Air Peace on Wednesday said a passenger on board one of its flights allegedly stole N1m from another passenger’s bag but was caught.
The airline’s spokesperson, Stanley Olisa, said in a statement in Lagos that the incident took place onboard Abuja-Port Harcourt flight P47192 on July 27.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that there have been reported cases of theft onboard aircraft involving different airlines operating in the country in recent times.
Olisa said the suspect stole the amount contained in a brown envelope but was caught by the owner of the money, with the intervention of the airline’s staff.
He explained that during the flight, the suspect took another passenger’s computer bag from the overhead cabin.
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“He, thereafter, took the brown envelope containing the money, put the computer bag in another luggage compartment and moved to an empty seat at the back of the aircraft,” he said.
Olisa added that the suspect was one of the first few to disembark despite the announcement of a proper disembarkation sequence by the crew.
He said the suspect was eventually caught and the money retrieved from him, with different currencies in different denominations found on him.
Olisa said the suspect was handed over to the security operatives of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria for onward transfer to the police for further investigations.
He said the police later confirmed to have released him on bail.
‘You Disappointed Me’ — IPAC Chair Hits Tinubu For Picking ‘Rejected Politicians With Corruption Baggage’ As Ministerial Nominees
AdminYabagi Sani, the Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), has openly expressed disappointment at President Bola Tinubu over the character of his ministerial lists forwarded for confirmation by the Nigerian Senate.
Sani, who noted that he highly regards Tinubu as a figure that personifies democracy, accused the President of choosing politicians who had been rejected by the people during the 2023 elections as ministerial nominees.
Speaking on Wednesday when he was featured on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Sani did not mince words about how disappointed he was to see names of politicians who have “baggage” on the lists.
According to him, it sends the wrong message for Tinubu to “put faces that personify corruption as your lieutenants” because the ministers would be exercising his powers in whatever ministries he’s assigning to them.
Noting that some of the nominees do not hold the best interests of the people at heart, the IPAC chairman said: “You know why I’m so disappointed? President Tinubu personifies the politics of this country (and) democracy. He lived all his life as a democratic individual who fought with his life to ensure that we have the democracy that we are enjoying today.
“So, how can you come and then embark on policies that you know are anti-people and you now put people that you know were rejected? Some of the people that he put as ministers contested and were rejected by the people (in the 2023 election).
“So, how can you then bring them through the back door and say they must preside over the affairs of the people? That’s not the kind of country that we want to have. We must begin to give Nigerians confidence,” he said.
While Sani did not mention names, the immediate past governor of Zamfara State, Bello Mattawalle, and ex-Kebbi State governor, Abubakar Atiku, fit his description.
In May 2023, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) confirmed that it was investigating Matawalle for allegedly diverting a N70 billion loan sourced from a bank for purported execution of projects across the local governments in Zamfara.
The former governor, who was listed among the second batch of ministerial nominees Tinubu sent to the Senate on Wednesday for confirmation, had accused the former EFCC chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, of going after him because he denied him (Bawa) $2 million bribe.
Meanwhile, Bagudu, who served as Kebbi governor from May 2015 to May 2023, was listed in the Pandora Papers investigation led by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists as being “involved with all the offshore front companies and bank accounts – from the British Virgin Islands to Ireland, Switzerland, England, Guernsey, and Jersey – used to steal and launder billions of dollars belonging to Nigeria under the Abacha regime as a director.”
The Pandora Papers investigation also revealed that the former Kebbi governor was “signatory on accounts or prime beneficiary” of the offshore accounts as shown in U.S. court documents and incorporation filings.
Tinubu, according to the IPAC chairman, should have picked persons with capacity and without links to corruption as ministers to avoid dampening the spirits of Nigerians who voted for him hoping that he would make a difference.
“When you talk of capacity and when you talk about track record, we have people that have capacity and track record.
“And for God’s sake, it is not about the minister. The minister does not work alone, he has experts around him but if you bring somebody that has baggage surrounding him, what do you think the other lieutenants would do? Don’t put faces that personify corruption as your lieutenants because what the ministers are doing is that they are exercising your powers of Mr. President in those ministries. They are the presidents actually. So don’t tell me that this people are you,” Sani added.
THE WHISTLER reported that President Tinubu sent additional 19 names to the Senate in his second batch of ministerial nominees for confirmation.
Among the nominees are former Osun State governor, Adegboyega Oyetola; former Kebbi governor Atiku Bagudu; former Zamfara governor, Bello Matawalle; former Yobe governor, Ibrahim Geidam; former Plateau governor, Simon Lalong; a former senator from Bayelsa State, Heineken Lokpobiri and Shuiabu Abubakar Audu, son of a former Kogi State governor, Abubakar Audu.
Former senators on the new list are Sabi Abdullahi from Niger State, Alkali Ahmed Saidu from Gombe State, and Heineken Lokpobori from Bayelsa State.
A former chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Zephaniah Jisalo, also made the second list.
The second came after the Senate had concluded the screening of the 28 ministerial nominees on the president’s first list.
The Federal Government on Wednesday filed a contempt proceeding against the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, for allegedly embarking on an industrial action contrary to a June 5, 2023, exparte order by the National Industrial Court, NIC.
The “notice of consequences of disobedience to order of court” filed before NIC in Abuja, was addressed to NLC President, Joe Ajaero; Deputy Presidents, Audu Aruba, Prince Adeyanju Adewale and Kabiru Sani; General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja; TUC President, Engr Festus Usifo; Scribe/ Chief Executive, Nuhu Toro.
The contempt notice signed by Senior Registrar, Balogun Olajide, reads: “Take notice that unless you obey the directions contained in the order of the National Industrial Court, Abuja, delivered by Honourable Justice Y. Anuwe on June 5, 2023, as per the attached enrolled order, you will be guilty of contempt of court and will be liable to be committed to Prison.”
The FG also attached a copy of the exparte order made by Justice Anuwe on June 5, 2023, to the notice of contempt proceeding forwarded to the NLC and TUC officials.
The order reads in part: “Having therefore considered the totality of this application, I make the following orders: The defendants/Respondents are hereby~ restrained from embarking on the planned Industrial Action/or strike of any nature pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice dated June 5, 2023.
“It is ordered that the defendant/Respondents be immediately served with the originating processes in this suit, the Motion on Notice and the order of this court hereby made.
“The Motion on Notice is hereby fixed for hearing for June 19, 2023. The Hearing Notices to that effect shall be served on the defendants/Respondent along with the other processes.”
The Central Bank of Nigeria CBN, says it has little or no control over the price of either Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) or the dollar.
A Principal Manager with the apex bank, Mr Osagie Clement, disclosed this when he appeared before the House of Representatives ad-hoc committee investigating the recent hike in the price of fuel.
Mr Clement stated that the demand for PMS has gone down by 30 per cent due to its low demand following the hike in the price.
He said on a monthly basis, 150 million dollars is being deployed to PMS importation from CBN intervention and urged the federal government to discourage importation and encourage local production, which he said would reduce the current challenges in the nation's economy.
He however expressed optimism that there are positive times ahead in the next four months for forex to benefit the Nation's economy.
"The PMS market, perhaps it is envisaged that it is expected that there is no more subsidy, no more bottlenecks so it becomes real market enterprise so more people will come into that business and you see competition will bring the price down.
The Executive Director of distribution systems of the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Agency (NMDPRA) Mr Ogbugo Ukoha, also speaking at the meeting, stated that the market forces of demand and supply determine what the prices of products would be.
According to him, the Petroleum Industry Act PIA, has however given regulators the authority to intervene to avoid cartel building, which is why the agency introduced competition to also deal with illegal profiteering.
"PIA has given the authority quit enormous power to intervene to avoid cartel building which is why we have introduced competition and to also deal with illegal profiteering and more importantly to work with Federal Consumers Protection Council in relation to consumer protection," he added.
Speaking earlier at the meeting, the Chairman of the House of Representatives ad-hoc committee investigating the recent hike in the price of fuel Hon. Babajide Benson, noted that the Petroleum Industry Act PIA has however given regulators the authority to intervene to avoid cartel building but noted that the low demand for petrol due to its hike is worrisome.
To this end, the committee adjourned till further notice.
[Vanguard]
Republic of Niger Coup: Armed Forces of Nigeria yet to receive order for military intervention – DHQ
AdminThe Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Abuja, has dismissed online report stating that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) is assembling its forces for military action in Republic of Niger.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Acting Director Defence Information, Brig-Gen. Tukur Gusau made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja.
Maj-Gen. Gusau stressed that the AFN is yet to receive any order from the appropriate authority to commence military action, against the Military Junta in Niger.
He said,”The attention of the Armed Forces of Nigeria has been drawn to an online report stating that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) is assembling its forces for military action in Republic of Niger.
“The AFN is yet to receive any order from the appropriate authority to commence military action, against the Military Junta in Niger. It’s no longer news that some members of the Republic of Niger Armed Forces seized power from a democratically elected government through un-constitutional means. In reaction to this illegal takeover of government the ECOWAS Heads of Government met and a series of options were reached on how to intervene in the crisis.
“Military option was the last option to be taken in case every other option fails to reverse the situation and return the Government of Republic of Niger to constitutional order.”
He added,”At the moment, ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff is currently holding an extraordinary meeting in Abuja to discuss the political situation in Republic of Niger and submit their plans to the committee of Heads of States and Government of ECOWAS for consideration.
“In conclusion, the Armed Forces of Nigeria cannot proceed on any operation in any of the member states of ECOWAS without the mandate from the Authority of Heads of States and Government.”
[newsdiaryonline]
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has ordered immediate investigation to ascertain the cause of the failure of elevator that killed a medical doctor, Dr. Vwaere Diaso in the state.
Diaso died on Tuesday at the General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island, after an elevator she took developed a mechanical failure.
In a statement on his verified social media handles on Wednesday, Sanwo-Olu expressed his commitment to ensuring that the investigation would be conducted with utmost transparency and fairness.
He said: “In light of this tragedy, I have taken immediate action to initiate a thorough investigation into the cause of the mechanical failure. It is my sincere commitment that this investigation will be conducted with utmost transparency and fairness, leaving no room for any biases or favoritism.
“Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this heartbreaking incident.
“May Dr. Vwaere Diaso’s soul rest in eternal peace.”
The governor also commiserated with the deceased family, friends and colleagues, particularly the Nigeria Medical Association, Medical Guild, doctors, and healthcare professionals in the state.
“I was deeply saddened to hear about the tragic loss of Dr. Vwaere Diaso, a dedicated medical professional whose life was taken due to a mechanical failure within the elevator at the Doctors’ quarters of the General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island. It is distressing to think that such a promising young doctor had her life cut short in such a devastating manner.
“As a parent myself, I cannot help but feel the pain and sorrow that Dr. Diaso’s loved ones must be experiencing during this difficult time. My heart goes out to her parents, family members, friends, and colleagues who are grieving this profound loss.
“To the Nigeria Medical Association, the Medical Guild, and all doctors in Lagos State, I extend my deepest sympathies. Losing a fellow healthcare professional is a tremendous loss for the entire medical community,” Sanwo-Olu added.
According to reports, the elevator fell from the 10th floor of the building, while Diaso was on her way to the ground floor to pick up a delivery from a dispatch rider.
Earlier on Wednesday, house officers at the hospital protested and demanded justice for the deceased.
It was gathered that Diaso was going to complete her housemanship in two weeks before the tragic incident happened.
… To Unveil Workable Roadmap To CNG Alternative Next Week
President Bola Tinubu has assured the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) that the Port Harcourt refinery will begin production by December.
The president revealed this during a meeting with the labour unions at the presidential villa in Aso Rock Abuja, on Wednesday.
This meeting came a few hours after the senate pleaded with the labour unions to beat them but not kill them while demanding a seven days window to attend to their demands.
The organized Labour embarked on protests across States in the country on Wednesday over the removal of petrol subsidy without adequate palliative measures.
In a statement signed by the NLC president Joe Ajaero and the TUC president Festus Osifo, it disclosed that Tinubu agreed to review the wage for Nigerian workers immediately.
“It is pertinent to inform Nigerians that the extent of the success of the protest is underlined by the request of the President of the federal republic of Nigeria Bola Tinubu to meet with the leadership of the NLC and TUC in a closed-door session.
“The engagement was fruitful that immense mileage was gotten with regards to the issues that bogged down the work of the Presidential Committee on Subsidy removal and necessitated the protest viz.
“He committed to an immediate restructuring of the framework for engagement in line with the input of the Labour leaders.
“He pledged to ensure that Agreement is reached on the Wage Award for Nigerian workers immediately.
“Also, he (Tinubu) let out a certainty that the Port Harcourt refinery will commence production by December this year while promising to unveil a workable roadmap to the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) alternative next week,” the union said.
The Labour unions also urged vigilance on the part of all workers and masses to protect the nation and it’s decisions while they await the response of the Government through the National Assembly as was assured by their representatives during the protest.
They further urged all Nigerian workers to resume at the courts wherever they may be across the nation on the days of the court sittings to hear the contempt proceedings against the leaders of trade unions.
Nigerian Breweries (NB PLC) has taken a significant step that is set to impact beer lovers across the nation, as they announce a price increase on all their products effective August 10, 2023.
The company cited the need to review prices due to the continued rise in input costs and the necessity to mitigate its impact.
As one of Nigeria’s leading breweries, this move is likely to have a ripple effect throughout the country’s beverage market, prompting consumers to brace themselves for the reality of paying more for their favourite brews.
The decision to raise prices is attributed to several factors that have put immense strain on the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry.
With inflation reaching 22.79% in June and the managed float of the forex market leading to the naira exchanging for as high as N869/$ at the I&E window last Thursday, companies like NB PLC have faced significant challenges.
In their half-year financial results, NB PLC reported N70.6 billion in forex losses as of June 30, 2023. Coupled with rising production costs and the ever-increasing cost of raw materials, this has created a challenging financial environment for the brewing giant.
The overall slowdown of the Nigerian economy and currency devaluation have further impacted profitability across various industries, including brewing.
As the leading player in Nigeria’s brewing industry, Nigerian Breweries’ actions are closely watched by competitors and may set a precedent for price adjustments within the sector.
The demand-supply dynamics in the beverage market will also come into play, with competitors facing similar cost pressures and possibly making similar decisions.
With the price increase set to take effect on August 10, 2023, consumers will inevitably feel the impact when purchasing their favourite beverages.
Already grappling with challenging economic conditions and stretched disposable incomes, consumers may find themselves compelled to cut back on their beer consumption or seek more affordable alternatives.
This shift in consumption patterns could potentially impact brand loyalty within the industry.
Furthermore, insider sources reveal that between January and July of this year, around 540 employees left the service of the brewing giant for reasons such as voluntary early retirement, redundancy, and the so-called “Japa syndrome.”
As Nigerian Breweries gear up to implement the price increase, consumers must prepare for a more expensive beer-purchasing experience.
The decision reflects the ongoing challenges in the economic environment, characterized by rising costs and inflationary pressures.
Competitors may follow suit, and innovative pricing strategies may emerge. In the meantime, consumers will have to adjust their beverage budgets, raising a glass to toast in a costlier era of their favorite brews.
[NationalDaily]
The National Caucus of the governing party, All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday perfected moves to clear legal hurdles to pave way for the emergence of the immediate past governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, as national chairman of the governing council.
Ganduje’s appointment as national chairman, LEADERSHIP gathered, will be ratified alongside that of spokesperson of the 9th Senate, Senator Ajibola Basiru, as the national secretary today at the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting billed to hold today at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.
It was learnt that at its meeting at the presidential last night, the national caucus of the governing party mandated the party’s leadership to work out modalities to clear all legal hurdles impeding the smooth takeover of the former governor as national chairman today.
According to sources who should know, the caucus chaired by the party’s leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said it is conscious of some legal and constitutional obstacles, which might serve as bottlenecks to the realisation of Ganduje’s leadership.
The caucus was directed to do away with such impediments that might lead to legal action against Ganduje’s leadership.
Findings by LEADERSHIP revealed that Ganduje is expected to assume leadership of the party during the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party today if the caucus eventually delivers on the assignment last night.
The notice of the national caucus meeting was issued pursuant to Article 12.5 of the APC constitution.
The NEC meeting is scheduled to hold today in pursuant of Article 25.2 (1) of the party’s constitution.
According to Article 12.5 of APC’s constitution, members of the caucus of ruling party include the national chairman; deputy national chairmen in charge of North and South; national secretary, national legal adviser, national treasurer; national organizing secretary; national woman leader, national youth leader and leader of persons with disabilities.
Others are past and present presidents and vice presidents, who are members of the party, past and present senate presidents as well as past and present Speakers of the House of Representatives.
One of the sources close to Ganduje told LEADERSHIP that the meeting was sequel to the discovery of some legal hurdles in the constitution of the party, which might serve as hindrance to the emergence of Ganduje as national chairman of the party.
This newspaper was informed that the caucus was mandated to work out strategies to remove those constitutional hurdles standing in the way of Ganduje ahead of the NEC meeting today.
One of our sources said some provisions in the constitution of APC made the emergence of Ganduje as national chairman an impossible mission.
None of our sources, however, disclosed the legal nuances against the former Kano helmsman.
Meanwhile, 37 chairmen of the party in the 36 states and federal capital territory yesterday met with Ganduje in Abuja.
The forum was also attended by the spokesperson of the 9th Senate, Senator Ajibola Basiru, who is being proposed as the national secretary of the party.
The forum of the state chairmen formally recognised Ganduje as national chairman of the party ahead of his unveiling during the NEC meeting.
LEADERSHIP gathered that the chairmen seized the opportunity of the meeting to pledge their loyalty, support and cooperation to Ganduje in steering the ship of the party.
One of the sources in the NEC of the party, said, “We (APC) are conscious of some legal hurdles that can make it possible for the former governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, to emerge as the national chairman of our party. To this end, the national caucus of the party has been directed to clear those hurdles. The national caucus is meeting this night in Abuja to achieve that purpose.
“Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed that Ganduje must become the next national chairman, everything has to be done to achieve the presidential directive. The presidential order must prevail. No one dares tell Mr. President that Ganduje’s national chairmanship is unachievable; it is a task that must be accomplished.
“The former governor himself (Ganduje) was reluctant to assume the position of the national chairman because he planned to become a minister but he cannot resist the pressures and presidential order. So, he has to succumb at the end of the day. Having agreed and accepted the offer, there are some legal hurdles against him in the constitution of our party that have to be removed.
“If those legal obstacles are still there, there is no way Governor Ganduje can become our national chairman. If he is imposed with those constitutional hindrances in place, his emergence will automatically attract legal actions. It will surely be challenged in courts. That is why the caucus was mandated to tackle that issue.
“We sincerely hope that the caucus members would be through and conclude the assignment as given to them last night to pave the way for a seamless and smooth emergence of the former governor as our national chairman during the NEC meeting today.
“But if the caucus could not finish the assignment before the NEC
The recent coup in Niger has raised concerns and triggered regional tension among member countries of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS.
Going by the resolutions of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government on Tuesday, in Abuja, one thing is clear – war looms in the West African region.
DAILY POST recalls that the political tension was triggered on 28 July, when General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the head of Niger’s presidential guard, declared himself head of state after the military seized power, and deposed the elected president, Mohamed Bazoum.
The coup plotters cited rising insecurity and a lack of economic growth as reasons why they seized, stressing that the intervention was necessary to avoid “the gradual and inevitable demise” of the country.
The news of the coup was met with global outrage and condemnations, as calls were made on ECOWAS, the regional economic and political union comprising 15 West African member states, to step up and strongly respond to the unfolding events in Niger.
ECOWAS has always been firm in its opposition to any unconstitutional change of government among its member states. The organisation has a rich historical background of implementing its democratic protocols and ensuring the restoration of order in countries facing crises.
One of its most notable initiatives was the establishment of a regional peacekeeping operation called ECOMOG, which was spearheaded by Nigeria in the 1990s and early 2000s. This operation played a decisive role in restoring calm in several countries, including Liberia, where forces were first deployed in 1990 to quell the deadly civil war. ECOMOG’s intervention was equally crucial in Sierra Leone in 1997 when the democratically elected government of Ahmed Tejan Kabbah was overthrown.
In line with its unwavering commitment to democracy, ECOWAS swiftly condemned the recent coup in Niger and called for the immediate restoration of constitutional order in the country.
However, the ECOWAS response to the Niger coup has not been unanimous. On one hand, ECOWAS, under the new leadership of Nigeria’s president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has vowed to go hard on the coupists and has slammed heavy sanctions on Niger. Some of the sanctions from ECOWAS are the closure of all Niger borders and the suspension of trade, diplomacy and financial services to the country; a no-fly zone has also been declared over Niger and its military hierarchy. ECOWAS has stressed that it would give more sanctions if Niger’s military fails to restore deposed President Bazoum in seven days.
But on the other hand, member states, such as Guinea, Mali and Burkina Faso have taken sides with the Niger military junta, warning against any form of military action.
These two countries, where soldiers had also ceased power via coups, expressed their support for the military takeover of power in Niger. In a joint statement on Monday, they vowed to “lend a hand to the people of Niger” to fight invaders. Mali and Burkina Faso warned that “any military intervention against Niger would amount to a declaration of war against Burkina Faso and Mali,” the statement said.
They also said an invasion of Niger would see their immediate withdrawal from ECOWAS, as well as the adoption of self-defence measures in support of the armed forces and the people of Niger.
Berating ECOWAS and its leaders, Mali and Burkina Faso accused ECOWAS of hypocrisy.
“The Transitional Governments of Burkina Faso and Mali are deeply indignant and surprised by the imbalance observed between, on the one hand, the celerity and the adventurous attitude of certain political leaders in West Africa wishing to use force armed forces to restore constitutional order in a sovereign country, and on the other hand, the inaction, indifference and passive complicity of these organisations and political leaders in helping States and peoples who have been victims of terrorism for a decade and left to their fate,” the statement added.
The recent stance taken by Mali and Burkina Faso has drawn widespread condemnation from the international community, including the United States of America, the United Nations, and ECOWAS. The potential negative consequences of military conflict within the West African sub-region have also raised concerns.
With the clock ticking, Niger’s military options are limited. It can either hope that the one-week ultimatum issued by ECOWAS will not result in immediate action, or seek understanding with the opposing side. However, with only around 12,000 poorly equipped military personnel, Niger is vastly outnumbered and outgunned by the ECOMOG forces. It is clear that Niger is no match for ECOWAS and its resolute military forces, especially with the full support of the US, France, and the EU.
Responding to the Mali and Burkina Faso’s threat, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, a former Aviation minister, and chieftain of the ruling party All Peoples Congress, in a statement posted on his verified Twitter handle on Tuesday, urged Nigeria not to relent in leading the ECOMOG forces in expelling the Niger coupists and crushing member nations that support the junta.
“The military Governments of Mali and Burkina Faso have said that ‘any attack on the Niger Republic by ECOWAS will be regarded as an act of war’. This is a pitiful and nonsensical threat from two pitiful and nonsensical-unelected Governments headed by tin-pot military dictators.
“The biggest mistake that the mutinous rebels and military usurpers of Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and their allies can ever make is to underestimate the fighting force and indomitable spirit of the Nigerian military and the sense of solidarity that we as a people kindle, muster and cultivate when confronted in the field of battle by a foreign foe.
“We may have challenges and issues in our country but when at war against foreign armies on foreign soil we have NEVER been overwhelmed or defeated. History proves that. We are slow to anger but irresistible in battle and if the Burkinabe, Malian or the Nigerien Army test our will we shall bring them to their knees and teach them the lesson of their lives.
“Threatening great Nigeria with war is no small matter and, if carried out, will prove costly for them. Simply put we would crush them like maggots under our feet and send them back to the stone ages where they belong,” Fani-Kayode said.
Also, Mr Uzogara Tobechukwu, a policy analyst, in a statement obtained by DAILY POST on Tuesday, urged the ECOWAS not to be deterred by the threats and division among members over the coup in Mali. Tobechukwu dismissed the 35-year-old Burkina Faso Captain Ibrahim Traore, as no match for Nigeria.
He said, “With less than 12,000 soldiers and a population as that of Lagos, Burkina Faso is definitely a weak military state. Also, almost 40 per cent of the country is under the control of rampaging Islamist Jihadists, this further lends credence to the fact that Burkina Faso has poor defensive capabilities.
“It is therefore amusing as well as insulting to all sane Africans who desire the growth of democracy in the continent to hear Ibrahim Traore threaten to attack any ECOWAS force that invades Niger Republic in order to restore its deposed President Bazoum. Apart from being unable to defend his own country, it’s eminently clear that Burkina Faso’s military president must really be a big-time joker.
“My advice to President Tinubu and ECOWAS is not to be deterred by the threat of conflict escalation. This is the time to put a stop to the emerging trend of military incursions in politics. Africans must be united on this. Failure to achieve this objective now would further embolden the likes of Ibrahim Traore, Assimi Goita of Mali and Omar Tchiani of Niger to replicate themselves in other African countries.”
The odds favour ECOWAS should they go to war to remove the Niger military rulers. It is believed that ECOWAS has a higher number of military armaments. The bloc’s leading country, Nigeria, alone, has West Africa’s largest armed forces with 230,000 personnel, though not all are frontline troops. Nine of the top 20 countries with the best military in Africa are from remaining West African democracies, according to Global Fire Power, which ranks military strength.
Only Nigeria, ranked fourth, is among the top five, while 21st-placed Mali is the highest-ranked among the four countries that have recently witnessed coups. However, even with this advantage, prominent Nigerian opinion leaders urged President Tinubu to impose more sanctions on Niger instead of war.
“Having not invaded Burkina Faso, Guinea and Mali when power-drunk soldiers sacked democratically elected governments, ECOWAS leaders should not play into the hands of the enemies of Africa by launching a military attack on Niger.
“The government of Niger has collaborated with Nigeria in prosecuting the counter-insurgency operations against Islamist militancy in a region beset by a security crisis. To that extent, the strategic and geopolitical interests of Nigeria must be taken into consideration,” said Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN at a conference of the West African Bar Association (WABA) in Accra, Ghana.
Also, Odimegwu Onwumere, award-winning journalist, and founder of the Advocacy Network on Religious and Cultural Existence, warned Nigeria against taking military action against the Nigeria military junta.
“Everything is not force! What makes Nigeria a democracy if her government still believes in using military force on every provocation? The case of coup in Niger Republic should be solved with diplomacy and not force. ECOWAS should be tactical for once and not dance to the music played for her by the Western world always.
“Besides, Nigeria has had coupists and no external military force was enforced. Africans should learn when to exhume their native knowledge, not always applying the Western knowledge. Remember that Europe has not gone to war with Russia and Ukraine a year and plus. Africa should rise from the ashes of savages,” he counselled.
In the same vein, Prof. Bolaji Akinterinwa, a prominent scholar and expert in international relations, called on the ECOWAS leaders to adopt diplomacy and bring all the parties together to restore lasting peace to the restive poor country.
Akinterinwa stressed that Nigeria lacks the resources to fight any war at the moment.
He stated that “the ongoing efforts by the West and Russia to control Niger will plunge Nigeria and the West African region into a war we are not prepared for.
“Russia and Wagner are capitalising on the manner Western powers are making lives difficult in the country to advance their own interest,” he stated.
[DailyPost]
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A Twitter user with the username @LaseMoye, has described the last moments before the death of Vwaere Diaso, a medical doctor at Lagos Island General Hospital, Odan.
Diaso had died on Tuesday after an elevator she was in at the general hospital, fell from the 10th floor.
The deceased was said to have been on her way to the ground floor to pick up a food delivery from a dispatch rider when the incident happened.
Moye, who also works at the hospital, said she was standing in front of the elevator and pressed the open button but didn’t enter because she was on a video call.
She said it wasn’t long after that when she heard a big crash to the floor which made the dispatch rider who brought food for Diaso to run out of the building.
The doctor said someone then raised the alarm that Vwaere was in the elevator, adding that they immediately began seeking help to bring her out of the elevator.
“They tried to use rods to open it, to be sure it wasn’t a joke. They finally opened it and the sight was gruesome. Muffled sounds of excruciating pain and agony became apparent,” she wrote.
“Her forehead had a horizontal cut, her mouth had another one and she had raccoon eyes. She was lying in between the base of the elevator and the ground floor with the engine hanging over her head which meant any miscalculation in movement, she’ll be crushed to instant death!
“She was literally sandwiched in between the hanging engine and below the ground floor with blood on broken glasses and fractured limbs. It’s not a sight to describe.”
‘HELP CAME AFTER 40 MINUTES’
The deceased’s colleague said engineers were called to dismantle the elevator, noting that it took almost 40 minutes for them to arrive.
“I remember telling her to relax that help is coming, she said “Don’t tell me to relax, tell them to get me out of here”. We eventually got her out and she kept saying she thinks she’ll die,” she wrote.
“Emergency care was almost zero and inside a hospital for that matter. There was no blood in the hospital.
“She was eventually wheeled out but she was already weak and kept saying ”I don’t want to die”. They commenced CPR and the finality of it all happened.”
Moye explained that the elevator has been a source of concern to the doctors for years but complaints were never attended to.
“I remember the last time we complained they said we should manage that in their time they were sleeping in call rooms during their horsemanship days and we are lucky we have water, lift and rooms to live in and we aren’t grateful.
“It’s like we are asking for too much? They were not even giving us the barest minimum and they shut us up when we complained.”
[TheCable]
Members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) is currently meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the presidential villa in Aso Rock Abuja.
This meeting is coming a few hours after the senate pleaded with the labour unions to beat them but not kill them while demanding a seven days window to attend to their demands.
The organized Labour embarked on protests across States in the country on Wednesday over the removal of petrol subsidy without adequate palliative measures.
The meeting has in attendance the NLC president Joe Ajaero, TUC president Festus Osifo, and other delegates.
Details later
Amidst the economic hardship in the country, Nigerians who find succour in alcoholic beverages may have to turn to other options.
This follows the decision of Nigerian Breweries Limited to increase the price of beer effective from August 10, 2023.
In a letter seen by THE WHISTLER, and signed by the Sales Director, Ayo Lawal, the price hike became necessary due to the continued rise in input costs and the necessity to mitigate its impact.
“This s to inform you that we will review the prices of some of our SKUs (Stock Keeping Units) effective Thursday 10th August 2023. This review has become necessary because of continued rising input costs and the need to mitigate the impact,” the letter dated 1st August reads.
While appreciating its partners, Lawal said, “In appreciation of our great partnership and your commitment, we will deliver at current prices all open orders that are fully funded and created in our system before 00.00hr on Thursday 10th August 2023
“While thanking you for your commitment to our great partnership, be rest assured that we will continue to support your sales/distribution efforts as always.”
As a prominent brewery in Nigeria, this action is expected to create a ripple effect in the country’s beverage market, leading consumers to prepare for the possibility of paying higher prices for their favorite brews.
Nigeria breweries are the producers of popular beer drinks including; Star Lager, Gulder, Legend Extra Stout, Heineken, Goldberg, Life, and Star Radler amongst others.
They are also the producers of alcoholic-free drinks like Maltina, Amstel Malta, Fayrouz, Climax Energy drink, and Malta Gold.
In recent times, Nigerians have experienced an increase in the cost of goods following the removal of subsidy and the floating of Naira by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
‘Stop Exploiting Nigerians’– Ex-NLC President Tackles Dangote, BUA, Lafarge Over High Cement Price
AdminAyuba Wabba, the immediate past president of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has tackled Nigerian cement manufacturers over their exorbitant price fixing.
The NLC directed a nation-wide protest after meetings between the union and President Bola Tinubu’s representatives ended in a deadlock.
The protest against Tinubu’s hasty removal of fuel subsidy took a new dimension on Wednesday when Wabba took on Dangote Cement Plc, BUA Cement Plc and Lafarge Africa plc.
Wabba said, “All around the world, nowhere is the bourgeoisie that forms 10 per cent continue to give us what we want, and they feast on 90 per cent of Nigerians. Find out how their lifestyle is- very bogus. They feast actually on the poor. They feast on the working class. We create the wealth of this country, but yet few people misappropriate wealth, and we live in penury.
“I was engaging my colleague in Senegal few weeks ago about the price of cement because some of the businessmen here also have investments in Senegal and they said no when they wanted to behave like the way the behave in Nigeria.
“Senegalese government told them they cannot fix the price of cement. It is government that will fix the price of cement. We know your profit margin. We know how much you spend to do this business and therefore government must fix the price. In Zambia, the same thing. The government fixes the price. Why exploit the people when we have these resources given to us free of charge? Why should we suffer the consequences?”
Dangote Cement, BUA and Lafarge are the leading manufacturers of cement in Nigeria.
Dangote produces 51.6 million tonnes per annum; BUA is targeting 17 million tonnes yearly while Lafarge has installed a cement production capacity of 10.5MTPA.
Dangote’s retail price for 50kg cement is N4,700; Lafarge’s retail price is N4,500 and BUA’s retail price is N4,700.
Wabba also spoke on the issue of the Dangote refinery which was commissioned late May, 2023.
During the commissioning of the 650,000 barrels per day refinery, Aliko Dangote, its owner said it will begin supply latest July.
But the refinery which was tipped to be the game changer is yet to begin operations.
Ayuba said, “We are aware that they brought up the issue of Dangote Refinery it will be ready by the first quarter of 2023. It was commissioned, but is it producing?
“If we remain solely on importation, two variables are not under our control, one the exchange rate and the cost of crude oil in the international market which means it is going to be a vicious cycle that it has been for the past 30 years. heir has been a vicious cycle and will continue to affect our economy, and therefore, the government must come with immediate plan, medium, and long-term plans.
“Every worker on fixed wages is feeling the heat of this impact. I don’t see how the palliative will address this impact. The palliative is only a temporary measure, but the issue of the price increase will be permanent. Once the exchange rate goes up and it continues to go up, the price will increase. Once the crude price at the international market increases, the price will go up.”