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The Federal Government has appealed to members of the National Union of Electricity Employees not to down tools over the recent electricity tariff hike.
This is as the union insisted that they would withdraw their services should the government fail to rescind its decision on the removal of subsidy on the tariff payable by Band A customers.
The National President of the union, Adebiyi Adeyeye, in an interview with our correspondent on Sunday said the union stood by its warning to the Federal Government.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission had on April 3 raised the electricity tariff for customers enjoying 20 hours of power supply daily.
Customers in this category were said to be under the Band A classification and the increase raised their tariff to N225 per kilowatt-hour, from N66KWh.
In its earlier reaction, the union had warned the government to reverse the tariff hike saying, “If the government fails to address the crippling cost of electricity, NUEE will not hesitate to take strong action, including the swift withdrawal of our members expected to be used by DisCos to impose the tariff hike on the good people, to protect the livelihood of our members.”
Speaking with our correspondent, Adeyeye the supply of 20 hours of electricity is not feasible with the current infrastructure.
“We just want the citizen to know that this thing is not possible, it is not feasible, you cannot give what you don’t have. When we don’t have the energy to give to the people and you ask our people to go out and collect such money, you know it is dangerous. Most times we don’t disclose what to do to the public because our sector is very critical to the nation,” he stated.
While saying that the union has yet to give any ultimatum on strike, he stressed the NUEE is advising the government to do the needful “before we will withdraw our services”.
He explained, “The reason why we are saying this is simple, you ask our members to go the the public to collect 20-hour tariff from people that are not even experiencing a four-hour supply of electricity. There is no way there won’t be crises between our staff and those customers.
“We’ve recorded a lot of attacks on our members, even with the present situation. And these guys have nothing to defend themselves. They have targets to meet where there is no supply. Our members are being threatened by the DisCos, even when they know that what they are promising Nigerians is not feasible”.
He disclosed that the union must save its members from daily attacks, saying the hike would aggravate the attacks.
“We told our members that they cannot go out and collect that kind of tariff from unmetered customers. More than 70 per cent of these Band A customers are not metered. The government is just promising what we don’t have. We are the ones working there, we know we don’t have the transformers to distribute such load. 20 hours of electricity is not possible except for those on eligible lines. We were not carried before the tariff hike,” the union leader emphasised.
Adeyeye, who said the union would not accept any threat from anyone said, “On the issue of strike, it is not what we normally do directly. We said it that we would withdraw our services if the government fails to do the needful, and we are still under that ‘if’. They still have time to do the needful. It is very difficult for us to collect such money. We don’t have the equipment to supply even 10 hours of electricity to the people.
“We stand on our point, and they can’t bring people from anywhere to come and do this work. We Nigerians will do this work ourselves and heaven will not fall. If they fail to do the needful, we will withdraw our members, and we will never accept any threat from anybody. Nigeria belongs to all of us”.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has urged the union not to withdraw its members.
In an interview, Adelabu, who spoke through his media aide, Bolaji Tunji, said the government was doing everything to improve supply in Nigeria and everybody will be happy at the end of the day.
“We just want to appeal to the labour union to understand what led to this. This is not about strike. it is about understanding; so that we can all work together. It is not anybody’s joy that there are blackouts all the time. These steps are being taken to solve the problems in the power sector. I beg the labour union to understand that this will galvanise the economy and create jobs.
“I want to appeal to the union to bear with us. It is for the good of the nation,” he stated.
The rivalry between former presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesome Wike has escalated as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gears up for its 98th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Thursday, April 18.
One of the key issues expected to dominate the meeting is the leadership of the party, with calls for the replacement of acting National Chairman Umar Damagum. Damagum assumed the role following the suspension of National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu by the court in March last year.
Sources within the party reveal that Atiku’s camp is backing former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam for the position, while Wike’s camp, supported by some PDP governors, is pushing for Damagum to be confirmed as the substantive chairman to complete Ayu’s tenure.
The power struggle between Atiku and Wike dates back to the build-up to the 2023 general elections when Atiku defeated Wike for the PDP presidential ticket and subsequently chose Ifeanyi Okowa as his running mate instead of Wike. The fallout led to Wike supporting the eventual winner, President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress.
A member of the PDP North Central Caucus, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, “Wike and some PDP governors want Damagum to be confirmed as the PDP substantive chairman. They are supporting someone from the North-East to complete the tenure of a position zoned to the North Central for their selfish reasons.”
However, a highly placed member of the PDP National Working Committee asserted that the position of National Chairman is not vacant since Ayu’s case is still in court. The source added, “The PDP Constitution does not specify the duration or tenure for someone to assume the role of acting party leader. Therefore, Damagum will continue to serve in that capacity.”
As the NEC meeting approaches, the PDP faces internal divisions and a battle for control between the Atiku and Wike factions.
A former National Vice Chairman, North-West, of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Salihu Lukman said imposition of candidates is rampant in the party because relevant party organs are not meeting.
Lukman stated this in a statement on Sunday.
According to him, if organs of the party are meeting regularly, impositions of candidates would be minimised.
He added that for party organs to be made functional, the issue of party funding must be resolved beyond the current reality of dependence on elected representatives.
Lukman called for deliberate reforms in the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general election.
He said, “The whole issue of activating all party structures and making them functional in line with provisions of the APC Constitution must be guaranteed.
“Once APC, being the ruling party, can operate based on provisions of its Constitution, the campaign to reform Nigerian politics and expand democratic space will be made much easier.
“If organs of the party are meeting regularly, problems of impositions of candidates will be minimised.
“In any case, issues leading to imposition of candidates are made possible and stronger because organs of the party vested with the responsibility of decisions regarding party primary are undermined.
“Consequently, party stakeholders who should have a say in decisions that can guarantee free and fair primary are marginalised.
“As much as party organs are meeting as prescribed by the party Constitution, incidences of imposition will be minimised.”
The son of the District Head of Miri in Bauchi State, Malam Hussaini Abubakar, was murdered in a violent clash between two groups during Eid-el-fitr.
Muhammadu Ghani, the traditional ruler’s son and three others persons were killed as the two rival groups clashed.
The two groups engaged in the bloody fight were Yan Ba Beli, an armed group that has been assisting in combating bandits, and a group of hunters who were part of the entourage of the District Head of Miri in Bauchi local government area.
The duel occurred on the second day of the Sallah during the traditional obeisance to the Government House by the Emir of Bauchi in the convoy of all District Heads and other traditional title holders in the Emirate.
It was reliably gathered that the District Head had mobilised his subjects, and horse riders on the trip to the Palace of the Emir of Bauchi to join the procession to the Government House when the incident happened.
The bloody fight ensued when Yan Ba Beli interrupted the procession and started hitting some of the horse riders with sticks, which provoked the entourage of the traditional ruler.
It was further gathered that the hunters in the entourage of the Bauchi traditional ruler started shooting their dane guns into the air in response, which led to bullets hitting two members of the Yan Ba Beli who also shot back.
Consequently, the son of the District Head was said to have been hit with a sharp object which inflicted a serious injury on his head, leading to his death.
Apart from the four people that met their demise, several others were seriously injured before security operatives arrived at the scene to end the clash and arrested a few of the suspects.
Meanwhile, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed on Saturday evening, paid a condolence visit to the Palace of the District Head of Miri over the death of his son, Ghani.
The governor who expressed sadness over the unfortunate incident said that an investigation has been launched to unravel the circumstances leading to the death of the young man.
According to the governor who led other top government officials on the condolence describing the incident as very unfortunate to have happened on a day when people were rejoicing over the successful completion of the 30 days of Ramadan fasting.
[DailyTrust]
Bayo Onanuga, spokesperson to President Bola Tinubu, says the United States of America and the United Kingdom owe the world the responsibility for peace in the Middle East.
Onanuga said the duo should ensure that the Israeli response to Iranian drones and missiles is not disproportionate.
His statement is contained in a post on his X handle on Sunday.
He said the view is his personal opinion and doesn’t come from the Presidency, where he serves.
DAILY POST reported that Israel witnessed an unprecedented air attack from Iran on Saturday, being a retaliation against the Israeli attack on its consul in Syria.
Israelis breathed easier in the early hours of Sunday after an unprecedented air attack from Iranian drones and missiles largely fizzled in the face of the Jewish state’s powerful air defenses with assistance from the U.S. military and other allies.
However, Onanuga says the conflict could degenerate, urging the UK, and the US to mediate.
According to him, there is a need for caution all round, adding that, with Gaza yet unresolved, the world does not want another war in the Middle East.
He said: “United States of America and the UK owe the world the responsibility for peace in the Middle East by ensuring that Israeli response to Iranian drones and missiles is not disproportionate. Israel first drew blood by attacking the Iranian embassy in Damascus, killing some Iranian military officials. Iran promised some retaliation against Israel which it did Saturday by raining drones and missiles in Israeli direction. Many of them were intercepted. Times of Israel has reported one injury.
“Iran said it has concluded its retaliation to Israel’s first attack. But Israel is planning a massive response. With Jordan, Syria and other countries closing their airspace, Iranian Defense Minister Mohammad Reza Ashtiani threatened a firm response to any country that “opens its airspace or territory for attacks on Iran by Israel”. This conflict can degenerate.
“The UK, USA should mediate. There is need for caution all round. With Gaza yet unresolved, the world does not want another war in the Middle East.”
[DailyPost]
- Govs, NASS members mobilise for NWC, BoT meetings
- Ex-Rivers gov’s group breaks 60 lawmakers’ ranks
- Why Acting National Chairman Damagum may survive
Ahead of Thursday’s meeting of the National Executive Committee(NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the camp of ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Nyesom Wike/G-5 group have retreated into the trenches over plot to remove the party’s Acting National Chairman, Umar Ilya Damagum.
Although there are indications that Damagum may survive, Atiku’s camp is understood to be poised to fight to the end.
The Wike/G-5 group has thrown its weight behind Damagum.
Most party leaders and NEC members were last night also mobilising for Damagum. Apart from breaking the ranks of the 60 PDP lawmakers in the House of Representatives, who recently demanded Damagum’s resignation, an aspirant for the office of National Chairman, David Ombugadu from North-Central, has declared his support for Damagum.
These developments have created anxiety in Atiku’s camp which is struggling to sell the “Operation Rescue PDP” agenda to party leaders and members.
Party sources told The Nation that PDP governors and many members are not convinced by Atiku’s camp’s campaign on salvaging the party.
Many of them cite his intermittent shuttles between Nigeria and Dubai.
Many leaders suspect that Atiku’s renewed interest in PDP affairs stems largely from his interest in the party’s presidential ticket for 2027. But Atiku’s camp is not prepared to give up on seizing PDP from the control of Wike/G-5 group.
A party source said: “It is going to be a battle royale at the NEC meeting.
There are two opposing sides, namely those seeking to maintain the status quo from Wike/G5 Group and Atiku’s camp which wants to rescue PDP and return it to the 1999 era.
“Those sympathetic to Atiku’s agenda are also pushing for a virile opposition.
“But the situation is complicated by the 2027 poll hidden motives of some of the leaders in the two camps.
“All the groups/camps have retreated into the trenches ahead of the meeting. There is intense lobbying going on now. “
At the last count, those who want to unseat Damagum from the North-Central are Senator Gabriel Suswam and Dr. Emmanuel Agbo (Benue State), ex-Minister Humphrey Aba (Kogi State) and the 2023 governorship candidate of PDP in Nasarawa State, David Ombagudu.
There are two opposing sides, namely those seeking to maintain the status quo from Wike/G5 Group and Atiku’s camp which wants to rescue PDP and return it to the 1999 era.
“Those sympathetic to Atiku’s agenda are also pushing for a virile opposition.
“But the situation is complicated by the 2027 poll hidden motives of some of the leaders in the two camps.
“All the groups/camps have retreated into the trenches ahead of the meeting. There is intense lobbying going on now. ” At the last count, those who want to unseat Damagum from the North-Central are Senator Gabriel Suswam and Dr. Emmanuel Agbo (Benue State), ex-Minister Humphrey Aba (Kogi State) and the 2023 governorship candidate of PDP in Nasarawa State, David Ombagudu.
The kingmakers
Findings revealed that those who will determine the fate of Damagum and other aspirants are mostly officers of the party.
Some of the NEC members include PDP governors, the Chairman and Secretary of the Board of Trustees, members of the BOT (who have no voting rights), minority leaders in the Senate and in the House of Representatives, two Senators from each of the six geopolitical zones; the Deputy National Chairman; all National Vice Chairmen; the National Secretary and the Deputy National Secretary; the National Treasurer and the Deputy National Treasurer; the National Financial Secretary and the Deputy National Financial Secretary; all state chairmen of PDP, all former National Chairmen, Deputy National Chairmen, National Secretaries, Chairmen and Secretaries of the BOT who are still members of the party, the National Legal Adviser and the Deputy National Legal Adviser, six ex-officio members, among others.
A party source said: “Going by the composition of the NEC, Damagum may survive. Most members are drawn from the National Working Committee and other organs of the party.
“So far, most officers of the party are on the same page with Damagum. Atiku has an uphill task to pull his agenda through.”
Will Damagum allow selection of a new Acting Chairman?
It was confirmed last night that the agenda on the choice of a new Acting National Chairman at the NEC meeting will be determined by Damagum and his team.
“I don’t expect Damagum to come up with an agenda to remove him from office. But Atiku’s camp can invoke some clauses in PDP’s constitution at the meeting to amend the agenda,” a member of the National Working Committee said.
When contacted on the intrigues ahead of the NEC meeting, Damagum simply wrote: “I have no comment for now.”
Atiku’s dangerous gamble/G-5 threat
Also, there was fresh anxiety that the G-5 group may take over the party in the event that Damagum is removed.
It was learnt that as part of its Plan B, the G-5 will want Danagum’s successor to be from the South instead of the North-Central where four aspirants have emerged.
It was learnt that the G-5, some party leaders and NEC members have proposed power shift from the North to the South to solve the prolonged crisis in the party since the suspension of Dr. Iyorchia Ayu as the National Chairman of the party.
A source said: “If their scheming for power shift succeeds as the last option, the Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja from the G-5, may take over.
Another source said: “The NEC meeting is another litmus test for Atiku.
He needs to watch the slippery terrain before deciding on his next direction.
“If Atiku’s Camp sacks Damagum, Arapaja may take over, which will be fatal to the career of the former presidential candidate of the PDP.”
But another source told our correspondent that “the G-5 members have lost their potency because they are no longer in government.
“Except for Wike and Governor Seyi Makinde, I don’t think the G-5 can match Atiku’s political dexterity.
“In fact, from the grapevine, we learnt the G-5 is divided because some clauses in pre-2023 Presidential Election Gentleman’s Agreement have not been met. They are not as united as we may assume.
“There are lots of issues on this NEC meeting. Let us leave everything open.”
I’m duty-bound to abide by party decision – Ombugadu
Damagum, in a statement yesterday, said ahead of the Thursday meeting that he was being supported by some PDP members to settle for a party leadership position.
He said he was “duty-bound to abide by party decision.”
“Lately, various groups of well-meaning members of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have intensified a clarion call for me to be given a responsibility by the party at the national level,” he said.
He added: “I feel humbled that much of these calls emphasise our antecedents, especially with keen references to our creativity, stamina, innovation, the populist enthusiasm that was aroused as well as the dividends of democracy that our mandate yielded all over Nasarawa State; worthy attestations from the good people of Akwanga/Nasarawa Eggon/ Wamba Federal Constituency whom I represented between 2011-2019 and the very positive impacts of our keen pursuit of the gubernatorial ticket of Nasarawa State in 2019 and 2023 remain very relevant.
[TheNation]
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has urged President Bola Tinubu to disclose the agreements and spending details of loans obtained by the administrations of Nigeria’s past presidents since May 1999.
SERAP urged Tinubu “to direct appropriate ministries, departments and agencies to provide our organisation with copies of the loan agreements obtained by the governments of former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari.”
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the organisation’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, which was made available to PUNCH Online on Sunday.
SERAP is also seeking “the spending details of any such loans as well as the interests and other payments so far made on the loans.”
Nigeria’s four past democratically-elected presidents include Obasanjo, who ruled for eight years from 1999 to 2007.
Obasanjo’s administration was succeeded by the late Yar’Adua (2007 – 2010); followed by Jonathan (2010 – 2015); and then the immediate past president, Buhari, whose administration ruled from 2015 – 2023.
The organisation stated that “widely publishing the agreements would allow Nigerians to scrutinise it and to demand accountability for the spending of the loans.”
SERAP lamented that the details provided may help to explain why “despite several billions of dollars in loans obtained by successive governments, millions of Nigerians continue to face extreme poverty and lack access to basic public goods and services.”
This latest demand by SERAP is coming two weeks after it gave the Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani; the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and other 35 state governors one-week ultimatum to provide the loan agreements and spending details of the loans obtained by their states and the FCT.
As contained in the latest sub-national debt – domestic and external debts, which were released by the Debt Management Office as of December 30 and June 30, 2023, respectively; PUNCH reports that “for the sub-nationals, Plateau got N16.32bn; Rivers borrowed N7.07bn; Zamfara, N14.26bn; and the FCT under the leadership of Nyesom Wike borrowed N6.75bn from domestic creditors,” amongst others.
However, in its response, the Zamfara State Government refuted the DMO’s report that it borrowed N14.26 billion, adding that it has “never applied for loans or approached the state Assembly or National Assembly for such a request.”
Also, the Kaduna State Government, through the Ministry of Finance, denied procuring a fresh $17.69m loan.
“We did not borrow the said amount or any other amount as reported. The claims are entirely false and fabricated,” said the state Commissioner for Finance, Shizzer Bada.
However, SERAP demanded that Tinubu establish an “independent audit on the spending of the loans obtained by the governments of the former presidents,” and make its results available to the public.
“Democracy requires accountability and accountability requires transparency.
“Nigerians are entitled to information about what their government is doing in their name. This is part of their right to information,” SERAP said.
The statement noted that publishing the agreements and details of spending of the said loans “would demonstrate” Tinubu’s “oft-expressed commitment to openness in government and to promote accountability,” adding that it would also “improve public accountability” in the MDAs.
Quoting the DMO, SERAP said that “the total public domestic debt portfolio for the country is N97.3 trillion ($108 billion). The Federal Government’s debt is N87.3 trillion ($97 billion).”
It said that the interest paid on loans by the FG in 2015 was $5.5 billion; in 2016, $4.4bn; in 2017, Nigeria paid $5bn as interest; in 2018, $6.5bn was paid; while $6.2bn was paid in 2019.
“We would therefore be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest,” the organisation said.
It noted that Tinubu’s administration “has a responsibility to ensure transparency and accountability in how any loans obtained by the Federal Government are spent, to reduce vulnerability to corruption and mismanagement.”
“Our requests are brought in the public interest, and in keeping with the requirements of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], the Freedom of Information Act, and the UN Convention against Corruption, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights to Nigeria is a state party.
“The Nigerian Constitution, Freedom of Information Act, and the country’s anti-corruption and human rights obligations rest on the principle that citizens should have access to information regarding their government’s activities,” the statement concluded.
[Punch]
The Organised Labour are demanding ₦615,000 as the new minimum wage for workers, due to the hardship in the country.
An executive of the organized labour, requesting anonymity as he lacked authorization to speak on the issue, disclosed to Sunday PUNCH that the consensus on the new monthly wage of ₦615,000 was reached through consultations facilitated by the NLC and TUC.
The source said, “We (NLC and TUC) have given our figures to the government (on the minimum wage), and it is ₦615,000. That is the position of the NLC and TUC on the matter. The government has been informed as well.”
Recall that the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, had said in an interview that rising inflation in the country might push organised labour to demand ₦1 million as the minimum wage.
As a result, various controversies emerged, with experts expressing doubts about the feasibility or long-term viability of the proposed wage.
However, in an interview with Punch correspondent, another labour leader emphasized that the NLC and TUC had tentatively agreed on setting the new wage at ₦615,000.
When questioned about whether the May 1 deadline was still feasible, the labour leader said, “What I want you to know is that we are doing our best. Both the TUC and NLC have harmonised, and they have sent their position to the government.
“We are in the process. Be assured that once anything happens, I will, as usual, inform you. That is all I can tell you for now because we have not met, even though we have submitted our unified positions to the Federal Government. We will be speaking with one voice.
“But, let me also hint to you that with the removal of the electricity tariff subsidy, we are going to have another round of serious conversations with the government.
“Mind you, the tariff increase is also very good for us, because they (the government) did it when the new minimum wage process had not been concluded. So, it is going to be a good ground for us to ask for more.
“Our position will be defended based on the new price of ₦225 per kWh of electricity. Although we (the government and Labour) are not in agreement, we are waiting to meet and decide on the next point of action.”
Iran’s mission to the United Nations has said the country’s missiles and drones fired toward Israel were justified, warning the United States to “stay away.”
“It is a conflict between Iran and the rogue Israeli regime, from which the U.S. MUST STAY AWAY!,” Iran’s mission to the United Nations said in a statement, according to Fox News.
Iran’s warning came after U.S. officials confirmed to Fox News that the United States military is continuing to shoot down Iranian drones that are headed toward Israel.
“U.S. forces in the region continue to shoot down Iranian-launched drones targeting Israel. Our forces remain postured to provide additional defensive support and to protect U.S. forces operating in the region,” a U.S. military official said.
According to Iran’s mission to the United Nations, the attacks were justified by Article 51 of the UN Charter, which recognizes a member of the United Nations’ right to self-defence if attacked by another nation.
Iran said that the missiles and drones were launched in a retaliatory attack to an Israeli airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Syria which killed several generals.
“Iran’s military action was in response to the Zionist regime’s aggression against our diplomatic premises in Damascus,” the statement said.
Israel has not taken responsibility for the attack on Iran’s consulate in Damascus.
Iran said that the retaliatory attack could be deemed concluded. However, should the Israeli regime make another mistake, its response will be considerably more severe.
Former President Trump has shared a heated message to those in attendance at his rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday, after Iran’s attack on Israel, vowing it should not have happened.
Fox News reports that Trump joined other GOP politicians in voicing their concerns about President Joe Biden’s administration and the attacks.
“Before going any further, I want to say God bless the people of Israel. They’re under attack right now. That’s because we show great weakness,” Trump said.
“The weakness that we’ve shown is unbelievable, and it would not have happened if we were in office. You know that. They know that, and everybody knows that,” the former President added.
Trump said America is praying for Israel and is sending absolute support to everyone in harm’s way.
DAILY POST reported that Israel witnessed an unprecedented air attack from Iran on Saturday being a retaliation against Israeli attack on its consul in Syria.
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Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has called on citizens of the country to refrain from speaking ill of Nigeria but pray for its betterment.
The governor gave the advice on Saturday at the 2024 Eid-el-Fitr celebration at the Lagos House, Ikeja.
The celebration had the theme: “Allah will not Change the Way of the People until they Change What is in their Hearts”.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, called on Nigerians to change their thoughts about Nigeria, urging them to speak positively about the country.
According to the governor, God will not change anything for any society until the people decide to change their minds for good.
Sanwo-Olu added that the citizens should stop cursing the country so that God would change it for the better.
He, therefore, urged Nigerians to believe in their current leaders and pray for them and the country.
“Almighty God will not change anything for any society until they change what is in their minds.
“Our collective intent should be to keep praying for Nigeria and the leadership to do the right thing.
“That is when Allah will intervene in the present situation of our country.
“It is, therefore, important for us to desist from talking ill about the country,” he said.
The All Progressives Congress, APC, has cleared the 16 aspirants seeking their ticket to contest the November 20 Ondo State Governorship election.
DAILY POST reports that the seven-man screening committee, led by Sen. Joshua Lidani, gave all the aspirants the nod to contest the April 20 primary election.
A report submitted to the party’s Directorate of Organisation in Abuja on Saturday said the committee considered eligibility, suitability, character, and support base, among other areas.
Among those cleared were the incumbent Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Isaac Kekemeke, former APC National Vice-Chairman (South West), Olusoji Ehinlanwo, a former member of the House of Assembly, Olugbenga Edema, and Sen. Jimoh Ibrahim.
Others are Mrs Funmilayo Waheed-Adekojo, Akinfolarin Samuel, former Commissioner for Finance, Adewale Akinterinwa, Chief Olusola Oke, Ohunyeye Felix and Morayo Lebi.
Also cleared were Garvey Iyanjan; Prof. Francis Faduyile, Mrs Judith Omogoroye, Ifeoluwa Oyedele and Okunjimi John.
“All aspirants demonstrated a willingness to support the aspirant that emerged as the party’s candidate for the November 2024 governorship election,” the report said.
It tasked the party’s leadership to ensure that the April 20 primary election is free, fair, credible and acceptable to all.
The federal government targets over 25,000 jobs and $2.5 billion worth of investment in four years through the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative.
The Programme Director and Chief Executive of the PCNGI, Michael Oluwagbemi, disclosed this in a stakeholders’ workshop in Ibadan Oyo state on Friday.
He stressed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had given PCNGI the mandate to convert one million vehicles by 2027.
“The President has said we need to convert one million vehicles by 2027. We need 1,000 conversion shops and over 3,000 filing stations just like this. You can imagine the level of investment required for this.
“To sustain one million vehicle conversions by 2027, we need 25,000 technicians. So, the job creation potential is an opportunity for job creation in addition to our gross domestic product, $2.5 billion worth of investment to be mobilised in the next four years and, of course, more than $25 billion added to our GDP.”
Recall that President Tinubu approved the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas initiative to achieve 11,500 new CNG-enabled vehicles and 55,000 CNG conversion kits for existing vehicles that depend on Premium Motor Spirit.
[PRESS STATEMENT] On the Chibok Girls in Captivity and General Security Situation in Borno State
Admin
Being Press Statement Presented by Prof Usman Tar, Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Borno State, at the NUJ House, Maiduguri on Saturday 13 April 2024 in memory of the 10th Anniversary Abduction of Chibok Girls and general security situation in Borno State
Members of the fourth Estate of the Realm, a very good afternoon to you all. On behalf of the Borno State Government, let me thank you profoundly for honouring our invitation for this Press Briefing.
This press briefing will cover the following issues: the abduction and rescue of Chibok girls; the management and resettlement of IDPs and matters arising; the Borno Restoration Project; and the Borno Peace, Reconciliation and Development Programme (Borno Model). With me are colleagues from the Representatives of the l key branches of the Government and strategic MDAs.
1. On the Abduction of Chibok Girls and Matters Arising
Ten years ago, the Boko Haram insurgents criminally abducted 276 innocent girls at their hotels at Government Girls Secondary School Chibok. This painful date is engrained in our collective memory and we shall not rest on our oars until the last of our innocent girls are back home with their families. On this auspicious occasion of the 10th Anniversary of the abduction of Chibok Girls, the Borno State Government identifies and sympathises with all those who are affected by abduction. The Government wishes to inform the public that we shall continue to struggle to salvage our abducted girls on behalf of the parents and relatives of the Chibok girls who are still in captivity. The Borno State Government is committed to rescuing and reuniting the remaining Chibok girls and reuniting them with their families. We understand the pain and anguish that the families of those still in captivity are going through, this is our sorrow!
We also wish to use this occasion to take stock of the rescued girls and provide an update on how the girls are coming to terms with adjusting to normal life after captivity, and efforts of the Borno State Government to sustain the momentum on the rescue of the remaining girls. So far, out of the 276 abducted Chibok Girls,187 have been rescued and reunited with their families. Most of the rescued girls have, over the years, been enrolled in different schools or graduated under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs. A number of the girls have been enrolled into local and foreign scholarships or empowerment programmes. Many have since been reunited with their immediate families and are continuing to receive psychosocial support to reconcile them with normal life. Furthermore, 16 recently rescued girls are being rehabilitated by the Borno State Government and attending the 2nd Chance School where they learn skills in various vocations that will provide them with sustainable livelihoods, while their kids are also placed in nursery schools. Four rescued girls have voluntarily decided to return to their parents.
We remain hopeful and determined that, with the combined efforts of our security forces, intelligence agencies, and community support, all abducted persons will be safely returned.
The Borno State Government will not rest until every missing person is found and returned home safely. We call for unity and support from all citizens as we navigate these challenging times together.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the abducted Chibok girls and, indeed, all missing persons. We will continue to stand together during this difficult time.
2. On the Return of IDPs to their Ancestral Homes, Fire Outbreaks and Matters Arising
The Borno State Government is fully committed to the return of all IDPs - both those in formal and informal camps - back to their ancestral homes. So far, over 90% of active IDP Camps have been decommissioned and the displaced persons resettled, while the balance shall be resettled within 2024 In Sha Allah. The dismantling of each IDP Camp and resettling of the displaced persons is normally preceded by the restoration of security, clearance of farmlands initially within a 5 kilometer radius and restoration of vital infrastructure especially schools, water systems, electricity and mobility. This, village-by-village; town-by- town; and household-by-hold our people are being resettled with military precision and meticulous logistic engineering. We thank the agencies of the FGN, especially the armed forces and security agencies, for their unflinching support in this regard.
In addition to the domestic IDPs, we are also dealing with the issue of Nigerian refugees who are seeking asylum in Niger, Chad and Cameroun. The Borno State Government is deeply grateful to our neighbouring countries and our neighbourly kiths and kindreds for their magnanimity and hospitality in accommodating our citizens in their territories. The relocation of Nigerian refugees is in the radar of the Federal Government. Recently, the Executive Governor of Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Umara Zulum had sought an audience with the President CnC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, on the issue of relocation of Nigerian refugees to their ancestral homes within Nigeria. The President has pledged to support this process, and provide the federal might that is needed to ensure a seamless return of our people back home after a decade of stay as refugees. This process requires patience on the part of our people. The return of our teeming displaced citizens require careful logistic work and restoration of security and vital infrastructure as a precursor to the actual relocation and resettlement. We urge our people to exercise patience while the state and federal governments find sustainable solutions to our security and developmental challenges.
The Borno State Government is not oblivious of the extant challenges that may be associated with the relocation of the IDPs and refugees. While we relocate our IDPs and refugees, we also have a solum duty to maintain law, order and security in the remaining camps. We are dealing with the risk of attacks by unscrupulous elements and the remnants of the Boko Haram insurgency, and the rising cases of crime and criminality in our active IDP Camps. A case in point is the recent breach in security and issues surrounding the missing IDPs near Ngala town. Certain narratives suggest that these IDPs numbered between 200 and 300 were abducted.
It is important to clarify that while there have been cases of missing internally displaced people, the number, according to the available data, stood at 106 boys and girls, and so far 8 have since returned to their respective camps. On March 3, 2024, these youth left their camps to look for firewood in the bush far beyond the distance that security agencies permitted and considered secure. These IDPs may have come into contact with violent non-state actors in the bush.
The Borno State Government is working closely with the Federal security agencies to safeguard the lives and property of the citizens in the state. In particular, the government is working on the rescue of the missing IDPs and all others in captivity. The Government calls on all stakeholders, including the media, humanitarian partners, and the general public, to approach this issue with sensitivity and understanding. We must work together to address the root causes of displacement and provide support to those in need.
The Borno State government is also not ruling out criminals who take advantage of the security situation to commit atrocities. However, security forces are on the trail of these criminals. Meanwhile, investigating is ongoing on alleged cases of crimes, and we urge citizens to exercise patience while we deal with this all alleged crime. Our citizens should be rest assured that anyone or agency who is found culpable shall face the fill wrath of the law.
Despite the recent challenges in Ngala, the Government wishes to confirm that peace has gradually returned to Borno state, and the "Build Back Borno Better Project" is on course. We would also like to state that about a million IDPs have returned to either their local government headquarters or ancestral homes. The reconstruction and rehabilitation of destroyed communities and public infrastructure is ongoing, and the public's trust in our government and security agencies remains high.
The Borno State Government is working tirelessly to improve conditions in the IDP the camps, enhance security measures, and facilitate the voluntary return and reintegration of displaced persons into their communities.
While fully cooperating with security agencies to carry out the kinetic approach against the insurgents, the Borno State Government is also investing heavily in non-kinetic measures, particularly the mass clearance of farmlands for agriculture and the involvement of community leaders and traditional rulers in alternative dispute resolution.
3. On the Borno Restoration Project and General Security Situation in the State
The Boko Haram insurgency is its final days of extermination, degradation and decimation. Our gallant troops have worked tirelessly to weaken, degrade and downgrade the insurgency through a relentless counter-insurgency operations. The officers and men of the Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have given a good account of themselves. They have established a firm and effective presence in all territories that were hitherto disturbed by the insurgents. Today, our gallant troops have maintained a full presence in all the 27 LGAs of Borno State.
In the same vein, while supporting the kinetic operations, the Borno State Government has given considerable attention to non-kinetic operations which includes, the battle for hearts and minds, community-driven dispute resolution mechanism and massive investment in rural and urban infrastructure.
The policy foundation of Borno of the Borno State Restoration project is the 25 year Development Plan and 10 year Strategic Transformation Initiative; the Borno State Agricultural Transformation Agenda and the Borno State Infrastructure Transformation project, among others. The 2024 budget contains a bouquet of key development projects to be accomplished this fiscal year, building on previous budget cycles. Within the tenure of the Gov Zulum Administration, the Government's key development deliverables shall be delivered inshaa Allah.
4. On the Borno State Government Peace, Reconciliation, and Development Project (Borno Model)
The Borno Model is a programme for voluntary reception, processing, rehabilitation and reintegration of those who are affected by, or trapped in the embroglio of the Boko Haram Insurgency. The Borno Model was erected to provide a constructive solution to the vacuum created by the demise of the Boko Haram Kingpin, and terror leader Abubakar Shekau.
The Borno State Government established this platform to provide a sub-national space for a non-kinetic solution to the vestiges of Boko Haram Insurgency, without prejudice to the FGN DDRR infrastructure and the "Operation Safe Corridor" - a federal platform for the rehabilitation of ex-combatants. We know that terrorism is a federal crime and any initiative to counter terrorism and insurgency must conform with federal rules and norms of engagement.
There are kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to preventing and countering terrorism. For the past one decade, the FGN has deployed federal troops under different code names to fight terrorism with mixed results. It is worthy of note that putting boots on the ground exclusively had its limitations; the wholesome application of kinetic approach has so far not yielded the desired result. The efficacy of non-kinetic approach has become imperative. This includes the battle for the hearts and minds of the people, Psychological operation (Psyops), dialogue, reconciliation, mediation and peace-making.
The Borno Model is a child of necessity. It was borne following an opportunity created by the demise of one of the factional commanders of the BHT Abubakar Shekau and following a combat stand-off between the Al-Bamawi and Shekau factions. A vacuum was therefore created by the leadership and command crisis within the BH sect.
On 29 August 2021, the Borno State Government called a meeting of relevant stakeholders which led to the establishment of a special purpose vehicle for reconciliation known as the Borno Model to provide a corridor for willing repentant insurgents to return and surrender unconditionally to the Government of Borno State. The surrender process is a complex process involving initial surrender to military formations serving as the initial point of submission, transportation of the returnees to holding and processing facility at Hajj Camp Maiduguri where the returnees are received, profiled, processed and subjected to intensive programme of deradicalisation, civic education and entrepreneurship training.
The Borno Model is designed to be consistent and conformant with the federal code for law and order. There is an ongoing broad-based consultation between the Borno State Government and Federal defence/Securty establishments to harmonise the Borno Model with the FGN DDRR. As a sub-national entity, the Borno State Government is keenly interested in harmonsing the Borno Model with with Federal DDRR. The Borno State Government is deeply committed to ensuring that the Model meets the expectations of diverse partners and stakeholders. But as a local solution to a national problem, the BOSG reverses the right to take ownership and leadership of the Borno Model. Nevertheless, we look forward harmonising the Borno Model with DDRR will hopefully yield a hybrid model that will meet both national standards and our local reality.