minute to lead England into the final of the competition against Spain on Sunday.

Xavi Simons gave Netherlands the lead in the seventh minute with a thunderous finish against the run of play.

Harry Kane restored parity for England from the spot eleven minutes later after he was fouled in the box.

Both sides continued to probe for the winner to no avail before Palmer and Watkins combined to find the winner.

Southgate took off Harry Kane and Phil Foden for Cole Palmer and Ollie Watkins in the 81st minute in a bid to add fresh legs to the team.

Palmer found Watkins, who finished expertly with a turn of pace to beat Bart Verbruggen in goal, which sent the England players and supporters into wild jubilations.

It was a disappointing end for Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands, who thought the game was heading into extra time, but Watkins had other plans.

England will now take on Spain in the final on Sunday in Berlin.

Watkins was delighted to be the hero after waiting for the moment for weeks.

He said, “I’ve been waiting for that moment for weeks. It’s taken a lot of hard work to get to where I am today. I’m delighted. I swear on my life that I said to Cole Palmer that he’s going to set me up today and I’m going to score. It’s the best feeling ever.

“There’s been a lot of criticism but we’re in the final and that’s all that matters. We’ve got that bounce back factor. Going behind seems to kick us into gear. We’ve won on penalties and come from behind.”

England have now qualified for a second consecutive European Championship final after losing in 2021 to Italy at Wembley.