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The immediate past governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai has described states’ electoral commissions as rigging tools of the state governors.
El-Rufai stated this on Monday in Maiduguri, in his lead paper presentation titled: “Capacity Building Workshop on Enhancing Skills of Government Officials In Policy Implementation and Productive Human Resources Management”.
The former governor recalled the success recorded through electronic voting for local government areas elections he conducted during his tenure as governor.
He also narrated how a Northwest state governor wanted to use his pattern, but after availing him of the technique used in conducting the elections, he went back to his state and wrote results of the local government elections he conducted instead of conducting it electronically.
The former governor who expressed total support of abolishing state electoral commissions stressed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) could be handling all local government elections.
“While I was the Governor of Kaduna State, I introduced electronic voting and conducted local government election with it. After the election, we lost about three to four local government areas to the opposition, because of the credibility of the election. And because we were transparent in the election, some of those opposition candidates decamped to our party because of our fairness in the election.
“I remember that one governor from the Northwest who loved the conduct of the election through electronic voting asked me to assist him with the technology I used in the election, but because it has the state logo, I told him that it would not cost more than 10,000 US dollars, so that he can get the equipment to conduct his state LGA election electronically. But after that conversation, I did not hear from him again, he went back home and conducted his election by writing the results as usual,” El-Rufai said.
On the demolition exercise in Kaduna during his administration, El-Rufai said prior to assumption of office, the people knew who he was, and that he was very careful at ensuring that every demolition carried followed due process.
He added that his government’ is adherence to the process was responsible for the absence of court cases after the exercise.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, says the Federal Government intends to reduce the cost of tax expenditures and ensure that tax incentives have a positive impact on the economy.
Edun said this while discussing the recent approval of incorporating an Incentive Monitoring and Evaluation Platform (IMEP) into the existing Import Duty Exemption Certificate (IDEC) process as captured by a statement released on Monday.
According to the Minister, the IDEC automation, which was introduced as from 1st March, 2020, is a fiscal incentive by the Federal Government under the Ministry of Finance to boost sectors of the economy by exempting critical players from paying import duty and all other statutory customs charges respectively.
- “This is to provide the Federal Ministry of Finance with a robust automated tool for more effective Monitoring and Evaluation (M &E) measurement of the impact of all customs duty exemptions issued by the Ministry to government entities, companies, non- governmental oganisations (NGOs) and international organisations,” Edun said.
He stated that the system is set up to block and limit access to those who don’t qualify, enforce adherence to fiscal policies, and offer a detailed analysis of how tax incentives affect the economy.
He said that this approach will also help in preventing the misuse of tax expenditures, enhancing the economic benefits derived from fiscal incentives, and improving the direct evaluation of the impact of tax incentives on the economy.
Key features of Incentive Monitoring and Evaluation Platform (IMEP)
Speaking further, Edun identified some of the critical aspects of the Incentive Monitoring and Evaluation Platform (IMEP), which include:
- Duty waiver claw back mechanism for issuance of demand notices to defaulters which would prevent misuse of issued incentive,
- E-report generation,
- A centralised database,
- Factory geo-location tagging,
- Industry qualification status validation, and
- Inter- ministries department and agency (MDA) integration.
Edun also announced that a webinar will be held on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, to explain the updated IDEC process.
[Nairametrics]
The Kaduna State House of Assembly, on Tuesday, set up a 13-man adhoc committee to investigate financial transactions, loans, grants and projects execution under the immediate-past governor of the State, Malam Nasir El-rufai.
Hon. Yusuf Mugu, member representing Kaura constituency, moved the motion on matter of public importance that the loans borrowed by the former governor be investigated.
The Speaker of the House, Hon. Yusuf Dahiru Liman, who presided over the plenary, urged the adhoc committee to invite all the relevant stakeholders for questioning and investigation of the matters.
Details Later…..
[Leadership]
Some suspected hoodlums from Obbo-Aiyegunle in Kwara State on Tuesday attacked Ilejemeje Local Government secretariat and some residents of the town over land dispute.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the alleged hoodlums were heavily armed and fired gunshot to scare residents.
The local government secretariat windows and doors were vandalised as workers ran for safety.
Speaking on the attack, the Eleda of Eda- Oniyo, Oba Awodipo Awolola, explained that the hoodlums attacked some people with charms in their farms, saying one person had been hospitalised.
Oba Awolola said the incident had caused trauma and fear among residents of the community.
He urged the state government to intervene and settle the dispute between Ekiti and Kwara residents, to avoid bloodshed of innocent lives.
The traditional ruler appealed to the security agencies to mobilise more officers to the community to prevent further attacks on residents.
Reacting, the Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government Area in Ekiti, Mr Alaba Dada, expressed shock over the incident, adding that security officers had been mobilised to the town.
Dada urged both Ekiti and kwara governments to settle the land dispute in the interest of peaceful and harmonious relationship between the two states.
(NAN)
The National Security Adviser, NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, says the Federal Government has rescued over 1,000 victims of verified mass abduction across the country without paying ransom.
Ribadu disclosed this on Monday, in Abuja while receiving 22 rescued students and staff of the Federal University Gusau, that the covert operations were conducted in the last few months.
He said the successful rescue operations were testimonies to the efforts of the government to free all those being unlawfully held in captivity.
“We have so far released over a thousand of such victims without noise and in complete respect for their privacy and safety.
“We released people from Zambara, Sokoto, Kaduna, Katsina, Taraba, Adamawa, and so many other states.
“Thousands, but never said a word and we thank God for that, and maybe that is the reason why we are so far very successful.
“This occasion marks a final juncture in a series of rescues we have undertaken in the last few months to free victims of recent cases of mass abductions that are verified.
“It is making a difference, it is a matter of time and we will see the outcome of the work we are doing,” he said.
The NSA said the victims were rescued unhurt and without any of the female abductees molested, adding that it was a marked departure from what had been the case in the past.
According to him, going forward, the government is strengthening law enforcement and security measures to prevent further abductions.
He added that the government would strengthen physical security across vulnerable communities in the country.
“This work is done by our security forces, our armed forces, our police, our intelligence agencies.
“All of us collectively have done this work together and we all are fully participating and this is the outcome of it,” he said.
Ribadu commended the leadership of President Bola Tinubu for working assiduously to address insecurity in the country.
According to him, the efforts have led to great improvement in recent times in taming terrorist attacks.
Recall that those rescued were abducted from the school on September 22, 2023, when bandits attacked three off-campus students’ hostels at Sabon Gida in Gusau.
Those kidnapped from the university included female students, some male artisans, a private security guard and a protocol officer.
Subsidy Removal: Tinubu Fulfils Promise As Manufacturers, Other Businesses Begin Receipt Of FG’s N200bn Palliative Loan
AFOLABIThe federal government through the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment has commenced the disbursement of the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme to verified applicants.
The disbursement is coming barely two months after the agreement for the loan was sealed between the federal government and the Bank of Industry.
In a progress report posted on the trade minister’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, Doris Aniete stated that an unspecified number of beneficiaries have received their grants, adding that by Friday, April 19, another significant disbursement will be made to a substantial number of verified applicants.
She said, “We are pleased to inform you that the disbursement process for the Presidential Conditional Grant Programme has officially commenced. Some beneficiaries have already received their grants, marking the beginning of our phased disbursement strategy.”
“By Friday, 19th April 2024, a significant disbursement will be made to a substantial number of verified applicants. It is essential to understand that disbursements are ongoing, and not all applicants will receive their grants on this initial date. However, rest assured that all verified applicants will eventually receive their grants in subsequent phases.”
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, had in February signed three agreements with the Bank of Industry that would unlock over N200bn funding for businesses in Nigeria.
The first agreement enables both parties to establish the FGN Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Intervention Fund in the sum of N75bn, while the second agreement is for the the N50bn Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme (PCGS).
The scheme which is also known as the Nano Business Grant Support Section of the Presidential Palliative Program of the federal government would allow the sum of N50bn to be deposited as Grant and with BOI from time to time.
The third agreement would enable both parties to set up the N75bn FGN Manufacturing Sector Fund to be deposited by FMITI with BOI from time to time for the purpose of financing projects and activities falling within the parameters of the Fund.
Under the first agreement which is the N75bn MSMEs fund, the amount would be used to finance approved projects to support micro, small and medium-scale enterprises and serve as a cushion against the high cost of production, marketing and distribution of products arising mainly from infrastructure deficiencies and other ancillary factors involving MSMEs in Nigeria.
The operation and management of the Fund would be the responsibility of BOI in accordance with the terms and conditions of the agreement.
Under the second agreement which is the N50bn Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme (PCGS), the amount would help to cushion the negative impact of the removal of fuel subsidy by the FGN, and the resulting increase in the pump prices of petroleum products in Nigeria on businesses.
The removal of subsidy had led to some unintended economic hardship on the citizenry of Nigeria.
In a bid to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal, President Bola Tinubu had in a national broadcast made on 31st of July, 2023 introduced palliative measures to support families and businesses affected by the fuel subsidy removal.
The federal government, through the Trade Ministry, is establishing the Nano Business Grant Support Section of the Presidential Palliative Programme to protect and sustain the income of vulnerable nano enterprises from the shock of the economic downturn.
This is in furtherance of the attainment of economic revitalisation, employment preservation and generation, growth, and development of nano businesses throughout Nigeria.
The ministry has a target of at least 1,000 nano business owners in each of the 774 local governments across the country and the six council areas in the FCT, especially women and youth, thereby supporting the growth of nano businesses and improving the social well-being of households across the Nation between now and March 2024.
As the custodian of the Fund, BOI would leverage all its applicable expertise, business profiling and field infrastructure, branch and agent networks, partnerships, and plug-ins across financial institutions nationwide, technology and data management systems, third-party partnerships and institutional support.
Some of the target sectors/businesses include Trade (single retail marketers, corner shop owners, petty traders, market men, women, and youths in open market spaces); Food Services (Food and Vegetables Vendors), ICT (business centers operators, battery chargers, recharge cards vendors, call center agents); Transportation (Wheelbarrow Pushers, independent dispatch riders): Artisans (Vulcanizers, Shoe repairers, painters);Creatives (Makeup artists, fashion designers, drycleaners), and any other sectors as may be identified by the ministry.
For the third agreement, which is in respect to the FGN Manufacturing Sector Fund, the government’s target is to provide support for businesses in the manufacturing sector of the Nigerian economy nationwide.
This is in furtherance of the attainment of economic revitalisation, reduction in the cost of production, employment generation, and inclusive growth and development of the manufacturing sector throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
As custodian of the Fund, BOI would leverage on all its applicable expertise, business profiling and field infrastructure, branch and agent networks, partnerships and plug-ins across financial institutions nationwide, technology and data management systems, disbursement and collections infrastructure where applicable, third-party partnerships and institutional support where effective to the target beneficiaries across all states in Nigeria.
The Fund would be utilized to support eligible manufacturing companies and afford same a cushion against the high and rising costs of production, marketing and distribution of products arising from, among others, infrastructural deficiencies and other ancillary factors affecting manufacturers and the manufacturing sector in Nigeria.
The operation and management of the Fund would be the responsibility of BOI in accordance with the terms and conditions of the agreement.
Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, has pledged to continue voicing his significant apprehensions regarding the 2024 budget, emphasizing its crucial impact on the lives of citizens, particularly the impoverished.
In a statement via X on Tuesday, Obi argued that the budget’s numerous negatives have far-reaching implications for the nation’s development and the well-being of its citizens.
“It is evident that there are items in the budget that do not align with our current circumstances, and it is imperative to call for a review and appropriate virement. Allocating our scarce resources to high-priority areas of need is essential for the well-being of the nation,” Obi stated.
Obi took issue with several specific allocations in the budget.
He said, “Allocating N15 billion solely for the National Assembly hospital is unacceptable, especially when it exceeds five times the budgetary allocation to The National Hospital or the combined capital vote of our six major teaching hospitals across the nation.
He further listed the teaching hospitals including University College Hospital, Ibadan; University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu; Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria; Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife; Jos University Teaching Hospital and University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital.
“This disparity reflects a low level of care for the rest of society,” Obi asserted.
He also criticised the N15.3 billion allocation for the National Assembly library project and procurement of books, including the e-Library.
“Justifying a budgetary allocation of N15.3 billion for the National Assembly library project and procurement of books, including the e-Library, in a country without a National Library is very disappointing.
“The National Library has been under construction for the past 20 years, and its budgetary allocation for 2024 is less than 1B Naira, which makes the National Assembly Library budget 15 times more,” Obi wrote.
Furthermore, Obi expressed concern over the allocation of N10 billion for the Senate’s and House of Representatives car parks and the National Assembly Recreation Centre, while allocating less to the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation.
He said, “Allocating N10 billion for the Senate’s and House of Representatives’ car parks and the National Assembly Recreation Centre, while allocating less to the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, is concerning.
“In an era where science, technology and innovation are crucial for the nation’s future, such allocations demonstrate a lack of foresight and basic awareness of global trends and urgent national priorities,” he stated.
Obi called for a reassessment of priorities, a revisiting of the budget, and the elimination of frivolous expenditures.
“This level of insensitivity to the present situation and challenges faced by the people should not be tolerated by any development-minded nation. Every scarce resource must be directed towards productive sectors of the economy.
“It is time for our nation to reassess its priorities, revisit the budget, eliminate frivolous expenditures and channel our resources properly for the benefit of the people. No great nation is built on a foundation of waste and frivolity,” he declared.
Aformer member of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the ruling party in Nigeria, All Progressives Congress (APC), Salihu Moh. Lukman, has called on the party’s leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, to intervene in the political dispute between two former governors of Kano State, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
Lukman urged the leaders to revisit the issues that led to their disagreement and find a way to resolve the rift.
He said would be an opportunity to renew APC in Kano state and by extension northwest and the entire north.
Lukman’s position which was contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, April 16, also advised the leadership of the party not to limit the engagement of issues surrounding all the political challenges facing APC as a party to only the issue of bribery allegation against Ganduje.
He said: “Being progressives requires honesty, which given the current political reality, we must accept that Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and his NNPP have a stronger support base in Kano state. Noting that Sen. Kwankwaso was in our party up to 2018; and acknowledging that between 1999 and 2019 both Sen. Kwankwaso and Dr. Ganduje worked together, we need to revisit issues surrounding their disagreement.
“On no account should APC leaders limit the engagement of issues surrounding all the political challenges facing us as a party to only the issue of bribery allegation against Dr. Ganduje.
“If this means another round of negotiation for political alliance or a merger with Sen. Kwankwaso and NNPP, our leaders should proceed to act accordingly. President Tinubu and the APC must take full advantage of the current reality to renegotiate the support base of the APC.
“Renegotiating the support base of the APC should also be about reigniting the progressive credentials of the APC.”
The former Director General of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), however, noted: “It is very painfully disturbing that unless this kind of opportunity is utilised to the fullest, based on which new actors such as Dr. Kwankwaso with a strong commitment to democracy based on principles are recruited into our party, the downward slide and retrogression towards conservatism and lawless management of the APC will continue.”
On allegations of corrupt charges against the party’s national chairman, Lukman said: “Without doubt, this situation presents an opportunity for President Tinubu to demonstrate his progressive and political dexterity. It is a low-hanging fruit, which, if properly managed could also save the politics of Dr. Ganduje.
“The hard truth is that, somehow, the politics of Kano state was mismanaged and as it is, if we were unable to win the election in Kano state when we were in control of the Kano state government, it would be foolhardy to imagine otherwise.
“APC leaders must be reminded that one of the promises in 2015 based on which Nigerians supported us and gave us the mandate to rule the country for the last nine years was the commitment to fight corruption. If there is any instance requiring us, as a party, to renew our commitment to fighting corruption, this is it. We must appeal to especially President Tinubu and all APC leaders not to consent to any action other than supporting Dr. Ganduje to take advantage of the current reality to clear his name.
[TheNation]
The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment says it has begun disbursement of the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme to verified applicants after an exhaustive selection process.
The government, through the Bank of Industry, had said it would be disbursing three categories of funding totalling N200bn to support manufacturers and businesses across the country.
In a progress report posted on the trade minister’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, Doris Aniete stated that an unspecified number of beneficiaries have received their grants, adding that by Friday, April 19, another significant disbursement will be made to a substantial number of verified applicants.
She said, “We are pleased to inform you that the disbursement process for the Presidential Conditional Grant Programme has officially commenced. Some beneficiaries have already received their grants, marking the beginning of our phased disbursement strategy.”
“By Friday, 19th April 2024, a significant disbursement will be made to a substantial number of verified applicants. It is essential to understand that disbursements are ongoing, and not all applicants will receive their grants on this initial date. However, rest assured that all verified applicants will eventually receive their grants in subsequent phases.”
This is coming more than eight months after President Bola Tinubu announced the grant for manufacturers and small businesses and two weeks after applicants were directed to submit their National Identification Numbers as part of the requirements to obtain the grant earmarked to cushion the effect that recent economic reforms have had on businesses in the country.
In the address, the president said he was determined to strengthen the manufacturing sector, increase its capacity to expand, and create good-paying jobs.
“We are going to spend N75bn between July 2023 and March 2024. Our objective is to fund 75 enterprises with great potential to kick-start sustainable economic growth, accelerate structural transformation, and improve productivity.
‘’Each of the 75 manufacturing enterprises will be able to access N1bn credit at 9 per cent per annum with a maximum of 60 months repayment for long-term loans and 12 months for working capital,” Tinubu said.
The programme, riddled with multiple delays and a complex registration process, had received several criticisms from prospective beneficiaries.
The President of the Association of Small Business Owners, Femi Egbesola, had decried the slow pace of data collation by the supervising agencies, alleging that genuine businesses were being deliberately discouraged from accessing the loans.
More details soon…
[Punch]
Kano anti-graft agency files fresh charges against Ganduje
More...
‘It’s Clearly An Act Of Terrorism’ – S/West Govs, Police, Stakeholders Fault Yoruba Nation Agitators
AFOLABIGovernors in the South-West and some major stakeholders in the region have expressed their disapproval of the recent incursion of Yoruba Nation agitators into Oyo State.
Naija News reported last week that several individuals wearing masks forced their way into the Oyo State Government Secretariat, with some of them armed.
The individuals were said to have strategically positioned at various locations within the Secretariat premises during the protest. Some of the said agitators were subsequently arrested by security operatives.
The agitators were said to have breached the government building after Ms Modupe Abiola Onitiri, the wife of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993, Presidential election, allegedly made a declaration.
Ms Onitiri, who is currently residing outside Nigeria, reportedly declared herself as the President of a new Sovereign State called the Yoruba Nation in a widely circulated video.
Leaders in the South-West geopolitical zone have condemned the development and are taking steps to prevent any uprising in the name of agitation in the region.
Popular Yoruba nation agitators, such as Chief Sunday Adeyemo, also known as Sunday Igboho, and Chief Banji Akintoye, have since distanced themselves from Onitiri and have called for her arrest.
However, some close associates of Abiola, who spoke with journalists on Monday, April 15, clarified that Ms Onitiri was not one of Abiola’s officially recognized wives.
The South-West states are taking the situation seriously and have issued warnings against any form of agitation or attempts to overthrow democratically elected governors in the region.
Onitiri Not Official Wife Of Late Abiola – Aide
Addressing journalists about Onitiri’s role in the agitation in the southwest region, Dr Wale Fasakin, an aide of the late MKO Abiola, stated that Onitiri, who pronounced herself the president of a new Yoruba Nation, is not one of the officially recognised wives of Abiola.
“She is not one of the officially recognised wives. The agitators are saying Oduduwa Nation. The Yoruba Nation she is talking about, I don’t know what she wants to achieve.
“Where does she get the power to organise such a thing? How can they organise such a thing?
“She is not one of the recognised official wives – the official wives are four – Kudirat, Simbiatu, Bisi, and Doyin. She may be Abiola’s wife but she is not one of the wives declared when he was campaigning.
“These were the people living in his house. When Simbi died, those living with him were three. Those are the three he referred to as official wives during the Hope 93 Campaign. So Onitiri is not one of the official wives,” Fasakin told reporters.
It Is Clearly An Act Of Terrorism – Oyo Govt
Governor Seyi Makinde’s led government of Oyo State has since condemned the actions of the Yoruba Nation agitators.
The government sternly berated the group for attempting to take control of the state secretariat, labelling their action a treasonable felony.
In a statement issued yesterday, the State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, stated that investigations are ongoing and assured that there were no fatalities during the confrontation with the agitators.
“Attempting to barge into the hallowed chambers of the legislature and take it over with an arsenal of seven pump action submachine guns, over 700 live cartridges, is clearly an act of terrorism,” Daily Trust quoted Oyelade saying.
The commissioner noted that the governor’s office and the State House of Assembly were invaded on Saturday, emphasizing that the sponsors of this invasion have put themselves in serious trouble.
Security Efforts
In a related development, the state police command paraded 21 individuals suspected to be Yoruba Nation agitators, while a joint security force cracked down on their hideout in Sanyo.
Naija News understands that the paraded suspects included a female and two elderly men in their sixties.
During his address, the state Commissioner of Police, CP. Adebola Hamzat, confirmed the arrest of the 21 suspected agitators and warned others with criminal intentions to leave the state.
Prior to this, a joint security operation successfully uncovered a hideout belonging to the attackers, resulting in the discovery of a cache of weapons.
Upon receiving information about the whereabouts of the agitators, the Oluyole Security Surveillance Team (OSST), led by Comrade Idowu, alerted other security agencies, including the Sanyo police station.
Acting on the provided intelligence, the police organized and apprehended the suspects as they tried to transport their weapons from Sanyo to an undisclosed location.
The operation also led to the discovery of another hideout of the agitators in the Shagari area. Naija News learnt that all seized weapons and other items are being held at the police station for further investigation.
Ondo Gov’t Frowns At Agitators
The event in Oyo State has prompted the Ondo State government to issue a strong warning to individuals who seek to disrupt the peace in the state by claiming to advocate for the Yoruba nation.
In a statement issued yesterday, the Special Adviser to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Information, Olugbenga Omole declared that any activities that threaten the current peace and unity among the state’s residents will not be tolerated by the government.
Additionally, Omole emphasized that the government will oppose any individuals or groups that undermine the initiatives of the federal government.
“We will arrest them here in Ondo. We will not support anybody that is against the federal government,” he said.
Secessionists Will Be Treated As Armed Robbers – Ogun Police
The Ogun State Police Command has labelled the suspected secessionists as armed robbers and stated that they would be treated accordingly.
According to the police spokesman, Omolola Odutola, even the leader of the self-proclaimed Yoruba Nation, has disowned them, further solidifying their classification as criminals.
Odutola said: “It has some political colouration because I don’t see how some people will just wake up one morning and start carrying knives and start disturbing the peace of a state. The ones in Oyo State, were all arrested.
“There is no cause for panic. We don’t know them, anybody that is arrested will be charged with sedition or treasonable felony because you can’t just come up with a country within a country.
“They are armed robbers who want to go and attack innocent people and give it a political colouration. We will deal with them squarely.”
Journalists who went around the state on Monday reported that the residents carried on with their regular activities during the day without any signs of panic.
Similarly, in the state capital of Abeokuta, no extraordinary security measures were observed.
Police Beef Up Security In Ekiti
Ekiti State Police operatives have reportedly enhanced security measures around the Government House in the Okesa area of Ado-Ekiti following the incident in Oyo State.
Naija News learnt that the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) has taken up positions in key areas that lead to the governor’s office.
This precautionary action aims to prevent any potential incursion by the Yoruba Nation Agitators, similar to the incidents witnessed in Oyo State, Nigeria.
Currently, the state capital in Ekiti State enjoys a serene and peaceful environment, reports revealed.
Reps S/West Caucus condemns agitators
In the meantime, the House of Representatives South West Caucus has expressed its disapproval of the attacks carried out on the Oyo State House of Assembly by certain Yoruba Nation agitators.
Naija News understands that the disapproval was conveyed through a statement issued by the Caucus’s leadership on Monday, jointly signed by its chairman, Rep. Abiodun James Faleke, Rep. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, and Rep. Taofeek Ajilesoro.
The lawmakers strongly criticized the actions of the self-proclaimed Yoruba Nation agitators, as it caused unrest and posed a significant threat to the peace and stability of the South West region.
The statement reads: “As representatives of the people, we stand firmly against any form of unlawful behaviour and violence that undermines the rule of law and the unity of our country, Nigeria. It is essential that all grievances and demands be addressed through peaceful and lawful means, respecting the rights and well-being of all citizens.
“We urge all parties involved to engage in constructive dialogue, prioritize the welfare of our people, and work towards finding peaceful and lasting solutions to any grievances.”
Faleke, the Chairman of the South West Caucus, emphasized the importance of rejecting violence and lawlessness in society, urging everyone to embrace the values of peace, unity, and adherence to the rule of law.
“The South West Caucus remains committed to upholding the values of democracy, justice, and unity in our region and the country at large. Together, we can overcome challenges and build a better future for all,” he added.
The Federal Government of Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, on Monday, declared April 7 as National Police Day.
Vice President Shettima made the announcement during the inaugural awards and commendations event organized by the police force in Abuja.
Vice President Shettima, delivering a speech on behalf of President Tinubu titled “Courage Under Fire: A Bouquet for Our Police Force,” lauded the Nigerian police for their dedication amidst the country’s profound security challenges.
He attributed the resilience of the Nigerian people largely to the steadfast efforts of the police force.
During his speech, VP Shettima detailed the administration’s strong commitment to modernizing and professionalizing the Nigeria Police Force to align with national values and aspirations.
This commitment is showcased through substantial reforms, including training and capacity-building investments.
These initiatives are designed to equip officers with the skills and expertise needed to address modern policing challenges effectively.
Furthermore, the Vice President pledged continuous government support for enhancing police operations. This includes significant upgrades in equipment and technology to improve the force’s operational efficiency and effectiveness.
The establishment of National Police Day aims to recognize and celebrate the critical role and sacrifices of the police in maintaining security and enforcing the law throughout the nation.
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has said Nigeria’s crude oil reserves increased from 36.96 billion barrels (bb) on January 1, 2023, to 37.50 bb on January 1, 2024.
Naija News reports that the NUPRC Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Gbenga Komolafe, stated this while speaking with reporters in Abuja, on Monday.
Also, the NUPRC boss stated that the country’s Natural Gas reserves rose from N208.83 trillion Cubic Feet (TCF) on January 1, 2023, to 209.26TCF on January 1, 2024.
According to him, the data indicates the level of hydrocarbon capacity the nation is endowed with while describing the development declaration as positive for Nigeria.
Komolafe added that the data showed the country’s level of hydrocarbon capacity.
The NUPRC boss said several commission initiatives were accountable for the feat. He also attributed the reserve increase to production from some of the marginal fields.
He said, “Some of the brownfields and marginal fields have started producing and contributing to our national oil and gas reserves.”
Gas: NNPCL Unveils Plan To Stabilise Naira
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) is set to increase its gas output, targeting both local and international markets.
This strategic move is promised to restore economic prosperity and stabilize the national currency, the Naira.
The Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, made this commitment on Thursday during a press briefing after his visit to President Bola Tinubu in Lagos, where the President is celebrating the Eid-el-Fitr holidays.
Kyari’s announcement aligns with the Nigerian government’s broader economic strategies, which include bolstering the country’s energy sector to support economic recovery efforts.
Arrested Yoruba Nation agitators have said they do not regret their action.
Recall that the agitators were arrested after invading the Oyo State Governor’s Office and the state House of Assembly on Monday.
A 55-year-old lecturer at the Federal College of Education (Special), in Oyo State, Alabi Ogundeji said he doesn't regret his action.
Corroborating his view, a 29-year-old phone repairer, Ademola Adeniyi, who was part of the arrested agitators, also said he didn’t regret joining the struggle.
The PUNCH reports that about 20 persons were arrested by the police after some masked men in military camouflage with rifles and charms suspected to be Yoruba Nation agitators early Saturday invaded the Governor’s Office and the state House of Assembly.
Speaking with newsmen separately at the state Police Command, Eleyele in Ibadan, the state capital, during their parade by the police, the duo insisted that their actions were lawful under Nigeria and international law.
Ogundeji said, “I’m part of the agitation and I can’t deny it. Yoruba as an indigenous nation is a nation on its own. We have so many nations in Nigeria and Yoruba is one of them.
“Oodua Nation leaders have taken every step and action that needed to be taken. So, we embarked on a referendum which was 500 petitions signed by all Yorubas, and this has served as the referendum.
“Our leadership went to all Yoruba-speaking states to serve official letters written by our leaders and we were given our copy. After that is proclamation, declaration, occupation, and notification to the world that Yoruba is an indigenous nation.
“We were at the Secretariat, Agodi in Ibadan to celebrate and rejoice because of the new nation that was born. It is not a new thing that Yoruba is a nation and we want to stand on our own. We have been together with Nigeria for over 100 years."
In his own, the 29-year-old phone repairer, Adeniyi, also amongst those arrested said, “We all know that nothing is working in Nigeria and things are hard for everyone except those in government. We were at the Secretariat waiting for our leader to address us.
“We believe our leader knows much about the law. So, we are not afraid to join when we are called upon. Our leader told us that all challenges Yoruba are facing shall be addressed if we achieve our aim,” he stressed.
While parading all the suspects, the state Police Commissioner, Hamzat Adebola, described the act as criminal, unpatriotic and a clear case of treasonable felony and terrorism which would be meted with adequate sanctions.
He explained that the continued existence of Nigeria as a sovereign indivisible entity is a task that must be accomplished, adding that “the labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain.”
“As a parent, I enjoin other parents, guardians and leaders in every sphere of political, religious and socio-economic influence to prevail on their children, ward, protégés and followers against being used by unpatriotic individuals to promote anarchy in the state and by extension, Nation.
“I would like to use this medium to remind the criminally minded that the state is home to many responsible, hospitable and extremely intelligent individuals who pride themselves on creativity, hard work and resourcefulness.”
He, therefore, vowed that it would not be reduced under his watch to a playground for the criminally minded and misguided individuals or groups who intend to make their livelihood by distorting the relative tranquillity enjoyed by the good people of the state.